Flying the Jolly Roger?

[BoatingBoy]

Any one have any thoughts on whether or not it's OK, politically correct, against Coast Guard regulations, etc, to fly the Jolly Roger (skull and crossbones ala: Pirates flag) on your boat? My son r e a l l y wants us to put it up, but I'm not sure...

 

[AJ168]

Re: Flying the Jolly Roger?

As far as I know it's legal. I'll fly one every now and then, and nobody's ever bothered me.

 

[LubeDude]

Re: Flying the Jolly Roger?

I dont really see anything wrong with it, kinda like the confederate flag. Just depends on how tight the other persons shorts are as to whether it will offend anyone.

 

[snapperbait]

Re: Flying the Jolly Roger?

I fly it on occasion... Never been an issue..

 

[CATransplant]

Re: Flying the Jolly Roger?

Well, as long as you don't fire any broadsides into anyone else's boat, you should be OK. I don't think there are any regulations against it.

 

[Twidget]

Re: Flying the Jolly Roger?

No matter what you fly, someone will find a way to feel offended. Go have fun and dont let anyone ruin your fun.

 

[alden135]

Re: Flying the Jolly Roger?

I am a Pirate. I am offended by your proposed use of our flag. After we capture a few more galleons, we're getting a lawyer. See you in court, Arrrrrrrrrrr.

 

[Mnemonic]

Re: Flying the Jolly Roger?

I fly two on each side of the stern when going out to the islands to have a drink... get a lot of funny reactions.

 

[AMD Rules]

Re: Flying the Jolly Roger?

Congrats on the new HUGE boat Mnemonic...looks schweet. Pushed by a Merc i/o and flying two skulls.... sounds like you've crossed over to the dark side...lol

 

[RinkerFamily]

Re: Flying the Jolly Roger?

This is a topic that I have seen on this message forum before and something that has been discussed on my boat by many friends this summer. I actually found a great website that I recommend cheking out.... it is www.skullandcrossbones.org It is full of information on the history of the Jolly Roger. Some of the other websites out there discussed how pirates were modern day terrorist and that flying the Jolly Roger shows you support terrorism...c'mon, I don't think a skull and crossbones on your boat means you support the London bombings or 9/11, etc. Others say that the Pirates were actually liberators and set many slaves free that were on boats from Africa so they were years ahead of "Americans" in equal rights. Then I even found out that the Royal Navy as well as the American Navy have even flown the Jolly Roger flag, as recently as I think Desert Storm or even Operation Freedom when they sailed back into port some of the battleships had the old skull and crossbones flying. I say if our Navy can fly the flag then we can too! If it is fun go ahead and tell people to get over it!

 

[Mnemonic]

Re: Flying the Jolly Roger?

Originally posted by AMD Rules:<br /> Congrats on the new HUGE boat Mnemonic...looks schweet. Pushed by a Merc i/o and flying two skulls.... sounds like you've crossed over to the dark side...lol

AMD - Thanks man, yea, i crossed over to the dark side... had too many bad experiences with my many outboards...<br /><br />Oh wait, is my mercruiser in the shop again today?

 

[BoatingBoy]

Re: Flying the Jolly Roger?

Not to mention the proud VF-103 Jolly Rogers, flying F-14 Tomcat's off the USS Enterprise. That squadron is one of the oldest in the Navy.<br /><br />Go Navy.

 

[magster65]

Re: Flying the Jolly Roger?

I've had a Jolly on my boats for 20 years. Never had a problem with the police, coast guard or other boaters. I say go for it.<br />

 

[Luna Sea]

Re: Flying the Jolly Roger?

I thought I had heard it was "illegal" too. Just had this conversation on my back deck also. My take is that it's fine to fly it at your local anchorage/hangout, but it may not be wise flying it out in international waters or when visiting a foreign port. Besides, if they were illegal you probably wouldn't see them advertised in your boating catalogs......

 

[NYMINUTE]

Re: Flying the Jolly Roger?

Don't worry about anyones feelings, it is your vessel, and it is not illegal. People need to MYOB.

 

[prockvoan]

Re: Flying the Jolly Roger?

Fly that bad boy,but if you are flying the stars and strips at the same time,put the bad boy lower!

 

[magster65]

Re: Flying the Jolly Roger?

To add to that, piracy is not just a memory. It still exists today and like Luna Sea says... I wouldn't push my luck in International waters. I have gone into the U.S. (I'm a Canadian 'eh) with mine up and the Customs officer didn't say anything about it. I still say fly it.<br />I looked it up and it can also mean 'Danger'. So on my boat it means watch out for the prop

 

[18rabbit]

Re: Flying the Jolly Roger?

Well, as long as you are in the US you have a Constitutionally protected right to fly it. You are protected by both the 1st Amendment’s protection of freedom of expression (speech) and the 1st Amendment’s protection of freedom of religion. Religion??? Yes, religion. The Jolly Rogers has its origins with the Order of John the Baptist and the Templar Knights, and all of that. The skull on the flag would be John’s severed head and the bones represent his faith in a resurrection … or something like that.

 

[rg33]

Re: Flying the Jolly Roger?

Originally posted by 18rabbit:<br /> The Jolly Rogers has its origins with the Order of John the Baptist and the Templar Knights, and all of that. The skull on the flag would be John’s severed head and the bones represent his faith in a resurrection … or something like that.

Do not want to get in a long discussion on this, but the the skull and bones as related to the Templars, symbolizes the morality of man. We are only here for a short time, and this awaits all of us.

 

[zzub]

Re: Flying the Jolly Roger?

Its not against the law, But most boaters around here,that fly it are usually, new to boating.<br /> Check @ your local Library for Chapmans Piloting Seamanship And Small Boat Handling. Tells proper Flag Etiquette. this book is considered the "Boaters Bible".I reccomend every Boater take the Power Squadrons Class.<br /><br />"Happy Boating"