‘Message is understood’ – From CY Onboard

Signal flags pre-date, but work better than, modern electronic communication. Why better? They require no batteries or generators, allow no jamming or Zoom bombing. They run completely by armstrong power – the most reliable yet invented. 

So in the days of naval ships and the like, captains used flags to convey messages and this one, The Answering Pennant, means “message received.”

Sadly, we get the message. Unless you are living aboard, your boat isn’t happening just now. Typical is the marina notice that came from Bayport Yachting Centre in Midland ON earlier in the week. The “essential service” designation that Marinas previously enjoyed has been removed. We will delay launch until the lockdown is removed.

They also added an optimistic note:
We anticipate that, once the lockdown is lifted, we will be swamped with launch requests. Please get your launch form in as soon as possible so that we can hold your spot. 

That brings us to another very common use of the Answering Pennant well known to sailboat racer – the AP means “Postponed.” 

I am afraid that’s our holding pattern these days. Everything, absolutely everything it seems, is postponed. 

While you are home (and bored) we are creating additional diversions. Our Virtual Boatshow is getting started, as is our Performance Sailing section. There’s a huge resource of material on our CY website, canadianyachting.ca. There you will find a lockdown’s worth of content – boat reviews, how to material, destinations, cruising – it’s endless.

We look forward to casting off and getting underway out the other end of this. Stay well!

John Morris 
Online Editor 
Canadian Yachting Magazine 
CYonboard@kerrwil.com