A banner application for plastic chain
Issue 107 : Mar/Apr 2016
Somewhere in a remote cubby aboard your boat you probably have a stash of flags, ensigns, jacks, and pennants. They vary in size, shape, and color and the methods of attaching them to a flag halyard and to each other are incompatible. You’d like to fly them sometimes just for fun, but how?
A lightweight plastic chain link with one of its legs cut through lets you connect any flag to a line, ring, or another flag. Plastic chain is available in a range of sizes and colors at a reasonable price and the lightweight links will not inhibit your flags’ freedom to fly.
Cut, saw, or snip one leg in the middle and you have a way to instantly connect or disconnect your colors. Twist open the cut side of a link, insert your line or ring, and the link will revert to its original shape. Cutting one side of the link does take away some of its strength, but it should still be strong enough to withstand substantial winds.
When three or more links are connected together, each link can fulfill a purpose. For instance, the flag halyard at the spreader can be fastened to a link at the top of the flag. That flag is then connected to the next flag down with three more links: one to the bottom of the flag, one to the halyard, and one to the top of the next flag, and so on down the line. Any configuration is possible, of course, including multiple links for angled ensign staffs.
If you want to spell out a secret message, dress ship with the entire nautical alphabet, or fly your yacht club burgee and announce cocktail hour, it couldn’t be easier.
Henk Grasmeyer, a native of Holland, learned to sail at the age of 6 in a rowboat with an oar and a bedsheet. Later, when living in British Columbia, he owned a Hobie Cat for years. Now retired, he and his wife, Johanna, sail and trail their Catalina 25 all over North America.
Thank you to Sailrite Enterprises, Inc., for providing free access to back issues of Good Old Boat through intellectual property rights. Sailrite.com
