Searush
Well-Known Member
No-one seems to have picked up on your "docking" aspect of the question. In most cases, docks and marinas are well lit so there is no problem picking up or releasing a berth.
Any moonlight makes night sailing much easier & even picking up unlit buoys is relatively straight forward. Big hand held spot lights will also allow you to see stuff low in the water, but it's a good idea to close one eye to retain night vision in at least one eye!
As stated above, nets, lobster pot & trot lines are the worst as they often lie below the surface. In your home port you will know where they are, in a strange one you are at greatest risk.
There is a school of thought that says plan to make landfall just before dawn when lights are clearly visible & easily identified. This way, you will enter the harbour in early daylight.
Any moonlight makes night sailing much easier & even picking up unlit buoys is relatively straight forward. Big hand held spot lights will also allow you to see stuff low in the water, but it's a good idea to close one eye to retain night vision in at least one eye!
As stated above, nets, lobster pot & trot lines are the worst as they often lie below the surface. In your home port you will know where they are, in a strange one you are at greatest risk.
There is a school of thought that says plan to make landfall just before dawn when lights are clearly visible & easily identified. This way, you will enter the harbour in early daylight.