I guess it is polite or even mandatory to fly a courtesy flag when visiting a foreign country. I know there are places to buy these flags but if you are visiting a lot of countries and not staying very long the cost can really add up. I've heard that some cruisers have books on world flags and sew up the courtesy flag for the next country they are going to visit. Has anyone done that and how hard is it? Also, has anyone run across any software that allows you to print flags of foreign countries? You could just put it a big ziploc bag and put in some sort of frame to hoist aloft. Any other ideas?
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Stay home - it's a lot cheaper!!!
If cost is that much of an issue just stay home - it would be a lot cheaper than Ziplock bags!!
If cost is that much of an issue just stay home - it would be a lot cheaper than Ziplock bags!!
Courtesy is madatory
If you are going to be in that area, check out which South and Central American countries take courtesy flags seriously, and how far out they consider their national limits extend. Failure to fly some country's flags 200 miles offshore can result in fines, bureaucratic delays, denial of dock or anchorage access, etc. A long time ago I learned a simple rule: Stop at nothing to mollify foreign officialdom. The more beknighted the country, the more forsaken the port, the more lowly the factotum, the deeper I bow.
If you are going to be in that area, check out which South and Central American countries take courtesy flags seriously, and how far out they consider their national limits extend. Failure to fly some country's flags 200 miles offshore can result in fines, bureaucratic delays, denial of dock or anchorage access, etc. A long time ago I learned a simple rule: Stop at nothing to mollify foreign officialdom. The more beknighted the country, the more forsaken the port, the more lowly the factotum, the deeper I bow.
A further thought: By all means, whatever you do, make your own Q flags, and be religious about flying them when required. There must be some chandleries out there that will sell you one yellow flag, but I have never found one, and have been chided about flying ones so faded and cruddy that the color was not beyond dispute.
all adds up
I understand your delemer. 1 or 2 at $20-30 doesn't sound like alot and you could almost understand John G's attatude, however when you multiply that by 20-30 countrys it is an expence worth looking at. However, your idea of a photocopy of a flag in a plastic bag would be viewed as insulting to most countrys.
I understand your delemer. 1 or 2 at $20-30 doesn't sound like alot and you could almost understand John G's attatude, however when you multiply that by 20-30 countrys it is an expence worth looking at. However, your idea of a photocopy of a flag in a plastic bag would be viewed as insulting to most countrys.
Idea?
If you can find the flag online somewhere, then there are ink printers available that will transfer a "picture" to an iron-on stencil. You'd be able to print the flag onto a nice piece of material (or maybe 2, or more) and have your flags waiting to use. Don't stay home for a couple of hundred dollars!
If you can find the flag online somewhere, then there are ink printers available that will transfer a "picture" to an iron-on stencil. You'd be able to print the flag onto a nice piece of material (or maybe 2, or more) and have your flags waiting to use. Don't stay home for a couple of hundred dollars!
HERE IS THE SPOT
$7.95 International Flags www.1-800flags.com 2' x 3' - indoor or outdoor all sizes Call - 800-210-5330 The Google results for this shop.. You can replace one cheaper in the country you visit if it wears out.
$7.95 International Flags www.1-800flags.com 2' x 3' - indoor or outdoor all sizes Call - 800-210-5330 The Google results for this shop.. You can replace one cheaper in the country you visit if it wears out.
Thanks
for the replies. I agree the ziplock idea is a bad idea, just trying to cut the costs. Don't have deep pockets like John G. I like the idea iron-on idea and the cheap ones at the Map Shop.
for the replies. I agree the ziplock idea is a bad idea, just trying to cut the costs. Don't have deep pockets like John G. I like the idea iron-on idea and the cheap ones at the Map Shop.
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