Backstay-mounted flags

[Dan]

I've seen boats with a flag attached to the backstay but no halyard. Forgive me if I'm asking the obvious, but how is this done. I'd like to put the flag up there rather than on a stern-mounted flagstaff to keep it from getting fouled in the pulpit. Thanks,

Dan



foxbd@home.com

[Larry Austin]

Dan:

Backstay Flag Halyard kit. Boatus Item # 335010. (page 595, 2001 catalog) Added this kit to my backstay a few months ago.

Larry Austin
Cape Dory 30MKII



laustin@us.ibm.com

[Neil Gordon]

West Marine lists some clips that will go onto the backstay and hold the flag. I suppose only as high as you can reach, though.

Traditionally, a flag should be flown about 2/3 of the way up, approxinating where it would be on a gaff rig. I've had difficulty there with the flag getting caught up around the topping lift, a potentially difficult situation which could compromise dropping the main.


Regards, Neil
s/v LIQUIDITY
Cape Dory 28 #167



cdory28@aol.com

[John R.]

I've seen boats with a flag attached to the backstay but no halyard. Forgive me if I'm asking the obvious, but how is this done. I'd like to put the flag up there rather than on a stern-mounted flagstaff to keep it from getting fouled in the pulpit. Thanks,

Dan

I use a stainless wire rope "U" clamp with a split ring (non hooked) and a Taylor stainless flag clip minus the eye bolt clamped to the backstay.

I remove the eye bolt from the Taylor stainless flag clip. The clip looks like a paper clip with a eye on one end and I insert it onto a split ring (a ring without a feed hook). Then I clamp the split ring to the backstay with the stainless "U" rigging clamp. I use two of these and the flag stays put, easy to put on and remove. I fly it as high above the bimini as I can reach standing on the stern rail.