Signal flag ID assignments

[JC2]

Chichester had a flag code, consisting of a letter (possibly C; I forget) and the numerals 67 (basically his racing sail number) that he flew as a contemporary equivelent of the AIS/transponder system now used by ocean-crossing yachts. It was 'official' as far as the RORC and RN were concerned. I have a small boat and a budget-induced antipathy towards overloading it with Radar and much other electronic stuff, and so I would like to have a unique flag-signal 'license- plate' too. However I do not know how to go about applying for one that is more than vain decoration. Does anyone know if this is still done, and if so how?I have read everything I can find online as well as all the books at my local West Marine. I find alot about the flags and what they are used for as code but do not find any documentation of which signals go on yachts as ID. The first signal I would have chosen myself has an actual meaning (which is NOT what I want to convey in any maritime-law sense) and so I am reluctant to use just whatever I feel like using.If you've got an answer or a question don't hesitate to email me. Thanks.cherubiniand@aol.com

 

[Robert Gainer]

That hoist would usually be

That hoist would usually be the assigned international ship station call sign. It is (or was) 4 letters and the first two told you the country of registry. A book was published every year so you could look it up and see who just entered the harbor or who you just passed at sea. I can’t remember any examples now except DHHD which was a German ship named Hagen. It has fallen out of favor now because you can’t have enough signals for all the stations using them so now it a longer string and not suitable for a flag hoist.I thought the C67 Chichester used was the ID from his record breaking airplane which was a Gypsy Moth. And by the way, the model designation of that airplane became the name of his boats.All the best,Robert Gainer