What speed for an overnight passage?

[benjenbav]

Night passages can be just wonderful. I think it sounds a fabulous opportunity when you have an extra crew member.

Is it too late to add FLIR which might prove a revelation to anyone suffering from poor night vision?

 

[Hurricane]

When we first owned our current boat, we did quite a lot of night planing but these days every night passage is done at displacement speed (10 knots)

Once you get away from light pollution (about 40 miles off shore) on a moonless cloudless night you will be completely gobsmacked.
Without a moon, you can't see much in front of you so slow speeds would be safer.
In our part of Spain, pot markers are the main danger so we try to plan the beginning and end of our night passages with some light (dusk or dawn or a full moon)
Keep a good lookout on AIS and Radar if you have it.

My advice is don't be frightened by night passages - relax and enjoy - it can be the most magic experience.

Here's a taster