Have you ever sailed your boat at night? Do you sail at night to reach a distant destination, or because you like the adventure of tougher conditions? Did you get stuck out there due to adverse winds, currents, or gear? Other than turning on the lights, what do you do differently when sailing at night? Harness, reefed sails, more crew on watch? Enlighten us with your experiences in the dark, then vote in this week's Quick Quiz at the bottom of the home page.
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Not much choice!
We sailed for 13 nights on our return from Hawaii in the Summer of 2000. Very strange feeling doing 8-10kts and not being able to see a damn thing. We often go for a sail in the evening during the summer in the Delta. Especially nice when there is a full moon.
We sailed for 13 nights on our return from Hawaii in the Summer of 2000. Very strange feeling doing 8-10kts and not being able to see a damn thing. We often go for a sail in the evening during the summer in the Delta. Especially nice when there is a full moon.
Actually I Prefer It
I always liked flying at night too. All of the things that make sailing a tranquil contemplative and meditative experience are manifested a thousand fold at night. Nothing loosens a girl up like taking her out for a sail at night either. While attending college in Hawaii that was a trick we noticed worked every time. Candy is dandy and liquor is quicker but taking her for a sail will never fail.
I always liked flying at night too. All of the things that make sailing a tranquil contemplative and meditative experience are manifested a thousand fold at night. Nothing loosens a girl up like taking her out for a sail at night either. While attending college in Hawaii that was a trick we noticed worked every time. Candy is dandy and liquor is quicker but taking her for a sail will never fail.
Moon Light Sail On Flathead
With the moon rising over the Mission Mountain Range to the East and a steady breeze blowing out of the South I knew it was going to be a night to remember. I left Dayton Bay and the other sailors behind me to seek my night time adventure sailing on the main body of Flathead Lake. Saturday nights near a full moon draw the sailors out of the marina at Dayton for an impromtu cruise around the islands and I listened in on the VHF as the other sailboats I was avoiding got under way. I was well out in the main body enjoying a fantastic broad reach when I heard the distress call from one of the other boats. They had run aground in the shoals on the West side of Cromwell Island. Fortunately after about a half hour of trying to get to deeper water they succeded and didn't need any assistance. I sailed on thinking of my swing keel and how that sort of a grounding isn't all that serious of an affair. But I still keep an eye on the depth meter day and night. Sail On
With the moon rising over the Mission Mountain Range to the East and a steady breeze blowing out of the South I knew it was going to be a night to remember. I left Dayton Bay and the other sailors behind me to seek my night time adventure sailing on the main body of Flathead Lake. Saturday nights near a full moon draw the sailors out of the marina at Dayton for an impromtu cruise around the islands and I listened in on the VHF as the other sailboats I was avoiding got under way. I was well out in the main body enjoying a fantastic broad reach when I heard the distress call from one of the other boats. They had run aground in the shoals on the West side of Cromwell Island. Fortunately after about a half hour of trying to get to deeper water they succeded and didn't need any assistance. I sailed on thinking of my swing keel and how that sort of a grounding isn't all that serious of an affair. But I still keep an eye on the depth meter day and night. Sail On
Couple of years ago crossing the stream to Great Abaco at night, initial destination, Great Sail Cay... encountered 35 kts... had previously reduced sail, with knowledge that a low was coming, but it was a bumpy ride indeed. Finally anchored at 12:30 a.m. in Great Sail with dismal visibility. Rain was coming at us horizontally, in sheets. Wind speed overnight registered in excess of 60 kts... Some low...right? Next morning we heard on short wave that tropical storm Mitch, which had been in the Gulf wreaking havoc on Mexico upon our departure from Lake Worth the previous a.m., decided to head northeast and give us a little excitement, and add to our collection of sea stories.
wild ride
One week to the night and at about the same time,10:30p.m. , that the Swiss air flight 111 crashed, ,my son and I sailed back from St. Margarets Bay to Mahone Bay, passing approx. 1km from the crash site, the wind and waves came up after dark and we dropped the sails and had to motor, the seas were at least 10 ft. and pitch dark , any more than 3kns speed and the nose would bury in a wave, lucky we have a chart plotter to tell us where we were in relation to a big shoal. Its a weird feeling with the bow rising up and down at about 35 degrees with out knowing. It took us about two hours to pass through this rough water to calmer waters, and I don't fancy that again, although it happened to us a year later returning to Halifax Harbour after midnight, but that's another story. Rae Smith on "Next Friday "
One week to the night and at about the same time,10:30p.m. , that the Swiss air flight 111 crashed, ,my son and I sailed back from St. Margarets Bay to Mahone Bay, passing approx. 1km from the crash site, the wind and waves came up after dark and we dropped the sails and had to motor, the seas were at least 10 ft. and pitch dark , any more than 3kns speed and the nose would bury in a wave, lucky we have a chart plotter to tell us where we were in relation to a big shoal. Its a weird feeling with the bow rising up and down at about 35 degrees with out knowing. It took us about two hours to pass through this rough water to calmer waters, and I don't fancy that again, although it happened to us a year later returning to Halifax Harbour after midnight, but that's another story. Rae Smith on "Next Friday "
Night sailing is one of the most excelerating experiences we do. The sky is one of the reasons I love the experience. The navigational requirements are much greater, for safety, I believe it demands a good chart and frequent plotting as distances are even more deceptive. I include a night leg in the Coastal Nav course that I teach, and all have thoroughly enjoyed the experience.
I like it!
I live about 10 minutes from my marina on Lake Erie. There are many nights when my children are asleep and my wife is tired I will call a few friends or go out by myself for two or three hours. The stars are great and there are very few boaters out. You must be very comfortable with all of the lights and safty is more of a factor, however it will open a great new adventure every time you go out. Its very peaceful and you dont have to wear sun screen. Plus living in a northern city (near Cleveland) I try to get out at night it is like bonus time on the boat since we have to pull out for winter. Skip "Kid Napper" Cat 27
I live about 10 minutes from my marina on Lake Erie. There are many nights when my children are asleep and my wife is tired I will call a few friends or go out by myself for two or three hours. The stars are great and there are very few boaters out. You must be very comfortable with all of the lights and safty is more of a factor, however it will open a great new adventure every time you go out. Its very peaceful and you dont have to wear sun screen. Plus living in a northern city (near Cleveland) I try to get out at night it is like bonus time on the boat since we have to pull out for winter. Skip "Kid Napper" Cat 27
Scotch Bonnet Race
The Genesee Yacht Club has an annual race every June from Rochester, around Scotch Bonnet Island (just off the coast of Canada) and back to Rochester. This is about a 75 mile race. We leave at about 8 PM and return within a 24 hour period. About 50 boats attend this race, and it is really exciting sailing at night, trying to find your position relative to the other sailors, and to also watch out for any Great Lakes commercial traffic. Liberty has finished third in her fleet the past couple races, so the old girl holds her own. Ken Palmer. S/V Liberty
The Genesee Yacht Club has an annual race every June from Rochester, around Scotch Bonnet Island (just off the coast of Canada) and back to Rochester. This is about a 75 mile race. We leave at about 8 PM and return within a 24 hour period. About 50 boats attend this race, and it is really exciting sailing at night, trying to find your position relative to the other sailors, and to also watch out for any Great Lakes commercial traffic. Liberty has finished third in her fleet the past couple races, so the old girl holds her own. Ken Palmer. S/V Liberty
Why Not?
We frequently sail our Gulfstar 41, Bluebonnet,[which is for sale] at night. We sail 3 or 4 days from here to Venezula or Bequia most hurricane seasons. We set the boat up with a tri-color at the masthead and moved the running lights up onto the arch at the stern to increase their visibility. We also hove-to at dusk to reef the sails and have a civilized meal. We start watches[Lynn
We frequently sail our Gulfstar 41, Bluebonnet,[which is for sale] at night. We sail 3 or 4 days from here to Venezula or Bequia most hurricane seasons. We set the boat up with a tri-color at the masthead and moved the running lights up onto the arch at the stern to increase their visibility. We also hove-to at dusk to reef the sails and have a civilized meal. We start watches[Lynn
Leeward Islands charter
WE sail from the Virgin Islands over night to the leeward Islands, so as to arrive during the day time, at either Saint Martin, or Saint Barts. The biggest difference is watching the radar, and determining the direction @ couurse of boats shown on the radar. The radar picks up ships before you see them with the naked eye, usually, in a hard rain shower you are blind both in radar and with your eyes. Most of the rain down here is short lived, so this is not a big factor, but up north it can be. If you have the right equipment and use it correctly, night sailing is as comfortable as day sailing. Warren Welch Captain of Weiser Lady
WE sail from the Virgin Islands over night to the leeward Islands, so as to arrive during the day time, at either Saint Martin, or Saint Barts. The biggest difference is watching the radar, and determining the direction @ couurse of boats shown on the radar. The radar picks up ships before you see them with the naked eye, usually, in a hard rain shower you are blind both in radar and with your eyes. Most of the rain down here is short lived, so this is not a big factor, but up north it can be. If you have the right equipment and use it correctly, night sailing is as comfortable as day sailing. Warren Welch Captain of Weiser Lady
Night time critters
Hello All: Used to sail out of Cradon Marina in Miami. Every Sunday it would be a beat down the bay To Elliot key or out in the ocean to Fowey lite. This time I had gone to Fowey for some snorkeling, came back thru Ceasers creek into the bay and a run back to Miami. Started late, got dark about half way back, lite wind, cruising spinnaker up only. About 11:00P, ran aground. No problem, I'll just wait for hi tide, about 05:00A. Got into the water to set an anchor, full moon,suddenly a large shape passes close by me. Hair on neck went sraight up. Then I heard the exhale of a dolphin. Whew! Got back in the boat, setting in cockpit, enjoying he stars when the mosquitoes found me. Doused myself with SSS, it does work. Finally water came up hi enough to get off. Was never able to find that shoal again. Of course, this was in the Bermuda triangle
) Biscayne bay is great at nite, but you have to know where you are. Anyway the words of a great Miami talk show MC, ya'll hold what ya'll got, 'til ya'll get what ya'll want. Good luck red
Hello All: Used to sail out of Cradon Marina in Miami. Every Sunday it would be a beat down the bay To Elliot key or out in the ocean to Fowey lite. This time I had gone to Fowey for some snorkeling, came back thru Ceasers creek into the bay and a run back to Miami. Started late, got dark about half way back, lite wind, cruising spinnaker up only. About 11:00P, ran aground. No problem, I'll just wait for hi tide, about 05:00A. Got into the water to set an anchor, full moon,suddenly a large shape passes close by me. Hair on neck went sraight up. Then I heard the exhale of a dolphin. Whew! Got back in the boat, setting in cockpit, enjoying he stars when the mosquitoes found me. Doused myself with SSS, it does work. Finally water came up hi enough to get off. Was never able to find that shoal again. Of course, this was in the Bermuda triangle
) Biscayne bay is great at nite, but you have to know where you are. Anyway the words of a great Miami talk show MC, ya'll hold what ya'll got, 'til ya'll get what ya'll want. Good luck redLove It
Sailing at night, at least to me, is considered to be a real privilege. Quite often, especially if it is one of those hot/humid nights, and sleep comes with difficulty, I will take "Whisper" out for 2 to 4 hours (sometimes all night). It is nice because there is very little traffic late at night. I am pretty much of a single-hander, so the option of putting more people on watch or shortening watch hours is not an option. However, I find my senses and focus are much more accute than when day sailing. Running lights are a must for safety considerations and also due to the fact that there is a CG Station with regular patrols within a mile of my marina. Would I prefer the lights out, certainly. Have I turned them out just to enjoy the night, certainly. Will I do it again, beyond a doubt. This I would not do right away, only after I had been out for a while and was reasonably sure of my surroundings and my senses were sharpened to the night. The beauty of night sailing without lights is beyond comparison. Other than lighting, safety is my primary consideration. Life jackets and harness are paramount as well as good charts, compass and/or gps. I do not carry as much sail at night as I do during the day due to the fact that this is strictly an enjoy the night and the sail not just the sail, as well as the fact that seeing those rogue waves coming is limited to the here and now as opposed to several hundred yards away. I was totally surprised at how accute my senses became. Hearing the hiss of a breaking wave long before it gets to you, hearing boat motors long before they become a concern (and knowing where they are), trimming by just feel because the telltales are now invisible ..... all of this is reality. It does not happen right away but after several hours: it is amazing how you become one with your boat and your surroundings. It is a great feeling. As far as running out of wind, that is not a concern until the beer runs out. And, when that happens, there is the iron sail is for.
Sailing at night, at least to me, is considered to be a real privilege. Quite often, especially if it is one of those hot/humid nights, and sleep comes with difficulty, I will take "Whisper" out for 2 to 4 hours (sometimes all night). It is nice because there is very little traffic late at night. I am pretty much of a single-hander, so the option of putting more people on watch or shortening watch hours is not an option. However, I find my senses and focus are much more accute than when day sailing. Running lights are a must for safety considerations and also due to the fact that there is a CG Station with regular patrols within a mile of my marina. Would I prefer the lights out, certainly. Have I turned them out just to enjoy the night, certainly. Will I do it again, beyond a doubt. This I would not do right away, only after I had been out for a while and was reasonably sure of my surroundings and my senses were sharpened to the night. The beauty of night sailing without lights is beyond comparison. Other than lighting, safety is my primary consideration. Life jackets and harness are paramount as well as good charts, compass and/or gps. I do not carry as much sail at night as I do during the day due to the fact that this is strictly an enjoy the night and the sail not just the sail, as well as the fact that seeing those rogue waves coming is limited to the here and now as opposed to several hundred yards away. I was totally surprised at how accute my senses became. Hearing the hiss of a breaking wave long before it gets to you, hearing boat motors long before they become a concern (and knowing where they are), trimming by just feel because the telltales are now invisible ..... all of this is reality. It does not happen right away but after several hours: it is amazing how you become one with your boat and your surroundings. It is a great feeling. As far as running out of wind, that is not a concern until the beer runs out. And, when that happens, there is the iron sail is for.
Sensory Depravation
The best thing about sailing at night is there is no horizon, no noise, it is just you and the boat. Your senses have nothing to focus on beyond about 40 ft or so. I feel that it is important to take this time and relax. We always have so much coming at us, it is the only time that one can truley be nowhere and do nothing, the ultimate goal in life! As for the fear factor, know your boat, know your waters and have faith in the desing of your boat, all will be well.
The best thing about sailing at night is there is no horizon, no noise, it is just you and the boat. Your senses have nothing to focus on beyond about 40 ft or so. I feel that it is important to take this time and relax. We always have so much coming at us, it is the only time that one can truley be nowhere and do nothing, the ultimate goal in life! As for the fear factor, know your boat, know your waters and have faith in the desing of your boat, all will be well.
Night on the lake
Cayuga Lake has few shoals. Very easy sailing. Deep water right up to shore. We often sailed at night during the summer. The winds were steadier and the air finer. When we would cruise to the N end of the lake ~40 miles we would leave at ~9 pm and catch the steady southerly that would blow all night. Then a few days later catch a northerly for the sail south during the daylight.
Cayuga Lake has few shoals. Very easy sailing. Deep water right up to shore. We often sailed at night during the summer. The winds were steadier and the air finer. When we would cruise to the N end of the lake ~40 miles we would leave at ~9 pm and catch the steady southerly that would blow all night. Then a few days later catch a northerly for the sail south during the daylight.
Night Sailing
I sail at night because it is romantic. Also, to view fireworks and avoid the traffic.
I sail at night because it is romantic. Also, to view fireworks and avoid the traffic.
Romance and beauty
My first night sail was with my new girlfriend (now wife) a buddy, and his date with a bottle of champaign in a 12 foot Moth scow on Pierce Lake in northern Illinois. Another memory is sailing north of Key West from Sigsbee Park to a Halloween party on the main Island in our Sunfish (complete with running lights on the bow.) The beauty of the stars overhead, and the phosphorescence in our wake stand out especially. In Lady Lillie, on Lake Erie, we sometimes extend our sunset sails into the night for the sheer beauty of it. Another time, a friend and I took Lady Lillie from Mentor Lagoons to downtown Cleveland on a beautiful night sail. We always require PFD's underway. At night, we add the requirement to wear a harness and hook up in the cockpit or on deck. Another requirement is that the first entry to a port never be at night. On the trip to Cleveland, I satisfied this by driving to our destination ahead of time, and carefully scouting the marina from the shore. (We had already sailed inside the breakwater, and by the marina on an earlier trip.) Finally, of course, a sharp look-out is required to avoid freighters on the Lake at night, and we have a large searchlight for close in piloting, and letting others know where we are. The Admiral has no itch to cruise through the night to reach a destination, but I could see doing it to reach Put-in-Bay in one leg sometime. David
My first night sail was with my new girlfriend (now wife) a buddy, and his date with a bottle of champaign in a 12 foot Moth scow on Pierce Lake in northern Illinois. Another memory is sailing north of Key West from Sigsbee Park to a Halloween party on the main Island in our Sunfish (complete with running lights on the bow.) The beauty of the stars overhead, and the phosphorescence in our wake stand out especially. In Lady Lillie, on Lake Erie, we sometimes extend our sunset sails into the night for the sheer beauty of it. Another time, a friend and I took Lady Lillie from Mentor Lagoons to downtown Cleveland on a beautiful night sail. We always require PFD's underway. At night, we add the requirement to wear a harness and hook up in the cockpit or on deck. Another requirement is that the first entry to a port never be at night. On the trip to Cleveland, I satisfied this by driving to our destination ahead of time, and carefully scouting the marina from the shore. (We had already sailed inside the breakwater, and by the marina on an earlier trip.) Finally, of course, a sharp look-out is required to avoid freighters on the Lake at night, and we have a large searchlight for close in piloting, and letting others know where we are. The Admiral has no itch to cruise through the night to reach a destination, but I could see doing it to reach Put-in-Bay in one leg sometime. David
Night's best in Texas summers
Since we sail on an inland lake for the most part and are familiar with depths, obstacles, etc., we often sail at night to escape the daytime heat of the summer. It's always a surprise, too, how easy it is to see out there in the dark.
Since we sail on an inland lake for the most part and are familiar with depths, obstacles, etc., we often sail at night to escape the daytime heat of the summer. It's always a surprise, too, how easy it is to see out there in the dark.
Great fun - no small power boats
I enjoy the fun of sailing at night. It sharpens your sense of navigation. Besides there are no small power baots out creating a "hazard to navigation".
I enjoy the fun of sailing at night. It sharpens your sense of navigation. Besides there are no small power baots out creating a "hazard to navigation".
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