Dipping the ensign

[Slowtack]

bungy cord... For easier dipping

 

[Chiara’s slave]

Too many warships up here in the Clyde, my ensign would be up and down like a bride’s nightie.

His Majesty’s Navy would probably refer to a whore’s drawers in those circumstances. We sail past Portsmouth fairly often, but have only once in recent times felt the need to dip the ensign. A bit like Peyton, ours is semi permanently fixed to the staff. It’s held in place by a drop nose pin, which makes it a little more trouble.