Flag etiquette

[timangiel]

For Father's Day I was given one of those "Jolly Roger" skull and cross bone flags. As it was given to me by the most beautiful girl in the world (my step daughter) whom I do not want to disappoint, I would like to display it on my boat. Besides, they are kind of cool. But I don't want to do something that is against some kind of rule that is going to get me in trouble or piss everyone off. So my question is- are there any rules for such things or can I just do whatever I want?

[camaraderie]

Don't raise it till you're ready to fire a broadside! (G)
(Water balloons or spud launchers only please!)

[Gene T]

Not my style but you could just fly it from your spreader flag pennant. There aren't any real flag police, but I would avoid flying it from the transom, back stay or mast head.

[bestfriend]

There is a flag thread (or article)on here about flag etiquette, but I don't think that burgee is mentioned. The only real "rule" that I am aware of is flying the Stars and Stripes off the stern requires that you are Coast Guard certified and I read that on here.

[sailingdog]

You could always hang it up inside the boat, and explain to her that you didn't want the flag to get damaged/ruined by the sun, wind and weather.

[nightowle]

FYI - I see quite a few here in Seattle. There doesn't seem to be an issue. I'd just be careful of the other pirates cruising your locale! Biggest guns win.

[LaPlaya]

Originally Posted by sailingdog

You could always hang it up inside the boat, and explain to her that you didn't want the flag to get damaged/ruined by the sun, wind and weather.

Now thats a thinkin man!!
Newly commisioned Chief alibi officer>>>>sailingdog
AL

[sailingdog]

It makes it look like you actually thought about it..

[pmoyer]

Originally Posted by RickBowman

I have seen coasties order the Jolly Roger lowered.

I fly a Jack Rackham (for you non-Pyrate types, that's a black field with white skull and crossed swords - a Jolly Roger is skull and crossed bones). There is a captain (rather than just a skipper) at our marina who flies a Jolly Roger. We both fly them from the spreaders, rather than stern, staff, or masthead.

I've been passed many times by both CG and police boats, and received nothing but a friendly wave. I've wondered, though, if the response would be different in international waters. I'd not be flyin' it outside coastal US waters, I be thinkin'.

So the question, in my mind, stands. It may be accepted or allowed, but is it technically proper? Or even technically illegal? I mean, people speed all the time, but if it's "close" to the speed limit the police will usually let it slide. Is this a similar thing?

Cheers!

[TrueBlue]

Those skull and crossbones (or sabers) flags are not for me, but are all over the place in our cruising waters. Even though some may misconstrue the skippers who choose to display them as being lawless, I beleive it's just a harmless fun-loving attitude thing.

USCG officers who may board the Jolly Roger vessel, thinking the "pirates" are on a mission of pilfering our boats, women and material possessions, have their heads up their asses.