Blue Ensigns - what's the point?

[petem]

Re: Blue Ensigns - what\'s the point?

Byron, if anyone should have one then it should be you.

But another way of 'earning' a blue is to become a member of the House of Lords Yacht Club, which presumably, if one is a hereditary peer, is by birthright.

Alternativey if you are 'sitting at the bar' then you can join the 'Bar Yacht Club' and fly a blue.

Strangely I don't see a 'Plumbers Yacht Club' in the list of clubs with special ensigns. Perhaps the secretary of state hasn't got round to granting them one yet.

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[byron]

Re: Blue Ensigns - what\'s the point?

I do indeed hold several Warrants to fly various 'blues' and have done so for over 40 years. As of any moment they all cease to be legal as Ocean Eagle is sold. My launch whilst technically qualifying (weight, size etc.) does not hold a Warrant so I shall be reverting to a 'Red' .
As a matter of interest, no clubs will ever be granted the right to fly a privileged ensign again, no matter who they are, so if they ain't got one now they never will have. How do I know? Because I am Admiralty consultant on Ensigns and Flag etiquette.


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[Robin]

Re: Blue Ensigns - what\'s the point?

Our club has a defaced blue ensign, and a number of plumbers as members. There is certainly no occupational criteria applied to membership requests and we have powerboats as well as sailboats. If there were any discrimination applied I would hope it would be to prevent people with chips on shoulders from joining.

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[Robin]

Re: Blue Ensigns - what\'s the point?

Wow Byron, bet the plebs cannot cap that, though no doubt one will try.

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[petem]

Re: Blue Ensigns - what\'s the point?

Sir, state your club. Also how do you become a member?

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[petem]

Re: Blue Ensigns - what\'s the point?

Byron,

I concede that you may have a slight edge over me when it comes to ensigns and flag etiquette, ahem, but I could ask; if they're so good, then why are no more clubs being granted the right to fly a priveleged ensign?

Does this mean that we won't be seeing the famous mouse and cocktail glass appearing on a 'blue'?

Come on byron, is the current system really so perfect that no changes are required?

Pete

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[byron]

Re: Blue Ensigns - what\'s the point?

I really don't know, maybe it was the expense of running ensign committees etc. There were 22 on the committee, then it had to me agreed by two Dukes, then before the Admiralty. It was all too much I suppose.

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[Robin]

Re: Blue Ensigns - what\'s the point?

Cor blimey mate, no need to call me 'Sir' just coz me flags blue. Club is Parkstone Yacht Club in Poole. To join you write to the Secretary and ask, the club year runs from Jan to December so applications now would be for 2004. I believe there are waiting lists in all categories at present, not surprising since we are very probably the best located club with the best facilities in the country. Currently some 2,500 members all up I think counting family members so neither snooty nor exclusive.

Web site is www.parkstoneyc.co.uk

Also in Poole are Poole YC and Royal Motor YC. All these have members in dinghy, power and sail (and all have blue ensigns!) There is also Lilliput SC, East Dorset SC but are 'sail' only. If I were a powerboat fan I would probably favour RMYC since they are more powerboat oriented with racing and other events to suit.

The rest as they say is up to you.




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[zefender]

Re: MOBOs TALK ENSIGNS SHOCK

This is Scuttiebutt flora isn't it? What's going on?

FWIW, IMHO, ensigns are a somewhat silly anachronism with tones of petty snobbery. They may have been relevant when boats were mostly merchant/military but now they are just a posh version of football shirts. Judging by the antics of half a dozen or so 'bleus' last weekend across La Manche, I'm not convinced I'd want to be part such dintinctive company either. Think I'd rather go for the union flag if anything.

But then, colours are important and I think I'll be flying a terracotta one to match the new morroccan theme I'm planning.

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[Robin]

Re: MOBOs TALK ENSIGNS SHOCK

OK so I must be a petty snob then.

As far as I know there is no referendum due to select a new ensign so the Union flag is not an option, but in the meantime you can still fly the very pretty Red Ensign.

Does your football shirt cover the chip on your shoulder?

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[zefender]

Re: french fries at top of arms

not chips, but pommes dauphinoise certainly

Pleased to read that plumbers are able to declare their profess.. sorry trade at the club.

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[Robin]

Re: french fries at top of arms

Oh yes we are very liberated, even Bavaria owners have come out openly

Our club symbol, on the burgee and ensign is a dolphin, does that have anything to do with your apples?

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[trev]

Re: Blue Ensigns - what\'s the point?

Seeing as you asked -
1) Three years training as a Cadet Officer on board 'HMS Worcester'
2) Six years as an Officer in RNR
3) Now into fortieth year as serving MN officer.
4) Master Mariner since 1973.
5) Twenty years service as Master (Captain)
6) Seven years service as Pilot.
I really must think of what I want to do when I grow up!
I have nothing against whatever flag you wish to fly or ensign you wish to wear - so long as its done correctly and regarded as a priveledge.
I hate to see our national flag (union) used by boaters (unless on special occassions) - its really only used at sea on board RN ships as a 'Jack' - hence its often misnomer.

<hr width=100% size=1>Trev