Mistral Associates - Letter from Brittany 109

Letter from Brittany 109
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Sending the right signals

It won't be the first time I've mentioned this and probably won't be the last. Try as I might I just don't think I will ever completely master the French language. Just when I think I'm getting on so well the blank expression spreading across my victim's face tells it all.

Pourquoi pensez-vous que mon perroquet a volé votre bicyclette?
(Why do you think that my parrot stole your bicycle?)

Fortunately though we live in the spectacular Rance Valley. A large, beautiful and well sheltered estuary with access via a protective lock to la Manche (the English Channel, as us Brits prefer to call it). What has that to do with anything? You might ask. Well it means that every one of the score or more waterside villages has its own harbour or marina and these are filled with every type of leisure craft imaginable. It is impossible to escape the area's maritime heritage and indeed perhaps half the people that live here that chose to, did so either because their jobs are related to ships and boats or they simply like boating and sailing. A benefit of this is that The International Signal Code Flag system, though largely replaced by radio transmission these days is nonetheless still quite widely understood. What is more is that the essential short, one, two and three flag signal 'hoists' are internationally understood. Certainly by 'yottie' type natives of all the more populous countries anyway. Thus a two signal hoist showing the flags B and R means 'I require a helicopter' is the same in both English and French. Even in American English! Very useful for the French suddenly finding themselves desperately in need of a helicopter whilst shopping on 3rd Avenue, NY for example.

I therefore thought it would be a good idea to not only carry a full set of International Signal Code Flags aboard my little boat but also to rig up a miniature system that I could display on my best party shirt breast pocket. For use at local parties for example and of which there are many hereabouts.

In the interests of expediency I have rigged up half a dozen or so 'hoists' of flags and which I can suddenly pull from my shirt pocket when all other forms of communication seem to be failing. Even if my target audience doesn't immediately understand what on earth it is I'm trying to communicate then at least they will have the common sense to ask another nearby guest for a translation. At least that's what I think they're asking of their other friends.

Here are a few examples of my flag repertoire -

This one means 'I am drifting'. Quite useful. Especially in my case.

Meaning 'I am manoeuvring with difficulty'. Even more useful.

Meaning 'Your signal has been received but not understood'.

Are you getting the idea now? Here are a few more for special occasions. Such as when an attractive woman sidles up to me (don't mock! It isn't unknown!).