Fall has some of the best weather of the year for sailing. The transitional weather produces some friskier winds than we get in the summer (and some equinoctial gales too!). The water is still reasonably warm from the summer sun. But it can get cold especially now with the advent of November. Just how cold does it have to get before you say "No Way!"? What's your formula for staying warm while sailing in brisk fall winds? Layers of polypro and fleece? A big mug of hot chocolate? Share your thoughts on frostbite sailing and be sure to vote in the Quick Quiz on the bottom of the home page. (Quiz by Gary Wyngarden)
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North East Sailing
Since being bitten by the sailing bug more than 10 years ago, I try to sail at least one day in every month of the year. We, in most of the Mid-Alantic region, have at least a few days of mild temps every month, even during the winter. Of course, there are those years of exceptions. If I can find a day of temps in the 50's, we are sailing. The dodger goes up and a pot of coffee goes on the stove. It is generally with less crew than we sail with in August but, the boat has to leave the slip at least once a month. Shelton
Since being bitten by the sailing bug more than 10 years ago, I try to sail at least one day in every month of the year. We, in most of the Mid-Alantic region, have at least a few days of mild temps every month, even during the winter. Of course, there are those years of exceptions. If I can find a day of temps in the 50's, we are sailing. The dodger goes up and a pot of coffee goes on the stove. It is generally with less crew than we sail with in August but, the boat has to leave the slip at least once a month. Shelton
Circumstances compel . . .
that we generally do not sail in cold weather. The particular circumstance being that the reservior we sail on is drawn down in early October. Just in time to miss spectacular falls days and evenings. Having grown up snow skiiing, I generally view cold weather as something to dress appropriately for rather than something to avoid. We did have our boat in a smaller reservior in the area many years back, and enjoyed some nice new years day sails, probably in the high 30's or low 40's. We met some folks with a tradition of new year's day water skiing, which made me glad I was not completely crazy. Jim Kolstoe, H23 Kara's Boo
that we generally do not sail in cold weather. The particular circumstance being that the reservior we sail on is drawn down in early October. Just in time to miss spectacular falls days and evenings. Having grown up snow skiiing, I generally view cold weather as something to dress appropriately for rather than something to avoid. We did have our boat in a smaller reservior in the area many years back, and enjoyed some nice new years day sails, probably in the high 30's or low 40's. We met some folks with a tradition of new year's day water skiing, which made me glad I was not completely crazy. Jim Kolstoe, H23 Kara's Boo
Brushed Off the Snow A Time or Two
I never want to see the season end as I am sure most of us feel. The boat is usually scheduled to be hauled the week after Thanksgiving but depending how the yard is doing sometimes doesn't happen until the middle of December. The justification, the kids are all home and they just might want to go for a sail. In the last ten years that has never happened. But what has happened on few ocassions is that purfect day, bright sun, moderate wind and not too cold, lends itself to a wonderful three hour midday sail. Soemtimes it acutally requires brushing a little snow from the corners of the cockpit. In our case our sail is usually across Long Island Sound to Cold Spring Harbor or just a big triangle outside the harbor. Alone except for the for a tug or two hauling their cargo. Look to the 30 miles west and the NYC skyline sparkles in the distance, look to the east and dream of the next trip to Cuttyhunk or Nanucket or beyond. It's Novenber 1st today, the boat is schedule to be hauled the week before Thanksgiving this year and I am still waiting for that last sail. The weather has not been too cooperatve of late, but still a week or two to go. Hopefully we will end the season on that wonderfuly high that brings us all to this way of life. Regards to all, Bob Keller s/v Kathryn, Stamford, Ct.
I never want to see the season end as I am sure most of us feel. The boat is usually scheduled to be hauled the week after Thanksgiving but depending how the yard is doing sometimes doesn't happen until the middle of December. The justification, the kids are all home and they just might want to go for a sail. In the last ten years that has never happened. But what has happened on few ocassions is that purfect day, bright sun, moderate wind and not too cold, lends itself to a wonderful three hour midday sail. Soemtimes it acutally requires brushing a little snow from the corners of the cockpit. In our case our sail is usually across Long Island Sound to Cold Spring Harbor or just a big triangle outside the harbor. Alone except for the for a tug or two hauling their cargo. Look to the 30 miles west and the NYC skyline sparkles in the distance, look to the east and dream of the next trip to Cuttyhunk or Nanucket or beyond. It's Novenber 1st today, the boat is schedule to be hauled the week before Thanksgiving this year and I am still waiting for that last sail. The weather has not been too cooperatve of late, but still a week or two to go. Hopefully we will end the season on that wonderfuly high that brings us all to this way of life. Regards to all, Bob Keller s/v Kathryn, Stamford, Ct.
Full Enclosure
I have a full enclosure on my H356 and last March sailed in 40 degree temperatures with 30 knot winds running down Ky Lake. With the enclosure and a sunny day, I had on a light rugby shirt and was very comfortable. We opened the companionway and had the heat on in the salon, but were very comfortable. The enclosure makes a tremendous difference in comfort during the edges of the sailing season. I have been able to add about two months onto the season here. Without it, and I would be home in front of a fireplace!
I have a full enclosure on my H356 and last March sailed in 40 degree temperatures with 30 knot winds running down Ky Lake. With the enclosure and a sunny day, I had on a light rugby shirt and was very comfortable. We opened the companionway and had the heat on in the salon, but were very comfortable. The enclosure makes a tremendous difference in comfort during the edges of the sailing season. I have been able to add about two months onto the season here. Without it, and I would be home in front of a fireplace!
Avoiding the rain!!!
Winter sailing is great and the air temperature isn't as important as dry weather. When it is raining or snowing I get colder faster and condensation is worse down below. Cold wet days are OK for shorter sails in familiar waters but spending the night out in a cold rain is something we try to avoid. OTOH waking up with frost on the deck isn't a problem. Good sleeping bags is a must. Synthetic filling is best as down isn't very warm if it is damp. The most important thing in sleeping well in cold weather is to stay dry. Always strip just before bed and put on clean dry clothes. Even if they feel dry, clothes that you have worn all day are damp and will make you sleep colder.
Winter sailing is great and the air temperature isn't as important as dry weather. When it is raining or snowing I get colder faster and condensation is worse down below. Cold wet days are OK for shorter sails in familiar waters but spending the night out in a cold rain is something we try to avoid. OTOH waking up with frost on the deck isn't a problem. Good sleeping bags is a must. Synthetic filling is best as down isn't very warm if it is damp. The most important thing in sleeping well in cold weather is to stay dry. Always strip just before bed and put on clean dry clothes. Even if they feel dry, clothes that you have worn all day are damp and will make you sleep colder.
Nothing like fall sailing
I keep the boat in the water on a small inland lake through at least mid-November. This year it looks like late November is a possibility as the fall has been mild and the water temperature is still quite moderate (low 50's). I tend to go out when the sun is out, and the wind is moderate (7-10 knots is perfect). The fall colors are great, and I have the lake almost completely to myself. Staying warm is essential and it can be tough to find a crew. I usually bring some hot chocolate and may make some coffee or cup-of-soup after I get there. Layers are a must, as well as warm gloves and a hat. Sailing in the winter is out of the question given that the lakes are frozen solid. However, I keep the boat in as long as possible, because the boat won't be in the water before mid-April at the earliest. I'm already planning my trips for next year. Dave s/v Hakuna Matatta O'Day 222
I keep the boat in the water on a small inland lake through at least mid-November. This year it looks like late November is a possibility as the fall has been mild and the water temperature is still quite moderate (low 50's). I tend to go out when the sun is out, and the wind is moderate (7-10 knots is perfect). The fall colors are great, and I have the lake almost completely to myself. Staying warm is essential and it can be tough to find a crew. I usually bring some hot chocolate and may make some coffee or cup-of-soup after I get there. Layers are a must, as well as warm gloves and a hat. Sailing in the winter is out of the question given that the lakes are frozen solid. However, I keep the boat in as long as possible, because the boat won't be in the water before mid-April at the earliest. I'm already planning my trips for next year. Dave s/v Hakuna Matatta O'Day 222
Michigan
Getting out on one of the Great Lakes in Autumn is a splendid time. Crisp breezes, dry air, and the color of the water is a richer green than at any time of the year. Of course much fewer power boats to deal with so all is quiet. However the Great Lakes are not to be fooled with and pulling a boat during a surprise cold snap in early November is a thing to be avoided.Therefore many (mine included) tend to be pulled in mid to late October. Still... a late Autumn sail-nothing like it!
Getting out on one of the Great Lakes in Autumn is a splendid time. Crisp breezes, dry air, and the color of the water is a richer green than at any time of the year. Of course much fewer power boats to deal with so all is quiet. However the Great Lakes are not to be fooled with and pulling a boat during a surprise cold snap in early November is a thing to be avoided.Therefore many (mine included) tend to be pulled in mid to late October. Still... a late Autumn sail-nothing like it!
Not really a temperature issue
I rarely go out if the temperature is less than 60 degrees, but it's not because its too cool to sail. Its because here on Long Island Sound, the temperature drops that low around the middle of October; by then, my entire family (especially the Admiral) considers the summer to be over, and they feel that I should be concentrating on things other than sailing. they put up with me spending a lot of time on the boat during the late spring and all summer, and the expectation is that come fall, I will be available to rake leaves, clean the garage, play sports and enjoy other family activities without worrying about missing good sailing days. I must admit that even though I miss sailing during the off season, there is something to be said for balance in one's life. During the summer, I find that I cannot look at a nice day without thinking how great it would be to be on my boat; of course, I can't go whenever I want to, and I wind up feeling at least sometimes that I am missing an opportunity to sail. With the boat hauled and shrink-wrapped, I find that I can enjoy a nice day without any of that guilt or pressure.
I rarely go out if the temperature is less than 60 degrees, but it's not because its too cool to sail. Its because here on Long Island Sound, the temperature drops that low around the middle of October; by then, my entire family (especially the Admiral) considers the summer to be over, and they feel that I should be concentrating on things other than sailing. they put up with me spending a lot of time on the boat during the late spring and all summer, and the expectation is that come fall, I will be available to rake leaves, clean the garage, play sports and enjoy other family activities without worrying about missing good sailing days. I must admit that even though I miss sailing during the off season, there is something to be said for balance in one's life. During the summer, I find that I cannot look at a nice day without thinking how great it would be to be on my boat; of course, I can't go whenever I want to, and I wind up feeling at least sometimes that I am missing an opportunity to sail. With the boat hauled and shrink-wrapped, I find that I can enjoy a nice day without any of that guilt or pressure.
Enclosure is a must.
I just bought my 37.5 and the first thing I did was had a full emclosure made and installed. On the Great Lakes this can easily add two months of comfortable sailing. We have actually been out in air temperatures in the low 30's on my previous boat and with an emclosure and a small propane heater we were in light shirts for a 30 hour trip. This also serves as an entire extra living area when ever the weather is inclement. On a sunny day you can actually work up a sweat. I am seeing more enclosures on sailboats every year.
I just bought my 37.5 and the first thing I did was had a full emclosure made and installed. On the Great Lakes this can easily add two months of comfortable sailing. We have actually been out in air temperatures in the low 30's on my previous boat and with an emclosure and a small propane heater we were in light shirts for a 30 hour trip. This also serves as an entire extra living area when ever the weather is inclement. On a sunny day you can actually work up a sweat. I am seeing more enclosures on sailboats every year.
Winter in Tampa Bay
Sailing for me is the best from October through December and then again from March through June. The air is cooler, drier, friskier and the water, though too cool for our standards (60's) in not too uncomfortable if one gets a face full of ocean spray. Like some of the other respondents to the question, it is sometimes difficult to get crew for the trips because it seems that the fall and winter require other cultural concessions... Remember, July, August and September can be hot, humid and breathless and for us may present us with many disincentives to sail -- including an occasional bunch of hurricanes. And yes, our boat stays in the water all year long. Happy Holidays everyone
Sailing for me is the best from October through December and then again from March through June. The air is cooler, drier, friskier and the water, though too cool for our standards (60's) in not too uncomfortable if one gets a face full of ocean spray. Like some of the other respondents to the question, it is sometimes difficult to get crew for the trips because it seems that the fall and winter require other cultural concessions... Remember, July, August and September can be hot, humid and breathless and for us may present us with many disincentives to sail -- including an occasional bunch of hurricanes. And yes, our boat stays in the water all year long. Happy Holidays everyone
8 Reasons for off-season sailing
8 REASONS FOR OFF SEASON SAILING: 1. LESS TRAFFIC: With most of the Sunday drivers out there camped out in front of their TV's watching the football games in the comfort of their homes, REAL sailors take advantage of the clear air and clear bays to sail undisturbed by those who respect less and know less about the glory of the water than you do. 2. SIMPLY BEAUTIFUL!: What can discribe the splendor of the leaves in full color reflected off clear waters undisturebed by churning boat wakes. Or what can compare to the deafening silence of a still day just drifting listening to migrating birds, and gentle autumn winds. 3. MAKE UP TIME: All those summer projects that the Admiral wanted done to the house are now payed for with comp-time out on the water when most land lubbers would consider you a lunatic for even thinking, let alone actually going out on cold days. Let them wonder! 4. CHOOSE YOUR BATTLES: Obviously October gales are not for small boat sailors like me, but those sweet calm days and brief sunny moments that come along are not to be wasted! 5. APPRECIATION OF WHAT'S TO COME: With Winter not far off, you leave sailing for the last possible day, so that when the first snows hit, you already have gotten a sniff of what's coming by spending some quality time out on the water observing nature's spectrum. 6. HAUL LATE, LAUNCH EARLY: Time spent on the hard is wasted unless you can boat all year round like in Florida. Hauling late usually means that you'll be first in the water next Spring. Unless you have loads of dry boat work to be done, stay in as long as possible so that you can get in as early as possible. Besides, painting hulls in 30 degree temperatures is FUN! 7. SPEAKING OF BIRDS: Make sure if you stay in past September, and you are near aquatic waterfowl, rig really good anti-bird protection so that our flighted friends of wing and feather don't presume your boat as a neat winter condo. The worst times of such offensive activities is late summer, and mid fall. 8. KEEP THE MEMORIES ALIVE: Take thos e precious last sailing trips in your mind and carry those wonderful thoughts with you to keep you sane in the winter. So that at the Thanksgiving table, you can proudly carve the bird envisioning that turkey as the feathered culprit that did your boat in last week. And you can proudly pass the cranberry sauce with hands that are coarse and chiseled from long hours of exposure to the elements, basking in the memories of a great sailing season recently ended, and a new one just four months away. And when you are at the Christmas / New Year's celebrations with that far-off look in your eyes, you're seeing a summer ahead of great nautical adventures not far along while your fiends stare at you as if you've gulped too much of the holiday punch! Sleep well ye mariners this Winter!
8 REASONS FOR OFF SEASON SAILING: 1. LESS TRAFFIC: With most of the Sunday drivers out there camped out in front of their TV's watching the football games in the comfort of their homes, REAL sailors take advantage of the clear air and clear bays to sail undisturbed by those who respect less and know less about the glory of the water than you do. 2. SIMPLY BEAUTIFUL!: What can discribe the splendor of the leaves in full color reflected off clear waters undisturebed by churning boat wakes. Or what can compare to the deafening silence of a still day just drifting listening to migrating birds, and gentle autumn winds. 3. MAKE UP TIME: All those summer projects that the Admiral wanted done to the house are now payed for with comp-time out on the water when most land lubbers would consider you a lunatic for even thinking, let alone actually going out on cold days. Let them wonder! 4. CHOOSE YOUR BATTLES: Obviously October gales are not for small boat sailors like me, but those sweet calm days and brief sunny moments that come along are not to be wasted! 5. APPRECIATION OF WHAT'S TO COME: With Winter not far off, you leave sailing for the last possible day, so that when the first snows hit, you already have gotten a sniff of what's coming by spending some quality time out on the water observing nature's spectrum. 6. HAUL LATE, LAUNCH EARLY: Time spent on the hard is wasted unless you can boat all year round like in Florida. Hauling late usually means that you'll be first in the water next Spring. Unless you have loads of dry boat work to be done, stay in as long as possible so that you can get in as early as possible. Besides, painting hulls in 30 degree temperatures is FUN! 7. SPEAKING OF BIRDS: Make sure if you stay in past September, and you are near aquatic waterfowl, rig really good anti-bird protection so that our flighted friends of wing and feather don't presume your boat as a neat winter condo. The worst times of such offensive activities is late summer, and mid fall. 8. KEEP THE MEMORIES ALIVE: Take thos e precious last sailing trips in your mind and carry those wonderful thoughts with you to keep you sane in the winter. So that at the Thanksgiving table, you can proudly carve the bird envisioning that turkey as the feathered culprit that did your boat in last week. And you can proudly pass the cranberry sauce with hands that are coarse and chiseled from long hours of exposure to the elements, basking in the memories of a great sailing season recently ended, and a new one just four months away. And when you are at the Christmas / New Year's celebrations with that far-off look in your eyes, you're seeing a summer ahead of great nautical adventures not far along while your fiends stare at you as if you've gulped too much of the holiday punch! Sleep well ye mariners this Winter!
Cold = Fun!
Nice message Stu! The Puget Sound stays quite nice for most of the winter. We get a little snow and some cold temperatures but nothing that our cabin heater can't fix. Plus my wife is from Alaska so she really does not notice the cold. I do watch the weather forcast a little more than normal. There are a lot of SCA and gale warnings during the winter months. There are 2000+ boat slipped at the Port of Everett marina and winter brings the sailors and liveaboards out. Everyone else has gone home
Nice message Stu! The Puget Sound stays quite nice for most of the winter. We get a little snow and some cold temperatures but nothing that our cabin heater can't fix. Plus my wife is from Alaska so she really does not notice the cold. I do watch the weather forcast a little more than normal. There are a lot of SCA and gale warnings during the winter months. There are 2000+ boat slipped at the Port of Everett marina and winter brings the sailors and liveaboards out. Everyone else has gone home
sunshine is the key factor
Actually that is what determines whether or not we go out... late in the season a little sunshine can go a LONG way to making the day terrific.
Actually that is what determines whether or not we go out... late in the season a little sunshine can go a LONG way to making the day terrific.
October 31st is our limit here.
We sail on the water supply for a city of 1 million and November brings the ice. The city requires us to be off the lake by Oct 31st. They pull the docks and close the boat ramp on that day. Halloween signals the end of sailing in these parts - thank goodness we can blast over to Vancouver and get a little fall action in there! Signed - Closed for the season.
We sail on the water supply for a city of 1 million and November brings the ice. The city requires us to be off the lake by Oct 31st. They pull the docks and close the boat ramp on that day. Halloween signals the end of sailing in these parts - thank goodness we can blast over to Vancouver and get a little fall action in there! Signed - Closed for the season.
All year around
We sail year round down here in Arkansas. Whenever it snows I try and make it a point to get down to the lake. Makes for some awesome pictures. Propane heat keeps me warm out on the lake. There is about ten of us out of Brady Mountain on lake Ouachita the go year around and we feel like we own the lake in the winter.... Tim Welsh H34 AKA Cabo Wabo
We sail year round down here in Arkansas. Whenever it snows I try and make it a point to get down to the lake. Makes for some awesome pictures. Propane heat keeps me warm out on the lake. There is about ten of us out of Brady Mountain on lake Ouachita the go year around and we feel like we own the lake in the winter.... Tim Welsh H34 AKA Cabo Wabo
Get an Iceboat!
My H33.5 comes out of the water this week and will go back in the first week in May. I enjoy cold weather sailing for all the reasons stated below. While my summer crew (wife & 11 yr old)don't like the cold as much as I do I always get 1 more sail in on my friends boat around mid-Nov. Once the H33.5 is out of the water and winterized I wait for the real winter to get here so I can go ICEBOATING! You guy just had a big discussion about when to reef, Get a DN iceboat, 20kts of true wind will give you 60-65mph. Heeling too much in your monohull? Try flying a blade at 60mph!! Needless to say, I like sailing when it gets cold. Tom Brown S/V Orion's Child Chesapeake
My H33.5 comes out of the water this week and will go back in the first week in May. I enjoy cold weather sailing for all the reasons stated below. While my summer crew (wife & 11 yr old)don't like the cold as much as I do I always get 1 more sail in on my friends boat around mid-Nov. Once the H33.5 is out of the water and winterized I wait for the real winter to get here so I can go ICEBOATING! You guy just had a big discussion about when to reef, Get a DN iceboat, 20kts of true wind will give you 60-65mph. Heeling too much in your monohull? Try flying a blade at 60mph!! Needless to say, I like sailing when it gets cold. Tom Brown S/V Orion's Child Chesapeake
Early Spring
I am planning to sail my 32-foot boat to Chicago next spring. I will leave Lake Erie, sail the entire length of Lake Huron, as well as the entire length of Lake Michigan. How early a departure would be practical? When is the ice gone? Does the water temperature ever warm up? Would a small propane un-vented heater be a good addition? s/v RECESS wstumpf@adelphia.net
I am planning to sail my 32-foot boat to Chicago next spring. I will leave Lake Erie, sail the entire length of Lake Huron, as well as the entire length of Lake Michigan. How early a departure would be practical? When is the ice gone? Does the water temperature ever warm up? Would a small propane un-vented heater be a good addition? s/v RECESS wstumpf@adelphia.net
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