what size flag is required for visiting U.S. yachts

Peter Bennett wrote:
> On Sat, 10 Jun 2006 21:15:06 GMT, Courtney Thomas
> wrote:
>
>> How should it be flown ?
>>
>> Thank you,
>> C.Thomas
>
> A courtesy flag should be flown from the starboard spreader, and
> should be about 5/8" of fly per foot of vessel, if I read my yacht
> club rules correctly. the courtesy flag should be flown at all times
> while in the host country's waters.
>
To be excruciatingly correct: The courtesy flag should not be flown
prior to clearance to enter the country. Before that, the "Q" (Quebec)
flag should be flown, generally referred to as the "quarantine flag" and
is an international signal for "I request free pratique" (whatever that
means). Once a vessel has been cleared, the "Q" flag is lowered and
replaced with the courtesy flag. The most appropriate location for any
courtesy flag is the starboard spreader halyard.



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Remove "-nubby-" to correspond.