Proper Designation S/V or S/Y?

[James S]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

I use "Sailing vessel" for Securite calls.

[barnakiel]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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

[David M]

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]

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]

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]

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.