Making my first offshore passage from VA to Bermuda in one month. What should I expect for weather/temperatures? Skippers telling me to bring layers but don't bring too much.
Proper offshore clothing
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layers is good
even in mid summer on the gulf coast a light jacket sometimes feels good. After sweating all day evening can feel cool even when it's in the 80's. A nice fuzzy with a raincoat and long underwer should cover most circumstances. Long underwear are very lightweight for the warmth they provide. Standing watch at 3-4am I always feel a little cool. But overheating is probably going to be more of a problem than staying warm. I really like the fuzzy (polartech) jackets and pants as they are soft on sunburned skin.
even in mid summer on the gulf coast a light jacket sometimes feels good. After sweating all day evening can feel cool even when it's in the 80's. A nice fuzzy with a raincoat and long underwer should cover most circumstances. Long underwear are very lightweight for the warmth they provide. Standing watch at 3-4am I always feel a little cool. But overheating is probably going to be more of a problem than staying warm. I really like the fuzzy (polartech) jackets and pants as they are soft on sunburned skin.
Clothing
Weather is something you can never count on, so I would recommend that you have pretty much everything you might need, short of artic survival gear. It can get pretty cold and miserable, even in July, if your wet and some wind is blowing. Add a factor of two to that if it's at night. It is not umcommon in the Gulf, to be sweating your bunns off during the day, and being downright chilly at night.
Weather is something you can never count on, so I would recommend that you have pretty much everything you might need, short of artic survival gear. It can get pretty cold and miserable, even in July, if your wet and some wind is blowing. Add a factor of two to that if it's at night. It is not umcommon in the Gulf, to be sweating your bunns off during the day, and being downright chilly at night.
Cotton Kills - and bring your foulies
Two obsevations from my experience: Don't count on cotton. When wet, it steals warmth from your body and is worse than having nothing at all. Get some quick dry synthetics. Take a full set of foul weather gear. This is the north Atlantic. You will be sailing at night. If it rains, you will need the protection and the warmth.
Two obsevations from my experience: Don't count on cotton. When wet, it steals warmth from your body and is worse than having nothing at all. Get some quick dry synthetics. Take a full set of foul weather gear. This is the north Atlantic. You will be sailing at night. If it rains, you will need the protection and the warmth.
Ditto on the "no cotton"
One of the lessons learned from spending time in cold wet caves is avoiding the use of cotton. Synthetics will help keep you warm even when they get wet. We wear synthetic long johns, fleece pants and sweater, fleece jacket, foul weather gear over all that. Full finger fleece-lined gloves. Also like a fleece balaclava (no idea how to spell that) which helps reduce loss of heat through one's head. Sailing overnight in good winds will make virtually anyone cold if he/she isn't prepared. Then, after you get all that stuff on and are warm and tosty ........ you'll need to use the head!!! Never fails. Best, Gary Kunkel
One of the lessons learned from spending time in cold wet caves is avoiding the use of cotton. Synthetics will help keep you warm even when they get wet. We wear synthetic long johns, fleece pants and sweater, fleece jacket, foul weather gear over all that. Full finger fleece-lined gloves. Also like a fleece balaclava (no idea how to spell that) which helps reduce loss of heat through one's head. Sailing overnight in good winds will make virtually anyone cold if he/she isn't prepared. Then, after you get all that stuff on and are warm and tosty ........ you'll need to use the head!!! Never fails. Best, Gary Kunkel
Good quality foulies.
Good advice on the cotton. Synthetic wicking layer goes on first, this keeps your skin dry. Then start with thin layers and finally go with some good foulies that will release the moisture. If you are perspiring and you have on cheap-o foulies that do not breath you are going to be miserable. Be sure to have shorts and t-shirts long/short sleeve for the warm daytime temps too. Sun screen is a must. Don't forget a good wide brim hat for the sun.
Good advice on the cotton. Synthetic wicking layer goes on first, this keeps your skin dry. Then start with thin layers and finally go with some good foulies that will release the moisture. If you are perspiring and you have on cheap-o foulies that do not breath you are going to be miserable. Be sure to have shorts and t-shirts long/short sleeve for the warm daytime temps too. Sun screen is a must. Don't forget a good wide brim hat for the sun.
An archive search works
try foul weather gear, exact phrase. Maine Sail recently posted this link.
try foul weather gear, exact phrase. Maine Sail recently posted this link.
A list that works for me...
I have made the trip between the Chesapeake Bay and Bermuda in June several times. I love the midnight to 4 AM watch which is the coolest. This is what I pack: Foul weather gear (both pants & coat) Sea boots & socks (I have carried them back & forth but never wore them) Polar fleece pull over A pair of thermal underwear bottoms (NOT Cotton) they do not take up much space but can be worn under your foulies should it turn cold. Remember Layers Hat Shorts & Shirts (3-5 each) GOOD deck shoes Gym shorts & Sweat pants (great for sleeping) Below you can see the different kind of weather I have seen on the trip in June. http://www.sailingseadragon.com/NorfolkBermuda.htm http://www.sailingseadragon.com/BadDayWater.htm A few things I would not leave without: Inflatable vest w/harness & strobe Tether Leatherman Sharp rigging knife w/marlin spike Headlamp w/2 lights a soft led & a bright incandescent Suntan lotion Sunglasses Baby wipes (better & easier than bathing in the sink) Camera (We want see pictures) Instant hot chocolate (wonderful @ 3 AM on watch) Enjoy your trip & be careful Garner
I have made the trip between the Chesapeake Bay and Bermuda in June several times. I love the midnight to 4 AM watch which is the coolest. This is what I pack: Foul weather gear (both pants & coat) Sea boots & socks (I have carried them back & forth but never wore them) Polar fleece pull over A pair of thermal underwear bottoms (NOT Cotton) they do not take up much space but can be worn under your foulies should it turn cold. Remember Layers Hat Shorts & Shirts (3-5 each) GOOD deck shoes Gym shorts & Sweat pants (great for sleeping) Below you can see the different kind of weather I have seen on the trip in June. http://www.sailingseadragon.com/NorfolkBermuda.htm http://www.sailingseadragon.com/BadDayWater.htm A few things I would not leave without: Inflatable vest w/harness & strobe Tether Leatherman Sharp rigging knife w/marlin spike Headlamp w/2 lights a soft led & a bright incandescent Suntan lotion Sunglasses Baby wipes (better & easier than bathing in the sink) Camera (We want see pictures) Instant hot chocolate (wonderful @ 3 AM on watch) Enjoy your trip & be careful Garner
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