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Sail number and personal sail number

Sail number and personal sail number

This page explains the information requested in the Boat Registration Form under
“Sail number and personal sail number (if provided)”, in accordance with the Flying Dutchman 2026 Class Rules.

Sail number (boat sail number)

Every Flying Dutchman must have a sail number.

  • A sail number identifies the boat (hull).

    1. If you bought a boat and it remains in the same country -> the boat keeps its existing number
    2. If you buy a boat and bring it to another country -> the boat gets a new number. It gets the newest available number in consecutive order per country. See rule A.11.2.

  • Sail numbers are issued in accordance with the FD Class Rules.
    (Class Rule A.11)

  • The sail number:

    • is shown on the mainsail in accordance with RRS Appendix G

    • is recorded on the measurement (hull) certificate
      (Class Rule A.13)

    • must also be displayed on the transom of the boat
      (Class Rule A.12)

When completing the Boat Registration Form, enter the sail number currently allocated to the boat.

If you are unsure which sail number applies to your boat, or if the boat has changed ownership or country, this can be verified during the registration review.

Personal sail number (if provided)

A personal sail number may be used instead of the boat’s sail number on the sails.

  • A personal sail number:

    • is linked to the sailor, not to a specific boat
      (Class Rule A.11)

    • may be used on any Flying Dutchman owned or chartered by that sailor
      (Class Rule A.11, RRS Appendix G1.1(c))

  • Personal sail numbers are issued in accordance with the FD Class Rules and are recorded on the measurement certificate.

When completing the Boat Registration Form, enter a personal sail number only if one has already been officially issued to you.

Sale of a boat and changes of ownership

  • When a boat is sold, the new owner must use the sail number of the boat (if the boat remains in the country) or ask for a new number ( if the boat will be transferred to another country). In the last case the boat gets the newest available number in consecutive order per country. See rule A.11.2.(Class Rule A.11)

  • The previous owner may continue using his personal sail number on another Flying Dutchman he owns or charter.
    (Class Rule A.11)

  • The measurement certificate must be updated to reflect the new ownership before the boat is fully registered.
    (Class Rules A.15, A.16)

Important reminder

  • Sail numbers and personal sail numbers must comply with FD Class Rules and RRS Appendix G.

  • Registration and validation of sail numbers form part of the IFDCO boat registration and certification process.
    (Class Rules A.11–A.16)

If you are unsure which number to use, submit the registration with the information you have — the IFDCO will review and confirm the correct details.

Summary

When registering your boat, please provide:

  • Sail number allocated to the boat

  • Personal sail number (if provided)