Courtesy flags are small flags that you are required to fly when you enter/stay in a country. The required flag is usually the national flag, but there are some special cases like England where the flag required is a red flag with the national ensign in the top corner.

The proper place to fly this flag is on the starboard spreader. So far we have flown the following flags: Swedish, Norwegian, Danish, German, and  Netherlands. 

Other flags on board include the national registration flag (the flag of the country the boat is registered under) which is located at the back of the boat, for us this is the American flag, and your burgees (usually the flag of a club that you are a member of) which are located at the port spreader. We have 3 burgees onboard, OCC - Ocean Cruising Club, StFYC - Saint Francis Yacht Club and SFYC - San Francisco Yacht Club.

As first mate (I have recently been promoted to this role) it is my responsibility to hoist and lower the flags. It is generally pretty easy unless conditions are rough. pro tip: you should always research what side is up even if it is symmetrical.

Picture Gallery: https://www.saltairafloat.com/gallery/flags