Can someone please provide some basic info for sailing at night? The waters I sail (daytime) are usually wide open and am looking for some info for safety at night. Thanks
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first night sail
Here are somethings I did or wished I did, when I first started nightsailing. moonlight helps, red tinted flashlight, very familiar waters, GPS, lighted land marks, dress for cooler weather, life preservers at reach, light wind, calm waters and no booze, I'm sure I'm missing a few more things but it's a start. When my family and I started night sailing, we left from the dock before sunset and sail as far away from port as we could, till the sun sets, then start our return. This is the fun part, all of a sudden everything looks different so, knowing were you are at all times, is a plus, don't depend on only one source of navigation, I aways uses somebody else to keep a extra eye on land marks. The best is left for last, and thats docking at night. If your dock doesn't have light, bring a spotlight with you. I played it extra safe till I had a few nights sails in and now the family likes it more than day sails hope this helps you.
Here are somethings I did or wished I did, when I first started nightsailing. moonlight helps, red tinted flashlight, very familiar waters, GPS, lighted land marks, dress for cooler weather, life preservers at reach, light wind, calm waters and no booze, I'm sure I'm missing a few more things but it's a start. When my family and I started night sailing, we left from the dock before sunset and sail as far away from port as we could, till the sun sets, then start our return. This is the fun part, all of a sudden everything looks different so, knowing were you are at all times, is a plus, don't depend on only one source of navigation, I aways uses somebody else to keep a extra eye on land marks. The best is left for last, and thats docking at night. If your dock doesn't have light, bring a spotlight with you. I played it extra safe till I had a few nights sails in and now the family likes it more than day sails hope this helps you.
Night Sailing
We have only sailed a few times at night and we loved it. Some things we did were we all put on life preservers (they all have whistles on them) and had a spot light on deck, in case someone did happen to go over. Just double checked our locations and kept an extra look out for other craft. Its kind of neat seeing another red or green light just moving out on the water. Where we were we came across one other sail boat and they did not have any lights but shone a light on the sails when we got close, really a little to close for comfort but we both altered course and it was fine but different at night. One time when we were out was a couple of years ago when mars was really visable with hardly any moon and the temp was about 70 degrees, this was one of our most memorable sails. Just use a little extra caution and enjoy it! Rob Morton
We have only sailed a few times at night and we loved it. Some things we did were we all put on life preservers (they all have whistles on them) and had a spot light on deck, in case someone did happen to go over. Just double checked our locations and kept an extra look out for other craft. Its kind of neat seeing another red or green light just moving out on the water. Where we were we came across one other sail boat and they did not have any lights but shone a light on the sails when we got close, really a little to close for comfort but we both altered course and it was fine but different at night. One time when we were out was a couple of years ago when mars was really visable with hardly any moon and the temp was about 70 degrees, this was one of our most memorable sails. Just use a little extra caution and enjoy it! Rob Morton
night sailing
Strap in. You don't want to try to find someone at night use jacklines and harness. red lights below. Conserve your night vision. You can buy red sleves to go over florescent lights. You can buy red filters for darkroom work at camera stores. Avoid all white light. Know what light configurations mean. Look up the light configurations in Chapmans etc. and know what they mean, especially if large ships sail in your area. You need to know if a large boat is headed toward you or away.
Strap in. You don't want to try to find someone at night use jacklines and harness. red lights below. Conserve your night vision. You can buy red sleves to go over florescent lights. You can buy red filters for darkroom work at camera stores. Avoid all white light. Know what light configurations mean. Look up the light configurations in Chapmans etc. and know what they mean, especially if large ships sail in your area. You need to know if a large boat is headed toward you or away.
Red lights
Red lights at night do not ruin your night vison they way white does. It has something with the way the the rods and cones in the eyes are effected by different light sources. We do a lot of night sailing when passage making and sailing between islands. Radar is a great stress reliever. It always amazes me the number of boats that travel at night without any lighting. It also assits in naviagation. When set to a lower range we have be able to identify nav aids, bouys, etc. Many sail at night without, but since getting our first radar I can't imagine ever sailing without it again!
Red lights at night do not ruin your night vison they way white does. It has something with the way the the rods and cones in the eyes are effected by different light sources. We do a lot of night sailing when passage making and sailing between islands. Radar is a great stress reliever. It always amazes me the number of boats that travel at night without any lighting. It also assits in naviagation. When set to a lower range we have be able to identify nav aids, bouys, etc. Many sail at night without, but since getting our first radar I can't imagine ever sailing without it again!
How far
Hi Bob, How far are you going? Are you cruising somewhere or just sailing around to have fun? I did about 10 night sails this year on the Long Island Sound. We never went very far, just stayed around the home port (Mt. Sinai). The first time it was very strange and uncomfortable. After the first time I started to really enjoy it. A few things to be aware of: -Make sure the weather will cooperate (especially for your first time). You don't want to be reefing sails or changing headsails the first time at night. -Be sure to know the area. You don't want to have to find your away around a strange area. Having to pick your way around lobster pots can also be difficult. -I would strongly recommend a GPS with waypoints and a course set for your destination. It won't be easy to spot your familiar landmarks. -I have two flashlights in the cockpit with me. One is a real small, not very bight light that I use to illuminate the windex at the top of the mast. The other is a large spot that I could use to see something 'out there'. -Make sure all your lights work. I really enjoy sailing at night. There is much less traffic, the stars are beautiful. Take care, Barry
Hi Bob, How far are you going? Are you cruising somewhere or just sailing around to have fun? I did about 10 night sails this year on the Long Island Sound. We never went very far, just stayed around the home port (Mt. Sinai). The first time it was very strange and uncomfortable. After the first time I started to really enjoy it. A few things to be aware of: -Make sure the weather will cooperate (especially for your first time). You don't want to be reefing sails or changing headsails the first time at night. -Be sure to know the area. You don't want to have to find your away around a strange area. Having to pick your way around lobster pots can also be difficult. -I would strongly recommend a GPS with waypoints and a course set for your destination. It won't be easy to spot your familiar landmarks. -I have two flashlights in the cockpit with me. One is a real small, not very bight light that I use to illuminate the windex at the top of the mast. The other is a large spot that I could use to see something 'out there'. -Make sure all your lights work. I really enjoy sailing at night. There is much less traffic, the stars are beautiful. Take care, Barry
Traffic?? Location???
Some waters are much safer than others. We sailed fearlessly in a lake that we knew well. But even there everything looks different. we sailed from Pensacola to Panama city overnight about 10 miles offshore and felt safe as there was nothing to hit. The stars were great and a thunderstorm stayed over land and put on quite a show. The coolest part was that a pod of dolphins visited us several times during the night. We even had a couple of remoras attach themselves to the rudder.But in Mobile bay night sailing was more difficult as tugs with barges are common. We didn't see one one night until he hit us with a spotlight. The bright lights on shore made it very hard to see the relatively dim navigation lights of the barge until he was way too close. Lighted buoys gt lost in the traffic signs and street lights. I almost hit a unlit dayboard as a restaurant on shore had very bright lights that killed my night vision. They also have crab pots all over the bay that are easy to miss when you see them but are very hard to see at night. We love sailing at night but location and weather are very important. Tom
Some waters are much safer than others. We sailed fearlessly in a lake that we knew well. But even there everything looks different. we sailed from Pensacola to Panama city overnight about 10 miles offshore and felt safe as there was nothing to hit. The stars were great and a thunderstorm stayed over land and put on quite a show. The coolest part was that a pod of dolphins visited us several times during the night. We even had a couple of remoras attach themselves to the rudder.But in Mobile bay night sailing was more difficult as tugs with barges are common. We didn't see one one night until he hit us with a spotlight. The bright lights on shore made it very hard to see the relatively dim navigation lights of the barge until he was way too close. Lighted buoys gt lost in the traffic signs and street lights. I almost hit a unlit dayboard as a restaurant on shore had very bright lights that killed my night vision. They also have crab pots all over the bay that are easy to miss when you see them but are very hard to see at night. We love sailing at night but location and weather are very important. Tom
Light Pollution and No Running Lights
That's a good question Bob! Like others have said, night time sailing/boating is a whole 'nuther experience. It can be very memorable in both a positive and negative sense. In an urban environment there are sooooo many lights on land that it is very difficult to discern navigation and ship lights with an urban lightscape as a background. Traffic lights on land can look like marine running lights or navigation lights and the same for the reverse. And since steaming lights are white they can blend in with all those white lights on land. One has to be extra, extra alert when there is an urban area for a background. With regard to what sv Makai said about some boat traffic without running lights displayed that is really true. Can you believe it? We had a near miss one night while motoring southbound coming down the inside passage as I turned to enter a bay where we were going to anchor. Another boat, as it turned out a fairly large one, was northbound running dark. I saw him at the last minute and altered course just in time so we ducked behind him. You can't be too careful. Barges: These come in two bad situations, those being towed and those on a mooring buoy. The towed ones often have very poor lights, maybe just a kerosene lantern, so they are hard to pick up. The ones on a mooring buoy don't have any lights or radar reflectors. I almost T-boned one while motoring in peasoup fog and it turned out it was a very large wood barge for hauling rock. Another point here is radar is not a cure-all because a wood barge, especially if it's wet, won't show up well at all. Same goes for wood boats, fiberglass boats, and cone shaped nun buoys without radar reflectors. Another hazard in the northwest is debris. My brother-in-law with his twin-screw was in the Christmas lighted boat parade when he hit some debris that messed up his brand new four-blade props. The boats ahead of him called out a warning of debris on the VHF but about half the boats wound up hitting something and had damage. Realize this is even with lookouts, radio warnings, etc. and they still hit stuff. They theorize they ran through a drift line of debris. A lone boater won't have the benefit of ssupport so the odds are probably worse. Other than these possible glitches night time boating can be a positive memorable experience. If you're unsure maybe a good thing to do is take it easy the first time out and try to return at dusk or just about when it gets totally dark.
That's a good question Bob! Like others have said, night time sailing/boating is a whole 'nuther experience. It can be very memorable in both a positive and negative sense. In an urban environment there are sooooo many lights on land that it is very difficult to discern navigation and ship lights with an urban lightscape as a background. Traffic lights on land can look like marine running lights or navigation lights and the same for the reverse. And since steaming lights are white they can blend in with all those white lights on land. One has to be extra, extra alert when there is an urban area for a background. With regard to what sv Makai said about some boat traffic without running lights displayed that is really true. Can you believe it? We had a near miss one night while motoring southbound coming down the inside passage as I turned to enter a bay where we were going to anchor. Another boat, as it turned out a fairly large one, was northbound running dark. I saw him at the last minute and altered course just in time so we ducked behind him. You can't be too careful. Barges: These come in two bad situations, those being towed and those on a mooring buoy. The towed ones often have very poor lights, maybe just a kerosene lantern, so they are hard to pick up. The ones on a mooring buoy don't have any lights or radar reflectors. I almost T-boned one while motoring in peasoup fog and it turned out it was a very large wood barge for hauling rock. Another point here is radar is not a cure-all because a wood barge, especially if it's wet, won't show up well at all. Same goes for wood boats, fiberglass boats, and cone shaped nun buoys without radar reflectors. Another hazard in the northwest is debris. My brother-in-law with his twin-screw was in the Christmas lighted boat parade when he hit some debris that messed up his brand new four-blade props. The boats ahead of him called out a warning of debris on the VHF but about half the boats wound up hitting something and had damage. Realize this is even with lookouts, radio warnings, etc. and they still hit stuff. They theorize they ran through a drift line of debris. A lone boater won't have the benefit of ssupport so the odds are probably worse. Other than these possible glitches night time boating can be a positive memorable experience. If you're unsure maybe a good thing to do is take it easy the first time out and try to return at dusk or just about when it gets totally dark.
I Prefer It
I have always love sailing and flying at night, as peaceful as sailing is it is even more so at night. July to September down here it is way more tolerable than during the day. Some very good local knowledge is a must as are spot lights along with strobes, some reflective material, and whistles on all the vests. Enjoy yourself
I have always love sailing and flying at night, as peaceful as sailing is it is even more so at night. July to September down here it is way more tolerable than during the day. Some very good local knowledge is a must as are spot lights along with strobes, some reflective material, and whistles on all the vests. Enjoy yourself
Lights on shore can be biggest problem.
I started by running in moonlight as others have suggested. When well offshore away from influence of lights on land you can see the surface in front of you quite well on moonless nights. Vessels without lights can be a hazard and are most visible running towards land when they show up by blocking the background, almost invisible against a dark background. Many times traffic signals and other lights on shore are brighter than NAV aids, it helps to know the light sequences of the aids you will be using to distinguish. The bright deck lights facing aft on many fishing vessels will instantly destroy your night vision, avoid them. If I want to insure being seen by an approaching vessel I will sometimes shine a light up onto the mainsail for a short period. If it's really dark it can be difficult to see masthead indicator, I think some boats run with anchor light on to illuminate. I fly a small flag from the backstay which suffices. I keep a handheld spotlight ready in case I wander into a minefield of crab pots on my way in. One time it took me several minutes to figure out the very weird looking vessel running fast along shore was actually an Amtrak train.
I started by running in moonlight as others have suggested. When well offshore away from influence of lights on land you can see the surface in front of you quite well on moonless nights. Vessels without lights can be a hazard and are most visible running towards land when they show up by blocking the background, almost invisible against a dark background. Many times traffic signals and other lights on shore are brighter than NAV aids, it helps to know the light sequences of the aids you will be using to distinguish. The bright deck lights facing aft on many fishing vessels will instantly destroy your night vision, avoid them. If I want to insure being seen by an approaching vessel I will sometimes shine a light up onto the mainsail for a short period. If it's really dark it can be difficult to see masthead indicator, I think some boats run with anchor light on to illuminate. I fly a small flag from the backstay which suffices. I keep a handheld spotlight ready in case I wander into a minefield of crab pots on my way in. One time it took me several minutes to figure out the very weird looking vessel running fast along shore was actually an Amtrak train.
Night sailing
First time I sailed at night was last year in Long Island Sound. As others have stated, it was quiet, much less traffic and the nav lights were easier to pick out. Navigating the Hudson river between Haverstraw and Chelsea was entirely different and not something I would do again, given the choice. Barges don't look the same at night, turning correctly at markers-it was much nicer going back in the daytime. I got caught at night going back to New London from Old Saybrook, and it was dream-like, with another sailboat overtaking in the moonlight, then tacking away as we were about a boat's length away from each other. Much less river traffic in the Thames,as well. Can't wait to do it again-the Sound, NOT the Hudson. Bill Coxe O28 Kukulcán, New London, CT
First time I sailed at night was last year in Long Island Sound. As others have stated, it was quiet, much less traffic and the nav lights were easier to pick out. Navigating the Hudson river between Haverstraw and Chelsea was entirely different and not something I would do again, given the choice. Barges don't look the same at night, turning correctly at markers-it was much nicer going back in the daytime. I got caught at night going back to New London from Old Saybrook, and it was dream-like, with another sailboat overtaking in the moonlight, then tacking away as we were about a boat's length away from each other. Much less river traffic in the Thames,as well. Can't wait to do it again-the Sound, NOT the Hudson. Bill Coxe O28 Kukulcán, New London, CT
Night Sailing
I had done several night crossings of Lake Michigan while crewing for various races, but the wife and kids ahad never been across. We used to tow our H26 around the lake to Michigan rather than sail across. This year with the 35.5, we decided it was time for them to give it a try. For us, it's really the only way I'd consider crossing, for several reasons. First, depending on wind, weather, and destination, it's a 12-16 hour sail. My kids would get bored over that length of time, and night sailing allows them to sleep through a fair amount of that time. Second, if I leave in the am, I may, or may not, make it to my destination by nightfall. I'd prefer to come into harbor (especially an unkown one) during daylight. If I leave at dusk, even if I get delayed, I almost can't help but arrive while the sun's up. Third, as most have mentioned, there is nothing quite as peaceful as gliding across the lake, with all those stars filling the sky, and nothing quite as satisfying as then having the sunrise on the horizon just as you're within site of land. T J
I had done several night crossings of Lake Michigan while crewing for various races, but the wife and kids ahad never been across. We used to tow our H26 around the lake to Michigan rather than sail across. This year with the 35.5, we decided it was time for them to give it a try. For us, it's really the only way I'd consider crossing, for several reasons. First, depending on wind, weather, and destination, it's a 12-16 hour sail. My kids would get bored over that length of time, and night sailing allows them to sleep through a fair amount of that time. Second, if I leave in the am, I may, or may not, make it to my destination by nightfall. I'd prefer to come into harbor (especially an unkown one) during daylight. If I leave at dusk, even if I get delayed, I almost can't help but arrive while the sun's up. Third, as most have mentioned, there is nothing quite as peaceful as gliding across the lake, with all those stars filling the sky, and nothing quite as satisfying as then having the sunrise on the horizon just as you're within site of land. T J
running with anchor lights is illegal
Ted mentioned that some use anchor lights while sailing at night but Chapman's says that it is illegal. In fact you aren't supposed to display any lights other than your running lights that might confuse another vessel. I keep a spotlight in the cockpit just in case someone doesn't seem to see me. I guess that a spreader light would be legal For what it's worth my brother was night sailing near Guam years ago and saw this point of land that wasn't on his charts!!! A large point brightly illuminated. He was about to panic thinking that he was totally lost. This was before GPS and he didn't have LORAN. Just a compass and dead reckoning. As he got closer he realised that it was an aircraft carrier!!!! Tom
Ted mentioned that some use anchor lights while sailing at night but Chapman's says that it is illegal. In fact you aren't supposed to display any lights other than your running lights that might confuse another vessel. I keep a spotlight in the cockpit just in case someone doesn't seem to see me. I guess that a spreader light would be legal For what it's worth my brother was night sailing near Guam years ago and saw this point of land that wasn't on his charts!!! A large point brightly illuminated. He was about to panic thinking that he was totally lost. This was before GPS and he didn't have LORAN. Just a compass and dead reckoning. As he got closer he realised that it was an aircraft carrier!!!! Tom
Love Night Sailing
...when there is wind at least. However, in close to port it is a pain since you can't pick out nav lights from everything else. I came within a boat length of a San Diego channel marker before I could pick out it's light from the background, and had a heck of a time finding the entrance to a Long Beach marina running from San Pedro against the lights. Chartplotters and radar help, but a close watch is the best. Enjoy, Rick D.
...when there is wind at least. However, in close to port it is a pain since you can't pick out nav lights from everything else. I came within a boat length of a San Diego channel marker before I could pick out it's light from the background, and had a heck of a time finding the entrance to a Long Beach marina running from San Pedro against the lights. Chartplotters and radar help, but a close watch is the best. Enjoy, Rick D.
"Sea" magazine "Those little sailboat reflectors"
Just read in the March 2005 "Sea" magazine an article about boating in the dark and the author, John Schnniek, says that "fiberglass vessels may be invisible on the radar screen" and suggests that one "hoist a radar reflector...". He also says "Don't scrimp on thereflector. Those little sailboat reflectors are not enough." Furthermore, he never says what IS a good radar reflector. It's interesting to note that this 'minor' lapse in the article was not only omitted by the author (Schnniek says he taught the Power Squaderon course for about 10 years) but also made it past the editor Duncan McIntosh Jr. Frankly, I've seen very few powerboats sporting radar reflectors, either the 'little sailboat' type or any other type. Perhaps they feel it dirties up their yacht look image?
Just read in the March 2005 "Sea" magazine an article about boating in the dark and the author, John Schnniek, says that "fiberglass vessels may be invisible on the radar screen" and suggests that one "hoist a radar reflector...". He also says "Don't scrimp on thereflector. Those little sailboat reflectors are not enough." Furthermore, he never says what IS a good radar reflector. It's interesting to note that this 'minor' lapse in the article was not only omitted by the author (Schnniek says he taught the Power Squaderon course for about 10 years) but also made it past the editor Duncan McIntosh Jr. Frankly, I've seen very few powerboats sporting radar reflectors, either the 'little sailboat' type or any other type. Perhaps they feel it dirties up their yacht look image?
Oh, No, John!
We don't want to open that discussion again, do we? ;D I read "Sea" too, because for some bizarre reason the Admiral got on someone's mailing list. I find little in the magazine to be useful, because it's mostly; "Gee, that might be too hard to do yourself, so have a PROFESSIONAL do it for you!" Geez, how dey evah gonna lurn howda doo stuff? Tom Fexas, however, is a HOOT, and well worth the reads. There was ONE good article about a guy with a 28 foot nice older motoryacht who actually put in a good electrical system so he didn't have to run his generator all the time. Rare, but it happens somtimes within those pages. I understand the risks associated with night sailing, and have done some, way back in our C22 in the early 80's. When all the lights from the shore ahead of us went out, we realized it was a bulk carrier coming at us from down the estuary! Tons of fun. I can't wait to get out when there are stars and no city lights, requires a bit of offshore work west of the Golden Gate. Next summer is coming not soon enough.
It is fun, and experience has taught us that a VERY careful lookout is required at all times. Stu
We don't want to open that discussion again, do we? ;D I read "Sea" too, because for some bizarre reason the Admiral got on someone's mailing list. I find little in the magazine to be useful, because it's mostly; "Gee, that might be too hard to do yourself, so have a PROFESSIONAL do it for you!" Geez, how dey evah gonna lurn howda doo stuff? Tom Fexas, however, is a HOOT, and well worth the reads. There was ONE good article about a guy with a 28 foot nice older motoryacht who actually put in a good electrical system so he didn't have to run his generator all the time. Rare, but it happens somtimes within those pages. I understand the risks associated with night sailing, and have done some, way back in our C22 in the early 80's. When all the lights from the shore ahead of us went out, we realized it was a bulk carrier coming at us from down the estuary! Tons of fun. I can't wait to get out when there are stars and no city lights, requires a bit of offshore work west of the Golden Gate. Next summer is coming not soon enough.
It is fun, and experience has taught us that a VERY careful lookout is required at all times. Stu
Isn't That Interesting, John...
...now that you mention it, I have only ever seen one reflector, and that was on a long-range trawler. Of course, they do carry a lot of reflector material higher than a sailboat, and I do tend to pick them up sooner, but you would think the difference can't be all that great. BTW, the cheapie Davis models always seem to come out tops on tests. I have one of the 2" Mobri reflectors in my rigging at the first spreader and will add a second. A friend I was cruising with passed a cruise ship out in blue water and he reported to me he was able to pick us up 16 NM's using the same reflector, so I feel good about it although the typical 1.5 to 2.0 sailboat radar can only read me to 8 miles or so. Enough, I think. And, while I did say in an earlier post that radar was good for night sailing near or within ports, the truth is that in large, busy ports, it is darn hard to sort out the echos, or is it just me? Rick D.
...now that you mention it, I have only ever seen one reflector, and that was on a long-range trawler. Of course, they do carry a lot of reflector material higher than a sailboat, and I do tend to pick them up sooner, but you would think the difference can't be all that great. BTW, the cheapie Davis models always seem to come out tops on tests. I have one of the 2" Mobri reflectors in my rigging at the first spreader and will add a second. A friend I was cruising with passed a cruise ship out in blue water and he reported to me he was able to pick us up 16 NM's using the same reflector, so I feel good about it although the typical 1.5 to 2.0 sailboat radar can only read me to 8 miles or so. Enough, I think. And, while I did say in an earlier post that radar was good for night sailing near or within ports, the truth is that in large, busy ports, it is darn hard to sort out the echos, or is it just me? Rick D.
Hey, Stu
In one race, we were about 50 miles offshore with about 5 miles visibility with a VERY solid target about 15 degrees starboard. It wasn't moving, but caused some worry as we approached. It turned out to be a cruise ship. We absolutely could NOT pick out the running lights from the general mess of lights on her (dinner time 2000 hours). Even as we passed within a mile of her, we could not tell. She was impossible to miss, but hard to figure which way she was facing until we could figure out the funnel. *yks Rick D.
In one race, we were about 50 miles offshore with about 5 miles visibility with a VERY solid target about 15 degrees starboard. It wasn't moving, but caused some worry as we approached. It turned out to be a cruise ship. We absolutely could NOT pick out the running lights from the general mess of lights on her (dinner time 2000 hours). Even as we passed within a mile of her, we could not tell. She was impossible to miss, but hard to figure which way she was facing until we could figure out the funnel. *yks Rick D.
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