Coourtesy Flag in Northern Ireland

[jlaake]

I plan to sail from France to Norway via the Irish Sea and Caledonian Canal this summer. I believe I've got most of the courtesy flags needed for the trip but I'm a little worried about Northern Ireland. I believe that the red ensign is the correct courtesy flag, but I'm worried about local sensitivities. Can anyone offer advice?

Jon Henrik Laake
Oslo, Norway

<hr width=100% size=1>

 

[tillergirl]

Northern Ireland is part of the United Kingdom just like Scotland and Wales. The correct courtesy flag is the red ensign. The Republics would no doubt like you to fly the Irish flag but this would be incorrect.

<hr width=100% size=1>

 

[jhr]

Yes, the red ensign is the correct courtesy flag. Most of the North Coast is heavily protestant and thus pro- Brit (the further north you go, the more this becomes true, particularly in Antrim) with the exception of Londonderry and Belfast, which both have large Republican communities. In any event, flying a red ensign is highly unlikely to cause offence - though it would be provocative to fly one defaced with the red hand of Ulster. Much worse would be to fly an Irish Tricolour as a courtesy flag in Northern Irish waters.

I am English, but with a wife from N. Ireland. It's a wonderful and beautiful place with friendly, welcoming people. Though many have their prejudices, the true bigots are a comparatively small percentage of the population and most people are as normal as you or I. Forget what you've read in the papers, go and enjoy it before the masses catch on!



<hr width=100% size=1>

 

[kieran]

Hi
Fly the same flag as in the UK.You will not have any trouble.We are quite nice over here!

K

<hr width=100% size=1>

 

[Guest]

Others are correct regarding courtesy flag. Presume your boat is Norwegian-flagged. This should allow you to go in peace and be welcomed in most places, certainly N. Ireland (and Eire for that matter). Have a good voyage.

<hr width=100% size=1>

 

[hlb]

I always played safe when cruising between North and Southern Ireland. I flew no flag. Then cant upset any of the buggers. They were all very nice and friendly though.

<hr width=100% size=1> <font color=blue> Haydn

 

[Gunfleet]

Can't upset? You know about the man who goes to Ulster and when asked about his religion says he's Jewish. 'So would that be a Catholic Jew or a Protestant Jew?' Told to me in Lisburn by an Ulsterman.

<hr width=100% size=1>

 

[Bergman]

You should try to call in at Carlingford, lovely spot and interesting little marina.

The border between Northern Ireland and the Republic runs up the middle of the loch, sorry lough. If the winds on your nose (it usually is) your arms will ache from swapping courtesy flags before you get to the marina.

Seriously, there is no problem, Northern Ireland is a great place - enjoy.

PS another nice spot to visit is Carnlough, lovely little harbour, nice pub just past the bridge and turn right, can't remember its name.

<hr width=100% size=1>

 

[hlb]

Na. Carlingford is a crap place. Got holed up there for three days in the rain. Now Strangford lough. Uuuww Lovely place, lovely people. Stayed there three weeks, though not because we liked it so much. More because we sunk!!

<hr width=100% size=1> <font color=blue> Haydn

 

[uforea]

I have sailed to Carlingford Lough twice and found the place to be great. Both times went to Warrenpoint where there are a limited no. of moorings but FOC. Good sized resort town with plenty of amenities and nice people. Lough was patrolled by armed men in a large RIB and I guessed that they were security people. They were very helpful, taking pictures of us with my camera and towing us out of the Lough on a windless night.During the day local Yachts did not seem to bother with an Ensign so we followed the local custom.Would love to go again sometime.

Hope you have a good trip.

<hr width=100% size=1>

 

[Guest]

be courteous to all, fly your own countrys flag. the catholics do not like the sight of a british flag as it reminds them of how thier country is occupied by a foreign army. the protestants do not like to see the irish flag as they do not want to be ruled by the irish government. They are probably the most welcoming people in the world, they are just a bit fussy about flags. I know i was born and lived thier for 20 years. dont forget to email this group about the wonderful time you are gonna have there. tom

<hr width=100% size=1>

 

[mldpt]

You could always go to Isle Of Man instead they have their own flag which would be nice to add to your collection, then on to Port Patrick a beautiful little harbour, what ever you do have a great time.
Mike www.sailingforfun.co.uk

<hr width=100% size=1>

 

[Sybarite]

I am also from N Ireland and confirm that the red ensign is the correct courtesy flag. I am sure that most people there will not give a hoot if you fly one or not as long as you join in the craic.

Take time to see Strangford Lough. There is a marina at Portaferry in the way in and it is a beautifully picturesque village (with a great aquarium). Strangford opposite is equally pretty. A mile or two higher on the west bank you have a beautiful natural anchorage called Audley's Roads. Halfway up the lough again to the west you have the best achorage on the esat coast of Ireland. A good layover spot is Sketrick with fuel and water at the light ship come club house, and the most welcoming people you could find.

I have known people who have moved to N Ireland after having sailed on Strangford.



<hr width=100% size=1>

 

[hlb]

Is my mate Dermot still running the ferry there.

<hr width=100% size=1> <font color=blue> Haydn

 

[Sybarite]

Sorry don't know. I am based now in Paris and the boat in Brittany, Lorient although I have taken her back a couple of times: the first time because I had always an ambition to see the coast of Ireland from my own boat. In the event I had less than 50m visibility the whole way up the Irish Sea and the Decca was on the blink.

John

<hr width=100% size=1>

 

[Sybarite]

Just another memory from my first trip back to Strangford Lough. I flew the yellow flag (Free practique - which was required then) as I had just arrived from the Republic. The local boatman came to see me to say that he had received a phone call from the customs telling to me take the damn thing down otherwise they would have to row the whole way out to the mooring to check me....

John

<hr width=100% size=1>

 

[hlb]

Just learn Irish logic it's not difficult. If your flying yellow whatsit thingy. You must be dum or daft. If not flying anything, more sencible. If flying anything else. Maybe an activist. Its not rocket science.

<hr width=100% size=1> <font color=blue> Haydn

 

[claymore]

Agree completely.
There was a time when English boats were dropping the red ensign and maintaining radio silence but (hopefully) that's all gone now.
If it fits with your plan you owe yourself a visit into Strangford Lough.

<hr width=100% size=1>regards
Claymore
/forums/images/icons/smile.gif

 

[charles_reed]

Courtesy flags

Are nothing to do with courtesy, but an acknowledgement that you are in a foreign country and intend to obey the laws of that country.

Therefore the pernicious habit of wearing local Scots, Norman, Breton or other flags have no basis in international law.

Acknowledgement of the United Kingdom of Britain and Ireland would be covered by flying the red ensign.

<hr width=100% size=1>

 

[duke]

Re: Courtesy flags

Charles,

did you mean United Kingdom of Britain and Northern Ireland?