Patterson, Howard
On yacht etiquette by Howard Patterson is a practical handbook of nautical etiquette and seamanship procedure written in the early 20th century. It lays out the protocols that govern private yachts and yacht clubs, focusing on flags and colors, salutes, ceremonies, discipline, and officer responsibilities.The book explains how to display club burgees, private signals, ensigns, and jacks; when to make colors and sunset; how to half-mast for mourning; and how to “dress ship.” It prescribes special lights for flag officers, formal receptions for dignitaries, and the ceremonies for commissioning and decommissioning yachts and clubs. Clear rules guide salutes with guns and by dipping the ensign, as well as boat etiquette and commands (“Up oars,” “Let fall,” “Give way”), crew conduct, and safety. A section on shipboard routine covers bells, the boatswain’s call, anchor watches, night running, and daily maintenance. Detailed chapters define the duties of the captain, sailing-master, engineers, mates, boatswain, carpenter, quartermasters, steward, and surgeon. The closing synopsis distills U.S. regulations on licensing, documentation, inspections, officer qualifications, markings, and the treatment of foreign yachts in American waters. (This is an automatically generated summary.)
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