Sailing at night: tips for safe and unforgettable night sailing
Preparation is the be-all and end-all
Before you set off, you should prepare yourself carefully. Plan your route carefully, check weather forecasts and make sure that your boat is in perfect condition. Navigation lights, radar equipment and GPS must work perfectly so that you can orientate yourself safely. An important tip: make sure you have enough battery capacity to run all your electronic devices overnight.
An additional detail that is often forgotten is the mental state of the crew. Night rides can be exhausting, so you should clarify in advance how long you will be travelling and whether everyone will get enough sleep.
Correct lighting on board
One of the key aspects of sailing at night is the right lighting. Avoid bright light in the cockpit or on deck, as it can significantly impair your night vision. Red light is the better choice here, as it puts less strain on the eye and you can still see enough.
Make sure that all the necessary position lights are clearly visible to make other boats aware of you in good time. Depending on the water and traffic, mast lighting or deck spotlights may also be useful.
Keep emergency equipment to hand
When sailing at night, it is particularly important that you can react quickly in the event of an emergency. Life jackets should be worn at all times and lifelines should always be to hand. A good system for man-overboard manoeuvres is essential, especially in the dark. It is also advisable to use glow sticks or LED lights to easily locate crew members on deck.
A radio should always be set to the usual emergency frequencies. If the GPS fails, you can still contact the coastguard or other ships in the area in an emergency.
Approach night driving step by step
If you have never sailed at night before, you should approach this challenge slowly. Start by planning shorter legs or trips in familiar waters. This will allow both you and your crew to get used to the special conditions.
You can gradually extend the routes and eventually tackle more complex routes. This gradual approach will ensure that you become more confident and constantly improve your skills.
Create guard schedule
A well thought-out watch plan is crucial for a successful night voyage. Divide the tasks evenly among the crew and make sure that there is always someone on deck to monitor the navigation and react to any dangers. It is advisable not to make the watches too long so that everyone has enough time to rest.
Depending on the size of the crew, two-hour shifts in which those responsible take turns are also a good idea. This keeps everyone focussed and fresh for the next round.
Visibility and navigation in the dark
One of the biggest differences to sailing during the day is the limited visibility. You can no longer rely so much on your eyes, but have to rely more on instruments. A good radar and AIS (Automatic Identification System) are essential for recognising other ships and avoiding collisions.
Don’t let the autopilot alone guide you – even if it is a great relief, you should always manually monitor what is happening around you. Binoculars with a night vision function can also be very useful for recognising obstacles at an early stage.
Protection from cold and exhaustion
Even on warm summer nights, it can get surprisingly chilly on the water. Make sure that you and your crew have warm clothing and blankets to hand. A hot drink or soup can also help to keep you warm and awake during the night.
Exhaustion is another factor that you should not underestimate. The darkness and the monotonous rocking of the boat can quickly make you tired. So make sure you take enough breaks and have a short rest period or two.
Enjoy the starry sky
In addition to all the preparation and caution, you should not forget to savour the magic of a night trip to the full. The starry sky, the calm sound of the waves and the solitude on the water are experiences that will stay with you for a long time.
A little tip: take the opportunity to familiarise yourself with stargazing. When you are out at sea, far away from disturbing light, you can enjoy incredible views of the night sky that you rarely see on land.
Our summary
Night sailing requires a high degree of preparation and attentiveness, but can also be one of the most fascinating experiences on the water. With the right equipment, a good watch plan and the necessary caution, nothing stands in the way of your night-time adventure. Enjoy the silence, the starry sky and the feeling of freedom as you sail safely into the darkness.
