Yachts, Burgees and Yacht Club Signal Flag Etiquette

Yachts, Burgees and Signal Flag Etiquette

I heard the term Burgee the other day and wondered what it was. After doing some research about yachts, yacht clubs and how they use maritime signal flags I thought it would be great to share some info on my blog.

The Club Burgee. An owner who is a member of more than one club should fly the burgee of the club in whose waters he is cruising at his masthead. A second (or more) club burgees can be flown from the starboard yardarm – if the particular club rules permit. If the yachts are outside the home waters of any of the owners clubs, then the flag and the ensign of the senior club should be flown.

Dressed overall for private occasions – such as an Open regatta day. Yachts dressed overall make a wonderful spectacle and add to the atmosphere of any regatta. At the mast head the correct burgee with an appropriate ensign should be worn; if the yacht has two masts then it may fly a house flag at the mizzen truck.

According to the USPS it does matter. starting at the waterline forward to the waterline aft, by way of bow spirits, and mast heads. Flags and pennants are bent on alternately rather then indiscriminate manner. 2 flags, 1 pennant,2 flags, 1 pennant. Starting forward AB2, UJ1,KE3,GH6, IV5, FL4, DM7, PO third repeater, RN first repeater, ST Zero, CX9, WQ8, ZY Second repeater. S/V Trinity

Full set signal flags bow to stern

On a national occasion, it becomes correct to fly an ensign at the masthead. If abroad it would be correct etiquette to fly that countries ensign on the taff rail. The above information is a brief synopsis from: Norfolk & Suffolk Boating Association http://www.thegreenbook.org.uk/home/flag_etiquette.asp

Yacht club burgee- Yacht club burgee
This picture shows an actual burgee

Burgee of Barrachois Harbor Yacht Club, Nova Scotia, Canada
Members belonging to a yacht club or sailing organization may fly their club’s unique triangular burgee both while underway and at anchor (however, not while racing). Traditionally, the burgee was flown from the main masthead, however it may also be flown from a small pole on the bow pulpit, or even the starboard rigging beneath the lowest starboard spreader on a flag halyard.

Traditionally, the first time a member of one club visits another; there is an exchange of burgees. Exchanged burgees are then often displayed on the premise of each, such as at a club office or bar.