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cwyckham · 15-05-2011, 11:54

I have what feels like sort of a silly question. I'm off to the states in a few weeks, and I have purchased a US courtesy flag and a yellow Q flag. I just can't quite figure out the best way to fly them.

I have a flag halyard on my starboard spreader. It is continuous and has a single loop tied in it. The flags have grommets in the two corners. Should I untie the flag halyard loop and tie each end to one of the grommets (with a short string to tie the two flags together when they're hoisted together)? Should I use separate string to tie the flags to loops I put in the halyard at the right places? What works best?

Thanks,

Chris

Jesse · 15-05-2011, 12:22

There are small stainless steel wire clips that will attach to the grommets and the halyard, the name escapes me but they seem to work well and are available at most marine stores.

Unicorn Dreams · 15-05-2011, 12:24

I would just worry about one flag on the halyard as that's all you flt at one time.

You hoist the Q flag and after clearing in, then you lower the Q flag and then hoist the courtesy flag.

The clips mentioned above work good. If your flag halyard is braided, just take an awl and put a hole thru the halyard and work the clip into the holes at the proper spacing..

cwyckham · 15-05-2011, 12:42

Quote:

Originally Posted by Unicorn Dreams

I would just worry about one flag on the halyard as that's all you flt at one time.

You hoist the Q flag and after clearing in, then you lower the Q flag and then hoist the courtesy flag.

Ah... Thanks. I didn't realize that. That solves half the problem. Are some sort of stainless clips the usual solution?

**nigel1** · 15-05-2011, 12:58

Flag clips are usually Englefield clips, better ones have a swivel, usually brass, but you can get plastic ones which dont have swivels.
Proper flag etiquette is to have the courtesy ensign on the stbd side, and signal flag on the port side. Can you not get a small line over the port spreader just as a temporary measure?

**Hud3** · 15-05-2011, 13:01

I used these. West Marine sells them...

Halyard Flag Clip

cwyckham · 15-05-2011, 13:02

Quote:

Originally Posted by nigel1

Flag clips are usually Englefield clips, better ones have a swivel, usually brass, but you can get plastic ones which dont have swivels.
Proper flag etiquette is to have the courtesy ensign on the stbd side, and signal flag on the port side. Can you not get a small line over the port spreader just as a temporary measure?

Yes, I have a port halyard as well. So the Q flag goes up the port side, then after clearing in, it comes down and the courtesy flag goes up the starboard side?

All the while having my ensign on the backstay.

cwyckham · 15-05-2011, 13:04

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hud3

I used these. West Marine sells them...

Halyard Flag Clip

Off to WM, then! I need new jib sheets anyways.

**boatman61** · 15-05-2011, 13:11

Flags usually have an eye at the top and a tail at the bottom.... bowline the top to one end of the halyard and then make an eye in the tail and bowline the other end of the halyard to that... no need for fancy gee gaws

**nigel1** · 15-05-2011, 13:21

Quote:

Originally Posted by cwyckham

Yes, I have a port halyard as well. So the Q flag goes up the port side, then after clearing in, it comes down and the courtesy flag goes up the starboard side?

All the while having my ensign on the backstay.

If you have the two halyards, hoist both the courtesy ensign and the Q Flag. After clearing in, take down the Q Flag.

wolfaroo · 15-05-2011, 14:06

yep as others pointed out correct etiquette is courtesy ensign on starboard side (upper crosstree). Important point is it should not be hoisted at a position inferior to any other flag except yacht's national ensign and it should be struck at the same time as national ensign - therefore quebec either below courtesy ensign (only one halyard) or on port side.

**Jim Cate** · 15-05-2011, 14:34

Quote:

Originally Posted by wolfaroo

yep as others pointed out correct etiquette is courtesy ensign on starboard side (upper crosstree). Important point is it should not be hoisted at a position inferior to any other flag except yacht's national ensign and it should be struck at the same time as national ensign - therefore quebec either below courtesy ensign (only one halyard) or on port side.

Well, our experience is that some countries and their officials have not read your "Etiquette Manual" very well, and have their own (rather firm) ideas of how to display your courtesy flag. Many would take great offense if you struck your courtesy flag at any time before clearing out. Others insist that the courtesy flag be LARGER than your ensign. Go figger... but your welcome and in some cases your bank balance depend on your following local customs rather than some stuffy Englishman's idea of flag etiquette.

cheers,