Nautical Flags IFCs Sailing Visual Signals
Topic: Nautical Flags
History:
Visual signals have been used to help communicate on the water since sailing began. “In 1857, the British Board of Trade created the International Code of Signals. The flags had 17,000 different meanings, and they used 18 different flags. Then in 1932 the code was revised to include seven different languages (Norwegian, Spanish, Italian, Japanese, French, German, and English). Next, in 1969, the code was again revised to include Russian and Greek. Up until this time, signal flags had an alphabet letter attached to each flag. With this latest revision an additional meaning was given to each flag.” http://library.thinkquest.org/04oct/00451/signalflags.htm
Today:
International Code Flags or Signaling Flags are used all over the world to communicate while racing and during cruising activities. Each International Code Flag, ICF for short, means something very specific. A full list of meanings can be found at http://www.boatsafe.com/nauticalknowhow/flags.htm . There are flags used for all different types of needs including requesting to anchor and requiring immediate assistance. During races ICFs are used to signal that a race is going to be postponed or start. Among many things, ICFs let sailors know where the marks are, when to start, and if they are over the start line early. Also visit http://www.burgees.com/ for a huge list of burgees.
Future:
Every sailing club should own their own set of ICFs to use in sailing, cruising, and racing classes. They are a part of almost every yacht club around the world. As a sailing student it helps to understand how ICFs are used so if you are interested in cruising or racing at various venues you will understand the communication. On the water communication is a vital part of sailing education. YCs could use ICFs in all of their classes, as a way to signal if there is no sailing, during cruising events to communicate on the water, once a week during any events where we host other yacht clubs. The racing team could also check out the flags for events they host or during practices. Keelboat classes would be able to use the flags during their class and on the water.
ICFs can be bought or made.
Flags are used in almost every sport and recreation including diving, football, tennis, golf, and sailing! They are fun to use and if you understand them they may save your life.
If you are interested in helping to purchase flags, making flags, or being involved in a flag class for racing or cruising please contact us directly. Enjoy your week!