picture of a properly lit sailboat at night

What is a Properly Lit Sailboat at Night? (A Guide to Safety Regulations)

picture of a properly lit sailboat at night

Have you ever been out on the open water and seen a sailboat with its lights on at night? It’s a beautiful sight to behold.

But did you know that there are specific safety regulations in place for properly lit sailboats? In this guide, we’ll be looking at the importance of having a properly lit sailboat, what types of lights are needed, how to install them, and how to test for proper operation.

Let’s get started and learn how to stay safe on the waters!

Table of Contents

Short Answer

A properly lit sailboat at night is a boat that is equipped with the correct navigation lights, which are required by law.

These lights must be visible for two miles and should include a green light on the starboard side, a red light on the port side, and a white light aft.

Additionally, the boat must also have a white masthead light that is visible for three miles.

The masthead light should be mounted at least two meters above the hull.

What Are the Safety Regulations for Properly Lit Sailboats?

When it comes to sailing at night, safety is of the utmost importance.

Properly lit sailboats ensure that they are visible to other boats, which reduces the risk of collisions and other accidents.

In order to ensure that a sailboat is properly lit at night , there are certain safety regulations that must be followed.

First and foremost, the sailboat must have the correct lighting equipment installed and in good working order.

This includes running lights (red and green lights found at the bow and stern of the vessel), an anchor light (a white light mounted on the masthead or the bow of the vessel), a stern light (a white light placed at the stern of the vessel), and a masthead light (a white light placed at the highest point on the vessel).

The running lights, anchor light, and stern light must be visible for at least 3 miles in clear conditions.

This allows other boats on the water to easily spot the sailboat, even in the dark.

The masthead light must be visible for at least 2 miles in clear conditions.

This ensures that the sailboat is easily seen from all directions.

In addition to having the correct lighting equipment, sailboats must also be equipped with a white all-round light.

This light must be visible for at least 2 miles in clear conditions and must be mounted on the mast at least 9 meters (or 30 feet) above the waterline.

The all-round light is an important part of a sailboats lighting system as it allows other boats to easily spot the sailboat from any direction.

These are just a few of the safety regulations that must be followed when it comes to properly lit sailboats.

Following these regulations will help to ensure that a sailboat is visible to other vessels on the water and will help to reduce the risk of accidents and collisions.

It is important that all sailors understand and adhere to these regulations in order to remain safe on the water.

Types of Lights Needed for Proper Lighting

When it comes to lighting a sailboat at night, there are a few key components that must be in place in order to ensure the safety of the vessel and the crew.

The most important of these components is the correct type of lighting equipment.

This includes various running lights, anchor lights, masthead lights, and stern lights.

Running lights are the red and green lights that are mounted on the bow and stern of the vessel, and are used to show the direction of travel of the boat.

They must be visible for 3 miles in clear conditions, making it easier to spot the boat in the dark.

Anchor lights are white lights that are mounted on the masthead or the bow of the vessel, and are used to show that the boat is anchored.

They must also be visible for 3 miles in clear conditions.

The stern light is a white light placed at the stern of the vessel.

This is used to show the direction of travel of the boat and should also be visible for 3 miles in clear conditions.

Finally, the masthead light is a white light placed at the highest point on the vessel.

This light is used to help identify the boat to other vessels on the water, and must also be visible for 3 miles in clear conditions.

Having all of these lights in good working order is essential for the safety of the boat and the crew.

It is important to make sure that all lights are visible from a distance of 3 miles in clear conditions, as this will make it easier to identify the boat in the dark.

It is also important to make sure that all lights are regularly inspected and maintained in order to ensure that they are in good working order.

How to Install the Lights

Installing the lights for a properly lit sailboat at night is an essential part of staying safe while sailing.

It is important to ensure that all of the lights are in good working order and that they meet the safety regulations for visibility.

The first step is to select the right lights for your vessel.

There are two main types of lights running lights and anchor lights.

Running lights are the green and red lights found at the bow and stern of the vessel, while anchor lights are white lights mounted on the masthead or bow of the vessel.

Once the lights are selected, the next step is to install them.

Start by attaching the anchor light to the masthead or bow of the vessel.

The anchor light should be securely mounted and wired in accordance with the manufacturers instructions.

Next, attach the stern light at the stern of the vessel.

This should also be securely mounted and wired in accordance with the manufacturers instructions.

Finally, attach the running lights.

These should be mounted at the bow and stern of the vessel.

It is important to test the lights after installation to make sure they are working properly.

Make sure that the lights meet the visibility requirements of 3 miles in clear conditions, as this is the minimum distance that the lights must be visible from.

Once the lights are installed and tested, youre ready to set sail in the dark!

Importance of Properly Lit Sailboats

When it comes to sailing, safety is of the utmost importance.

This is why it is essential for all sailboats to be properly lit at night.

Having the correct lighting equipment installed and in good working order is a critical component to ensure visibility and the safety of everyone on the water.

Not only does having properly lit sailboats maintain the safety of the sailors on the boat, but it also helps to prevent collisions with other vessels.

It is much easier to spot a sailboat on the water at night when it has the correct lighting equipment, such as running lights, anchor lights, stern lights and masthead lights.

All of these lights should be visible for at least 3 miles in clear conditions, making it much easier to spot a sailboat on the water.

Additionally, having properly lit sailboats at night is also important for law enforcement and marine patrol officers.

It makes it easier for them to identify and inspect boats, ensuring that all safety regulations are being followed.

This helps to keep the waterways safe for all boaters.

For these reasons, it is important for all sailboats to be properly lit at night.

By having the right lighting equipment installed and in good working order, it can help to maintain the safety of everyone on the water, as well as help to prevent collisions with other vessels.

It also makes it easier for law enforcement and marine patrol officers to identify and inspect boats, helping to keep the waterways safe for all boaters.

Different Types of Lights and Their Functions

When it comes to lighting a sailboat at night, there are several different types of lights that must be installed and in good working order in order to ensure the safety of the vessel and its occupants.

The most common types of lights used on sailboats are running lights, anchor lights, stern lights, and masthead lights.

Running lights are the green and red lights found at the bow and stern of the vessel.

These lights are typically used to signal the direction of the boats movement, and must be visible for 3 miles in clear conditions.

The green light is typically placed on the port side (left side) of the boat, and the red light is placed on the starboard side (right side).

Anchor lights are white lights mounted on the masthead or bow of the vessel.

They are used to indicate that the boat is at anchor, and must also be visible for 3 miles in clear conditions.

Stern lights are white lights placed at the stern of the vessel.

These lights indicate the boats direction of travel, and must be visible for 2 miles in clear conditions.

The masthead light is a white light placed at the highest point on the vessel.

This light is typically used in conjunction with the stern light to indicate the direction of travel, and must be visible for 2 miles in clear conditions.

In addition to these lights, boats may also be fitted with a variety of other lights such as tricolor lights, sidelights, all-round lights, and deck lights.

These lights are typically used to indicate the presence of the vessel in low-visibility conditions, and must be visible for 2 miles in clear conditions.

It is important to ensure that all lights on a sailboat are in good working order and visible from a distance in order to make the vessel visible to other boats and comply with safety regulations.

A properly lit sailboat at night is one that has the correct lighting equipment installed and in good working order.

Benefits of Properly Lit Sailboats

Having a properly lit sailboat at night is essential for staying safe on the water.

With the right lighting equipment installed and in good working order, you can be easily seen by other vessels and prevent possible collisions.

Additionally, having the right lights on your sailboat can help other boaters determine your vessels size, direction, speed, and even your intentions on the water.

Having the right lights can also give you a sense of security while youre out at night.

Knowing that youre visible to other vessels reassures you that youll be able to be seen and spotted if you need assistance or if theres an emergency.

When youre out on the water at night, having a properly lit sailboat can also make navigation easier.

By having the correct lighting equipment installed, youll be able to easily spot buoys, markers, and other vessels, making it easier for you to stay on course and reach your destination in a timely manner.

Having the proper lights also helps to keep your sailboat in compliance with safety regulations.

If youre stopped by the coast guard or other law enforcement, having the right lights can help to avoid any potential fines or penalties.

Overall, having a properly lit sailboat at night is essential for staying safe on the water.

Not only does it make it easier for other vessels to spot you, but it can also help with navigation and make sure that youre in compliance with safety regulations.

Properly lit sailboats can also give you a sense of security and peace of mind, knowing that youre visible to other vessels in the area.

How to Test Lights for Proper Operation

Testing lights on a sailboat at night is an important part of ensuring that the craft is properly lit and visible to other vessels.

It is essential for safety, as well as compliance with regulations set by the United States Coast Guard.

Before each voyage, it is important to inspect all of the lights and make sure that they are in proper working order.

The first step to testing lights is to turn them on and check that they are functioning correctly.

It is important to make sure that all of the required lights are present and that they are bright enough to be seen in clear conditions for up to 3 miles away.

The running lights should be a green light at the bow and a red light at the stern, while the anchor light should be a white light mounted on the masthead or the bow of the vessel.

The stern light should be a white light placed at the stern, and the masthead light should be a white light placed at the highest point on the vessel.

Another important step in testing lights is to make sure that they are not obstructed in any way.

This includes checking for any wires, cables, or other objects that could block the lights from being visible.

This is especially important for the masthead light, as it needs to be accessible in order to be seen from a distance.

It is also important to check the wiring of the lights to make sure that they are securely connected and not corroded or damaged.

Finally, it is important to check the bulbs of the lights to make sure that they are all functioning correctly.

It is important to check the wattage of the bulbs to make sure that they are bright enough to meet the standards set by the United States Coast Guard.

It is also important to make sure that the bulbs are not cracked or damaged in any way, as this could affect their visibility.

Following the steps outlined above will help to ensure that all of the lights are in proper working order and can be seen from a distance in clear conditions.

This is important for safety, as well as compliance with regulations set by the United States Coast Guard.

Final Thoughts

Having the correct lights installed and in proper working order on your sailboat is essential for safety and visibility on the water at night.

Knowing what type of lights you need, how to install them, and how to test them for proper operation is key.

While it may seem daunting to install and maintain all these lights, the benefits of having a properly lit sailboat at night far outweigh the effort.

So take the time to review safety regulations, and make sure you have the right lights installed and operating correctly to ensure a safe and enjoyable sailing experience.

James Frami

At the age of 15, he and four other friends from his neighborhood constructed their first boat. He has been sailing for almost 30 years and has a wealth of knowledge that he wants to share with others.

Boat Navigation Lights Rules: Illustrated Beginners Guide

When navigating at night, the lights on other boats are your first clue about the moving dangers around you. And your navigation lights are your first line of safety in avoiding collisions in the dark, and they tell others vessels what you are and what you are doing. The rules sound complex, but with a little understanding you can get the basics for any situation.

So what are the basic navigation light rules? For most small vessels, motoring requires red and green (port and starboard) lights, and a white light visible in all directions around the boat. This is almost always a stern light and a masthead light on sailboats. Boats under sail require port and starboard lights, and a white stern light. Sailboats below sixty-five feet may show a tricolor light at the masthead instead of side and stern lights when sailing.

That's it, in a nutshell. There's a little more to it, as the rules change with different sizes and there are some specifics about angles of display for the colors. Identifying other ships at sea requires more study, but the basics are the same. And it's not much trouble to make sure you've always got the proper lights on your vessel.

Infographic for Marine Navigation Lights Rules based on sailboat size

Masthead Light - a white light placed centerline on the boat showing an arc of 225 degrees with 112.5 degrees either side of the front of the vessel.
Sidelights - A red light on the port side and a green light on the starboard. They must show an arc of 112.5 degrees from centerline of the bow.
Stern light - A white light on the stern of the boat showing an unbroken arc of 135 degrees from centerline of the vessel.
All-round light - A light showing in an unbroken arc of 360 degrees.

The good news is you need not measure these angles. Any properly installed USCG or COLREGS approved light which will cover the correct arcs. If you have to replace the original light from your boat, make sure it's with an approved replacement.

Lights When Sailing

The specific rules for a sailboat under sail are in COLREGS Rule 25 and vary slightly with the size of the boat. A sailboat powering is considered a power boat and falls under in Rule 23.

Under 23 feet (7 meters) - side lights and a stern light, possible. If these lights can not be displayed a light must be kept at hand to help avoid a collision. This can be a bright flashlight.
Over 23 feet - Side lights visible to one nautical mile and stern light visible for two.
Vessels under 65 feet may combine both sidelights into a single lantern on the bow.
May show a tricolor light on the masthead instead of sidelights and a stern light. It's one or the other though, do not show these lights at the same time .
Masthead light must be visible for three nautical miles, all other lights must have a two nautical mile visibility.
Side lights must be separated.
May not show a masthead tricolor light.
Masthead light must have five nautical mile visibility, all other lights must be visible for two nautical miles.
Optional masthead lights - any vessel under sail may display a red light over a green light at the masthead with sidelights and stern light. The red over green may NOT be displayed with a masthead tricolor light. It's one set or the other.

Lights When Motoring

For all navigational purposes a sailboat under power is considered a power boat. This includes motor sailing - if the engine is on and providing propulsion you are on a power boat, even if the sails are up . This applies to navigation lighting, sound signals in fog and limited visibility, and rights of way.

Sailboats under 50 meters under power need to show:

A masthead light
Stern light

A power-driven vessel under 23 feet (7 meters) that does not exceed seven knots of speed may display an all around white light, though sidelights should be used if available.

The USCG has published its own "Rules of the Road" that are based on the COLREGS. In addition, it has rules for the "Inland Waterways" for rivers, inland lakes and the Great Lakes.

The good news is this has no impact on what you have to do with your own boat.

They mostly relate to lighting changes on towed vessels like barges and tugs. For example, a vessel towing or pushing another vessel in the ocean under COLREGS shows two masthead lights, sidelights and a stern light, whereas in Inland Waterways the towing or pushing vessel displays two yellow towing lights instead of a white stern light.

If you sail on lakes, rivers or the Great Lakes where towed commercial traffic is common you should learn the inland lights, but coastal or ocean sailors will never see these.

When you anchor outside a designated mooring field, you should display an all around white light at the masthead or as high in the boat as practical.

If your boat is large and has a very tall mast, you may wish to display another light closer to the waterline. Boats approaching in the dark may not see a light on a mast sixty or seventy feet in the air when they are close to your boat.

We use a simple garden path light on our stern when we anchor, left in a rod holder or flag socket. It comes on automatically at dusk and is a cheap and easy way to be more visible. There is no specific rule stating you can not display more lights than required, or the nature of any lights beyond the required all around light.

The COLREGS also specify that a round black "daymark" should be displayed in the rigging of any vessel at anchor. Very few small vessels observe this, however it is the correct display for a vessel in an anchorage.

If you tie to a mooring in a marked mooring area you are not required to display anchor lights, but there is no harm in doing so.

The other important reason to know your lights is to figure out what's going on around you at night. The water may be ablaze with white, red, green and other lights at night and they are your first key to avoiding collisions and problems.

All combinations of lights for fishing boats, commercial vessels, and so on are outside this post‘s scope. The odds are small you will encounter a submarine, seaplane or hovercraft at night, but there are regulations regarding specific lighting for each of those vessels!

There are a few fundamentals to help you figure out what that is you see on the horizon, which way it is going, and whether it is a danger to you.

Port Wine is Red

The fundamental rule is that red sidelights will ALWAYS be on the port side of a vessel, and green lights will always be on starboard. However, some vessels can use all around red and green lights for other purposes, though those will be higher than sidelights.

The light‘s on a ship is not important, some large tankers and freighters will have their sidelights far aft and put them on the superstructure for better visibility. It is not safe to assume that sidelights you can see are on the bow of large vessels .

When you can see the color, you know which way the bow is pointing. If it's red, it's pointing more or less to the left and will travel in that direction. A green light shows it is heading more or less to your right.

If you can see the red and green lights at the same time, you are looking directly at the bow of the vessel. When you are far away, this isn‘t as alarming as if you are close crossing. Seeing red and green lights together on a vessel is something you never want to see for long.

Be aware of red and green lights used in combination with other red, green and white lights. These may not be running lights and could have other significance.

Tankers, Freighters and Large Ships

Tankers, freighters and large ships will have side lights, a stern light and a masthead light. In addition, on vessels over 50 meters there will be a second masthead light further aft and higher than the forward light. The masthead light positions are a better tipoff to the bow direction and how far from the bow the sidelights might be. Remember - on a large vessel the sidelights may not be at the bow or even close to it.

USCG Inland Rules allow for a second all-around white light on large vessels on the Great Lakes instead of a second masthead light.

Fishing Boats

Fishing boats engaged in fishing will have more complex light displays. When they aren't fishing, they will show lights like any power vessel, but Rule 26 spells out light combinations that vary by the fishing activity being done. In general:

Boats which are Trawling but not making headway will display a green all-around light over a white all-around light , and a masthead light aft of these lights. Boats making headway while trawling will show these lights, plus sidelights and a stern light.
A vessel fishing other than trawling will show a red all-around light over a white all-around light . When making way they will also show sidelights and a stern light.
If a vessel has gear more than 150 meters away from the boat, it will show a second all around light in the direction of the gear. The best rule is to give fishing boats as wide a berth as you can at night. They're easy to pick out if you check the top light configurations but their course may be difficult to predict.

Towing and Pushing

Towed vessels can be the most dangerous to cross, but they have the most lights to tell you what is happening. Refer to COLREGS or the USCG Rules of the Road Rule 24 for all combinations You can pick a tow/push vessel out with the following lights:

Two or three masthead lights in a vertical line. Three masthead lights shows a tow over 200 meters. Additional masthead lights may show for larger tow vessels.
A towing light (yellow light with the same characteristics as a stern light) directly above the stern light.
The will also have side lights and a stern light.
The towed vessel will show sidelights and a stern light. Lighting may vary under USCG inland rules, where towing lights may replace stern lights. Learn these differences if this is your regular cruising ground. If you think there is a tow ahead of you, always go well behind the aft most set of lights. Never go between a tow and avoid crossing ahead if possible as it may restrict their maneuverability.

Special Situations

There are several rare situations you may encounter. As a general rule, if there are a lot of lights and you don't understand them look for the sidelights on a moving vessel. If you can find them and figure out the direction it is moving, it makes the vessel easier to avoid. Stay well clear of lights you do not understand if you can avoid them without risk.

Most of these signals are used by larger, commercial vessels and you will not need them.

They use these light combinations with other light combinations. For example a towing vessel may also be restricted in maneuverability, and a vessel constrained by draft will show running lights if moving.

Not Under Command - two all around red lights in a single line
Restricted in Ability to Maneuver - red, white then red in a single line
Constrained by draft - three all around red lights

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Sailboat Navigation Lights: A Guide to Safe Nighttime Sailing

by Emma Sullivan | Jul 26, 2023 | Sailboat Maintenance

==Short answer sailboat navigation lights:== Sailboat navigation lights are essential safety features that help vessels communicate and avoid collisions at night. These lights, such as the red and green sidelights and white stern light, allow sailors to determine the direction and status of approaching boats.

Understanding the Importance of Sailboat Navigation Lights

Sailing, with its air of romance and adventure, is a timeless pursuit that has captured the hearts of seafarers for centuries. While sailing enthusiasts revel in the sense of freedom and connection with nature that this activity provides, it is crucial to recognize that safety should always be a top priority when out on the open water. Among the many precautions taken to ensure safe navigation, sailboat navigation lights play an essential role.

These lights serve as beacons in the darkness, guiding both sailors and other vessels on their watery voyages. They are particularly vital during low visibility conditions such as fog, twilight, or nightfall when discerning a sailboat’s presence can be challenging. By understanding the importance of sailboat navigation lights, sailors can take proactive steps towards avoiding collisions and mishaps while enjoying their time at sea.

First and foremost, these lights serve as a communication tool between vessels. Just as traffic signals guide drivers on roads, sailboat navigation lights communicate a vessel’s navigational status to others nearby. These lights convey critical information about a boat’s direction of travel and whether it is under power or relying solely on wind propulsion. This enables other boats to predict potential collision courses and adjust their own paths accordingly.

In terms of regulatory compliance, having properly functioning navigation lights is not just recommended; it is required by international maritime laws like The International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGS). These regulations provide clear guidelines for different types of watercraft around the world to standardize safety measures. Following these rules ensures that every sailor speaks the same language when at sea, diminishing misunderstandings and encouraging mutual respect among mariners.

Furthermore, sailboat navigation lights contribute significantly to situational awareness – an invaluable asset in any seafaring endeavor. By displaying specific colors and configurations such as red/green sidelights and a white stern light visible from 135 degrees, sailors can discern the orientation of approaching vessels even in complete darkness. This knowledge empowers sailors to make informed decisions about altering their course or speed to avoid potential dangers.

In addition to enhancing navigation safety, sailboat navigation lights also add a touch of elegance and charm to nighttime voyages. Picture yourself sailing under a summer moonlit sky, with the soft glow of your vessel’s navigation lights casting mesmerizing reflections on the water’s surface. These lights not only provide reassurance but also create an enchanting ambiance for both sailors and onlookers.

While it may be tempting to dismiss the importance of sailboat navigation lights as just another cumbersome boat regulation, understanding their indispensable role is crucial for every sailor’s peace of mind and for ensuring uninterrupted enjoyment of our beloved pastime. So next time you set sail, remember that these little beacons serve as more than mere accessories – they are your allies in darkness, silently guiding you towards safe passages and unforgettable adventures on the open sea.

How to Properly Install and Operate Sailboat Navigation Lights

When it comes to sailing, safety should always be a top priority. And one of the essential safety measures on a sailboat is proper navigation lighting. Sailboat navigation lights help other vessels identify your boat’s position and course, especially during low visibility conditions or at night. In this blog post, we will guide you through the correct installation and operation of sailboat navigation lights to make your sailing adventures safe and enjoyable.

Installing sailboat navigation lights may seem like a simple task, but there are several key factors to consider for optimal functionality. First and foremost, familiarize yourself with international regulations regarding navigation lights. These regulations ensure consistency across different countries and improve communication between vessels on the water.

Before starting the installation process, carefully choose high-quality LED lights specifically designed for sailboats. LEDs offer numerous advantages over traditional incandescent bulbs, including energy efficiency, higher light output, longer lifespan, and reduced heat emission. Additionally, LEDs are more durable and resistant to vibrations commonly experienced while sailing.

To begin installing your sailboat navigation lights:

1. Determine the appropriate locations: Positioning your navigation lights correctly is crucial to maximize their visibility and effectiveness. Refer to your boat’s owner’s manual or consult with a marine electrician to identify the ideal mounting points for each light.

2. Prepare wiring routes: Plan out the wiring routes before drilling any holes or mounting fixtures. Concealing wires within the boat’s structure not only enhances aesthetics but also minimizes potential damage caused by exposure to external elements.

3. Drill strategically: Using an appropriately sized drill bit, carefully create mounting holes following the instructions provided by the manufacturer of your chosen navigation lights.

4. Connect electrical components: Install a waterproof junction box near each light fixture to protect wires from moisture and corrosion. Make connections following color-coded standards (red wire – positive; black wire – negative), ensuring proper polarity is maintained throughout the circuit.

5. Securely attach fixtures: Once all wiring connections are made, attach the navigation light fixtures to their designated mounting positions. Double-check that they are secure and properly aligned to maintain optimal visibility.

With your sailboat navigation lights installed, it’s time to understand their operation. Different situations call for specific combinations of lighting:

1. Underway with power: When sailing under engine power, display both a red (port side) and a green (starboard side) light visible from dead ahead to 22.5 degrees abaft each beam. A white stern light should also be shown.

2. Sailing without power: When solely relying on wind propulsion, display just the red and green sidelights in the same manner as during powered navigation.

3. At anchor: If you’re moored or anchored, only exhibit an all-around white light at a location high enough to illuminate unobstructed from every angle.

4. Restricted maneuverability: In situations where your sailboat’s maneuverability is impaired (e.g., towing another vessel), use three shapes—two balls vertically aligned above one diamond—to indicate restricted movement.

Lastly, always ensure proper maintenance of your sailboat navigation lights:

1. Regularly inspect for damage: Routinely check for signs of wear and tear on the electrical connections, housing seals, lenses, and reflectors. Replace any damaged components promptly.

2. Clean for maximum visibility: Keep lenses clean from dirt, grime, salt residue, or any other obstructions that could limit the effectiveness of your navigation lights.

3. Carry spare bulbs/batteries: Be prepared by carrying backup LED bulbs or batteries in case of failure during extended voyages.

By following these installation steps, understanding proper operation techniques according to maritime regulations, and maintaining your navigation lights diligently; you can cruise confidently knowing your sailboat is equipped with highly visible and functional navigation lighting system—an important feature enhancing safety while enjoying the open water at any time of day or night. So, set sail with peace of mind and navigate the seas safely while embracing the thrilling adventures that await you!

Step-by-Step Guide: Setting Up Sailboat Navigation Lights for Safe Sailing

Welcome aboard, fellow sailors! Today, we are going to dive into the nitty-gritty of setting up sailboat navigation lights for safe sailing. As you know, proper navigation lights are an essential part of ensuring your safety on the water, especially during low-light conditions and at night. So grab your cup of coffee, sit back, and prepare to learn how to illuminate the seas like a professional.

Step 1: Know Your Lights Before we jump into the technicalities, let’s familiarize ourselves with the different navigation lights required on a sailboat. These include the red port light on the left side, green starboard light on the right side, white stern light at the rear, and if our boat is longer than 20 meters (or 65 feet), a white masthead light at its highest point. Having this knowledge sets you up for success in navigating effectively while abiding by maritime regulations.

Step 2: Choose Your Lighting System Now that we’ve covered the basics, it’s time to decide which lighting system is most appropriate for your sailboat. You have two options: traditional incandescent bulbs or modern LED lights. While both serve their purpose well, LED lights are more energy-efficient and tend to last longer – a win-win situation!

Step 3: Gathering Materials To ensure smooth sailing throughout this process (pun intended), gather all necessary materials beforehand. This includes navigation lights (either incandescent bulbs or LED lights depending on your preference), wiring connectors, heat shrink tubing (to protect connections from moisture), electrical tape, wires (preferably color-coded for easy identification), wire strippers/cutters, and mounting hardware suitable for your boat.

Step 4: Planning Placement Consideration of placement plays a crucial role in setting up navigation lights effectively. Ensure visibility from all angles without obstructing other boat equipment or compromising aesthetics onboard. Take note of any manufacturer guidelines provided with your purchased lights for optimal placement. Remember, safety doesn’t mean sacrificing style!

Step 5: Wiring Your Lights Now we’re getting hands-on! Let’s start with the stern light. Attach the wires of your chosen light to the existing electrical system using appropriate connectors and ensure a secure connection. Utilize heat shrink tubing and electrical tape to safeguard against any moisture-induced malfunctions. Repeat this process for both port and starboard lights.

Step 6: Don’t Forget the Masthead Light If your sailboat exceeds 20 meters in length, you’ll need a masthead light too. Carefully mount this light on top of your mast using suitable hardware. Then, run additional wires through the mast to connect it securely with your electrical system.

Step 7: The Proof is in Testing After successfully wiring all navigation lights, it’s time for a crucial step – testing! Double-check that all connections are secure and operational before venturing out onto the open water. Be meticulous; don’t let a faulty bulb ruin your sunset cruise or impede your journey under a moonlit sky.

Congrats, sailors! You’ve now mastered the art of setting up sailboat navigation lights for safe sailing. Remember, maintaining these lights should be an essential part of regular boat maintenance as well. With proper illumination, maritime rules adhered to diligently, and cautious seamanship skills mastered, you can enjoy many breathtaking nights on tranquil waters without compromising safety. So go forth into the starry night with confidence and raise anchor towards new horizons! Bon voyage!

Frequently Asked Questions About Sailboat Navigation Lights, Answered!

Title: Frequently Asked Questions About Sailboat Navigation Lights, Answered!

Introduction: Navigating a sailboat safely and responsibly requires understanding and adhering to various rules and regulations. One vital aspect of sailing is ensuring proper use of navigation lights. These lights not only aid in visibility but also help communicate with other vessels on the water. In this blog post, we will delve into frequently asked questions about sailboat navigation lights, offering detailed professional answers infused with wit and clever insights.

1. Why are navigation lights necessary for sailboats? Navigation lights serve as visual signals that enable sailors to identify vessel types, positions, and movements at night or in low visibility conditions. They are crucial for promoting safety on the water by helping prevent collisions and aiding in the communication between boats.

2. What are the different types of navigation lights found on a sailboat? Sailboats typically feature three main navigation lights: red (portside), green (starboard side), and white (stern light). The red light tells other sailors that your boat’s portside is facing them, while the green light indicates that your starboard side is visible. The white stern light illuminates the rear of your vessel, making it easier for others to determine your direction of travel.

3. When should I turn on my sailboat’s navigation lights? According to international rules of collision avoidance at sea, all vessels must show proper navigation lighting between sunset and sunrise or during periods of restricted visibility such as fog or heavy rain showers. It’s essential to remember that even during daylight hours if visibility drops due to poor weather conditions, switching on navigational lights can greatly enhance safety.

4. Are there any additional requirements regarding sailboat navigation lighting? Yes! Aside from displaying the three main distinct navigation lights mentioned above, it is crucial for sailboats under power or motorsailing – using engine power alongside sails – to display an additional white forward-facing masthead light apart from the stern light. This masthead light helps identify the sailboat as a power-driven vessel, providing further clarity to nearby boaters.

5. Can I use LED lights for navigation purposes on my sailboat? Absolutely! In fact, LED lights are highly recommended for their energy efficiency and prolonged lifespan compared to traditional incandescent bulbs. However, it is essential to ensure that any LED navigation lights you use adhere to relevant maritime regulations concerning color, visibility range, and intensity.

6. How can I check if my sailboat’s navigation lights are working correctly? Regular maintenance and testing of your navigation lights are vital to guarantee their functionality when needed the most. Before every outing, visually inspect each light for signs of damage or corrosion. Additionally, switch on all navigational lights while docked or at anchor to verify they illuminate brightly according to the appropriate standards laid out in navigational lighting regulations.

Conclusion: Understanding sailboat navigation lighting not only ensures your safety but also promotes effective communication with other vessels on the water. By knowing when and how to properly utilize these lights, you contribute to maintaining a harmonious sailing environment. Remember, navigating with wit means being informed and cleverly enhancing your skills as a sailor while keeping safety at the forefront of your adventures!

Top Tips and Best Practices for Maintaining Sailboat Navigation Lights

Maintaining Sailboat Navigation Lights: Expert Tips and Best Practices

Picture this – you’re out on the open water, gliding along with the wind in your sails. As the sun dips below the horizon, darkness begins to envelop your sailboat. This is when maintaining proper navigation lights becomes paramount for both safety and legal compliance. In this blog post, we will dive deep into top tips and best practices for ensuring that your sailboat’s navigation lights are not only functioning but also showcasing their brilliance.

1. Regular Inspections are Key: To ensure your sailboat navigation lights are in prime condition, regular inspections should be conducted. Make it a habit before every trip to thoroughly examine all lights, from bow to stern. Look out for any loose connections, cracked lenses, or water intrusion that could hamper their effectiveness.

2. Ensure Proper Power Supply: One common issue faced by sailors is inadequate power supply to navigation lights, leading to dimness or complete failure at crucial times. Check that the wiring system is correctly connected and working optimally. Additionally, consider installing a voltage monitor or battery analyzer to keep tabs on power levels during extended journeys.

3. Choose LED Lights: When it comes to choosing sailboat navigation lights, opt for LED technology without hesitation. LEDs offer brilliant luminosity while consuming minimal power compared to traditional incandescent bulbs. Their longevity and durability make them ideal for equipping your vessel’s masthead light, sidelights, stern light, and anchor light.

4. Cleaning is Essential: Navigation lights on a sailboat accumulate dirt and grime over time due to exposure to various elements like saltwater spray or bird droppings (we all know how seagulls love making our boats their restroom). Regularly clean the lenses with a soft cloth and mild soap solution followed by drying with a lint-free towel. Keeping them crystal clear will maximize their output and visibility range.

5. Protect Against Moisture: Water ingress can be a persistent menace, harming the functionality of your sailboat’s navigation lights. To combat this, ensure watertight seals around light fixtures and wiring connections. Applying silicone lubricant or dielectric grease to connectors further enhances protection against moisture.

6. Carry Spare Bulbs and Fuses: Murphy’s Law states that anything that can go wrong, will go wrong – especially in the middle of nowhere. Imagine how disheartening it would be if one of your navigation lights suddenly fizzles out on a moonless night! Always carry spare bulbs and fuses suited for your specific lighting system to avoid such predicaments and keep your journey uninterrupted.

7. Stay Familiar with Navigation Regulations: Being updated on marine regulations regarding navigation lights is not only essential for your safety but also ensures compliance with local laws. These regulations dictate the placement, colors, and timings for displaying navigational lights based on different conditions such as underway, anchored, or sailing near other vessels at night.

In conclusion, maintaining sailboat navigation lights might seem like a mundane task; however, its significance cannot be undermined when it comes to safety during nighttime voyages. Regular inspections, adequate power supply, LED technology adoption, cleanliness, moisture protection, carrying spare bulbs/fuses, and adhering to maritime regulations should become second nature for any seasoned sailor. By following these top tips and best practices meticulously, you’ll be able to navigate the vast expanse of dark waters with confidence while ensuring a safe voyage each time.

Exploring Different Types and Designs of Sailboat Navigation Lights

When it comes to sailing at night, having the right navigation lights on your sailboat is absolutely crucial. Not only do they help you stay safe and avoid collisions with other vessels, but they also ensure that you are compliant with maritime regulations. In this blog post, we will be exploring different types and designs of sailboat navigation lights, so you can make an informed decision for your own vessel.

One of the most common types of sailboat navigation lights is the sidelight. These lights are usually mounted on either side of the boat and emit a green light on the starboard (right) side and a red light on the port (left) side. The purpose of these lights is to signal the direction in which your boat is moving to other vessels in the vicinity. Additionally, sidelights should be visible at a distance of at least two nautical miles, ensuring that other boats have ample time to react accordingly.

Another important type of navigation light for sailboats is the sternlight. As its name suggests, this light is mounted at the back or stern of the boat and emits a white light. The sternlight helps other vessels determine if you are moving away from them or approaching them from behind. It should be visible from a distance of at least two nautical miles as well.

In addition to sidelights and sternlights, sailboats also require an all-round white light, commonly known as an anchor light. This light serves as both an anchoring indicator and a warning signal to other boats that your vessel isn’t under power and may be stationary. Typically mounted atop the mast or another elevated point on the sailboat, this white light must be visible from all directions within two nautical miles.

Now that we’ve covered the main types of sailboat navigation lights, let’s delve into their designs. While traditional incandescent bulbs were once widely used for their simplicity and affordability, LED technology has revolutionized marine lighting. LED navigation lights are highly energy-efficient and have a considerably longer lifespan compared to incandescent bulbs. Additionally, LEDs emit a bright and focused light, making your sailboat more visible to others even in adverse weather conditions.

Furthermore, many LED navigation lights come with built-in features that enhance safety and convenience. Some models have automatic sensors that adjust the brightness of the lights depending on the ambient lighting conditions. This means that if you’re sailing during twilight or dawn, when visibility is reduced, these lights will automatically become brighter for better detection by other vessels.

Moreover, some innovative designs include combination lights that incorporate both sidelights and sternlights in one compact unit. These multifunctional lights save space on your boat while still ensuring compliance with regulations. Additionally, there are folding or telescopic navigation lights available that can be easily stowed away when not in use, further optimizing your deck space.

In conclusion, choosing the right types and designs of sailboat navigation lights is crucial for safe night sailing and regulatory compliance. Sidelights, sternlights, and anchor lights are essential components of any sailboat’s lighting system. Consider opting for energy-efficient LED technology that offers enhanced visibility and longevity compared to traditional incandescent bulbs. Moreover, explore innovative designs such as combination lights or folding options to optimize space onboard your vessel. By equipping your sailboat with the right navigation lights, you can navigate confidently through the darkness while captivating other sailors with your illuminated elegance on the open sea!

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What are the proper sailboat lights at night?

As a sailor, it is essential to be aware of and adhere to proper sailboat lighting when navigating at night. These lights are necessary to ensure safety and avoid collisions with other vessels.

The International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGS) specifies lighting requirements for different types of boats. There are different lighting rules for vessels under power and those under sail. In this article, we’ll discuss the proper sailboat lights at night.

Sailboats are required to have three lights at a minimum: a masthead light, a red port light, and a green starboard light. The masthead light is white and is located at the top of the mast. This light should shine forward and aft and be visible from 2 nautical miles away. It is important to ensure that the masthead light is not obstructed by the sail or any other structure onboard.

The red port light is located on the left or port side of the boat and is visible from 1 nautical mile away. The green starboard light is on the right or starboard side and is also visible from 1 nautical mile away. These lights should shine out from the vessel and be visible from dead ahead to 112.5 degrees abaft the beam on either side.

In addition to these lights, sailboats that are underway may show an optional stern light. This light is placed at the stern of the vessel and is white. It should be visible from 2 nautical miles away and can be used to indicate that the sailboat is underway and not at anchor.

If a sailboat is not underway but still poses a potential hazard, it should display an anchor light. This is a white light that is visible from 2 nautical miles away and should be located near the top of the mast. This light indicates that the sailboat is anchored and should be avoided by other vessels.

It is important to note that the visibility of the lights depends on the weather and other conditions. In foggy or hazy conditions, the lights may not be visible from the specified distance. It is always a good idea to maintain a lookout and be aware of other vessels in the vicinity.

Proper sailboat lighting at night is critical to ensuring safety and avoiding collisions with other boats. It is essential to understand the required lighting regulations and to ensure that all lights are functioning correctly before heading out on the water. Remember to always maintain a lookout and be aware of other vessels around you. Happy sailing!

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Boat Lights at Night: A Guide to Safe Sailing in the Dark

A luxury yacht with lights and a hot tub sailing in the sea at night

1 Safety Considerations
2 Necessary Lights for Boating at Night
3 Understanding the Importance of Visibility
4 Maintenance and Troubleshooting
5 Conclusion

The summer months of the year bring hours of sunshine, giving boaters plenty of time to explore during the day. When the sun sets, safety becomes a priority for anyone operating a boat in the dark. It’s crucial to know which boat lights must be on and how to stay visible and safe while sailing at night.

We’ll provide all the essential information you need to make sailing at night a safer and more enjoyable experience. You’ll get an overview of the different types of boat lights available and tips for staying safe and visible while sailing in the dark.

Safety Considerations

Safety should always be the top priority of any sailor, regardless of the time of day. When boating at night, you must know the rules and regulations in your designated area and familiarize yourself with the navigation equipment on most vessels. Understanding these regulations and investing in additional equipment can make a big difference in ensuring a safe voyage.

It is essential to understand the local laws and regulations regarding boating at night and what lighting you need for each vessel. Boat operators should also be aware of their speed limits, acceptable waterway passage areas, and any potentially hazardous areas they should avoid.

In addition to staying knowledgeable about local regulations, your navigation equipment should be up-to-date and functioning appropriately. Marine vessels typically come equipped with depth sounders and radar systems, but investing in additional accessories can further increase visibility during nighttime sailing. This equipment can include GPS chart plotters or portable AIS receivers, which can help navigate safer routes and alert boat operators of nearby vessels.

Necessary Lights for Boating at Night

Depending on illuminated waters after dark, boat light illumination is necessary for all recreational vessels. Boats must display three main types of lights, including bow, stern, and riding lights.

The bow light indicates to other boats where your vessel’s direction is facing, appearing as a green light on the starboard side and red on the port side when looking forward from the rear. It is important to note that this light should only be visible from directly ahead or nearly directly ahead of the vessel itself. It must have a wide enough angle range for optimal visibility while ensuring it is not too bright or blinding for other boats passing by.

The stern light works similarly to a bow light, except it shines from the back end of a vessel, making it easier for oncoming boats to identify your direction. Per maritime law, this light should also appear white but visible from behind only, ensuring no unnecessary glare toward other boats or obstructions ahead.

Riding lights, or masthead lights, provide additional visibility for your vessel. These lights indicate the vessel’s length according to measurements determined by maritime law enforcement officers. This type of light usually appears as white but occasionally has a blue tint depending on individual regulation standards in your area.

Understanding the Importance of Visibility

When selecting boat lights, it’s crucial to consider their wattage output or bulb type to ensure optimal visibility in dark environments.

Colored boat lights are often found on vessels and can come in white, blue, or red colors, each serving a specific purpose based on the laws at sea. White lights generally have a stronger output compared to other colors. Blue lights are more effective underwater, and red lights can mark specific areas within narrow channels, among other uses.

In addition to colored boat lights, reflective materials like tape can upgrade the common areas on ships, such as rails or posts. These materials help draw attention to the vessel’s proximity to other nearby ships and enhance safety.

Maintenance and Troubleshooting

Proper maintenance of boat light systems is crucial to keep operating costs low, especially when dealing with high-wattage fixtures commonly found in the marine environment. Regularly maintaining these systems throughout their lifespan is essential.

One critical maintenance aspect is storing boat lights properly during off-season storage periods. It is crucial to ensure that each unit remains dry. This storage is necessary to preserve their longevity and ensure their functionality when powered back on. Moisture buildup can lead to short circuits, malfunctions, and damage to the light’s components.

You should follow basic troubleshooting methods as part of routine maintenance. This maintenance includes cleaning off any corrosion and regularly checking bulb connections. These steps should become a natural course for anyone embarking on nighttime sailings or exploring uncharted territories.

Proper illumination is crucial for safe and legal boating at night. All boats need to have adequate lighting regardless of their size and capabilities. Following maritime laws and regulations related to navigational requirements and using the correct boat light format enhances safety for everyone on maritime travels. The mastery of navigation skills and adherence to these standards will continue to uphold the honor and legacy of future generations.

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Navigation Lights at Night

by Harbor Sailboats | Dec 4, 2020 | Blog | 1 comment

Great article! Boat lights are the means of communication between sailing vessels. These lights are also a tool to let my presence known even from a distance.

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The Night Vision Techniques

Explore the techniques and tools for safely sailing under the stars with our comprehensive guide to night sailing, from preserving your night vision to navigating in the dark and following proper etiquette.

The Night Vision Techniques: A Comprehensive Guide to Night Sailing

Sailing under the stars can be a magical experience, but it also presents unique challenges and requires a different set of skills than daytime sailing. In this article, we’ll explore the essential techniques for maintaining your night vision, as well as tips for navigating and staying safe during your nocturnal adventures on the open sea.

Understanding night vision, preserving your night vision, navigating at night, safety tips for night sailing, night sailing etiquette.

Before we dive into the techniques for maintaining your night vision, it’s important to understand how our eyes work in low-light conditions. Our eyes have two types of photoreceptor cells: rods and cones. Cones are responsible for color vision and function best in bright light, while rods are more sensitive to light and are responsible for our ability to see in low-light conditions.

In darkness, our eyes undergo a process called dark adaptation, which allows the rods to become more sensitive to light. This process can take anywhere from 20 to 45 minutes, depending on the individual and the level of darkness. Once our eyes have fully adapted, we can see much better in the dark, but it’s important to note that our night vision is still limited compared to our daytime vision.

Now that we understand the basics of night vision, let’s explore some techniques for preserving it while sailing at night:

1. Limit Exposure to Bright Light

The most important factor in maintaining your night vision is to limit your exposure to bright light. This includes both natural sources, such as the moon and stars, and artificial sources, such as cabin lights and electronic devices. To minimize exposure to bright light:

Keep cabin lights dimmed or turned off when not in use.
Use red or amber lights instead of white lights, as these colors are less disruptive to night vision.
Avoid looking directly at bright light sources, such as the moon or other boats’ lights.
Limit the use of electronic devices with bright screens, or adjust the brightness settings to minimize glare.

2. Allow Time for Dark Adaptation

As mentioned earlier, it takes time for our eyes to fully adapt to darkness. Before setting sail at night, spend some time in a dimly lit environment to allow your eyes to adjust. If you need to transition from a brightly lit area to a dark one, close your eyes for a few minutes to help speed up the adaptation process.

3. Use Peripheral Vision

Our peripheral vision is more sensitive to light than our central vision, making it more effective for detecting objects in low-light conditions. When scanning the horizon or searching for objects in the water, try looking slightly to the side of the object rather than directly at it. This will allow you to use your peripheral vision and increase your chances of spotting the object.

4. Keep One Eye Covered

If you need to briefly expose yourself to bright light, such as when checking a chart or using a flashlight, try covering one eye to preserve its night vision. This technique, known as the “pirate’s patch,” can help minimize the impact of bright light on your overall night vision.

Navigating at night presents its own set of challenges, but with the right techniques and tools, you can safely and confidently sail under the stars. Here are some tips for night navigation:

1. Familiarize Yourself with the Night Sky

Learning to recognize constellations and other celestial landmarks can be a valuable skill for night navigation. Familiarize yourself with the night sky and practice identifying key constellations, such as the North Star (Polaris), which can help you determine your latitude and direction.

2. Use Electronic Navigation Tools

While celestial navigation is a valuable skill, modern electronic navigation tools, such as GPS and chartplotters, can provide more accurate and reliable information. Make sure your navigation equipment is in good working order and that you’re familiar with its operation before setting sail at night.

3. Keep a Close Eye on the Weather

Weather conditions can change rapidly at sea, and poor visibility due to fog, rain, or clouds can make night navigation even more challenging. Keep a close eye on the weather forecast and be prepared to adjust your plans if necessary.

4. Maintain a Proper Lookout

Maintaining a proper lookout is essential for safe night sailing. In addition to scanning the horizon for other vessels and obstacles, pay close attention to the water’s surface for signs of changes in depth or the presence of debris. Remember to use your peripheral vision and avoid staring directly at bright light sources.

In addition to the navigation tips above, there are several safety precautions you should take when sailing at night:

1. Ensure Your Boat is Properly Lit

Make sure your boat’s navigation lights are functioning properly and are visible from all angles. This will help other vessels see you and avoid collisions.

2. Wear Reflective Clothing and Gear

Wearing reflective clothing and gear, such as life jackets and harnesses, can help make you more visible to other boaters and increase your safety on the water.

3. Keep a Sharp Ear

In addition to maintaining a proper lookout, use your sense of hearing to detect potential hazards. Listen for the sound of waves breaking on nearby shores, the hum of approaching engines, or the calls of other sailors.

4. Be Prepared for Emergencies

Before setting sail at night, make sure you have a well-stocked emergency kit on board, including flares, a VHF radio, and a flashlight with spare batteries. Familiarize yourself with emergency procedures and be prepared to act quickly in case of an emergency.

Finally, it’s important to be considerate of other sailors and follow proper etiquette when sailing at night:

Keep noise levels to a minimum, as sound travels farther over water at night.
Be mindful of your boat’s lights and avoid shining them directly at other vessels.
Give other boats plenty of space and avoid crowding popular anchorages or mooring areas.

Night sailing can be a thrilling and rewarding experience, but it requires a different set of skills and precautions than daytime sailing. By understanding the principles of night vision, practicing proper navigation techniques, and following safety guidelines, you can confidently set sail under the stars and enjoy the unique beauty and freedom of the open sea at night.

Yachting World

Digital Edition

Night sailing: top tips and expert advice to see you safely through until dawn

Helen Fretter
October 6, 2016

A Yachting World special report on how to prepare and enjoy sailing at night. Photos by Tor Johnson.

Sailing through the night brings its own rewards: a contemplative stillness, phosphorescent trails through a star-lit sea, the soul-warming sunrises. But it also raises challenges – if you cannot see gusts and squalls approaching, how quickly can you react? How well do you – and the rest of your crew – know your yacht’s layout in the dark?

We asked some experienced long-distance cruisers, many of whom have sailed extensively in the tropics – experiencing much longer hours of darkness than northern hemisphere sailors who only venture offshore in summer months – for their night sailing advice.

Sundowner readiness

Romantic though sailing into the sunset may be, heading into darkness requires careful preparation. ‘Bones’ Black, who owns and skippers Emily Morgan , a Bowman 57 charter cruiser, says: “We do a great deal of night sailing, be it from island to island in the Caribbean or transatlantic passages. When doing overnight island-hopping we plan to arrive at the next destination in daylight, especially if we have not been there before.

“We prep the boat, all sail covers off, halyards attached, engine checks and of course we recheck the weather – if we are in tidal waters we would double check the tides too. We also prepare the cockpit by putting a good torch, hand-bearing compass, binoculars, bottle of water and spare safety tether to hand.

“Then we sit and have a decent meal to relax before we set sail. We also prepare a meal for later as it’s common to feel a little queasy at the start of a passage if it’s a bit lumpy and the last thing you want is to go below to start cooking.”

Erik Lindgren, currently cruising his Baltic 56 in Fiji, says: “ Spirit V is by design a very fast boat. This means that we cover good distances without pushing and without using too much sail at night. Our night set-up includes bimini down, sprayhood up, one or two reefs in the main depending on the risk of squalls, lifejackets are worn and we are always clipped on, AIS transmitters in lifejackets and PLB in foulweather jackets.”

Paul Frew, who is sailing his Oyster 575 Juno around Europe with his wife Caroline, says: “We are very cautious offshore. We have a golden rule never to leave the cockpit at night, so we will delay a pole gybe until daylight even it means heading a few miles off course. If for any reason we do need to leave the cockpit the on-watch crew have to call me and we all clip on. “I have an offshore checklist that we always review before any night passages. I keep a high-powered 24V torch in the cockpit and an anti-collision flare in the companionway. Radar is always on at night and AIS alarms are checked before dark.”

Take extra precautions if heading out of the cockpit on to the foredeck when sailing at night.

Golden rules

Once underway every skipper applies the same golden rules, summed up by Will Downing, skipper of the Hanse 575 Ximera : “Lifejackets obligatory; lifelines attached even if you are sleeping in the cockpit; don’t go forward without someone else awake in the cockpit and clipped on.”

Erik Lindgren adds: “We never, ever leave the cockpit while on a single watch. Sail area is reduced during the night – if hit by a big squall – by furling the jib. The off-watch sleeps on the saloon sofa.”

John Dyer, who sailed his First 47.7 Exocet Strike on the World ARC, says: “While on night watches we always take a view on likely weather conditions and reef accordingly before it’s dark – always easier to shake reefs out than put them in. “We also use head torches and use the red LED to preserve night vision.”

Top tip: Night vision relies on rod cells in the eyes, which take 20-40 minutes to adapt to a change of light

Bones Black says it’s also important to brief new crew joining the yacht on what to do if they have concerns. “We tell our crew always to wake Anna as skipper or me as first mate at any time. I would rather get up and check something out, be it a strange noise or a light on the horizon in good time, rather than at the last minute when it could be a problem.”

Conversely, when all is going well, being considerate of your off-watch crew is important – tether hooks dragging on deck and rattling pans in the galley sound incredibly loud at night. If you need to run a generator, consider timing it so it so the noise is split over two watches.

Sailing at night can be a truly uplifting experience.

Watch patterns

Your choice of watch system depends on several factors – how many people there are on board, how mentally and physically draining the conditions are, and personal preferences – some people find it hard to sleep down below during the day, for instance, while others prefer a short night watch and a longer day off-watch.

Fact: NASA studied the sleep patterns of solo ocean racing sailors to see how extreme sleep deprivation affects decision making and performance.

Will Downing comments: “I am a firm believer in the four-hour sleep rule of REM. Most people sleep for four hours, then two hours, then one hour, with waking moments (or close to) in between. If there are only three people on board, a three-hours-on six-off watch system means you will definitely get that four hours of sleep. Two hours on and four off is not four hours of sleep. Once you’ve brushed your teeth, had a snack, gone to the heads and maybe read for a few minutes, you’re lucky if you end up with just three hours.

“Even better is a four-person shift pattern with two hours on and six off. It’s not long on duty, but long on the old shut-eye. I have always found that the crew are better humoured, easier going and just plain happier!”

Black agrees: “There are so many different watch systems you could run, but they depend on how many crew you have. If it’s just Anna and me we do three on and three off during the night, and four on four off during the day to catch up. If alone on watch we steer for about 20 minutes, looking around the horizon all the time, then have a look at the AIS and radar.

“If there are three people we do three on, six off and steer as much as we can to keep busy. When concentration starts to lapse the autopilot goes on for a while and a drink and a few nibbles help.

“If we have a full complement of six crew we run three on, six off with two crew on each watch, this means the crew on watch can steer for half an hour then swap.”

For an even more in-depth look at this topic and plenty of others, see our Bluewater Sailing Techniques feature and video on night watches and routines offshore

Handover period

Equally important is how you hand over between watches. Downing says it’s worth taking your time over the watch change. “When you finish a shift in the middle of the night and are yearning for your pillow and some well-earned rest, remember that the person coming on watch has only just recently woken up so take time to chat with them, offer them a hot drink, talk about the weather and the shipping.

“I always finish with asking: ‘Are you awake enough to do this?’ Remember that your life is now in their hands!”

For the person coming on deck Downing suggests: “Read the log. It’s nice to know they saw dolphins and a mermaid, but more important that they heard a rattle from the engine or that the temperature felt like it dropped several degrees very quickly.”

Preserve your night vision but keep on top of the logbook, radar and navigation

Getting through it: Creature comforts to get through the night

“As we normally have three or four crewmembers on long passages we adopt a mother watch. Desert Island Discs downloaded from the BBC is our favourite distraction!” Paul and Caroline Frew, Juno

“Listening to music helps pass the time – but I am always being told off by Anna for singing along while she is trying to sleep. We also have what we call the ‘excessive calories box’ stuffed full of sweets, breakfast bars, chocolate bars and anything else we can find. There is nothing like the sight of your watch mate appearing at 0300 with the box to raise morale.” Bones Black, Emily Morgan

Home » Blog » Sail » Sailing at night: tactics and tips

Sailing at night: tactics and tips

By Author Fiona McGlynn

Posted on Last updated: December 2, 2021

As an early-to-bed person, I find a night passage offers special and sublime opportunities for stargazing, precious alone time, and quiet contemplation. However, I’ve also found myself wet, cold, and not-so-quietly contemplating the lights of a ship bearing down on us. Does that tanker see us? Fortunately, after 3,000 nautical miles of trial and error while sailing from Canada to Mexico, my partner, Robin, and I have learned a few tricks that make night passages more comfortable and serene.

Feed the crew

Good hot food makes all the difference in keeping energy (and spirits) up on a night passage, especially when very little cooking is involved.

Minimize galley time – It takes three days for most sailors to get their sea legs, so we like to have no- to low-effort meals and snacks planned for those first days at sea. Less time spent in the galley also means we have more time for the boat, rest, and sleeping. To minimize galley time, we prepare all our food for the first 24 hours at sea ahead of time. One of our go-to evening meals is soup, made in advance and kept warm in a thermos on deck. After the first 24 hours, quick-to-make meals (canned soup, beans on toast, curry in a bag) are a good bet.

Splurge on fun treats – We stock a “sin bin” with trail mix, chips, and chocolate and also prepare some of our favorite nibbles (muffins, scones, cinnamon buns). Milk chocolate is good for a jolt of energy, but doesn’t keep us up past our watches.

Stay hydrated

Water is very important for keeping the mind alert on night watch. In fact, dehydration is often mistaken for fatigue.

Keep a water bottle on deck – One of our friends has a rule that anyone who yawns on the boat must take a drink of water. Every member of the crew should keep a water bottle on deck when on watch. As well as making water accessible, this is a good way to monitor intake.

Serve warm drinks – One of our favorite hot drinks is Chai tea, kept in a thermos in the cockpit. We make it by adding an inch of fresh ginger to three cups of water, bringing it to a boil, and then adding cardamom, honey, and black pepper to taste. The spices and honey give us a boost without the diuretic and stimulating effects of caffeine. Cider (the soft kind!), tea, and hot chocolate are great too.

Sleep, glorious sleep

Sleep can feel scarce when sailing overnight, but we take steps to manage it.

Sleep before leaving – First, we make sure we’re well rested before we leave. We never start a passage with a sleep deficit.

A workable watch schedule – Sailors use many different watch schedules and tailor them to the number of crew on board. To find out what works best for us, we started with shorter watches (of perhaps 1 to 2 hours) and increased the length over time. We usually sail with just the two of us (plus autopilot) and find 3-hour watches work well, but on many occasions we’ve gone to shorter watches because one of us was not able to stay alert for the full 3 hours. If you’re hand steering, definitely err on the side of shorter watches. And when you feel like you can’t keep your eyes open, it is always better to wake your partner than risk snoozing at the wheel.

Avoid alcohol and stimulants – One of the principal ways we improve the quantity and quality of our sleep on board is to avoid alcohol, caffeine, and other stimulating drugs. The half-life of caffeine is 4 to 6 hours in humans, so the chances are, someone who drinks a cup of tea at the beginning of a 3-hour watch will still be feeling the effects at the end of it. When this happens, it’s then tempting to use alcohol or sleeping pills to get to sleep. Alcohol has been proven to reduce the quality of sleep. The result is waking up feeling more tired and feeling the need for more coffee, and thus the vicious loop repeats.

Try light sleep aids – One sleep aid to consider using is the seasickness medication Gravol. Someone already taking Gravol for seasickness might consider timing the dose at one-half hour before the end of a night watch. This gives the Gravol time to kick in, aiding sleep at just the right time. By the time the off-watch is over, the Gravol has been partially processed and, you hope, the effect is less drowsiness and no seasickness. For those not taking Gravol, a cup of chamomile or valerian tea half an hour before the end of their watch will help sleep come more quickly.

Get comfy – We made sure we had a safe and comfortable sea berth by setting up a snug leecloth on a berth close to the boat’s center of gravity, where the the off-watch sleeper would feel the least motion (see “ Make your own Leecloth ,” January 2017). Earplugs and an eye mask help reduce stimuli to further aid sleep.

Staying awake

Staying awake on night watch can be difficult, but we engage in a number of activities to help us keep our eyes open.

Stay occupied – If we don’t keep ourselves lightly occupied on night watch, we find it difficult to stay awake, so we create watch routines that keep us focused and alert. Filling out our ship’s log is one such task. I’ve learned that one of the most effective things I can do to avoid dropping off is to keep my brain engaged in some light listening (podcasts, music, audiobooks) through a single earbud. This keeps me awake while I scan the horizon and listen for any changes in the boat or environment. If you’re in need of something to listen to, check out the salty audiobooks at Audioseastories.com , GoodOld Boat’s online store.

Keep moving – When I get overly drowsy, I stand up and dance in the cockpit. Though I might look ridiculous, it gets the blood moving and keeps me sharp a bit longer. If dancing is not your thing, stretching or jogging in place also works.

Set alarms – When I find I’m feeling a bit droopy-eyed, I set a wristwatch alarm to go off every 10 minutes, just to catch me in case I do accidentally doze off. Of course, if I do fall asleep, I realize as soon as I wake that my best option is to wake someone else to take the watch.

What to wear

It’s hard for me to appreciate the beautiful starlit sky when I have wet feet. I prefer to stay warm and dry.

Rubber boots and foulies –My favorite piece of gear is a 1980s yellow Mustang survival suit I picked up in a thrift store. While higher-tech options are available, I love my survival suit because it’s like wearing a giant sleeping bag on deck. I have foulies (foul weather gear), too, which are great for more active sailing, but when I’m hunkered down in the cockpit all night, my chief concern is staying warm. The other great thing about the survival suit is that I stay warm even if it gets wet. I once took a wave down the back of my survival suit and, though wet, I was warm again in less than a minute.

Buy some bum padding – Deck cushions can get in the way while sailing, so we usually stow them. I sometimes wear a pair of padded cycling shorts under my foulies to provide some insulation from the hard, cold cockpit seats.

No cotton garments! – Or atleast don’t wear them on chilly nights. When the least bit damp, cotton can get cold and clammy. We choose wool, polyester, and other technical fabrics for layering as they don’t hold moisture against the skin.

Clip in – A tether and harness are musts for enjoyment and comfort while sailing at night. We much prefer the view of the ocean from the boat than the boat from the ocean. Plus, the off-watch rests easier knowing the on-watch is tethered safely to the boat.

Warding off the green

Perhaps the number-one thing we do to ensure our comfort while afloat is avoid getting seasick. Many remedies are available, including Gravol, Dramamine, Transderm-V patch, ginger, and acupressure wrist bands. We try any drug or remedy on dry land before taking it while sailing, just in case we experience a negative side effect. One seasickness medication on the market made my vision blurry. Once you’ve found something that works for you, start taking it at least 12 hours before setting sail so it has time to properly kick in. We are often helped by spending a couple of nights in a slightly rolly anchorage before heading out.

Bits and bytes – Two pieces of technology are a boon for any sailor venturing out under the cover of darkness.

Autopilot – An autopilot helps minimize crew fatigue. Handsteering becomes far more challenging and tiring at night, when limited visibility can affect orientation. An autopilot allows for longer and more restful watches.

AIS – If you have it, AIS is a terrific additional source of information at night. It’s a great comfort to know the course and speed of the twinkly bright lights bearing down on us in the darkness. We can easily hail the vessel in question, by its name, if that’s listed on the AIS target, or by private hailing its MMSI number using the DSC-enabled VHF. Once in contact, we ask whether they can see our boat and whether they plan to alter course in the near future. We like to set our AIS alarm so we don’t miss any vessels that will approach within 2 nautical miles.

Passage planning

The decisions we make before leaving the dock undoubtedly have the greatest impact on the comfort of our night sail.

Choosing a weather window – Poor weather and sea conditions become considerably less fun in the dark, so we plan around adverse weather. We avoid night passages when the swell period (in seconds) and height (in feet) are close in number. For example, a 7-foot swell with a 12-second period will be a lot more comfortable than a 7-foot swell with a 7-second period.

Sail in your comfort zone – If you’re comfortable sailing in up to 20 knots of wind, limit overnight passages to wind conditions of 15 knots or less. Conditions can feel a lot bigger at night and so we do not push ourselves past our comfort limits, and we sleep better as a result.

Use the full moon – We’re much more comfortable on night passages when the moon is full or nearly full. All that light makes it easier to spot obstacles and we’re psychologically more at ease when we are able to see our surroundings.

Leave and arrive in daylight – The approaches to many ocean ports are littered with crab traps, long-lines,dead-heads, kelp, and other debris. We prefer to heave-to for a couple of hours rather than risk fouling our propeller attempting an entrance in the dead of night.

Passages of manageable length – If you’re new to sailing at night, it’s a good idea to slowly build up to longer and longer sails. As you start planning multi-night voyages, think about the best way to break the passages down. Many solo sailors we know choose to never sail more than one night at a time so they can pull in and have rest days after each night passage. Personally, we like trips that are three days or longer, because we find it takes that long to adjust our sleeping patterns. Experiment with different passage lengths until you find a style that leaves you feeling rested.

Strategies for sailing at night

Whether we feel safe and comfortable at night has a lot to do with how we set our sails. Proper planning makes the difference between restful slumber and a sleepless night for the whole crew.

Prepare before dark – We complete the necessary tasks —like setting the sails and organizing the cockpit — in daylight so the crew on night watch has fewer things to focus on.

Brighten up – To avoid things that go bump in the night, invest in some good lighting. We were sailing down the Mexican coast and noticed a large trawler tailing us. We tried to radio the trawler only to realize that it was our buddy-boater, Jim, who had cunningly invested in high-wattage lights that made his 35-foot sloop appear to be a much larger vessel. We’ve found red lights and headlamps help us to get around the boat without impairing our night vision.

Set sails for comfort – We don’t sleep well with a slamming mainsail on a rolling boat. We play with different sail plans and courses to make our boat as comfortable and quiet as possible. We use a boom preventer , for example, to reduce the motion and noise of the mainsail. When sailing dead downwind makes things very rolly, we’ll head up a bit for a smoother ride. Our VMG (velocity made good) might suffer, but that’s preferable to having a tired crew. When we’re dealing with light and variable wind at night, we find it well worth the extra fuel cost to run the engine, so the person below can get some sleep.

Slow down at night – We usually take in a reef before dark. We might lose some speed, but our boat is a lot more manageable if the wind picks up later — and we don’t have to put in that reef at night.

Schedule maneuvers – When possible, we plan our maneuvers, such as tacking and gybing, so we can do them before it gets dark. We schedule them for watch changes to minimize the number of times we need to wake someone mid-sleep for help on deck.

By adopting these strategies, we’ve begun to really enjoy sailing at night. In fact, we’re finding now that we even prefer it, because it means we don’t lose a day of shore time upon arrival in a new port. With the right preparation, you can make nights at sea not only pleasant, but also special and beautiful times. So make things comfortable for yourself, try some tips to see what works best for you, and then sit back and enjoy the stars.

Originally published in Good Old Boat magazine in March/April 2017. For more great how-tos and DIY subscribe to Good Old Boat magazine using this exclusive Waterborne promo code .

Fiona McGlynn is an award-winning boating writer who created Waterborne as a place to learn about living aboard and traveling the world by sailboat. She has written for boating magazines including BoatUS, SAIL, Cruising World, and Good Old Boat. She’s also a contributing editor at Good Old Boat and BoatUS Magazine. In 2017, Fiona and her husband completed a 3-year, 13,000-mile voyage from Vancouver to Mexico to Australia on their 35-foot sailboat.

Monday 7th of December 2020

try Tradional Medicines Ginger Aid Tea. Make Thermos and keep it handy when some one starts to feel queazy have them sip a cup or two of warm Ginger Aid tea. Helps settle the stomach and keeps you warm a win win.

Sunday 3rd of June 2018

While I also do just about everything mentioned in the article, as a singlehander, there are no crew changes, so making sure hot drinks (I like decaf Irish Breakfast tea with a couple of cinnamon sticks thrown in) and light snacks are within reach of the cockpit are very important. I also added glow in the dark draft strips to my sails and I've added glow in the dark stickers to the stanchion bases. I love night sailing—it's almost a religious experience being out there, sailing in calm seas under a full moon and a sea of stars above. One word of warning though, if you're new to astronomy, don't be surprised if that North Star you've been following turns out to be the 9:40 flight from Chicago...just saying.

Friday 16th of June 2017

Good article.

The very best, THE VERY BEST, anti seasick remedy for me has been Motion Ease, sold at West Marine and Walmart. After many remedies were tried and were unsuccessful, Motion Ease was the first remedy that I found successful. We were in 38+knots of wind between Nassau and Eleuthra and the cook brought sandwich "fixins" into the cockpit. I was already seasick and could only manage a slice of bread and cheese wadded up in my fist. My wife remembered I had bought Motion Ease several years before but I had never tried it. She went below and brought up the tiny bottle. I rubbed one drop behind each ear and within 15 minutes I was eating a Dagwood sandwich! The remedy is applied to the skin area behind each ear and works even if you are already seasick. About $5 at Walmart, maybe more at West Marine.

Friday 30th of June 2017

Thanks for the recommendation Jim! I've never tried Motion Ease but will definitely give it a go now.

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How to sail at night

Captains are often asked if it's possible to sail at night. In the vast majority of cases, the answer is yes, unless you are just starting out. You just need to know the specifics of night sailing — the rules of boat lighting, beacon signals, have navigation and nautical charts handy, and most importantly, follow basic safety rules on board. So, do you know what night sailing entails?

You can't do it without the correct lights

While on land, lights are primarily there to help us see, at sea it's the other way around. All boats must be properly lit for other vessels to see. And, a boat doesn't work like a car either, where we shine our headlights on the road ahead to see what's in front of us. At sea we rely on navigation, nautical charts, lighthouses and the captain's knowledge.

Basic boat lights include running lights, steaming lights and anchor lights. There are clearly defined and standardized rules for lighting a ship under sail at night . So the question of how to light a yacht at night has a very simple answer. Running lights, or side lights, show other vessels where your port and starboard sides are, with red indicating port and green starboard, and you must also have a white stern light on.

Lighting the yacht at night is very important because, unlike during the day, the helmsman cannot judge the distance and direction of other boats by sight. Running lights make the position and direction of the surrounding vessels visible, as well as their approximate distance, and helps to avoid possible collisions. Radar is also highly practical in this respect, as it shows the size and distance of the vessel.

However, when sailing there can be situations where the sails need to be lowered, and with that, the lighting also needs to be changed. If travelling under motor power , a steaming light (masthead light) must be turned on , which shines at the same angle as the side lights. When a sailboat is not under sail, it has to abide by the rules set out for power boats by COLREG (The International Rules for Preventing Collisions at Sea).

Lighting regulations when at anchor are again different. When at anchor at sea , only the anchor light should be on . According to the regulations this could be either a 360-degree white light atop the mast, or a light suspended from the boom, above the foredeck or on a furled genoa. If the boat is moored in port, the light is not normally used.

Navigation, GPS and maps

Nowadays, GPS and navigation aids integrated into the boat or that work as mobile apps are commonly used to determine the position of the boat. Modern technology is very accurate and reliable, but it is still worth understanding, reading and checking your position on paper nautical charts . After all, almost any skipper will tell you that their GPS or navigation system has at some point told them they were on land, even when tens or hundreds of metres from shore.

Thanks to nautical charts, you will not only know of possible danger spots, but also lighthouses , enabling you to easily and accurately determine your position with the help of a compass. Each lighthouse is different, being lit and flashing in a unique way. A nautical chart will tell you how to identify a lighthouse by the number of flashes, their frequency and the colour of the light. To determine your exact position, you’ll then need two lighthouses in sight that serve as reference points for each other.

YACHTING.COM TIP: Lighthouses are not only practical, but they are often buildings with impressive architecture that are well worth stopping off at. Take a look at 15 lighthouses you must visit .

Safety is paramount when sailing at night

Even during the day, there are clear rules regarding the movement of the crew on board. Basically, the crew should not stand unless they are engaged in manoeuvres. In all other cases, they should be sitting on benches, at the side of the boat when heeling, or in the cabin. Apart from the fact that a standing crew member could obstruct the helmsman's view, it also poses a greater risk of falling overboard . If you're interested in getting to know this subject in more detail, check out our article Sailing Etiquette A to Z .

At night, the rules are even stricter to ensure the crew remain as safe as possible and avoid damaging the yacht. If a crew member is on deck at night while sailing, they should wear a lifejacket and ideally be attached to the boat with a lifebelt or harness.

Except for really experienced seafarers, the rule of thumb is that there should be at least two people on board when sailing at night. And the captain should schedule shifts so that there are always two rested crew members on board. After all, you need to be doubly vigilant when sailing at night, and staying awake all night is certainly not conducive to alertness — especially when manoeuvring or entering port. For the same reasons alcohol is prohibited when night sailing. While during the day, crew members other than the helmsman can toast Neptune or have one glass of wine or beer, drinking alcohol is not permitted during a voyage at night. By all means celebrate a successful journey upon arrival in port at a local tavern, but it definitely pays to keep a clear head at sea.

Specifics of night sailing and boat handling

Steering and controlling the boat is not particularly different during the day and at night. There are just a few nuances to make sailing that bit smoother. If you're on a vessel you know well, that’s one thing, but if you're on a charter boat , it's worth marking the sheets and other lines so that you know your way around in the dark.

Sailing at night, it is also important to assess the weather conditions well. What you would normally do during the day can be significantly more challenging at night and requires a more careful assessment of weather conditions and weather patterns. It is always better to choose smaller sails and if you have even the slightest doubt about anything, postpone the trip.

When entering a harbour or sailing close to shore, be doubly cautious. There are several risk factors. During the day, the surrounding boats, the rocks and the potential hazards on the surface and below are visible. At night you have to rely on navigation, charts and lighting. When entering the harbour, charts and GPS can provide you many clues but lights can cause issues. For example, you might get dazzled by the light from the shore, the anchor lights of other boats are easily confused with the lights on land, and, last but not least, you may encounter poorly lit fishing boats. However, if you keep in mind all of these potential risks, you will arrive safely in the harbour.

The magic of night sailing

When compared to sailing during the day, night sailing places more demands on the captain's experience and knowledge of sailing regulations. But it is also a truly romantic experience. Millions of stars glistening in the night sky and the waves sparkling in the moonlight. If you're lucky, sailing out of the mist from land on a clear night with a near full moon, it will seem almost like daylight.

If you're serious about sailing and steering your boat, there are other benefits to night sailing. Navigating at night sharpens the senses and enhances the sailing experience as well as your experience of the sea itself. It truly gives a whole new meaning to sailing. But if all you want is to just enjoy yourself, night sailing is one of the most romantic experiences you can have. Check out our article on how to enjoy romance on board a yacht charter .

Are you new to the sea? We will recommend experienced captains who will take care of you on the ship. Give us a call.

Denisa Kliner Nguyenová

Faq how to manage a night sailing.

Educational

Sailing at night: common questions for beginners, is it possible to sail at night.

Absolutely. Sailing at night is not only possible but also a unique and exciting experience. With the right preparation and skilled crew, night sailing can be as safe and enjoyable as daytime sailing.

Is Sailing at Night Safe?

Safety is the primary concern for newcomers. We ensure all safety measures are in place, with well-trained crew adept in night navigation and emergency procedures. The sea at night is a different world, demanding respect and caution.

What to do at night when sailing?

Nighttime on a sailing vessel can be magical. Activities range from watchkeeping, navigating, and steering to enjoying the tranquillity of the sea, stargazing, and observing nocturnal wildlife.

How Do You Navigate in the Dark?

This is a key question. Alongside modern tools like GPS and radar, we emphasise the traditional, non-electronic methods. Over 100 years ago, the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) in London developed a system of lights to identify vessels, ships’ lights, and navigation marks, including lighthouses. This system allows sailors, even beginners, to understand what’s around them in the sea, using simple visual cues. We teach our guests to interpret these lights, connecting them to a century-old tradition of maritime navigation.

How do you sail in the dark?

Sailing in the dark involves a combination of using navigational tools, understanding maritime light systems, and relying on the heightened senses and experience of the crew. It’s a skill developed with practice and guidance. Lights are used on the deck and in the rigging when the sails need handling or changing.

How do big ships sail at night?

Larger ships use similar principles as smaller sailing vessels but with additional resources like advanced radar, more extensive crew for watchkeeping, and often more sophisticated weather tracking systems.

What About Sleep and Watchkeeping?

Managing sleep on overnight voyages is a common concern. We use a watch system to ensure there are always alert eyes on deck, balancing rest with responsibility. Learn about the Watches

What Can I See at Night?

The night sea offers a unique spectacle, from bioluminescent trails to starlit skies. Night watches are not just a duty but an opportunity to witness these marvels.

What Should I Wear?

Nighttime calls for practical, warm, and waterproof clothing. Safety gear like life jackets are worn if the skipper requires or you are more comfortable wearing them.

How Do You Deal with Sea Sickness at Night?

Sea sickness can be more challenging at night. We recommend preventative measures and have remedies on hand, advising guests to stay on deck and focus on the horizon or stars.

What If There’s Bad Weather?

We monitor forecasts meticulously and have contingency plans, teaching guests about reading weather patterns and respecting the sea’s moods.

Can I Participate in Night Sailing?

Participation is encouraged. Guests learn everything from steering to sail adjustment, under the guidance of experienced sailors.

What Wildlife Might We See?

Night time brings a different array of marine life, from nocturnal fish to dolphins in the ship’s wake, but it is more difficult to see. You might hear a whale breathing, or a flying fish may land unexpectedly at your feet.

How Different is Sailing at Night Compared to Daytime?

Night sailing feels more intimate and elemental. It’s about the stars, the sound of the water, and the feel of the wind, offering a unique and enriching experience.

Sailing at night is not just a journey across water, but a voyage into a world where traditional skills and modern knowledge meet. It’s an opportunity to connect with the sea in its most enigmatic form and to learn navigation skills that have guided sailors for centuries.

Oh and going off watch after watching a spectacular sunrise for a hearty well earned breakfast is a real treat that few get to experience, enjoy.

Trinovante - Enjoy a sunrise sailing with Classic Sailing

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Astrolabe Sailing

Sailing, yachts, adventure and sailing around the world, colregs, lights & sailing at night.

Despite learning all my lights and being a nerd with the Coastguard Boating Education flash cards, when you are at sea at night it is really hard to decipher navigation lights on other boats.

I think the main difficulty I have is knowing how close you are to the other boat. We don’t have radar on board, so only have our eyes to judge. Is it a huge ship far away or is it a small ship really close? Who knows! Either way, I have no idea how close we got to the fishing boat we passed on the way back from the Sounds in January.

Here is everything I need to refresh for the Ocean Yachtmaster course I am currently doing:

I can highly recommend this online course if you are wanting to brush up on your knowledge: https://sistershiptraining.com

COLREGS – are the international collision regulations at sea and they are designed to ensure that boats know who gives way to who.

These rules apply to everyone on the water – boats and even sea planes!

One of the most important rules in the COLREGs is that all vessels shall maintain a proper lookout at all times. This means that you need to use not just your eyes but your ears as well – and if you have other means such as AIS and Radar – then great use those as well. If boats don’t obey this rule then all the other rules are pretty much useless. You wouldn’t drive your car along the street without looking right?!

Another important rule is that boats need to operate at a safe speed so that you can take proper action to avoid a collision – this means you have to take in to account the visibility, traffic density, your vessels manoeuvrability and distance required to stop, the state of the weather and sea conditions, and the depth of the water.

So if you are keeping a good lookout and notice another boat heading in your direction, you need to next determine if a risk of collision exists. A good way of doing this is lining up the other boat with a fixture on your own vessel – like a stanchion for example. If the boat stays in line with that (the bearing remains the same) then there is a risk of a collision.

So the next step is to figure out what the other vessel is up to and then make a decision on who is going to give way to whom.

There are a few different ways of doing this – some will be obvious, and others require a bit more consideration. But you will need to take some action and it should be made in ample time and with consideration of good seamanship.

The give way boat can take action by slowing down, stopping or changing course and doing so in a manner that the other boat can see that you have done this and they can stand on.

So how do you identify what the other boat is up to and decide if you are going to give way or not? Lets start with some easy ones:

In Narrow Channels

Boats should keep to the right hand side of the channel – and pass port side to port side.

If you are a small vessel – yacht or powerboat, you should give away to all vessels who can only navigate in this channel.

So here in Lyttelton for example – we can sail all over the place, but the ships can only navigate down one strip of the harbour which is dredged. We must give way to them because they are “constrained by their draft”.

If you get in their way – they will give you five short blasts on their horn which basically means “Get out of my way!!!!”. ( Trust me this is not fun …)

People who are under way tend to give way to boats which are anchored. (see this is all common sense people!!)

If you are at anchor – you must show an all round white light. Or during the day – a black ball suspended at the bow. If the vessel is over 50m, then they show two all round white lights – one at the front and one at the stern. If the vessel is over 100m in length then they must also show other lights to illuminate the decks.

Boats less than 7m and not going faster than 7 kts

If you are a fast manoeuvrable boat, and not restricted in the way – then you should give way to smaller boats

At night they also only need to show an all round white light, or if you are in a dinghy you can use a torch. Basically just try not to run these slow little guys over, and likewise, if you are small and slow you might not want to be navigating through busy shipping lanes at night if people are unlikely to be able to see you. (just sayin’!!)

Boats Navigating at Night – Port, Starboard & Stern Lights

These are shown when a vessel is under way (i.e. not at anchor) and help you to identify which direction a vessel is travelling. If you can see both the red and green at the same time, then it means they are heading straight for you!

If you can only see a white light then it could either be a vessel at anchor, a slow vessel travelling at less than 7kts or a vessel travelling away from you – its stern light.

Yachts or if you are from America – Sailing Boats

Yachts under 20m, when sailing must show a port, starboard and stern light and they can be combined in a tri-coloured mast head light.

If the yacht is motoring then it also needs to show a seperate stern light and a masthead white light.

If the motor is on – then you are considered to be a power driven vessel and those rules apply – see below.

Yachts – when they are sailing, have right of way over power boats – including ships when you are out at sea. When yachts are on starboard tack, they have right of way over yachts on port tack. And leeward boats have right of way over the windward boat when they are both on the same tack. (I won’t go in to heaps of detail on this but its worth doing some more research on this if you are planning on sailing in the vicinity of any other yachts)

Power Boats

Powerboats over 12 metres in length must show the port and starboard lights, a stern light and a mast head light – which should be 1 metre higher than the sidelights.

If the powerboat is less than 12 metres then it can combine its stern and masthead light in to one all round white light.

Power boats give way to other boats approaching on their right hand side.

Note that in the picture above, say the white boat doesn’t look like it is going to give way and the stand on vessel decides to take action themselves – they should turn to starboard – if they went to port and the other guy decided to finally show that he was giving way then you could cause another crash.

Towing Light

If you are towing another vessel, you display a yellow light instead of a stern light. This means that you have right of way over most boats. When you are towing you a restricted in your ability to manoeuvre, but you still give way to anyone who is anchored, aground, and constrained by their draft.

Under Way & Making Way

Under way, means that a vessel is not anchored, docked or secured. Making way means that it is actually moving through the water/over the ground.

Vessels Not Under Command

These are vessels which are unable to manoeuvre and keep out of the way of anyone else. Perhaps they have lost all power to their engines or broken their rudder or something like that.

They show two in line all round red lights or two red balls during the day. If they are actually making way through the water then they must show port, starboard and stern lights too.

I remember this by thinking of two red stop lights – i.e “Stop stop these guys are not under command”

Now this is where it gets a bit more complicated…!

545_NAVIGATION_LIGHTS_international_rules_002

Vessels Over 50m in length

Must show two white mast head lights (facing forward) and one white stern light. The front light should be lower than the main masthead light. They also show port & starboard lights.

Vessels Aground

Obviously if a vessel is aground then it isn’t going to be able to give way to anyone else! These guys show two all round red lights over one white.

Vessels Restricted in their Ability to Manoeuvre

These vessels are restricted in their ability to move because of the nature of the work they are undertaking – so they might be dredging, towing, launching aircraft or something like that.

They show three lights all in line red, white red or a ball, diamond, ball during the day.

If they are fishing or dredging, and this might be a hazard to other ships, then they will display two green lights or two diamonds on the safe side, and two red lights or two red balls on the side with the obstruction.

Basically everyone except vessels not under command or aground, must give way.

Not sure how I remember this one but I seem to be able to!

Vessels Constrained by their Draught

These are big ships who are restricted to the channel, and can not deviate or they will run aground. They give way to vessels not under command and vessels restricted in their ability to maneuver, but everyone else gives way to them.

They show three all round red lights in a line or a cylinder during the day.

Pilot Vessel

Shows a white over red light.

I remember this one with the rhyme “White over red, the pilot is out of bed”

Vessel Fishing

A vessel fishing usually shows a red over white light or two triangles facing point to point (wine glass shape)

I remember this one with the rhyme “Red over white, fishing at night”

However they can also show a green over white light if they are trawling. If they have a single triangle out to one side, or a single all round white light, then this indicates that there is fishing gear extending out that side for 150m.

Vessels Towing

If the length of tow is less than 200m the towing vessel shows two all round white lights or a diamond shape and a yellow stern light. The vessel being towed shows their normal lights.

If the length of tow exceeds 200m, then they display three all round white lights.

Other Rules of the Road

In Harbours

Smaller boats should give way to any ships over 50m in length.

In Narrow Channels or meeting head on.

Vessels should stick to the starboard side of the channel, alter course to starboard and pass port to port.

When Overtaking

The overtaking vessel gives way to the stand on vessel being overtaken. The stand on vessel can pass either side, but should make their intentions clear. The stand on vessel should maintain their course, and avoid speeding up to race the passing vessel or swerving over in front of them to stop them from being able to overtake… 😉

You know you are the overtaking vessel if you can see the other vessel’s stern light. If you can’t see that then you are a crossing vessel and the ‘give way to your right’ rule applies.

If you are overtaking and want to let the other vessel know what you are doing – you sound two long blasts followed by two short blasts. This means I am going to overtake you on your port side.

The stand-on boat being overtaken and sound a reply with one long one short one long and one short and moves over to the right.

Sailing Vessels

Power boats should give way to yachts.

We have got heaps of crazy yacht rules, but basically those on port tack, give way to those on starboard, and windward boat gives way to the leward boat. Alternatively in a race whoever yells the loudest and has the biggest balls usually gets their own way.

Power Vessels Crossing

You must give way to a vessel on your starboard/right hand side. If the vessel to your left does not appear to be giving way to you, then you should turn to starboard, because if you turn to port (or towards them) and they finally figure out what they are doing and try to pass astern, then you could crash.

Honestly, you would not believe the number of people who have boats and have absolutely NO IDEA what any of these rules are. Arraggh!

Confused? Here is a bit of a summary. Anything listed above your kind of vessel you give way to – anything below gives way to you.

Vessels Not Under Command. (So thats someone who has lost their engine or steering and can’t control where they are going. You’ll also want to give way to all vessels who are at anchor and aground…)
Vessels Restricted in their Ability to Manoeuvre RAM (Towing someone, big ships in narrow channels, laying submarine cables, etc)
Vessels Constrained by their Draft (big boats restricted to the shipping channel)
Vessels engaged in fishing (no that does not include you if you’ve got your rod over the side – but big fishing boats with gear extended)
Sailing Vessels – while actually sailing – give way to boats on starboard tack and boats on the same tack to leeward.
Power Driven Vessels – anything motoring along gives way to anything approaching on their right hand side

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15 thoughts on “ COLREGS, Lights & Sailing at Night ”

The day signal to show you are on anchor is one we found not many knew – they’d ask us if we kept our lunch in the ball! 🙂

Like Liked by 1 person

Would be a handy place to keep it! Is it actually a ball or a flat circular shape? Did you hoist it up the genoa halyard or where?

Great post! Lot of lighting stuff i didn’t know!! Very informative. Thank you 🙂

I also heard stories of people calling “Starbard” and the response is “14 tonne!!!” (Or more) …… 😉

Very cool post, thank you for sharing. It is fun comparing these regs to the regs here in the US. For the most part they are the same however here each State has slightly different rules regarding small boats.

Good to know!

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Constrained by draught over RAM.

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My understanding of colregs was that no vessel ever has “right of way” vessels are either “stand on” or give way. The stand on vessel does not have a right of way but an obligation to hold course and speed to enable the give way vessel to manoeuvre that craft to avoid collision.

Further should the stand on vessel become concerned about collision they are obliged to take avoiding clear manoeuvres at an appropriate time or not a last second manoeuvring risk laden turn off speed change.

Long story short “I had right of way” won’t wash in maritime court.

Yes good point. Everyone has a responsibility to avoid a collision 🙂

The USCG says You’re a Power Boat Whether You Like It or Not

Much to the consternation of many a sailor who has earned a commercial license to drive their sailboat, when you received your credential from the USCG it says you are a master of steam and power across the top with no mention of wind as a source of propulsion.

It is not until you read the back pages of your little red book that feels like a passport and looks like a US Sailing credential, that you will see the term “sail auxiliary”. That is because most of the time the U.S. Coast Guard knows that you are primarily reliant on your mechanical power to propel your vessel.

It's a sad thing, but the days of commercially viable sail boats are done and all but the most select few even have sails let alone use them as their primary power source. All sail boats by law are powerboats, but not all powerboats are sailboats.

Navigation Lights for a Power Boat

As a power boat, you are required to show certain lights and have been required to do so before power was even invented.

In the days of man powered vessels like the viking ships who relied on oars while in close quarters to power their vessels, they needed to show other boats, friend or foe, where they were by showing lanterns in the dark to identify themselves. As you know, it is a time honored rule among all the nations of the world both past and present, that you must avoid a collision at all costs while at sea and even the viking knew that you should not run into things.

By lighting the front and back of your boat, you could warn other boats of your presence as well as identify which way you were heading. As such there is a very specific rule in the Code of Federal Regulations Number 46 (CFR46 by common name) that spells out with detail how many, the color, the luminosity or brightness, the angle of visibility and the location of all of the lights required for navigation on every single boat, seaplane, submarine and other nondescript vessel conceived by man to date that they must show while underway in reduced visibility.

And there is no flexibility in the rules.

As such a power boat, and by extension all sailboats, MUST, without question show one green light on the starboard bow and one red light on the port bow and one all around white light or lights while operating in reduced visibility. These lights should shine at all 360 degrees of visibility with the bow lights shining at an angle of dead ahead to 22.5 degrees abaft the beam and the stern lights shining 225 degrees dead aft. A forward facing masthead light that is white in color shall shine forward to comply with the directive that all vessels must carry an all around white light. For more read here .

As you can see, there isn’t much wiggle room when it comes to lights that must be shown.

Sailboats get a little flexibility with lights

Sailboats however, are a little different when they are in fact sailboats, which is only when you are entirely reliant on the wind for power and in no way reliant on any mechanical or manual means of propulsion. And for good reason.

Back in the day when men were men and sailboats were wooden, fire was a major concern. Sails were coated with wax and other flammable substances and the wood on boats was saturated with oils and grease. Even the ropes were plant materials saturated with oils to keep them pliable and strong.

Add those highly flammable substances to a parching environment like the sea and you had what was essentially a giant floating tinderbox.

Then tell that giant floating tinderbox that they need to identify themselves to the world at large at night using oil lamps with flames because batteries and lights were not invented yet. It didn't take very long or very many ships burning to the water line for the Governments to say to the sailboats, you get to do things a little different.

As such, sailboats are given special dispensation when it comes to lights aloft. They don't have to show an all around white light in their rigging because no one wanted to set their rig on fire with oil lamps 60 feet up in their rig.

However, when a sailboat takes their sails down such as when they are powered or at anchor, they must resume the display of an all around white light or lights aloft. That became a real challenge with aluminum masts and the disappearance of rat lines on the shrouds because there was no easy way to climb the rig and check the bulbs up the mast on a regular basis.

Red over Green Sailing Machine

I have no idea where the history of this particular light comes from, but if you ever take a deck exam with the USCG, you better remember this mnemonic. An all around red light over an all around green may be displayed on a vessel during times of reduced visibility to indicate that a vessel is operating under sail power alone.

I won’t even speculate on how or why they came up with this particular light configuration, but if you want to use these lights as a sailing vessel, you can do so, but that means that you will need three all round lights at the top of your mast, an all around white, an all around red and an all around green, just in that order.

The red over green is to be displayed in addition to the running lights or the red and green bow lights with the 225 degree stern light. As always, when the motor comes on, so does the steaming light or the forward facing white light that is also usually about ¾ of the way up on your mast to complete the requirement of an all around white light that indicates a power vessel.

What is a “steaming light” and why are you mentioning it now?

Most sailboat electrical panels will have a switch that is labelled “steaming light” and it will only come on when your anchor light is off. This is probably the most confusing part of sailboat navigation lights so if you are confused about this, you're in good company as most people are.

A “steaming” light is named thusly, going back to the days of steam powered sailboats where when they fired up their boilers and doused the sails, they became a power boat once again. There aren’t too many steam powered boats, let alone steam powered sailboats, but the name stuck and it is a vestige of a bygone era.

Either way, when you fire up your motor, you turn on your “steaming light” and that locks out the all around white light which is used for anchoring to minimize the number of switches on your panel and reduce the number of wires in your mast. The fewer wires, the less chance of something not working or becoming disconnected.

The steaming light and the anchor light both go up the mast, but you can’t use an all around white light while using the 225 degree stern light at the deck level because to other boaters you would look like you have two white lights from the stern and that would be confusing.

The anchor light is used exclusively for anchoring while the steaming light is used to indicate you are a power vessel while underway.

As to why I am mentioning it now in the article, is because this would have blown your mind if I started with this subject cause it can be really confusing stuff.

Aspect Recognition with Lights

Remember when I said earlier that lights can help you tell others which way you are heading as well as tell you which way other boats are heading? That is called the aspect of the vessel and the USCG tests you on this for your deck exam as well.

Knowing that the bow lights go 22.5 degrees abaft the beam on both sides or 112.5 degrees on each side, and the stern light faces 225 degrees aft for a total of 360 degrees of visibility, you can tell a lot about where a boat is heading and who has the right of way.

One thing that's easy to remember is red means stop and if you see a vessel's red light, it means stop as you are the give way vessel and approaching the other vessel from his port side. Conversely it works with green as well as that means you are approaching from the other vessel's starboard side and you are the standon vessel.

If you see a red and green light equally low on the horizon, that means your heading dead on into another vessel's path and conversely if all you see is a white light low on the horizon, it means you are overtaking another vessel power or sail, we don’t care because it is an overtaking situation. However, any time you do see a white light aloft in addition to the red and green bow lights, you know you are encountering a power boat.

Then there are angular approaches as well, where you see white and red or white and green light low on the horizon. You know in that case you are seeing a portion of the bow lights and stern lights from the side approaches of a vessel. Based on which direction those lights are heading, you can deduce which way that boat is going in relation to your boat.

So put it all together and you see a green light and a white light low on the horizon with a red over green light aloft, you know that you are approaching a sailboat that is traveling to your port and that might make you the standon vessel. That is of course, if we didn’t concern ourselves with windward and leeward and port tacks and starboard tacks, but that is a discussion for another article. So stay tuned when we talk about sailing rules and the right of way. But for now, do good, have fun and sail far.

Capt Chris German

Capt Chris German is a life long sailor and licensed captain who has taught thousands to sail over the last 20 years. In 2007, he founded a US Sailing-based community sailing school in Bridgeport, CT for inner city youth and families. When Hurricane Sandy forced him to abandon those efforts, he moved to North Carolina where he set out to share this love for broadcasting and sailing with a growing web-based television audience through The Charted Life Television Network.

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Sailing at Night: Top Tips

30th jan 2018 by samantha wilson.

If you’ve never sailed at night then you’re really missing out on one of the most magical and soulful sailing boat experiences possible . The stillness of a star-lit sea on a cloudless night can be a contemplative adventure that distills the very essence of pure sailing.

However, it does raise challenges. How well do you know your yacht’s layout in the dark? How do you anticipate the squalls and gusts if you can’t see them?

In this guide, we’ll look at a few hints and tips to help make your night sailing experience safe and secure .

Night Vision while Sailing

If you’ve been wearing sunglasses all day, allow up to 40 minutes for your eyes to adjust to the dark . Night vision relies on rod cells in the eyes. They can take 20-40 minutes to adapt to darkness.
Ensure your navigation screens are dimmed and turn off any unnecessary light-emitting electronics .
Use a red bulb in your flashlight if possible. If you’re using a white bulb then avoid shining the light directly at the rig, as the reflected light will destroy your night vision.

Food and Clothing while Sailing at Night

Don’t forget that no matter where you are sailing, it always gets cooler at night to ensure that you wear adequate warm and dry clothing.
Store hot drinks and food within easy reach of the cockpit.

Safety Equipment while Sailing at Night

Ensure all crew members wear a lifejacket and harness whenever they are on deck at night. Make sure everyone is aware of the clip-on points and jackstays. Even if you are sleeping in the cockpit, don’t go forward without someone else clipped on and awake in the cockpit.
Review your man overboard procedures and ensure the light is attached to the horseshoe/DAN buoy. Check before you commence the voyage.
Any crew member on watch should be equipped with a red bulb flashlight, a knife, and a personal EPIRB/AIS locator.
Ensure that all gear is carefully stowed away. Set up lee cloths and check that all seacocks that need to be closed are closed.
Test any communication equipment before leaving.

Night Watch while Sailing at Night

Set up a clear watch schedule to ensure all crew members have adequate rest and breaks. If there are only three people on board, a three hours on-six off watch system will ensure all crew has adequate rest time whereas a four-man crew could operate on two hours on four hours off system. Brief your crew thoroughly to ensure that everyone knows and understands the watch system and what your expectations are.
Make all crew members aware that they could be called onto the deck at anytime.
Never post an inexperienced crew member on watch alone. Pair them up with a more experienced member of the crew.
The retiring crew should give the new watch a briefing on sea and weather conditions, hazards or traffic in the area, and any relevant information as to the state of the boat. Remember the crew member taking over the watch may have only just woken up. Ensure they are awake enough to carry out the watch- your life is in their hands!
Rest. Don’t be tempted to stay up all night star-gazing on deck. Even if you don’t sleep, rest in your berth to ensure you are fresh and awake for when it’s your turn on watch. Set an alarm for about 15 minutes before your watch period is due to begin and get some food and drink.
Be considerate to your off-watch crew. Tether deck hooks and rattling pans in the galley; sound travels farther on a still night. If you’re running a generator, consider timing it to be split over two shorter watches rather than over one long watch. Alternatively, charge batteries in the afternoon and watch your power consumption so you don’t need to use the generator at night.
Don’t get lost in a book whilst on watch. Keep your head on a swivel and simply enjoy the experience of steering the boat and the sights and sounds of the night. Scan the horizon every 10 to 20 minutes. Check the radar and AIS and make proper log entries.

Seamanship at Night

It’s a good idea to make your first night sail in familiar waters with a full moon to aid visibility.
Under Rule 25 of the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea , a sailing vessel must exhibit both red and green sidelights and a white sternlight. The craft under 20 metres can combine the prescribed lights with a tricolour lantern near the top of the mast.
Rule 23 states that a sailing vessel under power must exhibit sidelights, a sternlight, and a white masthead/steaming light forward. Make sure your ensign isn’t draped over the stern light. Test all lights before leaving and make sure you carry spares for all lights.
Identify any navigation marks that have light characteristics using your charts. For quick reference, make a note on your passage plan the sequence of expected lights. Work out a clear bearing from the navigation lights and make a note on your passage plan to avoid hazards. Plot a series of GPS waypoints and use the “navigate” function to follow a reference guideline.
Although it is easier to see other vessels at night, it is also easy to confuse the distances involved. Assess a vessel’s intentions by keeping a good watch and adjust your path accordingly. Keep a close eye on your radar and AIS but don’t rely on them solely. Fishing boats tend to have unpredictable movements and lights so be vigilant when on watch.
Don’t run at 100% . Most skippers operate at 80% capability at night. This will help minimise any disruptions and will ensure a comfortable ride.
Base any sail adjustments to be made by each watch on your crew’s experience.

Written By: Samantha Wilson

Samantha Wilson has spent her entire life on and around boats, from tiny sailing dinghies all the way up to superyachts. She writes for many boating and yachting publications, top charter agencies, and some of the largest travel businesses in the industry, combining her knowledge and passion of boating, travel and writing to create topical, useful and engaging content.

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Sailing at Night: Can You See in the Dark?

By Teresa Carey
Updated: October 16, 2014

The sun is just about to touch the horizon and you’ve spent the last hour setting up extra safety precautions for night sailing. You’ve connected a strobe light to your MOB ring. Every crew member on deck is wearing a harness and PFD with a light and whistle. And you’re showing the proper navigation lights to comply with the rules of the road. Every chart you’ll need this evening has been pulled from the locker, your course is plotted and lights you’ll see along the way have been listed. With your hand bearing compass and parallel rules, now you’re prepared to navigate — but under the dark cloak of night, how will you see?

At night, when visibility is compromised, sailors rely on all their senses to understand where they are and how the boat is moving. While we tune in our ears to listen for bells, breaking waves and horns, we sometimes forget that with an understanding of our vision and how it works at night, we can use techniques to help us adapt to the dark and see more than we thought possible.

Developing Night Vision When we step outside our door at night and gaze up at the sky, we first notice the brightest stars, but as our eyes adjust, we can see more of them. The typical person needs 12 to 40 minutes for their eyes to adapt and fully employ night vision. There are a few things you can do to decrease that time and maintain good vision throughout the night.

Preparing your eyes for night begins hours before the sun even touches the horizon. During the brightest part of the day, your eyes are overwhelmed with light. Start preparing early by wearing sunglasses and a sun hat all day. This will ease the transition into night and also protect your eyes from getting sunburned.

Exposure to light at night will interrupt your vision and require more time to readapt. Bright navigation instruments can be more than a nuisance for anyone serious about maintaining night vision. Be aware that frequent use of a chart plotter with a lit screen at night will impair your night vision, even on the dimmest setting. To best maintain night vision, first dim the lights on navigation instruments. Then turn off all the nonessential instruments. You can turn them on again in an urgent situation and they will already be programmed to a dim-light setting.

Your eyes adopt their night vision more quickly after exposure to red light instead of yellow or white. Use flashlights that have red bulbs in them. When you are using a spotlight to see shapes on the water, extend your arm outboard to prevent light shining on the boat or rig from reflecting back into your eyes.

Using Your Peripheral Vision Knowledge of ships’ light patterns is essential during night travel. Still, a lot remains unlit and hard to find and identify. Take this scenario as an example: Off the starboard quarter, you notice a dark form. But when you stop scanning and look back in its general direction, you can no longer see it. It’s as if it was there and disappeared, and your eyes are playing tricks on you. This is a common mistake resulting from being unfamiliar with scanning techniques that utilize the features of your eyes.

When light enters the eye it passes through the cornea to the retina. The retina has cone cells at the center, surrounded by rod cells. Rods function in low light because they are much more sensitive to light than cones. Because of the rods’ location, they are also used for peripheral vision. Therefore, oddly enough, your peripheral vision is better suited for finding forms on the horizon at night. Train yourself to mentally focus a few degrees on the periphery while still looking ahead. It seems odd not to look directly at what you want to see, but with practice this technique becomes second nature.

Scanning the Horizon at Night Without full understanding of the limitations of our eyes, scanning the horizon effectively can be impeded. Eyes have a difficult time focusing on objects when you’re in motion. Even though we often scan the horizon in a sweeping motion, it’s better to scan slower and stop at regular intervals along the way. Your eyes must move from point to point, stopping each time to focus.

Central vision is what we use to focus on reading, driving a car or seeing things directly in front of us. It only encompasses 3 to 15 degrees of the field of view, and is surrounded by the peripheral vision. For a thorough scan of the horizon, pause every 5 to 10 degrees so you don’t miss anything due to your narrow field of view.

One way to measure degrees is to use your body as a measuring tool. Raise your fist in front of you with an outstretched arm. The width of your fist is about 10 degrees. You can verify this by resting your vertical fist on the horizon and stacking one fist over another, hand over hand, counting each time. When you reach nine fists tall, theoretically it is 90 degrees, and you should be looking at a 90-degree angle from the horizon, or at your zenith.

Recognizing and Reducing Eye Fatigue Standing night watches is a tiring job, and fatigue will affect your ability to spot objects in the dark. Your eyes work best when looking straight ahead. While scanning, keep your eyes fixed ahead and rotate your head instead. This will reduce fatigue. It will also provide the clearest view. Even if you don’t notice it, your nose blocks some of your vision when you look to the sides by turning your eyes instead of your head.

Have you ever noticed colorful blobs that start to dance through your vision if you stare at one place long enough? This is a sign of tired eyes. Keep moving your eyes regularly through your scanning pattern. Your eyes are working much harder when they’re stationary for long periods. They also strain when they’re trying to see things that are far away. One way to rest your eyes as you systematically scan the horizon is to stop occasionally and focus on a close object in the boat.

When you’re standing watch at night, the things you’re looking for are small and hard to see. A dim blinking light, a dark spot in the sky or a gray form in the distance could inform you of shoals, approaching storms or even land. As prudent sailors, we do everything we can to ensure we are prepared for any situation. All too often, eye care, scanning techniques and maintaining night vision are subjects that get pushed to the bottom of our list and designated as low priority. However, because of the inherent challenges that nightfall brings, it becomes even more important to prepare properly. Understanding the abilities and limitations of your eyes at night, and developing techniques that will help maximize what you can see, could be the difference between avoiding a dangerous situation or sailing straight into it.

Quick Guide to Night Vision

Wear sunglasses and sun hat during the day.
Use red light bulbs in flashlights and cabin lights at night.
Dim screens on navigation instruments and turn off unnecessary electronics.
Allow up to 40 minutes for your eyes to adapt to night vision before setting sail in the dark.
Practice making conscious use of your peripheral vision.
Allow a moment for your eyes to focus by scanning slowly and stopping every 5 to 10 degrees along the way.
While scanning, keep your eyes facing forward and rotate your head instead.
Keep moving your eyes regularly through your scanning pattern.
Stop scanning occasionally to rest your eyes by focusing on a close object in the boat.
Practice using techniques for scanning and maintain night vision every time you go outside at night.

This article first appeared in the July 2014 issue of Cruising World. Teresa Carey and her husband, Ben Eriksen, offer sail-training expeditions aboard their Norseman 447. For more information or to read other articles by Teresa, visit her website .

instruments are set to dim or red lighting

More: How To , safe boating , safety at sea , seamanship
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Top tips for sailing at night

When most boats have moored up for the night clive loughlin ventures out into a different world.

There is something rather magical about sailing at night, and I love it.

In many ways very little changes – the chart plotter, depth sounder, log, AIS and radar still work just as they do in daytime, and yet somehow everything is different.

Although you can sail at night with your eyes glued to an electronic screen, it is much more fun (and safer) to supplement technology with traditional techniques, and I hope the following will help you brave the dark.

Not to be undertaken lightly

Probably the single most significant safety measure is to make sure that your eyes have adapted to night vision before you set off (see box).

Most saloon and cabin lights are far too bright to be left on at night, and yet it is important to be able to pop down below without stumbling around. I like to use a bicycle rear light, or other torch switched to red mode, and reflecting off the saloon coachroof to provide a dim bordello-like atmosphere.

Switch on compass and instrument backlights and dim chart plotter displays to their lowest setting. They may look too dim at first but they will soon seem brighter as your night vision kicks in.

Dressing for the occasion

It gets cold at night so you must wrap up warm, and a woolly hat and gloves are essential.

Over the years I have spent a fortune on ‘sailing’ gloves and been disappointed. I now use industrial gloves designed for people working in refrigerated warehouses. These give me the dexterity I need, and are warm and very low cost.

A man overboard is really really bad news in daylight, but in the dark it is a literal nightmare. So always wear a lifejacket and clip on.

The eyes have it

The sensitivity of our eyes increases the longer they are in the dark and it typically takes 30-45 minutes for maximum sensitivity to be acquired, and the improvement is dramatic. Unfortunately it can be lost in a few seconds of exposure to bright lights.

Eyes have cones that are used for colour vision in daylight, and more sensitive rods that come into their own at night. The rods are not sensitive to red light and this means that if you switch to red illumination (or red ‘Steampunk’ goggles) your eyes can continue to adapt while you move around the boat.

Each eye adapts separately and pirates used to wear an eye patch so that one eye was always adapted to darkness. This enabled them to move easily between the bright Caribbean sunlight and the vestigial gloom below decks.

The bad news for those of pensionable age is that your eyes will only be about a third as sensitive to low light as in your youth. Binoculars will boost illumination by about fifty times and go a long way to redressing the balance; but it still pays to have your youngest crew on lookout.

Paper charts still reign supreme in a number of areas and one of these is the display of lights, and in particular the sectored lights that are so crucial for our safe arrival into harbour.

I simply cannot get on with having a red light at the chart table. The same goes for chart plotter ‘night modes’ where the colour palette is changed to something gothic. I much prefer a very dim white light so I can view charts as nature intended.

A cunning plan

A pilotage plan on a whiteboard in the cockpit is handy for the navigator and crew to refer to and saves countless trips to the chart table. I like to use a book light clipped to the whiteboard. A standard book light is far too bright, but can be made useable with a few layers of primary red nail varnish or a wrap or two of masking tape.

A pilotage plan wants to be the simplest you can come up with that will safely do the job; and with a few backup strategies in case the main one doesn’t work out for any reason.

Don’t assume that a navigation mark is lit, as most, including some cardinal marks, are not.

Yellow buoys (seasonal special marks) may not be there at all, but you are generally pretty safe to assume that port and starboard lateral marks, cardinals, sectored lights and lighthouses are all present and correct.

As with daytime pilotage, you cannot beat a forward or back transit for keeping you on track.

Around harbours most lit navigational buoys will have a visible range of 2-5nm, while main channel markers and important cardinals will have a 5-10nm range and lighthouses can be visible at 25nm.

Cautious sail plan

Moving around on deck should be avoided whenever possible and so it makes sense to only have out sails that are well within the conditions at the time.

In busy areas I also like to have quite a bit of the headsail rolled away as this improves visibility looking forward.

Light spotting

Towards shore the horizon will likely be a confusion of lights and it can be very difficult to spot the one you are after. One trick is to work out the bearing that the light is meant to be on and get the boat heading in that direction. Then the crew can restrict their searching to just 10 degrees either side of the bow, and this narrows the field considerably.

The biggest danger comes from deciding that a light is the one you are looking for simply because you want it to be. The green light you are actually looking for may be as yet too dim to be seen, but a bright alternative on ‘more or less’ the correct bearing must surely be it?

Judging distance can be very tricky as well. Is that a bright light a long way off or a dim one much closer?

Lights can also come up on you in a bit of a rush. On numerous occasions I have been heading for a mark for half-an-hour or so with it seemingly never getting any closer and then suddenly it is 50m off the bow and evasive action is called for. Ships are even worse.

Look behind you

My crew is often surprised by just how few lights are provided in anchorages and rivers. If there is nothing ahead to guide you then full use must be made of back bearings.

For example, the very popular anchorage in Newtown River on the Isle of Wight has no lights at all within, but it does have the smallest lit west cardinal known to man just a few cables out from the entrance.

Fishing pots have been in the news a lot recently with the Cruising Association campaigning for them to be made easier to spot. Whatever happens in the future it is likely that they will always be difficult to see at night, and the crew need to be on their guard and looking ahead on both sides of the hull, especially if under engine.

Silhouettes

Although shore lights can be a distraction for most nocturnal navigation, if you happen to be looking for an unlit buoy or mark (a popular task for Yachtmaster candidates), plan the approach so that the mark is between you and the lights ashore.

A good torch

For close-quarters maneuvering you simply cannot beat having a trusty crew on the foredeck armed with a powerful narrow-beamed torch. They need to be careful never to shine the torch on the deck or headsail, as this will blind everyone on board, but they can quickly earn their rum ration by scanning the torch around to highlight any obstacles that threaten the boat’s safe passage.

One of my first outings as an instructor included a night time pilotage up the river Beaulieu in January. This is a sparsely lit passage at the best of times, but on this occasion there was no Moon and the few navigation lights had been removed for winter maintenance. My fledgling career was saved by the rapid deployment of a ridiculously powerful torch that was able to pick out the red and green reflective marks on the piles in sufficient time before we ploughed into them.

I would be remiss if I did not caution against head torches. They are fine for the person wearing them but are a menace to everyone else.

Thanks to: Trusty crew Tracy, Vivien, Paul, Alexandre and Davide.

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Night sailing tips for first timers

Toby Heppell
September 4, 2020

Cruising after dark doesn't need to be stressful. Toby Heppell shares his tops tips for night sailing

Sailing at night can be a magical experience. Credit: Paul Wyeth

Do you find night sailing stressful? It needn’t be if you follow a few basic rules and plan ahead.

Stay on deck while night sailing

As always with pilotage, the right place to be is on deck, not least to avoid uncharted objects such as other craft, mooring buoys and fishing pot markers.

Most pilotage errors occur at night rather than in the day so a thorough pilotage plan is essential.

Even with a navigation station filled with electronic aids it is still possible to become disorientated while trying to reconcile the view on deck with that on the chart.

Where possible, the right place to be is on deck. Credit: Paul Wyeth

You need a pilotage plan.

The most important principle is this: if you know the position of the yacht and you are armed with a chart (electronic or paper) and a compass, you know the range and bearing to the next mark.

This means that when you reach a known position, such as a navigation buoy, you know where to head to find the next one.

Simple, except that a surprising number of navigators waste time scanning the lights ahead with no plan to find the one they want.

Fishing pots

Unpredictable and unlit, these are the biggest danger at night.

Avoiding them is largely a matter of common sense.

Sometimes they are laid in deep water, but mostly they lurk in less than 50m.

Fishing pots, hard enough to spot in the daylight, become all but invisible at night

Avoid shallows if you can, especially near fishing harbours, and inside passages around headlands, even if you are confident of your position thanks to radar and plotter.

Even if you know where you are, there’s still the same risk of the engine stopping with a crunch, or finding yourself moored by the rudder or prop in a strong tide.

Light pollution

Light pollution is a well-known source of navigation stress, particularly when looking to enter an unfamiliar harbour after dark.

If it has been a while since you have done this, it is well worth returning to your own harbour after dark and noting the different complexion the various landmarks take on when not visible to the naked eye.

A large, unlit buoy may be sited just in front of a particularly well-lit hotel rendering it difficult to spot.

Another feature of light pollution (but of sailing at night more generally too) is the reduction in our ability to judge distances.

This is particularly acute when coming into harbour.

A navigation buoy’s light may well get lost in the background of a sea of lights when, during the day it would be clear and obvious the nav buoy was some way offshore.

Night vision

The sensitivity of our eyes increases the longer they are in the dark and it can take many minutes for maximum sensitivity to be acquired, and the improvement is dramatic.

Unfortunately it can be lost in a few seconds of exposure to bright lights.

Eyes have cones that are used for colour vision in daylight, and more sensitive rods that come into their own at night.

The rods are not sensitive to red light and this means that if you switch to red illumination your eyes can continue to adapt while you move around the boat.

The bad news for those of pensionable age is that your eyes will only be about a third as sensitive to low light as in your youth.

Is red light at night always best?

Binoculars will boost illumination by about 50 times and go a long way to redressing the balance.

However, it still pays to have your youngest crew on lookout.

It is worth noting too, that in this high-tech age, our cockpits are often filled with screens all giving off light.

Most of these screens can be dimmed or put into night mode, but sailing in the dark can be such a calm experience that the harsh light of screens can detract.

Keep your electronics on and functioning and use as appropriate.

If they are on and lit up in the cockpit they tend to draw the eye and can have the effect of making you less aware of that which is going on around you.

Poorly lit craft

Inshore, yachts can be hard to spot.

Coming into places like Southampton, Portsmouth or any other significant port with strong background lighting and a tight channel for leisure craft you are likely to be up against a significant confusion of lights.

Yachts are especially awkward if they opt for a tricolour at the masthead instead of proper running lights in close quarters.

You are looking ahead for trouble, not up in the sky!

Tricolours are great on passage though, increasing the likelihood of being spotted and minimising power drain – remember, do not use your tricolour when under power.

Fishing boats’ navigation lights are often made hard to see thanks to a bright deck light to enable the crew to work on deck.

Many larger ships are well lit up at night making them easier to spot. Credit: Colin Work

Watch them closely and expect erratic course changes.

Try to give them plenty of space to stay safe.

Around the UK other than the decklights making it hard to discern their heading from a distance, fishing craft should not cause too much worry.

But, you will want to avoid ending up astern of them in case they are trawling, so do take plenty of time to discern their direction of travel.

In some parts of the world fishing craft of various sizes do sometimes operate without proper lighting, so if you are entering a busy seaport always take it slowly.

Cruise ships and ferries are invariably lit up like Christmas trees.

It can be hard to pick out the red and green amongst the plethora of other lights onboard, so take time to work out what they’re up to and consult AIS if you have it.

Given their size, if you are close to shore even without seeing their nav lights it is usually fairly easy to make a decent guess at their bearing relative to you by glancing at your chart to get a sense of the main nav channels.

Safety on deck while night sailing

For the most part you will have your own rules about when lifejackets go on, whether that be worn the whole time, when the windstrength is above ‘x’ knots etc.

The strong recommendation is to always wear a lifejacket when on deck after nightfall, and this is sensible.

Some choose not to in calm weather and if they are in the cockpit.

As ever, what you decide will be between you and your crew.

Theo Stocker, YM editor, wearing a lifejacket while night sailing

Wearing a lifejacket when sailing after dark is advisable

For my part I would strongly recommend a lifejacket at all times after dark.

Clipping on via your harness is also strongly recommended.

If you are sailing a long passage at night then do be aware of your harness clip scraping along the deck if you are moving around – it’s a very irritating noise for those trying to get some kip below.

It’s not always easy to force discipline on yourself, but it really does make sense to call on your crew if you need to go up on deck for any sort of sail adjustment.

Safety is not about buying things.

It is about an attitude of mind.

We must constantly be on the lookout for trouble at night so that we can forestall it, just as we do in the daytime.

If you are setting out on a passage that may well extend into the night, it is worth considering what food you intend to take.

There is a lot to be said for preparing an evening meal before set off.

Something like a pre-made stew can be easily heated and give you a boost to cover the last miles.

It can also help you warm up on deck or make for a hearty meal once you are tied up.

Food and hot drinks are essential when night sailing

Have snacks and hot drinks easily to hand

Whatever you choose, make plenty of it, that way you have enough to get you through the night, or you can have a bit to keep you going but still have a meal left when you arrive at your destination.

Hot drinks are axiomatic.

Boiling a kettle and having somewhere safe to place a mug while you make an instant coffee has to be easy.

If it isn’t and you are reduced to pre-heating thermos flasks, there is something wrong with your boat or your arrangements.

Keep the drinks coming.

They maintain morale and give people something to do.

Effect on weather

All air usually cools at night, even over the sea.

This will be more obvious when it has been a sunny day not far from land.

The result is that there are fewer gusts and a decrease in the average wind strength as the thermally enhanced breeze disappears.

On a night with low-lying cloud or hill fog, some lighthouses will not be visible.

Note the height of the lantern from the chart and be ready for the occasional disappointment.

Continues below…

Is red light at night best?

Dag Pike considers the age-old adage that using red light preserves your night vision

How to tackle a night passage short-handed

Worried about ‘things that go bump in the night’? Tom Cunliffe says night sailing is easier than you think –…

Night pilotage: How to enter unfamiliar harbours

James Stevens looks at how best to prepare for arriving at an unfamiliar harbour after dark and what to be…

Halos around the moon can be really obvious at night.

A big one is often a sign of an approaching front.

If the wind is light, think about starting the engine and keeping up boat speed.

In conditions when the air is moist, a degree or so of cooling after dark might be just enough to shut down poor-to- moderate visibility into mist or even fog.

Distant lightning is more easily seen at night, so don’t be too alarmed if you see it flashing around the horizon.

Sailing and sail handling while night sailing

Once darkness falls, moving around on deck should be reduced and so it makes sense to have out sails that are well within the conditions at the time.

Many skippers like to shorten sail before dark, regardless of conditions, so as to minimise the chance of having to handle sails at night.

However, you should still be willing and able to change sails, or take in or let out reefs, if necessary, particularly if you are on a long passage.

It is a very good idea to mark your halyards so that you can roughly get them in the right place for reefs etc.

Some skippers like to shorten sails as night falls to minimise the chance of sail handling. Credit: Graham Snook/YM

You should also have a working set of deck lights, so you can illuminate everything when doing big jobs.

If you are not far from your final destination and daylight is disappearing, it might be worth switching the engine on and getting sails down and tidy before the dark really takes hold.

But if you’re confident in your passage plan then this is far, far from crucial.

Reducing sail, however, helps with your own ability to see and be seen.

In busy areas many sailors like to have quite a bit of the headsail rolled away as this improves visibility looking forward – a good idea for busy ports in daylight too.

At the beginning of the night, the skipper should make sure everyone understands what adjustments can be made unsupervised by those on deck and when more crew should be called up to assist.

This may vary, depending on the crew’s experience.

Intuitive sailing

There are additional strips you can get added to sails that glow at night to allow you to properly set them at night, but this is really only necessary for racers and those looking to make very long night passages.

In truth, there is usually enough light to get some decent sense of how your sails are set, and if you have reduced sail before night falls, then the consequences of getting things wrong is just a slowing of pace.

Having a torch handy to check trim and telltales is a real help.

Toby Heppell got his first boat aged four and grew up sailing on the East Coast. He has been a sailing journalist for over 15 years. Credit: Richard Langdon

Though some are tempted to switch on the motor once dark falls, sailing in the dark is a really fun and tranquil experience and can improve your sailing skills during the day.

Without the ability to see gusts approaching on the water, your sail trim is going to be far more reactive than it might otherwise be.

Feel becomes key when sailing at night.

Sailing by feel is something of a specialism for blind sailors.

Lucy Hodges, Blind Sailing World Champion, once offered me this advice: ‘A key area for me when sailing are the hairs on the back of my neck. I always make sure that my neck is exposed. With a bit of practice you may be surprised how quickly you can lean to feel changes in wind pressure and direction.’

The key to sailing by feel, is using all of your senses.

Feeling the roll of a boat is essential, if you feel the boat is starting to heel, and if the hairs on your neck have not changed, the wind might not have altered and you probably want to adjust course slightly.

If the boat begins to heel and the hairs on your neck feel different, the wind may have increased so you might adjust trim.

Of course with visual inputs too, we do not need to sail entirely on feel when night falls, but it does stand as a great example of how different and rewarding sailing at night can be.

It can really help you feel more in tune with your boat.

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Boating at night - Navigation lights to display in Canada Requirements in Canada

Boating Safety Equipment
Types of navigation lights
Boat Navigation Lights rules and requirements at night

Powerboats navigation lights at night

Powerboats less than 12 meters (39,4") in length
Powerboats of 12 meters (39,4") and over in length
Powerboats at anchor

Properly lit sailboat at night

Sailboats under 7 m (23’)
Sailboats from 7 m (23’) to under 20 m (65’7”)
Sailboats 20 m (65’7”) and over
Sailboats operating under motor power
Sailboats at anchor

Commercial boats navigation lights at night

Navigation lights for a vessel engaged in fishing

Navigation lights for a vessel engaged in trawling

Navigation lights for a power-driven vessel when towing.

Navigation lights for a government vessel

Navigation lights for powerboats less than 12 meters (39,4") in length

A power driven vessel of less than 12 meters in length, and underway, may display, from sunset to sunrise:

All-round light (white) forward and,

Sidelights (red – green).

Navigation lights for powerboats of 12 meters (39,4") and over in length

A power driven vessel of 12 meters and over in length, and underway, may display, from sunset to sunrise:

Masthead light (white) forward,

Sternlight (white) and,

Navigation lights for powerboats of 12 meters (39,4

Navigation lights for powerboats at anchor

At anchor, the operator of a pleasure craft shall display, from sunset to sunrise, in the fore part, an all-round light . A powerboat anchored at night must display an all-round light .

What is a properly lit sailboat at night?

Navigation lights for sailboats under 7 m (23’).

and underway, may display, from sunset to sunrise:

Sidelights (red – green) and,

Sternlight (white).

1 lantern, combining the sidelights and stern light above.

Navigation lights for sailboats under 7 m (23’)

Navigation lights for sailboats from 7 m (23’) to under 20 m (65’7”)

Sternlight , and
1 lantern, combining the sidelights and stern light above

Optional - A sailing vessel may exhibit at or near the top of the mast, two all-round lights in a vertical line: the upper one red and the lower one green. These lights are shown along with the sidelights and sternlight.

Navigation lights for sailboats 20 m (65’7”) and over

Navigation lights for sailboats operating under motor power

Sailboats are considered powerboats when they have the engines on - even if the sails are up.

Masthead light (white) forward,

Sternlight (white).

Navigation lights for sailboats at anchor

Navigation lights for sailboats operating under motor power

Navigation lights for kayak or canoe (human-powered vessels) at night

Navigation lights are also required for human-powered vessels (canoe, kayak) or for a sailing pleasure craft of less than 7 meters in length not under power. When underway, the operator shall, from sunset to sunrise, display, if practical, sidelights and a stern light, but if the operator cannot, he/she must have at hand , a flashlight or lighted lantern emitting a white light which must be lit in enough time to prevent a collision.

Navigation lights for a vessel engaged in fishing

Sidelights ,

Sternlight and

All-around light in a vertical line, the upper being red over white light. When making way through the water.

Navigation lights for ships engaged in fishing

A vessel when engaged in trawling , which means dragging a dredge net or other fishing apparatus through the water, shall display:

Two all-round lights in a vertical line, the upper being green and the lower white. When making way through the water,

Sidelights and

Sternlight.

Navigation lights for a vessel engaged in trawling

Navigation lights for a government vessel (Police boat)

Any government vessel or any vessel that is owned or operated by a harbor, river, county or municipal police force may display a blue flashing light to identify itself as such, in the following cases

When it is providing assistance in any waters to any vessel or other craft;

When it is engaged in law enforcement duties in Canadian waters.

Power-driven vessel when towing shall show sidelights, a sternlight, and a towing light in a vertical line above the sternlight, and two masthead lights in a vertical line. When the length of the tow, measuring from the stern of the towing vessel to the after end of the tow exceeds 200 meters, three such lights in a vertical line shall be displayed.

Apart from the regular navigation lights, when a boat tows another vessel in distress or in need of assistance for any reason, shall take all possible measures to show the relation between the towed vessel and the vessel doing the towing. A vessel towing must try to shine a light on the towing cable to make it as visible as possible, so that other boats do not come into contact with the cable.

A vessel being tow shall display sidelights and a sternlight. If it is not possible, it must display one all-around white light at each of the fore and aft ends.

Navigation lights for a power-driven vessel pushing another

A power-driven vessel, when pushing another , shall display the sidelights, a sternlight, and two superimposed masthead lights.

The vessel being pushed, and not part of a composite unit, must display its sidelights at the bow. When a vessel is pushing another, if both are connected in a rigid, composite unit, they will be regarded as one unit, thus showing the appropriate lights.

Navigation lights Examples

Sailing vessel seen from starboard side.

Sailing vessel seen from the front

Power-driven vessel anchored

Power-driven vessel seen from starboard side

Power-driven vessel seen from port side

Power-driven vessel seen from the stern (back)

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IMAGES

How to light a sailboat at night ~ How to build a sailboat kit
Navigation Lights at Night
Properly Light Sailboat At Night
What is a Properly Lit Sailboat at Night? (A Guide to Safety
Boat Navigation Lights Rules And Requirements At Night, 44% OFF
Boat Navigation Lights rules and requirements at night

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COMMENTS

What is a Properly Lit Sailboat at Night? (A Guide to Safety
A properly lit sailboat at night is a boat that is equipped with the correct navigation lights, which are required by law. These lights must be visible for two miles and should include a green light on the starboard side, a red light on the port side, and a white light aft. Additionally, the boat must also have a white masthead light that is ...
Shining the Sailboat Lights At Night: What You Need To Know
Sailboats must have the same red and green lights as powerboats. The difference is that you'll need other ones on the stern and mast. If your boat is less than 65 feet, you can use either a combination of a bicolor light with red and green along with another at the stern or a tricolor one on top of the mast.
Boat Navigation Lights Rules: Illustrated Beginners Guide
For most small vessels, motoring requires red and green (port and starboard) lights, and a white light visible in all directions around the boat. This is almost always a stern light and a masthead light on sailboats. Boats under sail require port and starboard lights, and a white stern light. Sailboats below sixty-five feet may show a tricolor ...
Sailboat Navigation Lights: A Guide to Safe Nighttime Sailing
==Short answer sailboat navigation lights:== Sailboat navigation lights are essential safety features that help vessels communicate and avoid collisions at night. These lights, such as the red and green sidelights and white stern light, allow sailors to determine the direction and status of approaching boats. Understanding the Importance of Sailboat Navigation LightsUnderstanding the Importance of
What are the proper sailboat lights at night?
In this article, we'll discuss the proper sailboat lights at night. Sailboats are required to have three lights at a minimum: a masthead light, a red port light, and a green starboard light. The masthead light is white and is located at the top of the mast. This light should shine forward and aft and be visible from 2 nautical miles away.
A Guide to Safe Sailing in the Dark
Necessary Lights for Boating at Night. Depending on illuminated waters after dark, boat light illumination is necessary for all recreational vessels. Boats must display three main types of lights, including bow, stern, and riding lights. The bow light indicates to other boats where your vessel's direction is facing, appearing as a green light ...
Navigation Lights at Night
The most common of our navigation lights are our "running lights". This is a red light on the port side of the boat and a green light on the starboard side that shine from the bow to 22.5 degrees abaft the beam of the boat. This creates a 112.5-degree arc on either side of the vessel. To complete a 360-degree circle, our white stern light ...
The Night Vision Techniques
In addition to the navigation tips above, there are several safety precautions you should take when sailing at night: 1. Ensure Your Boat is Properly Lit. Make sure your boat's navigation lights are functioning properly and are visible from all angles. This will help other vessels see you and avoid collisions. 2. Wear Reflective Clothing and Gear
Night sailing: top tips and expert advice to see you safely through
Sail area is reduced during the night - if hit by a big squall - by furling the jib. The off-watch sleeps on the saloon sofa.". "We also use head torches and use the red LED to preserve ...
7 Tips for Night Sailing
Don layers, with a spray jacket on top and life should be good. Carry a decent searchlight. Night boating involves becoming accustomed to the available light and acclimating to it. It's actually one of the cool things to experience during a sail in the dark, so constantly shining a spotlight like you were hand-holding your car's headlights ...
Sailing at night: tactics and tips
Water is very important for keeping the mind alert on night watch. In fact, dehydration is often mistaken for fatigue. Keep a water bottle on deck - One of our friends has a rule that anyone who yawns on the boat must take a drink of water. Every member of the crew should keep a water bottle on deck when on watch.
What you need to know about sailing at night
Safety is paramount when sailing at night. Even during the day, there are clear rules regarding the movement of the crew on board. Basically, the crew should not stand unless they are engaged in manoeuvres. In all other cases, they should be sitting on benches, at the side of the boat when heeling, or in the cabin.
Boat at Night Safely: Rules, Tips and Boating Lights
Side lights: a green light on the starboard side of the bow and a red light on the port side of the bow; Stern light: a white light at the stern; Masthead light: a white light affixed to the mast; Navigation light requirements for human-powered craft. Human-powered boats are required to display a white light that can be seen from all sides.
Sailing at Night: Common Questions for Beginners
Sailing in the dark involves a combination of using navigational tools, understanding maritime light systems, and relying on the heightened senses and experience of the crew. ... How do big ships sail at night? Larger ships use similar principles as smaller sailing vessels but with additional resources like advanced radar, more extensive crew ...
Night Sailing: A full guide to sailing in the dark
A moonless night sky descends to wrap us in a blanket of bright heavenly bodies, untarnished by light pollution. Conversely a full moon can cast its own spell - there is nothing like the magic of sailing down the reflective path of a moonbeam. A few hours of night sailing can hugely extend your cruising range.
COLREGS, Lights & Sailing at Night
COLREGS - are the international collision regulations at sea and they are designed to ensure that boats know who gives way to who. These rules apply to everyone on the water - boats and even sea planes! One of the most important rules in the COLREGs is that all vessels shall maintain a proper lookout at all times.
Navigation Lights for Sailboats (And How To Read Them)
Knowing that the bow lights go 22.5 degrees abaft the beam on both sides or 112.5 degrees on each side, and the stern light faces 225 degrees aft for a total of 360 degrees of visibility, you can tell a lot about where a boat is heading and who has the right of way. One thing that's easy to remember is red means stop and if you see a vessel's ...
Sailing at Night: Top Tips
Keep your head on a swivel and simply enjoy the experience of steering the boat and the sights and sounds of the night. Scan the horizon every 10 to 20 minutes. Check the radar and AIS and make proper log entries. Seamanship at Night. It's a good idea to make your first night sail in familiar waters with a full moon to aid visibility.
Sailing at Night: Can You See in the Dark?
Wear sunglasses and sun hat during the day. Use red light bulbs in flashlights and cabin lights at night. Dim screens on navigation instruments and turn off unnecessary electronics. Allow up to 40 minutes for your eyes to adapt to night vision before setting sail in the dark.
Top tips for sailing safely at night
Cautious sail plan. Moving around on deck should be avoided whenever possible and so it makes sense to only have out sails that are well within the conditions at the time. In busy areas I also like to have quite a bit of the headsail rolled away as this improves visibility looking forward. Light spotting.
Night sailing tips for first timers
Stay on deck while night sailing. As always with pilotage, the right place to be is on deck, not least to avoid uncharted objects such as other craft, mooring buoys and fishing pot markers. Most pilotage errors occur at night rather than in the day so a thorough pilotage plan is essential. Even with a navigation station filled with electronic ...
Required Navigation Lights: Sailboats Under Sail
Red and green sidelights, one sternlight, and two all-round lights in a vertical line (upper red, lower green) also meet the navigation lights requirement for sailboats that are not operating under engine power (Rule 25). One combination red, green, and white light exhibited near the top of the mast meets the navigation lights requirement for ...
Boating at night
Navigation lights for sailboats 20 m (65'7") and over. Sidelights (red - green) and, Sternlight (white). Option 1. Option 2. Optional - A sailing vessel may exhibit at or near the top of the mast, two all-round lights in a vertical line: the upper one red and the lower one green.