2026 F18 Worlds – Class Measurement Stickers & Certification

FAQ for Australian Competitors

To compete at the 2026 F18 Worlds at Jervoise Bay Sailing Club (JBSC), every boat must be class legal and fully certified under the International Formula 18 Class Association (IF18CA) rules.

This FAQ explains what class measurement stickers are, what is required for both newer and older F18s, and exactly what Australian sailors need to do before arriving at the Worlds.

1. What are F18 class measurement stickers?

F18 class measurement stickers are official, pre-numbered certification labels issued under the IF18CA Certification System. These stickers identify and validate:

• The boat platform (linked to the World Sailing plaque)

• Mast

• Daggerboards

• Rudder assemblies

• Sails (main, jib, spinnaker)

Each sticker is tied to a certificate—either a paper certificate (pre-2023 equipment) or an online certificate (post-2023 equipment).

2. Why are stickers required for the 2026 Worlds?

The Worlds is a World Sailing-recognised championship, which means every competing boat must:

• Be class legal, and

• Display class certification stickers on all required components.

Stickers give the measurement team a fast, reliable way to confirm that all equipment complies with the F18 Class Rules.

Even if your boat is older and has valid paper certificates, you must still have stickers on all required components for the Worlds.

3. What if my boat is pre-2023? Does it need re-measuring?

Good news: No re-measurement is required

If your boat was built before 1 January 2023, and you have its original builder’s paper measurement certificate, then:

• ✔ Your boat does not need to be re-measured

• ✔ Your paper certificate remains valid

• ✔ Your existing measurements remain accepted by the class

However, all boats must still have stickers

Regardless of age:

➡️ All boats competing at the 2026 Worlds must have class measurement stickers on all required components.

This means:

• Stickers on mast, daggerboards, rudders

• Stickers on each sail (main, jib, spinnaker)

• Your boat’s World Sailing plaque recorded as its platform identifier

If you do not have stickers yet, the National Measurer will help you get them assigned without re-measurement, provided your paperwork is valid.

4. What if my pre-2023 boat has missing or incomplete documentation?

If you cannot find your original builder certificate:

• A re-issue or re-validation may be required

• Stickers can only be applied once your equipment is verified

• The National Measurer will advise the simplest path forward

If you have changed major components (mast, foils, rudders) since the original measurement, these replacement parts may require new stickers and updated certification data.

5. Does post-2023 equipment use the same system?

Equipment manufactured from 1 January 2023 onwards is issued with:

• Pre-numbered online certification stickers, and

• Corresponding digital certificates in the IF18CA system

These remain valid as long as the stickers are present and legible.

6. What stickers should my boat have for the 2026 Worlds?

Every boat — new, old, or Frankenstein — must have the following before measurement at JBSC:

Boat Platform

• World Sailing plaque

• Platform certificate (paper pre-2023, online post-2023)

Rig & Foils

• Mast sticker

• Daggerboard sticker (each board)

• Rudder assembly stickers (each rudder)

Sails

• Mainsail sticker

• Jib sticker

• Spinnaker sticker

7. Is there a cost for stickers?

Yes. IF18CA charges a fee for each measurement sticker.

This fee:

• Supports the administration of the F18 global certification system

• Helps maintain the class rule framework

• Funds class technical governance and measurement activities

• Is standard across all countries

The National Measurer will advise you of the exact cost when you submit your certificate and sticker information.

8. What do I need to do right now?

Step 1 — Read the official IF18CA Certification FAQ

https://www.f18-international.org/technical/f18-certification-system-faq/

Step 2 — Check what documentation you already have

Gather:

• Your World Sailing plaque number

• Any paper certificates (pre-2023 boats and sails)

• Sticker numbers on mast, foils, rudders, sails

• Photos of all of the above

Step 3 — Email us for more information

Send your details and we will get you in contact with the National Measurer:
📧 ausf18ca@gmail.com 
Include:

• Sail number

• World Sailing plaque number

• List of stickers you have

• Photos of stickers and paper certificates

He will confirm what is already valid and tell you exactly which stickers your boat still needs.

 9.State Representatives

Your state rep can help you check your boat and gather documentation.