Flag Halyard

[Joe]

Sorry Dennis....but you are incorrect

The national ensign can always be flown while under way. It should always be flown from the aftermost portion of the boat. That is the position of honor. You are correct in that displaying the flag while racing is inappropriate.re read your chapmans:http://deepcreekyachtclub.com/WebPage/etiquett.htm#us-ensignFlying the flag from the backstay evolved from flying it from the leech of the aftermost sail or the peak of the aftermost gaff, so unless you were sailing you couldn't fly it from those places. When the sails were down, i.e. at anchor or under power, a flagstaff was used. If a flagstaff on the stern doesn't interfere with the boom it is entirely appropriate to use it while underway, under sail or power.Flying the national ensign is a naval and yachting tradition that goes back hundreds of years and is international in scope.

 

[Joe]

Sorry Dennis....but you are incorrect

The national ensign can always be flown while under way. It should always be flown from the aftermost portion of the boat. That is the position of honor. You are correct in that displaying the flag while racing is inappropriate.re read your chapmans:http://deepcreekyachtclub.com/WebPage/etiquett.htm#us-ensignFlying the flag from the backstay evolved from flying it from the leech of the aftermost sail or the peak of the aftermost gaff, so unless you were sailing you couldn't fly it from those places. When the sails were down, i.e. at anchor or under power, a flagstaff was used. If a flagstaff on the stern doesn't interfere with the boom it is entirely appropriate to use it while underway, under sail or power.Flying the national ensign is a naval and yachting tradition that goes back hundreds of years and is international in scope.

 

[Warren Milberg]

I added a flag/burgee halyard

to my H28.5 not long ago. I was going to drill a few holes in the spreader, bolt in an eye strap to hold a small block, and add a line that tied off to a horn cleat fixed to the inner side of a forward handrail. I did the latter, but instead of bolting the eye strap to the spreader, I usd a short piece of Spectra line simply tied around the spreader with a buntline hitch to hold the block. I did this as I was not sure I would like the flag halyard, but it has worked out very nicely and I'll probably just leave it in place. Whole thing was put together with parts on hand so the price was right.....

 

[Warren Milberg]

I added a flag/burgee halyard

to my H28.5 not long ago. I was going to drill a few holes in the spreader, bolt in an eye strap to hold a small block, and add a line that tied off to a horn cleat fixed to the inner side of a forward handrail. I did the latter, but instead of bolting the eye strap to the spreader, I usd a short piece of Spectra line simply tied around the spreader with a buntline hitch to hold the block. I did this as I was not sure I would like the flag halyard, but it has worked out very nicely and I'll probably just leave it in place. Whole thing was put together with parts on hand so the price was right.....

 

[Paul Akers]

If you are unsure...

...about the WM "kit" then buy the parts yourself - I did. It's easy. All you need is the burgee "line", a shroud cleat and a s/s strap (w/ 2 ss screws to attach it on the underside of the spreader - seal it when screwing in). It'll cost less than $10. You don't need a block, just the round strap will do on the spreader.

 

[Paul Akers]

If you are unsure...

...about the WM "kit" then buy the parts yourself - I did. It's easy. All you need is the burgee "line", a shroud cleat and a s/s strap (w/ 2 ss screws to attach it on the underside of the spreader - seal it when screwing in). It'll cost less than $10. You don't need a block, just the round strap will do on the spreader.

 

[Alan]

Placement...

...midway between the mast and spreader tip is the best. Make sure whatever flag you fly from it is shorter than the distance from the mast to mounting block. It is very annoying to have to listen to that thing flogging against the mast or rigging while at anchor, especially at night while you're trying to sleep.Also suggest installing a cleat on the shroud rather than drilling another hole into the deck.Why the devil does flying a flag have to produce such controversy? Fly it from wherever you want and chill out, it's a free country after all, isn't it?

 

[Alan]

Placement...

...midway between the mast and spreader tip is the best. Make sure whatever flag you fly from it is shorter than the distance from the mast to mounting block. It is very annoying to have to listen to that thing flogging against the mast or rigging while at anchor, especially at night while you're trying to sleep.Also suggest installing a cleat on the shroud rather than drilling another hole into the deck.Why the devil does flying a flag have to produce such controversy? Fly it from wherever you want and chill out, it's a free country after all, isn't it?

 

[Joe]

yes, alan....

it is a free country. Do what you like. However, many of us choose to respect our country's flag by flying it according to nautical tradition. No controversy in that, is there?

 

[Joe]

yes, alan....

it is a free country. Do what you like. However, many of us choose to respect our country's flag by flying it according to nautical tradition. No controversy in that, is there?

 

[higgs]

Controversy

And there is no controversy in preserving the traditions of yachting. It is like sailing with your fenders still in place - in is not "ship shape".

 

[higgs]

Controversy

And there is no controversy in preserving the traditions of yachting. It is like sailing with your fenders still in place - in is not "ship shape".

 

[Alan]

So we are all in agreement.

You will fly your flags however tradition dictates and I will fly mine from the stbd spreader(cause that's where my flag halyard is). It may not be 'ship shape' but it surely isn't disrespect either.

 

[Alan]

So we are all in agreement.

You will fly your flags however tradition dictates and I will fly mine from the stbd spreader(cause that's where my flag halyard is). It may not be 'ship shape' but it surely isn't disrespect either.

 

[Rick Webb]

Isn't The Starboard Spreader Position For a Courtesy Flag?

There is an accepted "correct" position to fly the National Ensign. Will you crumple it up, throw it on the floor and walk across it as well?

 

[Rick Webb]

Isn't The Starboard Spreader Position For a Courtesy Flag?

There is an accepted "correct" position to fly the National Ensign. Will you crumple it up, throw it on the floor and walk across it as well?

 

[Rich (P303)]

Beer

I fly my Beer; Martini; Jolly Roger and anything eles whimsical under the starboard spreader along with my radar deflector detector. Yatch ensign goes on the stern... on a staff.

 

[Rich (P303)]

Beer

I fly my Beer; Martini; Jolly Roger and anything eles whimsical under the starboard spreader along with my radar deflector detector. Yatch ensign goes on the stern... on a staff.

 

[newly anonymous]

courtesy flag and ensign not synonymous

When a US yacht sails in foreign waters, she properly flies that country's flag as a "courtesy flag" from her starboard spreader while still flying the ensign from the stern. This is often a matter of law, and in some countries you will be fined for not flying the proper courtesy flag. In my experience, Canada is less concerned about violations of this regulation than is Mexico, where some port captains will deny a vessel entry if it is not flying a courtesy flag in addition to the ensign. A yacht flying a US flag from her starboard spreader is indicating herself to be a foreign yacht in US waters, not a US yacht.

 

[newly anonymous]

courtesy flag and ensign not synonymous

When a US yacht sails in foreign waters, she properly flies that country's flag as a "courtesy flag" from her starboard spreader while still flying the ensign from the stern. This is often a matter of law, and in some countries you will be fined for not flying the proper courtesy flag. In my experience, Canada is less concerned about violations of this regulation than is Mexico, where some port captains will deny a vessel entry if it is not flying a courtesy flag in addition to the ensign. A yacht flying a US flag from her starboard spreader is indicating herself to be a foreign yacht in US waters, not a US yacht.