Who the Hell Turned Out the Anchor Lights in the USVI?

[justjohn]

Just can back into the USVI after a few months down island at 4 this morning. Every anchorage as dark and plum full of boats with 0 anchor lights on. It's a sad day when the VI are to hammered to turn on there lights!! Just a little respect for us night sailors goes a long way


The Lady Euphoria

[CaptTL]

I just got back from the BVI's and every anchorage (okay, mooring field) we were in all the boats had anchor lights on with few exceptions. Must be something going on in the USVI's.

[chubby]

Originally Posted by justjohn

Just can back into the USVI after a few months down island at 4 this morning. Every anchorage as dark and plum full of boats with 0 anchor lights on. It's a sad day when the VI are to hammered to turn on there lights!! Just a little respect for us night sailors goes a long way


The Lady Euphoria

fwiw, i'm scared to enter any anchorage(known or unknown) at night(even if every boat had a light)...heck i wont even enter if the sun is in my face.

i do wish folks would have lights or use a flashlight on dinghys more..
i have a phobia of running over(with my dinghy) one of those young blonde families that like to row around the anchorage in the middle of the night

also i wish certain fisherman in beautiful 3rd world countries wouldnt block channels and entrances with their nets in the early morning.
they are always supper friendly and i know i'm a guest in their country...
but is annoying.

[justjohn]

Last night Great Cruz and Cruz Bay where both full and dark. Went over to St Thomas and red hook, the two after the cut and StJames bay where all full and no lights. Finally came to the Arm Pit and 3 out of 17 boats had there lights on. Just kind of sucks when your tired and looking for a hook spot. I think that most folks who are on the ball don't think they need a light on.


The Lady Euphoria

[maytrix]

I was under the understanding that it is not required in a designated anchorage since it is expected that there will be boats there.

[justjohn]

Ok. But it's a great way to get in a game of bummer boats! I'm not sure what is "the law" on this but I was raised to have a light on when you where not on the dock at night! Out of respect for the night sailors and those in distress or tired. It's just being a good sailor.


The Lady Euphoria

[maytrix]

I agree, better to have it on. I just believe it is not required unfortunately.

[justjohn]

I'm sure it's not. But it's better to be smart and safe then dark. I sail a lot at night and it is a heartwarming sight to see the lights in the distance after a long few days out. It let's me know there are a few old sailors still in the fleet down here


The Lady Euphoria

[Astrid]

I was under the understanding that it is not required in a designated anchorage since it is expected that there will be boats there.

Only in a US anchorage designated by the Secretary of Homeland Security. Check your charts. Locally administered designated anchorages require the anchor light.

[model 10]

The water cops in the Boot Key mooring field in Marathon, FL, say they will give you a ticket if you don't have one on.

[skipmac]

Even if the boats in the anchorage were lit up like Christmas trees I wouldn't go into a crowded anchorage at night without some kind of light. Full moon would work but otherwise would have someone on the bow with a spotlight.

With a tall mast you might not see an anchor light when you are close up to a boat. Not to mention the "blonde families rowing dinghies" (what the heck does that mean?), unlit markers, mooring buoys, buoyed anchors, anchor lines or buoys with the dinghy left tied up.

[thinwater]

I figure if there is no anchor light I am free to use a spot light. Not vengance, just practicality. No problem.

[skipmac]

Originally Posted by thinwater

I figure if there is no anchor light I am free to use a spot light. Not vengance, just practicality. No problem.

Good point. I do try to avoid shining a light right into everyone's windows; aim low and move the light away quickly as soon as I see a boat is there. Also unless it's raining or foggy I leave the 100 kazillion candle power Q-Beam below and use something a bit more mellow.

[skipmac]

By the way, in case anyone brings up lights and killing your night vision, if it's too dark to see anyway then what's to lose.

[CSY Man]

The "No Anchor Lights" has been a problem for years and years especially before LEDs came on the market. Today there is no excuse.
Go slow and shine a search light going into an anchorage at night.
Some of the cruisers and live-a boards in the islands are on a tight budget and can not afford good batteries, Good wiring, solar panels, wind generators or LED anchor lights, nor insurance.
Fixed income, or no income and huge bar bills sets the priorities.
The darker side of "Cruising", pun intended and just the way it is..