Red Ensign usage on the non-tidal Thames?

[watson1959]

During the survey yesterday I discovered a very nclean (possibly unused!) Red Ensign mounted on a flagpole hidden away on the boat.

Question: what is the correct etiquette for its use when boating on the non-tidal Thames?
I've look throughout the forums and although there are a zillion posts which include 'Ensign' as a search-word, I've yet to find one which answers this specific question.

I don't plan to wear a Vice-Admirals cap whilst on board, however I'm interested to understand the generally accepted use of the Red Ensign so as to avoid insult wherever possible.


We also have a beautifully made solid brass ship's cannon on wooden carriage which fire's blanks (made for starting races), which I would like to make use of on the front deck, whilst passing the millions of picnic parties along the bank at Rivermead....assuming this to completely unacceptable?

Simon

 

[Dave_Seager]

We cruise on the River Thames and wear the red ensign whether we are on the tidal or non-tidal part of the river as do most members of our club. It is not necessary but we like to observe these traditions. I also try to remember to lower and hoist the ensign at the appropriate times.

I also approve of your having a new ensign. Some people seem to think that a tatty old flag suggests that they are experienced old salts. Personally, I feel a tatty flag is just tatty and should be replaced.

 

[watson1959]

Ensign

I quite agree...tidy or not at all....but then again I hate collars undone whilst wearing a tie so I am probably ill-equipped to make these decisions

When should the Ensign be raised and when lowered?

Thanks

Simon

 

[boatone]

When should the Ensign be raised and when lowered?

In the morning when you're sober enough to raise it, and in the evening before you're too drunk to lower it.

Should you ever stay at Lord Ashmount's estate (don't ask) do ensure that you observe the formalities or some killjoy across the river will ring him up and complain (they really did !!! )

 

[watson1959]

Rasing and lowering the Ensign

In the morning when you're sober enough to raise it, and in the evening before you're too drunk to lower it.

Should you ever stay at Lord Asmount's estate (don't ask) do ensure that you observe the formalities or some killjoy across the river will ring him up and complain (they really did !!! )

You're making an assumption that my brief periods of sobriety coincide with yours...however thank you for the clarification. I shall do my best to respect the norm.

That said, the enigma of Lord Asmount and his prickly neighbours may become a temptation too far....perhaps an appropriate time to use the ship's cannon.

 

[No Regrets]

In the morning when you're sober enough to raise it, and in the evening before you're too drunk to lower it.

Should you ever stay at Lord Asmount's estate (don't ask) do ensure that you observe the formalities or some killjoy across the river will ring him up and complain (they really did !!! )

Asmount?

Is he a gay relative of Lord Ashmount?

 

[oldgit]

We normally fly our red on the upper Thames with my club burgee underneath,unless we up to something dodgy or speeding in which case we fly a BCC burgee we swiped from somewhere.

 

[No Regrets]

I always leave the duster up, but use a pair of 'Legacy' stickers for the same nefarious type purposes...

 

[oldgit]

I always leave the duster up, but use a pair of 'Legacy' stickers for the same nefarious type purposes...

limping about on one engine for authenticity no doubt ?

 

[Ramage]

No, "No Regrets" has 1 & 1/2 engines. The broker told him it was a "wing" engine but he failed to notice it has no wings.....

 

[Lakesailor]

What is a tie?

 

[Brayman]

What is a tie?

It's what stops your trousers from falling down

 

[oldgit]

It's what stops your trousers from falling down

Whats he a doing on ere....been evicted from the Lounge ?

 

[[2574]]

When should the Ensign be raised and when lowered?

Thanks

Simon

Up at 08.00 local and down at 21.00 local or twilight if earlier. Alternatively watch the senior ship present in the port and do as they do.

We've wholeheartedly adopted the ensign custom on our boat as we were fortunate to do our RYA training with (the late) Robert Avis (Commander RNR) who was a stickler for adherence to the custom. We know keep it up in remembrance of him.

rob

 

[Ramage]

Whats he a doing on ere....been evicted from the Lounge ?

Shhh! Don't scare him off, he may post some artistic photographs......

 

[BobMod]

Sunrise or senior ship up and Sunset or senior ship down... Full pipe at sundown please... and role out the cannon only when you see a large amount of cananda geese being fed by adults (the guilt when kids are feeding them is too great..)

 

[watson1959]

... and role out the cannon only when you see a large amount of cananda geese being fed by adults (the guilt when kids are feeding them is too great..)

Does one not accumulate additional points for removing noisey minors at the same time? Seems such a wasted opportunity.... Canadian Sh*te Hawks, those who encourage them and their sprogs all at the same time.....seems more like a triple-play-bonus with accelerators to me.