Dipping your ensign...

That's because there are so many speed cameras about. Originally the AA patrolman saluted, but not if the Old Bill were round the corner, nod nod nudge wink, slow down mate!"!!.

<hr width=100% size=1>
 
Re: Too low tech

Well in this "useless-things-to-do-whilst-afloat-that-add-credibility-to-your-blue/white-ensign" I'd like a Aldis lamps with a usb plug so I could just type in "go to hell" and the lamp would do the business for me, not sure how to understand the replies though. Maybe the incoming would make understanding superfluous!

<hr width=100% size=1>John
http://www.on-line-marine.com
 
US Warships have no right to demand..

..that they be dipped to off Gibraltar, or in fact any where else except perhaps if guard ship to major american base. Dipping is a courtesy not a right. The Royal Yacht Squadron has no status for being dipped to in spite of flying the white ensign, nor should you dip to the Merchant Navy. Dipping is courtesy to warships, originating as a sign of acknowledgement of their authority to stop and search you. It was a way of signalling that you weren't going to try and make a run for it, so they wouldn't fire on you. Nowadays 'tis a nice tradition of courtesy, but no one has the right to demand it, espescially not inside their territorial waters. You should have taken his pennant number and reported him to the Naval attache at the nearest American Embassy. They are in fact surprisingly sensitive about such issues!!!!

<hr width=100% size=1>
 
Never mind dipping, What about firing the dam,,

On the Medway every year we have the admirals cruise (the ad being the mayor of Rochester) He cruises down the river to Sheerness where a glorious p**s up takes place, then sails back. Each time he passes our club we have to fire a salute which is answered by his "barge". So every year we wheel out the cannons load them and bang away to our hearts content<s>

<hr width=100% size=1>
 
Top