Sailing in winter.
Posted: Fri Jun 03, 2022 10:00 am
I like winter sailing. Gentler breezes, at least when I go out, the sun is welcome instead of cooking your goose and no flies, mozzies and less water traffic.
My previous referenced thread covers things to be aware of, but I was just wondering what extras forum members would like to share on what they carry, do, plan when sailing in winter. Obviously, open water sailing requires extras as a matter of course, but with trailer sailing, often being day sailing you can get complacent I suppose.
I’ll kick it off by saying we carry a steamer wetsuit each in winter. Mainly for breakdowns, grounding or any non emergency situations that might require entering the water. My wife bought a quite good full suite at Aldi this year and has boots/gloves as well. I have full head cover, boots, gloves and such as if necessary I’ll be the one to go underwater if such a need arises. These don’t take up much room really and I’ve pressed our old superceded sailing bags to hold one each. My wife has one of my old full wool balaclavas which will sub in a pinch for head covering and I keep a sleeveless wool pullover for use under the wetsuit and under my jacket above decks if it gets real cold . If you don’t want a wetsuit, wool will work to a degree underwater to retain some heat and I’ve seen scuba guys using them years ago, but what’s your well-being worth.
Anyway, throwing it open, what to you add, hip flask, spare boat? Place has been a bit quiet lately so assume people are keeping warm. Good time to post
My previous referenced thread covers things to be aware of, but I was just wondering what extras forum members would like to share on what they carry, do, plan when sailing in winter. Obviously, open water sailing requires extras as a matter of course, but with trailer sailing, often being day sailing you can get complacent I suppose.
I’ll kick it off by saying we carry a steamer wetsuit each in winter. Mainly for breakdowns, grounding or any non emergency situations that might require entering the water. My wife bought a quite good full suite at Aldi this year and has boots/gloves as well. I have full head cover, boots, gloves and such as if necessary I’ll be the one to go underwater if such a need arises. These don’t take up much room really and I’ve pressed our old superceded sailing bags to hold one each. My wife has one of my old full wool balaclavas which will sub in a pinch for head covering and I keep a sleeveless wool pullover for use under the wetsuit and under my jacket above decks if it gets real cold . If you don’t want a wetsuit, wool will work to a degree underwater to retain some heat and I’ve seen scuba guys using them years ago, but what’s your well-being worth.
Anyway, throwing it open, what to you add, hip flask, spare boat? Place has been a bit quiet lately so assume people are keeping warm. Good time to post