Reflecting on the Risks of Twilight Sailing – And Why UTSC Sticks to Daylight

 

Reflecting on the Risks of Twilight Sailing – And Why UTSC Sticks to Daylight

There’s something undeniably beautiful about being on the river at twilight. The golden light skimming the water, the stillness, the echo of sails flapping in a fading breeze.

But beauty doesn’t always mean safety.

At Upper Thames Sailing Club, we stick firmly to daylight sailing — and with good reason. As charming as evening sailing sounds, the risks outweigh the rewards when light levels drop.

Why Twilight Sailing Sounds Appealing:

• Cooler, calmer water

• Beautiful sunsets over the river

• A peaceful end to the day

Why We Say No:

1. Reduced Visibility
Boats without lights are hard to spot — especially small dinghies. Even with reflective gear, obstacles, mooring lines, or riverbanks can be difficult to see.

2. Safety Boat Limitations
Our safety boat crews rely on clear visibility to keep sailors safe. Spotting a capsized dinghy or a struggling crew is far more difficult as light fades.

3. Increased River Hazards
At dusk, depth perception suffers. Reading the current, spotting overhanging branches, mooring buoys, and other river traffic becomes a challenge — even for experienced helms.

4. Legal and Insurance Implications
Some craft may not be legally permitted to operate without proper lighting after sunset. And insurers may take a dim view of twilight mishaps.

Why Daylight is the Right Choice

At UTSC, our commitment to safety means we run events, training, and casual sailing while there's enough light to manage risk. We value the joy of sailing too much to trade it for unnecessary danger.

Enjoy the sunset — from the shore, pint in hand — knowing the boats are safely tied up for the night.