duxbury yacht club burgee

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Yacht Club Burgees

On the following pages are the yacht club burgees historically enrolled with the Register.

It is generally accepted that any new burgee or change to an enrolled burgee will not be accepted by the Register if it too closely resembles another enrolled burgee.

Kindly contact us in the event of changes.

 D - L

Small Craft Advisor

Burgee Etiquette

More things for you to worry about....

Of all the important issues facing us, perhaps none is as pressing, as dire, as the need for boaters to better understand burgee etiquette. If you don’t believe me, just fly yours the wrong way in front of that old guy from the yacht club.

You know about burgees, right? They’re those the little flags bearing the colors and emblems of sailing clubs or groups. They’re often triangular, but sometimes swallow-tailed or sewn from other shapes. In addition to telling other boaters, at a glance, something about your club affiliations, burgees are also often traditionally exchanged when visiting other yacht clubs.

I’m not much for joining groups myself, but I do appreciate nautical traditions. And as Jonathan Lewis wrote for us recently , in some places you can’t even get fuel without the right affiliations.  

The history of burgees can be traced to the nineteenth century when ship-owners flew custom-designed “private signals” from top of the ship’s tallest mast. These were unique to each ship so that they could be recalled to land by a corresponding flag signal ashore. Once owners started to own fleets, these “private signals” became associated with company flags or flags for different shipping lines.

Before we talk about how to fly a burgee, let’s settle on how to say burgee. It’s not BUR-gee , but bur-JEE —with the emphasis on the second syllable, a soft “g” sound.  

Where to Fly It

Ah, yes…simple. Or maybe not. Most sources call for flying the burgee from a so-called pig stick (small pole) on a halyard to the head of the mast. Some sources note it should be the forward-most mast, others say after-most . Either way, using a pig stick is something of an art. While it demonstrates your salty skillset, often you’ll have an antenna, masthead light, or windex that could interfere with the stick, and flag chafe can also be a concern. As a result, most sailors fly their burgee instead from a halyard under the lowermost starboard spreader.

What if you have no spreaders? I don’t know. Maybe back to the pig stick for you. What if you have no mast or are looking for another option? Powerboats (and some sailboats) fly their burgee from a short staff (jack staff) at the bow or bow pulpit.

When to Fly It

It’s probably easier to identify when not to fly your burgee. Clubs will often have their own burgee rules, but for whatever reason, convention says it shouldn’t be flown when racing. It’s also said you shouldn’t fly more than one burgee at a time, showing only the one associated with whatever activity you’re participating in currently. Furthermore, burgees shouldn’t be flown unless the vessel is in the control of the club member. And whatever you do, be sure you don’t fly your burgee upside down.

I’ve personally been a part of creating several burgees—one for the Pocket Yachters , one for Small Craft Advisor, and one for our SCAMP sailboat design. It’s possible I’ve violated some rule or etiquette in their shape, design or purpose, but despite what I’ve written above I try not to take any of it too seriously. My favorite burgee is the one I got from the MOBYC (My Own Bloody Yacht Club) on Harkers Island in North Carolina—a “club” with no dues where simply owning the burgee means you can beach your boat in front of the Commodore’s waterfront home.

Whatever your own feelings about these traditions, some sailors and organizations don’t suffer any foolishness. As the Cruising Club of America notes dryly, “Flags shall be flown properly or not at all.” • SCA •

PDF by Philip Roberts with instructions for making and setting a pig stick below. Click to download.

Discussion about this post

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BURGEES, ENSIGNS, FLAGS and PENNANTS

By Judy Hills, ACBS roving reporter, member of RDC Triangle Chapter

Have you ever given thought to the burgees, ensigns, flags and pennants that we fly on our boats?  Did you consciously select yours or did you just copy what you saw someone else doing?  What do you know about nautical flag etiquette and usage?  This article addresses this topic.

According to the US Power Squadron, “Flags are often too small…The national ensign flown at a flag staff on the stern of your boat should be one inch on the fly (long end) for each foot of overall length.”

Flag —One class of flags is called the “international maritime signal flags.”  According to Wikipedia, there is a signal flag “for each letter of the alphabet, and pennant for numerals.  Each flag (except the R flag) has an additional meaning when flown individually, and they take on other meanings in certain combinations.”  For more information on the meanings of international maritime signal flags click on this link:  http://www.marinewaypoints.com/learn/flags/flags.shtml   It is more common to see the international maritime signal flags displayed on sailboats than pleasure power boats.

Did you know?

• The word for the scientific study of the history, symbolism and usage of flags is vexillology.
• The position of honor on a ship is the quarterdeck at the stern of a ship, and thus ensigns are traditionally flown either from the ensign staff at the ship’s stern, or from a gaff rigged over the stern.
• The general rule that no flag is flown higher than the national flag does not apply onboard a ship.  A flag flown at the stern is always in a superior position to a flag flown elsewhere on the ship, even if the latter is higher up. (Wikipedia—maritime flag). 
• If you take your boat to international or foreign waters, the traditional United States ensign should be flown.
• You should avoid flying more than one ensign from a single halyard or antenna.
• Massachusetts and Maine are the only two states with their own maritime flags (special versions of the state flags for use afloat).
• There is an international burgee registry. http://www.burgees.com/burgeeframe.htm
• To learn more about maritime flag etiquette: http://www.usps.org/f_stuff/etiquett.html
• If you are into vexillology and want to see some really weird flag designs, check out https://www.reddit.com/r/vexillology/ or click here to see vexillology Youtube videos. Click here to check out the National Maritime Museum’s historical collection of flags.

So, having a little fun with our vexillology topic, if you or your ACBS Chapter were to design a flag, what would it look like? 

Send  your pictures, reports, announcements, and boat biographies to  [email protected]

Nice informative piece, thx. One concern: I recently ordered and attempted to fly the ACBS burgee on my ’55 Chris-Craft Continental 22′ and discoverd that the height measurement (~13″) is way too long for my canted mast (pins are about 9″ apart). Has ACBS considered a more “runabout” size for a burgee?

I contacted the company that we purchase the burgees from. The company offers a 10″ size which should place the grommet holes about 9″ apart. If you would like me to order one for you, let me know if you prefer cotton or nylon and slanted or straight. The cost is $39.

This added information came from Gene Porter: “Your yacht ensign info is inaccurate or remiss in that it fails to note that the yacht ensign must never be flown in international or foreign waters since it has no standing as a national ensign. [from the Power Squadron web site]

This is particularly applicable in such areas as the Thousand Islands where US boats frequent Canadian waters, too often flying illegal flags.

Thank you, Gene. One of the advantages of being in this organization is that information is shared from many sources. The website committee invites comments and discussions. It helps us all be more informed.

I fly the flag and ensign that was actually shipped from Century in June of 1959 when my Gray V8 powered 16 ‘ Resorter was delivered to Ithaca NY, she has only had two owners and moved 15 miles North still on Cayuga l and is now used mostly for sunset rides, she saw many hours as a competition ski boat as her original owner was a skier for many years she has also made the trip from Sodus Bay NY across Lake Ontario to the St. Lawrence seaway twice a year for many years to his cottage on the St Lawrence.

Great article but I believe you left out an important fact about the U S ensign. Congress in 1914 or 1916, please don’t hold me to the dates, pasted a law that made the United States Power Squadrons flag an official flag for U S yachts. Bob Korts Member USPS since 1960.

Did you know original ensign flags had sewn stars not embroidered stars like we see today. The stars were cut out of fabric and sewn around the edges.

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The Best Way to Display Burgees in a Yacht Club: A Comprehensive Guide

Table of Contents

Introduction

Burgees are an essential part of the identity and tradition of yacht clubs worldwide. They represent the club’s history, achievements, and values, and are often displayed with pride by members and guests alike. However, displaying burgees improperly or haphazardly can detract from the club’s image and tradition. In this article, we will explore the best way to display burgees in a yacht club, taking into account different types of burgees, suitable locations for display, mounting methods, and maintenance. Whether you are a new member or an experienced yachtsman, following the proper etiquette for burgee display can enhance the beauty and elegance of your yacht club, while preserving its heritage and prestige. So, let’s dive in and discover the secrets of the best way to display burgees in your yacht club!

Understand the different types of burgees

Before we dive into the best way to display burgees in a yacht club, it’s essential to understand the different types of burgees that exist. The three main types of burgees are Club Burgees, Officer Burgees, and Special Event Burgees.

Club Burgees

A Club Burgee is a distinctive flag or pennant that represents the yacht club as a whole. It usually features the club’s emblem or logo and is the most commonly displayed burgee. The Club Burgee is often flown at the club’s main flagpole, clubhouse or displayed in a prominent location.

Officer Burgees

Officer Burgees are smaller flags that represent a specific club officer or position, such as the Commodore, Vice-Commodore, Rear Commodore, or Fleet Captain. These burgees are often flown on the officer’s boat or displayed in their office or workspace.

Special Event Burgees

Special Event Burgees are temporary flags that represent a specific event, such as a regatta, race, or social gathering. They are typically flown for the duration of the event and then retired or kept as a memento.

Understanding the different types of burgees is crucial for displaying them properly and with respect. By knowing the different types, you can ensure that each burgee is given the appropriate display location and treatment. In the next section, we will discuss the best location for displaying burgees in a yacht club.

Mounting methods for burgee display

There are several mounting methods available for displaying burgees, depending on the location and type of burgee being displayed. The most common methods include:

Halyard Mounting

The halyard mounting method involves attaching the burgee to a halyard, which is then hoisted up a flagpole. This method is commonly used for Club Burgees and Officer Burgees.

Wall Mounting

Wall mounting involves attaching the burgee to a wall using screws, hooks, or clips. This method is often used for displaying burgees in a designated Burgee Display Area.

Horizontal Mounting

Horizontal mounting involves attaching the burgee to a horizontal pole, which is then attached to a vertical surface such as a wall or post. This method is commonly used for displaying burgees in a designated Burgee Display Area.

Pennant String

A pennant string involves attaching several burgees to a single string and hanging it in a designated location. This method is often used for displaying special event burgees.

Here is a video related to this post:

When choosing a mounting method, it’s important to consider the location and the type of burgee being displayed. The method chosen should be secure, safe, and not cause any damage to the burgee or the location. In the next section, we will discuss how to maintain burgees for long-lasting display.

Maintaining burgees for long-lasting display

To ensure that burgees are displayed in their best condition and last for a long time, proper maintenance is crucial. The following tips can help you maintain your burgees:

Regularly clean your burgees to remove any dirt, dust, or debris. Use a mild detergent and warm water, and gently scrub the burgee with a soft brush or sponge. Rinse thoroughly and allow it to air dry before storing or displaying it again.

When not in use, store your burgees in a cool, dry, and dark location to avoid exposure to sunlight or moisture. You can roll them up or fold them neatly and store them in a dry, airtight container or bag.

Regularly inspect your burgees for any signs of damage, wear and tear, or discoloration. Repair any damages immediately to prevent further deterioration.

Replacement

Over time, burgees may become faded, torn, or damaged beyond repair. When this happens, it’s best to replace them with new ones to ensure a fresh and elegant display.

By following these tips, you can maintain your burgees in their best condition and display them with pride for years to come. In the next section, we will summarize the key points and provide some final thoughts on the best way to display burgees in a yacht club.

Displaying burgees is an important tradition in yacht clubs, and it’s essential to do it right. By understanding the different types of burgees, choosing the right location, selecting the appropriate mounting method, and maintaining the burgees correctly, you can display them with elegance and pride.

Remember, a well-displayed burgee represents the history, tradition, and achievements of the club and its members. It can enhance the club’s image and promote a sense of belonging and pride among members.

So, whether you are displaying the Club Burgee, Officer Burgees, or special event burgees, always take the time to do it right. Follow the guidelines we’ve outlined in this article, and you’ll be well on your way to displaying burgees in the best way possible.

We hope you found this article helpful, and we wish you all the best in your burgee display endeavors!

For more information on Yachts, we suggest reading this article !

Hope this helps! If you liked reading this article then you’ll surely love reading this article too!

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Where to fly burgee

• Thread starter Tyemac
• Start date Aug 1, 2019
• Forums for All Owners
• Ask All Sailors

With a free standing mast, where can I fly a burgee or any other small flags?  

Good question. Where indeed? lol  

Why is "free standing" a qualifier? Don't free standing masts have halyards?  

Tyemac said: With a free standing mast, where can I fly a burgee or any other small flags? Click to expand

Ron20324 said: Fly it wherever you want to- it's all a matter of personal opinion anyway. Click to expand

capta said: Not hardly. There is a very distinct set of rules for flying flags and pennants aboard a yacht. To do other than that invites others to think you quite ignorant of yachting etiquette. Failure to fly a courtesy flag from the right place can lead to bothersome consequences should some official take offense. Click to expand

The Hunter Vision does not have spreaders or halyards as shown in the attached photo. Suggest attaching a burgee and other small flags to the lifelines. That is what we do on yacht club cruise outs when we do not want to raise it on a line that is attached to the lower spreader. I suppose you could run a line from the top of the mast to the stern rail to attach burgee and other small flags.  

Attachments

SBO Weather and Forecasting Forum Jim & John

Flying your colors is a time honored tradition among sailors. Power boats do not have masts for sails, but they raise their flags. Flying a flag while coming into a foreign port, it is a courtesy to raise the country’s flag, as well as the Q flag, a requirement to identify the boat as not yet inspected. Further it is expected you will fly the flag of the country of documentation. The Customs folk expect such courtesy. Visiting a foreign yacht club flying your burgee is just a yachtee thing that is done, a courtesy. And who knows may get you an offer to have a drink. I sense it is better to have it somewhere, even on a makeshift flag pole then to ignore it.  

sail sfbay said: The Hunter Vision does not have spreaders or halyards as shown in the attached photo. Suggest attaching a burgee and other small flags to the lifelines. That is what we do on yacht club cruise outs when we do not want to raise it on a line that is attached to the lower spreader. I suppose you could run a line from the top of the mast to the stern rail to attach burgee and other small flags. Click to expand

Ron20324 said: IIRC, the last thread on this subject ended up where my post #4 says. Not all boats have the same facilities for the "proper" place to fly falgs. So, it is whatever works for the skipper&boat. I have about 23 flags I fly all at once, and probably NONE of them are where they "should" be. Besides, they're not "rules", just more like guidelines Click to expand

I just love these threads. Everyone is right. All others are wrong.  

It has no stays or shrouds. I do not see why you could not attach an eye to the mast and attach a small block with a halyard to the deck. Just seems it would ruin the aesthetics of a free-standing mast. Maybe fly it off the masthead? Or off a staff attached to the stern pulpit?  

capta said: Would you want to tell Emily Post that the "rules" of etiquette are just suggestions? I wouldn't! Click to expand

Kermit said: Everyone is right. All others are wrong Click to expand

Justin_NSA said: I revisited to see if a solution was found. Not yet.... Click to expand

jviss said: A yacht club burgee is usually flown at the peak on a pig-stick. The Hunter Vision certainly does have at least two halyards, or you wouldn't be able to raise your sails! I was suggesting a flag halyard (or two) to the top. A friend of mine had a Nonsuch with a similarly un-stayed, i.e., cantilevered mast, and he had a couple of flag halyards in addition to the main halyard. Same issue with Freedom yachts. Then there's this: https://forums.sailboatowners.com/index.php?threads/2nd-main-halyard-on-a-hunter-vision-mast.41926/ Click to expand

kappykaplan

rgranger said: = 3 (that is some Chicago-style voting) Click to expand

kappykaplan said: You get a like for this because I lived there a lifetime ago! Click to expand

rgranger said: Me too... Went to high school in Oswego IL about 40 mi. SW of C-ville Click to expand

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