I think Mike has mentioned an important issue. Individual state rules vry widely. In TX, it is *mandatory* for *all* watercraft to have at least a white light at night. A flashlight will suffice, but there are *no* exceptions, regardless of boat size, propulsion or otherwise.
http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/boat/wsdigest.htmBut, safety is the paramount concern when sailing at night. I have sailed at night on an open lake in an undeveloped area with few lights. We used flashlights taped to the mast, pointing upwards, and another flashlight hanging around the neck. It was exhilirating, memorable, but quite scary, even though there were no other boats, and lots of room.
On my home lake, where I have sailed for 15 years in all kinds of conditions, and know every bit of shoreline, underwater contour & lighting, I just will *not* sail at night on my catamaran, it's not safe. Until a night-time speed limit was implemented on this lake about 3 years ago, I didn't like to night sail at all, the motorboaters were too crazy. Now, with the speed limit, I feel safer at night, but still only go out the week before full moon (more ambient light so people can see me), and only on a slower keepboat type boat, so I have more time to maneuver.
