They both keep the watch periods short during those hours between 

I will be taking Katahdin to Bermuda this Summer as part of the TrawlerTrek. Aboard will be myself and two crew members. I've been considering watch schedules, and here are two I've been contemplating: Watch Schedule 1 Watch Period Length of Watch Person on Watch 2400-0200 2 hrs. A 0200-0400 2 hrs. B 0400-0600 2 hrs. C 0600-0900 3 hrs. A 0900-1200 3 hrs. B 1200-1500 3 hrs. C 1500-1800 3 hrs. A 1800-2100 3 hrs. B 2100-2400 3 hrs. C Watch Schedule 2 Watch Period Length of Watch Person on Watch 2400-0200 2 hrs. A 0200-0400 2 hrs. B 0400-0600 2 hrs. C 0600-0900 3 hrs. A 0900-1300 4 hrs. B 1300-1700 4 hrs. C 1700-2100 4 hrs. A 2100-2400 3 hrs. B 2400-0200 2 hrs. C They both keep the watch periods short during those hours between midnight and the first light of dawn when it is more difficult to stay alert. On the other hand, this means that two people during each 24 hour period will have one off-watch interval of only 4 hours. This, I understand, is the shortest recommended off-watch interval. Schedule 1 keeps no watch period longer than 3 hours, but this schedule results in each individual having the exact same watches during each of the four days going out or coming back. Schedule 2 includes three 4-hour watches, which means that the watch periods shift each 24 hours. Have any of you used either of these two schedules? Which do you think is better? Is there another schedule for a 3-man crew that you consider superior to either of these? Thanks for you help.