On a sailboat as on a motor boat, the driving lights are quite simple to apprehend. Below are some few things you need to know.
In order to “illuminate” one’s boat in navigation, navigation lights are required. Remember that there are two categories of boat: motor boats and sailing boats sailing (A sailboat sailing with the engine is considered a motorboat, even if it carries sails).
The regulation of navigation lights for ships is done from the International Maritime Organization.
The navigation lights will change depending on whether the vessel is under way, or whether it is stationary – for example at anchor.
For sailing boats
A sailboat must have three-color lights:
A red on the fore-aft port
A green on the starboard
A white on the back
Highway lights of a sailboat sailing with the sail
SPECIAL CASES
On board, a sailing yacht that is less than 20 m long, the three lights may be combined into a single masthead. This assembly makes it possible to use a single bulb and therefore to cut the electricity consumption by three.
High beams of a sailboat long 20 m or less
Sailboats of less than 7 m in length (like rowing vessels) can do without lights but must be ready to show immediately an electric lamp or a white light on to prevent collision,this is very important for the security of other boats in the same navigation area.
A red on the fore-aft port
A green on the starboard
A white on the back
and
A white masthead light on the front
SPECIAL CASES
A motor boat of less than 12 m may be limited to:
A white light visible all over the horizon
A red on the fore-aft port
A green on the starboard
