Ensign size

[Pinnacle]

I seem to recall that an ensign should be the same length in inches in the fly as the LOA of the yacht in feet. So, a 36foot LOA yacht would be best suited by a one yard ensign.

Am I correct? /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif

 

[pyrojames]

As I understand it, yes. I tend to opt for the next size up, rather the size under, if the length falls between standard ensign sizes.

 

[Norman_E]

That was what I was told, but on my boat if I use the 45inch ensign, then sailing downwind it gets frayed by flapping against the bimini frame, so I have gone one size down.

 

[tobble]

that means the QE2 would fly an ensign three times the size of my boat!

 

[Drascomber]

I don't know where thus rule of thumb comes from but it sounds like a minimum to me. I reckon a 36 footer looks a lot prouder wearing a yard and a half or even more.

I reckon the QE2 needs two. One SIX times the size of tobble's boat for high days and holidays and a handier sized one about six yards or so for day to day use.

 

[johnalison]

In my opinion the ensign should be whatever size looks best. Because our ensign is 2:1 it looks less imposing than, say, a Dutch one of the same fly and needs to be correspondingly a bit larger. On the whole I favour ensigns on the large size as indicating a certain pride in nationhood (where appropriate).

 

[tritonofnor]

friend of mine reckons that, with a yacht's ensign staff at the stern, the lowest tip of the ensign should be just above the water with the boat at rest. When under way, tacking can often be accomplished quicker by backing the ensign!

 

[Billjratt]

go for looks, my 1-1/2 yard Scottish ensign seemed bigger on the low-ish 40 footer it was made for, than it does on our 30ft motor sailer with a rib in the davits.

 

[davies]

"Where appropriate" is indeed the issue. Until this country (to which I wish to feel proud to belong) manages to get its nose out of George W's rear end and takes an independent and morally defensible line on the Middle East, my red ensign will remain small, tatty and worn only for overseas trips.

 

[Drascomber]

I was not aware that Scotland had an ensign. (yet)

 

[Orla]

I have a Scottish ensign too, and I am very proud to fly it.
If I am ever forced to fly the red ensign I have a 6" x 3" one somewhere, cleaning bucket I think!!!!!
/forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif