The recently released preliminary report* into the Flinders Islet yacht race incident recommended that:
A handheld portable spotlight be carried on board in a readily accessible position, as it has been demonstrated that the standard floating torch or equivalent does not have sufficient candle power to illuminate objects at a distance from the yacht, particularly in a search and rescue situation.
I must say that I appreciated the usefulness of such a spotlight when arriving in Southport, Tasmania long after dark. We were one of six boats sailing from Hobart to Port Davey, in the South West Heritage Wilderness. One of our fellow voyagers, Charlie, had arrived and anchored earlier. As we approached, we talked on the radio and he said he’d go out on deck and shine his spotlight to show us where he was. He also illuminated other boats, moored or at anchor in the bay. As a result we were able to find a safe place to anchor nearby.
A floating torch would certainly not have provided sufficient light to help us.
As a result I would certainly want to have a handheld portable spotlight on board any yacht I was going sail at night and recommend that other skippers do likewise.
* You can read our report on the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia (CYCA) Board’s recommendations in our Newsletter Archive.
