Collision and Dismasting

[sailingharry]

Originally Posted by Adelie

Many people call it a steaming light because it is more descriptive of function and less misleading regarding location than masthead light, at least in English.

Masthead light is the term that is used in the COLREGS, but it gives the impression the light is or should be at the top of a mast (at least in English) which is not a requirement in the COLREGS.

Yes, this is thread drift. Like any human conversation topic drift occurs.

While it frustrates me ("it" intentionally unspecific -- "it" could be COLREGS or common use....LOL), I do tend to use "steaming" light. It's clear. The problem comes when the light at the top of the mast is referred to as a "masthead light." Is it the colloquial light at the top of the mast, or the legally defined light on the front of the mast?

[sailorboy1]

Originally Posted by boatman61

This is CF.. we are now in the ColRegs Zone, much loved by the afficionados.

in the regs ,,,,,,,,,,,,AGAIN

[bcboomer]

Late to the party but doesn't the coastguard monitor VHF conversations in Florida? Wouldn't they know whether the FV was trying to contact you?

[Montanan]

Don, I am saddened to hear of the collision and its severity. I am comforted that no one was injured.

Hoping that the insurance settlement will be just and that your decision as to how to proceed with sailing or deciding to step offboard will be the appropriate one for your situation and lifestyle.

Good bless,

Dan

[malbert73]

Originally Posted by sailingharry

This is where terminology is important.

A "masthead light" on most sailboats is mounted on the forward side of the mast at spreader height and lit when under power. Commonly, and erroneously, called a "steaming light" or "bow light."

The "anchor light" on most sailboats is mounted at the top of the mast. Not to be confused with a "masthead light." UGH!

I agree 100% with your idea that the "wrong" lights may be the "best" lights -- but make sure to have the useless but legal light too! We run the light at the top of the mast to be legal, but add in a under-dodger LED light system that illuminates the cockpit and when really nervous the foredeck spotlight -- both make us very visible but neither come even close to meeting the law.

Thank you for the correction. Yes I meant anchor light at the top of my mast when I stated masthead.
And no, the steaming/bow/masthead light is not what I leave on, but rather the downward deck light. To leave the steaming light on could confuse