Courtesy flags

[HoratioHB]

As a law abiding citizen I am looking to get all the necessary courtesy flags for the Caribbean before we set off. I have been told they are quite hard to come by out there. Anyone know of where they can be purchased in UK at non ludicrous prices? Google gave me some suppliers that cost an arm and a leg and didn't do them all anyway.
Alternatively - do I really need them ???!!! /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif

 

[chuckaduck]

Ebay is very good for this

 

[bobgosling]

Cheap A4 laminator and print your own. Nobody said they need to be made from cloth.

 

[gfbalduc]

I recently got mine from Sarnia Flags in Guernsey; prices vary with flag complexity, but as an average I spent about 12GBP each. This is for hand-sewn, large (18") flags, not the pityful handkerchief-sized ones that normally sell for twice as much.

Ask Sara Hall at sorakdva@hotmail.com

 

[Kilter]

We made a number of them ourselves, not too hard and fills the time on the ocean crossing

 

[Swagman]

You can order them from USA for similar £12/13 price and 10 day delivery. I just googled and found them easily.
JOHN

 

[fiveflipflops]

Hi. Currently in the Caribbean. Today, just purchased all flags required from Budget Marine in Sint Maarten. Approx US$9-11 each. Landed in Antigua, flags easy to come by however cost a little more $10-13 each. Most of the boats are flying Courtesy Flags. Hope this helps. David

 

[snowleopard]

Most of them are available from Jimmy Green Obtainable at major boat jumbles or online.

 

[jeremyshaw]

It's mistaken to say that you can't get courtesy flags in the Caribbean. It's harder to think of islands where you can't get them than where you can. Budget Marine and Island Water World have chandleries in many islands where you can buy them. Check locations and guide prices on their web sites (actual prices will depend on local duty, often zero for visiting yachts). That said you will ideally want the flag for your intended country of landfall and any fallback prior to departure - though I bought mine when I got there.

What you don't need is the flags for individual countries which are part of a larger group. Thus you'll find there are flags for Martinique, Guadeloupe etc, but you can properly fly the French flag (bit like you'll find the Breton flag in Brittany). And the Netherlands Antilles can all be covered by the one flag (though some are going their own way and this may change soon).

Do you really need it, you asked? The only country that I can think of that checks for courtesy flags is Venezuela, where you will even be asked to replace an ageing one. You always go ashore to clear in and it is rare to see coast guard patrols (especially when you want them). However it is a courtesy, and you are a guest.....

 

[HoratioHB]

Thanks guys - looks like the current SWMBO might have to get the sewing machine out (if it hasn't been ditched already) alternatively from what you say I might get the first few here and muddle through later - got to give myself some challenges on the odd few occasions I sober up.

Ta

 

[Troutbridge]

Sarnia Sara is good (at sewing) but you need to keep reminding her of your departure date (I speak of experience about 12 years ago). Obviously things have moved on a bit since I was last out there, but if you're hoping to make your own better get the hairdryer AND the washing machine otherwise I see 'trouble ahead'

 

[HoratioHB]

Harumph, the hairdryer is already on order and I suspect the washing machine is soon to follow (manual version). However one thing that is definitely banned is an Iron!!!

 

[Talbot]

Try http://www.waypoints.com/flags.html They even do specific area groups of courtesy flags.

 

[Sea Devil]

when you reach Sri Lanka you can buy them for all over the world at 50p each... almost worth going there first.. As somebody pointed out - they are a courtesy and 'real officials' seldom if ever complain if you are not flying one - except morocco!

 

[Talbot]

[ QUOTE ]
when you reach Sri Lanka you can buy them for all over the world at 50p each... almost worth going there first.. As somebody pointed out - they are a courtesy and 'real officials' seldom if ever complain if you are not flying one - except morocco!

[/ QUOTE ]

Dont suppose you kept an address of someone willing to post?

 

[snowleopard]

I suggest again that you follow my link. I counted flags for at least 14 of the islands there.

 

[HoratioHB]

[ QUOTE ]
I suggest again that you follow my link. I counted flags for at least 14 of the islands there.

[/ QUOTE ]

Snowy - I guess I am just mean - I did look at that link and others on this thread and at £12 each or $300 for a set (which is the best there) my wallet just puckered up!!

 

[Sea Devil]

I am pretty certain that the flag shop was owned by the Don Windsor family who 'run' the clearance service in Galle.. Santosh, Vinny & Indra are the sons. It was just across the road from their office.. The Windors phone number is Galle Sri Lanka - 22927 - 34592 or fax (94)9 34592.... I took these out of the Indian Ocean cruising guide which I used and it's a bit old -- anyway the Windsors are the people to contact. 6, Closenburg Road. There was a nice indian guy who ran a grocery store just up the road and delivered to the boats - will look for his number... He was a real entrepenure so if the windsors don't want to do it as if they know the grocery store number..

The flags are made to order (I had 6 French courtesy flags made + for Oman and all the red sea passage... The only problem I can see is getting the payment to them. Not the highest quality but what do you want for 50p?

let me know how you get on..

Michael

 

[snowleopard]

You won't pay less in the Caribbean. You could try some bunting and a sewing machine for some of the simpler ones but a lot of the islands have complicated designs. I wouldn't want to make the Dominica flag. Some you could fudge up with a pack of permanent felt tips. I think Jimmy Green also does a DIY kit with bits of assorted colours.

 

[Swagman]

Just to let you all know I took Talbots advice and ordered what I needed on line from www.waypoint.com seven days ago.
Prices varied from US$9 to 18.
They arrived yesterday via UPS - no duty / VAT applied. Good service. Thanks Talbot.
JOHN