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U.S. Yacht Flag - Boat Ensign Flag

Nylon U.S. Yacht Design 30" x 48" Flag

Super Tough

Nylon U.S. Yacht Design 20" x 30" Flag

Our U.S. Yacht flag, made from nylon, features an embroidered field and sewn stripes for a durable construction. It comes complete with a canvas header and brass grommets. This flag is also commonly referred to as the anchor flag or boat flag.

The U.S. yacht ensign, a variation of the national ensign, incorporates a union with thirteen stars arranged in a ring encircling a fouled anchor set diagonally. Congress authorized this ensign in 1848 based on the recommendation of the commodore of the New York Yacht Club. It served as a signal for yachts holding special licenses from the Secretary of the Treasury, allowing them exemption from the requirement to enter or clear customs every time they sailed to or returned from the sea. The design, prescribed by the Secretary of the Navy, was introduced into use in 1849.

Freedom Marine Inc

Flags, Ensigns, and Burgees – Getting it Right

26th July 2023

Flags, Ensigns, and Burgees

Getting it right.

Flags and pennants tell a story to those who observe them, so a code of conduct or etiquette has been developed over the years to determine how flags and pennants should be properly flown. Here are eight simple tips on the proper way to display flags, ensigns, and burgees:

• There is only one flag to fly as the ensign on a Canadian yacht – the Maple leaf, the national flag. Resist the urge to fly the red ensign, the Union Jack or, heaven forbid, the skull and cross-bones. U.S. vessels also fly the national flag, the Stars and Stripes, as an ensign: however, two modified versions of the U.S. flag are sometimes flown as an ensign on pleasure craft – the yacht ensign (an anchor in a circle of stars with horizontal red stripes) or the U.S, Power Squadron’s ensign (an anchor in a circle of stars with vertical blue stripes). Strictly speaking, the modified versions are only supposed to be flown in U.S. domestic waters. U.S. Vessels travelling abroad should properly fly their national flag. A proper national flag size is one inch of flag for every foot of vessel length.
• The correct position for the ensign is the taffrail, (aftmost railing on the stern) set from a staff; or, under sail from the peak (upper end of a gaff) or two-thirds up the leech (Marconi-rigged) of the aftermost sail. If the boom of a sailing vessel will clear the ensign staff, it is acceptable to fly the ensign at the taffrail while under sail.
• Never hoist a faded or ragged flag. This should be self-explanatory but since many yachts still go about with a tattered flags, it seems we need to be reminded that flying flags is like dressing up or wearing a uniform.
• The ensign must come down at night. Colours should be made (ensigns and other flags hoisted) at sunrise. They should be lowered at sunset.
• The courtesy flag, the ensign of a foreign country, should be flown from the starboard crosstree while in the waters of the country (except for number six below). Some cruisers indulge in the mistaken belief that the higher a flag is the more important it is, and object to a foreign flag being hoisted above the height of their own national ensign. This is utterly misguided – the place of honour is at the stern – not flying a courtesy flag is not only rude but can lead to a fine in some countries.
• When entering foreign waters, and before clearing customs, the “Q” flag (yellow) should be hoisted and left up until clearance is granted. At that time a “Q” flag is replaced with the courtesy flag, which will remain flying until leaving that country’s waters.
• A club burgee (which is a pennant or triangular flag) is flown from the masthead, although many power boats follow Chapman’s rules of flag etiquette and display the club burgee on the bow. The difficulty nowadays is that many sailboats have wind vanes and antennas mounted at the masthead, which make flying a burgee from there problematic. One solution is to ensure the wind vane is mounted far enough forward or aft that it won’t hit a pig stick rising aloft on a separate halyard. A second option is to fly the burgee from a halyard attached to the starboard spreader.
• If you dress with code flags for special occasions they should be up only when you’re at anchor or moored to a dock, not underway. The flags are strung together in no special order except that, for appearance’s sake, The square flags and the pennants (triangular) are evenly spaced and the colours well contrasted. They should be strung from the stem head (or bowsprit end) to the masthead(s) and then down to the taffrail. Traditionally the pilot jack (a Union flag with white boarder) is hung below the end of the bowsprit. No club burgee, ensign or other distinguishing flag shall be included in the line but should be flown in their usual places.

(Deane Hislop in Partnership with Freedom Marine)

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Updated flag code for recreational boats, united states ensign, united states yacht ensign.

• United States Power Squadrons ® Ensign

Canadian Power & Sail Squadrons Ensign

United states coast guard auxiliary ensign.

• Coast Guard Auxiliary Operational Ensign

Yacht Club Burgee

Usps squadron burgee, owner's private signal, officer flags, uscg auxiliary officer flags, size of flags, alternative display locations, making colors, dressing ship, courtesy flags.

The United States Power Squadrons, the worlds largest boating educational organization, developed an updated code for displaying flags on boats in 1998. This code, devised in consultation with the U.S. Coast Guard, Coast Guard Auxiliary, New York Yacht Club, and other yachting authorities, eliminates confusion and will help you show proper respect for each flag and pennant you fly.

This code is primarily for use on private vessels because small craft are so different from large ships; yet it is flexible enough to accommodate the wide variation in construction of most modern pleasure craft. The code applies to all boaters, but has specific application to members of groups such as yacht clubs, the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, and the United States Power Squadrons.

While points of honor have been established by long tradition, new configurations of boats, rigging and the like have modified these points. Using antennas, fishing towers, outriggers, sailboat backstays, portside halyards, and double hoisting are all new to the flag code. Even though traditionalists may think they are incorrect, these flag display techniques are appropriate today. If your boat's configurations requires you to use any of these techniques to fly your colors, do so, but follow this code to do so correctly.

The updated code, How to Fly Flags, Nautical Flag Display , is available from various marine suppliers around the country and from USPS Headquarters .

The U.S. national ensign, sometimes called "50-star" or "Old Glory," is the proper and preferred flag for all U.S. vessels. Your boat should wear it from 0800 until sunset, and when you enter or leave port during daylight or at night, weather and rig permitting. While in port, if you leave your boat and will not return before sunset, lower and stow the national ensign before you go.

The national ensign worn by a vessel must be the flag of her registry—not necessarily that of the owner or operator.

Generally, the national ensign should be displayed at the peak of the gaff, i.e., the outer end of the spar extending aft from the mast of your boat—if you boat has a gaff. If it does not, fly it from the flagstaff at your boat's stern. If your boat has an overhanging boom or an outboard motor, your flagstaff may be offset to starboard (preferably) from your boat's centerline.

On a sportfishing boat, where a stern staff might interfere with the gear, and vice versa, the practice is to fly the ensign from a halyard rigged amidships on the after part of the superstructure.

Marconi-rigged sailboats may fly the ensign from the leech of the aftermost sail (or from the back stay), approximately 2/3 the distance up its length. This puts it in about the same position it would occupy if the boat were gaff-rigged.

At anchor or made fast, the ensign should be flown from the stern staff of all boats. The U.S. national ensign has a 10:19 hoist/fly ratio.

U.S. Ensign Design Specifications National ensigns from other countries

The U.S. yacht ensign [definition] features a blue canton (the rectangle at the upper corner nearest the staff) having 13 white stars and a fouled anchor. Originally devised as a signal to identify documented yachts to relieve them of certain customs formalities, it is now flown on recreational boats of all types and sizes instead of the national ensign in domestic waters. Traditionally, the yacht ensign had a 10:19 hoist/fly ratio like the U.S. ensign. Today it is found with a 2:3 or 3:5 ratio. However, the preferred flag is the 50-star national ensign, especially since the yacht ensign must neve r be flown in international or foreign waters since it has no standing as a national ensign.

United States Power Squadrons Ensign

The USPS ensign [definition] has a red canton containing 13 white stars surrounding a fouled anchor. The remainder of the flag contains thirteen vertical blue and white stripes. The USPS ensign has a 2:3 hoist/fly ratio. [Design] It is flown as a signal to others that the boat is commanded by an active member of USPS.

The preferred location for flying the USPS ensign is the starboard yardarm or spreader halyard. It may be worn there day and night. While in U.S. waters, the USPS ensign may be flown instead of the national ensign, and in any position and at any time appropriate to fly the national ensign.

The USPS ensign may be flown on boats displaying the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary (blue) ensign to indicate the owner is a member of both organizations, however when doing so, it may not be flown in lieu of the national ensign. The USPS ensign cannot be flown when the vessel is operating under U.S. Coast Guard orders and the USCGAux operational ensign is being worn.

The Canadian Power & Sail Squadrons' ensign [definition] is a flag frequently seen on the United States northern border. The CPS ensign has a 3:5 hoist fly ratio. USPS has a close relationship with CPS that has resulted in many people holding membership in both organizations.

The U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary blue ensign [definition] may be worn on a boat that has been approved as a current facility by the organization. It is flown both day and night. By mutual agreement, it may be flown with the USPS ensign by those who are members of both organizations. In this case, the USPS ensign is flown from the starboard spreader, not in lieu of the national ensign. The current facility must wear the national ensign whenever the Auxiliary ensign is worn.

If your boat has a signal mast, fly the blue ensign at the masthead, replacing any other signal. Fly it at the main truck if your boat has two or more masts. On the other hand, if your boat does not have a mast, fly the Auxiliary ensign at the bow staff or antenna.

United States Coast Guard Auxiliary Operational Ensign

The USCGAux operational ensign (white with the orange and blue diagonal stripes of the U.S. Coast Guard) is worn in place of the blue ensign on USCGAux vessels while under Coast Guard orders or on patrol missions. When under orders, only the U.S. national ensign, the USCGAux operational ensign, and one officer flag may be flown. All other signals must be removed. The dimensions of the operational ensign should not be greater than those of the national ensign.

Generally triangular in shape, although sometimes swallow-tailed, the yacht club burgee contains a unique design symbolic of the organization represented. If you boat is a mastless or single-masted yacht, fly your burgee from the bow staff. Boats without a bow staff should wear a burgee at the truck of a single-master yacht. On the other hand, if the truck is occupied with instruments or other conflicting gear, a pigstick can be affixed to a halyard so as to carry a flag above the truck. Alternatively, the burgee may be worn at a spreader halyard. If your boat has two or more masts, fly your burgee at the truck of the forward mast. Do not display more than one burgee at a time. The burgee your boat wears should be that of the group in whose activity you are participating, or whose harbor you are entering, if you are a member of that group. Otherwise, fly the burgee of your home organization. Each yacht club usually has rules that determine when their burgee should be flown.

A distinguishing USPS Squadron burgee which has been authorized by USPS may be flown in lieu of a club burgee and from the same positions. This burgee may be flown both day and night.

View squadron burgees and district flags

Association Flags

Flag's of associations, e.g., a cruising club or a USPS district, are generally rectangular and may be worn on a spreader halyard. Many flags or signals are flown from the spreader halyards but—usually—only one should be worn on each halyard. If your boat is rigged with one starboard halyard and one port halyard, fly the signal of superior dignity on the starboard side and the signal of lesser dignity on the port side. If you have more than one halyard on each side of your boat, fly the superior signal form the outboard starboard halyard, with other signals to its left, in order of decreasing dignity. They may be balanced, insofar as possible, starboard and port.

This is a personal flag, often called house flag. It is usually swallow-tailed, designed by the individual owner to depict a personal interest, hobby, family tradition, initials, or the like. A private signal should be a unique design and always in good taste. It should not include or be the ensign of a foreign country, nor duplicate a design previously adopted by someone else.

On a mastless vessel, fly your private signal from the bow staff. A single-masted vessel may wear it at the truck of the mast (replacing any other signal normally worn at that point) or from a spreader halyard.

In most cases, officer flags are blue, red, white, or yellow signals the are rectangular or triangular. The officer flag is worn instead of the owner's private signal on all motor and sailing vessels except single-masted sailboats, where it is flown at the masthead in place of the club burgee. On motor boats without a signal mast, an officer flag may be flown from a radio antenna, preferably on the starboard side. Fly this flag either singly or under an associated ensign, that is, below the corresponding organizational ensign (not the national ensign or the yacht ensign.)

The only other officer flag that may be worn simultaneously with the owner's or captain's officer flag is that of a visiting officer of higher rank than the officer commanding the vessel. The visiting officer's flag may be flown from the bow staff (in place of the burgee) or from the port spreader halyard. The starboard-side halyard positions belong to the flag of the owner/captain; the port side halyard positions belong to the visitors flags.

View USPS Officer Flags

The flag of a USCG Auxiliary officer flies day and night when the officer is on board. On a vessel without a mast, it is flown at the bow staff in place of the USCG Auxiliary ensign; on a vessel with a mast, it is flown at the starboard spreader. Past officer burgees are displayed in the same manner.

Only one officers pennant may be flown at a time, and an incumbent officers pennant invariably takes precedence.

A rectangular blue flag with 50 stars-the upper quadrant of the National Ensign nearest the hoist, properly referred to as a canton . It is worn most often by government vessels—rarely by private vessels. It may be flown only when not underway at the jack staff of yachts with more than one mast, and only on Sundays, holidays, or when dressing ship. The exterior dimensions of the union jack should be equal to the respective exterior dimensions of the union on the national ensign being flown.

Flags are often too small. When your purchase your flags, use the following guidelines, rounding up to the next larger commercially available size when necessary.

The national ensign flown at a flag staff at the stern of your boat should be one inch on the fly for each foot of overall length.

All other flags such as club burgees, officer flags, and private signals for use on sailboats should be approximately 1/2 inch on the fly for each foot above the waterline of the tallest mast on the boat. (That is, if the tope of the mast is 30 feet above the waterline, these other flags should be 15 inches on the fly.) On powerboats, these flags should be 5/8 inch on the fly for each foot of overall length. The shape and proportions of pennants and burgees will be prescribed by the organization to which they relate. A union jack should be the same size as the canton of the national ensign being flown from the flag staff.

Many foreign ensigns—courtesy flags—sold in stores are not manufactured to correct proportions. For instance, the flags of all former British Commonwealth countries, including Canada, Bermuda, the Bahamas, and the British Virgin Islands, are correctly proportioned 1:2, i.e., the fly is twice the length of the hoist. As a matter of interest, the United States flag is correctly proportioned 10:19 (nearly 1:2), not 3:5 as is commonly available.

Avoid flying more than one ensign from a single halyard or antenna. On the other hand, when the preferred positions for an organizational burgee or officer flag are not available, you may fly these from spreader halyard, with more than one on a hoist if necessary. In such instances however, you must observe the proper order of precedence. If you must multiple-hoist these flags, no more than one flag of the same type or stature may be flown from the same halyard. Each flag must be senior to the one below it, except that the officer-ion-charge pennant may be placed above the officer flag when it is appropriate to do so. When neither the preferred location nor a spreader halyard is available, a radio antenna may be used. Never fly any other flag on the same halyard as, or on a halyard to starboard of, a courtesy flag

Colors are made each morning at 0800; as mentioned, at yacht club and similar organization docks or anchorages, this may be signaled by a morning gun. The national ensign or yacht ensign is hoisted at the stern (or set in place on its staff). This is followed, as applicable, by a foreign ensign (courtesy flag), a club or squadron burgee, organizational flags, an officer flag or private signal and then by any other signals not already fling, such as a guest flag.

At sunset, colors not properly flown on a day-and-night basis should be lowered in reverse sequence, the ensign at the stern always being the last to be secured.

If you fly the yacht ensign (or other authorized ensign) in lieu of the U.S. ensign, raise and lower it as if it were the U.S. national ensign.

On 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.

Old and New USCGC Mackinaws Dressing Ship

When you visit foreign water, your boat should display a courtesy flag ( the civil ensign of the country you are visiting ) whenever your U.S. national ensign (the USPS ensign or the yacht ensign should not be displayed in foreign waters) is displayed. (The USPS ensign and U.S. yacht ensign should not be worn in foreign waters)

If your vessel is mastless, it should wear this "courtesy flag" at the bow, in lieu of a squadron or club burgee, or on a starboard antenna strong enough to support it. It your vessel has one or more masts, display it single-hoisted at the outboard signal halyard of the main starboard spreader. Move any flag normally flown there to the inboard starboard halyard or, if your boat has only one halyard per side, to the port spreader halyard.

The customs observed in various foreign waters differ from one another. Try to learn the correct procedure for the country you are entering. For example, is some countries it is customary to fly the courtesy flag only after the quarantine flag (the yellow 'Q' flag) and the vessel has been granted pratique by the appropriate authorities.

Do not fly a foreign courtesy flag after you have returned to U.S. waters. It is not to be used as a badge of accomplishment for having cruised to another country.

Foreign Guest Flags

When a foreign guest is aboard, you may display the ensign of the guest's country from the bow staff or outboard port spreader. Should more than one such guest flag be appropriate, wear them on spreader halyards from port to starboard in the alphabetical order of their countries' names in the English language.

Half-Staffing Flags

The only authorities who may direct that all national ensigns be flown at half-staff (sometimes called "half-mast) are the President of the United States or the governor of a state. The length of time at which the ensign is to be flown at half-staff is determined by the deceased person's position and the directive of the president or governor. This normally lasts from 1 or 2 days to as many as 30 days.

A commodore, commander, civic association president, or corresponding official of a similar organization may order his organization's flag flown at half-staff to honor a member who has died. A club burgee on a sail or signal mast is a half-staff when ti is even with the man spreader or yardarm.

On Memorial day, the national ensign is properly flown at half-staff until 1200.

When you fly your national ensign at half-mast, hoist it smartly as high as you can (sometimes referred to as "chock-a-blocked") or "two-blocked"). Then lower it ceremoniously to the half-mast position. When you are taking it down at the end of the day, smartly two-block it again and then lower it ceremoniously from there. When the ensign is at half-mast, all other flags remain two-blocked.

At the stern of a vessel, or on a flagpoles ashore, the half-mast position is approximately three-fourths the height of the truck. If the flagpole has a yardarm, the half-mast position is where the top of the flag is level with the yardarm.

When it is half-masted ashore, fly only a private signal or club burgee at masthead of a gaff-rigged mast with it.

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Boat Flags & Boat Flag Etiquette

The United States Flag Code provides advisory rules for display and care of the American Flag, but there are also specific guidelines for flying flags on recreational boats. In fact, boat flag etiquette not only ensures that the flag is displayed respectfully, it actually helps boaters to identify one another and communicate while on open water.

Boat Flags: When & Where to Fly Them

The five most common types of boat flags are Ensign, Burgee, Private Signal, Courtesy and Signal Flags.

National Ensign Flags

The ensign flag is the largest, most important flag on a boat because it identifies the nation of origin. The preferred U.S. national ensign flag is the traditional American Flag , however, the United States Yacht Ensign may be flown in its place, provided the boat remains in domestic waters. Similar to the Betsy Ross Flag , but with a fouled anchor in the center of the 13 stars, the yacht ensign should never be used in international or foreign waters.

Always flown off the stern, on a staff-pole that is long and angled, the ensign may be offset to one side to allow it to fly clear of the rigging and engine exhaust. In addition, American boat flags should only be flown from 8:00 am until sunset, and when entering or leaving port during daylight or at night, weather and rig permitting. When leaving your boat in port, the flag should be taken down if you will not return before sunset.

Burgee Flags

Typically triangular or swallow-tailed in shape, the burgee flag is a small flag with a symbol signifying the skipper’s sailing organization or yacht club. Many yacht clubs have rules about when their burgees are flown, but generally speaking, burgee flags are flown from the bow staff or under the starboard spreader. These flags are flown day and night, and follow the skipper from boat to boat.

Private Signal Flags

Private signal flags are personal flags, sometimes referred to as house flags, which are custom designed and made specifically for the boat owner. Custom Boat Flags usually feature a personal interest, hobby, family tradition, initials or some other symbol to identify the boat owner. These boat flags are flown day and night, but only when the owner is in command of the boat. Custom boat flags are flown at the head of the aftermost mast, from the bow staff on mastless vessels, or on the starboard rigging below the burgee.

Courtesy Flags

To show respect, courtesy flags are flown when entering or operating a boat in foreign waters and, in some instances, when there is someone from a foreign country on the boat. Courtesy flags represent the host nation or state in whose waters you are traveling, and are flown from the starboard spreader on a sailboat, the starboard spreader of a powerboat with a mast, or the bow staff of a mastless boat.

Signal Flags

Signal Flags are an international standard in maritime, used for nautical ship-to-ship communication, primarily related to safety and navigation. Each signal flag corresponds to a number or letter of the alphabet, and when displayed by itself or in conjunction with other letters and numbers, the flags relay important messages and information to other vessels. Although radio transmissions have largely replaced the use of signal flags, they are still required on commercial vessels and in foreign ports of call.

Other Boat Flags

Fishing boats often fly flags denoting their catch. Known as Fishing Flags , these boat flags can feature marlin, sailfish, tuna, albacore, tarpon, wahoo, striped bass, bluefish, shark, mako shark, king mackerel, swordfish and more. They are flown from the port outrigger or spreader, and are flown upside down if the catch is released.

Gettysburg Flag Works also carries a variety of Nautical & Marine Ensigns , as well as Jolly Roger Pirate Flags , and several fun and humorous boat flags, including Mother-in-Law On Board , Baby on Board , Wife On Board and Husband on Board .

Boat Flags: How to Order

When ordering an ensign, or American Boat Flag , we recommend a flag that measures one inch for each foot of boat length. For smaller vessels, a 12x18” flag is usually suffice, while larger boats may opt for the 2x3’ flag. Burgee and personal Custom Boat Flags are generally smaller than the ensign, but can measure up to half an inch for each foot above water of the tallest mast.

Need help ordering a flag for your boat? The flag experts at Gettysburg are happy to help. Give us a call at 1-888-697-3524 or contact us online .

United States Yacht Ensign, Nylon All Sizes

$ 32.44 – $ 152.68

The U.S. Yacht Ensign, crafted by Annin Flagmakers, is a distinguished flag that proudly identifies your boat on the open waters. It is just one example of our extensive collection of nautical flags available at Flagpro online store.

Our Yacht Ensign is meticulously crafted using Solarguard nylon, ensuring exceptional resistance to harmful ultraviolet radiation. Sizes up through 24″x36″ feature fully embroidered stars and anchor, while the 30″x48″ and larger sizes showcase beautifully appliqued stars and anchor. Each flag is carefully constructed with individually sewn stripes and finished with a bleached duck header and brass grommets.

Designed to withstand the elements, the U.S. Yacht Ensign combines durability with timeless elegance. Whether you’re sailing along the coast or exploring distant shores, this flag will proudly display your boat’s identity and your love for the sea.

Description

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Annin Flagmakers’ United States Yacht Ensign flag is renowned for its exceptional quality and craftsmanship.. Moreover, Annin Flagmakers specifically designs this FMAA certified flag for yachts, providing a perfect blend of elegance and durability to showcase your nautical pride.

The US Yacht Ensign flag, crafted from high-quality nylon material, withstands the rigors of marine environments with ease.. Additionally, it is resistant to fading, ensuring that the vibrant colors of the flag remain bold and striking even under the harsh sun and saltwater exposure. Furthermore, the nylon fabric is lightweight, allowing it to catch the breeze and create a graceful display as it flutters atop your yacht’s mast.

Furthermore the design of the U.S. Yacht Ensign flag is classic and iconic. Featuring 13 alternating red and white stripes, symbolizing the original American colonies, and a field of deep blue adorned with 13 white stars and anchor, it represents the pride of the United States. The flag’s expert stitching and reinforced seams ensure longevity and resistance to fraying, even in marine conditions.

Additionally, Annin Flagmakers offers a range of sizes to accommodate different yacht types and flagpole sizes. We finish each flag with sturdy brass grommets, enabling easy and secure attachment to your yacht’s flagpole.. Whether you’re cruising the open seas or docked at a marina, the U.S. Yacht Ensign flag will proudly display your love for sailing and your allegiance to the United States.

As an FMAA certified flag, the U.S. Yacht Ensign flag meets the highest industry standards for quality and craftsmanship. With Annin Flagmakers’ commitment to excellence, trust in a flag that endures and maintains its beauty for years.

Enhance the visual appeal of your yacht and showcase your patriotic spirit with the Annin Flagmakers nylon Yacht Ensign flag. Ultimately, with its exceptional quality, durability, and timeless design, this flag is a symbol of maritime tradition and American pride.

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Proper Display of the American Flag on Boats

Navigating Flag Protocols

Private yachts, commercial vessels, military ships, choosing the best boat flag.

• Material - The choice of material is pivotal in determining the longevity and functionality of a boat flag. Nylon flags are preferred for their lightweight nature, making them ideal for areas experiencing light to moderate winds. These flags are also quick to dry and offer excellent resistance to ultraviolet rays, preventing them from fading quickly under the sun. Alternatively, polyester flags are known for their robustness, making them suitable for high-wind conditions. Polyester's thick fabric withstands tearing and deterioration, thereby serving well in harsher marine environments.
• Size - Properly sizing the flag is critical to maintaining visual proportion and aesthetic balance on your boat. The general guideline suggests that the flag’s length should be at least one inch for every foot of your boat’s total length. This ratio ensures that the flag is noticeable but not overpoweringly large, maintaining an elegant appearance. A 20-foot boat would ideally sport a flag that is at least 20 inches long, providing a harmonious look that is neither too small to be overlooked nor too large to appear cumbersome.
• Durability - Ensuring the durability of your boat flag is essential for it to withstand the marine environment, which can be quite unforgiving. A durable flag will have features like reinforced stitching, which should ideally be double or quadruple, particularly around the edges and the area of the stars. This reinforcement helps prevent the fabric from fraying and the colors from bleeding, especially in windy conditions. Durable flags often feature grommets made of rust-resistant materials like brass to ensure that they remain secure and in good condition, even after exposure to saltwater and intense sun.

Supp orting Local with Every Wave

Quality and authenticity, supporting local businesses, raising the standard.

• Secure the Flag Pole - Positioning your boat flag pole correctly is the first step in the mounting process. The pole should be securely fastened into the appropriate flag holder, which is typically located at the stern of the boat or the main mast. This location depends on the type of vessel and the specific circumstances, such as whether the boat is at anchor or underway. The holder should be robust and well-maintained to prevent any wobbling or dislocation of the pole, ensuring the flag's stable display regardless of sea conditions or speeds.
• Attach the Flag Correctly - Attaching the flag correctly is crucial to ensure it is displayed in the proper orientation. The top of the flag, where the stars are located, should be connected to the highest clip on the rope or pole. This part of the flag represents the union and should always be placed in a position of prominence when displayed. Ensuring that the flag is correctly oriented at this stage avoids any disrespectful display such as having the flag upside down or backward.
• Secure and Adjust the Flag - Once the top of the flag is attached, secure the bottom of the flag to the lower clip. Double-check to ensure that the flag is not twisted or upside down. This adjustment is vital for the flag to display correctly and respectfully. A well-attached flag should hang freely without any folds or twists, allowing it to flutter gracefully in the wind.
• Hoist the Flag - The final step is to hoist the flag by pulling on the rope or raising the pole, depending on your setup. The flag should be raised briskly and fly freely, without any obstructions such as ropes or parts of the boat interfering with its motion. This free movement is not only necessary for the aesthetic display of the flag but also signifies respect and freedom, fundamental values that the flag itself represents.

Navigating Flag Etiquette

Incle ment weather, worn or damaged flags, understanding the consequences, sourcing your flag.

• Online retailers provide extensive product specifications, allowing buyers to understand the materials, dimensions, and manufacturing details of different flags. Making an informed decision that meets particular requirements, such as weather resistance or display size, becomes easier with the aid of this thorough information.
• Customer reviews on these platforms offer insights into the longevity and quality of the flags, as experienced by other purchasers. Such feedback can significantly influence buying decisions, highlighting issues or satisfaction that might not be apparent through product descriptions alone.
• The convenience of home delivery is a significant advantage, eliminating the need for a physical shopping trip. This is particularly beneficial for those with busy schedules or limited mobility, as it brings the product right to the doorstep, often with options for expedited shipping to meet timely needs such as national holidays or ceremonial events.
• Shopping in a physical store allows buyers to directly assess the quality of the flag, from the feel of the fabric to the vibrancy of the colors. This hands-on approach ensures that the flag meets personal standards and expectations before the purchase is made.
• Physical stores provide the opportunity to take the flag home immediately, which is ideal for those who need it without any delay. To avoid wasting time waiting for a delivery, this can be essential for unforeseen circumstances or situations where a replacement is required right away.

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Sunken Russian warship Moskva: What do we know?

Russia's flagship Black Sea missile cruiser, the Moskva, has sunk after being "seriously damaged".

That is as far as the warring sides may agree on - not what caused the sinking.

The Russian defence ministry said ammunition onboard exploded in an unexplained fire and the ship tipped over while being towed back to port.

Ukraine claims it struck the vessel with its Neptune missiles. Unnamed US officials have told US media they believe the Ukrainian version.

The 510-crew warship had led Russia's naval assault on Ukraine, which made it an important symbolic and military target.

Earlier in the conflict the Moskva gained notoriety after calling on Ukrainian border troops defending Snake Island in the Black Sea to surrender - to which they memorably radioed a message of refusal which loosely translates as "go to hell" .

Unexplained fire or a missile attack?

Prior to the sinking, Russia's defence ministry issued a statement saying "the vessel is seriously damaged. The entire crew have been evacuated".

Naval officials said they were towing the warship back to port.

But a later statement the same day announced that on its journey back to port the ship "lost its balance".

"Given the choppy seas, the vessel sank," it said.

Moscow again blamed the blast on an unexplained fire, making no mention of any missile strike.

But Ukraine says it is responsible for an attack on the cruiser, which it claims it targeted with recently-introduced Ukrainian-made missiles.

In a Facebook post before the ship sank, Ukrainian officials said Russian rescue efforts were being hampered by ammunition exploding on board and bad weather.

On Friday, US officials said two Ukrainian Neptune missiles had struck the vessel, killing an unknown number of sailors.

The BBC has not been able to verify the claims.

Billowing black smoke

Dramatic pictures and a credible video appearing to show the Russian warship listing heavily and billowing smoke have since appeared.

Military experts told the BBC the footage most likely showed the Moskva cruiser and was probably recorded on 14 April.

The damage that can be seen in the footage is consistent with the type that a Neptune-style missile attack would inflict , they agreed.

Rear Admiral Chris Parry, who previously commanded a Royal Navy destroyer, said that after looking at the image he was left in "no doubt it's been hit by one or two missiles".

But other experts said the footage didn't provide enough proof to definitively rule out another explanation not involving a missile strike.

Reported casualties

Russia has not admitted any casualties. On Saturday the Russian defence ministry published footage showing what it described as the crew of the Moskva, on parade in the Crimean port city of Sevastopol.

The commander-in-chief of the Russian navy said the officers and crew would "continue their service".

The video showing around 100 sailors is the only evidence that's been offered of any survivors from the 510-crew warship.

The history of the Moskva cruiser

Originally built in Ukraine in the Soviet-era, the vessel entered service in the early 1980s according to Russian media.

The missile cruiser was previously deployed by Moscow in the Syria conflict where it supplied Russian forces in the country with naval protection.

It carried over a dozen Vulkan anti-ship missiles and an array of anti-submarine and mine-torpedo weapons, the reports said.

The Moskva is the second major Russian ship known to have been destroyed since the invasion began.

What defences did the Moskva have?

The Slava-class cruiser was the third largest vessel in Russia's active fleet and one of its most heavily defended assets, naval expert Jonathan Bentham from the International Institute for Strategic Studies told the BBC.

The cruiser was equipped with a triple-tiered air defence system that if operating properly should have made it very hard to hit.

In addition to medium- and short-range defences, it could engage six short-range close-in weapon systems (CIWS) as a last resort.

"The CIWS system can fire 5,000 rounds in a minute, essentially creating a wall of flak around the cruiser, its last line of defence," Mr Bentham said.

If the strike is proven to have come from a missile it "raises questions over the capabilities of the modernisation of the Russian surface fleet: whether it had enough ammunition, whether it had engineering issues".

Neptune missiles

Kyiv military officials say they struck the Moskva with a Ukrainian-made Neptune missile.

The cruise missile system was designed by Ukrainian military engineers in response to the growing naval threat posed by Russia in the Black Sea, following its annexation of Crimea in 2014.

According to the Kyiv Post , the Ukrainian navy only received its first delivery of the 300km-range (186 miles) Neptune missiles in March last year.

Since the invasion began Ukraine has received an influx of military aid from Western allies, including £100m worth of anti-aircraft and anti-tank missiles that the UK announced it would be sending last week .

The Russian military has been dominant in the Black Sea since the annexation of Crimea in 2014, and has used its presence there to launch and supply the invasion.

Its Black Sea fleet has supported the war with the capacity to launch cruise missiles anywhere in Ukraine, and has been important in supporting Russian attempts to seize Mariupol.

Snake Island

"The Moskva had been a thorn in the side of the Ukrainians since the beginning of this conflict," Michael Petersen, of the Russia Maritime Studies Institute, told the BBC.

In the early days of Russia's invasion, the Moskva made global headlines after it ordered a group of Ukrainian soldiers on an outpost in the Black Sea to surrender.

When the troops defiantly refused in a radio message, it was initially believed that the border troops had been killed. However, in fact they had been taken captive.

The soldiers were eventually released as part of a prisoner swap with Russia in late March and their commander was honoured with a medal by the Ukrainian military.

The tale of their bravery became such a boost to Ukraine's morale that that the country's postal service commemorated their encounter on Snake Island with a special illustrated stamp.

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