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flag etiquette

Discussion in 'General Yachting Discussion' started by 11roberto11, Apr 7, 2012.

  1. 11roberto11

    11roberto11 New Member

    Joined:
    Apr 7, 2012
    Messages:
    3
    Location:
    bahamas
    hello everybody,
    My name is Roberto, I just registered on Yacht Forum but I visited the pages of YF many times and found so many interesting topics...
    I had a discussion days ago with a friend about the flags to use on board.
    I would like to have your suggestions.
    On internet and at sea there are opposite opinions.
    Where the Q flag must be raised ? on the Port or the Starboard ??
    and the courtesy flag must be raised with the Q flag or when the Q flag is lowered ??
    last question:
    on my knowledge the national flag must be up from 8 in the morning to the sunset and always when the boat is sailing. Are you agree ??
    but what I have to do if the boat is at anchor ??
    Thanks a lot for your time

    ciao
    Roberto
  2. discokachina

    discokachina Senior Member

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    Ft. Lauderdale
  3. maldwin

    maldwin Senior Member

    Joined:
    Sep 20, 2009
    Messages:
    344
    Location:
    Dark Harbor Me/ Hobe Sound Fl
    I am always surprised at the amount of millions people spend on their boats, and ruin the look by ignoring flag etiquette.
    Best,
    Maldwin
  4. K1W1

    K1W1 Senior Member

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    Location:
    My Office
    Hi,

    If folks are spending millions on their boat they probably ain't touching the flags themselves.
  5. Pascal

    Pascal Senior Member

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    Feb 29, 2008
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    Location:
    Miami, FL
    Q flag goes up... After you are cleared it comes down and is replaced by courtesy flag...

    What really bugs me is the number of boats still flying Bahamian courtesy flags after they come back! It s like "hey look at me I went to the Bahamas". Pathetic!
  6. 11roberto11

    11roberto11 New Member

    Joined:
    Apr 7, 2012
    Messages:
    3
    Location:
    bahamas
    thank you discokachina,
    I read the article and practically said that rules for Q/courtesy flag change depending on places.
    So where is possible to find the specific rules.
    maldwin, you look like an expert, please give me your advice!

    thank you
    Roberto
  7. 11roberto11

    11roberto11 New Member

    Joined:
    Apr 7, 2012
    Messages:
    3
    Location:
    bahamas
    thank you Pascal, I was doing as you say.
    but I saw many yacht coming in with the Q flag on the port and the courtesy on the starboard halyard and lowered the Q after custom.....
  8. Pascal

    Pascal Senior Member

    Joined:
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    Messages:
    8,688
    Location:
    Miami, FL
    On many boats options are limited. Sometime you have to fly them from an antenna which may not be on the starboard side. I ve seen people flying the courtesy flag at the bow...
    But afaik, the Q flag is always flown alone and replaced with the courtesy, not together.

    Now if someone had not removed the courtesy flag when going back home, then when they go back to the Bahamas they may hoist the Q while the courtesy flag is still up...