Flag Etiquette Question

[Scott Berg]

The national ensign is usually flown from the peak of the gaff of the aft most sail. On a Marconi Rigged Sloop without a gaff it may be flown from the backstay; should be 2/3's the way up when flown at full staff and lowered to 1/2 the way up the backstay when flown at half staff (so said an old Power Squadron flag manual).

[atoll]

Originally Posted by markpierce

So, why can't you have a decent-sized staff?

nice jury rig,have you got pictures of it fully erect?

[markpierce]

What the heck. Sailboaters rarely fly the ensign, at least in domestic waters.

[markpierce]

Originally Posted by atoll

nice jury rig,have you got pictures of it fully erect?

[Pelagic]

Originally Posted by Ann T. Cate

For me, therefore, if they care about it, and "they" are in effect my hosts and myself a visitor, then it is a simple honor I can do "them" by following their flag etiquette, in the way most convenient for me. This means we leave up the courtesy flag and our national flag full time. I even tie up my national flag when it's over 20 knots, for flag life even if it's day time, so I couldn't say we're very strict.

I used to have that same attitude Ann and proudly and properly displayed the host's flag the same way

Until one eventful December arrival in San Fransisco from Vancouver as captain of a large charter yacht... (On our way to Mexico)

The last 2 days were horrendous with storm force winds.
I had exhausted guests and crew , obvious storm damage, late arrival problems but apparently the key issue on clearance in was that our only US flag (new on departure) had come unfurled and was a bit ripped and tattered beating against the rail.

The Mate raised and flew it anyway and I was fined $200!

Now the flags never go up unless it is a PR event.

[IdoraKeeper]

All this fussing about Dockhead not having a fully erect staff, whodathunkit? He is returning from the great white north, what about all those lovely Scandinavian ladies who's proclivities are not shared in the UK? He's even been to Russia! Oh the humanity! I say he can fly the Union Jack like any good privateer. Harrrr! As Knopfler says, "not exactly in the service of the queen".

[Jman]

Originally Posted by markpierce

What the heck. Sailboaters rarely fly the ensign, at least in domestic waters.

The US Ensign is never flown while racing.


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[Jim Cate]

Originally Posted by Jman

The US Ensign is never flown while racing.


Sent from my iPhone using Cruisers Sailing Forum

So, from what source did you glean this bit of information? I was unaware that I was breaking the rules back when I was a very active racer.

Jim

[Pelagic]

Originally Posted by Jim Cate

So, from what source did you glean this bit of information? I was unaware that I was breaking the rules back when I was a very active racer.

Jim

Jim....some legal eagle sailors actually pass the bar, while others just..... linger! .. )

[StuM]

Originally Posted by Jim Cate

So, from what source did you glean this bit of information? I was unaware that I was breaking the rules back when I was a very active racer.

Jim

Fairly common rule, at least in Commonwealth countries. Here's a couple of quick links:

Royal Yacht Clubs (United Kingdom)
"1.5 When Racing
Burgees and Ensigns must not be worn. Racing flags should be flown from the backstay in all "Alfreds" races. Yachts having retired should wear the burgee and ensign."

One where you have been sailing recently
Royal Yacht Club of Tasmania:
Flag Etiquette

"Yachts shall not fly the Ensign or Club burgee whilst racing. Display of the Ensign signifies that a yacht has retired from the race."

And here's one that suggests that it is a US tradition as well

Boat flag etiquette
"The appropriate time to fly the ensign is from sunrise to sunset, except when racing. "

[Pelagic]

My apologies to Jman.

However, I finally found out something I like about racing!

[Jim Cate]

Originally Posted by StuM

Fairly common rule, at least in Commonwealth countries. Here's a couple of quick links:

Royal Yacht Clubs (United Kingdom)
"1.5 When Racing
Burgees and Ensigns must not be worn. Racing flags should be flown from the backstay in all "Alfreds" races. Yachts having retired should wear the burgee and ensign."

One where you have been sailing recently
Royal Yacht Club of Tasmania:
Flag Etiquette

"Yachts shall not fly the Ensign or Club burgee whilst racing. Display of the Ensign signifies that a yacht has retired from the race."

And here's one that suggests that it is a US tradition as well

Boat flag etiquette
"The appropriate time to fly the ensign is from sunrise to sunset, except when racing. "

Well, that seems pretty authoritative! Doesn't make much sense, especially in international races, but if that is what the blue blazer guys say, how can an ignorant yottie argue. As it happens, I was around Hobart earlier this year when they had the Farr 40 nationals. Only one boat was flying the ensign throughout the regatta, and the others were criticized by the onlookers for not being patriotic. Now it appears that the others were right!

I stand corrected.

Jim

[Ex-Calif]

Originally Posted by Pelagic

My apologies to Jman.

However, I finally found out something I like about racing!

I knew we'd find some way to convince ya'

So next time I see a boat with no ensign I'm gonna attack him, lee bow him and make him spill his martini. We are racing after all -

[FlyingCloud1937]

If you have it Fly It.



Days gone by= 10-12 inches of fly for every ten feet LOA, always go the next size bigger, if you fall in-between.

With a staff long enough so it doesn't get wet.

Fly it high under movement ,

Fly it low and aft when on the hook or dock side.

Retire it at dusk, raise it at the rise of morn, for else "Sailors Take Warn"

Lloyd

[FlyingCloud1937]

50 ft/15 meters and above never the yacht ensign, always the National Flag of Documentation.

Lloyd