Portable navigation lights for small sailboats

jbrumberg

Cadet
Joined
Jul 23, 2010
Messages
6
Having read and reread and reread the ColRegs regarding navigation lights for small sailboats under 21' it is my impression that the currently available navigation lights (white "all round" and bi-color red/green lanterns) would be "legal" for my sailboat operating under power only (if I hang the "all around" white light off the boom); and if I was under sailpower only, I should turn off all navigation lights and rely on an "electrical torch" (i.e. flashlight) to alert oncoming boats as the "all round" light is 360* and not 135*. Am I correct?
 

lbdavis

Cadet
Joined
Jul 22, 2010
Messages
22
Re: Portable navigation lights for small sailboats

I believe you are correct. The colregs "ask" for you to put regular nav lights on, but don't require them for < 7 meters.

If you're looking to be legal, that's all you need, but if you're looking to be safe, I'd install a full set of nav lights - if you sail in busy waters.
 
Top