Night sailing presents unique challenges, but with proper preparation and awareness, it can be a rewarding experience. Here are 20 tips for safe and enjoyable night sailing:

1. Plan Ahead

• Thoroughly plan your route, including potential hazards, navigation marks, and anchorages. This is no different from your regular passage planning but with an additional focus on light beacons and other navigational marks visible at night.
• Ensure you have a detailed chart and know how to interpret the data. Also, ensure your GPS is updated and check for accuracy before casting off.

2. Check the Weather

• Like any voyage, analyse and monitor weather conditions before departing and continuously while underway. Sailing at night can be relaxing, but strong winds or storms are more challenging to handle in the dark.

3. Familiarise Yourself with the Boat

• Conduct a thorough pre-sail check during daylight to ensure all equipment functions properly. Know where your equipment is located, as things are harder to find in the dark.
• Check the backlighting of lights, radios, compasses, and navigation instruments before casting off to ensure that they work correctly.
• Brief your crew. Everything is more challenging to find or execute in the dark.
• Know where your first aid kit is located and know how to administer first aid as other services may be delayed during the night.

4. Use Proper Lighting

• Ensure your navigation lights (red, green, and white) are working properly. Test these things the night before you set off, as it is easier to check when it is dark.
• Carry a handheld flashlight or headlamp for emergencies, with red settings to preserve your night vision.

5. Maintain Good Visual Perception

• Use red light only.
• Adjust to the dark environment slowly. Give your eyes time to adapt to low-light conditions before focusing on instruments.
• If you have to use white light, consider closing one eye and using that eye when the white light is switched off. This can preserve your night vision in at least one eye.
• Where no light is available, try not to look at things straight on. Use your peripheral vision to look at things in the dark. That way, you may not see things entirely focused, but you can still see their outline. Try it! 

6. Use the Autopilot When Appropriate

• If the conditions allow, use the autopilot for long stretches. Ensure the course is set properly and check it periodically. Avoid relying on windvane steering at night when there is limited space. Windvanes steer based on wind direction, not your specific course.

7. Monitor the Depth Sounder

• Keep a constant eye on the depth to avoid unexpected shallow areas or underwater obstacles, especially when entering unfamiliar areas. You can set depth alarms to warn you early if depth becomes an issue.

8. Adjust Your Sailing Speed

• Slow down and be more cautious at night. Visibility is limited, and seeing and reacting to unexpected obstacles takes longer.

9. Keep a Sharp Lookout

• Use both your eyes and ears to detect other vessels. Listen for engine sounds, horns, or any activity near the boat. It is maritime law under the COLREGS to keep utilising any means possible.

10. Stay on Watch

• If you’re sailing with a crew, maintain a rotating watch system to ensure someone is always alert. If short-handed, a 3-hour on, 3-hour off schedule often gets you through the night. Shorten the timing if it is cold, wet, or otherwise challenging.

11. Avoid Overloading the Boat

• Like always, keep the boat’s weight balanced to avoid tipping or difficulty handling. Overloading can affect stability, especially in rough weather.

12. Know Your Lights

• Understand the various types of navigation lights and their meanings, including signals for distress or overtaking vessels. There could be lots of fishing boats out there. They are often not on AIS, so brush up on your nav light recognition.

13. Stay Alert for Floating Debris

• Watch for floating obstacles like logs, buoys, or sizeable marine life, as these are harder to spot at night.

14. Use Radar or AIS

• If you have radar or an Automatic Identification System (AIS), use it to detect other vessels. These tools can help you track traffic and potential risks. Also, other vessels can see you, so don’t be surprised to hear your vessel’s name on the VHF radio asking you questions about your intentions.

15. Stay in Communication

• Keep a VHF radio on, and be prepared to contact nearby boats or the Coast Guard in an emergency.
• Notify your local Coast Guard of your plan. Sign on when you depart and sign on when reaching your destination.

16. Understand the Tides

• Be aware of tidal patterns and their effect on currents. These can change rapidly and affect navigation, especially near shorelines.
• Learn more about tides.

17. Keep a Backup Plan

• Always have an alternative route or anchorage in mind in case of poor visibility or unexpected weather changes.
• Identify bolt holds on your way and understand how to reach them in the dark.

18. Practice Night Navigation

• If you’re new to night sailing, practice in calmer conditions during the evening before venturing on longer trips. Join twilight sailing at the local yacht club or venture close to shore for a practice run.

19. Wear Proper Clothing

• Wear warm and waterproof clothing. Nights will get cold, especially offshore. Dress for the conditions to stay comfortable and safe.
• Use the correct PFD with the appropriate safety equipment for a MOB. Recovering a “man overboard” is extremely challenging at night, with almost zero % success rate without an EPIRB.
• Use a tether in stronger conditions in the cockpit and ALWAYS when venturing outside the cockpit

20. Know When to Turn Back

• If visibility is too poor, the weather worsens, or you feel uncomfortable, don’t hesitate to turn back or seek shelter in a safe harbour.

Preparing carefully and following these tips can minimise risks and maximise your safety and enjoyment during night sailing.