You probably had an instant answer to that question.
But, I’ve learned, not everyone defines “overnighter” in quite the same way. In the past week, I’ve just happened to read two blog posts talking about “our first overnighter.” Turned out, they were talking of different things. And a few months ago, I read someone else’s account of their first overnighter, meaning yet something else.
None were wrong, but I think the term gets used differently depending on where you are and what your typical boating is. And it reminds me that TBG readers do all sorts of different styles of boating — all of them great!
The three different meanings?
- Sleeping on the boat at the sailing club, by a couple who normally day sail from the club and go home at night.
- Spending the night at anchor, away from the dock, by a family that day sails and usually returns to their home marina at night to sleep aboard.
- A trip that includes being on the move overnight.
A few months after we began cruising on Que Tal, friends who were considering cruising came to visit us for a week. In the planning stages, we asked them what they’d like to do on their vacation.
“Well, we just got certified, so getting the chance to dive would be good. And maybe an overnighter or two.”
Perfect! There was an island that we’d wanted to visit about 80 miles away — we could do an overnight sail there, have a couple days to explore it, and then sail back and do a dive trip.
We wrote and told them. Seems we’d had different ideas of “overnighter” — we assumed, since they were thinking of cruising, that they wanted to see what an overnight passage was like. Wrong — turned out they’d never spent the night at anchor and that’s what they wanted to try out.
We changed our plans and had a wonderful week with several anchored-out “overnighters” as well as nights in the marina.
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Carolyn Shearlock has lived aboard full-time for 17 years, splitting her time between a Tayana 37 monohull and a Gemini 105 catamaran. She’s cruised over 14,000 miles, from Pacific Mexico and Central America to Florida and the Bahamas, gaining firsthand experience with the joys and challenges of life on the water.
Through The Boat Galley, Carolyn has helped thousands of people explore, prepare for, and enjoy life afloat. She shares her expertise as an instructor at Cruisers University, in leading boating publications, and through her bestselling book, The Boat Galley Cookbook. She is passionate about helping others embark on their liveaboard journey—making life on the water simpler, safer, and more enjoyable.
Ron Dionne says
There is a 4th definition…staying on board in the marina during a gale with a super moon low tide. Checking ropes all night long!!!
The Boat Galley says
Ouch!
Heather Drost says
Interesting! I would have only thought it meant an overnight passage!
Philip Dicicco says
Running aground… in Saint Petersburg, Florida, just outside the marina—with only my stepdaughter aboard! Now we both laugh about it almost thirty years later. She still considers it her best “sleep-over” ever. Yes, we both love and respect each other after all these years. Best First Mate I ever had and ever will. Love ya Jena!
Carolyn Shearlock says
Uh, yeah . . . there are those unintentional “overnighters!” Glad it’s a good memory.
Heather Tully says
Our girl ‘charisma’. Spends most of her time at the Sacramento yacht club but anytime we can steal away we love to go ” on the hook “. The American river is the most sought after area but anywhere will do for us. We just spent five days aboard with one of favorite couples and had a blast. This is the life !!
Peggy Stone says
The sun rose, the sun set the sun rose and we aren’t there yet – my definition.
Gayle Fox says
Since we liveaboard at a marina (new lifestyle for me..2 months today) and have recently experienced my first overnighter at anchor.. 2 out of 3 ain’t bad! The 3rd… (after experiencing my first 8ft swells at the opening to the Gulf and taking 2 hours to fight current and tide to get back in)…. oye vay!! I BOW to those who have powered through the night in any form!!! ⛵⚓
The Boat Galley says
Take it in steps, just like you’re doing, and you’ll get there!
Gayle Fox says
Can’t wait! 🙂
Craig Deline III says
My over nighter lasted 20 years, along with running all the Great Lakes and Bahamas and everything in between
Debbie Graves says
I’ve done all three and think my favorite is number 2. Have done so many number 3 I’m taking a break.
Debra Turner says
Ditto for us over the last 4 years but now we will only be out there 6 months per year⛵️⛵️⛵️⛵️⛵️miss you Debbie Graves!!
Debbie Graves says
Debra Turner miss you too!
Kathleen Rogers says
Debra Turner 6&6 is good!!!
Debra Turner says
Hi there Kathleen! You are right! I was missing a big kitchen but ready for that tiny Tayana galley!!
Kathleen Rogers says
Debra Turner only problem is you aren’t in the Rio!!
Debra Turner says
Cartagena!!
Gord Lamb says
Liveaboard, and have done countless overnight passages single-handed. The watch alarm is my best friend and worst enemy.
Modern electronics make it *so* much easier. AIS and radar guard zones take 75% of the danger out of it; I’ve sailed (slowly) through the thousand islands in pitch black, overcast conditions, threading my way through buoys, shoals and tiny islands with only electronics. It’s such a treat to wake up the next day and see your surroundings in daylight.
Carla Barrett says
I think of an overnighter as sailing through the night