We sailed through a very dark night and thick fog the next
morning. The moon and starlight were hidden behind a thick blanket of clouds
from above, and our destination port was hidden behind an even thicker blanket of
clouds over the lake. We just installed
an AIS transceiver, (Automated Information System) and believe me, it quickly
became a close friend.
We established a “safe zone” perimeter of one nautical mile and received an alarm if any vessels crossed it. Not only that, but the information it relays on the larger vessels, even at great distances, is invaluable; i.e.; name and documented numbers, type, size, speed and destination. Between AIS and Radar the trip was not as unsettling as it could have been. It gave me a huge appreciation for the mariners in the days of yore, or even now, who choose not to use electronics. They probably said WTFR WE? alot!
We established a “safe zone” perimeter of one nautical mile and received an alarm if any vessels crossed it. Not only that, but the information it relays on the larger vessels, even at great distances, is invaluable; i.e.; name and documented numbers, type, size, speed and destination. Between AIS and Radar the trip was not as unsettling as it could have been. It gave me a huge appreciation for the mariners in the days of yore, or even now, who choose not to use electronics. They probably said WTFR WE? alot!
 |
| Captain Jeffey asleep in the cockpit after his 3 hr "watch". |
Wondrous journey to all,
Pam
Pam
Sailing at night - wow - I would be scared :)
ReplyDeleteIt's actually very very cool when you have moon and starlight but without it...yeah, kinda like scuba diving at night without a flashlight!
DeleteEnjoy! Night sailing is great - only way to make real distance. Think of it as a "free day" of sailing. Besides that's what chart plotters, radar and AIS are for. There will also be plenty of times you will sail overnight in order to arrive at your destination during daylight.
ReplyDeleteI totally agree except when there's no visibility...usually love it! I just prefer to not rely solely on instruments.
ReplyDelete