In previous lessons, we’ve discussed flags from the perspective of how to understand the wind speed. In this lesson, we explore a more decorative / utilitarian approach to flags- one that is steep in tradition - and that is of proper sailboat dress. Back in the old days (said in my best voice of my father) before radio and other communications devices, flags were the main ways to communicate on the seas. Consequently, there were strict protocols that were followed to ensure proper communication and importantly to avoid misinterpreting intentions. Today (back in my voice), the tradition has much less significance because of modern electronics but as we all know those electronics can and do fail. Properly displaying flags on a sailboat involves following certain conventions to communicate messages effectively to other vessels. In this lesson, we will explore some general guidelines.

Flying the American Flag

Flying the national flag is a common practice and in fact is proper for all U.S. boats. "Old Glory," with 50 stars and 13 stripes is the proper national flag. All boats, when at anchor, fly it from the stern staff, if so equipped, only while occupied. It is flown from the stern staff of powerboats underway on inland waters. “Old Glory” should be displayed on the stern when in international waters or when in a host country. The “Ensign” flag is completely acceptable to be flown when in inland waters in the United States. See pictures.

On Marconi-rigged sailboats under sail alone, the practice for many years had been to fly the ensign from the leech of the aftermost sail, approximately 2/3 the length of the leech above the clew. This puts it in about the same position it would occupy if the boat were gaff-rigged, and on gaff-rigged sailboats it is proper to fly the ensign from the peak of the aftermost gaff.

The advent of the modern rig, with the boom end well inboard of the stern, has made it is possible to fly the ensign from the stern staff of a sailboat underway, and this is now an accepted practice. However, the ensign should never be displayed while the boat is racing. Under power alone, or at anchor or made fast, the ensign should be flown from the stern staff of all sailboats. If an overhanging boom requires that the staff be off center, it should preferably be on the starboard side.

In A Foreign Country

When sailing in the territorial waters of a foreign country, it's customary to fly the flag of that country (out of courtesy, hence courtesy flag) from the starboard spreader (a horizontal spar on the mast). However, until the vessel clears customs of that country, it is not appropriate to fly that courtesy flag, instead the sailing vessel should fly the “Q” (i.e., pronounced “Quebec”) flag until the vessel is cleared by the host country. The U.S. Flag (i.e., Old Glory) should still be flown off the stern of the sailboat at all times while in the host country.

Your Club’s Burgee

Decorative small flags that represent a yacht club or sailing organization often is hoisted out of pride to share one’s affiliation proudly. Where does this flag go you ask? They are typically flown from the starboard spreader when racing, visiting another club, parades, or normal sailing activities. See the Chicago Yacht Club burgee as an example.

To Communicate Messages

There are “Special Flags” which are usually signal flags. These are used to communicate messages, such as distress signals (i.e., orange flag with black square and black ball), indicating intention to race, or requesting assistance. These are typically flown from the mast or spreaders. See picture for flags representing alphanumeric characters.

Each character has a special meaning in certain circumstances. For example the “O” (pronounced Oscar) flag would be hoisted alone if there was a man overboard. The “A” Flag (pronounced Alpha) flag would be flown alone if there was a diver down near the vessel. And so forth.

These flags could also be flown in combination to spell out a word. Pretty self explanatory but as an example the word DOG would showcase the “D” (pronounced Delta) flag, the “O” flag, and the “G” (pronounced Golf) flag. Separately they each carry their respective meaning but in combination would mean something completely different. For example, this could be a code word shared between vessels or used in a response.

What happens if the individual only has one letter flag but wants to repeat the letter - an example being “GOOD”. Then the proper flag sequence would be the “G” flag, the “O” flag, the 1st substitute flag, and the “D” flag. The repeater flags are used as a substitute in the event that a letter needs to be repeated.

Racing Flags

Racing sailboats often display specific flags to indicate their status, such as starting signals, penalties, or finish lines. These are usually flown from the race committee boat or race committee tower. Although the meaning and number of these flags for racing our outside of the scope of this article, see the picture for an example.

Dressing Ship

Finally, a discussion on flags would not be complete if we didn’t cover this topic. On national holidays, at regattas, and on other special occasions, yachts often "dress ship" with International Code signal flags. The ship is dressed at 0800, and remains so dressed until evening colors (while at anchor only, except for a vessel's maiden and final voyages, and participation in a marine parade or other unique situation).

In dressing the ship, the yacht ensign is hoisted at the stern staff, and the Union Jack may be displayed at the jack (bow) staff. See image. A rainbow of flags of the International Code is arranged, reaching from the water line forward to the water line aft, by way of the bowsprit end (or stem if there's no bowsprit) and the masthead(s). Flags and pennants are bent on alternately, rather than in any indiscriminate manner. Since there are twice as many letter flags as numeral pennants, it is good practice, as in the Navy, to follow a sequence of two flags, one pennant, two flags, one pennant, throughout.

The sequence recommended here provides a harmonious color pattern throughout: Starting from forward: AB2, UJ1, KE3, GH6, IV5, FL4, DM7, PO Third Repeater, RN First Repeater, ST Zero, CX9, WQ8, ZY Second Repeater.

Boats on Parade