Refueler
Well-known member
Ok thanks - to clarify then I have an all-rounder light atop my mast.
I’m aware of the COLREGs, but I’m wondering if there’s flexibility in practise (the same way, for example, that no one ever really uses a steaming cone shape).
Interestingly the RYA website itself offers this advice about anchoring:
“An all-round light at the top of the mast may conveniently double as a masthead (steaming) light and stern light on “power-driven” vessels of less than 12m in length.“
Beat me to it ...
The important point there is that the light mimics the steaming light and stern light in one ..... similar to the tricolour that has port stbd and stern light in one.
Technically of course its not as per ColRegs .... but in practical terms when motoring (sail or not) - as long as your port / stbd lights are correctly shown and lower down - there should be no confusion.
I also submit this as a purely personal PoV as an ex Bridge Watch Officer of ships .... yacht lights are a joke. I'd rather see a white light at masthead ABOVE the waves - than other nav lights dipping and rising in the wave / swell ... (tricolours - I have a pet dislike of because they are not as visible as some think). Not only that - but I am always surprised at the number of boats with side lights that once that genny is hoisted are obscured !!
I need to know you are there ...