Boat flags: Netherlands, provinces, countries and signal flags
A boat flag is a rectangular flag flown astern to show nationality, home province or signalling status. We stock 32 Hollex models: the Dutch tricolour in multiple sizes, all twelve Dutch provinces, popular foreign flags (Germany, Belgium, France, Italy, Spain, Croatia, USA), the Frisian pennant, the Gueux, a pirate flag and complete flagstaff sets with stainless mount for transom or rail.
Which flag do you fly where?
| Position | Flag | When |
|---|---|---|
| Stern (transom) | Dutch tricolour | Always under way |
| Starboard bow | Host country flag | In foreign waters |
| Port bow | Province or club flag | Optional |
| Bow at berth | Frisian pennant | At a Frisian home port |
| Topmast (sailing boat) | Wind vane or club flag | While sailing |
| Bow (jack position) | Gueux or Brielle Gueux | On holidays / military |
For mounting use a flagstaff in ash wood or stainless together with a stainless flagstaff holder, available in surface or flush models. Combine with other boat accessories for a complete fit-out.
Which size boat flag matches your boat length?
The flag size rule of thumb: flag height in centimetres equals boat length in metres. For a 6-metre tender you choose a 30x45 cm flag; for a 9-metre motor boat that becomes 40x60 cm or 50x75 cm. Beneath the tricolour the staff or halyard should not hang more than 10 cm below the transom top waterline. For the Frisian pennant (triangular) the point length matches the bow width, mounted on a separate forward staff.
Frequently asked questions about boat flags
Which flag do I fly when sailing abroad?
In international waters you always fly your own national flag on the transom or stern staff. As soon as you enter the territorial waters of another country you hoist the host country flag at the starboard bow or starboard signal halyard, in the courtesy flag position. For a Dutch boat sailing to Germany the Dutch tricolour goes aft and the German flag starboard forward. When transiting several countries you switch the courtesy flag per border. When berthed in a foreign marina the courtesy flag stays up until you leave the country.
What are the Dutch tricolour and the Gueux, and how do they differ?
The Dutch tricolour is the official state flag (red-white-blue) flown on the transom or stern staff. The Gueux (orange-white-blue, with crossed keys above or below) is a much older naval symbol, once an official war flag. Today you mostly see it on inland waters at festive occasions, on classic sailing vessels and on military ships. The Brielle Gueux is a stylised Gueux marking the capture of Brielle (1572) and is flown on national holidays. Neither flag is flown at sea in place of the tricolour.
How do I mount a flagstaff on my boat?
For a fixed mount use a stainless flagstaff holder, fastened with four stainless screws to the transom top or duckboard edge. Two versions: surface mount (visible) and flush mount (recessed for a cleaner look). The flagstaff slots into the holder; some stainless holders have a locking pin to prevent it lifting in wind. Hollex flagstaffs come in straight ash (classic look), curved ash (tender style) or stainless 316 for saltwater use. Standard length 60-90 cm, go taller for bigger boats so the flag clears the cockpit.
When do I hoist and lower my boat flag?
International custom is: hoist at 08:00 (or on departure if later) and lower at sunset (or at berth at 18:00 or 21:00 depending on season). In practice many leisure sailors leave the flag up all day and only lower it for winter storage. For mourning fly half mast: hoist to the top first, then lower to one flag height below the top. For races or holidays you dress the ship: all signal flags strung from bow over masthead to stern, typically on King's Day or Liberation Day.
In stock? Order before 17:00 and it ships the same day. Otherwise, as soon as possible. Not sure which product fits your boat? Our specialists in Joure are happy to help.
