Distance Pennant Program

From the earliest days of the age of sail up to the present time, the history of flags and the history of the sea have been intertwined. From at least the early 19th century, it has been the custom of ships returning from a long overseas deployment to fly an extra long commission pennant made up of whatever bunting could be assembled.

In the Royal Navy, this is known as the “paying off pennant” because a ship used to be taken out of commission and its crew “paid off” at the end of each cruise. In the United States Navy, it is called the homeward-bound pennant. Although not officially sanctioned by regulations, the Navy has issued guidelines for the use of this pennant in NTP-13(B), Flags, Pennants and Customs.

It is really very simple. Just click here to register and then submit your contact information in the required fields and list your trips with full details about your travels –including the number of miles covered.

In return, not only will your accomplishments be listed for all who visit this website to be impressed by, you will receive a complimentary Nordhavn Distance Pennant. Let the world know your Nordhavn is more than just a great-looking vessel. You and your Nordhavn have done what others dare not.

The first level is 2,500 miles. Subsequent pennants will be issued in additional 5,000 nm increments. Each will be a different color. No matter how the miles were accrued: one long trip, 50 short cruises or even if you have owned multiple Nordhavns, it’s the total miles accumulated that we are interested in.