yacht dress flags

Dressing Ship with Nautical Flags

If you’ve ever attended a regatta or other large boating event, you’ve probably noticed that the ships are adorned with brightly colored boat flags that are both beautiful to look at and that convey U.S. and international codes and signals. The nautical signal flags you see flying from the masts are carefully selected based on their meanings and are raised following strict protocol.

Anatomy of a Dressed Ship

A ship is considered “dressed” when the largest national ensign assigned to the ship is flown from the flagstaff with a national ensign displayed at each masthead. National ensigns at the masthead must be of uniform size, except if there is a substantial difference in the heights of the mastheads.

Stretching down from the masthead is a rainbow of nautical signal flags that reach all the way to the foot of the jackstaff, and then to the foot of the flagstaff. When the boat flags are displayed in that way, the ship is considered fully dressed. Usually, a ship is dressed from stemhead to masthead, masthead to masthead and then to the taffrail. A ship need not be dressed with an array of signal flags as long as it has an ensign flying from each masthead.

Types of Nautical Signal Flags and Associated Customs

Boat flags are much more than simply for decoration. There are some flags that have universal meaning in international waters, and they might let other sailors know a ship’s purpose, warnings or even be sending distress signals. For example, the “alphabet” flags have meanings that include B (Bravo), which indicates that the ship is taking on or discharging explosives; F (Foxtrot), which means that the ship is disabled and requests that another ship communicate with the crew; M (Mike), which lets other seamen know that there is a doctor on board; W (Whiskey) which means that a member of the crew or a passenger requires medical assistance; Y (Yankee) which indicates that the vessel is dragging its anchor, and others. Even NATO uses these same flags alone or in short sets to communicate unclassified messages.

Traditionally, the nautical signal flags are made up of 26 square flags (the alphabet flags), 10 numbered pendants and three substitutes (or “repeaters”). Flags only come in red, blue, yellow, black and white because those are the most easily recognizable colors at sea.

In What Order Should Boat Flags Fly?

Sometimes a navy will prescribe a specific flag order for a war ship in order to ensure that there are no hidden meanings conveyed or interpreted by the order of the flags. Also, some navies like to have uniformity in the appearance of their ships. However, in most cases, a seaman selects the order of his flags only to evenly distribute the flag colors, but without a specific order, theme or purpose. Often, there is a deliberate avoidance of possible flag order because the crew does not want the flags to be interpreted as signaling a particular message. Since there are twice as many alphabet boat flags as there are pennants, most ships will display two flags, one pennant, two flags, one pennant, and so on.

Often, the number of flags flying will send a message to other ships. For example, two-flag signals indicate distress or maneuvering; three flags could mean compass points, relative bearings, general code and decode signals and others; four flags show geographic signals, ship names, bearings and similar signals.

How to Dress a Ship

On a celebration day or other day when you’re planning to dress ship, you would begin at eight o’clock in the morning when the ship is at anchor (unless it is the ship’s maiden or final voyage, which are the only times when a ship should be dressed at sea). The national ensign should be hoisted at the stern staff, and then the rainbow of nautical signal flags from the international code is arranged from the water line forward to the water line aft by using the stem or bowsprit end and the masthead. Here’s one example of a sequence (as pictured above) that would provide a nice color pattern, though it is not required:

AB2, UJ1, KE3, GH6, IV5, FL4, DM7, PO Third Repeater, RN First Repeater, ST Zero, CX9, WQ8, ZY Second Repeater

When to Dress Ship

Dressing ships usually takes place on national holidays, at regattas and on other special occasions. An anchored ship may be dressed at 0800 hours (or eight in the morning) and remains dressed until the evening. If it’s a vessel’s maiden or final voyage, or if it is participating in a marine parade or similar event, then the dressing could accommodate those situations. If a ship is firing a salute to honor the president or a former president, or in honor of a U.S. national anniversary like Presidents’ Day or Independence Day, the U.S. national ensign is flown at the head of the main mast. If the salute is to honor another country or a foreign dignitary, that country’s ensign is flown.

The days when it is customary to dress ship and fly holiday colors are as follows:

International Dressing Ship Customs

When you are visiting a foreign port or traveling in foreign waters, it’s customary to display a courtesy flag, which is the civil ensign of that country. By the same token, the USPS (U.S. Power Squadrons) and U.S. yacht ensigns should not be worn in foreign waters. Even a mastless vessel can display this courtesy by wearing the courtesy flat at the bow or on a starboard antenna.

Customs in foreign waters do vary, so if you’re planning to sail in foreign seas, it’s best to learn the correct procedure for the waters in which you’ll be traveling. Some countries expect that foreign vessels only fly the courtesy flag after the quarantine flag (the yellow “Q” nautical signal flag) has been lowered and the vessel is granted license to enter by that country’s officials. When you return to U.S. waters, lower the foreign courtesy flag. It’s not a “badge” or showing of accomplishment for having visited overseas. However, if you have a foreign guest sailing on your ship, you may display the ensign of that person’s country from the bow staff or outboard port spreader. Be sure that if you’re going to fly a courtesy flag, you’re sure that you’ve hoisted it properly. If the flag is upside down or in the wrong position, citizens of that country could find it very offensive!

There are also regional courtesy flags. It’s important to know the local customs before you visit. Some French regional flags are traditionally flown above the French ensign, yet the Catalan flag is flown below the Spanish ensign. So, the best way to approach foreign waters is to do your research ahead of time so that you’re aware of the specific nuances of the territory.

http://www.maineharbors.com/flag.htm http://www.marinewaypoints.com/learn/flags/flags.shtml http://www.navy.mil/navydata/nav_legacy.asp http://www.beaufortonline.com/nautical-flag-guide/ http://www.sailorschoice.com/seamanship/number_pennants.htm http://www.usps.org/f_stuff/etiquett.html#dressing-ship http://www.seaflags.us/customs/customs.html http://www.usps.org/f_stuff/etiquett.html#dressing-ship http://sailingalmanac.com/Almanac/Reference/flagabroad.html

Andrew Kinerson

Andrew Kinerson is a native New Yorker and grew up in the Capital District area. He attended College at Schenectady County Community College and holds a degree in Computer Information Architecture. Andrew currently serves as General Manager of Gettysburg Flag Works. He plays a key role in the day-to-day operations of the company overseeing all aspects of sales, manufacturing, human resources and marketing. Outside of work, he enjoys spending time with his wife and young son. In his spare time he creates mixed media art, dabbles in photography, builds custom PC’s, and cooks.Visit Andrew on Google+

Long time no see. One more thing :

On a sailing vessel, the National Ensign is normally flown either from a stern staff or on the leech of the aftermost sail, approximately 2/3 of the way up, or at the top of the aftermost gaff on a gaff rig boat.

I didn’t realize there were so many conventions to follow when displaying signal flags on a ship. It’s important to know the proper conventions so that you communicate the correct things to other boats. I think it’s interesting to find out what these different flags stand for as it gives us an insight into a different method of communication at sea.

I have a dozen flags that I picked up at a yard sale. I have found that 4 of them match up as letter flags, but the rest don’t seem to have any meaning. Should each signal flag have a specific meaning?

If its a specific letter flag, it does not necessarily have a meaning other than its corresponding letter (although some of them do, not all of them do).

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Your 2024 Guide to Nautical Flag Etiquette

Ever wonder why there are so many boat flags ? How do the sailors know which flag to put first and when? Nautical flag etiquette is an essential part of sailing. The seven most common types of boat flags are Skin Diver flags , Storm Warning flags , Coast Guard boat flags , US Jack flags , Maritime flags and Pennants, Yacht Ensign & Officer flags , and most importantly the International Code Signal flags .

Code signal flags and are frequently used by boats to send messages to other boats. They are made with a sequence of twenty-six square flags that represent a letter of the nautical alphabet. Ten numbered flags, one answering pendant, and three repeaters also form part of the nautical flag sequence.

As with most yesteryear traditions, the popularity of boat flags as a common communication tool is slowly reducing with the introduction of technology. This does not mean that we should discard this sacred tradition.

The world of nautical flags is broad, and we cannot possibly cover them all in this article. Navies, yachts and fishing boats have variations in the meaning of some flags.

While the need for nautical flags might be dwindling in the boating world, they are still pleasing to the eye. Learning when to use nautical flags and how to use them is a skill every sailor and thalassophile should have. Not only is it essential for safety reasons, but boat flags can also a lot of fun. Take a gander at our fun maritime flags and pennants !

Word of the Day: A thalassophile is someone that loves the sea!

This article will teach you the hows and whens of nautical flag etiquette. We will also provide you with a glossary of terms because, let's face it, some boating terms are pretty confusing even for a seasoned sailor.

So put your best sailor's cap on and join us on this great sea signal voyage.

What is Nautical Flag Etiquette?

Glossary of flag terms, flag courtesies.

As silly as it might seem, boat flag etiquette is crucial. In a worst-case scenario, it could mean the difference between life and death. Generally speaking, the nautical flag etiquette is a combination of years of maritime tradition and laws that help boats communicate messages to each other.

Different countries have varying legal requirements that should be observed for boats that enter and leave their waters or ports. So it is helpful to be mindful of sailing the vessel’s legal obligation for various countries. No one likes to pay a fine for something as simple as forgetting or putting up the wrong flag signal.

As we have stated before, the world of boating is vast and sometimes confusing. The terminology used is pretty unique. The key to understanding nautical etiquette is to know what everyone is talking about first.

Even professional sailors don't always get it right. So to help you brush up on your boating terms, we've put together this glossary with definitions. We hope this will help you to understand the nautical phrases that we will use in this article.

ABAFT - refers to the rear end or stern of a ship

AFT – means towards stern of the boat (the back of the boat)

ASTERN – it means to go towards the back of the boat

BOW - refers to the front of the ship

BUTT DIAMETER - is the width of the bottom of the flagpole.

CANTON - the rectangular part of a flag, usually at the top hoist corner of a flag, which occupies about a quarter of the total surface area of the flag

CLOSE UP - it means that the flags are now fully hoisted

COLORS - refers to the raising and taking down of the flags at 8:00 am and at sunset, respectively

COURTESY FLAG - is the national flag of the country that a boat is entering. Ex: Boats entering the United States would display an American flag as a courtesy flag.

DIP - means to lower a flag by turning it forward from an upright position to 45° or horizontal as a sign of deference or respect

ENSIGN - means a flag showing nationality of the boat, i.e. the country where the boat is registered. Ex:

• The Red Ensign can be flown by a merchant vessel
• The White Ensign can be flown by war or naval ships
• The Blue Ensign can be flown by public or government vessels
• The Civil Ensign is flown by civilian vessels
• The Yacht Ensign is flown by yachts and is typically the largest flag on board; the flag may be flown at stern staff
• The USPS ensign is flown by the United States Power Squadrons and is flown to signal that the boat is commanded by an active member of the USPS.

FLAG STAFF AT THE STERN - a pole at the stern/ back of the ship where the ship's country of registry flags is flown

FLY - refers to the length of the flag, measured from the heading to the fly end

GAFF - is a rig that extends from the flagpole that allows for more flags to be hoisted, which usually rises at an angle and represents the mast of a ship

HALYARD - rope or stainless steel cable used to hoist and lower flags

HOIST - the raising of flags

HOIST END - the edge of the flag that is closest to the flagpole

HOUSE FLAG - refers to the emblem that shows the company or commercial house that a merchant ship belongs to and also refers to a yacht owner's personal flag

INTERCO - stands for the International Code of Signals used in the maritime system

JACK - mean the additional national flags flown by warships (and certain other vessels) at the head of the shi

MASTHEAD - is the tallest part of a ship's mast or the lower section of a mast

NAUTICAL –refers to everything associated with maritime travel

NAUTICAL FLAGPOLE --refers to a flagpole with a yardarm and or gaff

PENNANT - is a triangular-shaped flag

PRATIQUE - refers to the license or permission to use a port from the host country

STARBOARD - is the right-hand side of the boat when you are facing the bow.

STARBOARD SPREADER - is the most forward part on the mast (if there is more than one) where the courtesy and q flags are flown

STEM – refers to the most forward part of the bow

STERN – refers to the back of the boat

STERN LINE – is the docking line that comes from the stern

TACK LINE - is the length of the halyard; it's used to separate the group of flags

UNDERWAY – means a vessel in motion

YARDARM - refers to the horizontally mounted and tapered pole attached to a flagpole to create a "t" or a cross

Now that we are familiar with some common terminology used in nautical language, let's move on to the order in which the flags must be arranged in terms of nautical flag etiquette rules.

This order is universal across the globe. We must follow the order to avoid confusing other ships. The flag with the highest honor should be flown at the highest point.

The order is as follows:

• Gaff (reserved for the national ensign/ country flag)
• Flagstaff at the stern
• Starboard yardarm (Halyard)
• Truck of mast (masthead)
• Port yardarm (Halyard)

First, we need to establish the system that governs these nautical flag rules. INTERCO is the International Code of Signals. The system is used worldwide to communicate nautical messages related to navigation, safety, and maritime.

Signal flags like the ones we are discussing in this article form part of INTERCO's signals. The other signals include radiotelegraphs or radiotelephones, ALDIS lamps, hand signals and some sound signals to name a few.

Knowing and understanding the basics of the INTERCO signaling system is extremely important for anyone interested in sailing. Whether privately or otherwise.

The National Ensign/Flag

Let's talk about nautical etiquette rules that apply for the most critical flag signal, the national ensign.

The U.S. national ensign is the preferred flag for all U.S. vessels. This ensign is also known as the “50-star of “Old Glory.” This is also the preferred ensign for yachts, especially when sailing in international or foreign waters.

Great honor is given to the national flag of the country in which the ship is registered. On the order of positioning for the flags, the national ensign is given that most senior position; the gaff. If your boat does not have a gaff, then you should fly the ensign from the flagstaff at your boat's stern.

The second rule is that you can fly no other flag above the national ensign on the same halyard. Additionally, the Jack and the National Ensign should not be hoisted together. The Jack is only hoisted when the ship is at anchor or made fast to the shore or to buoy, never when the ship is underway, when the last line is cast off, and when the anchor is aweigh. We do not recommend hoisting the Jack for recreational purposes.

The scenarios where a national ensign should be flown include:

• When dressing the ship
• When occupying foreign waters during the daylight hours
• When moving along a foreign port or a combat ship (man of war)

The Courtesy Flag

Flying the courtesy flag is a centuries-old tradition that is still relevant in these modern times. The act of flying a foreign nation's flag as your ship passes through or enters its waters is not only a sign of respect, it is an essential etiquette to observe. While there is no legal requirement to fly a courtesy flag, it is a polite custom to which you should adhere.

The only legal requirement for vessels in foreign water is to fly the red ensign flag.

Where does the courtesy flag fly? As per tradition, the courtesy flag is flown at the starboard spreader. If your boat has more than one mast, you must fly the courtesy flag from the forward most mast. The courtesy flag is tied and hoisted after the authorities have granted your vessel clearance to enter their space.

Key rules for courtesy flag etiquette include:

• Never fly the national ensign and the courtesy flag on the same mast because that will be interpreted as a sign of you are challenging the foreign nation's authority
• Never fly a courtesy flag that is in terrible condition; this is a sign of disrespect
• If you have guests on your boat that are of another nationality, then you should also fly their national flags as a courtesy, but never on the same mast
• When you return to your home country, always take down the foreign country's flag

Additional courtesy flag etiquette includes:

• If your boat is mastless, then the courtesy flag can replace any flag which is normally flown at the bow of the boat
• If your boat has a mast with a spreader, the courtesy flag is flown at the starboard spreader

However, you must keep in mind that these rules or traditions vary from one country to another, so always make sure that you look for the correct information.

Nautical Flag Etiquette Entering a Foreign Port

The Q flag is the first flag that you must raise when entering foreign waters or a foreign port. It signals to the port authorities that your ship is healthy and you require free practice.

We always fly the Q flag in international waters before customs clears you for entry. After clearing, you then replace the Q flag with the courtesy flag. You often fly the Q flag on the starboard yardarm.

Dressing the Ship

Certain occasions require that your vessel be decked up with all the flags that it can hold. We call this dressing the ship.

It is reserved for special occasions such as public holidays or when the ship is beginning its maiden or last voyage. Dressing the ship is only done when the ship is not underway.

The ship's full splendor will be on display, so this is the time to have fun. The dressing begins at 08.00 am at anchor unless it is the ship's maiden or last voyage, then the dressing can occur at sea.

The national ensign is first. All the other flags will follow, lining up from the waterline forward to the waterline after using the stem or bowsprit end and the masthead.

We have barely scratched the surface of all the rules and customs you need to follow to observe proper nautical flag etiquette. However, we hope that we have simplified some of the most important customs in maritime tradition. Hopefully, the next time you are on a boat, you will understand the meaning of the signals and flags better. Happy sailing!

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How To Dress Ship

For national holidays, at regattas, and on other special occasions, yachts often dress ship with International Code of Signal Flags. The ship is dressed at 0800, and remains so dressed until evening colors (while at anchor only, except for a vessel's maiden and final voyages, and participation in a marine parade or other unique situation)For national holidays, at regattas, and on other special occasions, yachts often dress ship with International Code of Signal Flags. The ship is dressed at 0800, and remains so dressed until evening colors (while at anchor only, except for a vessel's maiden and final voyages, and participation in a marine parade or other unique situation)

In dressing ship, the national ensign is hoisted at the stern staff (and the Union Jack may be displayed at the jack (bow) staff on government vessels). A rainbow of flags of the International Code is arranged, reaching from the water line forward to the water line aft, by way of the bowsprit end (or stem if there's no bowsprit) and the masthead(s). Flags and pennants are bent on alternately, rather than in any indiscriminate manner. Since there are twice as many letter flags as numeral pennants, it is good practice, as in the Navy, to follow a sequence of two flags, one pennant, two flags, one pennant, throughout. The sequence recommended here provides a harmonious color pattern throughout:

Starting from forward: AB2, UJ1, KE3, GH6, IV5, FL4, DM7, PO Third Repeater, RN First Repeater, ST Zero, CX9, WQ8, ZY Second Repeater. - Chapman Boating Etiquette

We supply sets of useful code flags (an age-old maritime communication method) as well as individual flags (all our U.S. flags are sewn stripes and embroidered stars ), such as the yellow quarantine flag to announce your arrival in port and notify customs and immigration officials that you are ready for processing.

Our Code Set flags feature double stitched seams with nylon rope and ash toggles. It contains 26 alphabet flags, 11 pennants, and 3 substitute flags as well as a handy nylon storage bag.

Code signals should be approximately 1/2 inch on the 'fly' [horizontal side] for each foot above the waterline of the tallest mast on the boat. (That is, if the top of the mast is 30 feet above the waterline, these flags should be 15 inches on the 'fly')

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International Code Flag Set Size 7

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International Code Flag Set Size 2

International Code Flag Set Size 0

This entry was posted on July 4, 2018 by John Stanton .

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Dressing SHIP when under way or overall

Vessels only dress when in or near a harbour or anchorage and there are two ways to do this:

1.  with masthead flags when under way, and

2.  overall (rainbow fashion) when not under way.

Dressing with masthead flags

The flags flown are the Ensign in its normal place together with ensigns of the same size repeated at each masthead PLUS your burgee alongside the ensign at the main masthead. However, Flag officers fly only their broad pennants at the main masthead.

For a foreign festival, a Flag Officer replaces his courtesy flag at the starboard spreader with the appropriate foreign ensign (size as masthead). In addition, the burgee only is flown at the main masthead for local and club regattas.

Dressing overall

Flags as above adding dressing lines as prescribed below

Dressing lines consist of stringing the flags of the International Code from the stem head to the masthead, from the masthead to masthead (where the ship has more than one mast) and thence to the taffrail.

It is important that Ensigns, racing or other private flags should not be used on the dressing lines (i.e. the string of flags going overall), which should be confined to flags of the International Code of Signals.

In arranging the flags on the dressing lines, triangular flags and pendants should, as far as possible, be placed between rectangular flags (this cannot be done throughout, however, as there are not enough pendants and triangular flags).

Adjacent flags should be chosen to give as much contrast as possible, if the full complement of flags is unavailable. All vessels should, as far as possible, be dressed alike.

There is no official order for dressing flags but the following has come into use and is recommended

E, Q, p3, G, p8, Z, p4, W, p6, P, p1, I, Code, T, Y, B, X, 1st, H, 3rd , D, F, 2nd, U, A, O, M, R, p2, J, PO, N, p9, K, p7, V, p5, L, C, S.

In a single-masted vessel the divide at the masthead would be between the 3rd substitute and flag D. In a twin masted vessel flags from Y to O should be between the masts. (We can make up the flags in this order on request).

It is important that the size of the flags fits your vessel and that they are spaced correctly to fill the dressing lines.

*source: Royal Yachting Association 2010

In addition to the ship’s Colours (her Ensign) which should still be worn at its usual place, i.e. the Ensign staff on the taffrail, flags – generally Ensigns – should also be flown from each masthead when the ship is dressed.

It is important that there is a flag at each masthead, and the flags flown at the masthead should be in accordance with the following:

1. For British national festivals British Ensigns are flown at all mastheads; at the main masthead the Ensign and the club burgee are flown side by side. There is, however, an exception to this rule when the owner of the yacht is a Flag Officer of a yacht club. In that case, his personal flag is flown by itself at the main masthead without any Ensign. It follows, that if such a yacht is a single masted yacht, no masthead Ensign can be flown.

2. For foreign national festivals (either in British waters or abroad) an Ensign of the country in whose honour the ship is dressed is flown at the masthead. For schooners or yachts with more than two masts, the foreign Ensign is flown at the fore, for yawls and ketches at the mizzen, and for single-masted yachts it is flown at the main masthead alongside the club burgee. British Ensigns are flown at the other mastheads. Flag Officer broad pennants are always flown by themselves at the masthead. For a foreign festival a Flag Officer replaces his courtesy flag at the starboard spreader with the appropriate foreign ensign (size as masthead).

3. For local festivals, such as regattas, the club burgee should be flown at the main masthead with no Ensign. The owner’s house flag may also be flown in its usual place or, alternatively, an Ensign may be flown. An Ensign should also be flown at all other mastheads where no other flag is flying. In all the above cases, if the owner is entitled to wear the special Ensign of a privileged yacht club, he may fly either this Ensign at the masthead or a Red Ensign, but, should he elect to wear a special Ensign, the same special Ensign must be flown at the masthead. The special Ensign of one yacht club should never be flown from the masthead at the same time as the special Ensign of another yacht club is worn from the taffrail.

What do the boat flags mean?

Different flags for different boats..... there are different meanings for each flag depending on whether you’re using them internationally, as part of the US Navy, or as part of a sailing regatta. Here’s a list of the different ship flag meanings.

Using multi-flag signals

Knowing how to use the nautical flag system is hugely important when danger is imminent or communications break down. Flags can be seen easily when out on the open water, especially if you have a pair of binoculars. They don’t require Wi-Fi or other types of electrical signals, either: all you have to do is use a certain number of flags to signal exactly what you mean.

• Single-flag signals are used for urgent messages to other ships, such as signaling JULIET when your ship is leaking dangerous cargo.
• Two-flag signaling indicates distress or changes to maneuvers, such as signaling DELTA and then ECHO.
• Three-flag signals indicate relative bearings (the angle from the ship’s centerline heading to a straight line drawn from the observation station on the vessel to the object), compass points and are used as general code and decode signals.
• Signaling with four flags is used to relay absolute bearings and other geographical signals.
• Five-flag signals are used to relate time and position.
• Six-flag signals are used to relay latitude and longitude coordinates, as well as compass directions.
• Seven-flags are for longitude signals containing more than one hundred degrees.

In order to communicate using multi-flag signals, there is a second system of numbered flags indicating 0-9 (shown below).

Some of the original 26 nautical flags also have separate meanings when used with numbers:

• ALFA: Begin relaying an azimuth or bearing
• CHARLIE: I am relaying a course in degrees magnetic
• DELTA: I am relaying a date
• GOLF: Longitudinal coordinates (the first two numbered flags are degrees; the last two flags are minutes)
• KILO: See  International/NATO.
• LIMA: Latitudinal coordinates (the first two flags show degrees; the last two show minutes)
• ROMEO: Distance from/range to an object in nautical miles
• SIERRA: Speed in knots
• TANGO: Local time (first two flags display hours; second set of flags shows minutes)
• VICTOR: Speed (Kilometers/hour)
• ZULU: Time in UTC (first two flags display hours; second set of flags shows minutes)

Using boat flags and nautical flags to start a regatta

When it comes to the starting sequence of a sailing regatta, there’s a specific type and number of nautical flags that need to be raised and lowered in order to signal different parts of the starting sequence of a sailing regatta. 

To order any flag you need on this page, please use the search bar at the top of any webpage on our website to locate the product page.

If everything is on schedule, when you get out to the committee boat you will see an   RC   flag and an orange flag that delineates the committee boat end of the start line. If things are running late, you will see the previous two flags and the   AP   signal. That's a red and white pennant, which is also called the   Answering Pennant .

Fun fact:  The start sequence for sailboat races has been a five-minute countdown series since 2001. If your club is still using the old 10-minute system, someone needs to take the 21 st  century by the horns and get things modified.  

When the     AP   comes down, it signifies one minute until the class flag is raised. The class flag is the one which is so designated by the Sailing Instructions. So, at this point, there are six minutes until the start.

The   Class Flag   goes up at five minutes before the start and remains up until the start. This is a warning flag only. The Rules of Racing (RRS) don’t kick in for another minute.   It is accompanied by a sound signal.

The   P   (Preparatory) flag goes up at four (4) minutes before the start. The P flag is blue with a white, square centre.   It is accompanied by a sound signal.   This flag will remain up for three minutes.

The   P   flag comes   down   at one minute before the start.   It is accompanied by a sound signal . The only flag still up is the   Class Flag .

START:   The Class Flag comes down.   It is accompanied by a sound signal . You should be at or very near the starting line going fast.

Other flags you'll need to consider

  X:   Blue cross on a white background. It means that one or more boats have started prematurely. The race committee may, but is not obligated to, inform the guilty boat(s). This flag will be lowered when all premature boats have returned or after 4 minutes, whichever comes first.

FIRST SUBSTITUTE : This is a triangular flag with blue edges top and bottom and a yellow centre. This flag indicates a   General Recall . Everybody starts over. New start sequence, etc.

  I:   Yellow flag with solid black circle at centre. This indicates that Rule 30.1 (the around-the-ends rule) is in effect at the start.

  BLACK FLAG : This flag is all black. It means that any boat on the course side of the start line within a minute prior to the start is disqualified.

  Y:   Diagonal red and yellow stripes. This flag means that all competitors are   required   to wear personal buoyancy.

  L:   Diagonal yellow and black squares, two each. Ashore, it means that a notice to competitors has been posted. Afloat, it means come within hail or follow me.

  M:   Blue Flag with white X. This flag means, "The mark is missing. Round me instead of the missing mark."

  S:   White with blue square. This flag means, "The course has been shortened. The finish is between this flag and the nearby rounding mark,"

  C:   Red, white and blue horizontal stripes. This flag means, "The course has been changed." Look for compass heading to new mark and/or + or - sign indicating leg will be longer or shorter.

  N:   Blue and white checkers. This flag means, "The race has been abandoned." It should be accompanied by 3 sound signals.

N over A:   This combination means, "Races have been abandoned. Further signals will be made ashore."

(source:  ALL ABOUT THOSE RACE COMMITTEE FLAGS (sarasotabayyachting.org)

Dates for dressing ship

The principal national festivals of Great Britain currently celebrated by dressing ship are:

• Accession Day
• Coronation Day
• HM The Queen’s birthday
• Commonwealth Day
• HM The Queen’s Official birthday (usually the first Saturday in June)
• HRH The Duke of Edinburgh’s birthday.

In addition to these fixed days, owners may wish to dress ship for any special private occasion and to follow the example of local vessels when away from their home port.

Foreign countries have their own national festivals which may be celebrated by dressing ship. Visiting yachts may, as a courtesy, follow the local customs.

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• Flags Nautical

44 Foot Cotton Yachting Signal Flag Dress Line

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• Description

These flags are made of dyed fabric, with color showing on both sides of each flag. 

Marine Code Flags in one 44 foot dress line, also pictured with red ruler. Complete 40 flag set includes: 26 alphabet flags 10 numeral pennants and 

4 NATO substitute Flags (for repeating characters).

Average nautical flag size 16" x 9". Made of premium sturdy 100% stitched cotton cloth. Space between each flag is 4".  Wonderful decorations for "dressing ship" and festive indoor occasions.

Flags are fixed together by white 3/16" cotton cord. Length approximately 44 linear feet, with another 5 feet of cord extending from end flags for tying.

Traditionally used as a form of maritime communication, signal flags are still a popular choice for todays marine decorating worlds.

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Nautical Signal Flags

(also known as international code flags).

Flag Etiquette Basics | How to Dress Ship | Signal Flags list area | Nautical Flags Practice area

Nautical Signal Flags (International Code Flags)

These days, you’ll most commonly see signal flags in use for Dressing Ship or for weather warnings, but they are still in use throughout the world for signaling between vessels and between a vessel and the shore. A good set should be carried by every well equipped boat.

There are a number of internationally recognized single-flag codes that you should be familiar with as well as some standard 2-flag codes that may prove handy to you. There are also 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7-flag codes but they are of less urgency and relate to things like compass headings, geographical location, etc. Generally, the more important/urgent the standard message that is to be conveyed, the fewer the flags designated to convey it. 

All the standard one-flag messages are listed below in our main signal flag list .  Here are some two-flag messages:

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Flag Etiquette Basics

Your "Country of Origin" or National flag should be flown at the stern of the vessel, either on a flag staff or at the lower third of your mizzen sail (generally from the mizzen's topping lift).

If you are in foreign water, a courtesy flag should also be flown from your main mast's starboard spreader.  Once out of foreign water, the courtesy flag should be removed.

When entering a foreign port, before you have cleared through customs, the "Q" (quarrantine) flag should also be flown on your starboard spreader, below the country's courtesy flag.  Once you've cleared customs, remove the "Q" flag.

Dressing Ship

On special occasions, you may have seen boats or ships adorned with many signal flags running from fore and aft from one end of the vessel to the other.

The proper way of doing this, if you’d like to do it on your boat, is to arrange the flags beginning from the waterline at the stern, to the top of your mast, over the bow, and to the waterline at the front of the vessel.

The order the flags appear in isn’t particularly important, but since there are twice as many numbered pennants as there are letter flags, it is good practice to arrange them in an alternating pattern with a letter flag followed by two pennants, followed again by a letter flag, etc.

Generally, only standard signal flags are used for dressing ship – club burgees, national and courtesy flags are not used in the dressing of the ship, but can still be flown from their usual places while the ship is dressed.

Dressing customarily begins at 0800 in the morning and stays dressed throughout the day until evening colours are flown.

Nautical Signal Flags - Letters:

Nautical signal flags - numbers:, nautical signal flags - substitutes, answering, and weather:.

Please check out our Nautical Flags Store for International Code Flag kits, individual flags, and a variety of other flag-related items.

Nautical Signal Flags PRACTICE

Here's a random phrase for you to decipher:

(scroll to the bottom for the translation)

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Dressing Ship with Nautical Flags

Dressing Ships Gettysburg Flag, Works If you've ever attended a regatta or other large boating event, you've probably noticed that the ships are adorned with brightly colored boat flags that are both beautiful to look at and that convey U.S. and interna- tional codes and signals. The nautical signal flags you see flying from the masts are carefully selected based on their meanings and are raised fol- lowing strict protocol. This process is called "Dressing Ship." Anatomy of a Dressed Ship Masthead Flag Jack Central Masthead After Span Dressing Line Fore Down Ensign Dressing Line Span Flag In What Order Should Boat Flags Fly? III + 0 AB 2 UJ1 KE 3 G H 6 I V 5 F L 4 D M 7 PO Third Repeater R N First Repeater ST Zero C X 9 W Q 8 Z Y Second Repeater When to Dress a Ship ...... O......... "".....** *** 00 January 1 January 20 3rd Monday in Jan 3rd Monday in Feb (Variable) April 6 2nd Sunday in May 3rd Saturday in May May 22 Last Monday in May June 14 July 4 1st Monday in Sept September 17 3rd Friday in Sept 2nd Monday in Oct October 13 New Year's Day Inauguration Day (every fourth year) Martin Luther King, Jr., Birthday President's Day (Full-Dress) Easter Sunday Army Day Mothers Day Armed Forces Day National Maritime Day Memorial Day Flag Day Independence Day (Full-Dress) Labor Day Constitution Day National POW-MIA Day Columbus Day Navy Birthday (Full-Dress when ordered) Navy Day Marine Corps Birthday (Marine Corps only) Veterans Day October 27 November 10 November 11 4th Thursday in Nov December 25 Thanksgiving Day Christmas Day Gettysburg Flag. Works

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What to Wear on a Yacht

When you’re on a yacht you’re obviously going to dress for the weather but, in general, you want to keep it light and cool. Casual is good within reason as long as you don’t go overboard, so to speak, and it need not be formal but it shouldn’t look inappropriate or out of place. There’s no set in stone dress code for yachts

The most expensive yachts in the world cost hundreds of millions of dollars and, for most of us, that’s a bit out of reach. But that doesn’t mean we’ll never get on a yacht for a weekend charter or even a yacht party and when that happens knowing what to wear is something you may be curious about. Let’s dig into some deeper details of suitable yacht attire for men and women so you don’t have to worry about feeling self conscious when you’re living it up on a fancy yacht. 

Yacht Styles Suitable for Men

In 80s movies you may have seen some yacht captains decked out in full formal jackets with hats and pipes and everything. You can still do that and, no word of a lie, a guy at my uncle’s yacht club used to wear the navy jacket and a captain’s hat everywhere he went for years. But most people like to keep it casual on a yacht and far less formal with a simple, casual outfit.

Linen is a popular choice for yachting because it’s very light and breezy and keeps you cool under the blazing sun. A linen shirt, like linen button downs, have a real casual but not inappropriate quality to them that has been linked to boating for years and would ensure you never look out of place. 

Light cotton works just as well, of course, and something like a polo shirt wouldn’t make you stand out in a crowd, or a simple button down. Even a t-shirt wouldn’t look out of place but you’ll want to tailor that to the situation. If you’re literally just day sailing then that’s great. But if it’s a slightly more formal outing or maybe a party then you may want to keep it a little more upscale

Here’s another case where you should take the situation into account. Shorts and trunks can definitely be appropriate on a yacht but if you’re having a party in the evening then maybe consider longer pants. However, if you’re actually traveling on the yacht, especially if you’re fishing or sailing/racing, a good pair of swim shorts will do you well. Not just for the freedom and for keeping you cool but in the event of an emergency and you do end up in the water, it’s never a bad idea to be ready to swim. 

Boat shoes are a must for any boat ride. You don’t want to be skidding around on the deck in inappropriate footwear but at the same time you want to be comfortable. These are often called deck shoes as well, and they are very close to loafers with the addition of laces. 

You’ll definitely see people in loafers on yachts but loafers don’t have siped soles, which means they aren’t textured to provide the proper grip on deck. If the yacht is going to be actually out there sailing and moving on the water, you want deck shoes.

Some people wear flip flops and that may be fine for a casual day with friends.

Accessories

You should be wearing sunglasses on a boat whether or not its a yacht just because you want to keep your eyes protected from dangerous UV rays and the glare off of the water. Polarized shades are the best but anything is better than nothing. A nice pair of aviators won’t look out of place, or some Ray Bans can be great as well.

Yacht Styles for Women

Traditionally the difference between men’s fashion and women’s fashion on a yacht has been one of practicality. In the past, men were the ones always controlling the yacht and women were passengers. Boating has a somewhat shady history of not being friendly to women, you’ll recall. And for that reason women were mostly seen wearing swimsuits and lounging on yachts. But if you’re a woman running the boat, you’ll likely want the same freedom and comfort that a man in a simple shirt and shorts is enjoying. 

Now if you’re not piloting the boat and instead are just around to enjoy a yacht party, then swimsuits tend to be the order of the day and potentially some kind of wrap or cover up as well. Basically whatever feels most comfortable and appropriate to the occasion. 

Things like kaftans, sundresses, and various wraps and coverups that would work poolside or at the beach when you’re not in the water are just as welcome on a yacht and won’t look out of place at all.  A knee length summer dress is something you’d likely see on any yacht.

Like men, you can get a good pair of women’s boat shoes that look a little more elegant if that’s what interests you, and they’re a good investment. Again, a boat shoe is less about appearance than function when the boat is actually in motion and you want something that gives you firm footing, which a boat shoe can do. 

Both hats and sunglasses are more than appropriate for women on a yacht and offer the added protection from the sun that you’re going to want anyway. You won’t look out of place and you’ll be doing your eyes and skin a favor by keeping them away from harmful UV rays. Remember the sunscreen as well. 

What to Wear to a Yacht Party

Now a yacht party is a different sort of monster than just being on a yacht. This will likely be a more formal occasion and that means dressing up a little. Ditching the shorts for this is probably a good idea. 

Unless you have been specifically told this is a formal wear event, black tie affair don’t dress for one. Most yacht parties aren’t that formal because, well, they’re on boats. Leaning into the boat aspect is a better option. A suit would be as formal as you should expect unless told something ultra formal like a tuxedo is expected. But most yacht parties are likely to be a little more casual than that. 

Consider dress pants and a button down shirt or a blazer. A sport coat and tie, maybe with a matching jacket, is also very common for parties on yachts. 

A more formal occasion, a wedding for instance, will probably clue you in as to what would be expected in terms of dress. And, hopefully, your hosts are going to be gracious enough to make it clear if you do need to dress to the nines. 

You can find some more formal boat shoes and, if things get a little fancier, some dress shoes that don’t have slippery soles will work as well. 

Are Cocktail Dresses Appropriate for Women?

At the more formal end of things, a classy yacht party could very well require you to wear a cocktail dress or in rare cases even some kind of fancy gown. Cocktail attire is a little less formal than evening wear and more suited for a casual affair. Hopefully it will be made clear before you agree to show up just how formal the event is, but it’s definitely not unheard of. If it’s a party at night, and you’re going to be moored out on the water with a view of the city, for instance, a dress would be well within reason.

If things aren’t so formal as a boat wedding, then consider a wide-legged pant, a romper, a wrap skirt or really anything you’d wear to a gathering on a beach, or pool type party.

One thing you want to remember when attending any event on a yacht is to not wear heels. I’ve seen it in person and it’s a bad idea. Not that you’re guaranteed to lose your balance, but the odds are definitely leaning towards it. It’s an accident waiting to happen, so stick with flat shoes. 

Are all Boat Parties the Same?

People can throw a boat party for weddings, anniversaries, charity events, retirements and probably a hundred other things. Don’t let the fact that it’s on a yacht throw you off if you’ve never attended one. A party is a party, after all.

If you’re unclear of expectations, feel free to ask. Consider bringing a sweater or light jacket just in case it gets cold and remember that good footwear is extra important on a yacht so you keep your balance. Whether it’s ultra formal or super casual, that will never change.

The Bottom Line

Classy but casual is often an easy way to approach dressing on a yacht. If it’s a party, you may need to step it up a notch, but that will really depend on the party itself and what your hosts expect. Consider linen and other very light, breathable fabrics. Remember boat shoes are the best idea to keep your grip on deck, and don’t forget swimsuits as well as sunglasses and other sun-protection gear.

My grandfather first took me fishing when I was too young to actually hold up a rod on my own. As an avid camper, hiker, and nature enthusiast I'm always looking for a new adventure.

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Marine Corps Uniforms & Symbols

On display for our entire nation.

From the Marine flag that adorns so many porches and flagpoles across our communities to the United States flag that’s hoisted on the Marine Corps War Memorial in our Nation’s capital, the symbols of our Corps represent the fighting spirit of every Marine.

HISTORY AND PURPOSE IN EVERY SYMBOL

Our symbols represent not only our illustrious history, but our unbreakable bond, with the Marines we fight alongside today and every Marine who has ever fought in our uniform. These symbols and uniforms add even more pride to a warrior class that is itself a symbol of our Nation’s resolve.

UNYIELDING COMMITMENT IN EVERY STITCH

To put on the Marine uniform is to don more than two and a half centuries of fight and feat. It is the cloth that threads all that Marines have faced before with all that Marines prevail over today. The uniforms Marines wear connect them to the timeless battles won long ago and the historic victories that continue to advance our Nation forward.

The Marine Corps Combat Utility Uniform, or “Cammies,” is the standard uniform Marines wear in garrison, during training, and while deployed overseas. Marines primarily wear cammies in the green print known as “Woodlands,” but when deployed in desert surroundings, Marines wear a tan and brown “Desert” variation, and in cold-weather environments, the white and gray-patterned design is available. Each of these patterns utilizes the MARPAT (Marine Pattern) design, formed by small rectangular pixels that provide better camouflage in natural settings.

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Dress Blues

There are common threads woven in the flag of our Nation and the dress blue uniform of our Marines. Sewn from the ideals America stands for and the resolve our Marines fight with, this is the only uniform in the U.S. military designated to include the red, white, and blue colors of the American flag. The distinctive dress blue uniform Marines wear represents the values Marines live, and has origins dating back to the American Revolution. Dress blues are worn for many events, including ceremonies with foreign officials, visits with U.S. civil officials, and formal social functions attended in an official capacity. Wherever Marines wear this uniform, they do so proudly, standing united as the moral fiber that forms the fabric of our Nation.

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BLOOD STRIPE

The promotion from lance corporal to corporal is a momentous one for all enlisted Marines, as it means they have been trusted to serve our Nation as Noncommissioned Officers, a designation that allows them to add the legendary "Blood Stripe" to their uniform. Traditionally, Officers, Staff Noncommissioned Officers, and Noncommissioned Officers of the Marine Corps have worn this scarlet red stripe on their dress blue trousers to commemorate the courage and tenacious fighting of the men who fought in the Battle of Chapultepec in September of 1847. Today, the blood stripe symbolizes honor and our Nation's eternal gratitude for all fallen Marines.

EAGLE, GLOBE, AND ANCHOR

There is no better symbol for the purpose we serve than the emblem every Marine earns: The Eagle, Globe, and Anchor, which has represented the title every Marine has earned since 1868. The eagle represents the proud Nation we defend. It stands at the ready with our coastlines in sight and the entire world within reach of its outstretched wings. The globe represents our worldwide presence, impact, and reputation as a fighting force that wins on behalf of our Nation's people and progress. The anchor points both to the Marine Corps naval heritage and its ability to access any battleground across any coastline in the world. Together, the eagle, globe, and anchor symbolize our commitment to defend our Nation and advance its ideals.

OFFICER'S MAMELUKE SWORD

Though now designated for ceremonial duty, the swords our Marine Officers carry are the oldest weapons still in service in the United States Armed Forces and represent the Marine Corps’ rich legacy of fighting by those who our Nation trusts to win. Officers carry the Mameluke Sword, which was originally given to Lieutenant Presley O’Bannon in 1805 by a Mameluke chieftain in North Africa. Lt O’Bannon and his Marines marched across 600 miles of North African desert to rid the “shores of Tripoli” of pirates and rescue the kidnapped crew of the USS Philadelphia. By 1825, all Marine Officers carried the Mameluke Sword in recognition of this historic battle—the Marine Corps’ first on foreign soil.

MARINE NCO SWORD

Adopted in 1859, the NCO Sword is carried by Marine Noncommissioned Officers (NCOs) and Staff Noncommissioned Officers (SNCOs). Used for ceremonial purposes, the M1859 NCO Sword was bestowed to NCOs and SNCOs by the 6th Commandant, Colonel John Harris, in recognition of their leadership in combat.

MARINE CORPS FLAG

Marines have carried several different flags since the American Revolution, but today's scarlet standard has been flown since 1939. Wherever it is displayed, in ceremonies and in communities, it serves as a distinctive symbol of the Marine fighting spirit—born from our American spirit. The flag features the Eagle, Globe, and Anchor emblems in gray and gold with an eagle carrying a ribbon in its beak that bears the motto Semper Fidelis. Scarlet and gold were established as the official colors of the Corps as early as 1925, and the Eagle, Globe, and Anchor emblem has appeared as part of Marine Corps iconography since 1868. The Marine Corps flag is flown at ceremonies and installations, presented by the All-Marine Color Guard, and hangs in the offices of the President of the United States, the Secretary of Defense, the Secretary of the Navy, and the Chairman and Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

MARINE CORPS WAR MEMORIAL

An unmistakable monument that graces our Nation’s “Land of Monuments,” the Marine Corps War Memorial is a towering symbol of national gratitude to all Marines and those who’ve fought alongside them. Depicting the flag-raising scene on Iwo Jima during World War II that was immortalized by Joe Rosenthal’s most famous photograph, the memorial is dedicated to all Marines who have given their lives in defense of our Nation since 1775. Then and now, this scene symbolizes the fighting spirit of Marines and the collective resolve of our entire Nation. More than a Marine symbol, it is a national symbol recognized around the world, and today serves as a source of inspiration for aspiring Marines who possess the collective willingness to fight and determination to defeat any and all adversaries on behalf of our Nation.

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What to Wear to a Yacht Party – Your Dress Code Guide!

Dressing for a boat party is different than any other kind of event. While you have good times, you need to look great and most importantly, feel comfortable in your clothing. Also, you need to take some safety precautions into consideration as boats have unpredictable movements. After all, you want to have an exceptional time! Most yacht events take place in the summer, so you need to dress accordingly to the weather. What will be your event about? A Day party? A night party? In this article, you will find out exactly what to wear to a yacht party.

Table of Contents

Most parties are held during the day. You will probably spend most of your time enjoying dancing on the deck with a cocktail in your hand or swimming in the water, so you need an attire comfortable to wear and easy to pull on/off!

• Choose a swimsuit or a bikini to wear under your clothes. Make sure to pick a color that suits your attire.
• A flowy dress, short skirt, airy beach pants, or a short over your swimsuit will be perfect for this kind of party. You can also match them with a summary layer or a loose blouse.
• As for the shoes, flat sandals with soft soles will get you out of trouble. High heels are an absolute no-no as they are not safe on a boat and can scratch the deck.

Accessories

• You should be wearing sunglasses during the day, but not just any, you need polarized sunglasses to protect 100% your eyes from the UV rays of the sun
• Try to store your stuff like sunglasses, makeup, and hair clips in a waterproof handbag. It could be useful if it gets wet!
• Makeup Use only waterproof makeup during the day
• Opt for a tight swimsuit if you plan to wear it under your cloth. Otherwise, there are stylish good looking swimwears that look more like dress shorts, which you can match with loose shirts and a light jacket
• The most appropriate clothes for men are loose pants, boating shorts , and jean shorts assorted with light shirts, or polo and a loose vest.
• Avoid flip-flops and opt for nonmarking boating shoes , like Sperry. These come in a wide variety of styles to choose from and will match any outfit. With these shoes, you can walk in complete tranquility without worrying about hurting your feet or slipping on the wet deck.
• Opt only for a waterproof watch if you intend to wear one. You don’t want to bother taking it off, and on each time you go for a swim.
• As mentioned for women above, the same concept applies to men. A good pair of polarized sunglasses is a must!

Night Party

In the evening, you can still wear casual clothes but a bit more dressy. The thin, soft, and flowy textile is more appropriate for night parties. Bring a light jacket with you. It gets cooler in the evening.

• Princess waist dresses, skirt with flounces, loose pants assorted with dressy tops are the perfect choices. A chic option will be to wear a color-coordinated wrap or a jacket. A long dress harmonized with a nice pair of chandelier earrings is a great option if you opt to dress chicly
• Here, again, avoid high heels. Flats and low-heeled sandals will be perfect and will suit any outfit.
• Men should wear comfortable pants with a dress shirt or even a polo, and a light jacket on top.
• I will say it again, the best shoes to wear on a boat is Sperry, but hey, this is your party, you can pick any other type of boat shoes as long as they are non-marking.
• Girls, even if high heels elongate your legs and make you more attractive. It is preferable to avoid wearing them on a boat. Opt for boating shoes !
• Mosquitoes love humidity, especially in the late afternoon. You should bring a repellent with you. You Never know.
• Try to use only waterproof accessories
• The sun beat down during the day, bring sunscreen and wear long sleeves to protect you from the sun
• You can wear long dresses but not too long to avoid tripping.
• If you are unsure about the type of party, ask the person that organizes the event on the yacht what is and not appropriate.
• It’s easy to get dehydrated on a yacht because you don’t feel the sun as you are most of the time in the water or on the deck and at sea, there are always winds. PS, wear a hat and drink a lot of water!

Final Words!

Now that you know how to dress for a day and night party on a yacht, all you need to do is have a good time!

Want to Know More about Dress Code?

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More articles

• What to wear for sailing
• What to wear for a boat party at night
• What to wear on a boat ride
• What to wear to a boat party

What about you? Have you been to a yacht party? If so, feel free to share your experience in the comment below.

Daniella has been passionate about travel, the sea, and nature for many years. As a child, she frequently traveled throughout the Mediterranean and continued with her journeys throughout her adult life.

Her experiences have created the desire within her to share her love for traveling with other passionate and adventurers who want to discover beautiful horizons and new cultures.

8 thoughts on “What to Wear to a Yacht Party – Your Dress Code Guide!”

I have a yacht party to go to and I really needed this guide to make sure that I will take whatever I need. It is really easy to forget a few things and later regret once you reach the party. However, in the evening yacht parties, is it okay to wear heels?

Oh, that’s great, I am sure you’ll have fun!

Yes, I agree with you, it is easy to forget things. This is why it is important to write down what you need before you go:) Once you are on the boat, you cannot go back unless you live nearby.

You cannot wear high heels on a boat, there are few reasons to this. It is not comfortable, not safety and it can damage the deck:) You wouldn’t want this happen.

Thank you for the comment and wish you to have unforgettable moments on the yacht party!

Have a wonderful day!

Hi Daniella, I really like that you divided your article into parts like what to wear in the day or in night! And that you pay attention to both men and women is great, too! often, there are only guides for women. Keep going on as active as you are! Your website is catchy!

Thank you for the kind comment, I really appreciate:) Whats women without men and whats men without women? We can’t live without each other:), Have a wonderful day!

I have been on a yacht for a dinner party sailing in heels! It was a bit troublesome especially going up and down stairs.

Is this post geared toward Northeast US or somewhere else in the world? Here in Florida, it is absolutely okay to wear flip flops to a day yacht party as long as they aren’t cheap! Sperry’s or other boat shoes are acceptable at night for men if the rest of the outfit is semi-casual.

Thank you for the comment:)

Yes, this article concerns everyone. No matter the country. Of course, you can wear flip flops , you can even go barefoot if you wish to, but the risk of hurting your feet or slipping on the deck is much higher. Most charter companies require wearing boat shoes because if something happens and someone didn’t follow the guideline, then the company or the owner of the boat will not be covered by their assurance.

However, Sperry’ shoes are the most recommended on boats as they are comfortable and stylish.

But, again, as long as it is non-marking shoes, you are good to go!

I like how you said that the most appropriate clothes for men are loose pants. My wife and I are planning to go on a trip and we have no idea what to wear. I will definitely share this article with my wife to give her ideas of what to wear in case we go to a boat party.

Hi Dereck, This would be a great idea! I am sure your wife will find something nice to wear:) Thank you for the comment and wish you a lovely day!

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See inside Marine One, the soundproof presidential helicopter that can seat 14 people and deploy anti-missile defenses

• Presidents travel in helicopters that are called Marine One when carrying the president.
• The aircraft feature extensive security measures and spacious, soundproof interiors.
• Marine One often picks up the president from the South Lawn of the White House for shorter trips.

US presidents travel in style with secure, state-of-the-art vehicles such as Air Force One and the bulletproof presidential limousine known as "The Beast."

Marine One, the presidential helicopter, is another such mode of transportation. With spacious, soundproof interiors, advanced defense systems, and a landing zone on the White House lawn, the white-topped helicopters are often the most convenient way for presidents to get from place to place.

Take a look inside the Marine One models used by modern presidents.

Similar to Air Force One, any Marine Corps aircraft carrying the president of the United States uses the call sign Marine One.

President Dwight Eisenhower was the first president to fly in a helicopter in an official capacity in 1957, according to the US Naval Institute .

The helicopter is equipped with extensive security measures.

Marine One features antimissile countermeasures, ballistic armor, secure communication lines, and radar-jamming technology.

In case of a crash, it also has self-sealing fuel tanks and energy-absorbing landing gear to help prevent fires and extensive damage.

The president always flies with at least one other decoy Marine One as additional protection.

There can be up to five Marine One helicopters flying at one time to obscure the president's exact location, according to the George W. Bush Presidential Library . The helicopters also frequently change positions after takeoff to make it harder to determine which one the president is on.

Marine One travels abroad with the president, as well.

Military cargo aircraft transport Marine One helicopters abroad and remain on standby at local airports in case of emergency during foreign visits, according to the US Naval Institute.

Marine One can fit between 11 and 14 passengers, depending on the model.

A Black Hawk model called the VH-60N White Hawk can fit 11 passengers, and the Sikorsky VH-3D Sea King helicopters can fit 14, according to the George W. Bush Presidential Library. Both are used as presidential transports.

Presidents often meet with staffers aboard Marine One.

The helicopter is so soundproof that passengers can speak at a normal volume.

Marine One also includes perks like 200 square feet of interior space and a bathroom.

It's also used to transport the president for shorter trips to places like Camp David and Joint Base Andrews in Maryland to board Air Force One.

Flying across Washington, DC, in a helicopter is more efficient than snarling traffic in a presidential motorcade.

Marine One picks the president up on the South Lawn of the White House.

Two newer Sikorsky VH-92A Patriot models built by Lockheed Martin debuted in 2021 with the goal of eventually replacing the older Marine One helicopters. Each new aircraft cost $218 million, CT Insider reported.

Bloomberg reported that the new Sikorsky helicopters are no longer in regular use because the engines kept burning the White House lawn.

Upon boarding and landing, the president is greeted by Marines wearing the Marine Blue Dress uniform.

President Barack Obama sparked controversy in 2013 when he seemingly forgot to return a Marine's salute and doubled back to shake his hand while boarding Marine One, NPR reported.

However, while Army personnel in uniform are required to salute the president, the president doesn't have to return the gesture. The New York Times reported that President Ronald Reagan was the first president to start returning soldiers' salutes in 1981.

The aircraft is stocked with water bottles and snacks including boxes of presidential M&Ms.

The president's seat is the only forward-facing captain's chair on the aircraft aside from the seats occupied by the pilot and copilot, The Points Guy reported.

After his first ride in Marine One in 2009, Obama said that the helicopter was "very smooth" and "very impressive."

"You go right over the Washington Monument and then, you know, kind of curve in by the Capitol," he said. "It was spectacular."

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