(09-08-2017, 10:58 PM)semperfi 45 Wrote:(09-06-2017, 08:02 PM)Mickey Oberman Wrote: semperfi 45,
May I respectfully disagree with you.
A wind strong enough to fill those large, heavy, sails would surely have no problem blowing the puny pennants in the same direction it is blowing the sails and, coincidently moving that huge wooden vessel.
Mickey
That makes sense Mickey, however, if the large sails are full then the speed of the ship going to the left would blow the small flags to the right. Wouldn't you agree? Chime in here Doc!
Doug,
I was about to reply when my brain kicked in. Why was I arguing with a marine who undoubtedly has years more experience than me? So I turned to an old friend, a very old Currier & Ives book of engravings. Not much help. Flags flying with and against the wind.
Okay, the port of last resort - the internet. Hundreds of paintings and photographs. Same results. I did notice, however that most British paintings had the flags flying in the direction the ship was heading while American artists had them flying toward the stern, into the wind. The occasional ship had them pointed in both directions. Also the pennants at the top of a mast were sometimes pointing in the opposite direction to the flags down lower at the stern.
So I surrender. I must let you have the last and correct word. But before you say anything take a look at this for confusion,
https://www.google.ca/search?q=Old+Spice...0&bih=1343
Mickey