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Burgee vs. Pennant
While often used interchangeably by landlubbers, the shape of the flag flying from your spreader tells a specific story about rank, membership, and tradition.
The Burgee
Strictly speaking, a Burgee is distinguished by its Swallowtail shape (two points). It is the primary identifier for Yacht Clubs and Sailing Organizations.
- Flown to denote membership
- Typically 2:3 ratio
- Flown from main masthead or starboard spreader
The Pennant
A Pennant (or Pendant) is Triangular (one point). While some clubs use this shape, it is historically reserved for Officer Ranks, Commissioning banners, or specific signals.
- Denotes Officer Rank (Commodore, etc.)
- Used for "Seniority" or "Owner Absent"
- Often longer and more tapered
When to Fly Which?
On a modern powerboat or sloop without a traditional masthead fly, knowing where to hang your colors is crucial.
The Exchange Rule
You generally fly the Burgee of the club where you are currently berthed, or your home club if at sea. Never fly two club burgees on the same halyard.
The Officer's Exception
If you are a Commodore, Vice Commodore, or Rear Commodore, you fly your rank's Pennant instead of the generic club burgee.
Burgee & Pennant Shapes
Burgee
SwallowtailPennant
TriangleEnsign
RectangleWe Craft Them All
Whether you need a traditional swallowtail burgee for your club or a custom triangular pennant for your private vessel, our printed and embroidered options cover every shape in the book.
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about our flags and services.
Printed flags are lightweight and ideal for complex designs, while embroidered flags offer a premium, textured finish.
We generally recommend sizing up rather than down for better visibility, especially for Ensigns flown from the stern. However, for masthead Burgees or Pennants where windage (drag) is a concern, sizing down is perfectly acceptable. Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference and your specific mounting hardware.
Marine environments are incredibly harsh. Depending on UV exposure, salt spray, and wind conditions, a continuously flown marine flag typically lasts 6 to 12 months. You can significantly extend the life of your flag by taking it down during severe storms and when the vessel is not in use.
Yes, you can wash them. We recommend hand washing in cold water with a mild detergent. Rinse thoroughly and hang them up to air dry. Do not machine wash, tumble dry, or dry clean, as this can damage the UV-resistant coating, cause the colors to bleed, and weaken the stitching.
Absolutely. Since we manufacture our flags in-house, we can custom cut, print, and sew flags to any specification or ratio you require. Just use our "Get a Quote" form and let us know your exact needs.
Ready to hoist your colors?
Fill out the form and our design team will send you a quote and a digital proof within 24 hours.
(800)-268-1779
info@canadianaflag.ca