Flag Protocol for Bahamas

[Txcruiser]

I thought I had this figured out but I want to be correct. When I enter Bahamas waters I know I must fly the Q flag BUT do I also fly the Bahamas national flag (higher) or do I wait until Customs is cleared and then substitute their national flag for the Q flag? Appreciate clarification.

[RTB]

The Q flag until you check in. Replace with courtesy flag after check in.

Enjoy. Wish we were back there today.

Ralph

[Vasco]

What Ralph says Still very nice here. Excellent season. Crossing back in the next week or so. This season has been exceptionally warm. Only one front of note since January.


Toronto in summer, Bahamas in winter.

[RTB]

Originally Posted by Vasco

What Ralph says Still very nice here. Excellent season. Crossing back in the next week or so. This season has been exceptionally warm. Only one front of note since January.


Toronto in summer, Bahamas in winter.

Go ahead, rub it in Rick! Happy to hear you're enjoying yourself.

Ralph

[sailjumanji]

TxCruiser, hope you don't mind if I ask a similar question. I have a catamaran sailboat. No backstay. I have two choices for flying flags - the starboard spreader or the port spreader. I understand the position of prominence is the starboard spreader, and I thought I read that the country of origin (US) flag should be flown there. That would make the Q flag on the port spreader, until replaced by the Bahama courtesy flag? I also read someplace that the two country flags should not be flown on top of each other, as this signifies war?

Please advise if anyone knows this one. We are heading over early next year on our first trip as cruisers. I don't want to offend anyone.

[Sailmonkey]

Your country flag is from the stern, the q flag then followed by the courtesy flag after clearance is flown from the starboard spreader.


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[CSY Man]

Port spreader can be used for the flag of the Captains nationality.

[serah]

I thought port spreader was purely for "personal" burgees. (Starboard for official business, such as customs clearing, and club burgees, like a yacht club)

National flags should only be flown from the stern. Get a flag pole and mount ,either deck or rail mounted. (I'm fairly sure "technically" even the backstay is "improper" for a flag.)

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[markpierce]

Show your national ensign with pride. Do not relegate it to a miniaturized version hanging from the spreader. That's the place (spreader) for the Q flag and then the small version of the host country's flag.

[sailjumanji]

It's a catamaran. There is no backstay, and only place on the stern to fly it would be from the arch with the solar panels (where it would probably be mistaken for a drying beach towel).

[denverd0n]

Originally Posted by sailjumanji

It's a catamaran. There is no backstay, and only place on the stern to fly it would be from the arch with the solar panels (where it would probably be mistaken for a drying beach towel).

Then add a flagpole. The stern is the proper place to fly the boat's national flag. Nowhere else.

[sailjumanji]

Yeah, that is what I will do - add a flagpole for the stars and stripes off the stern.

Is it ok to fly the Texas flag and yacht club burgee from port spreader?

Or is that strictly reserved for the martini flag?

Originally Posted by denverd0n

Then add a flagpole. The stern is the proper place to fly the boat's national flag. Nowhere else.

[Hudson Force]

I also like the stern falg pole, but it is also appropriate to fly the flag one third the way up the leech of the main or mizzen. When the sail is not up a topping lift to the boom end with the flag in the same relative position can suit well.

[sailjumanji]

I thought about that as well, but the topping lift on a Seawind 1000 cat keeps the boom off of the solar panels on the stern. Another boat recommended a well-place rod holder in the back, that he just slips a wooden flag pole in with the US flag permanently affixed. At night or when not on boat, it can be rolled up and stowed below. I can put a sleeve on the bottom of the pole to keep it at proper angle and appear permanently mounted.

Thanks for all of the feedback. In my investigations, I also found that the proper US flag size is roughly 1 inch of length per inch of boat length. I would have flown a smaller one. And for international waters, the 50-stars and stripes version is correct, and not the ensign variety.

Originally Posted by Hudson Force

I also like the stern falg pole, but it is also appropriate to fly the flag one third the way up the leech of the main or mizzen. When the sail is not up a topping lift to the boom end with the flag in the same relative position can suit well.

[monte]

Drying beach to well works for us