Posted by C. D. Myers (lambdazeta_tke@…>)
I have noticed that the Blue Merle flew the National Ensign from the traditional cat-boat location of two-thirds of the way up the mainsail. From close study of the photo I can see that it is secured to a line running thru the end of the second batten. What I can’t tell is if this is a fixed line running between the second and third battens or if the line is a halyard running down to the boom. Since the National Ensign is NEVER to be dipped I can see the sence in the fixed line but if one were to fly the Yachting Ensign a halyard would be great for rendering salutes.
John, can you enlighten me as to which way you did it on the Blue Mele?
Has anyone else had experience rigging a halyard from a batten to the boom?
Clark Myers, proud new owner of Winners Bitch #345
Posted by j32080 (j32080@…>)
Clark,
Thanks for the kudos as to proper flag etiquette.
On “Blue Merle”, the ensign was on a fixed line attached between the battens. A “large” fishing swivel was used on one end to minimize twisting.
Since the Freedom 21 doesn’t have spreaders you lose the place for flags, burgees, etc. (one of the few advantages of a traditional stayed rig). To that end, I did install flag halyards to the mast. You can see the cheek block in the following photo:http://www.freedom21.info/images/bluemerle/BMTopOfMast.jpg
This gave me a place to fly my Power Squadron and yacht club burgee. The only small problem was that the burgees were “pinned” to the mast as there was no way for the air to get between the mast and the burgee – unless the bitter (cleat) end of the halyard was a foot or so away from the mast.
-John
— In freedom21@yahoogroups.com, “C. D. Myers” <lambdazeta_tke@…> wrote:>> > I have noticed that the Blue Merle flew the National Ensign from the> traditional cat-boat location of two-thirds of the way up the mainsail. > From close study of the photo I can see that it is secured to a line> running thru the end of the second batten. What I can’t tell is if this> is a fixed line running between the second and third battens or if the> line is a halyard running down to the boom. Since the National Ensign> is NEVER to be dipped I can see the sence in the fixed line but if one> were to fly the Yachting Ensign a halyard would be great for rendering> salutes.> > John, can you enlighten me as to which way you did it on the Blue Mele?> > Has anyone else had experience rigging a halyard from a batten to the> boom?> > Clark Myers, proud new owner of Winners Bitch #345>
