The Admiral got a serious cruising bug last summer when we did an evening run into Barnstable, swam the kids out all day so they went to bed at 8pm, then we dropped the hook and watched the full moon come up and come over us while we had a bottle of red and snuggled under a blanket against the shore breeze. You dont always have to be moving to enjoy the water...
Catigale from LAX...home all week next week though!!
Sailing at night
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goddardw
- Deckhand
- Posts: 48
- Joined: Thu Dec 22, 2005 7:10 pm
- Sailboat: MacGregor 25
- Location: Clear Lake, Northern CA "Chantel Marie"#1854 Mac25
Sailing at Night
We enjoy sailing at night when the moon-light is strong enough to judge distances. We always use our Maridian GPS in color map mode which very clearly outlines our position, the shore, points that must be avoided and way point anchor or marina sites.
We have used the GPS in total darkness to sail into anchor spots and have always anchored within a few feet of the indicated way point.
We carry a very strong plug-in 12 vdc spot light to double check position when necessary. The problem with this is that you are then night blind for a few minutes after using the spot. We carry a red LED flash light which does not degrade your night vision for deck or map work.
Our Mac 25 is outfitted with all lights using LEDs so night runs require minimal power drain.
We have used the GPS in total darkness to sail into anchor spots and have always anchored within a few feet of the indicated way point.
We carry a very strong plug-in 12 vdc spot light to double check position when necessary. The problem with this is that you are then night blind for a few minutes after using the spot. We carry a red LED flash light which does not degrade your night vision for deck or map work.
Our Mac 25 is outfitted with all lights using LEDs so night runs require minimal power drain.