Helm or Trim

[Malcolm Young]

You don't need a reg that says it is illegal

The rule indicates what you must show - if you don't show what you should and pretend (even if it not intentional) to be something else you are by definition not showing the correct lights and are therefore illegal.

 

[Clyde]

COLREG RULE 20(b)

Displaying an anchor light or all around masthead light while underway will be mistaken for a vessel at anchor..."no other lights shall be exhibited, except such lights which cannot be mistaken for the lights specified in these Rules..."COLREG RULE 20(b) The Rules concerning lights shall be complied with from sunset to sunrise, and during such times no other lights shall be exhibited, except such lights which cannot be mistaken for the lights specified in these Rules or do not impair their visibility or distinctive character, or interfere with the keeping of a proper look-out. Fair Winds,Clyde

 

[Malcolm Young]

Thank you Clyde

Wish I had found that rule (and it was even right where I would have expected it) - it makes an open and shut case - it still seems self evident using incorrect lights is wrong, for reasons given earlier. I do re-iterate that If Alan is showing running lights for a sailing vessel below the anchor light it will not look like he is anchored but will look like he is under power as I said before or if viewed from the stern a vessel under tow.Its time to get some sleep...

 

[Stu Jackson]

A rapidly moving anchor over red&green

should be a giveaway that the vessel isn't anchored to an observer.The idea that the company also sells lights for windex's should not necessarily make this an issue.I've seen altogether too many people running with both a tricolor and deck red & greens and am glad that Malcolm in #11 made this clear.Doesn't seem like a big issue to me.

 

[Benny]

Was unknowingly overtaking a boat down

Hawcks Channel on a moonless night and became very confused with what I originally though was a boat at anchor but then the perceived brightness of the light and the time in closing the distance did not seem to corelate. Made me check our course and position a few times. After a while I could also see another white light in a lower position but no red/green sidelights to determine course and this really confused me. I could only think of vessels that do not normally traverse these waters and was trying to recall light configurations. Called on the VHF with no response, pointed a spot light at our sails and proceeded with caution. Soon after I determined it was moving ahead of me in the same direction but I still did not know what it was. It wasn't until I got closer that with the help of the spot light I could discern it was a sailing vessel under power with its 360 degrees anchor light on. I try to give people the benefit of the doubt so I figured maybe his steaming light is out and he was worried about traffic ahead of him but when we finally passed, his steaming light was also on. Confusion may lead to unfortunate mistakes so it helps if everyone makes a consious responsible effort to stay in the same page.

 

[Stu Jackson]

Good point, Benny, I concede

Easier to follow the rules, that's why they're there.Only ? -- how does one explain the windex lights made just for that purpose?

 

[Herb Parsons]

Windex Lights

The windex lights aren't bright enough to be seen from the same distance as the anchor lights, plus they're designed to shine up, not out. Get a 2 or three boat lengths away, and you're hard pressed to see them. They don't violate the regs.Also, it's hard to tell at night that a boat is moving if it's coming towards you or is moving the same direction as you, but slower.In the first case, I'd "assume" it was a moving boat with its anchor light on, though it COULD be an anchord boat with it's sidelights on.In the latter case, as was shown in another post, it would be hard to tell until you were close on it.

 

[Joe]

Alan .......

.... the defense has rested, the prosecution has made his closing statement and the jury has reached a verdict. GUILTY!!! Now turn off that damn anchor light while sailing.

 

[Franklin]

No No No

Alan is a racer and racers don't have to follow the rules

 

[Ross in Tampa]

i have to chime in on this

Guys, the windex light is only bright enough to illuminate the reflectors on the bottom of the windex vanes. You can barely see it from the cockpit let alone the 2 miles that an anchor light projects. In my opinion, a well projected maglite within arms reach is worth it's weight in gold.

 

[Pete]

use the switch

I don't see where it would be a big problem to turn on the switch for a windex light and turn it off when done,after all how many times are you going to look at the windex. OR what is wrong with looking at a wind speed and direction gauge ? (buy one if this issue is that important to you)Don't even have to look up and you can look at it any time and as often as you want with out mis representing any navagation ligths. Just a thought..........