Reflective strips on sails

[BlueSkyNick]

In the new YM, a short article says that Kemp Sails I now offering reflective stripes on their new sails, in the wake of the Ouzo tragedy.

They will be 500 candle power, where a UK car number plate is 50, ie 10 times brighter.

What an excellent idea I thought ..... but is there a risk of being seen as something other than a sailing vessel, under Colregs?

 

[Csail]

We have had them for years...from kemp, but not used them on night sails since buying ....due to baby on board, used to do most sailing at night!

 

[FullCircle]

Nick,
a cheaper alternative is to put it on the boom and the mast. I bought ours at a quid a metre, made by 3M, from Ebay. I have covered all the safety equipment as well inc EPIRB. This stuff breaks down with flexing and chafe over time, so would be easy to replace.
When I get the Solar Panels Installed, I will put the SSR number in reflective tape on whats left of the coachroof.

 

[Moonshining]

Don't reflective strips only reflect back in the direction the light's shining from? That means they'll look great in a flash photograph, but unless a ship is directly shining a light at you, how visible will they be?

 

[uforea]

If we could get Red and Green tapes as well it would be better still.
Ted

 

[FullCircle]

it si available in red and green. not sure if you can get the SOLAS approved spec stuff though.

 

[Dyflin]

[ QUOTE ]
Don't reflective strips only reflect back in the direction the light's shining from? That means they'll look great in a flash photograph, but unless a ship is directly shining a light at you, how visible will they be?

[/ QUOTE ]

Very good point, I really don't see the benefit, ship, boats or yachts don't have headlights, if the other guy can't see the nav lights or the echo on the radar he's not goings to have the searchlight scanning out into the darkness on the off chance...

 

[FullCircle]

Actually, it reflects back any light source, including the bright moonlight.
If the rescue services are scanning the seas with a light, they will ppick up the reflective tape a lot sooner then, say, the dark blue hull of your stricken vessel.
It doesn't cost a lot, and we have it on our foul weather gear, so why not?

 

[Gin]

What an excellent idea, also I hadn't thought of the Dan buoy-must do it!

 

[boomerangben]

Great idea from the point of view of the RNLI/SAR helicopters but how many of you will stick some strips to the bottom of your boats? Now an up turned boat can be really difficult to see.

Previously mentioned point about reflective strips needing a powerful light to reflect in the first place is a good one. White sails and a handfull of white flares would be best for bringing attention to yourself.

 

[FullCircle]

ben
I dont disagree. The reflective tape is supplemental, not substitutional.

Must make note to phone Blakes in the morning to get weaving on their reflective antifouling..... /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[Gordonmc]

The strips show up remarkably well in low light. I had problems finding the only landing beach close where I keep the boat on a mooring, then finding the boat in pitch winter dark.
I nailed some reflective strip on a tree and a post in front and can guide myself in using a low power LED head-torch. The same works from the shore with strips on the boat.
I emphasise... this is in blackout with no moon or ambient street lights.