Contrary to popular belief, sailing at night is not much more dangerous than sailing during the day. Saving time on open sea crossings, increasing confidence in yourself and your crew, enjoying magical moments at sea such as sunrise and sunset, gazing at the stars and the Milky Way under a sparkling sky from one end to the other, especially encountering a meteor shower or swimming with dolphins in a bioluminescent sea, are beauties that never cease to amaze. At the end of a long open sea crossing, despite the fatigue in the eyes that have been on watch for hours, it is impossible to put into words the enlightenment that the lone lighthouse light, flashing at the exact moment and place expected, creates in the human soul… Alongside all these beauties, it is necessary to take a few more precautions and be more cautious than during normal daytime voyages to prevent mishaps that could spoil the enjoyment of the journey. The dangers that befall us at night are not on the open sea but on the coast. Entering an unknown port, a shoal or reef that has been overlooked or unnoticed on the map can pose a life-threatening danger. However, a barrel, net buoy, or rope at water level may also go unnoticed during daytime sailing.

Route and Planning

Route and navigation planning must be done in detail. Unlike daytime navigation, alternatives (ports that can be entered in an emergency, route changes, etc.) should preferably be thoroughly evaluated before starting the voyage.
It is of great importance that the maps of the region are complete. Today, modern chartplotters, placed close to the cockpit, with their large and bright screens, provide incredible convenience even in ports that have never been entered before or are difficult to navigate.
uncharted, complex ports. However, it is advisable to adjust the settings to prevent the lights from being too bright.
Meteorology becomes even more important. While motor sailing with autopilot on calm seas is quite easy and enjoyable,
situations where the wind picks up and sea conditions worsen can be much more challenging than usual. It is important to remember that
maneuvers (such as tacking or jibing) always carry additional risks.

Navigation

It is important that navigation lights are fully functional and complete. Navigation light failure is one of the most feared issues during navigation, especially in rough seas. To avoid having to deal with repairs in pitch darkness, it is highly advisable to carry battery-powered spare navigation lights (3 pieces: red, green, and white). When installing these spare lights, special attention must be paid to their angles.
Additionally, it is important to know in advance what the navigation lights of other vessels, as well as flashers, lights, and illuminated buoys, signify, and to review this information frequently to ensure it is not forgotten.
Steering at night also requires practice. If there are no lights, vessels to follow, or other elements to assist with navigation, it takes some time to develop the habit of navigating by compass. This process is slightly longer and more challenging when sailing in rough seas. However, it becomes easier with time.
A well-functioning autopilot that can handle the boat even in rough seas is a great help in this regard.
It should not be forgotten that solar panels will not provide energy during night sailing, and that the autopilot, which draws a lot of electricity in rough seas, will weaken the batteries.

Equipment Check

Standard parachute signal flares, smoke, and light safety equipment must be checked in advance, and any missing items must be replaced. Check the safety horseshoe ring and lighted buoy. Standard parachute signal flares, smoke, and light safety equipment must be checked in advance, and any missing items must be replaced.
Inflatable life jackets and flashing signal lights, whistles, and reflectors attached to them for everyone going on deck.
Whistle and horn located immediately next to the steering cabinet.
Radar reflector and spare, if available.
AIS and radar are very useful for night navigation.
The bulbs and batteries of the lights and headlamps must be checked.
Colored bulbs that emit red light in the cabin lighting are very useful in reducing the time it takes for the eyes to readjust to darkness.

Shifts and Watches

If long passages are involved, it is very useful to plan shifts and watches in advance.
It is appropriate to always have at least two people on duty in the cockpit. The standard method is to have one person at the helm and one in the cockpit, with 4-hour shifts. Changing personnel every two hours prevents fatigue and errors.