I'm thinking about running lights vs. flashlight vs. both.



Running lights have two disadvantages: (1) they don't advertise that I'm a sailboat, and hence deserve right of way, (2) I assume that they ruin the starlight by creating light pollution, but I don't know how much they affect the light as seen from the boat.



The flashlight could be used when I hear another boat, and by shining on the sail, I clearly state that I'm a sailboat.



Of course, using both is a great idea if I don't mind the light pollution.



Have I got that about right?



Jonathan