Night moves

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Hugh McCully

Gulf of St Lawrence

My most memorable overnight sail was a year ago when crewing on a boat headed for Newfoundland. We sailed from Port Menier at the western end of Anticosti Island (that big Island in the Gulf) to Natashquan on the North shore of the Gulf. During the night time part of the trip, the moon was the chief source of ambient light -not too many people live along that route. Additional light came from the Northern Lights above and periodic photoluminescence in the water.
 
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Mark Major

First night sail, fog, GPS failure..short version

I thought I could make the distance from Port Richey to Anclote by sundown; I had owned and sailed my first boat (H23) an entire month that Thanksgiving 1999, and was somewhat familiar... Before the sun finished for the day a fog rolled in from the Gulf, but I had my route plotted on my Apelco GPS11... then at last light it failed (moisture). This is when I questioned my very limited skills, had my 14 year old don a vest and sit on the bow with a flashlight...and it got worse. The only reference I had was what I imagined was a campers Coleman light on the south end of the faint silhouette of Anclote Key, and compass heading. It turned out to be a single light on the end of a commercial fishing boat net; hard to port avoided entanglement but compounded my frustration as I headed toward shore to get around, only to nearly collide with a dredging barge at anchor; hard to starboard and the depth sounder alarmed so I had to wiggle about shoals and dregde pipe to get into depth and free of obstructions, compounding my confusion. Providence brought us to the first marker of the channel, where we inched our way away from and hopefully toward the next marker, the bottom being my guide as to where the channel was. Finally we found a marina, full of boat folk celebrating and sharing in Thanksgiving about a fire, where we feasted on turkey dogs and were truly thankful. Now I love to sail at night, having learned how not to do it.
 
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Warren

Night Sailing

I have sailed the Around Long Island Regatta two times on my 1980 Hunter 37. The first time took us 3 days and 2 hours. The second time was only 2 days. Both times night sailing in the ocean was every bit the experience it should be and more. I have made numerous trips from Huntington to Block Island at night. The trip averages 17 hours.
 
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C Mayer

Best of times!

We do a lot of night sailing, expecially in the summer months. We even have a very well attended night social called Moonlight Madness. It's starts with Pizza carryin, then, about dusk we head out on the lake for a night sail that typically lasts for 3 or more hours. The 'Absolute Dictator' (read organizer) is the last boat to come in. He/She makes sure that all other boats are safely in port. It's held the Saturday before the full moon in August. Great event!
 
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OBX Sailor

Ocean NIghts, Full Moon

Ocean sailing, during a full moon is so great. You can see for miles, feel the night air and seas flowing under the hull. Can't think of too many other times the senses are so aware, all good sailors should give it a try.
 
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Jim Cook

Missed the Leonids meteor shower...

BUT I SURE WON'T NEXT YEAR!!!!! That's a definite. I haven't been out after dark except when returning late. The ICW channel markers are hard to follow around here. I'll be setting way points on my Garmin 48. I sat on the beach and watched the shower this year. It was FANTASTIC!!! Next year I will plan to spend the night on the water (hopefully with friends). Jim Cook "Dream Chaser"
 
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Tom Payne

2nd The Full Moon Sailing!!!

Full Moon Sailing relly kicks ass. I highly recommend it. On the other hand new moon sailing is like sailing into the black abiss. No Moon = No can see!!! Daddy's Dream
 
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L-Seelig

Has to be my favorite time to sail.

Texoma is a large lake that attracts way too many "lake gnats" (jet skis) when the big cruisers are out during the day but when night comes they all find their little coves and leave the lake mostly to us. Full moon, no moon, and everything in between, it really doesn't make any difference. Night sailing is the greatest... Regards, Lysle
 
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BILL ROBB

Hence the name

One of my most stirring times on a sailboat was when I first left the "big city" lights behind and gazed at the stars in all their undimmed splendor. That memory stayed with me 'til I had my own boat and I could think of no better name for her than, "STARGAZER"
 
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Rob R.

Frequently!

I love night sailing! As a matter of fact, I just went up my mast the other day to replace my anchor light, which we often leave on when sailing down here to alert power boaters (it's sort of like a local rule on our lake). Just watch our for those squalls! Rob
 
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Dana Smith

Absolutly the Best

Some of our better Lake Michigan crossings have been @ night. In fact there are a few races that start around here at or near dusk. Have solo'ed several times, feel best with a harness etc on. Years back on the old H-27, while night motor sailing, the sea water pump belt broke. Engine overheated fast and anti-freeze started boiling making a fluming white cloud, I thought we were on fire. Another time a battery shorted out. Once lost the head sail overboard in the middle of the lake @ the middle of the night. Only had one crew on board, that was a few harry moments. Some bad experiences some good, but if you sail, you get both. Sail on----Dana
 
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Bob

Sandusky, OH to Erieau, ONT

Have made 3 or 4 overnight trips across Lake Erie - about 70 miles - in generally nice weather arriving in Erieau early to mid morning on Saturdays. Usually came back during the day on Sundays to make sure I did not miss the real world. Great priorities!!! However, one time came back later on Saturday and sailed into Lorain, OH harbor at night. With a LTV steel mill and big ore boats in the harbor it was a real pain to sort out the navigation lights from all the other lights. Great experiences. Have not done in a few years but hope to again in 2002.
 
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Larry W.

Night sailing

Gary; Here in So. Cal. we frequently sail at night to make distance, and in Mexico last year, I and a friend made many three and four day passages, including a few bay/anchorage night entrances. I had to go forward to wrestle an out-of-control genoa down in the Sea of Cortez in 25 knots of wind in the dark. Even with good spreader lights, it was still a little spooky, but had to be done. It's an important skill everyone should get used to.
 
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Dana Smith

Anchor light while sailing?

Rob, Do alot of people sail with their anchor light on in that area? I see it now and again in the great lakes but always found irritating. Assuming they would be anchored seems like a potential for a crash. Dana
 
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Rob

Dana...

Yeah - our lake is pretty fouled with motorheads, especially in the summer. During the summer, most sailboats display anchor, steaming, and nav lights when underway. I do too, as it lights up the sails pretty well, and gives me good visibility. While this is far from the law, we are pretty much forced into it by the guys blowing down the narrow lake at 60 mph, who don't care what lights you fly, or who has right of way. Last summer the governing bodies passed a 40mph law, but no one seems to enforce it. The good news is that from Labor Day to Memorial day, almost all traffic is sail, so we go back to using the normal nav light scenario. Best Regards, Rob
 
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Tom Ehmke

Bob of Catawba Island-night sailing

Great idea!! I did the Erieau trip two summers ago, but not overnight. We sailed from Catawba Island to Leamington, Leamington to Erieau, Erieau to Pelee, Pelee to Vermillion, Vermillion back to Catawba-five days of easy cruising. No night passages, but I've often thought of what is beyond the horizon in the direction of Erieau. Your night cruise is absolutely on my agenda for next summer!! By the way, where do you dock on Catawba Island? I'm at Harbor Park. Happy Holidays, Tom Ehmke
 
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Bob

Erieau Coming

Tom: We dock our Catalina 310 at Catawba Moorings in West Harbor. The night sailing was done 6 or 7 years ago on a Hunter 34 with a crew of two sailors plus two ballast and beer handlers. Your 5 day route sounds good for when I can get some more time. Happy holidays to you!
 
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Joe Dickson

Yes, it was great...

In waters I am intimately familiar with and with a full moon... Joe S/V Charis
 
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Tom Speitel

Interisland Travel, Hawaii

Short island hops to outer island harbors from Keehi Harbor, Oahu are 45 to 100 miles. We prefer to sail at night and approach Molokai or Lanai after the sun pops up. No sun burn.
 
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