Courtesy flag in Carribean

[Aden]

Can I use the courtesy flag France in the following islands

Martinque
Guadeloupe
St. Mart


Courtesy flag USA for US Virgin islands
Courtesy flag United Kingdom for British Virgin Islands

[GordMay]

Yes.
An overseas department of France, for instance, flies the flag of France (Tricolour).

[svlamorocha]

Originally Posted by Aden

Courtesy flag United Kingdom for British Virgin Islands

The BVI are not part of the UK (they are under UK sovereignty but that is another story); they prefer you use their own flag..

[Zven]

What is a good place online to order good quality courtesy flags?
Normally I like eBay but all the flags on there are crappy, thin things.

[sailormed]

Try this site in Amsterdam:

https://www.andriesdejong.nl/nl/vlaggen

Real flag tissu, not cheap nylon.
I have no connections with them

[boatman61]

I was given a great set of Caribe courtesy flags in Horta back in '06..
The lady of the boat that I, and other boat owners had been invited to for dinner had hand made them as they cruised the islands.. passing off time in the evenings hand stitching and embroidering a flag for the next island they were going to visit out of off cuts she'd picked up for just that purpose.
Its a unique and personal collection that I was privileged to receive as a gift.. and beats the hell out of the sad things sold in chandlers.

[LoudMusic]

Originally Posted by boatman61

I was given a great set of Caribe courtesy flags in Horta back in '06..
The lady of the boat that I, and other boat owners had been invited to for dinner had hand made them as they cruised the islands.. passing off time in the evenings hand stitching and embroidering a flag for the next island they were going to visit out of off cuts she'd picked up for just that purpose.
Its a unique and personal collection that I was privileged to receive as a gift.. and beats the hell out of the sad things sold in chandlers.

I actually wondered about this - I've seen several references of people making their own courtesy flags. It really seems like a good hobby and potentially a really cool family heirloom.

[boatman61]

Originally Posted by LoudMusic

I actually wondered about this - I've seen several references of people making their own courtesy flags. It really seems like a good hobby and potentially a really cool family heirloom.

Easily done as the flags can be found on the internet easy enough.. and as you say.. they become a treasured memory down the road.. also look great when you 'Dress Ship'.

[travellerw]

None of the cheap flags I bought off the Internet lasted. A few of them didn't even make 2 weeks..

We have started to buy flags at the swindleries here in Martinique. They are expensive (between $15-$20 euro), but have outlasted anything.

If someone finds a site with quality flags they have actually tested, I would love to hear it.

[Aden]

Thanks guys

Just want to know if I can also use USA courtsey flags for US Virgin islands???

[Siberian Sea]

These islands are part of France and it is expected you shall display the French national flag placed in a conspicuous location on your vessels starboard side. The only exception is of course your vessel is of French registered.
Your vessels registered nation is flown on the stern. French and Creole are the languages spoken and although some do speak English knowing a few basic words in French will go a long way towards distinguishing you appart from the rude tourist crowd.
Enjoy you visit to these French islands.

[AJ_n_Audrey]

There is a USVI courtesy flag, yes: google USVI courtesy flag; you can get them at West Marine. That said, having spent time in the USVI for 28 years on and off, I don't think you will offend anyone if you fly a US courtesy flag. Personally, I will probably end up buying a USVI flag just to add to the collection.

[picklesandjesse]

It's very easy to paint your own with acrylic paint. Takes no time and because they are up in the air you don't have to do a good job. For the rope you just fold it over and use some contact cement. These are not collectible but kind of fun to make. To stop them fraying use a bit of contact cement around the edges. Even made cardboard ones at times but these are not as good.

[macman4190]

Defender.com sells Annin brand courtesy flags, which seem to be pretty sturdy.