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Attaching the National Colors to the backstay

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kwalsh
1st Mate

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USA
33 Posts

Initially Posted - 09/15/2019 : 20:12:40

All,
We�ve been trying one example after the next to attach the national ensign to the backstay, but without success.
The large size spring clips do not fit neatly around the stay, keeping it securely in place. We lost a flag last season and haven�t found and alternative solution yet. In the interim, we are fixing it to the stern, but our stern railing is quite busy with other equipment which is why we are pursuing attaching it to the backstay. Are there any ideas?
If we are successful finding appropriate attachments, how then do we make the attachments the the proper 2/3rds the length of the leech above the clew? That�s a long stretch!
Many thanks!

Kevin Walsh
Segelboot
1984 C25, TR/SK
Sail No. 4433

redeye
Master Marine Consultant

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3474 Posts

Response Posted - 09/16/2019 : 06:22:24

I might:

Using the topping lift and main sheet to secure the mast, remove the backstay and bring it to the mast.
go up a ladder

I have used an adjustable ladder and put the top under the midstays and tied the ladder to the mast, and had someone stand on the bottom of the ladder as I ascend.

and secure a block to the backstay with an icicle hitch. Wrap the backstay with rigging tape just below the knot to secure it. I would use half the width or about 1/2 width whichever is less to wrap the tape. You don't want water to stay under the tape.

run your flag halyard through the block.

Resecure backstay and add block at the bottom, using a waggoner's hitch to be able to tighten/loosen it.

Anyhoo... this is one idea.

Another might be an additional backstay ( sort of ) with a stock topping lift added to the masthead running to the stern, using the existing block on the topping lift.

What does everyone think? Other ways to do this?

Ray in Atlanta, Ga.
"Lee Key" '84 Catalina 25
Standard Rig / Fin Keel

Edited by - redeye on 09/16/2019 06:57:40

islander
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
3992 Posts

Response Posted - 09/16/2019 : 10:52:50

quote:
large size spring clips

I would never put those spring type clips on any of your stays. They could cause damage to the stay when they rotate as the flag moves cutting into the stay. I'm guessing these are what you mean.

Scott-"IMPULSE"87'C25/SR/WK/Din.#5688
Sailing out of Glen Cove,L.I Sound

islander
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
3992 Posts

Response Posted - 09/16/2019 : 13:50:04

If you have a spare halyard you could attach it to the top grommet of the flag then attach another line to the bottom grommet that will be tied off at the transom. You then put a Zip tie through each grommet and around the backstay forming a loose loop. The loops will keep the flag attached close to the backstay and the flag can be raised and lowered anywhere you want to position it by raising the haylard to the desired position then tying off the bottom line. Here is a crude drawing of what I mean.

Scott-"IMPULSE"87'C25/SR/WK/Din.#5688
Sailing out of Glen Cove,L.I Sound

Edited by - islander on 09/17/2019 09:05:25

Voyager
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
5231 Posts

Response Posted - 09/19/2019 : 06:38:12

I like Islander�s idea but my flag halyard has one less component. No spare halyard from the mast top.
Instead I tied a single small block to the bitter end of some 3/16 braided line, then I tied an icicle hitch to the backstay using the other end. The line may be 18-24� long before tying.
An icicle hitch is similar to a rolling hitch, but is a little more complicated. The advantage is that once tied to the backstay, I can
push it up along the backstay with my boat pole. So I tie another 3/16� or 1/4� halyard to the block and put another block on the transom, push the top block with hitch up the backstay with my boat pole, then snug the hitch with a quick tug.
It does not slide back down, true to the knot�s name. I can easily push the top block up about 20 ft.
The flag is attached to the halyard instead of the backstay. Works great.
See: animated knots icicle hitch for how to tie it.
https://youtu.be/stSVqdQFtfs

Bruce Ross
Passage ~ SR-FK ~ C25 #5032

Port Captain � Milford, CT

Edited by - Voyager on 09/19/2019 06:39:39

kwalsh
1st Mate

Members Avatar

USA
33 Posts

Response Posted - 09/20/2019 : 20:11:06

Many thanks Ray, Scott & Bruce! Fantastic diagram, Scott!
We use the spare halyard as a topping lift just to keep it secured and out of the way. Using that halyard and an extra line never came into mind. I think it may be the simplest way to go and still offers the spare in an urgent situation. It�s right in front of us and we didn�t see it. This is the genius of the Forum.
Many thanks and good sailing!