Flag halyard on backstay

H

Highland laddie

Well-Known Member
Joined
22 Sep 2009
Messages
69
Location
NW Highlands
Visit site
As a result of adding wind vane self steering the original flag staff is no longer useable, I remember seeing an ensign flown from the back stay and before the mast goes back in I would like to rig something suitable. My backstay is split the starboard side would be ideal, although I think it would also be possible and quite neat to fly the ensign from the point where the back stay splits.
Any observations, experiences and comments would be most welcome.
Thanks Gerry
 
Not hard to do, just seize a small block (or even just a stainless ring) to the backstay at your desired height, then reeve a small halyard through it.

Pete
 
flaming said:
We use electrical tape.
Click to expand...

Same idea but, I have small bit of line taped to the backstay big enough to take the toggle at the top of the hoist...

Rolling hitch at the bottom to keep it tight, positioned at correct hight or in the case of curtisy flags the height of the shortest crew member on tip toes :D
 
greenalien said:
Barton do a coupkle of handy cleats designed to clamp onto shrouds = maybe one of these at the lower end : http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/NEW-BARTON-MARINE-SHROUD-CLEAT-FLAG-HALYARD-SAILING-BOAT-/180731119922

and one of these at the top, with a small block for the halliard : http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/NEW-BARTON-SHROUD-CLEAT-EYE-SAILING-BOAT-/360336188313
Click to expand...

I've got the former 'cos SWIMBO complained about having to tie rolling hitches at 08:00.

Rather than the latter, I just cable-tied a small block to the backstay, tightened it and pushed it up (under tension with the flag halyard) with the boat hook. It lasts about 3-4 years before I have to replace the cable tie.
 
Flag halyard

Many thanks to you both, the only sad part of this tale is that I will probably have to swop my fairly large 'duster' for something smaller so that it flies in the appropriate place. Gerry;)
 
What height is the split in the backstay? If it's high enough, it will make mounting a small block much easier and still allow you to fly the monster duster. Otherwise, stick a ladder in the cockpit and fasten the block as high as you need to on the single section of stay.

Rob.
 
Highland laddie said:
As a result of adding wind vane self steering the original flag staff is no longer useable, I remember seeing an ensign flown from the back stay and before the mast goes back in I would like to rig something suitable. My backstay is split the starboard side would be ideal, although I think it would also be possible and quite neat to fly the ensign from the point where the back stay splits.
Any observations, experiences and comments would be most welcome.
Thanks Gerry
Click to expand...

We had the same issue and fastened our ensign staff to the backstay (cut a notch in the top so it sits tight) using self-amalgamating tape (lasts a lot longer than insulating tape). This way we can take the ensign down at night quite easily and double its life - oh and do the dipping thing too.
 
Plan to have it at a height that just clears the gears / mechanism of the wind vane. There is some opinion that it could be flown about 2/3rds up the backstay; a height that represents, approximately, the peak of a gaff sail, thus keeping with an expected position for the flag to be noticed.

I once sailed in a yacht with a similar issue and the owner had used a small bulldog clip to hold a sheave in place. In was very annoying (as well as ugly) as the topping lift would insist on catching the thing all the time. I took it down. The ring and lashing as described earlier, or just the rolling hitches and some small diameter line would be suitable.

I have a monitor wind vane and I just use a line with a loop and attach it to the back stay with a rolling hitch. I use about 6 wraps on the rolling hitch which appears to hold the line taught.
 
prv said:
Not hard to do, just seize a small block (or even just a stainless ring) to the backstay at your desired height, then reeve a small halyard through it.

Pete
Click to expand...

That's all I have had since installing a Monitor windvane. Works fine, and a bit less to varnish.
 
Flag Halyard

ROB2
The stay splits about 3m above the deck. I have been to the yard today and decided to drill a hole in the triangle plate that splits the backstay and to it lash the becket of a flag halyard block. And at the lower end use the Barton stay mounted cleat. I can then as suggested use my big flag and dip to all our finest. Although up here most of them are underwater and going like the clappers.
Thanks Gerry:D
 
avoid drilling

I have had a similar setup. Rather than drilling the plate, I used a s.s. saddle clamp (as used for temporary repairs in wire rigging) to attach a small dinghy-type block to the backstay above the triangular plate. Combined with Inglefield clips for the ensign, appropriately positioned turning blocks and a little cleat, you can dip from the cockpit to your heart's content. Just don't expect the courtesy to be reciprocated!
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Share this page

Top