What Size Code Flags?

  • Thread starter Thread starter DJE
  • Start date Start date
DJE said:
For dressing overall a vessel of 8.8m overall length with an 11.0m mast?
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Assuming the mast is 1/3 of the way from the front, the total length required (thank you Mr Pythagoras) is about 24m. The Flag Loft sells sets of 40 code flags in various sizes. Since you need about 24m / 40 = 60cm = 24in per flag, the 21" x 18" set seems about right, at just £360. Or you could splash out £450 on the 30" x 24" size, but the gaps needed means you wouldn't use them all.

Alternatively, this smaller set from Safety Marine works out at 7.3m total height, so two of them with 10cm gaps would fit nicely, at only £69.95 each.

Finally, this lot do an ominously unpriced set of 69 code flags in what apparently is the correct admiralty order, taking up 3 x 10m in all.
 
AH but . Do all the flags measure the same?

FYI

600e582e.jpg
 
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Nothing wrong with the cheaper Chinese sets from the likes of mail order companies. Don't buy the ones on one string as it will never fit exactly. Remove the toggles and strings and buy some tape the right length, and then do some maths and measuring before sewing directly onto your tape. It will then fit your boat, and then make a ply board with notches each end to wind the dressing line up each time so easily stored and unwound, when you want to use it.

>______< like this
 
If you are going to do it, ignore the 'correct order' and make up some amusing (to you) message*. You'll enjoy it, and so will approximately one in a thousand of the assembled multitude•.

*Could I suggest something involving a politician's name and a physical act?
• But avoid saying anything risible about the RN in case there's a current or ex bunting ****** around.
 
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DJE said:
For dressing overall a vessel of 8.8m overall length with an 11.0m mast?
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Dressed over all once, then I realised why it's only done on special occasions.

What a faff!

Not only do you have to put them up in the right order, get the bits of string to the right length, you spend most of the next day untying the who blooming lot and sorting them back into the little flag bags in the right order!
 
snooks said:
Dressed over all once, then I realised why it's only done on special occasions.

What a faff!

Not only do you have to put them up in the right order, get the bits of string to the right length, you spend most of the next day untying the who blooming lot and sorting them back into the little flag bags in the right order!
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I'm with Mudisox on this one. I made up dressing lines and hoist them on all possible occasions.

Last boat
Flipper4Sept04atMarconi.jpg

Current boat
Hornet002.jpg

Same flags
 
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You appear to have directed me to The Archers, which comes close to earning a space on my as yet empty "ignore" list.

My old yachting book circa 1948 gives this order for dressing, which we have used, and given the time it would take to re-tie will probably stay;

flags.jpg
 
DJE said:
If you can get to Vannes in the Morbihan early next July then there may well be.
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ooo now you're talking. we were there in 2007 for 14th July - a brilliant weekend. They run the parade and fireworks on 13th as well just to make two nights of it!! The first night we sat on the boat and watched the fireworks from a distance, the second night we walked right up to opposite the castle to watch the display from close up. About the best I've ever seen especially with the music and narration of the story at the same time.

thoroughly recommend it.
 
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