Yardarm Gaff Rigger Flagpole at City Marina Charleston, SC
Flags2Fly
Newly designed Gaff rigged flagpole. The angle of the gaff is set to
35 degrees with the horizon, instead of the outmoded 45. This provides for greater
extension of the gaff, giving one the option to fly a larger flag. The bracket
holding the gaff and the yardarm are solid cast aluminum powdercoated bright white, while
pulley fittings are stainless steel. Built strong!
Gaff-rigged Pole Display
National Flag Foundation
The position of the U.S. Flag on a mast which also
has a gaff is a controversial one. According to long-standing maritime
tradition, the gaff is the position of honor on a ship and thus is where the
U.S. Flag should be flown. Yachting organizations, following the tradition
of the seas, erect land-based, gaff-rigged flagpoles and fly the U.S. Flag at
the gaff as well, feeling that the gaff is the position of honor on the pole.
The U.S. Code, Title 4, Chapter 1, Section 7(f), which postdates this maritime
tradition, states that “when flags of States, cities, or localities, or
pennants of societies are flown on the same halyard with the flag of the United
States, the latter should always be at the peak. When the flags are flown
from adjacent staffs, the flag of the United States should be hoisted first and
lowered last. No such flag or pennant may be placed above the flag of the
United States or to the United States flag’s right.”
No other flag or pennant should be placed above or, if on the same level, to the
right of the flag of the United States of America, except during church services
conducted by naval chaplains at sea, when the church pennant may be flown above
the flag during church services for the personnel of the Navy. No person
shall display the flag of the United Nations or any other national or
international flag equal, above, or in a position of superior prominence or
honor to, or in place of, the flag of the United States at any place within the
United States or any Territory or possession thereof; Provided, That
nothing in this section shall make unlawful the continuance of the practice
heretofore followed of displaying the flag of the United Nations in a position
of superior prominence or honor, and other national flags in positions of equal
prominence or honor, with that of the flag of the United States at the
headquarters of the United Nations.” (U.S. Code, Title 4, Chapter 1,
Section 7(c))
The intent of each of these practices is to place the U.S. Flag in the position
of honor. The respectful display of the Flag inspires citizens of this
great land to preserve the liberties and values that are symbolized by the Flag.
National Flag Foundation recommends that when the U.S. Flag is displayed
on a gaff-rigged pole, organizations and individuals determine for themselves
which manner of display listed above will best convey the love, honor and
respect which they feel for the Flag.
Excel Sails
32968 Stonectoft Drive
Gravois Mills, MO 65037
800-225-3524 FAX: 573-372-3411
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