I am reading my daughter "Secret Water" by Arthur Ransome, and a sailboat, after dropping the children "to be marooned" on an island, has raised a signal flag (white square on blue, I think, although I may be remembering it backwards) which they refer to as the "Blue Peter". What is its significance?
joels@ids.net
meaning of signal: blue peter ?
Moderator: Jim Walsh
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Nautical Traditions Offic
Re: meaning of signal: blue peter ?
Joel,
Traditionally, the "Blue Peter" was flown to indicate to the shore party that they should report back aboard the vessel immediately as she was about to put to sea. Those that missed the signal, and the vessel, were then put on the log book "Discharged RUN", i.e. AWOL. Absent With Out Leave! So it behoved each sailor to keep an eye on his ship, or he could end up in serious trouble, a flogging at least, just for delaying the ships' departure, if the ship could wait!
The signal flag is a blue square with a white center, and it means "About to Sail". It is also the signal for the letter "P" or Peter, hence the name "The Blue Peter". If you spy Hanalei in her slip on a Saturday in the forenoon watch, quite often the "Blue Peter" will be flying from the signal halyard, particularly if the guests are late reporting aboard for the days adventure! ! !
Hope this helps.......I remain Sir, your most HUMBLE servant........
Dave Stump
Captain Commanding
s/v Hanalei CD-30C
CDSOA Number ONE ! ! !
Nautical Traditions Officer
CDSOA, Inc.
Traditionally, the "Blue Peter" was flown to indicate to the shore party that they should report back aboard the vessel immediately as she was about to put to sea. Those that missed the signal, and the vessel, were then put on the log book "Discharged RUN", i.e. AWOL. Absent With Out Leave! So it behoved each sailor to keep an eye on his ship, or he could end up in serious trouble, a flogging at least, just for delaying the ships' departure, if the ship could wait!
The signal flag is a blue square with a white center, and it means "About to Sail". It is also the signal for the letter "P" or Peter, hence the name "The Blue Peter". If you spy Hanalei in her slip on a Saturday in the forenoon watch, quite often the "Blue Peter" will be flying from the signal halyard, particularly if the guests are late reporting aboard for the days adventure! ! !
Hope this helps.......I remain Sir, your most HUMBLE servant........
Dave Stump
Captain Commanding
s/v Hanalei CD-30C
CDSOA Number ONE ! ! !
Nautical Traditions Officer
CDSOA, Inc.
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Warren Kaplan
Re: meaning of signal: blue peter ?
If you spy Hanalei in her slip on a Saturday in the forenoon watch, quite often the "Blue Peter" will be flying from the signal halyard, particularly if the guests are late reporting aboard for the days adventure! ! !
Warren Kaplan
Sine Qua Non (high and dry until tomorrow!!!)
CD27
Oyster Bay Harbor, NY
Setsail728@aol.com
Late reporting aboard Hanalei?!? Perish the thought. An infraction worthy of keel hauling I'd say. Then again, with all that stove black and the like keeping Hanalei's bottom and prop as smooth as a new baby's bottom, it would be kind of a "refreshing" price to pay for the transcretion. Especially on a hot August day!Nautical Traditions Officer wrote: Hope this helps.......I remain Sir, your most HUMBLE servant........
Dave Stump
Captain Commanding
s/v Hanalei CD-30C
CDSOA Number ONE ! ! !
Nautical Traditions Officer
CDSOA, Inc.
Warren Kaplan
Sine Qua Non (high and dry until tomorrow!!!)
CD27
Oyster Bay Harbor, NY
Setsail728@aol.com