Sailing Magazine
by Richard Crockett
I often wonder whether yachties really pay much attention to flag etiquette any longer as my gut says it has become another of those lost maritime arts?
There are always smatterings of people who like to be knowledgeable about this subject, and I respect them for continuing to embrace this tradition which goes back centuries. I knew a guy who always puffed out his little chest and took great delight in pontificating on the subject and pointing out incorrect procedures. But, he was a little guy wrapped up in his own self-importance, rather than promoting Flag Etiquette.
I was prompted to use this subject today having just yesterday scanned into my archives “A Treatise on the Etiquette of Flags” as written by the Editor of Yachting World in 1932. This was given to me some time ago by Len Davies – an avid follower of this blog.
In the introduction the Editor says: “Many yachtsmen will remember that at the general meeting of the Y.R.A. held in February, 1930, there was great discussion about the etiquette of flags. After some debate it was suggested that the best way to deal with the matter and give the necessary guidance to yachtsmen would be for the Editor of The Yachting World to obtain from the Royal Yacht Squadron and other senior clubs their rules upon this subject and for him to compile a short treatise indicating the proper way flags should be flown upon yachts at sea.”
He concluded that introduction as follows: “It seems, then, that what is required is some code for flying the flags which yachtsmen use which should be in accordance with the dignity of their sport. If that code is generally accepted, therein shall we perceive the ” Etiquette of Flags.” There is, however, a snag, and I have ventured to call attention to it in italics. That code must be unwritten.
“Now there are two distinct sections of the subject of flying flags which concern yachtsmen. The first is a matter of law. The second is less serious, it is merely a question of etiquette, good taste, and of conforming to those customs of the sea which should be prevalent amongst yachting people and of observing the flag rules of the yacht club of which the yacht owner happens to be a member.
“I have therefore divided this short treatise into two parts. Part I consists of a brief exposition of the Maritime Law applicable to pleasure yachts for flying flags; while in Part II points of etiquette are discussed in a general way.”
While this was written all of 90 years ago, and has undoubtedly been updated over the years, it’s an interesting subject and one on which I would appreciate feedback.
Read “A Treatise on the Etiquette of Flags” Here: yachting world – etiquette of flags – 004195 – OCR
And, from the South African Yacht Racing Association (SAYRA) Yearbook many years ago, and added just for interest sake, “Flag Etiquette” by William Donnelly. READ IT HERE: flag etiquette by William Donnelly for SAYRA004197 – OCR
