For many of us, the mere idea of jumping on a sailing boat during Winter, makes us freeze. It is a matter of fact that the majority of the sailors are Summer experts’ sailors. When the weather is warmer, staying close to the water is easier.

In this article, we tried to list some advice that could be helpful to sail during Winter. With this guide in hand, those sailors that have (almost) never sailed in cold temperatures, will avoid the most common mistakes.

  • Be careful with the ice

It is not unusual that decks are frozen during the winter season, especially if you decide to leave the mooring early in the morning. Therefore, you should use seawater to wash the whole deck. Sea water starts to freeze at -5°C.

  • Prevent is better than treat

It is common that on a sailing boat that is not used in Winter as much as it is in Summer, sediments such as moss, algae, and lichens start to grow on it. As a consequence, you should always treat clean the deck using water and brushes, preferably without chemical agents.

  • Take care of your sailing ropes

We have already talked about the importance of gestures to preserve the sailing ropes’ lives. Among them, there is the one that claims to keep your sailing ropes clean from one sailing trip to another. You can do so by washing them with clean water. After that, you should always dry them because we all know how annoying it can be to deal with wet ropes in winter.

  • Protect your eyes

Even if in winter the sun is not as powerful as it is during summer, it is usually low which means that wearing sunglasses can be a game changer when you are in the water.

  • Stay warm and dry

Clothes are more important than anything when sailing during winter. Apart from wearing technical garments, you should be dressed in layers. In open water it is colder than in dry land, therefore, having with you a certain amount of clothes could definitely help. And do not forget gloves, a double pair is always recommended just in case one break. Last but not least, keep your hands hydrated.

  • Charge the batteries

Starting the engine in winter requires more energy than during summer. It means that checking the batteries before leaving is a MUST. A small solar panel or having a charger at home could help to maintain the batteries at their maximum.

  • Refill the tanks

Both water and gas tanks have to be almost full. When the temperature goes below 0°C, it can be harder to find water to refill. On the other hand, the gas tank should be always refilled in order to avoid condensation which is considered fresh air for microbes.

  • Food

Food is always important but even more in winter. Be prepared to have as many snacks and drinks as you planned to stay in the water. Also, be ready to bring a whistle filled with your favorite hot beverage or soups.

What about you? Are you more of an all-year-sailor or just a Summer one?