American Flag etiquette...?

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Dale I

It seems to me that there are some recommended sizes that are appropriate to fly on the stern.... inches of flag per foot of vessel or something like that.... Does anyone know of a link or resource for finding out? Are there other appropriate methods to fly the red, white and blue than in a stern socket? (Nothing found in the archives).
 
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David Foster

Jackstaff or Leach of the Main

The flag should either be flown from a jackstaff on the stern, or fastened to the leach of the mainsail (2/3 of the way up I think). Our compromise is to fly it as high as I can reach on the backstay. If there is a size recommendation maybe someone else can help with that. David
 
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Steve

Size Recommendation

I don't know that there are any etiquitte recommendations, but asthetically most recommend a flag that is 1" long for every 1' of boat length. Example; a 33' boat should fly a 24/36 flag.
 
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Tim

Concur w/Steve

I concur with what Steve said about 1" per 1' boat length. Also, the flagstaff should be roughly twice the shorter dimension of the flag. In Steve's example (with rounding) a 33' boat should fly a 24x36" flag from a 48" flagstaff. West Marine Advisor supports all of the above. I purchased checked out a new flag for my new C-350 just yesterday and it looks very nice - if I do say so myself!
 
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Jim A

I should look good

It is one thing if it's the 4 of July, otherwise I like 12 x 18. I just looks good!
 
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Joe Ford

Flag Etiquette..

The following is an excerpt from Chapman"s Nautical Guide on Boating Etiquette. "The flag of the United States, the thirteen stripes and fifty stars, is called the national ensign when it flies at the stern of a vessel. It denotes the nationality of the vessel or of her owner. It is distinct from the yacht ensign, which has the fouled anchor and thirteen stars in place of the fifty stars. Even the skipper who cries bah-humbug to flag etiquette and tradition should know the proper display of the national ensign." "The ensign should be flown from 8 AM until sunset when the vessel is in commision, though it may be flown when entering a harbor at night for identification purposes........... "the national ensign should be flown in the place of honor on the boat. Traditionally the captain's domain, the stern of the fessel is still the place of honor, as is the peak of the raised gaff, if you happen to have a gaff-rigged vessel. Whether on a powerboat or sailboat, the flag should be raised to the peak of the gaff when undr way. Marconi-rigged sailboats can fly the flag from the leech of the aftermost sail, about two-third of the way up the sail, where the gaff woul be if the boat were gaff-rigged. When at anchor or at the dock, or when the sail is doused, the flag should be hoisted at the stern. When the sailboat is actively racing, no flags are shown, except identifying flags specified by the race committee or sponsoring club. "The term "colors" technically applies only to the flag at the stern denoting nationality. In practice, however, it has come to mean all the flags flown, all the snapping banners of color, and their timely display." "The size of the ensign is determined by the length of the vessel: one inch on the fly(the longer dimension) for every foot of overall length.(The ratio between the fly and the hoist is usually 3:2)......" i.e. a 39 ft; boat would require a 39 inch flag....."since standard sizes for flags offer only a 36 inch or 48 inch flag, choose the larger flag; better to err with a flag that's too big that one that's too small. An oversize flag, rippling over the water can be a beautiful sight." THERE IS NO EXCUSE FOR NOT KNOWING HOW TO PROPERLY FLY OUR NATIONAL ENSIGN! ...... Yes, I am shouting. But, I love my country and respect our flag. I think flying the flag correctly should be part of all boating instruction curriculum.
 
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Gord May

Illuminated OK to fly @ nite if illuminated

What Joe Ford said, plus the colors can be flown at night if illuminated.
 
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Rick Webb

After it is Flown for a While

There is a proper way to dispose of a well used flag. Gather up all of the ones that are faded tattered and have seen better days even take a second look at the one you are using. The local VFW, American Legion, Boy Scouts and others often collect flags to ceremoniously burn. Usually on Flag Day sometimes on Memorial, Veterans, or Independence Day. Most dry cleaners will clean flags for free as well.
 
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Les Murray

Another point about flag etiquette...

The ensign should be the first one raised in the morning and the last one struck. This means that if you have burgees or other flags hoisted, they should be lowered prior to raising the ensign in the morning. Also, other flags and burgees should be lowered first prior to taking down the ensign in the evening. Les Murray s/v Ceilidh C-36 #560
 
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Rick Webb

I Agree With Tom, Except That...

the Texas flag should be at the same height and size as the on on the mast.
 
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Tom S.

Rick, Hey I think I know you! Weren't you behind

me in that big boat flying the huge Texas Flag Spinaker (see Pic) Sept 14, 2002 in NY harbor for Sail for America. I think it was the biggest spinaker in the harbor. BTW I am the Red White And Blue Spinaker in the foreground !
 

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