Club Burgees and ensigns

CPD

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Simple question. Ensigns and burgees come with a toggle at the top and loose "string" at the bottom. What is the correct way to attach them to halyards / poles ?. I've often wondered, and I'm sure someone will know.

Many Thanks. /forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gif
 
Not sure of the "correct" way but this works: Tie a loop in the halyard, and thread the toggle through this. Tie the string to it, using a couple of half hitches around the halyard.
 
I tie permanent loops in the "string" of the flag and one end of the halliard using a bowline. When I want to hoist the flag I slip the toggle into the loop of the halliard and attach the other end of the halliard to the loop at the lower end of the flag with a sheet bend. This allows me to use the halliard to hoist the flag and also apply tension. If I should want to hoist more than one flag they can be strung together uing the toggle of one flag into the loop of the one above.

I don't know if this is the "corrct" procedure but it works for me.
 
I have been looking for one of those small cleats which clamp onto a shroud to tie off my flag halliard. Any ideas for suppliers. Never seen, though often have searched at boat shows, swindleries etc.
 
You try unpicking a reef knot after it's been under tension and got wet! OK so you just grab a marline spike . . .

That's why the whizzkids above have suggested a rolling hitch. Strangely, that doesn't survive much flapping around in a breeze. Amazing how useful a bit of sticky tape can be.

Incidentally, if you don't have much confidence in your own knots DON't separate your flag halliard so that one end goes round (small bowline?) the toggle and the other ties onto (double sheet bend?) the burgee string. If one comes undone then it's a mast job to reeve it all back in place.

Suggest keep flag halliard continuous and attach burgee to it - built-in loop for toggle, rolling hitch for tail (with or without tape!).
Not quite as tidy, but idiot-proof.

Been there, egg on face too many times!
 
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