BOSUN’S BAG

FLAG ETIQUETTE

I well recall a difference of opinion with one of my Yachtmaster Instructor colleagues some years ago. Our boats were rafted up at the end of a long day and my crew were taking in our colours according to the ship’s standing orders.

“I can’t be bothered with all that stuff,” said my opposite number. “I seize my ensign to the backstay and forget about it until it rots.”

Sailing the Baltic last summer and bringing mine below as usual, I was gratified to note a fair number of Swedes, Finns and Danes