U.S. Yacht Ensign Flags
Traditional flag for recreational boats in the inland waters of the United States.
The U.S. Yacht Ensign is the alternative to the traditional 50-star national flag, to be carried onboard pleasure boats. In the United States, the yacht ensign was designed by the officers of the New York Yacht Club and authorized by an Act of Congress in 1848. It remains a legal national flag for boats that is widely used in U.S. waters.
Everyday flag etiquette
All pleasure boats operating in inland waters can fly the U.S. “Old Glory” 50-star flag, or the U.S. Yacht Ensign, the 13-star “Betsy Ross” flag with the fouled anchor. Flags are flown, traditionally from 8:00 a.m. to sunset, from the stern staff (when under way or occupied), or onboard sailboats—on aftermost sail 2/3 length of the leach above the clew; onboard sportfisherman—on halyard just behind the tuna tower.
How large of a flag for my boat?
For aesthetically pleasing proportions, we recommend a flag that is 1" long for every 1' of boat length. The staff should be twice the length of the flag’s vertical edge. For example, a 33' boat should fly a 24" x 36" Yacht Ensign on a 48" staff. A shorter staff may be used if there is insufficient space.
Key Features of Taylor's Yacht Ensign
- Deluxe sewn flags are constructed from lightweight yet durable fade resistant polyester fabric--which makes them the perfect all-weather flags
- They include individually sewn stripes, embriodered stars, brass grommets and four-needle flyends
- Made in the U.S.A.
