Re: Blue and Red bow navigation light
See now that's what corn fuses me....i don't have a "sea" in illinois....i assume lake michigan would be it?
I plan on taking a boating course sometime over the winter though.......
We all know what they say about assumptions.........lol.
For inland (rivers), red-right-returning is when you're heading up river or into an inlet/bay/marina/etc. Similar in mindset as returning from sea, you are heading inland, into port.
I've not been "on" Lake MI, but I"ve been around the ports and marinas to see the same; heading into a harbor/marina, the red bouy will be on your right (regardless of which side of the lake you are on).
Quite frankly, it is very easy when both bouys/markers are visible across the opening -- keep it between the markers (and visualize it is a two way street without a center stripe, then stay to your right).
It is MOST important to know this rule when you are traveling and only 1 marker is in the middle of the river. You know the river is shallow... are you headed up or down river? is that bouy green or red? The depth sounder is not working and the water is murky! Heading UP river, a green bouy is kept to your Port (left), since there is no red bouy to catch the phrase red-right-returning.
Boaters safety course is of #1 importance. Good for you!
Enjoy!
