Night Vision
It’s been a good summer for boating, with a number of long, sunny days promoting leisurely rides homeward after the traditional dinner hour. Those days aren’t gone yet, but sunset is definitely coming earlier and earlier, reducing the return trip time envelope measurably. Now, boating after dark, especially if the air temperature is warm, is a great experience, but without daylight, it can be a dangerous one as well. For example, in this area, there are a number of large and small rocks that partially submerge, depending on the tide, making them virtually impossible to see in limited light conditions. Electronics such as GPS and Radar can help you avoid these lurking dangers, but they are not infallible, and oftentimes require human support to ensure complete safety, which is hard to do when you cannot see. So, continue to stay a bit longer at the anchorage and enjoy the warm water and air temperatures, just be sure to plan your return a bit more so that you and your crew don’t end up with a bad ending to an otherwise perfect day.
