Here are 5 reasons to sail in winter:
Reason # 1
You'll have more of the water to yourselves. This means fewer boats to dodge and more relaxed sailing.Reason # 2
A corollary to #1, you'll share less of the sea’s bounty with others. The fishing is often better, and you’re more likely to attract wildlife, such as dolphins.Reason # 3
Winter brings different wind and sea conditions and opportunities to hone your sailing skills in new ways.Reason #4
Different weather patterns also opens up new anchorages and new things to see. For example, where I sail in South Australia, the winter northerlies open up southern Yorke Peninsula anchorages which are typically not available in summer. Winter also brings migrating whales!Reason #5
Finally, there is the satisfaction and camaraderie that comes from bucking the trend and doing what few others are doing. Or to quote Shakespeare from Henry V:“We few, we happy few, we band of brothers.”
As a bonus, you’ll really appreciate anew those creature comforts back on land, such as a warm fireplace!
Mid-winter sailing in Gulf St Vincent, South Australia. |
And here are my top 5 winter sailing tips:
- Pick your weather carefully.
- Stay warm by wearing lots of layers (i.e., more than usual), a hat and gloves.
- Keep well hydrated and well fed.
- Have a reliable autopilot, so you can retreat to the comfort of your cabin to escape foul weather.
- For overnight winter trips, some form of heating is very desirable. (I pack a portable catalytic heater to keep Arriba toasty).
Winter sunsets can be gorgeous. |
OVER.
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