Is it possible to sail entire Caribbean with no night sailing?

[akprb]

I’ve got your boat right here and will even throw in five days of advanced training which includes a sail to the Bahamas for a full price offer ;-)

https://m.sailboatlistings.com/view/63799

[bbarnholtz]

Another great resource would be Captain Johns book "Caribbean Island Hopping". Here is a link to some information on this.

Frugal Voyager - Caribbean.

Brian

[scottydaum]

Sailing along in a fresh breeZe under a full moon is one of the most joyous experiences of my life!
Sailing in total darkness can be pretty spooky sometimes, but it is a good test of Seamanship. I equate it with IFR in an airplane. Its a time to really use the night vision skills, turn up the natural volume my ears are capable of, and let my body become one with the boat feeling every wave slap the hull, hearing and feeling the rigging, and using my minds eye to "see" the wind.
As has been said many areas should not be attempted in waining light, but I remember the feeling when the sun came up after my first overnight voyage, and how I felt like I was one step closer to being a Competent Sailor.
Study your charts, understand your instruments, find some deep water, and become one with the darkness. ENJOY!!!!!

[Tornadosailing]

Originally Posted by boatingnewbie

I'm in the planning phase to buy a sailboat soon and was just wondering about sailing in 'stages' such as only during the day for awhile, then getting more comfortable with sailing at night, etc. -- hence the question. But now realize the dangers of arriving at a port at night (or late in the day) and not having visibility to spot reefs, etc.

It's super easy. Pick a nice sailing day. Wait for dark. Go sailing. Arrive in the Bahamas in the morning.

Nothing to fear at night that can't get you during the day. Ships are way easier to spot at night too. There's the risk of a squall blowing up on you and not seeing it, but just put a reef in at dusk, slow down and enjoy.

[zboss]

We hate night sailing. To us it is a necessary evil. WE try and avoid night sailing as much as possible but know that if we ever intend on crossing an ocean, we will need to get over it.

[SV Sailfish]

Originally Posted by akprb

I’ve got your boat right here and will even throw in five days of advanced training which includes a sail to the Bahamas for a full price offer ;-)

https://m.sailboatlistings.com/view/63799

Beauty of a boat akprb!

[travellerw]

Originally Posted by boatingnewbie

I'm in the planning phase to buy a sailboat soon and was just wondering about sailing in 'stages' such as only during the day for awhile, then getting more comfortable with sailing at night, etc. -- hence the question. But now realize the dangers of arriving at a port at night (or late in the day) and not having visibility to spot reefs, etc.

Awesome that you are asking and learning. I truly believe there is no dumb questions.

I hope you find your boat and have a fantastic time!

[Tillsbury]

I’m in the “go night sailing” camp. Set off in the evening. There’s nothing better than night sailing, except for the wonderful experience of dawn coming up while you’re doing it...

[boatingnewbie]

Originally Posted by travellerw

Awesome that you are asking and learning. I truly believe there is no dumb questions.

I hope you find your boat and have a fantastic time!

Sincerely appreciate it! Doing my best to learn all I can and getting some fantastic help from nice folks on this forum.

[jmh2002]

Another thread here that started just before yours: http://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/...do-205953.html with similar questions but from the opposite direction - Trinidad heading north.

Unsurprisingly you will find much the same answers there about how to consider and plan these longer legs.

Hope it helps too

[stefnieman]

What´s wrong with night sailing, it´s beautiful and relaxing. Just keep AIS on.

[AJ_n_Audrey]

Originally Posted by stefnieman

What´s wrong with night sailing, it´s beautiful and relaxing. Just keep AIS on.

The short answer is no. There is nothing wrong with night sailing if you can get out an inlet and away from land relatively easily - I do it all the time. I would not sail or motor on the ICW or other inland waterways at night except in emergencies or if there is really no other choice, but open sea is fine, and enjoyable. I have even sailed at night in the Sea of Abaco, staying on the magenta line of Explorer Charts and I think that's safe as well because explorer Charts are the gold standard. By the way, the stars in the Bahamas on a moonless night are unbelievable. Definitely get a copy of "Passages South" by Van Sant.

[tunnelvision]

Get comfortable with your new boat in moderate conditions. Then take it offshore and get used to sailing in the open ocean. After that you're ready for an overnight run. We just completed the thorny path to Grenada and it will require a few overnight runs to do safely.

[B23iL23]

I had my first night watch on my own at the age of 15. Was fantastic - saw shooting stars, disturbed a basking shark. Loved it ever since.

My advice is take the boat out during the day, get used to the area then plan a night sail in the same location - go out to sea for a couple of hours and back in again at daylight. That will give you confidence in your skills and night sailing.

It's one of the best parts of sailing. Enjoy it.

[andybaldwins]

As you ask that question it reminds me of a moonless night that I tried to get into Colombier anchorage on the North of St Barts. The vessels in the anchorage had blinding lights on and I couldn't make out all the rock outcroppings that guarded the entrance. some moored boats were un lighted and mixed with mega yachts that were brightly lit. Had I departed at night, my arrival would have been during the day.