Final answer:
The lights for a sailing vessel include red to port and green to starboard sidelights, and a white sternlight at night, with a black cone displayed during the day if under power. The LightSail-1 Project and literary references like Walt Whitman's poetry capture the spirit of sailing, underscoring the need for proper maritime signals.
Step-by-step explanation:
The lights and day shapes for a sailing vessel are essential for safety and communication on the high seas. During the night, a sailing vessel under sail alone should display sidelights (red to port and green to starboard) and a stern light (white light at the rear). When under power, they must display the lights prescribed for a power-driven vessel. In the daytime, if a sailboat's engine is on, it must display a black cone, apex downward, in the forepart of the vessel to indicate its status. The importance of these signals is highlighted by Johannes Kepler's quote in 1608, referencing the ambition to adapt ships to use 'heavenly breezes', which in modern terms can be related to the utilization of technology and navigation methods that help sailors use natural forces, like wind, more effectively.
Advances in technology have led to innovative projects like the LightSail-1 Project by the Planetary Society, which emphasizes the use of solar sails in space exploration. Similarly, historical quotes like those from Walt Whitman in 'Leaves of Grass poetically encapsulate the beauty and significance of ships, sails, and the maritime flags of various nations. These narratives highlight the enduring romance and functionality of sailing, further emphasizing the need for proper lighting and shapes to navigate safely and communicate effectively on the open seas.