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anxiously awaiting our first catamaran charter in Feb on TMM's newest cat Boomerang.. had a question come up with our group.. we plan to dine ashore most nights and wonder what the logistics are of shuttling the group via dinghy after dark.. I'm sure our captain will advise on that but we would like to know in advance,,,
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Not much different than by day. Flashlights in the dinghy (and turned on) so other boats can see you and you can see mooring balls. Also travel at a much slower pace to keep dry and to avoid trouble.
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Also pass behind anchored boats to avoid motoring across anchor/mooring lines (or well in front).. Good flashlights(I have my own), SLOW is pro, and don't forget bug spray when going ashore.
A dry bag or two is nice ...day or night.
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And always pre-calculate which is the windward/leeward side of the dinghy. The windward side passengers often get a "wet butt".
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If you can see that flashlight you are killing your night vision. The lights are best left OFF. There is a reason real boats, yachts, and ships do not have headlights.
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My view is to keep the ligh on, pointed forward and outside of the dinghy. It is likely that the dinghy will not have running lights. If your lights are off, no other boats, especially faster boats will not be able to see you. People have been killed in dinghies running invisible.
Also, the tubes usually get damp with the evening condensation. So you might want to dry where you will sit before you get wet,
Last edited by warren460; 01/04/2017 10:42 PM.
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StormJib said:
If you can see that flashlight you are killing your night vision. The lights are best left OFF. There is a reason real boats, yachts, and ships do not have headlights. Yes... don't hold the flashlight in a manner that impacts your night vision. But sorry SJ, I can't agree with the rest of your advice. On many nights there is no way to safely see unused mooring balls and pendants without a light. Furthermore, if you are in a busy anchorage like The Bight, you run the risk of being hit by a powerboat if they cannot see you. Finally, lighting is required on any boat with a motor.
s/v Snow Dog - Leopard 46
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Once you learn to use night vision and your ears. You will be safer with those lights off. At night in the anchorage it is always best to stay clear of the other boats using your night vision and your ears. Once anyone turns on a white flashlight you are blind and that is why you are missing the moorings and need the light to try and search for them in the dark. Yes, you can have the light ready to turn on to alert another boat only when you must. Once someone powers up a flashlight it will take you a long time to get any night vision back. The way to go is to keep a proper lookout with the handheld blinding lights off in a dinghy.
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I bought two LED flashlights, the cheap ones that float and have a whistle. One red and one green. They work pretty good on my dinghy both for reduced glare and boat orientation. Maybe try those.
Last edited by 706jim; 01/04/2017 11:20 PM.
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Try whatever you like, as long as other boats can see you.
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StormJib said:
Once you learn to use night vision and your ears. You will be safer with those lights off. At night in the anchorage it is always best to stay clear of the other boats using your night vision and your ears. Once anyone turns on a white flashlight you are blind and that is why you are missing the moorings and need the light to try and search for them in the dark. Yes, you can have the light ready to turn on to alert another boat only when you must. Once someone powers up a flashlight it will take you a long time to get any night vision back. The way to go is to keep a proper lookout with the handheld blinding lights off in a dinghy. I disagree. Maybe back in the day when you rowed your dinghy ashore it was safe without a light using your ears and night vision. Today there are other boats moving fast through the anchorages including ferries, go fast boats and dinghys. Yeah, your keen night vision might detect them while they are bearing down on you but without a light they can't see you and in the event of a collision you will be found negligent. Plus, the outboard from your dinghy makes it difficult to hear approaching boats. We put a person on the bow with a flashlight pointed forward scanning the anchorage in front of us.
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If other boats cannot see you then you risk being hit by another boat. I'm not exactly sure of the rules/laws in the BVI for running a boat at night, but there is a reason in back in the states you are required to have your lights (configuration depending on boat size/type) on while boating at night.
Sure if you use a flashlight and look into it your night vision will be affected, but if you shine the light up or in front of you it won't matter that much. Then again with most of the dingy's coming back from bars I'd say most are more impaired from the drinks then a little flashlight and it's more important the others can see you.
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Stay clear of other boats!?! You're in a crowded anchorage, heading towards (or away from) a popular restaurant, with a very high likelihood that other dinghies and various boats are roaming around also. How the heck are you going to stay clear of other boats?
Use your flashlight. Don't point it into your eyes. Better to lose a little bit of your night vision than to get run down by someone who didn't see you, when all you're doing is moving the short distance from your boat to the dinghy dock!
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...and remember where you parked! <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Grin.gif" alt="" /> Sounds silly, but in a big crowded mooring field at night, a lot of boats look the same. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Wink.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Wink.gif" alt="" />
Kirk in Maryland
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I'm confident our captain will get us back and forth ok
we were just questioning the logistics for dinner planning
that's why I asked,,,looks like we will have lots of options for eating
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Whatever you do, DO NOT give anybody those head lamps We once saw a dinghy full of passengers outfitted with those lights all turn to look at the helmsman at the same time . I am sure he was blind for a week!
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psod said:
I'm confident our captain will get us back and forth ok
we were just questioning the logistics for dinner planning
that's why I asked,,,looks like we will have lots of options for eating Can you elaborate to what info you're looking for then?
Kirk in Maryland
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If there is any shallow water between your mooring and the dock you may want to try a dry run during daylight hours, if possible, for familiarization. More than one prop has been unsuspectingly bent at night.
Tom
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I was more or less just asking if it was practical to expect to dine ashore most nights,,,that would affect what food we would need to provision for,,,
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Night vision is a learned skill for many. Keep the light off and pay attention. If there is another boat approaching anywhere near your course only them should you briefly signal with a light. Before anyone turns on a light at least the helmsman should close or cover at least one eye. Many believe that is one of the purposes of the old pirate patch. To establish and maintain night vision. Just closing both eye for ten seconds can establish some night vision for some of us. You will never solve this on a keyboard. Each night sky and anchorage are different. I strongly suggest everyone learn to establish night vision and experience what you can actually see once you have your eyes properly adjusted. White lights are the worst robbing everyone on your boat and maybe those around you the ability to see. The danger is all the folks with white lights running around the harbors blind and many times drunk. Pay attention using your night vision and avoid them. Turn a light on only if you must signal them or have proper running lights were none of the lights coming from you boat are visible to the helm and lookout on your boat.
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You will be able to communicate with most restaurants on the water in the BVI via VHF.
Many will meet you at your boat after you settle in with a menu and special list.
Chuck W.
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psod said:
I was more or less just asking if it was practical to expect to dine ashore most nights,,,that would affect what food we would need to provision for,,, There certainly are some places you could overnight that don't have a bar/restaurant...but that's up to you. There is more than ample opportunity to do all meals ashore if that's what you want to do. I typically eat one or two breakfasts ashore, a couple of lunches, and all dinners. I miss a meal or three as well.
Kirk in Maryland
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Night vision aside and as mentioned before... any Power Driven Vessel (PVD) is require to have proper lighting. Up to the dingy captain to keep the lights out of their eyes <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Yikes.gif" alt="" />
Chuck W.
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My two cents: I understand most accidents seem to have a dinghy involved, perhaps as simple as one of the crew falling in the water when attempting to enter or exit the dinghy, or something more serious. Be ready to assist others, or accept help yourself. As was said, it can get a little wet, depending on the conditions in the anchorage, and don't forget you likely have sand on your feet/sandals when returning to your boat. Keep your captain happy by having a bucket of water on the scoop for washing your feet and shoes before entering the cockpit/salon.
Noel Hall "It is humbling indeed, to discover my own opinion is only correct less than 50% of the time." www.noelhall.com
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Your captain will surely know, but if you tell him that you want to be in anchorages that have restaurants ashore, then you can have that every night.
Lights out or lights on, enjoy!!
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As others have pointed out, pretty easy to dine ashore in Feb in the BVIs. Checking the Virgin Islands Cruising Guide that will be aboard your charter boat will help you determine what dining options exist in the various overnight anchorages that you are planning to stay in.
Note that once you leave Tortola, many of the smaller restaurants require you to make reservations prior to 4pm. Some will also ask that you select your meal options at the time of reservations to ensure that have your preferences on hand for the evening meals. I have seen on occasion that restaurants that have no evening reservations either don't open for dinner or close early.
Reservations can be made by phone, in person or using the VHF.
Enjoy your trip
Last edited by Eclipse; 01/05/2017 02:37 PM.
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Insert random copy and pasted item here:_____________________ <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Yikes.gif" alt="" />
My foot fits right into my shoe and my shoe will fit right into your...
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Having had one set of sailing friends t-boned at night while dinkimg back to the boat, it is a no brainer.
Use a light.
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Eclipse said:
As others have pointed out, pretty easy to dine ashore in Feb in the BVIs. Checking the Virgin Islands Cruising Guide that will be aboard your charter boat will help you determine what dining options exist in the various overnight anchorages that you are planning to stay in.
Note that once you leave Tortola, many of the smaller restaurants require you to make reservations prior to 4pm. Some will also ask that you select your meal options at the time of reservations to ensure that have your preferences on hand for the evening meals. I have seen on occasion that restaurants that have no evening reservations either don't open for dinner or close early.
Reservations can be made by phone, in person or using the VHF.
Enjoy your trip Have never experienced that on Virgin Gorda.
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I have experienced that on anegada. Nowhere else in the bvi.
If you get to anegada. A must visit is the wonky dog. Check their web site and look at the menu and reviews here and on TripAdvisor. It's outstanding.
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StormJib said:
Night vision is a learned skill for many. Keep the light off and pay attention. If there is another boat approaching anywhere near your course only them should you briefly signal with a light. Before anyone turns on a light at least the helmsman should close or cover at least one eye. Many believe that is one of the purposes of the old pirate patch. To establish and maintain night vision. Just closing both eye for ten seconds can establish some night vision for some of us. You will never solve this on a keyboard. Each night sky and anchorage are different. I strongly suggest everyone learn to establish night vision and experience what you can actually see once you have your eyes properly adjusted. White lights are the worst robbing everyone on your boat and maybe those around you the ability to see. The danger is all the folks with white lights running around the harbors blind and many times drunk. Pay attention using your night vision and avoid them. Turn a light on only if you must signal them or have proper running lights were none of the lights coming from you boat are visible to the helm and lookout on your boat. Ron, One of your worst posts ever under your pseudonym Stormjib. Pirates wearing patches to avoid being blinded by flashlights? We should all wander around in the dark at home to get our night vision ready for a dinghy ride without flashlights? The bottom line is a boat under motor power at night is required to display a white light. I would like to see you explain to a jury how you conditioned your night vision in PA before your charter but still got run over by the ferry so it's not your fault you didn't display a light.
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I know of an incident that occurred 15 years ago. A friend was the owner of the particular charter boat. It was on a mooring at Saba rock. The occupants went to bitter end for dinner. On the way back across the channel between Saba and beyc their dingy was hit by a high speed power cruiser. Several dinghy passengers were killed on impact. Litigation transpired for years. I don't recall the outcome. But nobody needs to be at risk for this sort of mishap. To travel without a light is illegal reckless and puts people's lives At risk. It's stupid.
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We never have issues with lights and night vision. Person in front holds light out down toward the water ahead. Says "mooring ball 2 o'clock" as needed. Don't shine at other boats. Seems simple...
Last edited by Kryssa; 01/06/2017 03:33 AM.
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NCSailor said:StormJib said:
Night vision is a learned skill for many. Keep the light off and pay attention. If there is another boat approaching anywhere near your course only them should you briefly signal with a light. Before anyone turns on a light at least the helmsman should close or cover at least one eye. Many believe that is one of the purposes of the old pirate patch. To establish and maintain night vision. Just closing both eye for ten seconds can establish some night vision for some of us. You will never solve this on a keyboard. Each night sky and anchorage are different. I strongly suggest everyone learn to establish night vision and experience what you can actually see once you have your eyes properly adjusted. White lights are the worst robbing everyone on your boat and maybe those around you the ability to see. The danger is all the folks with white lights running around the harbors blind and many times drunk. Pay attention using your night vision and avoid them. Turn a light on only if you must signal them or have proper running lights were none of the lights coming from you boat are visible to the helm and lookout on your boat. Ron, One of your worst posts ever under your pseudonym Stormjib. Pirates wearing patches to avoid being blinded by flashlights? We should all wander around in the dark at home to get our night vision ready for a dinghy ride without flashlights? The bottom line is a boat under motor power at night is required to display a white light. I would like to see you explain to a jury how you conditioned your night vision in PA before your charter but still got run over by the ferry so it's not your fault you didn't display a light. Here is a little cut and paste for your entertainment. http://mentalfloss.com/article/52493/why-did-pirates-wear-eye-patchesDo not underestimate the importance of night vision on the water.
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We ALWAY bring a small light and use it in the dingy at night.
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I won't comment on whether a light is needed or not. All I'll say is that we have unintentionally made more than one dinghy trip back to the boat at night without a flashlight. I wasn't worried much about us seeing things as we could see pretty well and we took it nice and slow. What I was worried about though is people not seeing us - especially the people that feel the need to run their dinghy full speed in the mooring field at night. So, my only advice, presuming you intend to use a light, is to make sure you don't forget it when you come in to shore since it will often be light when you are heading in but will turn dark while you are earring dinner.
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snmhanson said:
I won't comment on whether a light is needed or not. All I'll say is that we have unintentionally made more than one dinghy trip back to the boat at night without a flashlight. I wasn't worried much about us seeing things as we could see pretty well and we took it nice and slow. What I was worried about though is people not seeing us - especially the people that feel the need to run their dinghy full speed in the mooring field at night. So, my only advice, presuming you intend to use a light, is to make sure you don't forget it when you come in to shore since it will often be light when you are heading in but will turn dark while you are earring dinner. We have a backpack that always comes ashore. Contains handheld VHF, flashlight, bug spray, sunscreen, coozies, camera and ziploc bags for electronics. Phones go in the ziplocs before we leave the boat. We always remember the bag.
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Ditto. We always bring a dry bag ashore with our "stuff."
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