Navigating the Code – Instruction

The Sailor Classification Code exists as a service to provide Events and Classes with an international system of classification for sailors. Under the Code, sailors are classified as either Group 1 (amateur) or Group 3 (professional).

For Events and Classes seeking to either limit the influence of Group 3 sailors, or striving to recognize teams with all Group 1 sailors, the Sailor Classification Code is the system that is used. However, due to the wide range of jobs within the marine industry, the skills of Group 3 sailors is equally broad.

While Hall of Famers John Kostecki and Paul Cayard are clearly impactful professionals, and get paid well for their crewing services, those in the instruction field also get snared in the same Group 3 net, regardless if they are paid while crewing or not:

Teaching, coaching, advising
Any sailor who is paid to teach or coach racing is also a Group 3 if they have been paid for work that includes the coaching of:

1. any competitor, crew or team to prepare for or compete in any of the following:
– Olympic and Paralympic Sailing Competitions and Qualifying Events;
– Regional Games;
– America’s Cup Match, Acts and Series;
– Grade 1 Match Racing Events;
– World and Continental Championships of ISAF Classes;
– World Sailing Events;
– Global and Trans-Oceanic Races.

2. a National, State or Provincial Team.

3. a Collegiate or University Team where the work is the principal paid activity of the competitor who is applying for a Classification.

Classification Code – Frequently Asked Questions