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Portorož, SI
13:44,
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A Guide for Taking Your First Nautical Steps Safely, Part 3: Nighttime Yachting. 🌌

A Guide for Taking Your First Nautical Steps Safely, Part 3: Nighttime Yachting. 🌌

It can be truly magical, but it can also be dangerous. Check out the tips below and find out how to safely embark on a nighttime yachting adventure.

1. Prepare your vessel. Before setting out on your night journey, make sure your boat is in perfect condition, especially the navigation equipment and lights – don’t forget the sidelights, stern lights and anchor lights.🧐

2. Reduce cockpit lighting. Too much light in the cockpit can reduce your nighttime visibility. To maximize it, use red lights or dimmed lighting.💡

3. Familiarize yourself with the area beforehand. Before embarking on a night sail, become well-acquainted with the area where you intend to navigate. Accurately review nautical charts with local navigation marks and acknowledge the risks. 🗺️

4. Stay on watch. At night, it’s harder to spot other vessels, buoys and obstacles – always have someone on deck who will keep a vigilant eye on the surroundings.🔎

5. Use navigation aids. Night sailing requires the assistance of technology such as GPS, radar and sonar. Even though it’s reliable, always verify the information from digital instruments visually – keep your eyes on the lookout!🧭

6. Travel at a slower speed. It’s safer to maintain a lower speed at night. This way, you gain some reaction time in case an unexpected obstacle appears.🐌

7. Safety first. Never leave the cockpit without wearing a life jacket and keep a hand-held light handy.🦺

8. Communication. Before night sailing, check your VHF radio communicator, and during the voyage, regularly communicate with the coast guard or other vessels – this is especially important when sailing on established maritime routes that are busy even at night.📻

9. Stay alert and well-rested. Avoid fatigue – if possible, take turns with other crew members in both steering and watching the surroundings.

10. Follow the rules. Review the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGs) and adhere to them diligently. ⚖️

If you follow all the tips you’ve read, your night sailing can be both magical and peaceful. Good luck!🍀