tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7580803911138944660.post5106673172769668427..comments2023-09-20T04:07:41.843-05:00Comments on Mid-Life Cruising!!!: NKOTB - Overnight PassagesKen n Cherylhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03930162790282267827noreply@blogger.comBlogger7125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7580803911138944660.post-78425925339671259052011-11-23T09:06:57.965-06:002011-11-23T09:06:57.965-06:00We've done numerous overnight, and multi-night...We've done numerous overnight, and multi-night trips. They seem a little intimidating at first but really are no big deal unless you happen to be in a heavy traffic area or it's foggy (but that sucks in the daytime as well). GPS, chartplotters, AIS, and (although we don't have it) radar all work together to help you feel less blind.<br /><br />All the other advice you've received above sounds good to me.<br /><br />-SteveSteve and Luluhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17762481109499699377noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7580803911138944660.post-86747275155848776512011-10-04T08:29:59.101-05:002011-10-04T08:29:59.101-05:00Chris and I have done several overnights, the long...Chris and I have done several overnights, the longest being two nights three days. In two cases we had no choice, we sailed from Acklins Island to Providenciales (Turks & Caicos) which was 24 hours. The second time we sailed around Hiati from the northern coast of the Dominican Republic to the southern coast - two nights, three full days. The other times it was our choice because we learned in "Passages South by Bruce Van Sant" that taking the "night lee" is the way to sail when you are in the DR or Puerto Rico. (If you don't have this book, get it.) My advice is to plan according to weather and sea forecast, sail to your ability and experience, have your jacklines rigged for safety, as well as your other safety gear in good working order. Create a watch schedule and stick to it, waking the off watch person when help is needed. Know how to use your radar and your navigation instruments. Know the rules of the road and the meaning of navigation lights on ships at sea (is it coming toward you <br />or going away from you?) The suggestion from your another blogger to start with a 3 or 4 am journey is a great one. Knowledge is power and <br />calms fears. There's always a FIRST time. After that you have a little more knowledge and experience AND confidence. I don't know what setting a timer really does because Chris and I are always awake during our watches. I read, I check the radar every 30 minutes, I scan the horizon every 10. Chris uses music as his "timer" scanning the horizon after every <br />couple of songs on Margaritaville. Our watches are 3 hours on, 3 hours off for the overnights. I would worry less about falling asleep and think more about planning and preparing meals and snacks, having your safety gear in place, learning your route, and watching the weather. Admittedly, I am always a bit nervous on the night sails, but I know the sun will come up and a new day will dawn in a few hours. There's a nice article on Women & Cruising on this topic. http://womenandcruising.com/Fighting-<br />Fear-Teresa-Carey.htmLindahttp://sailblogs.com/member/troubadour52993/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7580803911138944660.post-87409977049621539132011-09-22T10:24:10.493-05:002011-09-22T10:24:10.493-05:00Leslie, Sandee and Laura ... we agree that overnig...Leslie, Sandee and Laura ... we agree that overnight passages will not be a common thing in our cruising life since we'll be "coastal" cruisers. If we don't need to, why stay up all night? I need my sleep! LOL! However, it is something I want to experience ... with great weather! Sandee, I'm with you ... no alcohol before settling in! Dan n Jaye ... what a great idea to leave around 3 or 4 in the morning. We'll have to do that soon, and maybe on a night with a full moon. It does sound like it could be an amazing experience with a full moon and then watching the sun rise!Ken n Cherylhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03930162790282267827noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7580803911138944660.post-57592728606882755172011-09-18T18:13:15.197-05:002011-09-18T18:13:15.197-05:00We've only sailed through the night three sepa...We've only sailed through the night three separate times and each was a nightmare. I'm not trying to scare you but it's like the Gods knew I was a novice and delighted in kicking up the wind and the seas. However, I do love anchoring in secluded spots where even in a blow you're usually well protected. From what I've read, night sailing can be a beautiful experience but if we do it again I would like a couple of more people on board who know what they're doing.hans and laurahttp://knottycattales.blogspot.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7580803911138944660.post-50537065668116946712011-09-16T18:20:22.475-05:002011-09-16T18:20:22.475-05:00Couple of thoughts: your first time, try just leav...Couple of thoughts: your first time, try just leaving at 3 or 4 AM, and sailing for 4 hours. You get to leave your familiar harbor and travel familiar waters for a few hours, then, watching the sun come up on the ocean is magical! Also, try for a clear, full-moon night the first time - amazing how much you can see with a full moon.Dan N Jayehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17910909942198901223noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7580803911138944660.post-82113890179818901272011-09-16T12:45:21.925-05:002011-09-16T12:45:21.925-05:00We've only traveled in the dark one time. Whe...We've only traveled in the dark one time. Where we boat it's too dangerous in many places, unless you stay in the deep water channel. We never drink and operate our boat. We can do that when we are tied up to where we are going to be for the night. We have radar that guides the way through fog or darkness. It is scary though.<br /><br />Have a terrific day. :)Sandeehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06785788498697004273noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7580803911138944660.post-59668866631874449172011-09-16T12:04:26.092-05:002011-09-16T12:04:26.092-05:00With such wonderful anchoring at night, why sail? ...With such wonderful anchoring at night, why sail? If you're sticking to the coast there really is no need for overnighters. When we run into folks who just did overnighters, they're worn out, red eyed, and ruppled. For us, tt's all so much more enjoyable rested and ready! To each his own.Leslie Basil Paynehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16915550459326995303noreply@blogger.com