Is is appropriate to keep the masthead light ON while sailing at night? I want to light up my windex. With the masthead light on the reflective tabs are visible. I always thought the masthead light meant I was anchored. But, I've seen others sailing with it on. What is correct?
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Masthead Light
You should definitely not keep your masthead light on while sailing at night. In the first place, the light at the top of the mast is the anchor light. The white light on the forward side of the mast is the masthead light even though it isn't at the masthead (don't ask me why its called a masthed light). Either light gives a signal to other boats that you are doing something you are not. The anchor light says you are at anchor and the other boat must avoid you but you are stationary and will not move while he maneuvers. The masthead light indicates that you are motoring and thus must give way to sailing vessels which you are not doing. Either way, it is dangerous to use either light when you are actually sailing at night. Use a flashlight to shine on the windex when you need it.
You should definitely not keep your masthead light on while sailing at night. In the first place, the light at the top of the mast is the anchor light. The white light on the forward side of the mast is the masthead light even though it isn't at the masthead (don't ask me why its called a masthed light). Either light gives a signal to other boats that you are doing something you are not. The anchor light says you are at anchor and the other boat must avoid you but you are stationary and will not move while he maneuvers. The masthead light indicates that you are motoring and thus must give way to sailing vessels which you are not doing. Either way, it is dangerous to use either light when you are actually sailing at night. Use a flashlight to shine on the windex when you need it.
There is also little lights for the windex
that you can purchase for just that purpose and you won't be mistaken for an anchored vessel... The other good thing is they are low wattage
that you can purchase for just that purpose and you won't be mistaken for an anchored vessel... The other good thing is they are low wattage
masthead light
Alan............. Your masthead light (at the very top of the mast) is to make you visible while at anchor. Lighting it while underway would not be appropriate. Most Catalinas also have a light halfway up the mast facing forward which is a steaming light. This light should be illuminated while you are underway along with your red/green navigation lights. Good luck!!
Alan............. Your masthead light (at the very top of the mast) is to make you visible while at anchor. Lighting it while underway would not be appropriate. Most Catalinas also have a light halfway up the mast facing forward which is a steaming light. This light should be illuminated while you are underway along with your red/green navigation lights. Good luck!!
Steaming Light
Alan Ken's right about the anchor light, but the steaming light should ONLY be used when motoring at night, not when sailing. Of course, in both cases the running lights should be on. Any Coast Guard website, and many navigational books, have these rules. Davis also makes a laminated 8 1/2 x 11 Basic Rules chart for easy use.
Alan Ken's right about the anchor light, but the steaming light should ONLY be used when motoring at night, not when sailing. Of course, in both cases the running lights should be on. Any Coast Guard website, and many navigational books, have these rules. Davis also makes a laminated 8 1/2 x 11 Basic Rules chart for easy use.
Stu is right
Yes............ Stu is correct. I forgot to clarify this point in my reply. Thanks Stu!
Yes............ Stu is correct. I forgot to clarify this point in my reply. Thanks Stu!
7 meters (22.97 feet)
If the vessel is a Catalina 22, or smaller, no continuous light is required when under sail. Colreg Rule 25: "A sailing vessel less that 7 meters...shall have ready at hand an electric torch or lighted lantern showing a white light which shall be exhibited in sufficient time to prevent collision." Showing a continuous all around white light while underway would indicate that the vessel is motoring. Power-driven right-of-way rules would apply. When motoring,under sail or not, Rule 23 applies: "A power-driven vessel of less than 7 meters in length whose maximum speed does not exceed 7 knots may...exhibit an all around white light." The 360 degree light at the top of the mast, or anchor light, meets this requirement.
If the vessel is a Catalina 22, or smaller, no continuous light is required when under sail. Colreg Rule 25: "A sailing vessel less that 7 meters...shall have ready at hand an electric torch or lighted lantern showing a white light which shall be exhibited in sufficient time to prevent collision." Showing a continuous all around white light while underway would indicate that the vessel is motoring. Power-driven right-of-way rules would apply. When motoring,under sail or not, Rule 23 applies: "A power-driven vessel of less than 7 meters in length whose maximum speed does not exceed 7 knots may...exhibit an all around white light." The 360 degree light at the top of the mast, or anchor light, meets this requirement.
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