NIGHT WATCH

I've only once held a flare in earnest, this was last year during my circumnavigation, when I was convinced that a vessel bearing down on me hadn't seen me or worse still, no one was actually looking. It's very important to keep a proper lookout, particularly at night, and of course in those circumstances it's vital to have the right navigation lights. (See article off John - Page 7). Tricolours are usually fine, but it's amazing how many boat owners risk their lives with dodgy port and starboards, so it's worth checking your lights, especially at this time of the year when it gets dark about 15.30hrs.

I've always enjoyed sailing at night. During early December I returned from Whitby in the very early hours (set off at 04.00hrs). You feel more alone than in daylight hours, but on a clear night with a full moon it is quite spectacular, and as long as you go far enough out to miss any crab pots, the auto helm can take over and you can just take it all in, keeping a good watch at the same time of course! I scan the horizon usually every five minutes, but you should always use your ears as well as your eyes. You can sometimes hear a ship before actually seeing it. A ship doing 20kts can reach you from below the horizon in less than twenty minutes! Always log your passage with the Coastguard and plot your course, if you do see any vessels, 'don't assume that they have seen you'! Everyone should know where their individual safety gear is and of course always wear a lifejacket. If single handed, clip on at all times. Prepare a hot flask prior to leaving and get well wrapped up. I've done many miles at night single handed in all conditions and still find it exciting and exhilarating. However, keeping a good watch is essential to your safety and to the safety of others.

Although there's no fundamental difference between night sailing and day sailing, I believe that any one that makes sea passages of more than a few hours would be very wise to put in a few night trips, just for the experience. Even if you plan to make all your passages in daylight (which is perfectly sensible), there is always the chance that you will find yourself under way as night falls, and the unexpected one is the worst case, for which you haven't made the full preparations which would precede a planned night trip. By night the waves appear larger, noises are amplified and can play tricks on your mind, and you begin to think of the thin hull between you and the cold depths, yet nothing has changed, she is exactly the same boat as she has always been, just as stable and just as buoyant. There's nothing to be afraid of, but good planning is essential.

Happy sailing for 2005!