yacht deck at night

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The best superyacht sundecks in the world

Offering the best views on board, not to mention plenty of space for fitting a spa pool, the sundeck is often the centrepiece of a superyacht’s design. BOAT takes a look at a selection of very best superyacht sundecks in the world, starting with Lana...

Lana 's large sundeck certainly provides the social hub for Benetti 's 107 metre colossus. The 100sqm alfresco dining area on this level is found alongside an eight-metre pool, vast sunbathing areas and a shaded dining table with a backlit honey onyx base. When night falls it's decked out for partying, featuring a California Audio Technology system and a space for two club-standard speakers with two built-in K-array subwoofers. 

Cantiere delle Marche’s first Flexplorer, 39 metre Aurelia , has less of a sundeck and more of a "private Jacuzzi deck" at its top. The owner requested an intimate, exclusive space, with a fridge, some storage and a large spa pool. "They created an alcove," said Vasco Buonpensiere, sales director and co-founder of Cantiere delle Marche. "A cosy place up there for the two of them, so the crew can’t go there.”

Custom Line Navetta 30

The compact 28 metre Custom Line Navetta 30 has a glass breakfast bar perched on the sundeck, giving its owners spectacular morning views. Its resort-like, barefoot informality complements the conviviality of the upper deck with Ferretti's chief executive officer Alberto Galassi referring to the area as his favourite on the yacht. "The sundeck is huge," he said. "You could have a game of football there." 

One of 39.75 metre Club M 's defining features is the sundeck which at night, like the rest of the ship, is illuminated by a kilometre of rope lighting. With ample space for lounging and open plan, the spectacular top deck offers an uninterrupted flow from the bow lounge to the aft deck bar. 

Rossinavi 's automative-inspired 50 metre EIV has plenty of wellness amenities, with a five metre contra-flow swimming pool on its sundeck. Enrico Gobbi of Venice-based Team for Design oversaw the exterior and chose a dark grey colour-scheme for the superyacht's sundeck. In this way, the large 10 metre beam's scale is minimised and doesn't impinge on the boat's elegant silhouette. 

A custom walkaround swimming pool resides forward on the sundeck and is lined with iridescent glass tiles that reflect the sun during the day and the pool's underwater lights at night. Offering excellent options for entertaining and dining al fresco, there's a table seating up to 12 guests and a bar fronting an outdoor galley complete with a teppanyaki grill.

Credit: Quin Bisset

More about this yacht

Amadea's sundeck is the “party area” according to designer Espen Øino . The pool can be converted into a stage for private gigs and equipment can be plugged into the yacht's audio system. Alternatively, guests can use the area of al fresco relaxation in the sun.

The sundeck was an area of huge importance to the owner of Elandess who specifically requested a place capable of supporting various activities and several generations of guests. The expansive sunpad doubles as observation seating, while a large dining area sits on starboard opposite a bar on the portside. The pool meanwhile holds 22 tonnes of fresh water and has a glass wall for watching grandchildren at play.

Sliding doors create a protected outdoor dining space on  Illusion V  that divides the sundeck on this 58 metre Benetti into a solarium aft and a bar area with divine superyacht spa pool .

Yachts for charter

Galactica super nova.

Masterfully integrated into the sleek profile of this sporty 70 metre Heesen superyacht, the sundeck of Galactica Super Nova is linked visually and physically to the open bow. Sliding glass and a hardtop bimini make this an ideal space for entertaining, both during the heat of the day and late at night.

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Yachting World

• Digital Edition

Night sailing: top tips and expert advice to see you safely through until dawn

• Helen Fretter
• October 6, 2016

A Yachting World special report on how to prepare and enjoy sailing at night. Photos by Tor Johnson.

Sailing through the night brings its own rewards: a contemplative stillness, phosphorescent trails through a star-lit sea, the soul-warming sunrises. But it also raises challenges – if you cannot see gusts and squalls approaching, how quickly can you react? How well do you – and the rest of your crew – know your yacht’s layout in the dark?

We asked some experienced long-distance cruisers, many of whom have sailed extensively in the tropics – experiencing much longer hours of darkness than northern hemisphere sailors who only venture offshore in summer months – for their night sailing advice.

Sundowner readiness

Romantic though sailing into the sunset may be, heading into darkness requires careful preparation. ‘Bones’ Black, who owns and skippers Emily Morgan , a Bowman 57 charter cruiser, says: “We do a great deal of night sailing, be it from island to island in the Caribbean or transatlantic passages. When doing overnight island-hopping we plan to arrive at the next destination in daylight, especially if we have not been there before.

“We prep the boat, all sail covers off, halyards attached, engine checks and of course we recheck the weather – if we are in tidal waters we would double check the tides too. We also prepare the cockpit by putting a good torch, hand-bearing compass, binoculars, bottle of water and spare safety tether to hand.

“Then we sit and have a decent meal to relax before we set sail. We also prepare a meal for later as it’s common to feel a little queasy at the start of a passage if it’s a bit lumpy and the last thing you want is to go below to start cooking.”

Erik Lindgren, currently cruising his Baltic 56 in Fiji, says: “ Spirit V is by design a very fast boat. This means that we cover good distances without pushing and without using too much sail at night. Our night set-up includes bimini down, sprayhood up, one or two reefs in the main depending on the risk of squalls, lifejackets are worn and we are always clipped on, AIS transmitters in lifejackets and PLB in foulweather jackets.”

Paul Frew, who is sailing his Oyster 575 Juno around Europe with his wife Caroline, says: “We are very cautious offshore. We have a golden rule never to leave the cockpit at night, so we will delay a pole gybe until daylight even it means heading a few miles off course. If for any reason we do need to leave the cockpit the on-watch crew have to call me and we all clip on. “I have an offshore checklist that we always review before any night passages. I keep a high-powered 24V torch in the cockpit and an anti-collision flare in the companionway. Radar is always on at night and AIS alarms are checked before dark.”

Take extra precautions if heading out of the cockpit on to the foredeck when sailing at night.

Golden rules

Once underway every skipper applies the same golden rules, summed up by Will Downing, skipper of the Hanse 575 Ximera : “Lifejackets obligatory; lifelines attached even if you are sleeping in the cockpit; don’t go forward without someone else awake in the cockpit and clipped on.”

Erik Lindgren adds: “We never, ever leave the cockpit while on a single watch. Sail area is reduced during the night – if hit by a big squall – by furling the jib. The off-watch sleeps on the saloon sofa.”

John Dyer, who sailed his First 47.7 Exocet Strike on the World ARC, says: “While on night watches we always take a view on likely weather conditions and reef accordingly before it’s dark – always easier to shake reefs out than put them in. “We also use head torches and use the red LED to preserve night vision.”

Top tip: Night vision relies on rod cells in the eyes, which take 20-40 minutes to adapt to a change of light

Bones Black says it’s also important to brief new crew joining the yacht on what to do if they have concerns. “We tell our crew always to wake Anna as skipper or me as first mate at any time. I would rather get up and check something out, be it a strange noise or a light on the horizon in good time, rather than at the last minute when it could be a problem.”

Conversely, when all is going well, being considerate of your off-watch crew is important – tether hooks dragging on deck and rattling pans in the galley sound incredibly loud at night. If you need to run a generator, consider timing it so it so the noise is split over two watches.

Sailing at night can be a truly uplifting experience.

Watch patterns

Your choice of watch system depends on several factors – how many people there are on board, how mentally and physically draining the conditions are, and personal preferences – some people find it hard to sleep down below during the day, for instance, while others prefer a short night watch and a longer day off-watch.

Fact: NASA studied the sleep patterns of solo ocean racing sailors to see how extreme sleep deprivation affects decision making and performance.

Will Downing comments: “I am a firm believer in the four-hour sleep rule of REM. Most people sleep for four hours, then two hours, then one hour, with waking moments (or close to) in between. If there are only three people on board, a three-hours-on six-off watch system means you will definitely get that four hours of sleep. Two hours on and four off is not four hours of sleep. Once you’ve brushed your teeth, had a snack, gone to the heads and maybe read for a few minutes, you’re lucky if you end up with just three hours.

“Even better is a four-person shift pattern with two hours on and six off. It’s not long on duty, but long on the old shut-eye. I have always found that the crew are better humoured, easier going and just plain happier!”

Black agrees: “There are so many different watch systems you could run, but they depend on how many crew you have. If it’s just Anna and me we do three on and three off during the night, and four on four off during the day to catch up. If alone on watch we steer for about 20 minutes, looking around the horizon all the time, then have a look at the AIS and radar.

“If there are three people we do three on, six off and steer as much as we can to keep busy. When concentration starts to lapse the autopilot goes on for a while and a drink and a few nibbles help.

“If we have a full complement of six crew we run three on, six off with two crew on each watch, this means the crew on watch can steer for half an hour then swap.”

For an even more in-depth look at this topic and plenty of others, see our Bluewater Sailing Techniques feature and video on night watches and routines offshore

Handover period

Equally important is how you hand over between watches. Downing says it’s worth taking your time over the watch change. “When you finish a shift in the middle of the night and are yearning for your pillow and some well-earned rest, remember that the person coming on watch has only just recently woken up so take time to chat with them, offer them a hot drink, talk about the weather and the shipping.

“I always finish with asking: ‘Are you awake enough to do this?’ Remember that your life is now in their hands!”

For the person coming on deck Downing suggests: “Read the log. It’s nice to know they saw dolphins and a mermaid, but more important that they heard a rattle from the engine or that the temperature felt like it dropped several degrees very quickly.”

Preserve your night vision but keep on top of the logbook, radar and navigation

Getting through it: Creature comforts to get through the night

“As we normally have three or four crewmembers on long passages we adopt a mother watch. Desert Island Discs downloaded from the BBC is our favourite distraction!” Paul and Caroline Frew, Juno

“Listening to music helps pass the time – but I am always being told off by Anna for singing along while she is trying to sleep. We also have what we call the ‘excessive calories box’ stuffed full of sweets, breakfast bars, chocolate bars and anything else we can find. There is nothing like the sight of your watch mate appearing at 0300 with the box to raise morale.” Bones Black, Emily Morgan

Yachting Monthly

• Digital edition

Night Sailing: A full guide to sailing in the dark

• September 23, 2022

Pete Goss provides an in depth guide to night sailing to help you get the most our of your boat when the sun sets

Night sailing is bread and butter to an ocean sailor and often crucial to coastal passage making, be it to catch a tide, avoid bad weather or simply to eat up delivery miles in preservation of precious cruising time at the destination of choice. It is an essential skill and, like anything in life, it needs to be learned and then honed with training and experience.

The dark hours don’t need to feel threatening. Some of my most memorable moments at sea have been thanks to the magic of darkness as it blankets distant clutter to bring an intimacy with nature that eludes us under the harsh spotlight of the passing sun.

Sound seems to carry as the gentle chuckle of the bow forging its path carries to the cockpit. The hull’s motion is celebrated by the glow of a swirling phosphorescent wake. Waves seem to be accentuated and smells become evocative on the damp air. A moonless night sky descends to wrap us in a blanket of bright heavenly bodies, untarnished by light pollution. Conversely a full moon can cast its own spell – there is nothing like the magic of sailing down the reflective path of a moonbeam.

A few hours of night sailing can hugely extend your cruising range. Photo: Richard Langdon

Perfect memory

Two weeks after rounding Cape Horn during the Vendée Globe I have a vivid memory of perfection. Earlier that day we had transitioned from a frustratingly fickle area to the blissfully consistent trade winds. The cloying cold became a memory as thermals were shed to welcome the refreshing joy of a deck shower. Flushed with the relief and optimism of surviving the Southern Ocean I had a rare four-hour sleep.

I awoke to find that darkness had ushered in a world of magic. Aqua Quorum quivered with joy as she surfed across building seas. The deck, speckled with spots of phosphorescence cast by surging water had come to life. Mesmerised, I sat on the companionway bubble, the only dry spot on board to be surrounded by a super pod of dolphin. Swirling streaks of phosphorescence around and under the boat marked their playful antics. It was a moment, too special to be caught on film, that has never left me.

Having become seduced by the intimate beauty of the night, it’s not unusual for me to gift the off-watch crew a full night’s sleep as I see it through to dawn. This comfort in the dark hours has taken time though. My first night sail was  sailing across the Channel  with my parents and I struggled as benign conditions became threatening with darkness.

Teach crew to use the moon, stars, clouds or (fixed) lights to help hold a steady course at night. Photo: Richard Langdon

My seasickness was accentuated and we seemed adrift in a void with no points of reference. Ships offered little sense of size, direction or proximity and rather than reassuring me, the few flashing lights on the coast seemed to taunt me. Even the colour-coded ropes lost their individuality as I fumbled about trying to make sense of this new world.

Having subsequently introduced many to night sailing I have realised that my reaction was common, so I thought I might share a few reflections on how to compensate to make night sailing safer and above all more enjoyable.

The moon provides a fair amount of light at sea. Photo: Richard Langdon

Night sailing spacial awareness

The visual horizon, reducing with darkness, needs to be replaced by the projection of spacial awareness. If you struggle with this break it down to focus on each of its components and layer by layer it will become a reliable comfort, effortlessly adjusting for tide, wind, waves and the quirks of your boat.

Couple this with a clear mental chart, created like a dot-to-dot picture linking available references from lighthouses to buoys, the looms of civilisation and even the passage of a ferry whose course offers a straight line reference between two ports.

The outcome can be remarkably accurate and I test mine by putting a circle of estimation on the chart before plotting our position. It won’t stand the test of measurement but it can offer a sense of reality which is both reassuring and can counter errors. A gut feeling that ‘that just doesn’t feel right’ can save lives.

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Night sailing passage plan

Start with a detailed passage plan. Think about sight lines, wind and wave direction, where will lights pop up or sink below the horizon. Where will you be at dusk and dawn, will the weather bring rain, cloud cover or perhaps fog? What are areas of heightened risk – draw them on the chart, break them down for clarity. Pore over pilot books, talk to others to make your visual reference as detailed as possible.

Ideally take the crew ashore, draw breath and talk through the passage plan as you run your finger across the chart. You’re aiming to paint a lasting picture so keep repeating the passage of your finger as you add layer upon layer of information. Explain the limitations of darkness and the ship’s routines to mitigate them. Underline that casual daylight references such as wind and wave direction should be given more attention.

Setting a reliable passage plan is key when sailing at night. Photo: Richard Langdon

The heavenly bodies and even clouds can be used to avoid becoming compass blind. Steer with all your senses and be guided by periodic glances at the compass. The fact that these senses are inherent is illustrated by the steadying effect of asking a wildly erratic novice to close their eyes. It’s as if a primal gyro has been switched on as they steady up.

Give responsibility by asking one of the crew to take the forecast and relay it, another to go over your tidal calculations, another to organise the snacks and so on. Further this by having everyone take turns at filling in the hourly log and plotting the position. Breaking a passage into watches makes the handover of information essential.

Wake the oncoming watch with at least 15 minutes in hand. Welcome them with a hot cuppa and a general overview as they don their equipment. As they make their way on deck check safety gear and that hats and gloves are to hand. They must clip on before leaving the companionway and finding their feet. The off-going helm should stay by their replacement until dismissed. The new watch leader requires a formal handover of the boat set-up, visual references and chart updates.

Contrary to common misconception, navigation is often clearer during the dark hours due to the pinpoint accuracy and identification of navigational aids. What is clear at night can degenerate into a smudge with the coming of dawn. So make sure that the last fix of the night is exemplary for this could be the crucial fix from which all dead reckoning will follow. The flip side is that a city’s gaudy background can make identifying navigation lights very challenging.

Hot drinks and snacks will help crew stay warm and awake on watch. Photo: Richard Langdon

Staying awake when sailing at night

Tiredness inhibits all senses, silently eroding safety and decision making. As darkness calls for as much alertness as you can give, so your body winds down, no matter how hard you fight it, to provide less and less attention as the night unfolds. A good watch system helps – two five-hour watches during the day to give a longer sleep backed up by short night watches. If a watch is really exhausted I will stand in as skipper to allow cat napping. Should broader exhaustion set in consider shortening watches, heaving to, anchoring up, or a revised passage plan.

Seldom does a landfall mesh with a watch system so consider extending the approach watch to ensure a well-rested watch for harbour approaches. If you are able to step outside the watch system, plan your sleep to be alert for decision points; headlands, tide changes, passing fronts or land fall. A clear understanding of when, where and why the skipper should be called will empower the crew to maintain alertness and resist the temptation to retreat into their hood.

Encourage movement, from press-ups to regular helm changes and scanning the horizon from the cap shrouds. Rotate the watch through plotting the hourly position, providing hot drinks, snacks and boiled sweets. Anything to maintain engagement and spacial awareness.

It might sound daft but be overt about no question being a silly question, particularly at night. The crew are your eyes and ears so encourage them to express any concern or intuition. Reward it by establishing the cause of their concern to provide a learning experience and safety check.

Make a cup of tea ready for the oncoming watch. Photo: Richard Langdon

Night sailing watch routines

The most important entity on a boat is the crew, so spend your money on good clothing and personal equipment before being tempted by the latest gadget.

Watch for early signs of seasickness or hypothermia and take immediate action. Being on watch is a duty, so reduce talking to essential information; if feeling divorced from the elements drop your hoods and remove hats. Allocate quadrants of responsibility, scan the horizon by turning your head to improve hearing and other senses; open your mouth. Sporadically weave the boat to alter shadows, motion and noise. Walk up to the bow and stand there for longer than feels appropriate, as long as you’ve told someone you’re going up. You’ll be surprised how different things look, sound and feel up forward.

If it’s particularly dark or foggy I often turn off the navigation lights and run with the tricolour for short periods if motoring. This cuts glare and can be aided by posting a crew member on the bow if there is lots of shipping about. Periodically turn off the engine for a listening watch, even if sound isn’t necessarily directional in these conditions. If you have a plotter and radar below, put a crew member below and turn off the deck instruments.

Use red light below to protect night vision and help others sleep. Photo: Richard Langdon

Night vision

Contrary to common misconception it takes 20 minutes to gain your night vision. Red light is preferable but it still affects it.

Rather than red lights below I prefer red head torches to reduce light emission and ensure it is focussed. Remember red light can blank out colour definition on your chart.

A waning moon calls for greater light discipline as the nights get darker. Modern cockpits can suffer from screen blindness so don’t be afraid to put the cover on electronics and have a dedicated crew member looking as the others turn away.

Teach the crew to use their peripheral vision when scanning the horizon for it is much more sensitive. Once your periphery picks something up the eye will be able to focus on that to which it was blind. It takes practice to focus just above the horizon but is a revelation when you get the hang of it. If your direct sight still doesn’t pick it up use your binoculars.

There is nothing more damaging than a smoker flashing up their lighter. Ban smoking at crucial times, at others ask them to both mask their lighter and warn the crew before ignition. The smoker must face aft and draw behind their raised collar and hood. Recognise that life goes on below so have porthole curtains and drop in the washboards where appropriate.

Change helms regularly, take your hood down, and look out from different points of the boat to remain alert, and avoid developing blind spots. Photo: Richard Langdon

Perspective

Darkness can bring a change to perspective so extra care needs to be taken when judging distance. I can’t offer any simple tips here apart from suggesting extra time spent on looking at landmarks and using your spacial awareness, binoculars, fixes and radar to correct any anomalies.

From hard experience I have found that on a very dark night a lone navigation buoy with nothing around it to offer perspective can jump from seemingly afar to right under your nose. During a training course for the British Steel Challenge I was off watch when we glanced off a hoofing great Trinity House navigational mark which I had laid down as a turning point. I didn’t hear the collision thanks to a lumpy night and being tired. It was dawn before a very sheepish mate woke me with the news.

In truth I thought it was a wind-up until I looked over the bow to be shocked by a large dent. I just couldn’t believe that four keen trainees under a Mate with thousands of miles including a circumnavigation could simply sail into such a big, well-lit buoy.

I interviewed them all separately and they all swore that they had watched the buoy from afar. All were confident of their position when it suddenly appeared under the bow with just enough time to throw the helm up.

I have since experimented under similar conditions to experience the same phenomena. On a very dark night I will always leave extra room and put a spotlight on the buoy from afar, ensuring that others have turned away with their eyes shut. It’s something that I have found to be remarkably consistent so beware.

The absence of a visible horizon makes seasickness more likely. Photo: Richard Langdon

Seasickness

Remember that seasickness is accentuated by darkness so be minded if you know someone is susceptible. Issue seasick tablets or even stand them out of the night watch, for an ill person is useless and needs looking after.

Darkness inhibits balance so be extra vigilant about clipping on and press home the ‘one hand for the boat and one for yourself’ mantra. This is particularly important as decks at night are often slippery with condensation.

Before any deck work have a team-talk to walk through the order of events and who will do what. A fun training exercise I used to great effect on the British Steel Challenge was to blindfold the crew on a quiet day to practise reefing and even putting the spinnaker up.

Equipment you need for sailing at night. Photo: Richard Langdon

Night sailing equipment

It’s important to have binoculars that have a wide lens to draw in as much light as possible. I have found that image stabilising seems to have a greater effect at night. Beyond that there is thermal imaging and IR scopes. My wife Tracey’s dream would be a FLIR Scope. I have yet to use the more exotic scopes on a boat but know from the military how remarkable they can be.

AIS is wonderful as it gives course, speed and risk of collision with vessels festooned with so many working lights they blank out their navigation lights. Radar is also an excellent aid to seeing beyond the darkness but once again it can inhibit night vision.

I like to provide the cockpit with a proper palm stopwatch with a neck lanyard for identifying lights. Wristwatches incapacitate both arms and are often lost in the confines of wet weather gear and thermals.

Don’t forget the ‘opposition’ are suffering from the same challenges so be ready to aid them by running a spotlight over the sails. Worst case, you might flash it directly at the ship’s bridge or ignite a white hand-held flare to avoid collision. Powerful LED torches are readily to hand in your pocket and have negated the constraints of an electric lead of older searchlights.

Use the steaming light for less invasive illumination, or better a dim, ideally red, torch. Photo: Richard Langdon

This is a difficult one that is best addressed by developing an intimate feel for your boat such that she can talk to you through feel alone.

Of course you should always sail within your ability and comfort zone but at the same time don’t be frightened of the dark. I personally wouldn’t change the way I sail between night and day. A boat should always be sailed well, for it not only reduces risk by making your destination earlier but also ensures the boat is happily responsive and able to talk to you. An underpowered hull will wallow to make deck work and moving about below riskier. It will also make extra leeway and tend to wander about the course to compromise navigation.

Get to know your boat, train for night manoeuvres by walking it through with the crew. Have some fun with blindfolds. I see no reason why the spinnaker should come down at night, for nothing that influences how the boat reacts is lost with light. A well sailed boat has a jaunty aura that lifts the crew’s enjoyment and alertness.

Should complex manoeuvres be required such as gybing the spinnaker I prefer to turn on the steaming light as opposed to the deck light which you can’t see beyond. Talk the manoeuvre through and slow it down by pausing between each step. Before you know it, night sailing will be like bread and butter. Always remember to give the horizon a good scan before turning on the steaming light.

You can use deck lights for sail trim and foredeck work, but it will completely blind you to anything outside the boat. Photo: Richard Langdon

Use your instruments of course but I find that a masthead windex is a great aid at night for it is clearer as it relates directly to the mast and sails. Trimming is generally easy at night if you have preserved your night vision. If needs be, a member of the crew can shine a weak torch at the tell tails while everyone else protects their night vision.

On racing boats I have seen a dim light shining up the headsail from the deck but this seems dangerous to me as it has to affect night vision. There are glow in the dark tell tails but I’ve found these wanting.

Don’t let instruments divorce you from your senses. It pays dividends to remove your hood and woolly hat to get a proper feel for the wind. The only ground I would give to sail setup at night would be to give extra weight to the forecast. If you know the wind will shift early on I might shelve the spinnaker and sacrifice a few miles by poling out the headsail. I might also delay shaking out a reef until the watch change. This would only be when cruising though.

Sailing solo at night is possible, but requires a higher degree of caution and less ambitious plans. Photo: Richard Langdon

Short handed sailing at night

I wouldn’t start with the premise that night sailing should be avoided, because it is quite safe and can offer the best of experiences. I would, however, make allowances if short handed or sailing with novice crew. If it feels like risk is elevated, make a proper risk assessment, which should include the possibility of breaking the trip into day sails where possible. I would also consider a delay when sailing two handed if both of you are ground down and at a low ebb.

If single handed I have a very loud alarm much like an egg timer and will judge my cockpit naps against the risk of collision. This can mean as little as five-minute naps for a ship can come over the horizon at a fair old clip so look at the shipping lanes, make a judgement. If five minutes feels risky then you just have to suck it up and stay awake with coffee, music and exercise, or whatever it takes, as long as it doesn’t wake the off watch.

If you are very tired when two handed, keep reducing the watches until they’re workable. I was once reduced to 20-minute watches. The golden rule is to get relief if you’ve stopped functioning properly.

Under pressure I personally don’t mind one of the on watch having a cockpit nap provided they are covered by their buddy. The reality is that two exhausted people are no more efficient than one that has had a nap as the boat works towards topping up a depleted sleep reserve through bad weather or some other perfectly acceptable reason. A lack of discipline or being hungover is not acceptable. The boat shouldn’t leave under these circumstances – that is what a conscientious skipper is for.

It’s worth having both crew awake when sailing in or near traffic lanes or separation schemes. Photo: Richard Langdon

Fishing hazards at night

We’ve all been faced with an erratic fishing boat that is seemingly continually correcting any of your course changes back to a collision course. The reality is that they are focussed on fishing and are completely distracted from lookout duties.

This scenario is always compounded by a plethora of working lights which drown out their navigation lights. If there is a blessing it’s that their speed will be low thanks to the drag of their nets. This is where binoculars, radar and constant use of a hand bearing compass come into their own.

When passing in close proximity to a fishing boat I will always start the engine and leave it ticking over just in case drastic action is required. Although fishermen seldom respond to a VHF call, it’s worth a try. Other shipping are much better at responding and helpful, particularly when crossing a busy shipping lane. AIS is hugely helpful here: not only can they see you but you can identify a ship’s name for your VHF call.

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Below Deck Sailing Yacht Seaon 5 trailer teases a Daisy romance, less Gary, no Colin, major firing, and more

Finally, after months of waiting for Below Deck Sailing Yacht Season 5 news, we have it, and it’s good.

Bravo released the highly anticipated trailer for the sailing show, along with a premiere date.

The last season fractured the friendships of Daisy Kelliher , Gary King, and Colin MacRae, who all helped make Below Deck Sailing Yacht a mega-hit show.

Colin isn’t back for another season, but Gary and Daisy are, with the past season impacting their working environment.

Aside from the Gary and Daisy drama, we see Captain Glenn Shephard, like never before, losing his s**t on the crew more than once for very good reasons.

The Below Deck Sailing Yacht Season 5 trailer

Daisy is the focal point of the trailer, as it seems the powers that be are making her the star in the aftermath of the sexual misconduct scandal allegations against Gary.

The chief stew finds herself hooking up with a deckhand that could be more than just a boatmance.

It seems that the new chef is going to be a major problem on Season 5. Daisy and the chef butt heads when she refuses to serve his food because, well, it looks like crap.

The party vibe of Ibiza brings many challenges for Captain Glenn and his crew. Not only with unruly guests but also the crew crossing the line by partying with guests.

Captain Glenn sets ground rules for the crew, which are ignored, leading to him unleashing his fury on them. The captain even wakes up the crew at one point after a disastrous crew night out.

Other teasers include another near-boat crash for Parsifal III that makes it seem like Gary may be the one who saves the day. Speaking of Gary, he’s in the trailer, but there’s definitely less of him, and not a single Gary hook-up is featured.

What is featured is a fire, a bloody nose, plenty of drunk falls, and Captain Glenn firing someone. The way it’s set up, too, the teaser definitely wants us to think Captain Glenn fires Daisy or Gary.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by OMFGRealityTV (@omfgrealitytv)

When does Below Deck Sailing Yacht Season 5 premiere?

Below Deck Sailing Yacht fans will have to tune into Season 5 to find out who Captain Glenn fires, as well as if Daisy what happens with Daisy’s budding romance.

The good news is that the sailing show is back in less than a month. Season 5 of Below Deck Sailing Yacht premieres on Monday, October 7 at 9/8c.

Below Deck Med Season 9 wraps on Monday, September 23, which means we are either getting a reunion or a Captain Sandy Yawn wedding special on Monday, September 30.

Are you ready for Below Deck Sailing Yacht Season 5?

Below Deck Sailing Yacht Season 5 premieres on Monday October 7 at 9/8c. Seasons 1-4 are streaming on Peacock.

No one wants this drunk on TV! @BravoTV let him continuously get drunk and sexually harass women! He even tried to get one of the girls on Project Runway drunk so he could take advantage of her! He’s a predator & he does not belong on TV reaping all the benefits with free booze! So Bravo has put in place safeguards to protect others from sexual harassment, abuse, etc. but is going to let that drunk predator Gary King stay on? NO!!! He’s gotten away with this for a few years and he needs to be stopped!!! Do Better Bravo!!! I won’t be watching! He’s whining & crying on social media.

VIDEO: See Below Deck Sailing Yacht Season 5 Trailer! Daisy Slams Gary as a “Prick” After Failed Boatmance, Captain Glenn Warns the Crew, and a Firing is Teased, Plus New Yachties Are Introduced!

Credit: Fred Jagueneau/Bravo

The Below Deck universe is one of the popular franchises on Bravo. Fans have been clamoring for the trailer for Below Deck Sailing Yacht following the major breakdown of Daisy Kelliher and Gary King ‘s short-lived romance last season. Now, it’s finally here, and the trailer teases everything viewers want — drama, romance, and breaking the rules with the guests.

As fans of Below Deck Sailing Yacht know, each season of the show takes place in a different location. Now in its fifth season, the show is set in Ibiza. Season four of the show was set in Italy. This new season comes after Gary was accused of sexual assault. 

The new season of Below Deck Sailing Yacht seems like a good time based on the trailer, which comes exclusively from E! News . As it begins, Daisy can be heard saying, “Going into this season, I got rid of some dead weight. The breakup did a number on me last year. I felt very broken. But now, I’m coming back in more focused, full of energy and I’m f–king good at my job. And I’m taking back the reigns.”

Of course, she is referencing her breakup with Gary. She then counters the previous statement by saying, “It’s gonna be a s–t show.”

The trailer then teases a bit of work-related drama as she says to Gary, “Guess what? We have a f–king job to do, and I’m not f–king carrying this season on my own, you f–king prick!”

Naturally, the season isn’t only about the failed romance between Daisy and Gary. The trailer also shows the crew getting a bit too friendly with the guests. Captain Glenn Shephard , who is clearly upset, can be seen reprimanding the crew after having too many drinks with the guests. 

He says, “You guys went out with some guests, I set some ground rules. Two drinks maximum. You knew the rules, you broke the f–king rules, and now you’re here getting upset.”

This season also welcomes some new faces. There’s Chef Cloyce Martin , Chief Engineer Davide Morosi , Stew Diana Cruz , Stew Danni Warren , and Emma Crouch as the deckhand. 

Fans can watch the premiere of season five of Below Deck Sailing Yacht on October 7. 

Finally, Bravo Drops Below Deck Sailing Yacht's Season 5 Trailer

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Bravo fans have been waiting a very long time for news about Below Deck Sailing Yacht Season 5, and the network has finally delivered.

Not only did Bravo just drop a brand-new trailer for the fifth season of the hotly-anticipated reality TV show, the network also confirmed precisely when Below Deck Sailing Yacht will return.

Until today, fans of Below Deck Sailing Yacht weren't quite sure the spin-off of Below Deck would return for a fifth season, as the last episode of Season 4 aired way back in July 2023.

Editor's note: This article contains brief mentions of sexual assault, abuse, or other related topics that could be triggering for some readers and survivors. If you or someone you know is in need of assistance, please visit RAINN.org. The National Sexual Assault Hotline (1-800-656-4673) is available 24/7.

In late June, one viewer asked Reddit users if Below Deck Sailing Yacht Season 5 was ever going to happen, and even as recently as this summer, fans weren't sure the show was returning.

In that thread, BDSY fans speculated that Season 5 was delayed due to allegations involving First Officer Gary King.

As we previously reported, Season 4 of Below Deck Sailing Yacht featured a wild "love triangle" between Gary, Chief Stewardess Daisy Kelliher , and Chief Engineer Colin MacRae:

"Many things influenced the relationship between Daisy and Colin, but one name was the most prominent: Gary King. "Daisy, Colin, and Gary's entanglement reached a boiling point that got the three in public arguments and name-calling, and at the end, estranged."

A month after Season 4 concluded with a two-part reunion in July 2023, Rolling Stone published an in-depth article , "'Below Deck' Accused of Covering Up Gary King’s Sexual Misconduct," rocking the show's audience.

It reported in part:

"Bravo’s Below Deck was recently lauded for its handling of sexual misconduct when a producer on Below Deck Down Under broke the 'fourth wall' and intervened when one cast member, Luke Jones, tried to get into bed naked with another cast member, Margot Sisson, without her consent while she was inebriated and passed out. Not only was Luke fired from the show, but their fellow cast member and stewardess, Laura Bileskalne, was also let go because of victim-blaming comments she made to Margot about the incident and her own line-crossing pursuit of deckhand Adam Kodra. [...] "Samantha Suarez, who first joined Below Deck in the makeup department on Season 10 of the show, tells Rolling Stone that cast member Gary King tried to force himself on her during production of Below Deck Sailing Yacht Season Four, which filmed in Sardinia, Italy, in the summer of 2022."

Fans speculated that Season 5 was delayed due to extensive retooling, but Bravo eventually confirmed the return of Below Deck Sailing Yacht, with a trailer that centers Daisy.

Below Deck Viewers Ranked Their Favorite Captain And It's Not Who You Think

Below Deck know which Captains from the franchise are their favorites and which ones they want to go away.

Below Deck Sailing Yacht Season 5's Release Date And Trailer

On September 16, Bravo finally released the Below Deck Sailing Yacht trailer.

Bravo shared the clip on Instagram and Twitter/X, to the surprise of fans:

Posts teased the crew's visit to the notoriously riotous destination of Ibiza, and the trailer kicked off with some remarks from Daisy.

Daisy is the first crew member to speak in the trailer, and she addresses the unwieldy love triangle of Season 4:

"Going into this season, I got rid of some dead weight. The breakup did a number on me last year. I felt very broken. "But now, I'm coming back in more focused, full of energy, and I'm f*****g good at my job. And I'm taking back the reins."

Immediately thereafter, the clip cuts to a cabin, where Daisy tells an in-bed Gary that she refuses to "carry this season," before cutting back to newer footage of Daisy laughing and predicting:

This is gonna be a s*** show.

Then the video shifts to Ibiza, where a voiceover describes it as the world's "party capital," and scenes are interspersed with a lot of breaking glass.

Gary (who has not been let go from the franchise) makes an appearance, and the soundbite chosen for the trailer is bizarre given the allegations levied at him last year:

If the guests don't have a good time, we're clearly doing something very wrong.

As the trailer winds down, one of the crew members (likely Deckhand Keith Allen) muses that "Daisy would make a very good wife."

The trailer wraps with an apparent firing, as well as what appears to be a scene during which the crew veers uncomfortable close to another vessel at sea, at night.

Below Deck Sailing Yacht Season 5 debuts on Bravo on October 7 at 9PM Eastern, and streams on Peacock the following day.

Below Deck Sailing Yacht

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Below Deck Sailing Yacht Exes Daisy Kelliher and Gary King Have Explosive Reunion in Season 5 Trailer

Below deck sailing yacht 's daisy kelliher confronts "pr--k" gary king following their failed boatmance in e news' exclusive first look at season five. plus, meet the new yachties..

Below Deck Sailing Yacht 's new season will be anything but smooth sailing.

That's because returning costars Daisy Kelliher and Gary King are anything but friendly after their failed boatmance in E! News' exclusive first look at the Bravo series' fifth season.

Following Daisy, Gary and BDSY alum Colin MacRae 's messy love triangle , Daisy is still reeling from the complicated and dramatic fallout from last season.

"Going into this season, I got rid of some dead weight," the newly single Chief Stew says in the trailer. "The breakup did a number on me last year. I felt very broken. But now, I'm coming back in more focused, full of energy and I'm f--king good at my job. And I'm taking back the reigns."

Despite her initial confidence about returning to the Parsifal III , Daisy adds, "It's gonna be a s--t show."

Cut to the Ireland native yelling at Gary, "Guess what? We have a f--king job to do and I'm not f--king carrying this season on my own, you f--king pr--k!"

But luckily for Daisy, the preview teases her quickly moving on with new Deckhand Keith Allen , who tells Gary, "Daisy would make a very good wife. No?"

As for Gary's response, he bursts out laughing at the crewmember's declaration.

However, Daisy feels the same about Keith and tells him, "You're the kind of person I've never met before."

And when it comes to this season's charter guests, the yachties have too much of a good time with one group on shore.

After a night out, Captain Glenn Shephard warns the team, "You guys went out with some guests, I set some ground rules. Two drinks maximum. You knew the rules, you broke the f--king rules, and now you're here getting upset."

Check out the trailer above for a preview of all the drama to come. And keep reading to meet new yachties Chef Cloyce Martin , Chief Engineer Davide Morosi , Stews Diana Cruz and Danni Warren and Deckhand Emma Crouch .  

Below Deck Sailing Yacht premieres Monday, Oct. 7, at 9 p.m.   on Bravo. Episodes will be available to stream next day on Peacock. 

Captain Glenn Shephard

Capt. Glenn and his expert crew set sail on Parsifal III to the luxury party capital of the world, Ibiza. While Ibiza is known for its sunny day parties and crystal-clear coast, it’s stormy waters ahead for the crew as they navigate blossoming boatmances, competitive co-workers and tense personal dynamics, all while trying to raise the bar every charter.   

Chief Stew Daisy Kelliher

After a distracting love triangle last season that took her focus away from work, Daisy is ready to take the reins back in the interior department with a new sense of energy and determination. However, plans for a stress-free charter season are threatened when her stews question her leadership. 

First Mate Gary King

On deck, Gary attempts to keep his team motivated as one crew member struggles to learn the ropes. 

Chef Cloyce Martin

In the galley, Chef Cloyce charms the crew and guests but at only 22, he may be too inexperienced to meet the demands of the high-maintenance charter guests.

Deckhand Keith Allen

Stew Diana Cruz

Deckhand Emma Crouch

Stew Danni Warren

Chief Engineer Davide Morosi

(E!, Bravo ad Peacock are all part of the NBCUniversal family)

Night Boating: 10 Tips for Staying Out after Dark

Table of Contents

Last Updated on May 20, 2024 by Boatsetter Team

Boating at night can be a fascinating and memorable experience, but it doesn’t come without some challenges. Visibility is reduced, it’s hard to judge distances, and it gets colder at night, which may increase disorientation and seasickness.

Preparation for your nighttime boat trip is essential to provide a safe and memorable cruising. Luckily we’ll help you prepare. Here are 10 tips for a safe night boating.

• Prepare your safety gear
• Prepare the boat
• Prepare your crew
• Create a float plan
• Cruise slow and stay on the lookout
• Brush up on the rules of the waterways and light configurations
• Use all your information available to you
• Prepare for cold and wet conditions
• Know how to stay the night
• Have an emergency plan

Earn an average of $20K renting out your boat

1. Prepare your safety gear

Make sure you have enough life jackets for everyone aboard and that you can access them quickly. Consider adding a waterproof strobe light or glow stick to each coat so you can see people if they fall overboard. Have multiple flashlights with fresh batteries.

Also, verify your running lights are functioning. Check the condition of your distress flares. Do a VHF radio check. Charge your cellphone and check for coverage where you’ll be boating. Test your electronics, including the chart plotter and the radar, if the boat has them.

2. Prepare the boat

Check your engine and make sure you have plenty of fuel. Charge your onboard batteries because you’ll need them to run lights, instruments, and more. Have fenders and dock lines accessible.

3. Prepare your crew

Do a safety briefing for your guests, including showing them where safety gear is kept, how to use the head , and how to help if you need assistance docking.

4. Create a float plan

Create a float plan . This is a written document detailing where you’re going, with whom and when you plan to return or arrive at your final destination.

These will be the ones to alert the authorities should you fail to check in. So, make sure you choose people you trust. Float plans are always a good idea and may be especially helpful when night boating.

5. Slow down and keep an extra lookout

As we mentioned before, the darkness limits your visibility. Other boats, obstacles, and navigation markers become harder to see, and your ability to judge distance becomes impaired.

The best thing is to cruise slowly and stay on the lookout. Ask a guest to become your second set of eyes. Scan the horizon frequently, including what’s happening behind you. Keep all lights other than electronics and running lights to a minimum to preserve your night vision.

Use flashlights with a red filter to help. Even if your boat is equipped with a searchlight or headlights, don’t use them until you approach the dock.

6. Brush up on the rules of the road & light configurations

Boats must show specific running lights and light configurations indicating what they’re doing. It’s your responsibility to know what each light combination signifies.

A handy list of the basics is available from the Weems & Plath compact slide rule . It covers all about light configurations in boating.

7. Use all information available to you

Know how to use your navigation instruments, including the chart plotter and radar. Listen for bells, boat engines, fog horns, surf, and noise from the land, such as traffic.

You can get information from your senses too! Use your eyes, ears, and nose, then make the best decisions possible. When in doubt, just slow down.

8. Prepare for cold and wet conditions

Although it may be a humid Florida evening, windchills on a moving boat can get uncomfortable and sometimes even dangerous. So ask your guests to bring extra clothes, especially if you’ll be boating from daytime to night.

Bring towels to wipe down wet surfaces or to cover someone who is underdressed. Bring hot non-alcoholic drinks in a thermos. Watch for signs of hypothermia or seasickness because guests won’t necessarily tell you when they’re not well.

9. Know how to stay the night

If you plan to sail through the night or anchor in a cove, prepare warm and dry bedding even if you plan to sleep on deck . Ensure the anchor is set securely, especially in a cove where the wind or current may shift. Oh, and bring bug spray!

When in doubt, post an anchor watch where people take turns sitting up while others sleep. Take bearings on nearby landmarks (not on other boat lights) to check your position periodically as your boat swings. Secure loose gear on deck and below before going to sleep.

10. Have an emergency plan

Make an emergency plan if you’re heading home from a waterfront restaurant or are anchored for the night. Someone could fall ill or have an accident, and there’s always a chance of fire or water ingress, so think through how you’ll contact a towing company or the Coast Guard to ask for help.

Know who to call and how to reach them via the VHF radio or phone if there’s coverage. Rushing back to the dock with a medical emergency aboard is an excellent way to make a mistake and compound the problem.

Nighttime boating can be a blast. It requires preparation and experience to get it right. After considering our advice and a few outings, you’ll find it’s a beautiful way to enjoy your boat day and create new memories.

About us 

Boatsetter is the leading online marketplace for boat rentals and on-water experiences. Download the Boatsetter app ( App Store | Google Play ) and follow us on Instagram .

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Zuzana Prochazka is an award-winning freelance journalist and photographer with regular contributions to more than a dozen sailing and powerboating magazines and online publications including Southern Boating, SEA, Latitudes & Attitudes and SAIL. She is SAIL magazines Charter Editor and the Executive Director of Boating Writers International. Zuzana serves as judge for SAIL’s Best Boats awards and for Europe’s Best of Boats in Berlin. 

A USCG 100 Ton Master, Zuzana founded and manages a flotilla charter organization called Zescapes that takes guests adventure sailing at destinations worldwide. 

Zuzana has lived in Europe, Africa and the United States and has traveled extensively in South America, the islands of the South Pacific and Mexico. 

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‘Below Deck Sailing Yacht’ Is Returning for Season 5 After Gary King’s Sexual Misconduct Scandal

Below Deck Sailing Yacht is coming back for season 5 after Gary King’s sexual misconduct scandal.

Bravo announced on Monday, September 16, that the next season reunites Captain Glenn Shephard , chief stew Daisy Kelliher and Gary as they spend their charter season in Ibiza. The rest of the cast includes chef Cloyce Martin , chef engineer Davide Morosi , stews Diana Cruz , Danni Warren and deckhands Keith Allen and Emma Crouch .

The upcoming installment comes more than one year after Below Deck Sailing Yacht wrapped up its fourth season on Bravo in July 2023.

Gary’s future as a cast member has been up in the air, however, since a production assistant from the show accused him of making unwanted advances while filming season 4.

Related: Below Deck Sailing Yacht's Biggest Drama Through the Years

In a Rolling Stone exposé, which was published in October 2023, Samantha Suarez and other former employees, who asked to remain anonymous, accused Bravo of allegedly helping cover up Gary’s inappropriate behavior.

“It was insane. There were multiple incidents of sexual harassment in front of multiple producers after this person had been given verbal warnings multiple times,” one of the accusers alleged. “I had to promote and make this guy who just assaulted someone look awesome. That was my job, to make this person look cool, capable and exciting.”

Samantha recalled being asked to look after Gary when he allegedly got drunk. Once filming wrapped, Samantha remained with Gary in his hotel room before he tried to stop her from leaving by pressing himself against her. Samantha alleged that Gary refused to let her leave until she started to fight back.

According to Samantha, she alerted producers about the incident , who told Gary to sleep on the boat on days when the crew wasn’t filming as a way to keep him out of the hotel.

Related: Former 'Below Deck Sailing Yacht' Stars: Where Are They Now?

Bravo addressed the allegations in a statement to Rolling Stone , saying, “Bravo is committed to maintaining a safe and respectful workplace for cast and crew on our reality shows. We require our third-party production companies to have appropriate workplace policies and trainings in place and a clear process on how to report concerns. The concerns Ms. Suarez raised in July 2022 were investigated at that time and action was taken based on the findings.”

Gary has maintained his innocence since news broke about the claim. “I know [that I did nothing wrong], and I know the truth but it still hurts when people will tell lies to bring you down,” he replied to a fan via Instagram one month later.

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In the aftermath, Gary didn’t appear at BravoCon in November 2023 despite initially being announced as a guest. He has since stated that he wasn’t ruling out a Below Deck Sailing Yacht return.

Related: A Guide to 'Below Deck' and Its Many Spinoffs

Gary replied to several Instagram users in December 2023 who reminded him there’s a “life after” Below Deck .

“I hope so, will have to see but will definitely be trying to stay on peoples tv screens ☺️,” Gary wrote back. In a separate comment, Gary maintained that he would return to reality TV, adding, “I will do and hopefully be back on your screens, everyday I’m trying to better myself so hopefully if they ask me back you’ll see this.”

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Below Deck Med’s soul-sucking boat drifts toward its finale

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It’s the last charter on Below Deck Mediterranean season 9: yes, we’re on the penultimate episode, also known as the episode where absolutely nothing happens because the editors are saving everything good for next week’s finale.

With Below Deck Med ending, Bravo just announced the next in the franchise: Below Deck Sailing Yacht will return. Bravo’s press release mentions the return of Captain Glenn, Daisy, and Gary (ugh), though the preview that ran during the commercials excluded Gary entirely. Is that because of what reportedly happened during season four ?

Alas, Gary is in this extended trailer . I just don’t know if I can take a season of that fucking guy, so I hope it minimizes him and/or he falls overboard and has to swim to shore, because the rest looks fun, from a naked person falling on Glenn to Drag Race alum Detox on board as a guest. That starts Oct. 7.

Today, we’re starting the last charter, with guest Stacey Jennings his husband Brad Driver, who you may remember from Below Deck Down Under . I barely did; I barely will. Is it too much to ask for some drunk guests to throw a chair in the water or something?

First, though, Gael recovers from her breakdown about Nathan planning to have Joe visit him. “I’m okay. I just had a moment of weakness,” Gael said, trying to smile so hard I thought her head might actually pop.

“Go and have cuddles,” Aesha said, putting Gael in Nathan’s bed. Nathan asked her what’s wrong and she said “nothing.” Ah, communication. This relationship is going to last, what, one or two days beyond this season?

Later, Gael told Nathan, “I still don’t really know you,” and he said “shut up.”

Nathan said, “I love you more and more,” and Gael said, “Okay, just show it.” Then Joe came in and Nathan crawled down in his bunk and showed Gael how much he loves her.

Meanwhile, Joe is still salivating over Carrie, but says, “I don’t even want to go there.” Nathan told us that is “utter bullshit” and said “that is what he does.” Yep, your bro is a fuckboy.

In real love news, Captain Sandy’s girlfriend is on the way to visit and either get engaged or reject Captain Sandy on national TV. Aesha is producing this event, and shares that they all live in Colorado together, hang out, and compare poop, or at least I assume they would if Aesha had her way.

For this Sandy wants just a simple, casual moment, like a flower-lined dock leading to a table where there’s a violinist and “peach tea in a champagne glass,” and all of that has to be flawless. “I just want it to be perfect,” she says, “absolutely perfect.”

Well, okay then, as long as you don’t set impossibly high standards for one five-minute period in your life that will be orchestrated in part by your crew of incompetent dummies. (A preview for next week shows Joe getting a line wrapped up in the tender’s propeller, so that’s exciting.)

Sandy is worried about her mortal enemy, wind. “I hope the weather’s going to be great,” she says.

In the funniest moment, Sandy asks Aesha if she thinks Leah will know what’s happening. Aesha’s like, um, yeah, once she sees the fact that you’ve stage managed the dock so much it looks like a Bachelorette finale.

She’ll probably also know because Sandy is basically spoiling it: “I have a special treat for you tomorrow,” Sandy says, and her girlfriend said, “You and your surprises.” I expected Sandy to be like, You’ll never guess what it is! Definitely not a proposal!! What is your ring size?

The episode’s major drama, if you can call it that, involves Ellie, who’s still quite insecure about Carrie’s presence on the boat. She’s constantly seeking reassurance from Aesha (DO WE DROP CARRIE OFF AT DOCK AND LEAVE HER NOW?) and micromanaging the other stews (PUT BALLOON THERE YOU STUPID COW!).

During their stew meeting, there’s a fleeting moment when Aesha praises Bri for the laundry, which has miraculously not been delivered to the crew of Below Deck Sailing Yacht , and then praised Ellie’s table decorations, and says, “you’re nailing it.”

But then Aesha shares that Carrie is much faster at all the tasks, and Ellie’s face sinks and I think she may have tried to dig her eyes out with her fingers:

Aesha’s so over Ellie that she’s being overtly hostile, which for Aesha equals sarcasm. Ellie is in her cabin when provisions arrive, and when she finally arrives on Deck, Aesha says, “Oh, thanks for coming up right at the end. We finished.”

Ellie tries to help Bri in cabins, and Aesha is like, “No. Just do what I’ve said.” Then she notices Ellie hasn’t wiped down the walls, and calls for Ellie because “there’s finger marks everywhere,” probably from Joe trying to hit on the wood paneling.

But Ellie is dancing in the crew mess and having fun—which, honestly, it’s nice to see Ellie not trying to destroy everyone with laser eyes, but also Aesha is pissed that Ellie’s ignoring her.

Carrie doesn’t mind Ellie bossing her around, noting that it’s “nice to not have a lot of responsibility” after her last job, when “I went from chief stew to caregiver” when the boat’s owner’s wife died. Yikes.

The guests arrive and Iain, awake from a nap, does the shocker and yells “it’s the last charter,” and I was embarrassed for him and everyone in that interview room.

Iain does manage to get the boat out of the dock without ramming it into another boat, prompting one of the gaggle of gays to say “they pulled out clean.” That’s about the level of entertainment these guests bring: gay sex jokes.

Down in the galley, Jono is thrilled for “a group of guests that are all queer” because “I haven’t met many gay or Black people in the industry,” and he makes a valid point about diversity in yachting that I ignored because I was too busy trying to make a joke out of “I haven’t met many…” …other chefs? YouTube recipes that weren’t from someone’s grandma? charter guests who I haven’t killed?

Jono wants to “make sure they’re extra happy,” and thus plans on, and I quote, “flavor flavor okurrr.”

For an example of how much the editors stretched to fill this episode and save the actual content for next week’s finale, they included this actual exchange:

Sandy: “How’s it going?” Jono: “Wonderfully. How are you?” Sandy: “Good.”

Ellie is confused about why the guests want a party themed to “Swedish pop music. We’re in Greece.” But ultimately she doesn’t care, because, as she says, “Table decor at this point is the only thing bringing me any sort of joy on this soul-sucking boat.”

Below deck, Nathan’s in tighty whities showing off his penis to the world while trying to get into costume. Gael asks, “How’s anyone fit this?” She’s apparently talking about the costume, a leotard that seems designed for a child, because it fits about up to Nathan’s mid-torso. Aesha sees him and says, “Well-done. That’s quite large.”

In a joint bro interview, Joe called it “very questionable” and Nathan said, “when me granddad sees me in that, I’ll lose me surname.”

In Iain news, he put the Progress Pride flag up , and hung it correctly. He also asks to go on the excursion to Posideon’s Temple with the guests. Sandy agrees, probably because having her bosun off the boat is safer than having him on it.

Aesha decided to send Bri as a reward for not putting all of their clothes in the trash, or trying to wash their laundry using champagne. Bri was so thrilled that she hugged Aesha through tears.

Iain told us that, “in my role, I find I’m sometimes more behind the scenes, making everything run,” which must be what he’s doing in bed all the time.

“I’ve always been an entertainment kind of person,” he says, and that comes in the form of facts about temple he shares with the guests. Hilariously, Bri tells us, “Iain and I really aren’t the best entertainers on the boat.” Oh, you’re entertaining, just for your incompetence.

Oh, I kid Bri and Iain. Seriously, Iain seems—pretty great with the guests? He’s laughing, they’re having fun, he has facts, they seem interested. I mean, this is just a few moments of screen time, but maybe he’s in the wrong job? The same might be true for Bri, too. She offers the guests ice water instead of, say, motor oil. Impressive!

The trip seems fine and the guests seem happy and there’s just nothing happening. Back on board, Sandy tells Iain, “go and get the drag queens,” and he says, “Joe and Gael will go,” because of course he’ll have others do the work. Joe is somehow not a monstrous dick to Gael on the boat ride, and Gael wonders why he can’t be like that all the time.

Aesha asks Carrie about Ellie, who says, “If I had to do a whole season like this, I’d be really struggling to bite my tongue.” Aesha finally snaps when Ellie starts clearing the table without radioing, I think, and then it’s time for the big confrontation!

“I feel like you have been overstepping as the second,” Aesha tells Ellie, the line we’ve already heard in the preview for the episode and the teasers during the breaks. “The job as the second is to delegate when I’m not around.”

But wait: the credits are starting. What?! “I would never disrespect you like that,” Ellie says, and instead of Aesha, say, firing her, we get a flashback to all of Ellie’s bad second stew behavior, like when she screamed at Bri, “SINCE YOU DON’T KNOW HOW BOATS WORK SECOND STEW OUTRANKS YOU.”

The preview for the finale shows Ellie saying, “Fuck that. I’m not taking shit.” But based on how this season has gone, I’d guess that Ellie does, in fact, not receive any actual shit. But a firing in the finale would certainly be dramatic!

About the writer

Andy Dehnart is a writer and TV critic who created reality blurred in 2000. His writing and reporting here has won an Excellence in Journalism award from NLGJA: The Association of LGBTQ+ Journalists and an L.A. Press Club National A&E Journalism Award.

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22 Tips For Boating At Night: Helpful Guide (For Beginners)

Boating is an enjoyable activity. Most people think about boating during the day while the sun is shining, but others choose to boat during the evening.

Evening boating can be an entirely new experience whether you choose to watch the sunset over the water, watch a fireworks show, go out for a late meal, or any other night time activity.

When you are out on the water during the evening, you will want to make sure you know and follow nighttime boating navigation rules.

These rules are generally similar to the navigation rules during the daytime, but they are even more important, and there are special considerations to make.

There are also some tips to follow while out on the water in the dark.

These rules and tips can be found below!

Table of Contents

1. What Speed Can I Go When Boating at Night?

When boating during all hours of the day, there may or may not be a posted “speed limit.”  Also, check local regulations to see if there is a nighttime speed limit.

This does not mean that you can or should always go as fast as you can.

The navigation rule in place for speed states that a vessel’s operator should always be traveling at a safe speed.

A safe speed is defined as a speed that allows the operator to take proper and effective action to avoid collisions. That will allow the operator to stop within a safe distance that is appropriate under each circumstance or condition.

This means that the operator will need to take certain factors into account when determining the proper speed.

These factors include:

• Traffic Density
• Maneuverability
• Background light available at night
• The proximity of potential hazards
• Vessel’s draft
• Radar limitations
• Weather conditions including wind, sea, and current
• Effect of wake on other boats or shoreline

This means that during periods with low visibility, such as heavy fog conditions, storms, or at night, you should be going slower than you would go on average during the day with perfect visibility.

Remember that while you are boating at night on a body of water that doesn’t have any lights to illuminate your way, you are relying on the small lights featured on the other vessels to determine where traffic is.

For this reason, if you are going too fast and you come around a bend, you might not see another vessel in time to stop.

Even with fancy equipment and your eyes on the lookout, you will likely not see anything or anyone else until they are too close.

Always make sure you are going at a speed that will allow you to stop whenever necessary, even at a moment’s notice.

You will also want to be sure that you follow any “no-wake” zone rules during the evening and in the daytime.

It is also a good idea to go slow in rivers or other shallow water during the evening. There can be large stumps, rocks, or other obstructions in shallow water or rivers that can damage your propeller.

Navigation LIGHT Rules at Night:

Boats are legally required to be equipped with the proper nighttime navigation lights . Even if you do not intend to take your boat out at night, you will still require these lights for your boat to be legal.

These lights are also needed during other periods of low visibility, such as thick fog or intense storms.

2. Navigation Light Requirements:

There are specific lights that are required for boats during times of low visibility.

Depending on the size of boat you are operating, here are the different lights you will need:

Boats less than 39.4 feet long or 12 meters:

These boats need 1 red light and 1 green light at both the front, port, and starboard sides of the boat.

You will also need one white light that can be seen from all angles up to 2 miles away.

Boats larger than 39.4 feet long or 12 meters:

These boats will still need the same red and green lights as the smaller size.

You will also need 2 white lights, 1 at the stern and 1 at the aft, that can be seen up to 2 miles away.

You will also need a red light on your port side and a green light on the starboard side that can be seen up to 1 mile away.

Sailboats or Unpowered Boats:

Unpowered boats that are under 23 feet only need 1 white light on them. These boats can include sailboats, rowboats, or kayaks. If you choose to, you can still add the red and green lights in their appropriate place. An effective way to safely sail at night is to shine a light on your sail if you hear a powerboat. You will be readily visible to other boaters.

Larger sailboats should have lights similar to the powered boat lights on the side and the aft, but there could also have a tri-color light on the masthead that can be visible up to 2 miles away. Sailboats must display a forward-facing, white light when motoring. This is commonly called a steaming light. When motoring, sailboats must abide by powerboat rules.

Never use red and blue lights on your vessel. These lights are reserved for official vessels.

3. What Does a Single White Light Mean on a Boat at Night?

When you see only a white light on a boat, you are headed straight for the other vessel; you are overtaking that vessel.

• Single White Light: If you only see the white light, the other boat is the stand-on vessel, whether underway or anchored. You should be able to go around it on either side.
• White and Green Light: If you see both green and white light, you are the stand-on vessel. This means you need to stand-on and let the other boat pass on either side. Be prepared to give way in case the other vessel does not know the proper navigation rules.
• White and Red Light: When you see both the red and white light, you are supposed to give way to the other vessel. You should either slow down and allow the vessel to pass, or you can turn to your right and pass behind the other vessel.
• Only Red or Green Lights: If you only see a red or green light, you may be approaching a sailboat or unpowered boat. You must always give way for a sailboat. A sailboat should always be the stand-on vessel.

For additional information about the navigation light rules during the evening, you should read this article where we go into great detail about rules for lights on the boat .

4. Navigation SOUND Rules For Boating At Night:

When your visibility is cut off, you will need to rely more heavily on sound. Because of this, you should know the proper navigation sound rules.

These rules include:

Sound Signals the Indicate Direction:

• 1 Short Blast : this indicates that you will pass on your port side.
• 2 Short Blasts : this indicates the plan to pass on your starboard side.
• 3 Short Blasts : this indicates you intend to back up.

Sound Signals that indicate Location:

• 1 Long Blast : this can be used to indicate you are coming around a bend in the river or you are leaving your dock or slip.
• 1 Long Blast then 3 Short Blasts : this indicates you are backing up.
• 1 Long Blast in intervals less than 2 minutes apart  indicates that you are a power vessel when you are in blind areas or heavy fog.

Sound signals that indicate Danger:

• 5 Short Blasts: this indicates danger and can be used to indicate a potential collision.

For additional information about the navigation sound rules, follow the link below:

https://www.godownsize.com/boats-horns-signals-explained/

5. Follow Nighttime Navigation Rules:

Navigation rules are similar at night as they are during the daytime.

The only differences are:

• To reduce your speed.
• To place more emphasis on following sound signals.
• To know the proper light signals.

The evening can be darker with lower visibility, so it is even more important for you to know the navigation rules’ ins and outs and follow them.

A miscommunication about who has the right of way could be dangerous at any time, but especially at night.

If you cannot see other boats, you could have an issue seeing what the other boat is doing, and you could be less likely to react to them on time versus in the daytime.

Other Important Tips for Boating at Night:

There are tips for boating at night that are not necessary rules but can still help you during nighttime navigation.

These tips include:

6. Use Your Skipper:

The skipper is an important asset to have on a boat if something happens, and the operator needs someone else to take over.

In addition to this, the skipper can be very helpful while navigating at night. At night, the skipper can serve as an extra pair of eyes while boating in times of low visibility.

Even with excellent vision, your eyes can become tired while trying to see in the dark. If you get too tired, you can rotate the control of the helm with your skipper.

Your skipper can also help you look out for the lights that will be present on other boats. These can be harder to see than simply seeing the other vessel during the daytime.

An extra pair of eyes can mean that you see other vessels faster, which allows you to react faster.

Ensure you follow the navigation rules listed above when it comes to interpreting the lights on a boat.

7. Keep Your Ears Open:

With lower visibility, you should also keep your ears open while operating your vessel in the evening.

It can be beneficial to turn your radio off and make sure you are not utilizing headphones while boating at night.

You will need your ears to hear bells, markers, engines, or horns on any approaching boats.

Make sure you follow the navigation rules listed above when it comes to horn sounds.

8. Use Spotlights and Searchlights Appropriately:

Make sure that you do not immediately shine a spotlight or searchlight on a vessel.

Boats are not equipped with headlights similar to automobiles for a reason. If you try to flash your lights directly at other boaters, you could blind or disorient them.

Make sure you only use this tool when needed.

You might also be tempted to add headlights or continuously use a spotlight while out on the water. These don’t work because, unlike on the road, boats can be coming from any direction.

Also, you will be the only boat that is using a spotlight while out on the water. You will want to follow the navigation light rules that are already in place.

Spotlights can also cause an unnatural shining on the waves that can look like floats or debris, creating a sense of danger.

9. Ensure You Do Not Use Docking Lights as Headlights:

Your boat might have docking lights that look like headlights.

You will want to make sure that you do not mistake these or use these as headlights.

They do not cast as long of a beam as specific headlamps.

These lights are only supposed to be for maneuvering over close-quarter marinas or turning into docks or slips.

10. Drink Responsibly:

Whenever you are boating, but especially at night, you will want to make sure you are alert and boating safely.

This means that if you do choose to drink alcohol, you will want to do so responsibly.

Alcohol can lower your reaction time, your decision-making power and make your vessel’s operation more dangerous.

Most boating accidents are due to operator error, and many of them had alcohol involved somehow.

11. Turn Down Any Ambient Light:

It is a good idea to turn down any ambient light. Any light on your boat can reduce your ability to see off the boat.

Your eyes will adjust better to the darkness if you do not have any other light onboard your vessel.

Ambient lights can include:

• The chart plotter
• Courtesy lights
• Electronic devices

If you cannot turn a light off, you could drape a towel over it to drown out the light.

12. Don’t Spend a Lot of Time Looking at the Stars:

It can be disorienting to look at the stars in the dark while moving.

It can also cause vertigo to look at the stars while moving. Vertigo can even lead to seasickness if you are not careful.

If you want to look at the stars or even map them, you should do this while you are not moving to ensure that you do not get sick or disoriented.

If you anchor your vessel, looking at the stars while out on the water can be a really relaxing and beautiful experience.

While out on the water, you can see the stars better than while on land. This is because of a lack of light pollution while out on the dark water.

13. Novice Boating:

If you are a novice boater, you will want to be completely sure that you can handle anything that nighttime boating can throw at you.

Being fully confident on the water can be crucial at anytime but particularly at night.

User error is one of the main causes of boating accidents. This can be because of a bad call made by the operator or by an operator who was not fully knowledgeable about the navigation rules while boating.

If you are unsure about your operator skills, you might want to consider a boaters safety class.

Operator error is drastically reduced with operators who have completed a boaters safety course.

Knowing the proper rules and regulations can help you when it comes to interacting with other vessels, and it will also help you understand how others will operate their vessels.

It can also help to have an experienced boater on board with you in case of an emergency.

What to Pack for Nighttime Boating:

It is also important to make sure you pack the proper supplies for nighttime boating.

You will also want to pack for evening boating, even if you plan to be out at night. There is always a possibility for unforeseen circumstances.

14. Pack Emergency Light Gear:

At night there will be some specialized emergency gear that you will want to have on your vessel.

This can include:

• Flashlights

This is in addition to the safety equipment that you should always have on your boat .

Which includes life jackets, fire extinguishers, floatation devices, carbon monoxide detectors, and other equipment required by law.

15. Pack Warm Clothing:

It is important to pack warm clothing if you intend to boat at night.

The weather can feel chillier when the sun goes down, even on a summer’s night.

Long clothing can also help to deter bugs and the potential for insect bites.

Even if you do not end up needed the long clothing, it is better to have something and not need it than to need it and not have it.

You should also have clothing in case of foul weather, such as storms.

You will also want to bring towels if you get wet, even if you do not intend to.

16. Bring Sleeping Supplies When Necessary:

If you plan to stay out overnight, you will want to ensure that you have the proper sleeping equipment.

Even on a warm summer night, you will want to have a blanket if it gets cold.

You will also want to pack pillows and other comfort items.

17. Pack Bug Spray:

Like warm clothing that can deter bugs, you should also make sure you have bug spray to keep them at bay.

Bugs are often worse at night and can make any trip uncomfortable.

Bug bites are also uncomfortable in the long term, and you might regret not properly deterring them.

18. Bring Sufficient Food and Water:

Make sure when you are out on the water you have enough food and water for your trip. Even at night, you can suffer from dehydration in warm weather.

Like mentioned, accidents and unforeseen things can happen. If you end up being stranded, you will want to make sure you have the proper nutrients to sustain yourself until help arrives.

If you plan on staying out overnight, make sure you bring the proper food and water for all passengers.

19. Bring Chart Plotters, GPS Devices, and Radars:

A GPS device can help you see the direction you are heading, give you directions, and sometimes give you a scan of the coves that might be in the area.

You can get a chart plotter or buy a GPS device that comes with a chart plotter.

Chart plotters indicate where fixed objects are. These can be buoys and markers. This does not include other boaters.

The radar is a very reliable tool that can indicate the distance of something in the water.

You can also bring and utilize a compass. This can help you find your home port or destination when you cannot use landmarks to find your destination.

These objects are beneficial when it comes to navigation, but you will not want to rely on these devices solely. You will want to keep your eye out for yourself.

20. Pack the Proper Communication Devices:

You will want to make sure you have a communication device on board your boat at any time, day or night.

Anything can happen while you are out on the water, so you will want to make sure you can get help when you need it.

It is also a good idea to have a VHF radio on board if your cell phone is unable to get service or dies.

You will also want to make sure you know the proper emergency channels to get the proper assistance when needed.

21. Don’t Forget to Enjoy Yourself!

While you are trying to remember all the proper nighttime boating rules, do not forget to enjoy yourself.

Boating at night can be an entirely new experience versus boating during the daytime.

It is often quieter and offers a different experience to daytime boating.

Some unique experiences you can have during a nighttime boating outing includes:

• Watching the sunset.
• Looking at or charting the stars.
• Watching evening fireworks.
• Having a late dockside meal.
• Camping on your boat overnight.

Nighttime boating often offers an experience with less boating traffic and less overall noise.

You will also be able to enjoy the open water with a blazing or hot sun, cooler and breezy air, and calmer water without a wake.

22. Keep at It!

The final tip for boating at night is to keep at it. Experience is important when it comes to boating during the day as well as at night.

In the beginning, you should have another experienced boat operator on board in case of an emergency, as well as for the second set of eyes.

You will want to continue to practice boating at night to make sure you get the hang of it.

The saying “it’s as different as night and day” is highly applicable when operating a boat.

Once you get the hang of it and really know what you are doing, you can enjoy many relaxing and no stress evenings out on the water with you and your fellow passengers.

It is also beneficial to practice on nights that have a full moon or a bright moon. This can add additional light to see by while you get used to the difference that comes with nighttime boating and navigation.

Final Thoughts:

If you own a boat, you might be wondering how to get more use and enjoyment out of it. The solution for you could be to get into evening boating.

Boating at night can be a delightful and relaxing experience without the harsh sun and high boating traffic.

Evening boating can be quiet and relaxing as well as you can do many different types of experiences that you cannot do during daytime boating.

If you properly prepare, you can have an enjoyable experience for you and your passengers at night.

Preparations can include:

• Knowing the proper navigation rules regarding the right of way, light signals, and sound signals.
• Knowing the proper speeds for nighttime boating.
• Making sure you are confident in your operating skills.
• Bringing the proper safety equipment.
• Bringing the proper navigation equipment.
• Bringing the proper clothes, bug spray, towels, sleeping items, and other equipment.
• Preparing your boat to lower light and sound, so it isn’t distracting.
• Behaving safely when it comes to operation and the use of alcohol.
• Having an experienced skipper as a backup.

Make sure when you go boating at night, you remember the safety and navigation rules. Being safe out on the water should always be the top priority.

Reducing user error is a matter of being safe and taking the proper boater training classes to ensure you know the proper navigation rules, right of way rules, sound signals, and lighting signals and the proper time to use them.

Remember to have fun when you are out on the water, no matter what time of day. Having a boat is a fun activity and investment for you and your passenger. You will want to make sure you are enjoying it and using it to its full potential.

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