The UK is almost unique in having a diverse range of maritime ensigns, the current use of which evolved during the 19th Century with White, Blue and Red versions. Only 14 Clubs have to date been granted the privilege of flying a defaced Red Ensign whilst over 100 are entitled to the Blue Ensign and just one, the White Ensign. Our Defaced Red Ensign, awarded in 1926, is a privilege of which we should be justly proud and the Club has Regulations for those wishing to “wear” our ensign which members should be aware of.
Previously these rules were published at the back of our Member’s Handbook. Following the decision to move the Members Handbook on line, they can now be found at:- https://rlymyc.org.uk/getmedia/22fc55ba-86df-4c7c-8f1c-10724cb15773/RLymYC-Regulations_Current_1.aspx. These Regulations apply principally to yachts whilst cruising.
Our Regulations have required our burgee to be flown at the masthead unless this is “impossible” but this rule has not been enforced in recent years. Flying the appropriate burgee and having a valid warrant for wearing a special ensign is mandatory. Only 2 clubs insist that their burgee must be flown at the masthead. Whilst it may not be “easy” so to do, it is certainly not “impossible” for any cruising yacht. Best results are achieved by mounting the burgee on a swivel on a stick and a guidance on a simple way of doing this is attached.
Flag etiquette is included in RYA courses and is a mixture of Naval Custom such as lowering the ensign at sunset with some rules. The Cruising Committee have reviewed the Club Regulations regarding the use of the Club’s flags and have suggested minor changes to the Commodore. Our regulations are similar to other comparable clubs and apply to members wishing to wear the Club Ensign whilst cruising. Failure to abide by these Regulations reflects badly on our club and could, in extremis, result in the warrant granted by the Crown being revoked. Two clubs have apparently had the privilege withdrawn. For members unable, or unwilling, to comply, it is perfectly acceptable to wear a red ensign. Indeed this may be sensible when visiting some foreign harbours where the wearing the ensign of the country for which your vessel is registered, is obligatory. Having to show and explain your permit for our club ensign to foreign officials can be time consuming. Furthermore, especially in the United States, you increase your risk of being boarded by their Law Enforcement Agencies who associate Defaced Red Ensigns with UK Dependencies that are regarded as tax havens and associated with drug smuggling.
Excellent guidance is also given on the RYA website - https://www.rya.org.uk/regulations/flag-etiquette/.
The following guidance is offered on key points:
- The club ensign may only be worn on a British Registered yacht (Part 1 Registered – not less than 2 Tons Gross or SSR Part III - not less than 7m overall) owned by a member who is onboard with a valid permit for his vessel. Permits must be renewed every 5 years. It should be worn in a position close to the stern. The yacht must also be flying the club burgee. Neither should be left hoisted when the vessel is not being used. Members are encouraged to follow the custom of lowering the ensign at Sunset (or 2100 in the Summer) attributed to Samuel Pepys, who became Secretary to the Admiralty in 1673, as a cost saving measure.
- The Club burgee (including Flag Officers and Captain’s pennants) must be flown if the Club Ensign is worn and should be flown at the Masthead.
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| Figure 1 The best and most correct way to fly our Burgee |
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Figure 2 an admissible alternative, but not the best
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This avoids the necessity of moving it to the port spreader when in a foreign port and flying a Courtesy ensign at the starboard spreader.
- For those who choose not to fly their burgee at the masthead, this is the only time it is permitted for the burgee to be flown “below” another flag (i.e. on the Port Spreader). Obviously in this case there is the alternative option of wearing a Red Ensign and no burgee. If the burgee is flown from the spreader, it must be “Close Up” i.e. at the top of the hoist immediately adjacent to the spreader. No other flags should be flown on this hoist.
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| Figure 1 Club Burgee on Port, National Flag and Q flag on Starboard |
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| Figure 2 This burgee is at "half mast" and should never be flown thus. Should be hauled close up (at the top) |
The burgee may never be flown at “Half Mast”. (Only the ensign is flown at half mast on 
a yacht during a period of mourning but few yachts have a flag staff tall enough to do this.)
- The term “Half Mast” means that the ensign is lowered a distance equivalent to the breadth of the flag from the Close Up position.
- Membership Flag. This is a rectangular flag with a dark blue border which may be flown when wearing the ensign and flying the burgee of another club when the Royal Lymington burgee must not be flown. If the burgee of the other club is flown on the starboard spreader, the Membership flag must be flown on the port side.
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| Figure 3 The Membership Flag is on the left and a standard burgee on the right |
- When alongside the Club Pontoon for short term stays, the club burgee must be flown correctly until the boatmen are aware that the boat belongs to a member. A member who is a Flag Officer of another club, should fly his Royal Lymington Membership Flag if not wearing the Royal Lymington ensign. Once the boatmen are aware that the vessel is owned by a member, the burgee should be lowered when the owner is not on board. If it is impossible to fly the burgee correctly, the yacht may not be left unattended until the boatmen are informed.
Further Guidance for Motor Boats.
The Club Ensign. Members, who wish to wear the Club Ensign on their motor vessel, if entitled, need to find a suitable staff or halyard near the stern. As for sailing yachts, a valid permit is required and the club burgee must also be flown.
The Club Burgee. A position may need to be created for flying the burgee, the higher the better (it must be higher than the ensign), preferably on the centre line but if this is not possible, on the starboard side. Obviously choosing a point with good access is essential as both the ensign and the burgee should be lowered when the vessel is not being used.
Advice on making a burgee to fly at the masthead
There are many ways to achieve this and probably the best way is to have a permanent pole fitted to the top of the mast with a pulley at the top for the halyard. such that the burgee will fly clear all obstructions. This will considerably shorten the length of the stick attached to the burgee. Mounting the burgee on a stick such that it can swivel is necessary in order that it flies freely.
If a burgee halyard is already in place round a block near the top of the mast, follow steps below.
Step1. Obtain a burgee without the rope and toggles. These are now so well machine stitched in it is very difficult to unpick them. Best to buy one without. The club did not sell these but Liverpool Ensigns are very helpful.
Step 2. The burgee needs to clear all obstructions at the top of the mast. The tallest is likely to be the VHF aerial, the top of which is likely to be 37 inches above the mast. If the halyard block is mounted 6 inches below the top of the mast. Assuming there is a VHF aerial at the top of the mast, an 18 inch pennant requires a stick approximately 72 inches long. (11 inches for the burgee, 37 inches for the VHF aerial, 6 inches for the distance of the pulley block below the top of the mast and then another 18 inches of stick below the pulley block). A bamboo bought from a Garden Centre works well.
Step 3. Make a wire frame to enable the burgee to swivel freely on the end of the stick which can be inserted into the pocket on the burgee where the rope would have been and then stitched in. Galvanised wire works well.
Step 4. Slide an 18 inch length of polythene tubing over the bottom end of the stick leaving about an inch protruding at the bottom and secure the halyard with clove hitches above and below the tubing. This is to prevent the stick clattering on the mast. Hoist carefully when the wind is in a suitable direction ensuring that the burgee misses everything at the top of the mast.
Footnote
Should a Member find a R Lym boat showing a serious transgression of the advice, they should please ask the boatmen to approach the owner rather than do so themself.