Night sailing is one of those things that you have to do to fully appreciate.
The stars dazzle on a cloudless night, and the sound of the bow breaking through the waves soothes the soul. Your senses are heightened, and it begins to feel as if you are closer to the sea and Poseidon himself.
In order to enjoy your night passage, there are special considerations when planning and executing a night sail. Our instructors have put together their top tips and techniques for safe and pleasurable night sailing.
Night Sailing Is Magical!
Crew Considerations When Night Sailing
1. Night Vision
Wear sunglasses during the day and allow up to 40 minutes for your eyes to adjust to the dark. Dim your navigation screens and turn off any unnecessary electronics. Try to use red bulbs in your flashlight and avoid turning on lights down below. If using a white-bulbed flashlight, don’t forget to avoid shining the beam directly at the rig/yacht; the reflection will overwhelm you.
When scanning the horizon, try to rotate your head whilst keeping your eyes focused forwards. This reduces eye fatigue. As you scan the horizon, stop and focus every 5-10 degrees so you don’t miss anything.
2. Clothing & Sustenance
Regardless of how close to the tropics you sail, it always gets cooler at night. Make sure the night crew have adequate clothing to stay warm and dry. Additionally, ensure that they have hot drinks and food stored within easy reach in a cockpit locker. If the crew feel comfortable and are happy with night sailing procedures then they will have a wonderful and safe experience.
3. Safety Equipment
The safety and security of crew members when night sailing is critical. Whenever a crew member is on deck at night, a lifejacket and harness must be worn. The skipper will orientate the crew to the strong clip-on points and jackstays on the vessel.
Additionally, those on watch may be allocated personal flashlights (preferably red bulb), a knife, and personal EPIRB/AIS locator. Man overboard procedures should be reviewed and the light attached to the DAN/horseshoe buoy checked before the passage commences.
4. Night Watches
It is very important to set a clear watch schedule so that all crew members get adequate rest. The skipper must make everyone aware that he can be called on deck at anytime, normally if a crew member is unsure of something, or a navigational hazard appears. As the wise adage says… it is better to be safe than sorry. Inexperienced crew should never be expected to stand watch alone; pairing them with a more experienced member is prudent.
When changing watch, the retiring crew should give the new watch a short briefing on the weather and sea conditions, note any hazards or traffic in the area, and supply information about the state of the vessel.
If you are new to night sailing then resist the temptation to stay awake and enjoy star gazing on deck. It is very important that you are fresh and alert on your watch. Even if you cannot fall asleep, you should rest in your berth.
Navigation & Seamanship At Night
1. Night Sailing Navigation Lights
Image: www.WestMarine.com
Rule 25 of the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea states that a sailing vessel underway shall exhibit both sidelights (red & green) and a sternlight (white). In a sailing vessel of less than 20 metres in length the prescribed lights may be combined in one lantern carried at or near the top of the mast where it can best be seen (called a tricolour light).
Rule 23 of the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea states that a sailing vessel under power must exhibit sidelights, a sternlight, and a masthead/steaming light forward (white).
2. Night Sailing Navigation Techniques
Use the charts to identify navigation marks which have light characteristics. Note down on your passage plan the sequence of expected lights for quick reference on deck.
Keep away from hazards by working out your clearing bearings from the navigation lights and note these on your passage plan too.
Thirdly, plot a series of GPS waypoints. Use the “navigate to” function on the GPS to give a reference guideline to follow.
3. Collision Avoidance At Night
Whilst it is much easier to identify other vessels at a distance at night, it is also very easy to become confused by the lights.
Keeping a good watch will give you time to assess a vessel and their intentions, and then steer clear. Monitoring your radar and AIS is beneficial, but don’t rely on them to show all vessels around you. Fishing vessels are generally the most confusing, with unpredictable movements and lights.
The crew on watch should have at least one member who is familiar with night sailing navigation lights. Remember that the skipper can always be woken if there is uncertainty or threat of a collision – sooner rather than later!
4. Sail Handling At Night
Many skippers will run the vessel at 80% capability when night sailing. This minimises disruption to sleeping crew members and provides a more comfortable ride for those resting.
The skipper should also brief what sail adjustments can be made by each watch based on experience level, and when to wake the other crew members to assist. It is mandatory for all crew members working on deck to wear lifejackets and harnesses.
Night sailing does have additional planning considerations, but if you spend the time to prepare it really is a magical experience. Many of our Day Skipper and Coastal Skipper students say that it is a highlight of their training with us.