So what colour is your ensign? Blue, red, white, other?

There is much to say on the subject of UK ensigns, the flags which we fly on the stern of a boat to show the rest of the world who we are. Along with a few other countries the flag normally worn by our vessels is different to that of our national flag, the union flag. Among those few that fly different flags at sea to on land there are also those who have another subset – those who are allowed to fly a different ensign for one reason or another.

Let's muddy the waters a little and describe the situation in the UK as it stands, possibly one of the most complicated situations available. Firstly the Navy flies the White Ensign, as would the Royal Yacht should we still have one and the Royal Yacht Squadron. Next is the Red Ensign, the default ensign worn by all civilian UK registered vessels unless another ensign allowed, thirdly is the least senior (historically) the Blue Ensign. These date from the 19th century when the Royal Navy had three squadrons, the red, white and the blue.

To further complicate matters a small number of clubs has been granted the right to allow their members to fly defaced Red Ensigns, undefaced Blue Ensigns and defaced Blue Ensigns. A defaced ensign is one on which a symbol of some sort is added to (usually) the coloured part of the flag. An easy way to picture this is to understand that the national flag of New Zealand is in fact a Blue Ensign defaced by the addition of the southern cross to the blue sector, similarly the maritime flag of New Zealand is a Red Ensign defaced with the southern cross.

The right to fly such ensigns is generally contingent upon being a member of the club and fulfilling any other requirements, the granting of this honour upon the club is historical and finding out why each has been allowed what would represent a good deal of research not pertinent to my point right now.

Much is said in various fora regarding ensigns and who wears what and why. Class, Trafalgar, Dunkirk, both World Wars, competence and colour coordination are all usually raised in what can be absorbing and, sometimes, vicious discussions. Google the subject and you will soon find something to distract you from what you should really be doing.

Why mention this now? Well I am likely to be allowed to fly one of the few ensigns which do not conform to the norm because of my service in the Royal Air Force, and it is yet another colour again. Members of the Royal Air Force Sailing Association may fly the RAF ensign – pale blue defaced by the RAF roundel – further defaced by a crown above the eagle over the roundel. Since the RAF hasn't had motor launches for some years now this is likely to be the only pale blue UK ensign you'll ever see hanging off the back of any boat. My application is in the post.

I only spent six years in the RAF, but honouring the most junior of the British armed services on the sea is something I look forward to with unexpected pleasure. I particularly look forward to conversations and explanations along the way, but I think there will always be a Red Ensign tucked under the chart table should we find our way to somewhere a military based ensign is not appreciated.