Do you fly a White Ensign

"RACING" Flying a white :disgust:

I have often started with a fleet all flying ensigns. The start boat is the only one that I am aware of that flys the white ensign. But we have a goodly number of red ensigns, a blue ensign or two and then ensigns from France, Russia, Poland, Switzerland and Belgium.

One boat, a Twister 28 sailed by a retired RN Commander is entitled to fly the White I believe but seems to prefer the blue. The Start boat with a white ensign is sailed by a retired Royal Marine Colonel.

Of course for insurance purposes we claim we are not racing but participating in a 'Challenge', but there are prizes and awards for the first over the line, even welcoming committees on return to the Orwell for boats from that river.
 
One boat, a Twister 28 sailed by a retired RN Commander is entitled to fly the White I believe but seems to prefer the blue. The Start boat with a white ensign is sailed by a retired Royal Marine Colonel.

Regardless of RN rank there is no entitlement to fly a white, blue or any privileged ensign on a private boat unless with the appropriate burgee and warrant. Some senior (usually Flag rank) RN (so including RM) will be 'Naval Members' of the RYS - think it gives a slightly lower annual subscription! I often meet up with a retired RN Commodore who can only fly a blue with the RNSA burgee. There is a common misconception, usually amongst non commissioned 'senior rates' that RN service gives them an entitlement to an undefaced blue.

When at BRNC day sailing from the College in the Contessa 38s we would sail under white ensigns as we were on duty. Weekend trips were not so burgee and blue were used.
 
I'm still trying to work out how I'm going to get the burgee up to the masthead when I'm invited to join. Maybe I'll have to decline.
 
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