This is a history of the flags flown at sea by the principal naval powers - Great Britain, France, the Netherlands, Spain and the USA - during the Age of Sail. The subject is one that has been obscured by curious myths and misunderstandings about where, when and why certain flags - like the piratical 'Jolly Roger' - were flown, and this book's narrative aims to unravel these issues. It also tackles such apparently complicated issues as signalling in peace and war.

Nautical flags are more than decoration: each one has a specific meaning and a particular way it must be displayed. With Chapman's quick illustrated reference to the different kinds of flags and what they represent, no one need look like a know-nothing landlubber--or worse yet, cause a serious accident by using a signal flag improperly. This volume was produced in the same handy format as the Chapman Quick Reference Captain's Guide and Chapman Quick Reference First Aid Guide, spiral-bound at the top and with laminated pages. It contains information on which flags to fly, where and when to fly them, and what constitutes good flag etiquette. One by one, every type of flag is covered, from national and organizational flags to yacht ensigns, pennants, and distress flags.

This beautifully illustrated volume features more than one hundred thirty flags flown by European and American ships during the Age of Sail.

This book is a collection of classic articles on motor boating and yachting, covering many aspects of the sport but focusing on the use and recognition of flags. Carefully selected for a modern readership, this timeless volume will be of considerable utility to anyone with a practical interest in boating or sailing and would make for a fantastic addition to collections of related literature. The articles include: “Sailing – A Practical Handbook on Equipment, Handling and Up-keep of Open, Half-Decked and Small-Decked Boats”, “The Boatman's Manual – A Complete Manual of Boat Handling, Operation, Maintenance and Seamanship”, Piloting, Seamanship and Small Boat Handling”, “Yachts and Their Recognition”, etc. Many vintage books such as this are becoming increasingly scarce and expensive. We are republishing this volume now in an affordable, high-quality edition complete with a specially commissioned new introduction on sailing.