Tri-Color Masthead Navigation Light (Red/Green/White), 24cm, 12V/10W – for Sailboats up to 12m

The tri-color masthead light is a specialized solution for sailboats, allowing them to clearly indicate their presence and heading at night using just one fixture. In the classic configuration, a sailboat must display a red light to port, green to starboard, and a white stern light (135°) – three separate lamps on the hull. With a tri-color light, those three functions are combined into one unit mounted at the top of the mast. This has several major advantages: first, the lights are high above the water, which greatly increases their range (they can be seen from farther away by other ships because they’re not obscured by waves); second, it reduces the number of devices and wiring on the boat; and third, it optimizes power consumption.

Construction: The housing of the light is typically black or dark-colored – this is done to prevent internal reflections between the different color sectors. Inside, there are reflectors and partitions separating the red, green, and white sections so that each shines only in its intended arc without bleeding into the others. The optical elements (lenses) are shaped to provide the required intensity horizontally. At the center of this housing is one electric bulb with a dual-contact base (so that both side light circuits can share a common positive). This bulb is positioned precisely such that it illuminates all three colored lens segments evenly. The usually supplied bulb is 10W (sometimes 25W in larger or commercial models, but for boats <12 m, 10W is standard). When switched on, the entire masthead unit shines – red forward to port, green forward to starboard, and white directly aft.

Mast installation: The tri-color light is mounted at the very top of the mast or on a short vertical pole/bracket attached to it (some prefer a little riser to elevate the light above a VHF antenna or wind vane). The mounting base of the lamp is generally flat and round, with 2-3 holes for screws. Before installation, it’s important to plan the placement – the tri-color must have a clear horizon (no parts of the mast, antennas, or equipment blocking its sectors). Therefore, it is often placed above all other masthead gear. The kit usually includes an insulating pad and the necessary screws/bolts. After securing it, two wires are run down inside the mast to the control panel. Operation is via a dedicated “Tricolor” switch or the main navigation lights switch (on small yachts).

Electrical efficiency: A big advantage of the tri-color light is energy savings on board. On sailing yachts, electrical power is often at a premium (especially during long passages without running the engine or generator). By using one 10W bulb instead of three 10W bulbs, consumption is cut from ~30W to 10W – i.e., by two-thirds. Over the course of a night (say 10 hours of sailing), that saves ~20 Ah from the batteries, which is substantial. Many offshore sailors rely on the tri-color lamp, combined with other measures (LED interior lights, solar panels, etc.), to get through the night without needing to start the engine.

Convenience & Safety: With one fixture at the top, maintenance is simplified too – there aren’t three different locations on the boat to check, clean from salt, or change a bulb, just one. Since it’s high up, it’s less likely to be washed over by waves or hit by objects, so it stays cleaner and functional longer. On the other hand, having the light in this location means that when under engine power it should not be used; instead, the standard configuration (deck-level sidelights + 225° masthead steaming light) must be shown. This is due to the rules – the tri-color is specified for sailing vessels under sail only. For that reason, many manufacturers include an anchor light (360° white) function in the same housing (via a second, separate bulb), but the current model does not have a built-in anchor light. If one is needed, it is added separately (for example, as a standalone 360° white light, or one might use the stern 135° white plus tri-color – which is not a usual practice).

Recommendations: The tri-color light is recommended for sailing yachts up to ~12 m that undertake overnight passages. For example, on a 30-foot yacht during a night crossing, this light provides the required visibility at range and reduces the chance of being overlooked by larger ships since it’s positioned high. At the same time, if the yacht has an engine and is motoring, the skipper must switch to the other lights – something that can be handled via a two-position switch: one position for tricolor, another for power lighting. Many modern switch panels accommodate this.

Used correctly, the tri-color light significantly simplifies nighttime navigation for sailors. It is reliable with a straightforward design – one bulb and no complex electronics. Just remember to periodically check its status (ensure the bulb is lit and lenses are clean) especially before a night journey. Also keep a spare bulb on hand – if the single tri-color bulb fails, you will need to resort to backup deck lights. All in all, having this light on your sailboat gives you an option to improve visibility and save energy, which is a valuable asset for long sailing adventures.