There are conflicting reports about whether or not Beats Workin’ II had her running lights on. Several witnesses on shore, including a retired law enforcement officer, said the running lights were on.
They likely were. If the sail boat wasn't moving though only a stern light is required last I recall. Bow lights mean underway and direction of travel. Anyone who's ran at night much knows about optical illusions and the difficulty of establishing distances vs lights. The slower you're going the more reaction time. Fishermen with lanterns hanging off the side of a boat can really mess you up too. But it all dependends on how much light you have such as the moon phase etc as well. I've been in old 14 foot aluminum V hulls with a 7.5 HP on some nights I wouldn't open up.