I like my instruments at the helm. I've got wind speed, wind direction, depth, boat speed by paddle wheel, auto pilot and a GPS that gives me speed through the water and actual direction being traveled. I take the paddle wheel speed and compare it to the GPS speed which tells me current information. The difference between compass direction and GPS direction also tells me about current along with leeway.

During night passages glancing at the wind speed indicator is a hell of a lot easier than getting up, looking around the bimini and pointing a light at the mast head & trying to get comfortable again. If I put the auto pilot on 'Vane' and the wind shifts direction I know how many degrees it's shifting and what direction. If I put the auto pilot to hold a course the wind direction indicator tells me if the wind is shifting forward or clocking more astern. This give me information on sail adjustment or the necessity of altering course to keep from backwinding the headsail.

There is so much information simple sailing instruments along with a GPS give you I believe it's not 'PRUDENT' on night passages not to have them. I don't mind 'flying by the seat of my pants' during the day when you can see but at 3 AM with 20 knots and 8 foot seas I want all the information I can get right in front of me to make intelligent decisions on safely sailing the boat.

The only time I use a high powered flashlight is to point it at the direction the swell is coming from so I can see the water and scare myself with the sea state. On most night passages I can't even see the bow of the boat let along what's going on around me.

I don't understand why anyone that does serious cruising won't pay the three grand for basic instruments. For me, if I don't have my instruments on a night passage it's a bit like sailing with my eyes closed.