Code Signal Flags

[RIWATER]

I am looking for a set of signal flags. Anyone have a reasonably priced source for a set? I need enough for a Concordia Yawl.

Thanks
Dave

[Concordia...41]

West Marine has the "signal flags in a bag" - already prestrung for about $30. Seems like it takes about three sets for us yawls

Note the prestrung flags are not in the right order. There was some discussion here that there is no correct order, but I found something in Chapmans or similar authority that gave a full sequence. Something like A-B-1 ...

The alternative is to buy the full set of code flags - $180ish - and put them in the right order.

[RIWATER]

Thanks for the source! I once spent a morning spelling out Lands End for a photo shoot. Unfortunately it never made it into the photos.

Dave

[htom]

Chapman's -- A handy sequence is: AB2, UJ1, KE3, GH6, IV5, FL4, DM7, PO third repeater, RN first repeater, ST0, CX9, WQ8, ZY second repeater.

[Lew Barrett]

Don't do those pre strung jobs unless you are looking for a down and dirty solution. Sets of flags (they come in three standard sizes for small boats) are available here Captain's Nautical Supply and aren't that expensive. The real deal, flags on hemp line with big wooden toggles, can sometimes be found on ebay, where I got mine. But antique flags are more expensive and have become collectibles. Call them as they don't show the less expensive sets they carry online. I got a basic set for about $70 if I recall; they may be a bit more now.

[paladin]

A gazillion years ago I ordered mine from a lady in Nawth Karolina, really nicely made....and she made custom courtesy flags at the drop of a hat. I had three set of signalling flags on the boat when I sold it, so I kept one set.

[rbgarr]

$380 for a set? http://www.captainsnautical.com/dept...1=8255&l2=8261

[Bob Cleek]

Yea, code flags are expensive and somewhat only decorative in this day and age of cell phones and hand held vhf's, but they are fun and properly traditional. Every yacht worthy of the name should have a real set. (Not one of those sewn up strings that are better suited for flying over used car lots!)

Don't forget that the "International Code of Signals - 1969 US Edition (Revised 1990) - Publication No. 102" (or latest) is an ESSENTIAL adjunct to any set of code flags. (Defense Mapping Agency - Hydrographic/Topographic Center -- DMA stock no. NVPUB 102) You don't "spell out" "Lands End" or anything else with code flags. You use them to send CODE! The code permits communication of a wide range of pertinent information with the use of only a few flags per hoist.

One of my favorites to hoist when overtaking another vessel on a race course is "MJF" from the medical section of the code book. ("Wind is being passed per anus.") Why waste money on one of those stupid "martini glass" burgees when you can hoist "MLE" ("Patient has had much alcohol.") or "MLF" ("Patient has delerium tremens.") When somebody cuts you off... "MNK!" ("Patient cannot open his eyes."), followed by "MRX." ("Give him an enema!")

There are similar chapters relating to vessel evolutions, mechanical topics, weather reports, and just about anything a ship might need to communicate visually to another.

While most would imagine that the International Code is now a useless antique, NOT SO! You see, it's the "international" part that is important. These signals are understandable by qualified mariners the world over, who have international code books in their own languages. It is a sort of maritime "Esperanto." Also one the sophisticated yachtsman can have a lot of fun playing with... particularly in a port with any amount of foreign flagged shipping.

[paladin]

Also one the sophisticated yachtsman can have a lot of fun playing with... particularly in a port with any amount of foreign flagged shipping

Bob...you really dunno want to go there......

[Gary E]

Generally hoist up Marlin and Tuna flags


but everyone likes this one

[Dave Davis]

[QUOTE=Concordia...41;

Note the prestrung flags are not in the right order. There was some discussion here that there is no correct order, but I found something in Chapmans or similar authority that gave a full sequence. Something like A-B-1 ...

[/QUOTE]

The definitive source is NTP-13 which describes the "Rainbow" of pennants. My crews would occasionally try to sneak in a choice word or two in the string for grins.

http://www.ushistory.org/betsy/images/ntp13b.pdf

[htom]

(1) Flag 3
(2) Flag 4
(3) Pennant 1
(4) Sierra
(5) 1st Sub
(6) Alfa
(7) Prep
(8) Charlie
(9) Mike
(10) Speed
(11) Juliett
(12) Pennant 5
(13) Romeo
(14) Pennant 9
(15) Zulu
(16) Corpen
(17) Flag 8
(18) Uniform
(19) Flag 6
(20) Xray
(21) Negat
(22) Flag 2
(23) Port
(24) November
(25) Pennant 2
(26) Tango
(27) 2nd Sub
(28) Bravo
(29) Delta
(30) Turn
(31) Flag 5
(32) Station
(33) Kilo
(34) Pennant 6
(35) Whiskey
(36) Pennant 0
(37) Flag 1
(38) Oscar
(39) 3rd Sub
(40) Hotel
(41) Echo
(42) Emerg
(43) Lima
(44) Pennant 7
(45) Flag 0
(46) Int
(47) Div
(48) Pennant 4
(49) Flag 9
(50) 4th Sub
(51) Papa
(52) Form
(53) Victor
(54) Golf
(55) Starboard
(56) India
(57) Foxtrot
(58) Quebec
(59) Pennant 8
(60) Yankee
(61) Desig
(62) Flag 7
(63) Pennant 3
(64) Squad
(65) Ans

NOTE1) If one set of flags does not complete the rainbow, repeat the sequence starting with Flag 3, Flag 4, etc.
(2) All flags and pennants in the allied flagbag used except Screen, Subdiv, and Group.

(snipped.) There are flags there that are not "International".

[Gold Rock]

I looked at the Captain's Nautical site. The complete code flag sets are differentiated by sizes; 3, 7, and 14. To what do these numbers refer? Surely not, say, inches on a side. Even the smallest, to be of any legitimate use, must be large enough to be seen at a fair distance. As the price jumps dramatically from size 3 (400 bucks) to size 7 (over a Grand), my curiosity is piqued.

[htom]

The only one that I know, is that size 3 has letter squares 24" on a side (I think that's the finished size, or used to be.)

I suspect it has to do with the area of the flag, probably measured in ells of 16" wide fabric used to make the flag, or some such 300 year old measuring method.

[Lew Barrett]

I googled it, Make of this what you will. Number 0 is a good size for dressing yachts up to 50 or 60 feet. Remember that swallowtails and pennants will be scaled to fit within the range of the set they come in.
I'm surprised Captains is no longer carrying the more affordable range of synthetic flags they used to handle. Those were OK for occasional use.

No. 0- 1′ x 1′
No. 2- 1.5′ x 2′
No. 3- 2′ x 2′
No. 7- 3′ x 3′
No. 10- 4′ x 4′
No. 14- 4′ x 6′

[Gold Rock]

Geez, that's a lot of fabric. A no. 3 set, @ 4 sq. ft. per flag, if it contains the 65 individual flags htom refers to above, nets a total of 270 square feet of fabric. That's as big as my main. Throw in toggles, cordage, grommets, and/or whatever else and I can see why 400 bucks is asked for. Huh, interesting info. Oh wait, Capt's Naut. supp. says only a 40 flag set. 160 square feet. Storm stays'l.

[StevenBauer]

Don't forget the kit from Sailrite. Some here have sewn their own with good results.






"The flags in this kit are made from 4 oz nylon flag material. Patterns for the flags are premarked on the red, white, blue, black and yellow nylon fabric. Complete alphabet, numbers, repeaters and answering pennants."






http://www.sailrite.com/Categories/Flag-Pennant-Kit



Steven

[Lew Barrett]

I'm still surprised that Captain's doesn't show a nylon size 0 set at a reasonable price, say under $150. I have a hunch that if you called them, they'd turn that up. Many such sets have been obtained there and not all that long ago.

[htom]

I'm surprised that no one is making 5' wide nylon fabric with the colored flag shapes printed on it. Five wide x three yards long would seem to be enough, if you nested them correctly. Cut them out, hem 1/4" seams, you could make 11" squares. Lots of labor.

Here's a site with a downloadable quiz and the NATO additions: NavyPaxSail

[Captain Blight]

I want to get two t-shirts made, one with the 'U' flag ("You are standing into danger") and one with the 'Z' flag ("I need a tug") so I can wear them to yacht-club functions.

[Lew Barrett]

Z fore, U aft?

[Vince Brennan]

Lew, Lew.....

[Lew Barrett]

He's a big boy, and can take it Vince!

[Thorne]

z fore, u aft?

lol!

[Bob Adams]

The nicest set I've seen lately were dressing out NS Savannah when I cruised by her last month. I'd like to think they spelled out "UP YOURS OPEC"

[Captain Blight]

Z fore, U aft?

2 different shirts!


I'll just stay out of the San Francisco and Provincetown yacht clubs, that should do the trick.

[Ian McColgin]

For those who have the code book, Sierra November.

By the way, I've been searching to replace a book I lost when Goblin went down in Hurricane Bob - a yachtman's code of signals - that's close to the title. It was developed from old Royal Navy manoeuver signals by a club on the Great Lakes who delight in precision echelon sailing. Anyone know of it?

[htom]

For those of you who don't have a copy, NGA provides Pub 102