I'm trying to work out what lights I will need to take my boat sailing at night. Its a 26 ft sloop.
I especially want to ask if the combination of a white 135 degree stern light and a white 225 degree masthead light is suitable as a substitute for an all-round light to use while at anchor. The masthead light is actually not on top of the mast, its about 2m off the deck.
Here is my overall plan:
Sailing:
Port and starboard lights
135 degree stern light
Motoring:
Port and starboard lights
135 degree stern light
225 degree masthead light
At anchor:
225 degree masthead light
135 degree stern light
All opinions and suggestions welcome
I believe what you have there is correct. The white lights, stern and masthead, should not be obstructed by rigging etc. a stay wouldn't be a problem but a headsail might if you were motor sailing.
Just an observation, it is best to look up the ColRegs on Rules of the Road than ask for advice here. While many will know the answers, some might not and you take such advice at your peril.
Thanks MorningBird. I just wanted some confirmation that I had understood the colregs correctly.
What do you think of using a combination of a stern light and masthead light in place of an all-round light? It should look the same at a distance but the colregs don't mention it as an alternative. I don't want to have to mount an all-round light on top of my mast just to use while at anchor.
Provided you have an all round white light a combination is fine. Most boats use a stern light and steaming light when using the engine.
I have read ColRegs on this and can't recall this being an issue, provided there isn't an obstruction.
