Flag Puzzle

Try de-coding the message below, using just the clues we give you here. The code can definitely be cracked with just these clues but, if you get stuck, have a hunt through the magazine for more clues...dotted about in Issue 1 of MarineZine, you will find all the flags representing the alphabet with their correct letters identified.

HERE ARE YOUR CLUES:

Each flag represents a letter of the alphabet. The letter also has a name to help with communications via radio - most yachtsmen have forgotten most of the code if they ever learned it but any who visit foreign shores will know that the yellow flag they are required to raise on arrival and retain in position until they have completed Customs and Immigration - or quarantine - formalities is the plain yellow 'Q' flag :

Although this letter doesn't feature in the message, at least it's one you can eliminate!
If you're new to cracking codes, it may help to remind you that some letters are used so frequently in any text that they can usually be identified quite quickly - vowels, for example...

To get you started, in case you don't already know the flags off by heart, here are two letters from the message:

To get back to this puzzle directly from any page in MarineZine 1, click on this symbol at the top or bottom of the page.

HERE IS THE MESSAGE:

When you have decoded the message, you can e-mail the solution to marinezine_editor@linnetwoods.com if you like. Please put FLAG PUZZLE in the subject slot and remember to state your name and location clearly, so that we can list you amongst those who got it right when we get around to creating such a list...

We do not share reader's details with any third parties.
You will not receive unsolicited mail from or through MarineZine.