Proper display of U.S. flag or Ensign

[MKBLK]

Hi guys!

I smell Spring just around the bend (I hope!). For Christmas the 1st mate secured an Ensign for me to show my colors on my CP16, Pegasus. Chapman's states that it could be flown from either a staff on the transom or 2/3 up the leech of the mainsail (not on a backstay, even if I had one). Question is: How do you attach it to the sail? My flag has a pair of brass grommets. Is there a special clip that secures it to the sail? Answer this post soon, I know Spring is almost here!

Marty K.

[sailen69]

That is Kickingbug1 on the left.  He has his flag attached to his toppinglift.   I think he uses those plastic wire ties, sometimes called tie wraps or zip ties to attach his flag.  That is me on the right.  I have my flag on a pole that fits into my stern light socket.  I have seen the flag flown from a flag halyard attached to a spreader before but not the sail itself.

[kickingbug1]

    the flag you see on my topping lift was purchased from lowes garden center. it has a slot which the topping lift goes through. a knot at the bottom keeps it high off the boom. as you can see in a good wind it looks great and never interferes with anything. by the way rich that is one of my favorite pictures. i think mike g. took it

[capt_nemo]

Marty,

You should install two SMALL grommets in the leech of the sail 2/3 of the way UP the leech of the sail, the same distance apart as on the Ensign. They should be small enough to allow a lashing of several turns of light strong line connecting the two sets of grommets together. Recommend Dacron line to better endure the ultraviolet exposure. There are small removable spring loaded flag clips I've seen for joining the two, but I favor the soft textile approach for less potential damage to a flogging main'sl in a blow and readily renewable by the crew aboard if necessary.

The Ensign remains attached to the sail when doused, flaked and covered, ready for display during the next sail.

I fastened the Ensign to the gaff rigged boat I made in the way described above. Although mine was attached to the peak of the gaff, yours will be 2/3 the way up the leech. Here is a photo.



Hope this helps.

capt_nemo

[skip1930]

Flying The Flag:

The Ensign, every boat should fly it's national flag. The ensign may be flown from the stern or the 2/3 leech of the after sail.
 
The Burgee, a small flag displaying the symbol of the skipper's yacht club or other sailing organization. Although it may be flown day and night, in order to save wear and tear, it's usually lowered before the crew goes ashore.

Traditionally, the yacht club burgee is flown from the masthead on a short pole called a pig stick, but it may also be flown from the starboard standing rigging or a jack staff on the bow pulpit.

The Private Signal, is a small, custom-designed flag that carries symbols standing for the owner.

skip.

[MKBLK]

Thanks guys! I knew I would get a great response.

Marty K.

I decided to get a pair of spring clips from West Marine. I got the ones for halyards or topping lifts and they work very well. Thanks again to all for the responses and especially for the cool photos. Capt Nemo - what a beautiful vessel!