Gibraltar diesel and courtesy flag

[VO5]

A courtesy flag essentially signifies that the foreign visiting vessel acknowledges the sovereignty of the country being visited (which is why it is flown in the Territorial Sea, as well as in Internal Waters).

As such it would seem superfluous for a vessel of the same sovereignty as the vessel's country to fly a 'courtesy flag'. That it may be seen as a 'nice gesture' to fly some kind of local flag is understandable, but this is not really a 'courtesy flag' in the same way as when the vessel is in a foreign country.

Applying the general - not absolute (see Malta) - custom that land flags are not flown as courtesy flags, but the 'civil ensign' of the foreign country being visited is used, the result of such an 'excess of courtesy' in a territory of the vessel's own country would be:

American vessels (wearing the ensign of the USA) flying the same American ensign as a courtesy flag in the waters of US Territories (i.e. 'Old Glory' at the ensign staff and the same flag as a courtesy flag);

French vessels (wearing the French tricolour ensign) flying the same French ensign as a courtesy flag in the waters of French Overseas Territories; and

British vessels (flying the Red or other Special Ensign) flying the same British Red Ensign as a courtesy flag in the waters of British Overseas Territories.

In the British Overseas Territories (as in the Crown Dependencies of Guernsey, Jersey and the Isle of Man), Her Majesty is Sovereign and these Territories' self-government always subject to the ultimate control of the British Parliament.

While some British (i.e. not just registered in Great Britain and Northern Ireland, but registered in any of the subordinate jurisdictions as well) vessels may wish to fly a local flag in these circumstances, there is, in my view, simply no need to do so.

As is noted above, it is certainly not generally the case at Gibraltar.

I daresay that flag makers might be keen on the idea!

I must comment...

But what churlish attitude you are displaying here.

For example:~

For your information in St Peter Port I have always flown the Guernsey flag from my starboard hoist as a mark of friendship politeness and respect.

In St Helier the Jersey flag for the same reasons.

None of my hosts in either island have grumbled about unfriendlyness, rudeness or disrespect, to the contrary, always a thumbs up and a pat on the back, a drink in the pub or the occasional visit home, a party, a wedding, a barbecue, a dance, or a game of snooker, or a treat of several fresh lobsters.

It is not that visitors not displaying a courtesy ensign are marked, but those doing so are noted, often to their advantage, the same here.

Before you answer back with some glib retort you ought to think perhaps you are now too old to be taught any proper manners.

And by the way, just in case you may think otherwise, I am not in the flag trade, in fact not in trade at all.

 

[VexedIllologist]

Manners maketh man? Discussions on courtesy flags, well that's another matter!

I must comment...

But what churlish attitude you are displaying here.

Before you answer back with some glib retort you ought to think perhaps you are now too old to be taught any proper manners.

No glib retort from me, old chap; quite the contrary! I am disappointed that you seem to have inferred a 'churlish attitude' on my part, which was certainly not intended or implied.

A question was asked and I have tried to give a reasoned answer with my opinion about what is self-evidently an area of confusion concerning a matter of custom, rather than a legal requirement (with the notable exception of Turkey, IIRC and possibly - I don't know - a few other countries that actually mandate that a courtesy flag be flown by visiting foreign vessels).

If you interpret that response as churlish then you have read far more into my post or perhaps my attempted impersonal final joke (which may have mis-fired, as it wasn't directed at you or anyone else in particular) than was ever intended!

That there is confusion on this matter is surely undeniable from the other posters' responses and reports and it is, IMHO, understandable why this should be so.

As a matter of fact, I have no objection to any vessel flying whatever flags the owners and crew like - it is simply up to them; your response to my post could be interpreted as indicating that you may think otherwise and apparently may regard any other opinion as 'churlish', or have I misinterpreted you? Easy to do, isn't it? (See 'emoticon' above!).

You should perhaps note that I have not suggested in my post that anyone who flies a 'courtesy flag' in Gibraltar or any other British territory is - God forbid! - 'wrong', merely tried to point out the vexillological basis for the custom. Nothing wrong with that, surely?

The essential issue is that the custom of flying courtesy flags is itself relatively new given the length of time that flags have been in use at sea and so practices will inevitably evolve over time. I hope you won't think me churlish for saying so!

Next time I shall be passing Gibraltar (perhaps later this year) perhaps we should share a drink and discuss the matter? What say you? No offence was meant and none has been taken.

PS Rather than being the churlish 'flag dictator' that you may suspect, a better idea of my inclinations is suggested by this thread: http://www.ybw.com/forums/showthread.php?t=253974

 

[VO5]

No glib retort from me, old chap; quite the contrary! I am disappointed that you seem to have inferred a 'churlish attitude' on my part, which was certainly not intended or implied.

A question was asked and I have tried to give a reasoned answer with my opinion about what is self-evidently an area of confusion concerning a matter of custom, rather than a legal requirement (with the notable exception of Turkey, IIRC and possibly - I don't know - a few other countries that actually mandate that a courtesy flag be flown by visiting foreign vessels).

If you interpret that response as churlish then you have read far more into my post or perhaps my attempted impersonal final joke (which may have mis-fired, as it wasn't directed at you or anyone else in particular) than was ever intended!

That there is confusion on this matter is surely undeniable from the other posters' responses and reports and it is, IMHO, understandable why this should be so.

As a matter of fact, I have no objection to any vessel flying whatever flags the owners and crew like - it is simply up to them; your response to my post could be interpreted as indicating that you may think otherwise and apparently may regard any other opinion as 'churlish', or have I misinterpreted you? Easy to do, isn't it? (See 'emoticon' above!).

You should perhaps note that I have not suggested in my post that anyone who flies a 'courtesy flag' in Gibraltar or any other British territory is - God forbid! - 'wrong', merely tried to point out the vexillological basis for the custom. Nothing wrong with that, surely?

The essential issue is that the custom of flying courtesy flags is itself relatively new given the length of time that flags have been in use at sea and so practices will inevitably evolve over time. I hope you won't think me churlish for saying so!

Next time I shall be passing Gibraltar (perhaps later this year) perhaps we should share a drink and discuss the matter? What say you? No offence was meant and none has been taken.

PS Rather than being the churlish 'flag dictator' that you may suspect, a better idea of my inclinations is suggested by this thread: http://www.ybw.com/forums/showthread.php?t=253974

The question is, that here we are laid back about it, but that does not mean that significance is not attached to it.

If, for example, you visited the Azores (which belong to Portugal) and you did not fly a courtesy flag (Portugal) and a second (Island flag) you would be liable to a fine. I cannot remember the magnitude of the penalty imposed, but it is hefty.

Sporadically, the harbour authorities there descend upon the marinas and collect all the fines in one go. Then for some time, everybody fearfully conforms.

Then a while later with the departure and arrival of other yachts, the same is repeated.

We do not impose such draconian measures here, but visiting yachts are expected, as a matter of basic marine courtesy, to display a courtesy flag
(which is the Gibraltar flag and not the Red or Blue Duster or the Jack) from the starboard hoist.

It is not draconianly compulsory, but just basic good manners.

But like every declining standard in this day and age, displaying courtesy flags as a mark of friendship and respect appears to be a practice in decline.

This does not mean this dereliction is correct or even acceptable.

It is very far from being correct. It speaks volumes about the owner.

It is the owner who immediately displays his status by flying or not flying.

The owner ends up insulting himself and making himself look a yokel rather than seriously affronting the port being visited.This faux pas is obviously ignored by the unaware.

Of course I willl have a drink with you if you visit. Just PM me in advance and the Corniche with the white wall tyres will be rolled out to pick you up for snifters.

 

[Heckler]

The question is, that here we are laid back about it, but that does not mean that significance is not attached to it.

If, for example, you visited the Azores (which belong to Portugal) and you did not fly a courtesy flag (Portugal) and a second (Island flag) you would be liable to a fine. I cannot remember the magnitude of the penalty imposed, but it is hefty.

Sporadically, the harbour authorities there descend upon the marinas and collect all the fines in one go. Then for some time, everybody fearfully conforms.

Then a while later with the departure and arrival of other yachts, the same is repeated.

We do not impose such draconian measures here, but visiting yachts are expected, as a matter of basic marine courtesy, to display a courtesy flag
(which is the Gibraltar flag and not the Red or Blue Duster or the Jack) from the starboard hoist.

It is not draconianly compulsory, but just basic good manners.

But like every declining standard in this day and age, displaying courtesy flags as a mark of friendship and respect appears to be a practice in decline.

This does not mean this dereliction is correct or even acceptable.

It is very far from being correct. It speaks volumes about the owner.

It is the owner who immediately displays his status by flying or not flying.

The owner ends up insulting himself and making himself look a yokel rather than seriously affronting the port being visited.This faux pas is obviously ignored by the unaware.

Of course I willl have a drink with you if you visit. Just PM me in advance and the Corniche with the white wall tyres will be rolled out to pick you up for snifters.

Like the bio.
Stu

 

[VO5]

Like the bio.
Stu

I like U 2.
So U R invited for snifters as well, next time in port.

 

[VexedIllologist]

Curiouser and curiouser...

VO5,

thanks for the reply. Your comments have stimulated my interest, especially so on a foggy, wet and windy day in New England, so I have done a quick bit of research and report below.

While I understand your point about the Azores, that's not what we have been discussing - whether a British vessel visiting Gibraltar should fly a courtesy flag (and about what is the courtesy flag for a foreign vessel in Gibraltar).

We clearly both agree that courtesy flags, whether 'required by law' or as adopted by common practice are a very 'good thing' in principle when in foreign waters; I also think that they add greatly to the pleasure of a cruise, but then I like flags anyway.

Of course, a significant factor to consider is that Gibraltar is a special case among the British Overseas Territories in having its most distinctive land flag (the historic banner of the 'Arms of Gibraltar') while the other Overseas Territories have land flags based on British Ensigns, generally the Blue Ensign (although Bermuda's is, exceptionally, based on the Red Ensign, and the British Antarctic Territory's on the White Ensign).

In your posts you seem willing to take umbrage should any foreign vessel visiting Gibraltar not fly the flag with the Arms of Gibraltar, rather than a Red Ensign, as its courtesy flag, but this would put Gibraltar at odds with the established practice in all the other Overseas Territories, where the Red Ensign is the norm.

It may even be that you hold British vessels to a similar (or higher?) standard, as that might have prompted your 'churlish' comment?

I would not hold any visitor to be 'infra dignatis' or guilty of a 'faux pas' for what is likely to be genuine confusion or even - perish the thought! - lack of interest in vexillology.

It seems to me that there is considerably less certainty about the situation at Gibraltar than you are suggesting.

Although I was last at Gibraltar two years ago in 2009 - it is a place I like very much indeed, although if we want to anchor we have to go 'over the line' these days - I don't recall seeing the the Arms of Gibraltar flag being used as a courtesy flag then. Nor do I remember seeing it used as a courtesy flag during many previous visits and some longer sojourns afloat and ashore over the last three decades; I do actively look out for such things, being very interested in flags (hence the punning nom de plume). In general, the foreign vessels seen at Gibraltar with courtesy flags flew the plain Red Ensign (with the occasional Union Flag, as always!).

Perhaps there has been a recent change in expectations at Gibraltar in acccordance with your view, but, if so, it doesn't seem to be shared by your yacht club yet. The Royal Gibraltar Yacht Club states at:
http://www.rgyc.gi/flag-etiquette.php

'5) COURTESY ENSIGNS

i) When sailing in Foreign Waters member yachts should fly the Maritime Ensign of that country as a courtesy flag.
ii) In certain provinces it is an additional courtesy to fly the provincial Flag as well as the Maritime Ensign. In such cases the provincial Flag should be flown on the same hoist as the Maritime Ensign but in an inferior position.'

I would say that this is an eminently clear summary of requirements for the RGYC's members when in 'Foreign Waters' and also a very good model for yachting practice in general. Nevertheless, the clear implication is that the RGYC would see the correct courtesy flag for a foreign yacht visiting Gibraltar as the Red Ensign (with the Arms of Gibraltar flag subordinate as an additional courtesy, if desired). As for a British yacht visiting Gibraltar the point I made in my first post becomes relevant again; is it in 'Foreign Waters'?

A little more research threw up this further link, but may I kindly suggest that you may want to take a deep breath before you read it, as the contents may tend to offend:
http://rivieracharts.com/pdf_Doc/Page_10_Flag_Notes.pdf

'To take the case of Gibraltar, I can find little written, but, having checked with the Gibraltar authorities. The correct ensign is the Gibraltar defaced red, although the undefaced red ensign is an acceptable alternative. Likewise the undefaced red ensign is accepted and widely used as the correct courtesy flag. Unfortunately some people, looking through their flag books come across pictures of the Gibraltar town flag, which has no maritime application, and decide that they would prefer that.'

So we have the RGYC's eloquent and sensible rules for its members in Foreign Waters, which if applied reciprocally, imply that the Arms of Gibraltar flag may possibly be used by foreign vessels as an addition below the Red Ensign courtesy flag. This is followed by the Rivera Charts' statement that it would be wrong for a foreign vessel to use the Arms of Gibraltar flag as a courtesy flag (and that the Gibraltar authorities said so!).

I am intrigued by this question now, but have gone on for quite long enough already. I find vexillogical matters fascinating, but many (read most!) do not. Still, that is one of the things these forums are for - trying to find the answers to interesting questions.

As you live in Gibraltar, it strikes me that you could seek to get a clear and authoritative statement from the relevant Government office; the situation in Malta is clear because the Maritime Authority there issued a Notice on colours several years ago and established the point on the correct courtesy flag beyond doubt.

You obviously care about it, so I hope you will be able to do something about resolving the matter.

As things stand now, it seems that the Gibraltar authorities do not agree with your view.

All for now (serious tea deprivation is catching up with me and I could do with some warm sunshine!),

Regards,

VexedIllologist.

PS Just read your bio after the prompt from Stu above and am pleased to see a fellow Nelson fan; I like to pay my respects to the fallen at the cemetery when at Gibraltar. We marked the 210th anniversary of Copenhagen just a few days ago in appropriate vexillological style, which always gets people talking, especially here in America, where flags are taken exceptionally seriously. Look forward to meeting you in due course, by which time you may have managed to reduce the confusion about courtesy flags in Gibraltar? Good Luck!

 

[chinita]

Thank you Vexeddilllogolo.......Flag Man.

I shall sit back, relax and wait for VO5 to reconsider his comments on post No:10.

ZZZZZzzzzzzzzzzzzz............

 

[VO5]

VO5,

thanks for the reply. Your comments have stimulated my interest, especially so on a foggy, wet and windy day in New England, so I have done a quick bit of research and report below.

While I understand your point about the Azores, that's not what we have been discussing - whether a British vessel visiting Gibraltar should fly a courtesy flag (and about what is the courtesy flag for a foreign vessel in Gibraltar).

We clearly both agree that courtesy flags, whether 'required by law' or as adopted by common practice are a very 'good thing' in principle when in foreign waters; I also think that they add greatly to the pleasure of a cruise, but then I like flags anyway.

Of course, a significant factor to consider is that Gibraltar is a special case among the British Overseas Territories in having its most distinctive land flag (the historic banner of the 'Arms of Gibraltar') while the other Overseas Territories have land flags based on British Ensigns, generally the Blue Ensign (although Bermuda's is, exceptionally, based on the Red Ensign, and the British Antarctic Territory's on the White Ensign).

In your posts you seem willing to take umbrage should any foreign vessel visiting Gibraltar not fly the flag with the Arms of Gibraltar, rather than a Red Ensign, as its courtesy flag, but this would put Gibraltar at odds with the established practice in all the other Overseas Territories, where the Red Ensign is the norm.

It may even be that you hold British vessels to a similar (or higher?) standard, as that might have prompted your 'churlish' comment?

I would not hold any visitor to be 'infra dignatis' or guilty of a 'faux pas' for what is likely to be genuine confusion or even - perish the thought! - lack of interest in vexillology.

It seems to me that there is considerably less certainty about the situation at Gibraltar than you are suggesting.

Although I was last at Gibraltar two years ago in 2009 - it is a place I like very much indeed, although if we want to anchor we have to go 'over the line' these days - I don't recall seeing the the Arms of Gibraltar flag being used as a courtesy flag then. Nor do I remember seeing it used as a courtesy flag during many previous visits and some longer sojourns afloat and ashore over the last three decades; I do actively look out for such things, being very interested in flags (hence the punning nom de plume). In general, the foreign vessels seen at Gibraltar with courtesy flags flew the plain Red Ensign (with the occasional Union Flag, as always!).

Perhaps there has been a recent change in expectations at Gibraltar in acccordance with your view, but, if so, it doesn't seem to be shared by your yacht club yet. The Royal Gibraltar Yacht Club states at:
http://www.rgyc.gi/flag-etiquette.php

'5) COURTESY ENSIGNS

i) When sailing in Foreign Waters member yachts should fly the Maritime Ensign of that country as a courtesy flag.
ii) In certain provinces it is an additional courtesy to fly the provincial Flag as well as the Maritime Ensign. In such cases the provincial Flag should be flown on the same hoist as the Maritime Ensign but in an inferior position.'

I would say that this is an eminently clear summary of requirements for the RGYC's members when in 'Foreign Waters' and also a very good model for yachting practice in general. Nevertheless, the clear implication is that the RGYC would see the correct courtesy flag for a foreign yacht visiting Gibraltar as the Red Ensign (with the Arms of Gibraltar flag subordinate as an additional courtesy, if desired). As for a British yacht visiting Gibraltar the point I made in my first post becomes relevant again; is it in 'Foreign Waters'?

A little more research threw up this further link, but may I kindly suggest that you may want to take a deep breath before you read it, as the contents may tend to offend:
http://rivieracharts.com/pdf_Doc/Page_10_Flag_Notes.pdf

'To take the case of Gibraltar, I can find little written, but, having checked with the Gibraltar authorities. The correct ensign is the Gibraltar defaced red, although the undefaced red ensign is an acceptable alternative. Likewise the undefaced red ensign is accepted and widely used as the correct courtesy flag. Unfortunately some people, looking through their flag books come across pictures of the Gibraltar town flag, which has no maritime application, and decide that they would prefer that.'

So we have the RGYC's eloquent and sensible rules for its members in Foreign Waters, which if applied reciprocally, imply that the Arms of Gibraltar flag may possibly be used by foreign vessels as an addition below the Red Ensign courtesy flag. This is followed by the Rivera Charts' statement that it would be wrong for a foreign vessel to use the Arms of Gibraltar flag as a courtesy flag (and that the Gibraltar authorities said so!).

I am intrigued by this question now, but have gone on for quite long enough already. I find vexillogical matters fascinating, but many (read most!) do not. Still, that is one of the things these forums are for - trying to find the answers to interesting questions.

As you live in Gibraltar, it strikes me that you could seek to get a clear and authoritative statement from the relevant Government office; the situation in Malta is clear because the Maritime Authority there issued a Notice on colours several years ago and established the point on the correct courtesy flag beyond doubt.

You obviously care about it, so I hope you will be able to do something about resolving the matter.

As things stand now, it seems that the Gibraltar authorities do not agree with your view.

All for now (serious tea deprivation is catching up with me and I could do with some warm sunshine!),

Regards,

VexedIllologist.

PS Just read your bio after the prompt from Stu above and am pleased to see a fellow Nelson fan; I like to pay my respects to the fallen at the cemetery when at Gibraltar. We marked the 210th anniversary of Copenhagen just a few days ago in appropriate vexillological style, which always gets people talking, especially here in America, where flags are taken exceptionally seriously. Look forward to meeting you in due course, by which time you may have managed to reduce the confusion about courtesy flags in Gibraltar? Good Luck!

I am going to investigate, and will come back as soon as I have gathered all the facts.

 

[VO5]

I have checked out the rules. The Red Duster is the accepted courtesy flag in Gibraltar, for visitinfg vessels. However I have not been told that to fly the civil flag is forbidden. I have gone round asking people quayside what they think. The overwhelming majority prefer the civil flag. They say it is distinctive and nice to look at. One local lady said she was flattered to see it fluttering.

 

[chinita]

I have checked out the rules. The Red Duster is the accepted courtesy flag in Gibraltar, for visitinfg vessels. However I have not been told that to fly the civil flag is forbidden. I have gone round asking people quayside what they think. The overwhelming majority prefer the civil flag. They say it is distinctive and nice to look at. One local lady said she was flattered to see it fluttering.

So, after that investigation I suppose you will concede that my reply on post No:2 is correct and your response to that post on No:10 is incorrect?

 

[VO5]

So, after that investigation I suppose you will concede that my reply on post No:2 is correct and your response to that post on No:10 is incorrect?

Yes.

I was misled into believing it was the civil flag.
As it turns out it is the Red Duster, therefore you are correct.

 

[Heckler]

Yes.

I was misled into believing it was the civil flag.
As it turns out it is the Red Duster, therefore you are correct.

What was wrong with doing a "Nelson" to the last post? I prefer your version!
Stu

 

[VO5]

What was wrong with doing a "Nelson" to the last post? I prefer your version!
Stu

The thing is...although it appears the regulations specify a Red Duster as a courtesy flag for visiting vessels, many visitors choose to fly a Civil Flag.
Printed Civil Flags are cheap to buy and easily obtainable. Then therefore it gets flown, and, as I have discovered yesterday by carrying out an informal poll, visitors are sort of indifferent, but locals become enthused when seeing the Civil Flag displayed on a visiting yacht, myself included, I have to admit.

 

[chinita]

Yes.

I was misled into believing it was the civil flag.
As it turns out it is the Red Duster, therefore you are correct.

Well done, VO5, you have my enduring respect (well, for the time being anyway!).

Have a large Gin and put it on my chit.

 

[VexedIllologist]

Thanks and a query

it appears the regulations specify a Red Duster as a courtesy flag for visiting vessels

VO5, thanks for your local research and response.

Any pointers to the regulations you mention, please?

 

[VO5]

VO5, thanks for you research and response.

Any pointers to the regulations you mention, please?

Yes, here is my take on it...

If you come in to the marina after clearing and you don't want to be noticed, fly a Red Duster as a courtesy flag, and that's it, your boat will merge with all the other boats moored up.

If you want to be noticed and are interested in a "hearts and minds" excercise, and would like to be befriended, fly the Civil Flag. You can buy one in town for £2, say.

If you are a curmugeon and your intent is to be marginalised and positively disliked, try flying the Spanish Flag.

If you want to be totally ignored, don't fly anything at all.

 

[VexedIllologist]

Yes, here is my take on it...

If you come in to the marina after clearing and you don't want to be noticed, fly a Red Duster as a courtesy flag, and that's it, your boat will merge with all the other boats moored up.

If you want to be noticed and are interested in a "hearts and minds" excercise, and would like to be befriended, fly the Civil Flag. You can buy one in town for £2, say.

If you are a curmugeon and your intent is to be marginalised and positively disliked, try flying the Spanish Flag.

If you want to be totally ignored, don't fly anything at all.

VO5,

I have always found the people of Gibraltar very friendly and doubt that this would change as a result of whether a courtesy flag was being flown or which one it was, with the notable exception of the Spanish flag, of course!

 

[VO5]

VO5,

I have always found the people of Gibraltar very friendly and doubt that this would change as a result of whether a courtesy flag was being flown or which one it was, with the notable exception of the Spanish flag, of course!

Not only that. I have been all over the world during a lifetime of erratic peregrinations. I have never experienced a more generous lot than we have here.

Nearly every day there is a flag day in Main Street for all sorts of different charities.

The tins are always filled, no matter what its for, amazing.

Some ignorant blighter came into Marina Bay and made fast flying a Spanish flag on his Starboard Hoist. Last seen, no one on board.

Indignant letters appeared in the press commenting on it, seriously.

But no one has stepped forward to advise him of his Faux Pas.

One supposes no one will step forward to befriend him either, poor chap.

 

[VO5]

VexedIllologist...

I had a flash of memory ten minutes ago.

I remember hearing you sound the Bugle.

I am nearly certain it was at Sail 90, the Festival of Sail held in Amsterdam, in 1990. Present also were the Dar Parmoza, the Kruzenstein, The Christian Radisch, etc.,

I was skippering The Great Escape, the famous Dutch steel ketch ex Whitbread Round The World Yacht Race. I had a Dutch crew. They heard the bugle and called me up from the heads...pointing excitedly and yelling it was wonderful and typically British !

The Dutch Ensign was dipped but in all the action going on it was not noticed..

 

[VexedIllologist]

'Fraid not - 'tweren't me

VexedIllologist...

I had a flash of memory ten minutes ago.

I remember hearing you sound the Bugle.

I am nearly certain it was at Sail 90, the Festival of Sail held in Amsterdam, in 1990. Present also were the Dar Parmoza, the Kruzenstein, The Christian Radisch, etc.,

I was skippering The Great Escape, the famous Dutch steel ketch ex Whitbread Round The World Yacht Race. I had a Dutch crew. They heard the bugle and called me up from the heads...pointing excitedly and yelling it was wonderful and typically British !

The Dutch Ensign was dipped but in all the action going on it was not noticed..

Not me on that occasion, I am afraid. My Tall Ship tootling days ended before then.

Mind, you, I am glad that such traditions are being maintained!

Which ship was the bugle blown from?