Dave, what type of headlamp do you have?

Not a head lamp but looks interesting:
Fenix TK-series flashlight
Thor X Sirius Long Range Handheld Spotlight

To be fair, I've never used the headlamp for on deck work so I'd be a bit leary with the led lamp on a hat or headband unless of course you are solo...if you're up forward and someone calls you from the cockpit and you turn towards them...there goes their night vision for a while.... maybe there's a good way around this.  Those superbright leds are bright!  I wonder how they'd work if you put a red filter on it?  I know my old two cell (AA) incandesent with a red lens is very bright.  I wonder if the superbright LED w/ filter give you enought light to see up the mast if that is where it was directed?

An LED lamp on your head has the merit of simplicity and I shall try it since I have one standing by, but I do like David's fiendishly clever idea, as I can scramble around, pulling on the various running lines, while glancing over my shoulder at the sail which is permanently illuminated by the fixed light.  Now I just have to work out where to mount it.  PS: since I fitted my throat hauling parrel and fixed luff parrels, I am not that concerned about handling the sail at night, as the sail has become very docile and predictable.  It goes up smoothly and it comes down with just the right amount of positive stagger in the battens and all I have to do is take the slack out of the running parrels and sheet.  Still, it is nice to be able to keep an eye on it all.

Arne Kverneland wrote:
Graham, would it be an idea to have a LED lamp ready to let you see the sail even when pitch dark? If set to a low level they should not need to blind you. Just an armchair idea from a die hard daysailer...
Arne

Graham Cox wrote:
Yes, good idea Arne. I have thought about it. Actually I was thinking of a swiveling spotlight on the davits that I could rotate to shine on the leech on either tack, a bit like spreader lights on a bermudian rig. It ruins your night vision but in the open sea that's not such a problem. There are other times I could use a spotlight anyway, such as when looking for moorings or fishtraps on a dark night! I might also revert to my old practice of tucking in a couple of reefs at sunset and taking it easy through the night. Happy Christmas!