True on a powerboat, not for sail. Proper place to fly the ensign is
off of the luff of the mainsail. Next best place is off the backstay as
per your original post. Going up the backstay isn't a big deal.

Doug

wrote in message
oups.com...
Thanks everyone for your answers. I think I will probably remove the
block altogether. A flag staff on the starboard side of the transom is
a better solution -- and more in line with flag etiquette as well.