International Code Flags

We get many questions and requests every week concerning all kinds of matters related to boating. The following question came from Jehanne.

"Capt. Matt,

I live in Annapolis, Maryland. Yesterday we welcomed the Whitbread racers to town. As part of that welcoming the AYC requested that members "dress ship" with nautical signal flags placed in a certain order. I am curious about the specific order... Can you help me with this issue? Please e-mail me if you can help. Thank you. Sincerely, JME"

"Dressing Ship" is done with the International Code signal flags. officer's flags, club burgees and national flags are not used. The ship is dressed at 0800 and remains dressed until evening colors (at anchor only, except for a vessels maiden or final voyage).

The Yacht Ensign is hoisted at the stern staff and the Union Jack may be displayed at the bow staff. A rainbow of International Code flags are then arranged from the waterline forward to the waterline aft. Flags and pennants are bent on alternately. Since there are twice as many letter flags as numeral pennants, it is good practice to follow a sequence of two flags, one pennant, two flags, one pennant, etc. The sequence of flags can be any order but the following is recommended to give a harmonious color pattern.

Starting forward: AB2,UJ1, KE3, GH6, IV5, FL4, DM7, PO Third Repeater, RN First Repeater, ST Zero, CX9, WQ8, ZY Second Repeater.