Anyone wishing to compete in official competition series such as the German Windsurf Cup must have a sail number. There are a number of regulations for the design and placement of the numbers on the sail, which the DWC organisers have summarised once again before the start of the season. This is because many competition surfers will be getting new sails in the coming weeks, which need to be labelled.
On the one hand, the sail numbers must be recognisable on the water and in photos at first glance, and on the other hand, good visibility of the event sponsors ensures support for the future. How exactly the regulations are monitored and enforced varies from event to event and series to series.
Strict specifications for sail numbers
Many drivers use the sail number to represent their personality or take up the design of their sails. However, as with car licence plates, there are various regulations.
- The colour scheme is clearly defined: black on white or alternatively white on black.
- The white background must not be translucent.
- Coloured variants are excluded.
- The sail numbers are placed back to back on both sides of the sail.
- The national letters appear in capital letters, the number in Arabic numerals. The code for Germany is GER.
- There must be a hyphen between the National Letters and the number.
- Only fonts with the same or better legibility as Helvetic are permitted.
- The sticker edge around the National Letters and number is at least 30 millimetres.
That's how big sail numbers have to be in windsurfing
- The minimum height of letters and numbers is 230 millimetres.
- The minimum distance between all letters and numbers is 45 millimetres.
- The recommended width for letters and numbers is 150 millimetres, with the exception of I and 1. The letters M and W have a width of 160 millimetres.
- The line width for all letters and numbers is 30 millimetres.
These dimensions ensure legibility from a distance and in different lighting conditions on the water.
Where should sail numbers and stickers be placed?
There are also strict guidelines for the positioning of the sail number and sponsor stickers. For orientation, the sail is segmented horizontally into three roughly equal parts above the boom. The centre segment is reserved for the sail number, while the rear half of the lower segment is reserved for event sponsor stickers. Under no circumstances may personal sponsor stickers be affixed here. The upper segment is suitable for the placement of the board sponsor; in some classes and events, the logo of the class or a marking for the ladies is also prescribed there if they start together with the men.
Free space for personal sponsors
The rest of the sail is available for personalised sponsor stickers. The entire area below the boom can be used freely. The front half of the lower segment above the boom offers additional space. The upper segment above the sail number also remains available for personal sponsors. As long as the sail number is positioned correctly and the area is kept free for event sponsors, riders are on the safe side.
- All information is also available on the Pages of the California Windsurf Cup!
