Defaced Blues,Civilian Jack and Pilots?

[TSB240]

I was surprised to see two small pleasure craft from a "Royal" Yacht club adorned with the full works at the weekend. Ensigns,Burgees on Bamboo sticks at the mast head and at the spreaders and the Union jack off the Pulpit.

My first thought was that this was fine for a ship of the fleet but a little ostentatious and risking a response from a Welsh Firebrand.

My second thought was maybe they had taken up a temporary role of guard duty for our new MCZs or possibly they are the stand ins whilst we wait for the new Aircraft carriers to be built

After a bit of research and a closer look I find that they were actually flying a civilian Jack at the sharp end.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maritime_flag#Jacks

Should I have told them that the Menai Straits pilots are usually contacted by radio or mobile these days!.

 

[wotayottie]

Just joined a "royal" club. The club rules require you to fly the club pennant at the masthead when flying the defaced blue at the stern. Got a para about flag etiquette with the new members joining instructions

Am still flying a red ensign. Mind you they have a decent restaurant, good launch service and are very friendly so I suppose that compensates for the odd dash of blazers ties and white slacks etc