Hoisting the Signal Flags
“I really liked your Sailing in Place piece in today’s ‘Lectronic Latitude,” wrote reader Peter Detwiler on April 17. “I’m missing our grandkids, so it was fun to see those Broderick boys enjoying their boat.
“When you live in Sacramento like I do and miss sailing on San Francisco Bay with your buddies (like I do), what else was I supposed to do? I dug deep into my gear box and found a set of signal flags that I bought 12+ years ago off the discount table at my local West Marine store. I paid $40 for a full set of letters, numerals, and repeaters. The regular price had been $140, so I told my wife that I hadn’t paid $40, I’d actually saved $100.”
“Today is the second hoist I’ve created this week. I’m not sure what my East Sacramento neighbors think, but I’m sending out good thoughts during this strange time of semi-isolation.”
On April 25, Peter sent this update: “The neighbors liked our signal flags, so I composed a new ‘hoist’ for this week. I didn’t have to use a ‘repeater’ substitute flag this time. Carrie (my wife) picked the week’s message.”
Some of our readers may not have all the signal flags memorized. If you need help decoding the flags, turn to page 22 of our Northern California Sailing Calendar. Please, no spoilers in the comments section!
Fun article. A very creative way to have fun on land!
Speaking of flags, who ever thought that in this day and age a ship might have to use the “Q” flag? Not me.
Great idea about the Q flag. I live on the Big island. How about sailing into Radio bay in Hilo, hoisting the Q flag and refusing to leave? It would put those DoT and DLNR bullies in a tight spot considering international laws at sea. (long ago the DLNR were called the department of land and NO recreation!)
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