Everything You Need to Know About Catching Deep Sea Fish

Deep sea fishing is a thrilling experience and a great way to spend time on the water with some fellow avid anglers.

The chance to do this type of fishing doesn’t come along often, so when it does, you don’t want to risk spoiling the trip with poor planning.

Instead, use this handy guide to learn what gear you will need, the ideal type of fishing boat and what you can expect to catch when fishing Victoria, BC waters.

See our Fishing Boats for Sale

Fishing Rods for Deep Sea Fishing

For deep-water fishing, you need a strong rod coupled with a reel that can handle the length of line you will need. There are two main types of saltwater fishing rods:

• trolling rods and
• surf rods

Trolling rods are shorter and stronger than typical casting rods. They feature a large top-mounted reel that has free spooling

 

movement and holds plenty of line. Trolling rods are typically placed in rod holders on the stern of the boat and allowed to trail behind as the boat moves. All you do is drop your bait and deep sea fishing lures in the water, set your rod in the holder, and let the line drop.

Surf fishing rods are typically used onshore, but they can also be used on boats. They can handle large fish and come in a range of lengths and weights. The reel is bottom-mounted and looks much like a casting reel except that’s a bit

larger. The only “catch” is that, since they are designed for fishing in shallower waters, you may be limited to keeping your bait and hook closer to the surface.

Types of Hooks for Catching Deep Sea Fish

The types of hooks used in saltwater fishing are the same as in freshwater fishing, except that they have a greater size range since the target fish are generally bigger. There are three types of hooks used in deep sea fishing as follows:

J-Hooks

J-hooks come in a range of styles according to what kind of fishing you plan to do, but the unifying feature is that they are shaped like a J. The basic rule when choosing your hook size is to match it to the size of fishing bait you intend to use and the kind of deep sea fish you want to catch.

Circle Hooks

The introduction of catch-and-release fishing gave rise to the circle hook, shaped so that the point of the hook turns inward toward the shank, rather like a J-hook with a more pronounced curve. This shape prevents the hook from becoming stuck in the fish’s gut, instead moving to hook onto the fish’s jaw as the line is pulled.

Treble Hooks

Treble fish hooks resemble three J-hooks clustered together. The biggest benefit of a treble hook is that you can usually use a treble hook that is a size or two smaller than the comparable J-hook and still get the same result.

Types of Boats for Deep Sea Fishing

In deep water fishing, your boat has to be big enough to accommodate you, your friends, all your gear and whatever you catch. So, a simple powerboat won’t do. Your boat also has to be able to withstand the fight of a large fish, as well as have that fish on board.

Below, you’ll find a quick look at the 3 most common types of offshore fishing boats.

Cuddy Cabin 

This type of boat features a vee-shaped hull, 20 to 35 feet long, with inboard engines. The cockpit is set to the side, allowing entrance to the small cabin at the front of the boat. The cabin has seats that can double as beds, and the more luxurious models will have a bathroom.

Down East Cruiser

This style of boat is popular and has been in use for both commercial and recreational fishing for well over 100 years. With a large hull and large inboard motors that can hold a substantial quantity of fuel, this type of boat is ideal for multi-day trips. Down East Cruisers range from 25 to over 45 feet long, with deep vee-shaped hulls that enable them to handle rough seas.

Sport Fisher

This type of boat is purpose-built for chasing big fish. The minimum length of a Sport Fisher is 30 feet, but they can be up to 90 feet. Sport fishers have “tuna towers,” from where the captain controls the boat and keeps an eye out for fish. Featuring a typical range of over 950 km and an array of outriggers, a Sport Fisher can comfortably take up to 8 people wherever they need to go to catch the type of fish they want.

What to Bring on a Deep Sea Fishing Trip

As with any fishing trip, there is always a list of extra things you will need to take with you including an emergency boating kit. When you are spending a few hours or days out on the water, you won’t be able to run to a shop to get something you missed.

So, before you set foot on the boat with your rods and deep sea fishing reels, go over the checklist below to see what else you will need.

• Tidal fishing licence
• Tackle
• Extra line, hooks and sinkers
• Bait
• Clothing for all possible weather
• Rain jacket and pants
• Shoes with good traction
• Gloves
• Hat
• Sunblock
• Polarized sunglasses
• Lip balm with SPF
• Seasickness medication
• Hand sanitizer
• First aid kit
• Plenty of food and fresh water
• Life vests
• Life preserver rings
• Towels
• Camera
• Sealable plastic bags for waterproofing
• Cash, if you are hiring a charter
• A large cooler with ice or freezer packs
• A dry bag or duffel for transporting supplies

For overnight trips, you will need to include the following items on your checklist:

• Headlamp or flashlight
• Sleep mask
• Battery pack and charger for a cell phone
• Toiletries

What You Can Catch in BC’s Pacific Waters

British Columbia is known for salmon, so it’s no surprise that all five species can be found here in the waters around Vancouver Island. In addition to the five types of pacific salmon, there is a variety of fish species that are popular catches, including the following:

• Pacific Halibut
• English Sole
• Ling Cod
• Pacific Cod

Get Started on Your Deep Sea Fishing Adventure with Van Isle Marina

Do you want to go deep water fishing but aren’t sure where to start?

Whether you are looking to buy your first sports fishing yacht or want to upgrade from your current cruiser, the Yacht Sales Team at Van Isle Marina can get you set up with the boat of your deep sea fishing dreams.

Our state-of-the-art marina, located in Sidney, BC, is close to the spectacular scenery of the southern Gulf Islands, making it a great place to start and end your open sea fishing adventure.

Contact us today to find out more about our current yachts for sale and our marina services.

Sailing Cats Can Be Great Onboard Companions

Having cats on boats is a great way to bond with your four-legged buddy while still doing something you enjoy. If you are thinking about taking your cat on a boating trip, both of you will benefit from what can be a positive experience. 

If your sailing cat isn’t already used to being on a boat, though, you will need to take steps to get your furry best friend to the point where they can comfortably join you.

Read on to discover how you can take your cat boating and what you will need to pack for them. 

Getting Cats on Boats

If you’re considering sailing with a cat for the first time, you can make the experience easy and enjoyable for both you and your pet by taking some steps to prepare first.

Going boating with pets requires some training to get them used to being on an unfamiliar surface. Boats are not stable, so your cat may be anxious or unsure of its footing. Additionally, when you need to get off the boat, your cat may feel out of its comfort zone that you are not there. 

As their trusted friend, it’s up to you to make sure of a few things before you get your cat on a boat: 

• Can your cat swim? Unfortunately, accidents can happen that may result in your cat going overboard. To ensure that a small accident doesn’t turn into a bigger one, make certain your cat knows how to swim before you decide to take them onto the boat.
• Is your cat comfortable being on a boat? Cats are usually home-based pets, preferring to lounge on the couch or catch a glimpse of sun by the window. Do you think your cat would adapt comfortably to life on a boat? Would they be okay to walk around on the outside deck and in the cabin?
• Is your cat a quick learner? Don’t rush when you’re training your cat to be on a boat. Even if your furry best friend is a quick study, taking your time makes the transition from land to boat much easier. 

The Potty Issue

Training your cat to do their business on board may be tricker than home since they are used to their litter box and its familiar location. 

For successful potty training onboard, bring the litter box your cat uses at home – they will be used to the smell and will most likely have better success. As well, make sure you have a plan for waste disposal, especially if you intend to go on a multi-day trip.

What to Bring For Cats on Boats

Just as humans need supplies when going sailing, cats also require the same consideration. 

If you want to take your cat with you, you’ll need the following things:

• Leash and harness. If you plan to explore on land as part of your trip, you will need to bring a leash. If your cat mistakenly falls into water, a harness will support its weight when you haul it out of the water.
• Rope ladder. In the event that your feline friend tumbles off the boat, you can throw them a rope ladder to claw into and pull themselves back up onboard. 
• Large net. This may also help rescue your cat out of the water if they go overboard. 
• ID tag. An ID tag should have your phone number and address on it in case your cat gets lost during the trip.
• Food and water bowls. A water bowl is always necessary, especially during hot days, but a food bowl may also be necessary if you are going out for longer than a few hours. 
• Food. Like the humans on the boat, your pet will need a supply of food big enough to last the whole trip. Keep extra dry cat food onboard in case of emergencies.
• Fresh water. It’s important to bring a supply of fresh water for your cat since drinking from other sources may make them sick. 
• Sunscreen. If your cat has very short hair or bald areas – such as the area around their nose – they may require sunblock to avoid getting sunburned.
• Rug or mat. Boat surfaces can get hot in the summer. A rug or a mat offers your cat a safe and comfortable place to lie down.

How to Keep Your Sailing Cat Safe

Safety needs to be considered when having cats on boats. Among the other safety equipment and supplies you pack for a boating trip, you should include some basic medical and safety supplies for your cat too, such as:

• Life vest. Even if your cat knows how to swim, a lifejacket is still needed to ensure their safety.
• Overboard plan. Just like you have an overboard rescue plan for humans, you will also need one for your cat. This may include training your cat to respond to a specific set of commands and getting them used to wearing a lifejacket.
• Fishhooks and bait. If you plan to go fishing, make sure your hooks and bait are safely stowed so that your cat doesn’t get hurt.
• Seasickness medication. Cats can get seasick, too. Fortunately, they can usually take the same seasick medicine that humans take for this problem. If you want to be certain, however, ask your veterinarian before heading out on the boat.
• First aid kit. Pet first aid kits are available at most pet stores, and they include items that are specific to animals – unlike human first aid kits. If your cat is on any medication, be sure to also include that in the kit, where it will be safe.
• Shade. Like humans, cats can be susceptible to heat stroke or heat exhaustion. Ensure there is somewhere shady they can rest in extreme heat.

Finding Pet-Friendly Marinas

 

Although most marinas are pet-friendly, not all are, so ensure you check ahead if you’re planning to dock at different marinas during your trip. You should also familiarize yourself with their rules concerning pets. It’s simple to plan your marina stops using the internet, since most marinas will have a website that may include information about their pet policies.

At Van Isle Marina, we love pets. We understand that the boating lifestyle can mean taking your beloved animal onboard to share in your memories. 

Whether you’re looking for a permanent base or a stopover for one night, your four-legged friend is welcome at our Sidney, BC marina. Contact us today for more information about our moorage rates.

 

Your Complete Guide to Global Yacht Races

Yacht races pit sailing yachts against each other or the clock to race through a course marked out by buoys or over long distances from one location to another. 

Many sailing enthusiasts take up racing not only out of a desire to win but because they enjoy the mental and physical challenge of the sport. 

Yacht races take place all over the world, from hyper-local races organized by yachting clubs to global-scale events watched around the world.

In this article, we’ll discuss the types of yachts used in racing, as well as highlight some of the most famous yacht races around the world.

The History of Yacht Racing

The word “yacht” comes from the Norwegian word “Jagt”, which means “a swift, light vessel of war, commerce or pleasure.”

Formalized boat racing began in Norway in the 17th century, but boats specifically made for racing first emerged in England around 1815, when the Royal Yacht Squadron was established. In 1875, the Yacht Racing Association was formed—this association is credited with writing the standardized yacht racing rules, some of which are still in use today.

These days, World Sailing governs boat racing of all kinds and every four years, they publish a revised edition of The Racing Rules of Sailing.

3 Types of Sailing Yachts

When it comes to yacht racing, there are 3 types of boats that are usually seen: monohulls, catamarans and trimarans.

Monohulls have a traditional hull type – being single-hulled with one or more masts. This type of yacht is stable and able to travel long distances at speed. That said, they can be tricky to handle in tight spaces and may not be able to withstand rough seas as well as other types of yachts.

Catamarans are a newer type of yacht, having first appeared in the late 19th century. They feature two parallel hulls that are connected by a platform or a frame. Catamarans are wider than single-hulled yachts, so they offer better stability in rough waters and are easier to manoeuvre. They also have great cargo and passenger capacity. The downside of a catamaran is that they are slower and less fuel efficient.

Trimarans are a variation on the catamaran, having three hulls instead of two. The outside hulls are smaller than the main hull in the centre, which offers greater stability than the other two yacht types. They’re known to be the fastest of the three yachts, making them a popular choice for racing. That said, they can be hard to handle without the right crew, and they are not as suited to long-distance travel as the other two types

The Top Global Yacht Races

In yacht racing, there are four different categories of competition: 

• Inshore
• Offshore
• Ocean Racing
• Around the World

Below, you’ll find a quick summary of what these categories mean as well as examples of some of the most popular races in each category.

Inshore Yacht Races

Inshore races are short yacht races that occur on open water that is typically only a few kilometres away from shore. These races can take place on a large lake or the ocean, using buoys or other markers to outline the course.

The 3 most popular inshore races include:

• Cowes Week – featuring 40 daily races with up to 1,000 boats. This race takes place every year in August on the Solent Channel, between the Isle of Wight and mainland England.
• The Americas Cup – known informally as the Auld Mug, it’s arguably the most exclusive yacht racing event in the world. Racing yachts must conform to specific requirements and only two yachts participate, the challenger and the defender. The race is held every three to four years and in a different location each time.
• Les Voiles de Saint Tropez – this competition, located in the south of France, unfolds over a week and features over 300 yachts with over 3,500 crew members taking part.

Offshore Yacht Races

Offshore racing is typically of the point-to-point variety, meaning that the racers start at one location and race to another. 

Three of the most popular offshore races include:

• The Sydney-Hobart Race – is an annual race that runs from Sydney, Australia, to Hobart, Tasmania.
• The Tour de France a la Voile – runs parallel to the cycling competition of the same name, covering 1000 miles of the French coast along the English Channel, the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean.
• The Fastnet YachtRace – covers 600 miles from the Isle of Wight, rounding the southern tip of Ireland and ending up at Plymouth, England.

Ocean Yacht Racing

Yacht races in this category are also of the point-to-point type, except that they often—though not always—cover longer distances than the offshore type of race.

• The South Atlantic Race hosts over 50 participant yachts and covers over 3600 miles from Cape Town, South Africa to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

• The Route du Rhum is a primarily single-handed yacht race that happens every 4 years, covering approximately 3700 miles from the northern tip of France to the French Caribbean Island of Guadeloupe.
• The Ostar was first held in 1960. It runs from Plymouth, England to Newport, Wales, and covers approximately 3000 miles.

Around the World Yacht Races

As the category name implies, Around the World races cover long distances and are usually completed in segments or legs.

• The Ocean Race began in 1973 and is one of the toughest yacht races. It consists of nine legs and covers over 27,930 miles.
• The Clipper Round the World Yacht Race, though no longer running, was still notable. The race was established by the first man to complete a continuous, single-handed circumnavigation: Sir Robin Knox-Johnston. Participating boats were designed specifically for the race and crewed by a professional skipper and paying novice sailors. 
• The Global Solo Challenge pits participants in a circumnavigation race against the wind and the current. Yachts are specifically designed for the race and are manned by a professional skipper and a crew of novice sailors.

The 4 Main Rules of Yacht Racing

There are many different rules governing the sport of yacht racing, according to The Racing Rules of Sailing, but the four most important are as follows:

• Rule 10: “Boats on a port tack shall keep clear of boats on a starboard tack.”
• Rule 11: “When boats are on the same tack and overlapped, the boat to windward shall keep clear of a leeward boat.”
• Rule 12: “When boats are on the same tack and not overlapped, the boat that is astern shall keep clear of the boat ahead.”
• Rule 13: “When a boat is tacking, it shall keep clear of boats that are not tacking.”

Get Started Locally with Van Isle Marina

Interested in purchasing a vessel? Speak to one of our knowledgeable marina yacht brokers, they’re always happy to help and answer any questions you may have.

If you participate in a local yacht race, why not extend your trip to visit Van Isle Marina? We offer nightly moorage and usage of all our state-of-the-art facilities including showers, laundry, dog wash, fire pit and more! Contact us today for more information.

Your Complete Guide to Whales of the Pacific

One of the great things about living on the West Coast is that we are privy to an amazing diversity of wildlife includes the whales of the Pacific.  

If you are a boater, there’s a pretty good chance you’ve seen seals, dolphins, transient or resident orcas and other whales as you cruise the waters around Vancouver Island. 

While orcas and seals are fairly easy to identify, it isn’t always that easy to know what you are looking at.

This quick guide will help you identify the whales of the Pacific and teach you the do’s and don’ts of interacting with these amazing creatures.

What are the Types of Whales Found in the Pacific?

Along with orcas, dolphins and porpoises, whales belong to the order Cetacea, which consists of completely aquatic mammals. 

There are 8 types of whales found in the Pacific, including:

• Grey whale
• Humpback Whale
• Blue Whale
• Minke Whale
• Sperm Whale
• Short-Finned Pilot Whale
• North-Pacific Right Whale
• Fin Whale

Gray Whale

Gray whales are a species of baleen whale, which means that they have a comb-like plate in their mouth that serves to sift plankton from the water. As a migratory species, the gray whale travels between their breeding grounds in Mexico through the Pacific to their feeding grounds in the Bering Sea. They are typically dark gray, mottled with lighter gray. Their throat has 4 deep ridges running backward from the mouth to their short flippers.

Average Length: 44 to 48 feet

Life Span: 50 to 70 years

Status: Protected

Humpback Whale

Humpback whales are a species of baleen whale. Their heads are knobby, they have long pectoral fins and a torpedo-shaped body that is narrow and tapered at both ends. Male humpbacks can produce a song that can last anywhere from 4 to 33 minutes.

Average Length: 46 to 56 feet

Life Span: 45 to 50 years

Status: Endangered

Blue Whale

The blue whale is a species of baleen whale and is the largest mammal to have ever lived. Featuring a torpedo-shaped body, they are blue-gray in colour, with two pectoral fins, a small dorsal fin and a broad tail.

Average Length: 70 to 90 feet

Life Span: 80 to 90 years

Status: Endangered

Minke Whale

The smallest of the baleen whales, the minke resembles a miniature humpback whale, except that their sickle-shaped dorsal fin is much more pronounced.

Average Length: 35 feet

Life Span: up to 50 years

Status: Stable

Sperm Whale

The sperm whale is a species of toothed whale, meaning simply that they have teeth instead of a baleen plate. The most notable features of the sperm whale are the huge, blocky head and the narrow lower jaw. They are generally dark blue-gray or brown in colour, with short pectoral fins and a stubby dorsal fin.

Average Length: up to 79 feet

Life Span: 60 to 80 years

Status: Vulnerable

Short-Finned Pilot Whale

The short-finned pilot whale is one of two species of Cetacean in the genus Globicephala, together with the long-finned pilot whale. It features a bulbous, melon-like head, a body that more closely resembles that of a dolphin, and a uniform dark gray colour.

Average Length: 12 to 24 feet

Life Span: 35 to 60 years

Status: Least Concern

North Pacific Right Whale

A species of baleen whale, the North-Pacific Right Whale resembles a shorter version of the humpback whale. It is predominantly dark gray in colour, with some white on its underside. It features two short, rounded pectoral fins and no dorsal fin.

Average Length: 45 to 64 feet

Life Span: up to 70 years

Status: Endangered (under Endangered Species Act), Depleted (under the Marine Mammal Protection Act)

Fin Whale

The fin whale is a species of baleen whale and is known to be the second-largest species of whale. It has a long, sleek torpedo-shaped body, with a small dorsal fin set close to the tail. Its body is tapered at both ends, with slender pectoral fins.

Average Length: 75 to 85 feet

Life Span: 80 to 90 years

Status: Endangered (under Endangered Species Act), Depleted (under the Marine Mammal Protection Act)

For more information and images see this guide to whales, dolphins and porpoises in the Pacific Ocean from thewhaletrail.org

What to do When You Sight a Whale

• Put your engine in neutral idle. Whales are sensitive to acoustic disturbances, such as from boat motors, echo sounders, and fish finders
• Stay 100 meters away. By remaining at least 100m away from the whale, you keep yourself and the whale out of harm.
• Report violations. If you see another boater who is not following the rules, report them to the Department of Fisheries and Oceans.
• Photograph the whale. Use your phone or camera to capture the memory. Whale-watching trips, such as those offered by the Pacific Whale Foundation, offer a fantastic opportunity to photograph whales.
• Report the sighting. The WhaleReport app, from the BC Cetacean Sightings Network, generates a report that informs shipmasters and pilots of whale sightings in their vicinity.

What Not to do When You Spot a Whale

Well-intentioned boaters can often disturb whales and other marine life without even thinking about it. The best way to observe whales is by standing onshore and using binoculars, but if you happen to come across whales while you are out on your boat, there are a few things you should never do.

Here’s a quick list of what not to do when whales are nearby:

• Do not swim among them. You can easily get pinned and drown.
• Do not encircle them or goad them into moving with your boat. Whales are capable of causing significant damage if they feel threatened.
• Do not park your boat in their path. If a whale is preparing to surface when you block its path, you can end up being thrown from your boat.
• Do not photograph the whale with a drone. Aside from the whale’s sensitivity to acoustic disturbances, they may feel threatened and may react accordingly.

For more information on safe whale watching, read this guidance on watching marine wildlife from the Department of Fisheries and Oceans Canada

Catch sight of a Pacific Whale from the Comfort of Your Own Yacht

Do you want to experience the beauty of the whales of the Pacific on your own terms? It could be time to invest in a yacht to explore the waters around Vancouver Island.

At Van Isle Marina, our yacht sales team is ready to help you find the best recreational boat for your needs. Talk to our crew about your next boat purchase today.

Boat Flags Meaning and Proper Use

While walking the marina docks, you may have noticed that the yachts and boats moored there display several boating flags. 

These little pieces of cloth are actually an important communication tool for boaters and port authorities alike, as they are a quick and simple way to convey a message.

In this blog, we will explore boat flag meanings for the most commonly seen and used boat flags.

The History of Boating Flags

 

Simply put, the term “boating flags” is an umbrella term that refers to a system of flags designed to act as quick communication devices for boat or ship operators. 

Nautical flags were originally used in naval battles as a way for one ship to communicate with other fleet members. Since these early flag-based communications were limited, they essentially acted as a way of letting other fleet members know that a meeting was needed to discuss tactics or relay further instruction.

In the 1700s, more elaborate flag signals were developed, which resulted in the creation of the Royal Navy’s Permanent Fighting Instructions, which detailed 45 possible messages using only 11 flags. 

In 1738, a French officer by the name of Mahé de la Bourdonniase developed the first numerical flags. Bourdonnaise’s new system made possible a whopping 1,000 potential messages using only 3 flags. 

The system of boating flags has since evolved to contain 26 square flags (for the letters of the alphabet), 10 numbered pennant flags, 1 answering flag and 3 substitute flags. These are collectively known as the International Code of Signals.

Beyond these flags, yacht clubs and other marine organizations may have their own flags, for use by their members. There are also fishing flags, which are used by vessels to indicate what type of fish they are catching.

What You Need to Know About Boating Flags

There are a few things that boat operators need to know about boating flags before using them. 

• Boating flags only come in blue, yellow, white, black and red because these colours are easy to recognize.
• Flags are sometimes flown at half-mast out of respect for someone who has died.
• Flags vary in size according to the size of the boat you have. This is done for aesthetic reasons, with flags being roughly 1” in length for every foot of boat length.
• Flying the wrong flag in a given situation may result in a fine.
• Signal flags can cost from $12 for one and up to $175 for a complete set.
• Shapes are important. Most boating flags are square, but there are also pennants (triangular, but flat at the tip) and triangles.
• Whether used individually or in combination, all boating flags mean something.
• Signals can be broken down by the number of flags in them. For example, single-flag signals mean urgent, while 5 flags have to do with position and time.
• Some flags can have more than one meaning, depending on the context. For example, the ‘T’ flag can mean ‘keep clear’ or ‘engaged in trawling’.
• Keep your flags in good condition. Flying tatty-looking flags can be considered disrespectful and may result in a fine. This is because flags that are in poor condition may not be clear or bright enough to be seen from a distance.

Types of Boating Flags and Their Meanings

 

The flags in the international code of signals each has a unique design and colour pattern that is easy to see and understand. The code is made up of the following flags:

• 26 signal flags – each flag represents a letter of the alphabet with a phonetic word to match (i.e., the letter A, or Alpha, is a blue and white flag)
• 10 numerical pennant flags
• 3 alternate flags 
• 1 code/answer flag 

Although there are too many signal flags and pennants to list here, as a boater, it’s a good idea to get to know how they look and what they are used for. 

Aside from these boating flags, there are a few others to be aware of. These include:

• Boating distress signal flag. Two flag formations can be used to signify distress. The first is to display the N flag over the C flag, the other is an orange flag featuring a black circle and square. Ensure you are aware of the recognized standard marine distress signals for the area you are boating in.
• Ensign flags. This is a flag of the nation the boater comes from, which is not the national flag. These flags used to be for documented vessels only, but now it is a courtesy for all boats to fly them.
• Burgee flags. This is a small flag that represents whatever sailing organization or yacht club the skipper belongs to.
• Private signal flags. These flags are small and are custom designed and made for the boat owner. They are only flown when the owner is commanding the boat.
• Courtesy flags. Courtesy flags are flown when you are in foreign waters, but only after certain criteria are met. 

Boating Flag Courtesies

When using or displaying boating flags, there are some basic courtesies to be aware of:

Here are some basic boating flag courtesies to keep in mind:

• When in your own country’s waters, fly the correct ensign flag for your country at the stern of your boat.
• When you are in foreign waters, fly the “Q” flag before you gain clearance to enter the port. The “Q” flag should be flown from the starboard spreader on sailboats, or the bow on powerboats.
• After clearing customs in a foreign country, switch the “Q” flag to the one that belongs to the country you are visiting.
• Upon returning to your own country, switch back to its ensign flag.

The Importance of Flying Your Boat Flags Correctly

Although boating flags may seem like a fun accessory for avid boaters, they are a serious communication tool. 

It’s important that you know how to identify boating flags and their meanings and understand when they should be flown. Proper use of the flags will ensure that you receive the support you need and avoid confusing other boaters.

Want to get your own captain’s flag by becoming the proud owner of a brand new or used yacht? The yacht sales team at Van Isle Marina, located in Sidney, BC, can help you choose which of our current yacht listings is right for you. We’ll even provide a complementary burgee!

Contact the team at Van Isle Marina today to find out more.