Proper Designation S/V or S/Y?

**James S** · 21-09-2009, 11:23

I've always believed that S/V (Sailing Vessel) was the proper prefix to the name of my boat...however I've recently been told that S/V is for commercial use and that S/Y (Sailing Yacht) is the appropriate designation.
I'm wondering what is correct.

Aussiesuede · 21-09-2009, 11:29

Sailing vessel is a "catch all" which includes sailing yachts. It is the overwhelming choice, but really comes down to preference. Many might not even know exactly what S/Y meant. If Identifying yourself to a foreign coast guard - I'd venture to say that you'd want the least ambiguity possible.

Mayday, Mayday: This is S/V Arctic Lady - would instantly provide all with an accurate scenario of what type of vessel was in need of assistance.

Mayday, Mayday: This is S/Y Arctic Lady might easily invite the response :"Please repeat" unnecessarily costing valuable moments.

But in the final analysis, it's personal choice...

GordMay · 21-09-2009, 13:14

Quote:

Originally Posted by Aussiesuede

... If Identifying yourself to a foreign coast guard - I'd venture to say that you'd want the least ambiguity possible.
Mayday, Mayday: This is S/V Arctic Lady - would instantly provide all with an accurate scenario of what type of vessel was in need of assistance.
Mayday, Mayday: This is S/Y Arctic Lady might easily invite the response :"Please repeat" unnecessarily costing valuable moments.

I certainly endorse your comments regarding obvious clarity.

However, I doubt that anyone would identify themselves as an “s/v” (sierra victor) or s/y” (sierra yankee) in a MAYDAY /PanPan call. I’de more expect the distress vessel to identify themselves as sailing vessel/yacht “XYZ”.

S&S · 21-09-2009, 13:25

When hailed by the Coasties or commercial traffic, we've always been referred to as "Sailing Vessel", so that's what we use in reply.

We refer to commercial traffic as "Motor Vessel"
Works great, no ambiguity.

The phonetics are used for the name if necessary. Never for the type of boat in my experience.

Jim Newman · 21-09-2009, 13:34

The initial call for a Mayday doesn't include S/Y or S/V, just the name and or Identification. The S/Y/V bit comes in the description so it doesn't really apply.
Cheers,
Jim
S/Y/V Siempre of Dartmouth

S&S · 21-09-2009, 13:48

I use "Sailing vessel" for Securite calls.

barnakiel · 22-09-2009, 14:27

I have seen many Canadians / USAmericans / Kiwis use the s/v.

S/y is quite popular among German/Scandinavian boats.

Is this s/v/y a required prefix (I mean something obligatory placed in front of the boat's name on a registration form) in any of the countries you are in?

b.

ColdFusion · 22-09-2009, 14:39

In the UK the correct phraseology would be:

"Mayday, Mayday, Mayday. This is Yacht Arctic Lady, Arctic Lady, Arctic Lady. Mayday Yacht Arctic Lady. My position is..."

jackdale · 22-09-2009, 15:33

ColRegs defines "sailing vessel" but not "sailing yachts."

I do not know if that is a valid argument, but I use S/V.

Jack

MarkJ · 22-09-2009, 17:10

In Australia there is no designation SV or SY we are just ships.

So a mayday will just be the ships name: Mayday Mayday Mayday this is Dreamer, Dreamer, Dreamer, latitude.....

I was always taught to reduce words (not on the internet lololol).

Official Call sign is superfluous untill there is confirmed contact, and the type of vessel can be left to the detail part of a mayday message.

Mark

nautical62 · 22-09-2009, 17:56

It would be a stretch to consider most of the vessels I've owned "yachts".

**David M** · 22-09-2009, 20:10

I'm with Mark. Most of the time is is unnecessary to say what type of vessel you are. It just adds to the clutter.

**James S** · 23-09-2009, 00:06

My "Certificate of Documentation" is from the "National Vessel Documentation Center"
and my boats name in in the box with the heading "Vessel Name"
but no S/V in front of the name.... by their hand.
I guess I'll stay with the S/V.

barnakiel · 23-09-2009, 09:04

Interestingly, in Spain (in spoken Spanish) the 'yate' is reserved primarily for luxurious motor yachts (things you will see moored in Monaco). So, if you want to say that you sailed in a yacht, you have to use the word 'barco' or better yet 'barco de vela'. If you say you came in a yacht they will glance at your clogs and immediatelly see you as a liar...

;-)))
b.

S&S · 23-09-2009, 09:30

As said, (on the Lakes at least) it's common practice when talking to commercial shipping to identify as either a S/V or M/V on 16, names only on the working channel.

21-09-2009, 11:23	#1
James S Moderator Moderator Join Date: May 2008 Location: I live in Yemen...the boats in Lebenon Boat: 1978 CT48 Arctic Lady Posts: 1,938 Images: 125	Proper Designation S/V or S/Y? I've always believed that S/V (Sailing Vessel) was the proper prefix to the name of my boat...however I've recently been told that S/V is for commercial use and that S/Y (Sailing Yacht) is the appropriate designation. I'm wondering what is correct. __________________ James S/V Arctic Lady (Few things should be taken more seriously than pleasure)

21-09-2009, 11:29	#2
Aussiesuede Registered User Join Date: May 2008 Location: Vancouver, BC & Seattle, WA Posts: 225	Sailing vessel is a "catch all" which includes sailing yachts. It is the overwhelming choice, but really comes down to preference. Many might not even know exactly what S/Y meant. If Identifying yourself to a foreign coast guard - I'd venture to say that you'd want the least ambiguity possible. Mayday, Mayday: This is S/V Arctic Lady - would instantly provide all with an accurate scenario of what type of vessel was in need of assistance. Mayday, Mayday: This is S/Y Arctic Lady might easily invite the response :"Please repeat" unnecessarily costing valuable moments. But in the final analysis, it's personal choice... __________________ I'm On point, On task, On message, and Off drugs. A Streetwise Smart Bomb, Out of rehab and In denial. Over the Top, On the edge, Under the Radar, and In Control. Behind the 8 ball, Ahead of the Curve and I've got a Love Child who sends me Hate mail. - (George Carlin)

21-09-2009, 13:34	#5
Jim Newman Registered User Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Benenden, Kent, UK Boat: Moody 425, Siempre of Dartmouth Posts: 24	The initial call for a Mayday doesn't include S/Y or S/V, just the name and or Identification. The S/Y/V bit comes in the description so it doesn't really apply. Cheers, Jim S/Y/V Siempre of Dartmouth __________________ Jim S/Y Siempre of Dartmouth Moody 425

22-09-2009, 15:33	#9
jackdale Registered User Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Calgary, AB, Canada Posts: 402 Images: 1	ColRegs defines "sailing vessel" but not "sailing yachts." I do not know if that is a valid argument, but I use S/V. Jack __________________ ISPA Yachtmaster Offshore Instructor CYA Advanced Cruising Instructor As I sail, I praise God, and care not. (Luke Foxe)

22-09-2009, 17:10	#10
MarkJ Registered User Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Asia - on Sea Life Boat: Beneteau 393 "Sea Life" Posts: 3,211 Images: 6	In Australia there is no designation SV or SY we are just ships. So a mayday will just be the ships name: Mayday Mayday Mayday this is Dreamer, Dreamer, Dreamer, latitude..... I was always taught to reduce words (not on the internet lololol). Official Call sign is superfluous untill there is confirmed contact, and the type of vessel can be left to the detail part of a mayday message. Mark __________________ OurLifeAtSea.com

21-09-2009, 13:25	#4
S&S Registered User Join Date: Jul 2009 Boat: 48' 1963 S&S yawl Posts: 708 Images: 6	When hailed by the Coasties or commercial traffic, we've always been referred to as "Sailing Vessel", so that's what we use in reply. We refer to commercial traffic as "Motor Vessel" Works great, no ambiguity. The phonetics are used for the name if necessary. Never for the type of boat in my experience.

21-09-2009, 13:48	#6
S&S Registered User Join Date: Jul 2009 Boat: 48' 1963 S&S yawl Posts: 708 Images: 6	I use "Sailing vessel" for Securite calls.

22-09-2009, 14:27	#7
barnakiel Registered User Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: between the devil and the deep blue sea Boat: a sailing boat Posts: 1,947	I have seen many Canadians / USAmericans / Kiwis use the s/v. S/y is quite popular among German/Scandinavian boats. Is this s/v/y a required prefix (I mean something obligatory placed in front of the boat's name on a registration form) in any of the countries you are in? b.

22-09-2009, 14:39	#8
ColdFusion Registered User Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Leicestershire, UK. Posts: 198	In the UK the correct phraseology would be: "Mayday, Mayday, Mayday. This is Yacht Arctic Lady, Arctic Lady, Arctic Lady. Mayday Yacht Arctic Lady. My position is..."

22-09-2009, 17:56	#11
nautical62 Registered User Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Iowa Boat: Beneteau 32 - Aurora Posts: 870 Images: 11	It would be a stretch to consider most of the vessels I've owned "yachts".

22-09-2009, 20:10	#12
David M Moderator Moderator Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: San Francisco Bay Boat: research vessel Posts: 5,188	I'm with Mark. Most of the time is is unnecessary to say what type of vessel you are. It just adds to the clutter. __________________ David Life begins where land ends.

23-09-2009, 00:06	#13
James S Moderator Moderator Join Date: May 2008 Location: I live in Yemen...the boats in Lebenon Boat: 1978 CT48 Arctic Lady Posts: 1,938 Images: 125	My "Certificate of Documentation" is from the "National Vessel Documentation Center" and my boats name in in the box with the heading "Vessel Name" but no S/V in front of the name.... by their hand. I guess I'll stay with the S/V. __________________ James S/V Arctic Lady (Few things should be taken more seriously than pleasure)

23-09-2009, 09:04	#14
barnakiel Registered User Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: between the devil and the deep blue sea Boat: a sailing boat Posts: 1,947	Interestingly, in Spain (in spoken Spanish) the 'yate' is reserved primarily for luxurious motor yachts (things you will see moored in Monaco). So, if you want to say that you sailed in a yacht, you have to use the word 'barco' or better yet 'barco de vela'. If you say you came in a yacht they will glance at your clogs and immediatelly see you as a liar... ;-))) b.

23-09-2009, 09:30	#15
S&S Registered User Join Date: Jul 2009 Boat: 48' 1963 S&S yawl Posts: 708 Images: 6	As said, (on the Lakes at least) it's common practice when talking to commercial shipping to identify as either a S/V or M/V on 16, names only on the working channel.

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Display Modes	Rate This Thread
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode	Rate This Thread:

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
The Proper 'Offshore Psychology?'	sneuman	Seamanship & Boat Handling	58	05-09-2009 20:08
Proper Way to Deal with Pirates?	Cheechako	Off Topic Forum	8	01-07-2009 12:31
Proper Prop Size	SkiprJohn	Propellers & Drive Systems	16	19-09-2007 00:49
Proper Introductions	Stevek	Meets & Greets	12	16-09-2006 06:30
proper use of vang	capt lar	General Sailing Forum	34	14-11-2005 16:32