Night Passage Advice

[DAKA]

Thanks for all the replies, there is a lot of help there.

I hadnt meant to mislead anyone, I wasnt going far but realised if ever I needed to cruise in darkness I had no idea what to expect.

We did cast off 2330 and all went without incident.

Two issues caused extra care, first was entering a lock, there was a huge shadow making it look like the lock was only 9 ft wide, it was odd forcing myself to drive through the illusionary wall.

I also learnt that I need a pair of clear glasses on board, I only ever wear prescription Polaroids even on dull days, but they made it even darker.

Berthing took two attempts, but that was just a confidence issue, there was nothing really wrong with the first approach, no damage done.


Forum CI cruise

Trickier than I thought to rendezvous offshore but once I found the fleet we were off.

Cherbourg yesterday and onto CI today.

In case anyone is waiting to cross this afternoon ,the Sea state today is remarkably calm, (5 miles of race was a little choppy but nothing over the top)

 

[AndieMac]

Fairenuff, but night is NOT by far the most critical condition.
Zero visibility is it, regardless of whether at day or night.
And mind, you can decide whether to go for a night passage or not, but you can find zero visibility conditions against all odds.
And when that happens, which alternative do you have?
I'd rather teach people to helm in a glorious sunny day with a blanket on the windshield and using only instruments, than the other way round.

I was wondering whether someone was going to mention zero vis. I thought fog was a major consideration around the UK?

 

[awol]

So Daka, did you bother to read the COLREGS and bone up on navigation marks before you started?
I still have difficulty in taking your OP as serious. Are you really THAT ignorant of basic seamanship skills?

 

[Searush]

I was wondering whether someone was going to mention zero vis. I thought fog was a major consideration around the UK?

Ho Ho Ho, you've been watching too many 1950's Pinetree Studios Movies. Yes there is fog sometimes, but it often burns off with the sun by noon or as you get away from the land. Never had a zero vis, but did once (late 50's) experience a 3-4' vis on land even walking was a problem. Worst at sea in 35 years has been about 1/4mile, but mostly not much worse than a mile or so.

The late 50's "clean air act" insisted on smokeless fuels & most people got rid of open fires & the subsequent reduction of smog made a big difference & saved lots of lives. Mind you, I have just installed a log burner at home & still have solid fuel central heating.

 

[DAKA]

So Daka, did you bother to read the COLREGS and bone up on navigation marks before you started?
I still have difficulty in taking your OP as serious. Are you really THAT ignorant of basic seamanship skills?

Not sure if you have intended your post as abrasive but I have taken it as such.
I came on the forum and I openly stated my night skills were questionable and asked for advice BEFORE I cast off.

I dont do night work.

I couldnt get a professional skipper (I tried), I posted for help, I drove to my boat while the posts were coming in, arrived at my boat ,read the posts and i cast off.

If you were on a wind up you have succeeded.

I am so disappointed I have taken down my YBW burgee.

 

[Elessar]

I am so disappointed I have taken down my YBW burgee.

mine blew away can I have yours?

 

[AndieMac]

Searush

We get quite a number of fogs out here, they come in just on evening time and lift by mid morning the next day. Our cruise boat went out regardless, sometimes without being able to see the bowrail. Night time in a pea-souper was always the favourite - not. The punters were more interested in the bar drinks anyway.

 

[awol]

Do you still give way to sail ?
I presume they have no idea if you are power or sail so give way to starboard in case you are sailing ?

That was the bit that gobsmacked me. Tricolours, red over green, combinations of all round reds and whites, yellows, green over white, flashing yellow, flashing red, etc.... they are all in the colregs and while remembering all the combinations may be difficult, an awareness of their existence and where to find them seems a minimum for anyone in charge of a boat. Reliance on information from an internet forum rather than simply reading the rules for oneself seems less than wise.

Abrasive intent - yes. Please for your sake and others, take a course that at least covers the colregs.

 

[John100156]

I managed a single handed night hop around Cape Formentor, Majorca. Travelling from Sant Vicenc to Port Pollenca. I have my Yachtmaster theory and felt quite confident with the route and passage plan.

It was a really enjoyable experience, it brought together all that I had learned in the training I had had. You read about white light affecting night sight, but boy it really hits home when you experience it.

I had my CP on very dim, even then a quick glance down, then up, and you were blind for quite a while! You really gain an apreciation for lighthouses and clearing lines. Great comfort when you do see the light!

Another thing that struck me was how the rocky coastline, sea and sky all merge, it was a cloudy night with no moon or star light!

The trip into Port Pollenca, was challenging, the lights of the town made it quite difficult to pick out the marina entrance (my first visit).

Had one scare though, as I entered the bay I checked my CP, looked up at town lights, then saw the silouete of a mast! A sail boat had anchored (or slipped, who knows) way out, not a light in sight on it, and it was full beam on! I had managed a comfortable 12-14 knots for most of the trip and had just dropped down to about 8-10k at the time. Easily avoided, but a bit of a scare nevertheless.

Lessons learned:
1) Good planning essential and know your route, all lights buoys/boats etc.,. as well.
2) Make sure even on a short trip you have at least one other crew member on board! Don't be over-confident as I was.
3) When entering a busy bay, take extra care, sail boats may have had there lights on to start with but batteries may be low!
4) Pick a night with a full moon and clear sky if you can.
5) If you can do the trip in the day, do so!

 

[Elessar]

Abrasive intent - yes. Please for your sake and others, take a course that at least covers the colregs.

I agree it's worth it - so you know when to shout at boats motoring with their tricolours on.
Steaming light, motoring cone, hen's teeth, spot the connection.