Jolly roger pennant - protocol question

Indeed, it is unlawful to fly the Jolly Roger in French, Belgian and Dutch waters. I found this out twenty yrs ago while chatting with the head of the Antwerp harbour police. Apparently, this rule was installed after WWII, when the sign was associated with branches of the Gestapo. Later, it became associated with neo-nazi movements. It might explain why people on the continent might take a different view...
 
[ QUOTE ]
When abroad, the RNSA burgee is moved the the inferior position on Port Spreader and the courtesy ensign is placed superior on Starboard Spreader.

Tim says the RYA booklet on flag etiquette explains all correctly.


[/ QUOTE ] The answer to this question is not that simple. From the RYA web page on flag etiquette: "If you fly your burgee at the starboard spreaders and are sailing in the territorial waters of another country you have a dilemma, however you choose to solve this, unless you fly your burgee at the top of the mast you will be contravening one or another element of flag etiquette."

No wonder flag etiquette has such a bad name.
 
[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
When abroad, the RNSA burgee is moved the the inferior position on Port Spreader and the courtesy ensign is placed superior on Starboard Spreader.

Tim says the RYA booklet on flag etiquette explains all correctly.


[/ QUOTE ] The answer to this question is not that simple. From the RYA web page on flag etiquette: "If you fly your burgee at the starboard spreaders and are sailing in the territorial waters of another country you have a dilemma, however you choose to solve this, unless you fly your burgee at the top of the mast you will be contravening one or another element of flag etiquette."

No wonder flag etiquette has such a bad name.

[/ QUOTE ]The odd line is regarding the 'dilemma'. I understand that the comments are not matched by those in the official RYA booklet.

Anyway, I will stand by what I have belived to be correct etiquette in the past, and which Hon Sec RNSA has assured me IS the correct etiquette.

Th real problem is that I can't get too worked up about flag etiquette anyway...
 
[ QUOTE ]
Th real problem is that I can't get too worked up about flag etiquette anyway...

[/ QUOTE ]

Be careful John, you are showing all the symptoms of well balanced personality syndrome, which initially manifests itself in an ability to prioritize the problems of life, the universe and everything. Goodness knows what acts of criminal common sense you may end up committing if you don't get this sorted quickly! /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

I must say that I, personally, don't have a problem with flag etiquette. Firstly because we are not currently members of a sailing club and second, because I often forget to put the bloomin things up in the first place.

Surely it's courteous to fly a courtesy flag in the most senior position on the spreaders, anywhere else could be construed (if not intended) as being an insult.
 
Where to get JR\'s and kit ....

Any decent Party shop has them small ... medium and biggies ...

Don't forget you can also get all sorts of flags ... Union, English, Scottish etc. etc. and normally a lot cheaper than some places I can think of.

You also have opportunity to buy the pirate outfits / scarves etc. plastic swords .....

make a party of it !!
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Share this page

Top