One of the many benefits of yacht racing is that it enables you to exchange ideas with your crew.
One of the joys of sailing is that no matter how long you've been doing it, there's always something new to learn. And while you may not always agree that other people's ways, though different, are any better than your own, sometimes you do pick up an idea worth adopting.
One of the things I picked up from the overnight RORC North Sea Race was an appreciation of the head torch. I admit that in the past I have regarded this particular item as a bit of an affectation. My allegiance was to the trusty pocket torch.
But one crew member (a bit of a gadget freak) is an avid advocate for the head torch, and having sat at the chart table doing the nav (by the light of the chart plotter screen) watching him at the galley, making a round of hot drinks by the subdued night light of his head torch, I could see the benefit of this relatively small and inexpensive piece of kit.
Not only does it free both hands for such a vital operation, it also does away with the need to switch on any cabin lights, protecting the night vision of those on watch on deck and conserving the boat batteries into the bargain.
Most head torches come with a variety of settings, different colours, fixed or flashing lights for safety, and so on. I'm reliably informed that they're also extremely useful when tackling engine maintenance etc.
So I was pleased to find a Silva M4 Marine head torch included with a new set of Helly Hansen offshore oilskins. It comes in its own dedicated sleeve pocket: a sensible arrangement meaning it's always to hand when you need it. You can actually switch it on and use it in the pocket, not the most convenient place for a lamp, but very handy for quickly checking something, without even needing to take your gloves off.
The headlamp has three high performance LEDs, one white and two red, and offers four settings. When you first press the button, the red light comes on. This is very sensible to protect night vision which might be jeopardised if another crew member suddenly produced a glaring white light on their forehead. Press the switch again, and the red light flashes. Press it again, and the red goes out and the white lights come on. One more button press and the whites flash. Press again to switch it all off.
There's a nice wide elastic strap, with enough adjustment to fit either directly over your head or over your hat or hood. I can see I'm going to overcome my previous prejudice and get a lot of use out of this item.
But one word of warning. Do remember, when wearing a head torch, to be careful where you point it.
The head torch advocate switched his on during a spinnaker hoist in darkness. This was sensible: on a relatively unfamiliar boat it enabled him to check that he was pulling the right halyard.
But then the helmsman said something, and without thinking, the advocate turned his head to respond, and blinded the poor guy at a crucial moment.
So yes, a head torch can be a great friend, especially down below. And it could be a lifesaver, should you fall overboard in the dark without an automatic lifejacket light.
But it does need to be used with caution in the cockpit.
