Sailing at night preparation and safety

The magic of being at sea after dark is something special – seeing a sky crowded with stars, moonlight shining across the waves, a lighthouse beam over the horizon, and dolphins outlined by the glow of phosphorescence.

There are however some particular challenges of sailing at night, so what should someone contemplating their first overnight sail know beforehand?

The key to staying comfortable and dry is layering. For external protection it’s worth buying the best offshore sailing jacket and bib/trousers you can reasonably afford. For the inner layers, sailing or camping stores offer vests, leggings and thermals that wick sweat away from the body.

If you can afford them, also invest in a pair of good seaboots. For the head, a beanie keeps you surprisingly warm.

A list of essential safety equipment for racing or cruising would include a PFD (Personal Flotation Device) with a strobe light and whistle, plus tether line, all of which should be worn at night, whatever the conditions. A wearable EPIRB (Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon) is another must-have and can be hired if required.

Other important equipment include a sharp knife or multi-tool knife kit, a small torch, water bottle, a lightweight sleeping bag or sea rug, and a compact bag or backpack (waterproof).

If your skipper hasn’t shown you where the emergency equipment is stored (flares, first-aid kit etc) or described MOB drills, then ask for that briefing before you set sail.

Heading up on deck can be a dangerous moment, so make sure you clip your harness tether to a strong point in the cockpit before leaving the companionway. Likewise, never venture onto the foredeck at night or in rougher conditions without being clipped on.

The old adage ‘one hand for the boat and one for yourself’ is always well to remember.

A common watch rotation is four hours on and four hours off, as this is considered the minimum period required to achieve full REM sleep. You will usually be roused 15 minutes ahead of your watch.

Your responsibilities will vary but could include port and starboard lookouts, trimming sails, changing sails, steering, logbook entries, and preparing drinks and snacks. Watch leaders are generally responsible for briefing their own watch and that of the oncoming watch.

Night vision is very swiftly lost if a torch is shone in anyone’s eyes, which is especially problematic for the helmsperson and lookouts. On some yachts, sail changes and other activities are carried out under red light mode only.

There are numerous preventative treatments for seasickness, but whichever you choose, it’s wise to test it well in advance to ensure you have no adverse reactions.

Staying hydrated is critical to recovery from seasickness, especially if vomiting persists, so taking regular small sips of water – or better still hydrolytes – is essential. Eating is usually the last thing you feel like when struck with seasickness but that, too, is important.

There’s a lot to take in for the first-time overnight sailor. But spending time sailing at sea is an experience not to be missed.