Flag-Officers Flags These flags are flown by day and night while
the owner is either on board or in effective control of the vessel.
Flag-Officers flags normally incorporate the Club Burgee. In this
case it is not necessary to fly a Club Burgee in addition; Past
Commodores’ flags conform to these rules.
Courtesy Flags
It is customary in foreign ports to fly a miniature version of the
National Maritime Ensign as a courtesy flag at the starboard
spreaders. Only one courtesy flag should normally be flown.
Courtesy flags should only be flown above (superior to) any other
flags on the same halyard.
Local Flags
Local Flags should not be flown in lieu of courtesy flags but can be
flown at the port spreader in addition to them. Within the British
Isles, courtesy flags are not strictly necessary. Scotland, Northern
Ireland, Wales, Isle Of Man, Jersey, Guernsey, Alderney, Sark and
Herm may however be flown at the starboard spreader, out of politeness.
House Flags
Some owners and organisations have private flags; these may be
flown in harbour at the port spreader. Such flags should only be
flown at the same time as Ensigns and Burgees.
Salutes
It is customary for yachts to salute both warships of all nations and flag officers of
their own Club.
Salutes are made by dipping the ensign only.
Salutes are acknowledged by the other vessel also dipping her Ensign in response
and re-hoisting it. The saluting yacht should then re-hoist her Ensign.
Tony Mead
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