3 Reasons Why We Don't Make Yardarm Flag Poles

Traditionally a yardarm is a horizontal pole mounted on the mast of a ship from which the square sails are hung, and has lent its name to the nautical style of flag pole most people would recognise from seaports or yacht clubs. A yardarm flag pole might also be referred to as a crossarm flag pole or a windjammer flag pole.

While we do not dispute that there is still a place for the yardarm flag pole in today's market, at PILA flag poles we have phased out this product for several reasons you may wish to consider before purchasing one:

1. Noise

Yardarm flag poles are the most noisy of all flag pole styles. With gaffs and multiple flags or pennants flying there is a lot going on with a yardarm, and many elements that will knock against the flag pole, creating that distinctive clanging sound synonymous with the seaside.

2. Protocol

While the Australian government offers protocols for the use of yardarm flag poles, they are complicated and must accommodate international tradition for the positioning of the national flag, which may position the Australian national flag lower than others, unlike a standard flag pole where its prominence is clear.

3. Safety

In nautical use, this style was designed to harness the power of the wind, however too much wind power can be hazardous for a flag pole. Even with stringent engineering to meet high wind ratings, loading a flag pole with multiple flags and pennants from yardarms and gaffs increases the risk of failure.

We pride ourselves on manufacturing only the safest flag poles for pride, patriotism or promotion, and firmly believe that the risks involved with a yardarm flag pole do not comply with our philosophy. If you are considering purchasing a yardarm flag pole you must ensure the pole is designed and engineered to take the added stress of multiple flags and multiple additional structural components. If you would prefer to avoid the potential issues a yardarm flag pole may present, we recommend you purchase multiple poles consistent with the number of flags you require to fly.