Strange Lamps

[Tom Ressler s/v Blowdacious]

During a recent trip on our 336 we had occasion to tie for the night in Astoria OR. The weather was fairly cool with about a 10-15 k ocean breeze. We noticed the control panel LED's for the exterior lights (anchor, running and steaming) had a faint glow to them. I turned off the DC main and they still glowed. Turned the main back on and turned on the circuit breaker and the LED's worked normally. When I turned the breakers back off, the glow came back. As the evening progressed and the wind died, they went out. St. Elmo's Fire? Static induction from the rigging? I'd not seen it before or since. Anybody got an idea?

 

[Michael Bell]

I'm sure this is the cause

Here in Oregon, we have a phenomena called Phosphoresce Static Buildup (PSB for short). It caused by the phosphorescent organisms in the water brushing along side the hull and keel. The entire vessel builds up a charge, not unlike sliding across a cloth interior of a car. No harm can be done – but you do want to use caution if passing under a bridge – as you can discharge the entire buildup as your mast head arcs to the bridge structure.