Not that long ago, we had the opportunity to meet Sam and Adrian, a lovely couple that crew a gorgeous 75 foot sailing yacht with classic lines. This is a boat that will be participating in the Classics Regatta next month here in Antigua. We don't usually "rub elbows" with crew of large yachts but they are very nice and down to Earth (and really, just cruisers), and we cut a rather long lineoff their prop that they were trailing. This gave us the chance to have a couple of drinks onboard.

Adrian enjoys things nautical, and is ex-Royal Navy. Flag etiquette is something he has an interest in, and an opinion. This is something we have an interest in, but really, very little knowledge, outside of observations and what we learned in our CPS classes. One of the things that'shad me doing a little head scratching was the Q flag protocol. The Q flag, which is just plain yellow, is traditionally flown when one enters foreign waters and haven't checked in with the authorities yet. It started out in the old days as a Quarantine flag.

We have seen it flown on the starboard halyard under the courtesy flag. We have seen it fly alone (as we do), until checked into the country, then the courtesy flag goes up. We have also observed it on the port signal halyard, with the courtesy flag on the starboard halyard. I wanted to know Adrian's opinion on this whole business.

First, as part of the discussion, the courtesy flag is not just the act of flying the flag of your host country as a nod to their hospitality and out of respect. It has traditionally been a statement that the crew of the vessel, and all on her, will abide by the laws of the land. In Adrian's opinion, after some study, the flag should be flown as soon as you enter a sovereign country's waters... on its own, in a place of honour. The starboard signal halyard is a place of honour, and the ensign of the visiting vessel should not fly higher than the courtesy flag (unless in a "junior" position, like the top of the mizzen mast). We agree with the place of honour... but what about the Q flag?

The Q flag should be flown from the port signal halyard (if you have one, which we do), untilnyoure legally checked in, while the courtesy flag flies from the starboard signal halyard for all of the time you are in the waters of the host country.

Okay, this works for me. And NO other flags fly with the courtesy flag, that is very disprespectful!

While we were at it, the topic of whether to take in your own ensign at night was discussed. This was a more grey area. Theoretically, your own country's ensign should fly at all times when you are in foreign waters, but who can see it at night? That one was a toss up.

So, we will fly the courtesy flag from the start, and the Q flag from the port halyard. The good old Maple Leaf will fly from the staff at the stern. Done.