Flag Protocol

[Ken]

What flags are correctly flown from the port and starboard spreaders? As I understand it the host country flag from starboard when in foreign waters and everything else from port.In domestic waters what is acceptable on starboard?

 

[Jim A]

Port

American.

 

[Rick D]

Not Protocol

...but by custom, most boats in SoCal fly the yacht club-related flags from the starboard spreader and others like cruising flags, etc. from the port. Most fly the boat's flag from the jib halyard. Rick D.

 

[Jim Quibell]

Fly your club burgee in your own waters -

Rick tells the same story in SoCal as we do in the Great Lakes regions of Canada.When sailing in your own waters, it is generally your yacht club burgee that you fly from your starboard spreader.You will frequently also see city burgees, yacht squadron burgees, etc. flown under your club pennant.Cheers.

 

[James]

the right answer

it is actually considered very poor flag etiquette to fly your yacht club burgee from a spreader. proper yacht clubs instruct members to fly the burgee from a pig stick at the top of the mast. american flag or yacht ensign must be flown aft from the stern. spreaders are for "fun flags or squadron burgees.

 

[Rick D]

OK, James, Agree, but...

...how many times have you actually seen a YC burgee flown from a pig stick at the top of the mast? I guess we left-coasters just don't have any *proper* YC's.

 

[James]

all the time on the Long Island Sound

Quite often here on the long island sound. Its madatory at NY Yacht Club, American Yacht Club, Indian harbor Yacht Club, Larchmont Yacht Club and Sewanaka Yacht Club (sp?).

 

[Rick D]

Got me there, James

Honestly, the only time I have ever seen that rig is with a gaff rigged boat. I suppose they fly the ensign off the leech of the main too? Glad to see someone is upholding tradition. I'm going to run off and hide next opening day!