strainin at the anchor chain!

Yesterday I got all ready to make my appearance in court over my 110.00 ticket for an incorrect anchor light, (Actually "no anchor light between dark and dawn". Practiced what I was going to offer as my 'case', ran by the ATM and got the money to cover the fine, and went to the office of the Summary Court. As I walked in the building a fellow (who appeared to be boater) asked if I might have change for a fifty so he could pay his fine. . . I didn't. I went into the building and at first couldn't find the court room but then saw a sign for the judges window....? I walked around the corner and there was a window. Inside was the officer who wrote my ticket, She smile and came to the window and said, "The Judge couldn't make it today so we will have to reschedule, or you can just pay the fine." I smiled and said "No, I think I want to roll the dice" Next court September 10th, "You'll get a letter." All upset for naught!. Hey, the Anchor light shines brightly all night long, I'll wait for my day in court! If the weather isn't too bad we might even get to go sailing Saturday or Sunday!!
Cool Breeze

Be forewarned!
We are on the hook in Georgetown, (which is home). Lately the DNR has decided to enforce anchorage light rules (Rule 30). The requirement is a white light with 360 degree of visibility. (Not 358, but 360!) I have kept a solar powered anchor light on my boom for the last three years, but solar lights are only as good as the batteries and the amount and strength of sunlight they receive. The DNR patrolled the anchorage twice at 04:30, both times my light had run down. The first time I knew the little light I had was weak, but the second time I thought it was working all night. I guess I need to get out there at 4:30 and check it out! lol
The other problem was that my light was not vis 360 degrees. see, there's this stick thing on my boat (aka mast) it blocks the light just enough. My on-board masthead light sucks the juice out of the batteries at a very rapid rate (DEAD batteries in two days). What I have come up with is a Davis industries mega light (with photo cell mounted on a 'pig stick' that gets the light about a foot over the masthead and does not kill the batteries as rapidly. We will see.
Remember there are very few "Designated Anchorages" in which you do not need and anchor-light! Forewarned is Forearmed!