Page:Small-boat sailing; an explanation of the management of small yachts, half-decked and open sailing-boats of various rigs; sailing on sea and on river; cruising, etc (IA smallboatsailing01knig).pdf/277

 SHIP'S PAPERS

An Admiralty warrant has been granted to certain of the Royal Yacht Clubs, the Royal Thames Yacht Club having been the first to receive this honour in 1835. The warrant authorises the member of one of these clubs to fly on his vessel the blue ensign of Her Majesty's fleet, and in the case of one club, the Royal Squadron, to fly the white ensign. The blue ensigns of some of these clubs also bear the distinguishing marks of the clubs—such as a crown in the centre.

The owner of a yacht, having made application through the secretary of his club, receives from the Admiralty a warrant entitling him to fly the ensign on that particular vessel, so long as she remains his property. The warrant must be returned to the Admiralty if the vessel is sold; an owner requires a separate warrant for each of his vessels, and separate warrants to fly the colours of each club to which he may belong. If a yacht owner fly such colours without having obtained a warrant, he will be liable to pay a penalty not exceeding £500, according to the provisions of the Merchant Shipping Act. A yacht owner must also obtain a club certificate to show that he is a member of that particular club.

Formerly the Admiralty warrant exempted the holder from all Government dues in Great Britain; but an order came in force in 1898 by which boats