buy a yacht with a flag saying chillin

DMR's Road Trip!

Friday, august 8, 2008, buy a yacht with a flag sayin' chillin' the most.

Danielle and I left the Badlands and headed to Mt. Rushmore . The mountain itself and the faces on it are smaller than we thought they would be. What impressed us more than the landmark was the number of Harley Davidsons in the area. Every parking spot in the town was taken up by bikes and the roads were congested with them.

Through reading t-shirts and asking questions we realized we had accidentally arrived at the beginning of the Sturgis bike rally (the second biggest bike rally in the country). We’d only planned on staying in Keystone (the town Rushmore is in) for an hour or so, but we changed our plans and decided to spend the night in town. After checking out four or five motels we found a room for $100. All the prices were jacked up for the rally.

I bought an American flag bandanna and we went out to experience bikers after dark. Things weren’t as raucous as we’d hoped and we went back to our room relatively early.

The next day we went horseback riding in the Black Hills . It was my first time on a horse, which made our guide kinda nervous, but things went well. Cory the Cowboy told me the horse would sense I didn’t know what I was doing, and Cory was right. My horse wandered off the path to eat grass every chance he got. Felon, my horse, was trained by prisoners—I didn’t really feel comfortable kicking him.

Cory told us all about Sturgis. He’d only been once, but he knew all about it. Celebrities like Hulk Hogan, Kid Rock, the OC chopper guys, and Hue Heffner often show up. Cory also told us that women like to ride their bikes topless at Sturgis.

We didn’t realize it initially, but the Sturgis rally is actually in a town called Sturgis. The excess bikes end up in Keystone and Deadwood and the surrounding area. After talking with Cory, Danielle and I decided we had to go to the epicenter of Sturgis.

On the way to Sturgis we gambled a few bucks in Deadwood and visited the grave of Wild Bill Hickock.

That night (still wearing my American flag bandanna) we headed to Sturgis to see what 250,000 bikers are like after dark. Danielle bought a shirt with skulls on it and we fit right in with everyone else. My minivan looked a little funny parked amongst a sea of bikes, but no one said anything. And we actually saw a good number of bikers wearing fanny packs, but most of them were Harley Davidson brand fanny packs and didn’t have twin water bottles tucked into them.

We went to a concert where Rachael Stacy (an E.G. Dailey Better Off Dead lookalike) was performing. People danced in the sand in front of the stage. Most of the dancers were middle-aged women wearing leather chaps with thongs underneath. I couldn’t help wondering how many kids each of them had at home.

We only saw one topless woman riding a bike. Thanks a lot, Cory.

The next day we drove to my reading in Bismarck . Ann Mayher, the head of the friends of the library, set everything up. She and her husband took us to a reproduction of Colonel Custer’s house before the reading. The tour guide (who was in character for the Custer era) asked if any of us played the piano. Danielle nudged me and I raised my hand. He asked me to play something. I banged out the first few measures of Norwegian Concerto, but the piano was incredibly out of tune and it sounded like garbage. The guide then picked up a well-tuned violin and played a few tunes. It was a rotten trick.

The reading went well. 15 people showed up and I sold nine books—not a huge crowd, but I think it’s the best ratio of people to sales that I’ve had all tour (other than the release party composed of friends and family).

I have a reading at Darling Hall in Milwaukee tonight and I have to go help set up so I’m gonna cut this kinda short.

2 comments:

Nice picture. Your noble spirit embiggens the smallest man.

Perfectly cromulent word.

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18 Comments

Lyrics submitted by kevin

Cowboy Lyrics as written by John A. Travis James Kenneth Trombly

Lyrics © CRADLE THE BALLS, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.

Lyrics powered by LyricFind

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I stole this song off of a computer at a camp where I was doing technology stuff this summer because I thought it was a different song, but I really like it. I love Kid Rock. I stole my mom's CD of him a few years ago because she's not in to him, she just likes one song and I appreciate the rest of the album much more than she does. This song makes me think of riding in my boyfriend's mom's car with them on our way to a Journey concert listening to a mix CD and his stepsister yelling to turn this one up. Both she and I were singing along. It was funny. Definite party, screw you, I'll do it my way song. Yeah, KR is cool.

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This song's "meaning" has nothing at all to do with a cowboy per se and everything to do with an "image" of a being a cowboy. I see no mention at all of horses, cattle, or sheep in this song.

wowzerz!!!! dis is da best bad eva and da best kick a$$ (ASS) singer. Damn good song. I can't help but sing along and wanna mosh woot@! yeah!111!!

That was sarcasm, if you didn't catch it. ^_^

you know...I don't really like Kid Rock...yet two of his songs are on my computer. Somebody explain this to me? Somebody should also tell me why it is that I'll spend a late night on the computer and not remember how songs like "purple rain" ended up on my playlist...

maybe cause you were wasted and downloaded it

man u guys suck why the hell this song kicks ass, go and listen to your "A teens" or dave matthews or whatever the hell queers like u listen too

ok Neru mentins the A Teens supsicious

???? "highty flights" ----> "Heidi Fleiss"

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Meaning Behind Kid Rock’s Breakthrough Hit “Cowboy”

by Tina Benitez-Eves June 20, 2023, 3:45 pm

Following the release of Kid Rock ‘s first three albums and the further development of his trailer-park pimp persona, “Cowboy,” off his fourth album Devil Without a Cause , was his first single to hit the Billboard  Hot 100. The song peaked at No. 82 on the Hot 100 in 1999 and would also peak at No. 10 on the Mainstream Rock Airplay chart. 

Videos by American Songwriter

The country rap-rock song was Rock’s breakthrough hit. Below, we uncover the meaning behind “Cowboy.”

The Meaning: Booze, Women , and Trouble

The mission: move from living in trailers to something more palatial in the Hollywood Hills, buy a yacht, have plenty of scotch (and Beck’s and Boone’s Wine), and women galore.

Well, I’m packin’ up my game an’ I’m a head out west Where real women come equipped with scripts an’ fake breasts Find a nest in the hills, chill like Flint Buy an old drop top, find a spot to pimp

An’ I’m a Kid Rock it up an’ down your block With a bottle of scotch an’ watch lots of crotch Buy yacht with a flag sayin’ ‘Chillin’ the most’ Then rock that bitch up an’ down the coast

A picture-perfect day in the life, “Cowboy” is Rock’s anthem for living the life, as crudely as he desires. In all its salacious detail, Rock envisions himself as a trailer park cowboy riding into Los Angeles and taking over, starting an escort service inspired by Heidi Fleiss — and getting into more trouble along the way.

Give a toast to the sun, drink with the stars Get thrown in the mix an’ tossed out of bars Zip to Tijuana, I wanna roam Find Motown an’ tell them fools to come back home

Start an escort service for all the right reasons An’ set up shop at the top of Four Seasons Kid Rock an’ I’m the ‘Real McCoy’ An’ I’m headin’ out west, sucker because I wanna be a

Cowboy, baby With the top let back an’ the sunshine shinin’ Cowboy, baby West coast chillin’ with the Boone’s Wine

Detroit, Not Compton

More scenarios unfold as he bulldozes into town — most censored by radio — while referencing his Detroit roots. He makes it clear he’s not from Compton, Los Angeles.

Cause chaos, rock like Amadeus Find West Coast pussy for my Detroit players Mack like mayors, ball like Lakers They told us to leave but bet they can’t make us

Why they wanna pick on me? Lock me up an’ snort away my key I ain’t no G, I’m just a regular failure I ain’t straight outta Compton, I’m straight out the trailer

Cuss like a sailor, drink like a Mick My only words of wisdom are just, Radio edit I’m flickin’ my Bic up an’ down that coast An’ keep on truckin’ until it falls into motion

Gary Coleman and Ron Jeremy

The music video for “Cowboy,” directed by Dave Meyers, lives up to its lyrics, showing Rock on his journey out West with his crew.

Guests in the video include the late Gary Coleman, best known for playing Arnold in the 1980s hit TV sitcom Diff’rent Strokes , and porn star Ron Jeremy. Rock’s former 3’9″ sidekick Joe C also stars in a sepia-toned, Western-style fight scene, and the video continues with Rock and his entourage getting chased by a town sheriff, who he calls a “pig.”

Cowboy With the top let back an’ the sunshine shinin’ Cowboy Spend all my time at Hollywood an’ Vine

Cowboy Ridin’ at night ’cause I sleep all day Cowboy I can smell a pig from a mile away

Cowboy With the top let back an’ the sunshine shinin’ Cowboy With the top let back an’ the sunshine shinin’

Spurred by “Cowboy” and other hit single “Bawitdaba,” Devil Without a Cause  was a major commercial success for Rock and sold more than 14 million copies.

Photo: Scott Legato/Getty Images

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FLAG Motor yacht for sale

FLAG is a 62.3m (204.4ft) yacht delivered by the renowned Dutch shipyard Feadship, Royal Van Lent in 2000, with exterior design and engineering by De Voogt. Originally built to a Winch Design her interiors were dramatically restyled by Chahan Interior Design. Always meticulously maintained by her four highly experienced owners, she underwent her last major refit in 2012 and was subsequently awarded 'Best Refitted Yacht' at the World Superyacht Awards 2013.

FLAG is a 62.3m (204.4ft) yacht delivered by the renowned Dutch shipyard Feadship, Royal Van Lent in 2000, with exterior design and engineering by De Voogt. Originally built to a Winch Design her interiors were dramatically restyled by Chahan Interior Design. Always meticulously maintained by her four highly experienced owners, she underwent her last major refit in 2012 and was subsequently awarded 'Best Refitted Yacht' at the World Superyacht Awards 2013.

Her elegant interior design is light and welcoming with an abundance of sunlight thanks to large picture windows in both the main and bridge deck lounges. The master cabin on the main deck is full beam with separate his and hers en suite bathrooms and a private study. The remaining six guest cabins on the lower deck are all spacious and well designed with en suite bathroom facilities. In total, this yacht can comfortably sleep up to 18 guests.

A guest elevator is available for easy transportation from the lower deck through to the sun deck. The yacht’s expansive sun deck has a large pool surrounded by sunpads forward, a chef station with BBQ and pizza oven, open air dining and a sun lounge aft. There is more al fresco dining and lounges on the upper deck aft and a large lounge on the main deck aft. Guests will also find a well-equipped gym on the bridge deck.

Two 2,000hp Caterpillar diesel engines give her a top speed of 16 knots and she has a transoceanic range of 6,800nm at 12 knots. Zero speed stabilisers ensure total comfort while at anchor.

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Chillin'

• Amenities & Toys
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CHILLIN' YACHT CHARTER

25.9m  /  85'   ocean alexander   2012 / 2022.

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Cabin Configuration

Special Features:

• Recent refit in 2022
• Interior design from Evan K Marshall
• Sleeps 6 guests
• 4.57m/15' Walker Bay Tender

Chillin' is an outstanding candidate for a perfect yacht charter vacation

The 25.9m/85' motor yacht 'Chillin'' by the American shipyard Ocean Alexander offers flexible accommodation for up to 6 guests in 3 cabins and features interior styling by British designer Evan K Marshall.

Built in 2012, Chillin' is the ideal luxury yacht for kicking back and relaxing whilst on charter, showcasing clever use of space with an artful combination of integrated systems and luxurious features, she's a crowd-pleaser for sure.

Guest Accommodation

Chillin' offers guest accommodation for up to 6 guests in 3 suites comprising a master suite, one VIP cabin and one double cabin. There are 3 beds in total, including 1 king and 2 queen. She is also capable of carrying up to 3 crew onboard to ensure a relaxed luxury yacht charter experience.

Onboard Comfort & Entertainment

Whatever your activities on your charter, you'll find some impressive features are seamlessly integrated to help you, notably Wi-Fi connectivity, allowing you to stay connected at all times, should you wish. Guests will experience complete comfort while chartering thanks to air conditioning.

Performance & Range

Chillin' is built with a GRP hull and GRP superstructure. Powered by twin MTU engines, she comfortably cruises at 18 knots, reaches a maximum speed of 24 knots.

Set against the backdrop of your chosen cruising ground, you and your guests can enjoy fun on the water with the collection of water toys and accessories aboard Chillin'. Principle among these are kayaks - a tranquil and relaxing way to pass the time. If that isn't enough Chillin' also features fishing equipment, inflatable water toys and paddleboards. Chillin' also sports a 4.57m/15' Walker Bay Tender to transport you with ease.

Chillin' offers you and your guests the perfect platform from which to enjoy your next luxury yacht charter. Please enquire for details of her summer and forthcoming winter cruising grounds and availability.

Chillin' is a unique motor yacht and the ideal platform for an adventure charter that will guarantee unforgettable memories.

TESTIMONIALS

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Amenities & Entertainment

For your relaxation and entertainment Chillin' has the following facilities, for more details please speak to your yacht charter broker.

Chillin' is reported to be available to Charter with the following recreation facilities:

• 1 x 4.57m  /  15' Walker Bay Tender Honda 60 HP engine

For a full list of all available amenities & entertainment facilities, or price to hire additional equipment please contact your broker.

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For a full list of all available amenities & entertainment facilities, or price to hire additional equipment please contact your broker.

'Chillin'' Charter Rates & Destinations

Summer Season

May - September

$52,500 p/week + expenses

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Cruising Regions

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Winter Season

October - April

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How to choose your yacht's flag state

If you consider buying a superyacht for international cruises and chartering in the Caribbean and the Med, your lawyer or broker will tell you to register and flag the yacht offshore.

The flag you choose to fly from your transom can have a direct bearing on your privacy, taxes, exposure to liability and boarding, the vessel’s success as a commercial enterprise, and, ultimately, your enjoyment of the yacht. So how do you decide which flag best serves your purposes? There is no simple answer that covers every owner, but some basic considerations do apply.

‘The choice of flag state has, over the last few years, become one of the most important decisions owners and/or their representatives must make,’ says Mike Dean of Isle of Man-based Döhle Yachts.

A flag state is the country or governmental entity under whose laws a vessel is registered or licensed. This can be the country in which the owner resides, or more commonly in the superyacht world, an offshore ship registry in a country with laws that are attuned to the complexities of yacht ownership and charter operations.

The flag state has the authority and responsibility to enforce regulations over vessels registered under its flag, including those relating to inspection, certification and issuance of safety and pollution prevention documents.

Offshore flagging advantages

Owners who choose to flag offshore – especially those who plan to make their yachts available for charter in the EU – can benefit in many ways, including, but not limited to, mitigation of some tax burdens, confidentiality of ownership, and reassuring lenders and insurance companies. An owner who intends to operate his vessel as a private yacht and not charter might register the vessel in his home country.

However, many popular flag states have appealing and relatively simple avenues for setting up offshore corporate structures that offer favourable taxation and liability protections under a stable fiscal and legal system. In addition they have construction, inspection and regulatory compliance regimes that can streamline the process of owning and operating a large yacht.

The choice of flag state has, over the last few years, become one of the most important decisions owners and/or their representatives must make

Mike Dean, Döhle Yachts

Registering as a private yacht with a non-EU flag also allows an owner to operate under the Temporary Importation regime in Europe in which a yacht can operate for up to 18 months without the vessel being subject to customs duties or the EU’s Value Added Tax (VAT).

Owners who intend to actively pursue charter in the world’s most popular destinations – in particular, the Med, which is ringed by EU states – and the Caribbean, will generally choose to incorporate, flag offshore and register as a commercially operated vessel.

In addition to the benefits above, such structures can allow the vessel to operate within the VAT system. VAT on charters is still chargeable to the end consumer – the charterer – but the system allows operators of legitimate charter businesses to account for their input tax in the normal business sense. For instance, if a business buys food for a charter, it will pay input tax on the supply but can deduct it as an operating expense.

Good and bad flags

Registering a yacht to operate commercially subjects it to a broad range of regulations related mainly to safety.

A flag state will generally require a yacht to be in compliance with construction standards set forth by one or more of the main classification societies such as Lloyd’s Register, American Bureau of Shipping or Det Norske Veritas, as well as meeting safety and practice standards set forth by government agencies such as the UK’s Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA), as applied by the relevant states’ national legislation.

Choosing a particular flag is a vastly complicated matter generally settled between an owner and his attorney, but there are some basic considerations, not the least of which is the potential for the yacht to be boarded and detained by authorities. In short, there are good flags and bad flags.

‘You need to be with a flag that can provide a solid commercial registration that’s accepted in the shipping industry and accepted by the governments of the world,’ says Ken Argent of Water’s Edge Consulting Ltd.

You need to be with a flag that can provide a solid commercial registration that’s accepted in the shipping industry and accepted by the governments of the world

Ken Argent, Water’s Edge Consulting Ltd

A wise starting point would be to choose a flag on the so-called ‘White List’ as maintained by the Paris Memorandum of Understanding on Port State Control (Paris MoU).

The Paris MoU consists of 27 participating maritime administrations and covers the waters of the European coastal states and the North Atlantic basin from North America to Europe. Its mission is to eliminate the operation of sub-standard ships through a harmonised system of port state control. There are other MoU groups around the world, with similar aims.

Port officers inspect foreign ships in the Paris MoU ports, to ensure they meet international safety, security and environmental standards, and that crew have adequate living and working conditions.

Flags on the Paris White List have demonstrated strong performance in those areas and thus, are subject to fewer boardings when they enter foreign ports.

Flags on the Grey List and Black List have been deemed deficient and risk more boardings and possible detentions. Traditionally, yachts have been a low priority for Port State Control (PSC) inspections, but since the advent of the New Inspection Regime in Paris, this is no longer the case and so it is important to choose a flag with a good PSC record and a rigorous approach to safety and certification.

A wise starting point would be to choose a flag on the so-called “White List”

‘There are rogue states that remain outside the family of civilised nations, and yachts that fly those flags are not welcomed,’ says maritime attorney Michael T. Moore. ‘Generally speaking, most civilised countries have subscribed to a web of treaties designed to protect the world’s oceans from pollution, overfishing and various other unacceptable practices. Almost all seafaring nations are on the alert for out-of-pattern flags.’

Other considerations extend beyond the prospect of being boarded. ‘Lenders and insurance companies will review a flag state’s enforcement of international environment and safety and procedures and standards, compliance with international regulations and casualty record,’ says Dean. ‘A poor record will inevitably affect the decisions of the lenders and underwriters.’

The Red Ensign Group

The brokerage and management firm Edmiston Company estimates as many as 80 per cent of large yachts are flagged in the British overseas territories commonly known as the ‘Red Ensign Group’, in particular, the Cayman Islands, Gibraltar and the Isle of Man.

Factors influencing that, says Edmiston, include prestige, tradition and history; international recognition of high standards and adherence to the Large Yacht Commercial Code; ready availability of a large number of qualified surveyors; protection of British maritime law, consular services and navy; and commercial confidentiality (the owning companies can be registered in the flag state, rather than the person who owns the yacht).

As many as 80 per cent of large yachts are flagged in the British overseas territories commonly known as the Red Ensign Group

‘The Red Ensign Group uses the UK MCA’s Large Yacht Code (LYC) as the criteria for building and equipping commercial yachts,’ says Clive Harrison of Döhle Yachts. ‘The LYC has been submitted (and accepted) to the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) as the UK’s equivalent provisions under the equivalence arrangements of several international conventions (Load Lines, SOLAS and STCW).

‘Yachts built and operated under the LYC do so under internally recognised standards,’ says Harrison, ‘whilst other jurisdictions operate their own codes, these have not been presented or accepted to the IMO. Compliance with LYC can have a positive impact on resale values.’

The Red Ensign registry with the largest number of yachts is the Cayman Islands Shipping Registry. According to Peter Southgate, Advisor, Maritime Policy and Legislation Development and Shipping Master of the Cayman Registry, service is one key to the flag’s popularity.

‘The various members of the Red Ensign Group offer a very high quality flag option for any owner, and we ensure that as a group, we do not compete on quality,’ Southgate says. ‘This leaves essentially only service and the possible effects of local restrictions. For example, the UK is an EU flag and hence, temporary importation would not be available to a UK-flagged vessel.’

Flags of different colours

Most flag registries, while either an agency of a government or acting on behalf of the government, are to some extent, in competition with each other for business and offer various angles that may benefit the needs of some owners.

The Marshall Islands allows qualified private yachts to charter up to 84 days a year, but subjects them to detailed surveys heavy on lifesaving, safety and fire fighting. They also have to have a minimum safe manning certificate for when they’re chartering.

‘We look at that as an owner trying to recoup some of his expenses – not putting his yacht into a commercial mode,’ says Eugene Sweeney, senior vice president, Yacht Operations for International Registries, Inc., which provides administrative and technical support to the Marshall Islands Maritime and Corporate Administrators.

The US flag has long been problematic for ship and yacht owners due in large part to onerous regulations and manning requirements. ‘The US flag has a very unwelcoming regime of laws and regulations that make it extremely difficult for a ship of any size to be registered,’ says Moore. Matt Ruane, director of JTC Marine and Aviation, cites some specific reasons a US flag may not appeal to owners of large yachts.

If you are tempted to use the flag of a state because you like the AK-47 image on it, resist.

Maritime attorney Michael T. Moore

‘US residents often wish to purchase yachts outside the US and register on to a non-US flag in order to avoid US sales and/or use tax,’ Ruane writes. ‘US Coast Guard legislation fails to differentiate between merchant vessels and commercial yachts, meaning most large yachts would fail to meet their “Seagoing Motor Vessel” requirements, which, in essence, apply SOLAS requirements to all vessels in excess of 300GT.

‘A US-resident master and crew are required for all large yachts, unless operating privately and outside of US waters. A US flag requires US corporate or private ownership, and the concept of nominee directors and shareholders is less understood and thus, less acceptable, essentially meaning that US corporate ownership is more transparent.’

The actual cost of flagging offshore is relatively low, provided your yacht meets class requirements, which is something an owner would want to consider especially when buying a brokerage yacht. The cost of bringing a yacht up to class can be substantial.

Choosing a flag is a matter best undertaken under counsel of a maritime attorney. There are many possible avenues depending on an owner’s intended use and other considerations, but at the end of the day, most advise sticking with the tried and true.

‘If for whatever reason you are tempted to use the flag of a state because you like the AK-47 image on it,’ says Moore, ‘resist.’

Originally published: Superyacht Owners’ Guide 2012.

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Chillin' The Most Flag

Fly this popular flag! Commonly used on boats, this flag is made of durable nylon material. Do not confuse this flag with a cheaper polyester or printed version! These flags are quality hand-made flags that will not deteriorate quickly like polyester fabric does.

Nylon is the best fabric choice for a flag, especially in a marine environment. The letters are appliqued (sewn) on the flag appearing correct on the front and reversed on the back (standard flag construction) for a very high quality appearance. The flag comes in assorted sizes and colors with 2 grommets on the left edge. Color choice is the background of the flag, the lettering is always white. You can view our Color Chart to help in your selection. We can also make the flag in any color you require at the same cost, just contact us!

Each flag is made-to-order, so allow up to 2 weeks before the order will ship.

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Finding the right size flag is easy! The length of the flag should be 1/4 the height of the pole. Nylon is the best all-around material, use Polyester2 for high-wind areas and budget polyester for short-term use.

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Chillin’

Accommodation Details

Available in Washington State, USA.  Cruise the San Juan Islands, Seattle, etc.!

Sleeps 4 guests in 3 staterooms:

The Master Stateroom on the Main Deck with King Bed spans the full width of the yacht, with view windows and ensuite bathroom.

Two Stateroom on the Lower Deck, each with Queen Bed and ensuite bathroom.

Specifications

Watersports, pricing terms.

7 nights: USD $77,000 6 nights: USD $66,000

Includes yacht and 3 crew: Captain, Chef and Stewardess

Additional:

• Customary crew gratuity (15-20% of Charter Fee advised for a stellar experience)
• WA State Tax (approx. 10.2%)
• All expenses, charged at cost: fuel, provisions, beverages, and any docking

Crew Profile

Captain Kevin is a Coast Guard licensed 100 Ton Master. He was a 3rd generation commercial fisherman, from Seattle to Alaska. He began at an early age fishing on family boats, then later in Kodiak and Cordova, Alaska, then on to a career on Wall Street (but that's a story best told aboard)! ​ Chef Cindy loves to cook and grew up working in the restaurant industry. Cuisine and provisioning are her specialty!

Kevin and Cindy are married and own the yacht. They are joined by a stewardess.

Additional Information

2022 REFIT: Full interior/exterior/electronic/mechanical refit by the Ocean Alexander service yard in Seattle, with upgraded soft goods, bedding, and all electronics.

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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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All of our flags are custom made in house with the highest quality standards. Each flag consists of 3 layers, front, back and a super thin light blocking liner in between. Unlike many single layer flags, our flags read correctly on both sides. Our high definition sublimated printing process, produces stunning high colored graphics that won't crack, fade or peel. Each flag is constructed of 100% marine grade polyester fabric that is UV resistant. Finished with a heavy duty poly cotton header and solid brass grommets, you are sure to get a long lasting, eye catching, one of a kind custom flag!

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