Phuket is well-known for its beautiful bodies of water that attract yacht owners and charters alike. There are numerous tiny islands and islets scattered throughout this majestic land, ranging from raucous party destinations to secluded tropical beaches. But is night sailing a wise time of day to view the magnificence of Thailand’s wealthiest province? In this article, we will discuss helpful tips and tricks for sailing at night so you can have the best experience on your evening trip!
- Choosing your yacht
Phuket has a wide variety of yachts to choose from, whether you’re looking for a quick, four-hour island-hopping trip or a three-night stay on the Andaman Sea. Therefore, tourists and vacationing sailors can find the perfect vehicle to charter and embark on exciting island-hopping adventures. Here, renting a four-seater or 23-foot speedboat, an eight-person sports cruiser, or a five-star luxury yacht is possible. Some yachts can even accommodate 35 guests on an 85-foot yacht for a day trip or 20 guests for an overnight vacation on a smaller 76-foot boat.
- Planning your trip
Every competent sailor understands that planning is vital for a successful voyage, but this is more critical when sailing at night. You should check numerous sources of meteorological information periodically, especially in the hours preceding dusk. You should also ensure that you have thoroughly studied your maps and are familiar with your nocturnal journey. Know which areas could pose a threat, how long it will take you to reach these areas, and who will be on guard. Place your most experienced crew members or those familiar with the location on duty before entering an area that is difficult to manoeuvre in.
It is also helpful to identify a few binding sites to which you can divert if you encounter unexpected severe weather while reviewing your charts. The lee of an island, a protected bay, or a different port facility are all viable choices. Have a backup plan for wind shifts and unforeseen circumstances, such as an unexpected engine failure or a medical emergency.
Unless you are sailing alone (which is not recommended at night), it is advisable to establish a timetable for dictating nighttime watchkeeping tasks. A simple approach provides accountability for all crew members during the voyage and prevents individuals from becoming unduly fatigued and making potentially fatal errors.
- Be sure to prioritise your safety
We all know that safety is always the most important aspect to consider when sailing, and nighttime sailing requires the observance of various safety guidelines. The first and most essential rule is always to wear a life jacket and do it properly. Whether you should choose an automatically or manually inflating vest is a hotly disputed question. You must conduct your study, weigh the advantages and cons of each style, and choose the one that best suits you and your experience.
It is a no-brainer to wear a life jacket in any situation as it is an essential piece of safety equipment a sailor has. Therefore, it’s crucial to invest in one that is as comfortable as possible and has a strobe light, built-in harness, and a whistle (or someplace to store one). This is your initial line of defence against a possible catastrophe. Life jackets may not always be stylish or comfortable, but they are always required on deck, especially at night.
Food, water, and suitable gear are crucial but frequently neglected evening crew issues. Having snacks, clean water, warm beverages, and multiple layers of clothing readily available can improve the quality of your night shift. Try wearing more layers than you believe you would need, including a hat, socks, and gloves. It is far easier to remove layers as you become warmer than looking for the appropriate clothing when you become cold, which requires energy to remain vigilant during your watch. Finally, consider everything you might need throughout your shift and have it ready when the time comes.
An excellent kit to keep you busy may contain a headlamp, a flashlight, a smartphone with a charger, headphones, midnight snacks, and your favourite book. Being well-prepared also involves being mindful of your crewmates, so you don’t restrict your mobility on deck by going below and turning on the lights to search for an item you forgot.
- Be mindful of your boat’s limits
When sailing at night, keep in mind the needs and capabilities of your vessel. If you are not careful, running your autopilot, navigation lights, refrigeration, radar, air conditioning, heaters, and water pumps will drain your batteries. Unless you have a wind turbine, you may rely on a generator to prevent your battery bank from being dangerously low. If you must operate a generator, be mindful of your crewmates by utilising it when awake or for an equal amount of time throughout two shifts.
You must also be careful of how much electricity your vessel consumes and attempt to limit it as much as possible by utilising headlamps or flashlights instead of overhead lighting for the first hour or two of your shift and by steering manually. Large amounts of energy can also be consumed if your sailboat is equipped with electric winches and roller furling devices. Your boat and crewmates below will appreciate you conserving energy and minimising noise.
If your vessel is not equipped with roller furling, you must be prepared for possible sail adjustments, reefing, and wind shifts before nightfall. If you believe the wind will lighten in the middle of the night, have a larger genoa sail prepared and ready near the bow for a quick and easy sail change. If the wind is expected to increase, you must be able to reef the sails and, if necessary, perform a takedown. Always be more prudent with your sail area when night sailing.