Royal Yacht Britannia - Ensign

beancounter

beancounter

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Visiting HMY Britannia at Leith was the nearest I got to boats over the weekend (sigh). I noticed that she had what looked like a blue ensign furled at the stern. Given that she would have flown a white whilst in service, what would the blue be signifying? Or was I mistaken?

John



<hr width=100% size=1>Fabricati Diem
 
I think it is a real pity in times when classic yachts are being re-engined and restored that the same was not done for Britannia.

John

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Last time I was there she appeared to be flying a blue ensign defaced with the Crown and Maltese Cross as used by the RFYC. Maybe she is a guest member?

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You'll find that the blue ensign is flown by the RFA and other government owned ships such as research ships. Some yacht clubs also have warrants to fly it. There are more defaced blue ensigns than you can throw a stick at, some yacht clubs, others not, such as Trinity House and HM customs.
Despite having seen her off Cowes several times I can't for the life of me recall which ensign Britannia flew when she was HRH's yacht. One of the "justifications" for Britannia was that she alledgedly doubled up as a hospital ship for the navy, which should make her RFA. I would have thought it was then, an undefaced blue ensign but I am probably wrong.

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Photos and models on board showed a white ensign at the stern when in service, with the motley collection of standards flying from the three masts. Can't remember what was at the bow.

I'd wondered if the blue at the stern indicated it was on a reserve or auxiliary list - tho' I'm not sure how easy it would be to recommission her...

She's well worth a visit - a beautiful vessel (for an oversized mobo...)

<hr width=100% size=1>Fabricati Diem
 
On duty.

My recollection of her colours when parked but on duty was:

White bordered union flag at bow.
Socking great royal ensign at mainmast
White ensign aft
Golden rivet in engineroom

Happy to be corrected though

<hr width=100% size=1><A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.writeforweb.com/twister1>Let's Twist Again</A>
 
Firstly, isn't it amazing how much flag etiquette vexes us?

Secondly, I believe that when the Brittania was HMY, it would have worn the white ensign, a commissioning pennant from the mast, the union flag from the bows when moored/anchored, and the royal standard and the union flag at the bow at all times when the boss was onboard.

Any other offers?

<hr width=100% size=1>At the end of the day - Sunset.
 
Wonder what HM thinks of her standard being decribed within the phrase 'with a motley collection of standards flying from the three masts'....

The number of times 'golden rivet' is mentioned by a member of the ships company is in direct proportion to the attractiveness of the young woman that is being entertained and the number of cocktails that she has consumed.

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"......such as Trinity House"

I think you will find Trinity House (NOT a government body) has a defaced RED ensign.

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