3 different size of rigs are allowed : A, B and C. “A” been the tallest and biggest in sail area down to “C” for the smallest.
The various sizes are there to enable you to cope with the various wind strengths and sea conditions.
Here again to keep the cost down no carbon or kevlar spars are allowed so most people use alloy tubes or even wood in some cases. Each rig is composed of 1 mast, a boom for the main and also one for the jib.
You have the choice of building your own rig (ask for the rigging plan from the boat builder) or complete rigs and all accessories are available to buy at most boat RC shop like Sailsetc or Housemartinsails, just to name a few.
Their area and the material used is quite specific as per the IOM rules. And since they will hugely influence on the performance of your boat, we strongly recommend that you get your sails from professional sailmakers such as those listed in our link page.
I personally use BlackmagickSails which are professionally made to a high standard and at a great price.
Alec Newald (BlackmagickSails) cut really good sails. Just tell him the type of mast (round or groovy), the size (A,B or C) and the colour of the reinforcements you want. The delivery time is good too and your new sails will be rolled around a strong tube and well protected for shipment. I always received mine in perfect conditions.
Most boat builder would also design their sails so it is worth talking to them about what they recommend too.
Each boat must be identified (like a car), with a unique number so that during a race each boat can be easily identified.
So in order to avoid problems one person in each country is in charge of allocating a number to each IOM Sailor.
That number is to be on the sails along with the letters identifying your country. (see the rules for the placement and size on numbers and letters on sails)
