Did Old Sailing Ships Sail At Night?

The Age of Sail, a period in European history from the mid-16th to mid-19th centuries, saw the dominance of sailing ships in global commerce and travel. Sailors faced harsh conditions, disease, poor food and pay, and bad weather on wooden sailing ships. By the end of the 18th century, advancements in sails and rigging allowed commanders to contemplate actions that would have been considered suicidal earlier.

The shift to pure sailing ships led to small but steadily increasing technical innovations, allowing ships to sail with the wind behind them. This change depended on the culture, ship, and crew. Ancient Greek warships were pulled up on shore every night due to lack of cooking. Sailing at night was dangerous, as things could happen. One watch sailed the ship from 8pm to midnight, then sleeps for four hours while the other works. The two watches swapped duties tomorrow.

Life at sea during the Age of Sail was filled with hardship, as sailors had to accept cramped conditions, disease, poor food and pay, and bad weather. Sailing ships were the backbone of ancient commerce and travel, and it is more likely that they were sailing night and day.

Sailing at night is typically done at mooring in the harbor, where goods and people would be transported. The handling of the ship’s rigging is often carried out at night, and talking is as loud as in the daytime. Eating and drinking took place in the lounge, where sailors could relax and enjoy the company of their fellow passengers.