#burgee flags

The burgee flag is usually triangular in shape, your typical pennant, adorned with the distinguishing characteristics of the yacht club or boating organization it represents. The burgee flag takes the next most senior position on a vessel, usually the main masthead or starboard spreader or backstays. In a powerboat, the burgee flies off a short staff on the bow. It can be flown both while underway and at anchor.

Burgee flags, has its foundation in the historical maritime traditions and codes of the merchant ships and navies of the world. It can be quite intricate and involved, but it's more than most recreational boaters need to know. A full immersion in the steeped conventions of the use of burgee flags on the high seas is rarely necessary in close range of a coastal marina or anchorage. I don't think I'm alone when I see the confusion that still exists where this tradition in recreational boating is concerned. Whatever the reason, boaters might need a little clarification in view of the vagaries on the subject. To be sure, there are a myriad of types of maritime burgee flags with distinguishing marks and shapes, but in this discussion, we will discuss a few maritime flags that are used by recreational boats, speed boats and many more. The courtesy flag Courtesy flags, are most probably used in foreign waters for identification purposes or in waters in which you are a guest; they are used as a token of respect. On a sailboat, its flown on the boat's starboard spreader. If your burgee is on the starboard spreader, you can move it to the masthead. In a powerboat, it's displayed on a bow staff displacing the burgee which could be placed on the portside spreader or antenna.