RQYS Mainsheet 2021

Flying the Squadron Burgee

FEATURE

FLYING THE SQUADRON BURGEE A ‘finishing touch’ of pride Membership Committee Chair Grant Somerville has some helpful tips on correctly dressing RQYS members’ vessels with our Squadron burgee and the Australian Red Ensign, as per proper flag etiquette and in accordance with long-established nautical protocols.

On yachts, the burgee should be flown from the main masthead – preferably on a staff so that it stands out prominently. Alternatively, where it might interfere with masthead equipment or lighting, it might be flown from a hoist on a starboard spreader. On powerboats with no mast the burgee may be flown from a staff on the bow (on the bow rail) or over the wheelhouse.

As a member of RQYS you are entitled to fly the Squadron burgee on your vessel when you are aboard. Flags and burgees are part of the nautical scene, so to see a vessel ‘undressed’ is akin to seeing a person sans clothes – i.e. ‘naked’! Pride in our vessel and our Squadron can be easily demonstrated by the flying of our burgee.This, combined with the appropriate ensign, provides the final touch to a well-dressed vessel. Whether before heading to sea to participate in a Squadron or other event, just heading ‘down the Bay’ or for a passage to distant shores, the Squadron burgee should be proudly displayed. The RQYS burgee should not be flown unless the Australian Red Ensign is also hoisted. The burgee and ensign should be flown whenever a vessel is occupied, underway or at anchor.The burgee may be flown together with flags of other clubs, but they should be flown in seniority order – in Queensland this would put the Squadron burgee above those of other yacht clubs. Main: Lucinda Bay correctly dressed for the 2021 Goodwill Cup. Pics: Mike Middleton

Squadron burgees of various sizes are available from RQYS Reception, as well as the plastic sticker variety which are ideal for dinghies and Off-the-Beach (OTB) classes and can be affixed to the transom or bow as preferred. Whether on home waters or at distant shores, competing or cruising, the flying of your club burgee can provide an easily recognisable means of communication, creating an opportunity for continued camaraderie and association. Be part of our strong heritage and fine tradition: order yours from Reception and proudly fly your Squadron burgee! Insets: Nocturn (centre) demonstrating the seniority of the RQYS burgee; the transom of Magellan (top) with alternate stickers.

The Red Ensign should be flown from the aft part of the vessel and be ‘most prominently displayed’ – it is usually flown from its own staff at the stern. (Note: the national flag should be flown only ashore, and vessels displaying the Blue Ensign version thereof will have a special Warrant to do so, unique to that vessel.)

Mainsheet 2021

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