On any non-commercial vessel, you can usually find these four different types of flags:
- Ensign – a variety of national flag
- Burgee – a flag representing a boating organization
- Private Signal – a small custom-made flag for the boat owner
- Courtesy – the flag of a foreign country for an onboard guest or when you are in foreign waters
What is a burgee on a boat?
A burgee is a distinguishing flag, regardless of its shape, of a recreational boating organization. In most cases, they have the shape of a pennant. Yacht clubs and their members may fly their club's burgee while under way and at anchor, day or night.
Why buy custom Burgee Flags?
Flags have been used for centuries to tell stories, and they are just as effective today. Whether you are looking to promote your brand, commemorate a special occasion, give a unique gift or bring attention to your favorite cause, a beautifully crafted custom burgee flag is a great way to go.
What are some examples of Burgee Flags?
Here are some burgee examples: Ensign —an ensign, according to Wikipedia, is “the national flag flown on a vessel to indicate nationality. The ensign is the largest flag, generally flown at the stern of the ship.”
What is the difference between a pennant and a burgee?
A pennant is a flag that is larger at the hoist than at the fly and can be triangular, tapering or swallow-tailed. A burgee is the pennant that identifies a recreational boating organization.
What is the purpose of a burgee flag?
A pennant is a flag that is larger at the hoist than at the fly and can be triangular, tapering or swallow-tailed. A burgee is the pennant that identifies a recreational boating organization.
How do you fly a burgee flag?
0:052:05How to Fly a Burgee from a Busy Masthead | Sailing Britaly - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipHello in today's sailing tips video we're going to talk about how you can get a flag or a BurgiMoreHello in today's sailing tips video we're going to talk about how you can get a flag or a Burgi above a very busy masthead. Imagine that this is our masthead. And we've got a Windex and a VHF antenna
What is the fly on a burgee?
“The Burgee is a small flag displaying the symbol of the skipper's yacht club or other sailing organization. It may be flown day and night. Most people opt to fly the burgee lower in the rig, hoisted to the end of the lowest starboard spreader on a thin flag halyard.
What size is a burgee flag?
Burgee SizesPowerboat LengthBurgee SizeBurgee Size29' to 33'14x21" burgee14x21" burgee34' to 38'16x24" burgee16x24" burgee39' to 43'18x27" burgee18x27" flag44' to 48'20x30" burgee20x30" burgee3 more rows
What is the meaning of burgee?
Definition of burgee 1 : a swallow-tailed flag used especially by ships for signals or identification. 2 : the usually triangular identifying flag of a yacht club.
How do you pronounce burgee flag?
0:051:00How To Say Burgee - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipBeijing y de allí beijing beijing y de allí va allí.MoreBeijing y de allí beijing beijing y de allí va allí.
What is a yacht club flag called?
Yacht and sailing clubs have flags to distinguish them, called a burgee. Most yacht club burgees are pennant (three sided) shaped like the HYC burgee, but a few clubs use swallow-tailed flags, while a very few use rectangular flags.
Where do you fly a burgee on a sailboat?
Traditionally, the burgee is flown at the head (top) of the forwardmost mast on a small pole (called a pig stick) hoisted on a light halyard (flag halyard). Hoisting a pig stick is an art.
How do you fold a burgee?
1:183:38US and Ohio Flag Folding - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd that tail gets wrapped and put back underneath the original fold and that is how we fold theMoreAnd that tail gets wrapped and put back underneath the original fold and that is how we fold the u.s. flag. So when we carry it off the field. And carry it like that. You hide a flag the Bergy.
What size flag should I fly on my boat?
How large of a flag for my boat? For aesthetically pleasing proportions, we recommend a flag that is 1" long for every 1' of boat length. The staff should be twice the length of the flag's vertical edge. For example, a 33' boat should fly a 24" x 36" Yacht Ensign nautical flag on a 48" flag staff.
What size flag do you fly on a boat?
So a 30 foot vessel should fly a national ensign that has at least a 30 inch fly. All other flags on power boats should be 5/8 inch on the fly for each foot of overall length. On sailboats, however, they should be 1/2 inch on the fly for each foot above the waterline of the tallest mast on the boat.
What is a yacht ensign flag?
A yacht ensign is a flag allowed by some nations to be hoisted as the national ensign (instead of the civil ensign) by yachts. As with any other civil ensign, the yacht ensign is the largest flag on board, and is normally flown at the stern (rear) of the ship.
Where do you fly a burgee on a power boat?
The burgee is flown from the bow staff on a powerboat, while most sailboats fly the burgee from the starboard spreader. The traditional position at the top of the mast is no longer used because of interference with wind sensors and antennas. Normally a vessel displays only one burgee at a time.
Where do you fly a courtesy flag on a yacht?
starboard spreaderThe courtesy flag is flown at the boat's starboard spreader, whether the ensign is at the stern staff, or flown from the leech. If there is more than one mast, the courtesy flag is flown from the starboard spreader of the forward mast.
How does a masthead fly work?
A masthead fly, with a wind arrow, goes at the top of the mast and points into the wind. You can also use your sails to find wind direction. When you ease your sails, they will luff and line up with the wind.
What is a yacht club flag called?
Burgee and Flag Etiquette. Yacht and sailing clubs use flags to distinguish them, called a Burgee. Typically yacht club burgees are pennant shaped like our MYC burgee. Flying the burgee is an important part of belonging to a yacht club and our members should fly our burgee with pride.
What is a Burgee flag?
The Custom Burgee Flag is our most popular product for boats, marinas or any nautical themed activities. Flags have been used for centuries to tell stories, and they are just as effective today. Whether you are looking to promote your brand, commemorate a special occasion, give a unique gift or bring attention to your favorite cause, a beautifully crafted custom burgee flag is a great way to go. For information on different shapes of custom flags, click on the images below.
Where to fly a Burgee?
Sailing vessels may fly the burgee either from the main masthead or from a halyard under the lowermost starboard spreader. Most all powerboats (i.e., those lacking any mast or having a single mast) fly the burgee off a short staff at the bow; two-masted power vessels fly the burgee at the foremast.
What is the standard flag material?
Our standard material for custom flags is a 200D nylon. This material prints beautifully and flies just as well - the reason it is the standard flag material in the US. We will also print custom flags on our 110g poly from time to time, and that is available upon request.
How long do outdoor flags last?
According to US Government Standards, a high-quality outdoor flag will have a life expectancy of 90 days, and BestFlag’s warranty is designed to match this standard. There are a number of factors that will impact lifespan, many of which vary by region, especially weather conditions like sun/UV intensity and wind. We use a high-quality UV-protected nylon and durable double-needle lockstitch sewing to minimize the impact of these (unfortunately) unavoidable environmental factors and to maximize the life of your flag. And while we can’t guarantee it for every use, most customers will find their flags last about double this government standard - around 6 months!
How are double sided flags made?
Double sided flags are made by printing two pieces of fabric and sewing them together with a blockout liner in between. This construction allows for your image to read correctly on both the front and back, or gives the option of using completely different artwork on each side.
What is a spirit flag pole?
The spirit flag pole is an 8’ 2-piece aluminum pole, designed for you to carry (or run!) your flag around for a game or a parade.
How to clean a dirty flag?
If your flag gets dirty, we recommend using a mild detergent and cool water on a gentle cycle for cleaning. Smaller flags are recommended to be hand washed or placed in a garment bag before washing. Please avoid any bleach or harsh chemicals that can be damaging to the fabric. After washing, please air dry your flag (if you need to use a dryer, please use the lowest possible heat setting, and note that shrinkage is possible). To remove any wrinkles or creasing, steaming is the best option though you may also iron your flag on a low heat setting. Most outdoor flags will lose their creases and wrinkles once flying on the pole.
What is Burgee and Flag Etiquette?
researched by Carlos Tessi. When mariners started crossing the oceans, flags were an important communications tool between ships when at sea and even ashore. Lives depended on correct interpretation of their meaning, especially on fighting ships. Today, proper use of flags is not just a way to identify vessels ...
Where did the colors of Burgee come from?
The colors of our burgee originate as a homage to where our Founder began sailing, the Bay Head Yacht Club in New Jersey. Members of that club encouraged Commodore Fortenbaugh to pursue his dream of reintroducing sailing to New York Harbor.
What color is the Manhattan Yacht Club Burgee?
To reflect this origin, the MYC burgee was created by wrapping the BHYC burgee with a band of red, making it “Red, White & Blue,” especially appropriate for sailing in front of the Statue of Liberty. The original Manhattan Yacht Club burgee has been preserved since the Club’s founding in 1987.
What is the flagpole of a yacht club?
The flagpole includes a yardarm and gaff and is facing to the sea. A Yacht Club building (or clubhouse) is traditionally considered to be a vessel and not part of land.
Why is the nautical flagpole controversial?
The traditions of the nautical flagpole are not commonly known among the public and often generate controversy because no flag is ever meant to flown in a position of greater honor than our national ensign. People see the club burgee flying higher than the national ensign.
What is the difference between a pennant and a burgee?
A pennant is a flag that is larger at the hoist than at the fly and can be triangular, tapering or swallow-tailed. A burgee is the pennant that identifies a recreational boating organization.
Why do we use flags?
Today, proper use of flags is not just a way to identify vessels and boating organizations, but to give important instructions, make announcements, warn of approaching storms, and mostly to honor and keep alive the naval traditions and seamanship spirit of those sailors that preceded us.
What is a Burgee flag?
Burgee —a burgee, according to Wikipedia, is “a distinguishing flag, regardless of its shape, of a recreational boating organization. In most cases, they have the shape of a long, tapering, usually triangular flag.” On another page, Wikipedia goes on to say, “Members belonging to a yacht club or sailing organization may fly their club’s burgee both while underway and at anchor (however, not while racing). Sailing vessels may fly the burgee from the main masthead or from a lanyard under the starboard spreader on the mast. Power boats fly the burgee off a short staff on the bow.” Here are some burgee examples:
Where do you fly the Burgee?
Sailing vessels may fly the burgee from the main masthead or from a lanyard under the starboard spreader on the mast. Power boats fly the burgee off a short staff on the bow.”. Here are some burgee examples: Ensign —an ensign, according to Wikipedia, is “the national flag flown on a vessel to indicate nationality.
What is the flag called that represents the letter of the alphabet?
Flag —One class of flags is called the “international maritime signal flags.”. According to Wikipedia, there is a signal flag “for each letter of the alphabet, and pennant for numerals. Each flag (except the R flag) has an additional meaning when flown individually, and they take on other meanings in certain combinations.”.
What does the ensign mean on a ship?
Ensign —an ensign, according to Wikipedia, is “the national flag flown on a vessel to indicate nationality. The ensign is the largest flag, generally flown at the stern of the ship.” According to the US Power Squadron, the national ensign should represent the registry of the vessel, not the nationality of the owner or operator. When in harbor the ensign should be hoisted at 0800 (called “making the colors”) and lowered at sunset (called “striking the colors”), weather permitting. The ensign is the first flag hoisted or placed and the last flag lowered or secured.
How big should the flag be on a boat?
According to the US Power Squadron, “Flags are often too small…The national ensign flown at a flag staff on the stern of your boat should be one inch on the fly (long end) for each foot of overall length.”. Flag —One class of flags is called the “international maritime signal flags.”.
What does a flag represent on a boat?
They could be a personal flag that represents the boat owner. Flags representing the make of the boat or port -of-call might be flown.
What is a pennant flag?
Here is a flag representing New Bern, NC: Pennant —a pennant is used on ships for signaling or identification. They can be triangular shaped or have a swallowtail. Many fun pennants can be seen on vessels, the most common is the jolly roger.
What is a burgee in sailing?
Y acht and sailing clubs use flags to distinguish them, called a Burgee. Typically yacht club burgees are pennant shaped like our MYC burgee. Flying the burgee is an important part of belonging to a yacht club and our members should fly our burgee with pride. Powerboats fly the burgee from their bow, while most sailboat fly the burgee from ...
Where do sailboats fly the Burgee?
Powerboats fly the burgee from their bow, while most sailboat fly the burgee from the starboard spreader. The traditional position at the top of the mast is no longer used because of wind sensors and antennas.
How many square flags are there in the nautical flag?
The flags can be used alone or in combination with another flag. Nautical flags are made up of 26 square flags (which represent the letters of the alphabet) along with 10 numbered pendants; one answering pendant and three substitutes or repeaters.
Why are nautical flags important?
Nautical flags and the knowledge of their meanings are valuable at sea in case of danger or breakdowns in other communications systems such as radio.
Why is the national ensign on a ship recognizable?
A ship’s national ensign is immediately recognizable because it flies farthest aft and normally flown from a staff on the vessel’s stern. It is also permissible on a sailboat to fly it from the leech of the aft-most sail about two-thirds of the way up; or from the peak of the gaff on a gaff-rigged vessel.
What is the nautical flag?
Nautical flags are an international code system used for two ships to signal to each other or for a ship to signal to shore. They are also called signaling nautical flags. Using a group of different colored flags, shaped flags and markings each one has a different meaning.
What is the national ensign?
National Ensign (50-Star US flag) The 50 star “stars and stripes” flag is also known as the national ensign afloat. It is the most important flag on board and identifies the vessel’s national character which may be different than the owners.
EASY-GUIDE
simply follow these instructions when you design & upload the artwork for your Burgee flags.
Pantone Colour Chart
1. What Are The Main Types Of Flags Flown On Boats? On any non-commercial vessel, you can usually find these four different types of flags:
