Ensigns and burgees

[Bollyfish]

We have a 4.8m RIB with an A frame (thanks to Olly). What are the rules on ensigns and burgees re size and location? We have just bought a new nav light on a pole to fly the ensign, but I don't know how big it should be for that size of boat. Also we are members of the RNSA and RMSA and also our marina (once we've sorted out the berth) and our burgees are in the post. Any ideas????? We want to look the part, but don't want to over-do it either.

Thanks,
Kathy and Izzy

[Simon Hawkins]

Originally Posted by Bollyfish

We have a 4.8m RIB with an A frame (thanks to Olly). What are the rules on ensigns and burgees re size and location? We have just bought a new nav light on a pole to fly the ensign, but I don't know how big it should be for that size of boat. Also we are members of the RNSA and RMSA and also our marina (once we've sorted out the berth) and our burgees are in the post. Any ideas????? We want to look the part, but don't want to over-do it either.

Thanks,
Kathy and Izzy

Their is no size restriction on ensigns, but be careful that it does not block sight of the Navigation lights. Also you will not be allowed to fly a Blue ensign unless you were or are connected with the armed forces. One other point to remeber is if you have any large flags to ensure that these do not trail near the propellor for obvious reasons, yes I have seen it done.

[Louise]

And don't forget the most important one - the RIBnet burgee! PM Cookee if you want to buy one.

[Zippy]

Originally Posted by Simon Hawkins

Their is no size restriction on ensigns, but be careful that it does not block sight of the Navigation lights. Also you will not be allowed to fly a Blue ensign unless you were or are connected with the armed forces. One other point to remeber is if you have any large flags to ensure that these do not trail near the propellor for obvious reasons, yes I have seen it done.

Not strictly true about the Blue ensign and armed forces. if you are a member of a club that has a royal warrent to fly a blue ensign they its allowed.

[Simon Hawkins]

Zippy. Can agree with that but thought it went outside of the scope of the question.

[Zippy]

Originally Posted by Simon Hawkins

Zippy. Can agree with that but thought it went outside of the scope of the question.

Point taken. i think flying an ensign and or burgee should be encouraged. as a former sailor where tradition is everything we were frowned on if the ensign wasnt up at dawn and down at dusk. (Racing excluded of course)

Think im right in saying officially burgees should be flown starboard side of the mast. not sure how this equates to ribs and A frames but then we are not a clickie as some sailors!

[Hightower]

RIBnet Burgee on starboard, St George on Portside and Scull & Crossbones on the mast head. I'm also planning on a Figurehead as well.

[Simon Hawkins]

Originally Posted by Zippy

Think im right in saying officially burgees should be flown starboard side of the mast. not sure how this equates to ribs and A frames but then we are not a clickie as some sailors!

Zippy

From my former days of sailing, you are correct in saying you fly the burgee on the starbourd side of the mast just under the cross trees, therefore the same principle would apply to non masted boats, the starboard side.

[Bollyfish]

Thanks very much for the advice. Just for the record, we are both connected to the Armed Forces and are members of the Royal Navy Sailing Association and the Royal Marines Sailing Association. That coupled with registration on the SSR and you can fly a blue ensign ......as long as you're over 7m LOA .....which we're not! Gutted! Thanks very much guys!

Louise - I'm on the case of the RIBnet burgee too (why not?!) . All we need now is some bunting and Andy's figurehead idea and we'll be on our way!!

Thanks,
Kathy

[Searider]

Club burgees starboard side.
Most senior club burgee above others if flying more than one (RNSA at top of course!).
If flying a blue ensign (can't as under 7m or 2 GRT must get bigger boat) must also fly appropriate club burgee and have warrant on board.
Signal flags port side.
Ensign can go on centreline or starboard side but generally below burgees.
House flag (family crest etc.) can go at masthead above all others.

[Rogue Wave]

I am thinking of having a burgee made up for my Avon which says something along the lines of 'my other boats a Scorpion'

[Hightower]

Originally Posted by Searider

Club burgees starboard side.
Most senior club burgee above others if flying more than one (RNSA at top of course!).
If flying a blue ensign (can't as under 7m or 2 GRT must get bigger boat) must also fly appropriate club burgee and have warrant on board.
Signal flags port side.
Ensign can go on centreline or starboard side but generally below burgees.
House flag (family crest etc.) can go at masthead above all others.

Skull and Crossbone on the Mast head light pole.

[Daniel TD5]

they do look the dog bits

heres mine

DAN TD5

[CJL]

Originally Posted by Hightower

RIBnet Burgee on starboard, St George on Portside and Scull & Crossbones on the mast head. I'm also planning on a Figurehead as well.

Its actually against the law to fly a skull and crossbones on a boat.


Chris

[Hightower]

They can come and arrest me, guilty as charged ma lord!!

If they can waste good old tax payers money on chasing motorists eating apples, then imagine what the Newspaper headlines would say about this......Bring it on!

[CJL]

I dont think anybody has been nicked on that one for a while!

Can't still get hanged for killing a swan or something!

When I`ve been on windermere the swans get so close it feels like they'll have your fingers off.

I was teaching sailing up there once and a girl did get bitten/nipped. She was balling the place down so it must have hurt.

Chris