Flag Etiquette of the South Flathead Yacht Club

By James Maxwell, Secretary 2022

 Flag etiquette is a hotly debated topic amongst yacht clubs. There are some common threads and what may be considered best practices to be found in the surprisingly large amount of literature on the subject. To this end, drawing from multiple sources and yacht clubs, the following is only a suggestion for the SFYC and no sailor is going to be given demerits or have their slip taken way for not following it. What this document will do is set a standard for those who wish to follow it and hopefully inspire others to do the same.

-National Ensign

 To be flown from the stern of a single masted yacht between 0800 and sunset unless the vessel is gaff rigged. If so rigged the ensign is to be flown from the peak of the gaff of the rearmost sail. If not returning to a moored yacht by sunset the ensign should be lowered and stowed. It is not flown while racing. 

-Club Burgee

 The club burgee should be flown from either the truck (top) of the mast or if unable, the starboard spreader. A pigstick can be used to access the top of a mast. As noted by the Shore Acres Yacht Club, who’s burgee has been in its present form form since 1890 “Flying a pig stick indicates the yacht is in excellent trim because having the gear and skills to fly a pig stick denote a significant amount of knowledge and experience.” The burgee should not be flown while racing.

-Officer Flag

 Officers of the SFYC should fly their flag of office below the club burgee on the starboard spreader or truck. It may replace the private symbol if flown. These flags should only be flown when the officer is aboard the vessel.

-Private Symbol

 Private symbols can be flown from the truck of the mast, port spreader, or bow.

-Observance of Colors

Every Saturday when the club is in session colors shall be observed at 0800 with the playing of our National Anthem. It is suggested members who are up shall display their vessels ensign and face the main flagpole until the Anthem has concluded. Ensigns should be removed at local sunset.

This is not a comprehensive list of yacht flag etiquette. Much like the rules of racing it can fill a surprising volume. However, the basics are pretty easy to pick up and it is my hope that this will give you the confidence to put flags on your yacht with pride.