What's the coldest weather you've sailed in? Are you an adventurous Midwestern sailor, dodging chucks of ice, or a warm-blooded Florida owner who won't go out when the thermometer dives under 70? What kind of clothing, canvas, or other gear do you use to stay warm when the winds aren't? Share your cold weather experiences here, then vote in this week's Quick Quiz at the bottom of the home page.
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I hate cold weather
Luckily, I don't know what *really* cold weather is, living in the NW but it still gets plenty chilly for my tastes. I am an admitted fair weather sailor. I make no qualms about it either. If Rob wants to go out in the snow, let him. I'll stay home snuggled up with my cats! I remember one time he came back to the dock from a winter sail with icicles hanging from his cap! Now that I say that, I gotta wonder what the heck I was doing down at the marina in weather like that!! Unfortunately, what I want ain't always what I get & I have sailed in some nasty, chilly weather. But I don't like it!
LaDonna
Luckily, I don't know what *really* cold weather is, living in the NW but it still gets plenty chilly for my tastes. I am an admitted fair weather sailor. I make no qualms about it either. If Rob wants to go out in the snow, let him. I'll stay home snuggled up with my cats! I remember one time he came back to the dock from a winter sail with icicles hanging from his cap! Now that I say that, I gotta wonder what the heck I was doing down at the marina in weather like that!! Unfortunately, what I want ain't always what I get & I have sailed in some nasty, chilly weather. But I don't like it!
LaDonnaStretching the Seasons
As the boating seanson ends, I am always attempting to stretch the season just a little bit longer. And while it is nice to get out sailing on a late October day in that cool crisp air, after a couple of hours of the cool wind hitting you the cold really seaps into you and the sailing is no longer fun, no matter how many layers you have on.
As the boating seanson ends, I am always attempting to stretch the season just a little bit longer. And while it is nice to get out sailing on a late October day in that cool crisp air, after a couple of hours of the cool wind hitting you the cold really seaps into you and the sailing is no longer fun, no matter how many layers you have on.
shoveling snow off my boat
Well, I can't resist this one. Considering less than 48 hours ago I was shoveling snow off my boat before setting sail! Being a ski instructor, you'd think I would be up skiing. But I got the sailing bug & couldn't resist! FYI it was BEAUTIFUL! and uncrowded. a 5Kt wind and 40-45 degree air. here's some tips on keeping warm & comfy. Most folks overlook the extremeties when it comes to staying warm. You may not get hypothermic, but you will be uncomfortable! 1) wear a hat! warm & windproof! (the air will cool you noggin in a hurry) 2) wear gloves! warm & windproof! (try the lined PVC at WM they are great) 3) wear boots (use a felt insole or liner) the hull will suck the warmth right out from underneath you!
Well, I can't resist this one. Considering less than 48 hours ago I was shoveling snow off my boat before setting sail! Being a ski instructor, you'd think I would be up skiing. But I got the sailing bug & couldn't resist! FYI it was BEAUTIFUL! and uncrowded. a 5Kt wind and 40-45 degree air. here's some tips on keeping warm & comfy. Most folks overlook the extremeties when it comes to staying warm. You may not get hypothermic, but you will be uncomfortable! 1) wear a hat! warm & windproof! (the air will cool you noggin in a hurry) 2) wear gloves! warm & windproof! (try the lined PVC at WM they are great) 3) wear boots (use a felt insole or liner) the hull will suck the warmth right out from underneath you!
Staying warm revisited.
I posted this earlier following our cruise in January from Ft. Lauderdale to Baltimore when we experienced sub 30 degree weather, but if you missed it, it's worth repeating. If you make the choice to sail in the winter (most don’t) then you need to prepare your boat and yourself for some tuff times. The most important aspect of staying warm while underway is avoiding the wind. Wind chill factors are an obvious concern, especially after dark when the temp changes so quickly. Its one thing to walk out to your car or to a bus stop when its 25 degrees and the wind is 20 MPH but try standing a long watch only now the wind is 27 MPH because your underway. Plus out on the open water the wind is always stronger than on land. You also have to stay dry. You will need the following: the proper layered clothing - winter skiing/camping/hunting stuff (I prefer fleece), the best gloves money can buy (mountain climber type), the best foul weather gear money can buy (even if you are not getting wet they provide a good wind break while still being breathable), the best wool socks money can buy (several pairs to allow rotation), a dodger to ‘hide’ behind (the bigger the better), a bimini also helps. Ours is connected to the dodger. an autopilot to allow you to ‘hide’ behind the dodger, crew to allow watch rotation as well as short trips below to take a break and get warm, hot food and drinks (fruit, cookies and candies while on watch are a good source of energy), a good place to sit (nice soft cushion or chair – we like the folding sport-a-seat) and finally but most important you need to be well rested. If you get tired, you get cold fast. Down below we don’t have a genset so we got our main source of heat from the engine compartment since we prefer to motor at night, we just opened the side access hatch (its was noisy but we got use to it). We also used a larger Trawler lamp for adding a little heat and light. We cooked every meal so that the stove added its share of heat below. I was worried about getting into a cold bed but sleeping turned out to be the easiest part. Debbie had just added a down comforter in Fort Lauderdale and it just took minutes to be warm and toasty. Get the best bedding money can buy. Sorry about telling you to spend all that money for the best stuff but you will thank me if you ever head out in below 30-degree weather. Hints: Cover all exposed skin. You should look like a mummy or a bank robber. Hug your self but occasionally get up and move around, work the fingers and toes as well. Wear mittens over standard sailing gloves. Take off the mittens to handle lines. If your sailing gloves get wet – take them off. Wet leather gloves will freeze the fingers quickly. If you have to handle the anchor take off your good gloves and use a pair of heavy leather work gloves. You will (or should be) drinking lots of fluids so wear clothing that makes going to the head easy. Take frequent breaks and talk to the other crew. It takes your mind off the cold. If its raining or there is spray, avoid it if possible. Its difficult to get dry when it cold. Watch out for ice on the decks during trips out of the cockpit. We had lots while going up the Chesapeake. You should use a harness and jacklines all the time. Cold water is a quick killer. Hope this is helpful. BEST advice is wait for spring, too bad I don’t plan to take my own advice. I may be sailing alone.
I posted this earlier following our cruise in January from Ft. Lauderdale to Baltimore when we experienced sub 30 degree weather, but if you missed it, it's worth repeating. If you make the choice to sail in the winter (most don’t) then you need to prepare your boat and yourself for some tuff times. The most important aspect of staying warm while underway is avoiding the wind. Wind chill factors are an obvious concern, especially after dark when the temp changes so quickly. Its one thing to walk out to your car or to a bus stop when its 25 degrees and the wind is 20 MPH but try standing a long watch only now the wind is 27 MPH because your underway. Plus out on the open water the wind is always stronger than on land. You also have to stay dry. You will need the following: the proper layered clothing - winter skiing/camping/hunting stuff (I prefer fleece), the best gloves money can buy (mountain climber type), the best foul weather gear money can buy (even if you are not getting wet they provide a good wind break while still being breathable), the best wool socks money can buy (several pairs to allow rotation), a dodger to ‘hide’ behind (the bigger the better), a bimini also helps. Ours is connected to the dodger. an autopilot to allow you to ‘hide’ behind the dodger, crew to allow watch rotation as well as short trips below to take a break and get warm, hot food and drinks (fruit, cookies and candies while on watch are a good source of energy), a good place to sit (nice soft cushion or chair – we like the folding sport-a-seat) and finally but most important you need to be well rested. If you get tired, you get cold fast. Down below we don’t have a genset so we got our main source of heat from the engine compartment since we prefer to motor at night, we just opened the side access hatch (its was noisy but we got use to it). We also used a larger Trawler lamp for adding a little heat and light. We cooked every meal so that the stove added its share of heat below. I was worried about getting into a cold bed but sleeping turned out to be the easiest part. Debbie had just added a down comforter in Fort Lauderdale and it just took minutes to be warm and toasty. Get the best bedding money can buy. Sorry about telling you to spend all that money for the best stuff but you will thank me if you ever head out in below 30-degree weather. Hints: Cover all exposed skin. You should look like a mummy or a bank robber. Hug your self but occasionally get up and move around, work the fingers and toes as well. Wear mittens over standard sailing gloves. Take off the mittens to handle lines. If your sailing gloves get wet – take them off. Wet leather gloves will freeze the fingers quickly. If you have to handle the anchor take off your good gloves and use a pair of heavy leather work gloves. You will (or should be) drinking lots of fluids so wear clothing that makes going to the head easy. Take frequent breaks and talk to the other crew. It takes your mind off the cold. If its raining or there is spray, avoid it if possible. Its difficult to get dry when it cold. Watch out for ice on the decks during trips out of the cockpit. We had lots while going up the Chesapeake. You should use a harness and jacklines all the time. Cold water is a quick killer. Hope this is helpful. BEST advice is wait for spring, too bad I don’t plan to take my own advice. I may be sailing alone.
Ice Bound Hound
Winter comes early enough in my neck of the woods, but a few years back I left haul-out until the first weekend in November. It had been a cold week and much to my horror, when I went to prepare her for haul-out, I was frozen in, with the ice stretching about 500' to open water. I was by myself and the marina was empty. As I sat on the boat and thought it through I saw a big old 4"X4" post about 8' long and brought it up to the bow. I lashed the tiller down for dead ahead and put the diesel on dead slow, ran to the bow and proceeded to pound my way free from my icey prison with the post. Took about 20 minutes of ice-breaking to reach open water. It was a crisp clear late autumn day hovering around 0C so I thought it owed me this one last sail. Took her out for a brief once around the bay.Left her by the boat ramp dock, until I could haul out the next day. I love late season sails, as the winds are steadier, and the pond is all to myself. Don
Winter comes early enough in my neck of the woods, but a few years back I left haul-out until the first weekend in November. It had been a cold week and much to my horror, when I went to prepare her for haul-out, I was frozen in, with the ice stretching about 500' to open water. I was by myself and the marina was empty. As I sat on the boat and thought it through I saw a big old 4"X4" post about 8' long and brought it up to the bow. I lashed the tiller down for dead ahead and put the diesel on dead slow, ran to the bow and proceeded to pound my way free from my icey prison with the post. Took about 20 minutes of ice-breaking to reach open water. It was a crisp clear late autumn day hovering around 0C so I thought it owed me this one last sail. Took her out for a brief once around the bay.Left her by the boat ramp dock, until I could haul out the next day. I love late season sails, as the winds are steadier, and the pond is all to myself. Don
Icebreakers
Great Thread, I was down in Naragansett Bay Rhode Island a couple of weeks ago on a Sunday and there were 3 or 4 boats out sailing! I spoke to one guy and asked how much booze did it take to do that? He had a great response... It's not any colder than skiing. He was wearing ski bibs and jacket with the proper hat and workable waterproff gloves. The day was about 40 degrees and he said it was beautiful out there. It made me jealous! Good for him.... Regards, Chris Hyland
Great Thread, I was down in Naragansett Bay Rhode Island a couple of weeks ago on a Sunday and there were 3 or 4 boats out sailing! I spoke to one guy and asked how much booze did it take to do that? He had a great response... It's not any colder than skiing. He was wearing ski bibs and jacket with the proper hat and workable waterproff gloves. The day was about 40 degrees and he said it was beautiful out there. It made me jealous! Good for him.... Regards, Chris Hyland
What about Ice Boat sailing???
Talk about being cold!!! try ice boating when it is sub zero with wind chills around -20 to -35 in northern Wisconsin. I only did it once and man was it cold!!! We were hitting speeds of 65 to 70 mph "WOW"!!!! As for on the water, last year when I sailed "The Odyssey" home (about 35 miles) it was 34 degrees without the wind chill. The sun was shinning but still damn cold! There is a photo of me and how I was dressed for this trip in the "owners photo album" listed under Hunter 310. Dated 9/3/2000 Mickey hit the nail on the head with his advise on cold weather sailing. Steve, s/v The Odyssey (H310) P.S. 7 weeks to lift in.........
Talk about being cold!!! try ice boating when it is sub zero with wind chills around -20 to -35 in northern Wisconsin. I only did it once and man was it cold!!! We were hitting speeds of 65 to 70 mph "WOW"!!!! As for on the water, last year when I sailed "The Odyssey" home (about 35 miles) it was 34 degrees without the wind chill. The sun was shinning but still damn cold! There is a photo of me and how I was dressed for this trip in the "owners photo album" listed under Hunter 310. Dated 9/3/2000 Mickey hit the nail on the head with his advise on cold weather sailing. Steve, s/v The Odyssey (H310) P.S. 7 weeks to lift in.........
When I was young...
I grew up in NJ and when I was young and the water got hard, we would break out the Ice Boats and sail all year long. You might say now that I am a granfather I am still a cold weather sailor; having just returned from a 14 day sail in the BVI's and now at this very moment, prepairing for a week in the DR. So you can believe it when I say I am still a cold weather sailor, when it gets cold at home I go sailing in the islands mon. It just has a softer feel to it, you know.
I grew up in NJ and when I was young and the water got hard, we would break out the Ice Boats and sail all year long. You might say now that I am a granfather I am still a cold weather sailor; having just returned from a 14 day sail in the BVI's and now at this very moment, prepairing for a week in the DR. So you can believe it when I say I am still a cold weather sailor, when it gets cold at home I go sailing in the islands mon. It just has a softer feel to it, you know.
40's, by accident!!
I recently helped a friend move his boat from Ft. Myers to Pt. Charlotte, the same day a cold front arrived, winds steady from 30-35 kts (on the nose of course), rain and temps in the 40s. Down here in SW fla if it hit's 60 we are hidding under our goose down comforters. Give us warmth or give us death, being a native south florida boy I find 70 to be getting a bit too cool for me, especially to sail in. My hat's off to all you northern folk who not only live in that white stuff but play in it as well.
I recently helped a friend move his boat from Ft. Myers to Pt. Charlotte, the same day a cold front arrived, winds steady from 30-35 kts (on the nose of course), rain and temps in the 40s. Down here in SW fla if it hit's 60 we are hidding under our goose down comforters. Give us warmth or give us death, being a native south florida boy I find 70 to be getting a bit too cool for me, especially to sail in. My hat's off to all you northern folk who not only live in that white stuff but play in it as well.
Frostbiting
When I was young and foolish(now I'm old and foolish)I'd go Frostbiting off City Island, NY. Now I'm content just reading about it. God creating winter so sailors can rest, give their families(the crew)a break and make summer plans.
When I was young and foolish(now I'm old and foolish)I'd go Frostbiting off City Island, NY. Now I'm content just reading about it. God creating winter so sailors can rest, give their families(the crew)a break and make summer plans.
Frostbite Classic
About 10 years ago, my brother-in-law and I sailed in the Frostbite Classic on Lake Pond Oreille in North Idaho on New Years day. The temperature was in the mid twenties when the race started and “warmed up” to the mid thirties by the end of the race. We got stuck in patch of calm and came in dead last. Therefore, I did the only honorable thing. I abandoned ship as we sailed across the finish line. You should have seen the look on the faces of the race committee as I dove into the lake. The water was about forty degrees. What they didn’t know was that I had a full 1/4” farmer-john wet suit under my closes. I dove in about 15 feet from the dock, which formed the committee end of the line and kicked up onto the dock. I hardly got wet, but they still talk about the idiot who when swimming at the Frostbite. Hayden Watson S/V Papillon 1988 C30 tr/bs Spokane, WA
About 10 years ago, my brother-in-law and I sailed in the Frostbite Classic on Lake Pond Oreille in North Idaho on New Years day. The temperature was in the mid twenties when the race started and “warmed up” to the mid thirties by the end of the race. We got stuck in patch of calm and came in dead last. Therefore, I did the only honorable thing. I abandoned ship as we sailed across the finish line. You should have seen the look on the faces of the race committee as I dove into the lake. The water was about forty degrees. What they didn’t know was that I had a full 1/4” farmer-john wet suit under my closes. I dove in about 15 feet from the dock, which formed the committee end of the line and kicked up onto the dock. I hardly got wet, but they still talk about the idiot who when swimming at the Frostbite. Hayden Watson S/V Papillon 1988 C30 tr/bs Spokane, WA
Todd Osborne
To Todd, Read a book about fishing boats (A boats) home ported in Anacortes, WA.. Apparently two of these boats met with misfortune about 15 years ago. Do you know anything about this? Just curious. Thanks, John, jrrollins@earthlink.net
To Todd, Read a book about fishing boats (A boats) home ported in Anacortes, WA.. Apparently two of these boats met with misfortune about 15 years ago. Do you know anything about this? Just curious. Thanks, John, jrrollins@earthlink.net
Tracking the winds shifts in the snow
I used to have a friend (heavy on the used to)who more or less insested I hace J-22's with him on Lake Charlevoix, MI in December. Actually it was great fun and what an advantage to SEE the wind shifts in the blowing snow. The foredeck work was a little tricky with the ice and all and the sheets would stiffen up, but it was great bragging that we raced in December in Michigan.
I used to have a friend (heavy on the used to)who more or less insested I hace J-22's with him on Lake Charlevoix, MI in December. Actually it was great fun and what an advantage to SEE the wind shifts in the blowing snow. The foredeck work was a little tricky with the ice and all and the sheets would stiffen up, but it was great bragging that we raced in December in Michigan.
wool
when it gets cold, i like wool under my foul weather gear, wool hat and good gloves, plenty of warm rum and a good cabin heater.
when it gets cold, i like wool under my foul weather gear, wool hat and good gloves, plenty of warm rum and a good cabin heater.
I once went out on a chilly 57 degree day
I admit us Southern California sailors are spoiled. Anytime we have to put on a sweater we all complain about the cold. At night I did buy a little West Marine 1500 watt heater which keeps the cabin comfortable during the winter months. Hang in there, spring is just around the corner.
I admit us Southern California sailors are spoiled. Anytime we have to put on a sweater we all complain about the cold. At night I did buy a little West Marine 1500 watt heater which keeps the cabin comfortable during the winter months. Hang in there, spring is just around the corner.
OH YEAH!
February 19, 2001. Forty-eight degrees, forty minutes North. The temperature is 50 degrees and the sky is a deep blue. The only patch of white in the sky is the craggy outline of snow-covered Mt. Baker which at nearly 11,000 feet dominates the four mountain ranges that are in view. The wind is out of the North and is being funneled down East Sound at better than 20 knots. The sound is a sea of white caps but with limited fetch, the wind waves are only 2-3 feet. The helm is in nearly perfect balance. Sailing on a broad reach on a single reefed main and genoa, Shibumi just dances across the waves at seven knots. Cold weather sailing? OH YEAH! Gary Wyngarden S/V Shibumi H335
February 19, 2001. Forty-eight degrees, forty minutes North. The temperature is 50 degrees and the sky is a deep blue. The only patch of white in the sky is the craggy outline of snow-covered Mt. Baker which at nearly 11,000 feet dominates the four mountain ranges that are in view. The wind is out of the North and is being funneled down East Sound at better than 20 knots. The sound is a sea of white caps but with limited fetch, the wind waves are only 2-3 feet. The helm is in nearly perfect balance. Sailing on a broad reach on a single reefed main and genoa, Shibumi just dances across the waves at seven knots. Cold weather sailing? OH YEAH! Gary Wyngarden S/V Shibumi H335
Cold and windy
It was late October of last year and we just came out of Annapolis. The wind was at least 20 knots and it got colder as the day progressed. It wasn't sailing, it was surviving. The wind and waves tossed the 29.5 with no problem as we headed north towards Tolchester. I had fleece over my jeans and the outer layer was my foul weather gear to stop the wind and keep me dry. Had Gill expedition gloves covered by Seal skinz water proof gloves. All the clothing worked well and I had no complaints. Just wish I had a larger boat!
It was late October of last year and we just came out of Annapolis. The wind was at least 20 knots and it got colder as the day progressed. It wasn't sailing, it was surviving. The wind and waves tossed the 29.5 with no problem as we headed north towards Tolchester. I had fleece over my jeans and the outer layer was my foul weather gear to stop the wind and keep me dry. Had Gill expedition gloves covered by Seal skinz water proof gloves. All the clothing worked well and I had no complaints. Just wish I had a larger boat!
Tie between Upper Chesapeake & Ft. Lauderdale
For the two seasons I've had a boat on the upper Chesapeake, I've sailed well into November. Didn't haul out this year until mid-December. I've never had to do anything more than wear gloves and a hat to stay warm. I would guess the coldest it's been while actually sailing on the Chesapeake was in the 50's, but ironically, it got that cold just last month in Ft. Lauderdale, right after Christmas. Dropped down to the 40's at night, which for southern Fla. is unusually cold. While motoring one early morning through the canals of the New River, I had to wait for over an hour for a stuck drawbridge to raise. Since I was singlehanded, I couldn't leave the helm, had to just sit there wearing woolen gloves and watching my breath in the frigid morning air, while trying to maintain position against the strong outgoing tide. Having said all of this, I don't think I've ever had a bad sailing day. Just some days better than others.
For the two seasons I've had a boat on the upper Chesapeake, I've sailed well into November. Didn't haul out this year until mid-December. I've never had to do anything more than wear gloves and a hat to stay warm. I would guess the coldest it's been while actually sailing on the Chesapeake was in the 50's, but ironically, it got that cold just last month in Ft. Lauderdale, right after Christmas. Dropped down to the 40's at night, which for southern Fla. is unusually cold. While motoring one early morning through the canals of the New River, I had to wait for over an hour for a stuck drawbridge to raise. Since I was singlehanded, I couldn't leave the helm, had to just sit there wearing woolen gloves and watching my breath in the frigid morning air, while trying to maintain position against the strong outgoing tide. Having said all of this, I don't think I've ever had a bad sailing day. Just some days better than others.
Mad dogs and English men
My wife and I both sail all year long here in Puget sound. We do the Santa boat with the Sea Scouts. This involves sailing from Tacoma to Seattle. Through the locks and into Lake Union and on into Lake Washington. Water temps here average 42/43 deg all year. I can get realy nasty out in the sound on the way home with temps at or below freezing but someone has to do it. Its all worth the look on those special childrens faces as they motor past in a nice heated powerboat. I can still hear them yell I love you Santa and the reply. Ho Ho Ho Merry Chrismas and watch the anchor chain.
My wife and I both sail all year long here in Puget sound. We do the Santa boat with the Sea Scouts. This involves sailing from Tacoma to Seattle. Through the locks and into Lake Union and on into Lake Washington. Water temps here average 42/43 deg all year. I can get realy nasty out in the sound on the way home with temps at or below freezing but someone has to do it. Its all worth the look on those special childrens faces as they motor past in a nice heated powerboat. I can still hear them yell I love you Santa and the reply. Ho Ho Ho Merry Chrismas and watch the anchor chain.
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