Are you one of those really lucky people who gets to sail year around, pretty much any day you choose? Or are you one of those still pretty lucky people who can sail all winter, but may need to choose your days carefully and maybe don a fleece, long undies and foulies? Or is your boat on the hard for the winter, but you're going to get away for a warm weather cruise somewhere like the Carribean? Or maybe you just have to suck it up and not sail for several months in the winter (aarrgh!)? If so, what's your coping strategy -- watching the LV cup on TV; boat shows; sailing books and magazines; or just daydreaming. Share your winter sailing experiences and be sure to vote in the Quiz Quiz at the bottom of the home page. (Quiz contributed by Gary Wyngarden)
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Winter sailing is the BEST!
What I like about winter sailing around here, is that there's almost nobody else around (and definitely NO power boats; there's good wind most days, and sunshine about half the time. The water's cold, but it's cold in summer too so who cares? It keeps the wine cool in the hold. I love it.
What I like about winter sailing around here, is that there's almost nobody else around (and definitely NO power boats; there's good wind most days, and sunshine about half the time. The water's cold, but it's cold in summer too so who cares? It keeps the wine cool in the hold. I love it.
The Rains Come End of October
In Puget Sound by the end of October the rains start comming in ernest and the chill factor drops to around freezing. We take the sails and dodger off around the 20th and start striping the boat of food, clothing, and things portable. Up goes a plastic pipe frame and the blue or grey (whichever is on sale) plastic tarp and in goes the electric heaters. Place aluminum cans under the coach roof lines near the deck organizers to keep the lines from mildewing the deck. The following year, maybe as early as March, and once after July 4th(!) the sails and dodger and all the stuff go back on. One year there was measurable precip every single day of July - the asphalt in the parking lot was green! Between work, births, deaths, anniversaries, etc. we try to squeeze some sailing into the remainder of the year. Along with the forced air heater maybe in the future I can rig up a second set of sails to extend the sailing season. There are some good winter sailing days, if one is properly dressed, even though they are few and far between. Have to figure out how to convince the wife it really is "fun"!
In Puget Sound by the end of October the rains start comming in ernest and the chill factor drops to around freezing. We take the sails and dodger off around the 20th and start striping the boat of food, clothing, and things portable. Up goes a plastic pipe frame and the blue or grey (whichever is on sale) plastic tarp and in goes the electric heaters. Place aluminum cans under the coach roof lines near the deck organizers to keep the lines from mildewing the deck. The following year, maybe as early as March, and once after July 4th(!) the sails and dodger and all the stuff go back on. One year there was measurable precip every single day of July - the asphalt in the parking lot was green! Between work, births, deaths, anniversaries, etc. we try to squeeze some sailing into the remainder of the year. Along with the forced air heater maybe in the future I can rig up a second set of sails to extend the sailing season. There are some good winter sailing days, if one is properly dressed, even though they are few and far between. Have to figure out how to convince the wife it really is "fun"!
Gotta work on her sometime
With the boat in the water at a lake 75 miles away spring summer and fall, winter is about the only time we get to work on her. Now, if I just had a nice warm place to do said work... .......... However, our "Black Hills Sailing Association" does have a few "dry dock" parties through-out the winter to keep our spirits up (or is that to drink the "spirits" down?).
With the boat in the water at a lake 75 miles away spring summer and fall, winter is about the only time we get to work on her. Now, if I just had a nice warm place to do said work... .......... However, our "Black Hills Sailing Association" does have a few "dry dock" parties through-out the winter to keep our spirits up (or is that to drink the "spirits" down?).
San Francisco Sailing
One thing that can be said for sailing in the San Francisco Bay is that its usually something that can be done year around. This time of year we might have to dodge some rain storms and occasional 50 mile an hour winds that come in with them but we still get out and sail. Here it is almost the middle of January and my crew and I were out sailing past the City this afternoon. Winds were mild and out of the SE. Temps. were up to 60 degrees. Clouds were moving in and we got some light rain but it wasn't enough to call it a day. After a few tacks we were able to catch the flood tide and sailed almost all the way down the Oakland Estuary before finally lowering sail. After puting the boat to bed, the rain really decided to start in earnest. By then we were sitting below sipping some nice hot chocolate. Just another winter day in the Bay area.
One thing that can be said for sailing in the San Francisco Bay is that its usually something that can be done year around. This time of year we might have to dodge some rain storms and occasional 50 mile an hour winds that come in with them but we still get out and sail. Here it is almost the middle of January and my crew and I were out sailing past the City this afternoon. Winds were mild and out of the SE. Temps. were up to 60 degrees. Clouds were moving in and we got some light rain but it wasn't enough to call it a day. After a few tacks we were able to catch the flood tide and sailed almost all the way down the Oakland Estuary before finally lowering sail. After puting the boat to bed, the rain really decided to start in earnest. By then we were sitting below sipping some nice hot chocolate. Just another winter day in the Bay area.
One Last Sail
First you shovel then you chop ice than you sail! Can't get any better. 1970 V-22
First you shovel then you chop ice than you sail! Can't get any better. 1970 V-22
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C'mon, be honest!
Every winter we snowbound sailors have to read about how great the sailing is in Florida, Texas, and California. And yes we are envious! But be honest out there. How many months of good sailing weather do you really have? I have spent many months in Florida when I would not sail for example. So if you only have weekends free like I do how many of you had more than 30 log entries for 2002?
Every winter we snowbound sailors have to read about how great the sailing is in Florida, Texas, and California. And yes we are envious! But be honest out there. How many months of good sailing weather do you really have? I have spent many months in Florida when I would not sail for example. So if you only have weekends free like I do how many of you had more than 30 log entries for 2002?
Year 'Round (Well, Sort Of . . .)
We do leave our boats in the water all year here in the Pacific Northwest, but as for using them, well that's another matter. A walk down our dock will show you the ones who at least can sail all winter, and those who have no intention of going near their boats. We've got at least two saiboats with full winter covers that take a couple of hours to remove or replace; several with an extensive system of tarps and shock cords who are also unlikely to leave the dock. And then there are those who will sail as long as there's water under the boat. No winter cover of any kind, but doubled lines to the dock in case of storms. Last Sunday, we went to the boat, and saw at least a dozen hardy types out sailing. It was raining, but who cares? In the Northwest if you waited for a non-rainy, or low chance of rainy, day you might only sail 10 days a year. We've sailed on Christmas and New Years, Thanksgiving and Halloween, and spent many a happy fall or winter night aboard, either at the dock or at a nearby anchorage. An unexpected warm (relatively), sunny winter's day brings the boaters out in a rush. Of course, that's also why lots of boats here try to go 2 or 3 years between haulouts and bottom painting - it's too much fun having the boat in the water any time you want. There are also some boats on our dock that have never left the dock, but that's another story.
We do leave our boats in the water all year here in the Pacific Northwest, but as for using them, well that's another matter. A walk down our dock will show you the ones who at least can sail all winter, and those who have no intention of going near their boats. We've got at least two saiboats with full winter covers that take a couple of hours to remove or replace; several with an extensive system of tarps and shock cords who are also unlikely to leave the dock. And then there are those who will sail as long as there's water under the boat. No winter cover of any kind, but doubled lines to the dock in case of storms. Last Sunday, we went to the boat, and saw at least a dozen hardy types out sailing. It was raining, but who cares? In the Northwest if you waited for a non-rainy, or low chance of rainy, day you might only sail 10 days a year. We've sailed on Christmas and New Years, Thanksgiving and Halloween, and spent many a happy fall or winter night aboard, either at the dock or at a nearby anchorage. An unexpected warm (relatively), sunny winter's day brings the boaters out in a rush. Of course, that's also why lots of boats here try to go 2 or 3 years between haulouts and bottom painting - it's too much fun having the boat in the water any time you want. There are also some boats on our dock that have never left the dock, but that's another story.
I am being honest!
You can ask any one on my dock, I sail my boat three out of the four weekends a month!!!! Every month all year round. The other weekend I am in active duty with the reserves. I was even told by a fellow sailor last weekend "they are going to start charging you rent out at the islands because you go out there so much". I have seen and sail in a lot of good weather to a lot of bad foggy weather. Sea's that is 12 to 15 footers to lake like conditions. Even sail in Santa Anna Winds! Here in southern California, you can sail all year round but what it boils down to is knowing your limitations. If you do not feel comfortable sailing in rain or in seas with 6 to 12 foot seas well that is your problem. But if your experience is more than that of a novice than you wouldn't think twice about heading out for a sail. Knowing yourself and the condition of your boat is the key. Honestly you ask, its not the weather, it's the sailor. Can you handle it, take what mother nature throws at you. But I will tell you this if you do not go out and try it you will never gain knowledge our experience. PS Check out the photo! Was taken last week! Notice how sunny it was.....
You can ask any one on my dock, I sail my boat three out of the four weekends a month!!!! Every month all year round. The other weekend I am in active duty with the reserves. I was even told by a fellow sailor last weekend "they are going to start charging you rent out at the islands because you go out there so much". I have seen and sail in a lot of good weather to a lot of bad foggy weather. Sea's that is 12 to 15 footers to lake like conditions. Even sail in Santa Anna Winds! Here in southern California, you can sail all year round but what it boils down to is knowing your limitations. If you do not feel comfortable sailing in rain or in seas with 6 to 12 foot seas well that is your problem. But if your experience is more than that of a novice than you wouldn't think twice about heading out for a sail. Knowing yourself and the condition of your boat is the key. Honestly you ask, its not the weather, it's the sailor. Can you handle it, take what mother nature throws at you. But I will tell you this if you do not go out and try it you will never gain knowledge our experience. PS Check out the photo! Was taken last week! Notice how sunny it was.....
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What winter? - TX Lakes
Let's put it this way - we launched our H25 on October 27, 2002, and have sailed every weekend since then except for Dec. 21 and Jan. 11. We sail on Lake Travis, near Austin, TX. We even sailed on New Years Day (see attached photo)! January and February are probably going to be iffy, but starting in March/April we will probably be out there at least three our of every four weekends.
Let's put it this way - we launched our H25 on October 27, 2002, and have sailed every weekend since then except for Dec. 21 and Jan. 11. We sail on Lake Travis, near Austin, TX. We even sailed on New Years Day (see attached photo)! January and February are probably going to be iffy, but starting in March/April we will probably be out there at least three our of every four weekends.
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On the hard & under a tarp.
What a way to keep a sailboat on the hard and under a tarp, but I have no choice just grind and bear it, as spring is not that far away. We have no ice on the Okanagan Lake in fact very little snow and the temperture just above the freezing mark. The weather here has been unusual for this time of year and some sailers still have their boats in the water and not covered up. Boy do I want to sail. Fred Scott LADY Vi Mac 26X
What a way to keep a sailboat on the hard and under a tarp, but I have no choice just grind and bear it, as spring is not that far away. We have no ice on the Okanagan Lake in fact very little snow and the temperture just above the freezing mark. The weather here has been unusual for this time of year and some sailers still have their boats in the water and not covered up. Boy do I want to sail. Fred Scott LADY Vi Mac 26X
A new use for snow-ski suits
Winter hasn't stopped us from sailing or going to the boat to do a little maintenance. Any sunny day above freezing works fine. Matter of fact, we sailors pretty much have the lake to ourselves in the fall/winter. Dress for the occasion. We are lucky enough to spot eagles from time to time. An electric heater plugged in to dock power while moored makes for nice sleeping. Our club has a firepit that we gather 'round and swap stories of an evening. I would say that on the average, our winters are fairly mild, average high around 45-50 degrees.
Winter hasn't stopped us from sailing or going to the boat to do a little maintenance. Any sunny day above freezing works fine. Matter of fact, we sailors pretty much have the lake to ourselves in the fall/winter. Dress for the occasion. We are lucky enough to spot eagles from time to time. An electric heater plugged in to dock power while moored makes for nice sleeping. Our club has a firepit that we gather 'round and swap stories of an evening. I would say that on the average, our winters are fairly mild, average high around 45-50 degrees.
ANY LIVE-ABOARDS?
I've been watching this site all week to see if there would be any discussion among those who keep their "big" boats in the water all winter in spite of below freezing temperatures. I hate losing 6 months out of the year because I have to pull STARGAZER out & winterize it. I'd love to know how some folks do the year-round thing up here in the north. Does your Marina allow it? Do you have a bubbler? Thanks to all! Bill
I've been watching this site all week to see if there would be any discussion among those who keep their "big" boats in the water all winter in spite of below freezing temperatures. I hate losing 6 months out of the year because I have to pull STARGAZER out & winterize it. I'd love to know how some folks do the year-round thing up here in the north. Does your Marina allow it? Do you have a bubbler? Thanks to all! Bill
Bubbling.
At Harbor North in the Huron River we have five or six liveaboards Bill. Only takes a two or three bubblers properly positioned for all the boats. They are tied close together. I see some thin ice against the hulls but nothing to worry about. They can't sail because the river freezes solid and thick even when the lake does not.
At Harbor North in the Huron River we have five or six liveaboards Bill. Only takes a two or three bubblers properly positioned for all the boats. They are tied close together. I see some thin ice against the hulls but nothing to worry about. They can't sail because the river freezes solid and thick even when the lake does not.
OFTSG
The OFTSG gets together every Tuesday at noon year round, eats lunch aboard who evers boat we meet on that particular day. At 1300 we depart and sail for a few hours. Upon return it's happy hour time, and then to home. We have anywhere from 4 to 10 participating and a variety of boats involved incl. Cat34, 36, 42, Cal 34 and a power boat. By the way ... OFTSG means Old F____ Tuesday Sailing Group.
The OFTSG gets together every Tuesday at noon year round, eats lunch aboard who evers boat we meet on that particular day. At 1300 we depart and sail for a few hours. Upon return it's happy hour time, and then to home. We have anywhere from 4 to 10 participating and a variety of boats involved incl. Cat34, 36, 42, Cal 34 and a power boat. By the way ... OFTSG means Old F____ Tuesday Sailing Group.
Response to "Bubbling"
Thanks for the response, Ed! I know Huron & Harbor North well. It's A Great Lake Place! Here in Lorain I don't have the same luck as you guys have. The people at Spitzers' Marina refuse to allow bubblers. On November 1st you'd better be out or else! I hate that! See you next summer! Bill on STARGAZER
Thanks for the response, Ed! I know Huron & Harbor North well. It's A Great Lake Place! Here in Lorain I don't have the same luck as you guys have. The people at Spitzers' Marina refuse to allow bubblers. On November 1st you'd better be out or else! I hate that! See you next summer! Bill on STARGAZER
Bubbling and insurance
I was going to bubble this year but I checked with my insurer. They said damage from sinking due to freezing of seacock is not covered. Also, I noticed that Boat US has a rider for bubbling. Check with your insurance company. My agent said it was OK. I asked for a letter to that effect, he balked and checked with the claims department which said no way. My insurance is cheap enough to make switching more costly than hauling out.
I was going to bubble this year but I checked with my insurer. They said damage from sinking due to freezing of seacock is not covered. Also, I noticed that Boat US has a rider for bubbling. Check with your insurance company. My agent said it was OK. I asked for a letter to that effect, he balked and checked with the claims department which said no way. My insurance is cheap enough to make switching more costly than hauling out.
Reply to C'mon, be honest!
I can't imagine how I could justify my slip fee if I only got out 30 times a year. I don't live all that far south (Chesapeake Bay) and still manage 60 or so trips per year. A lot of my trips are after work trips though. I would get out more except I also kayak and do other activities that compete for my time. If the water isn't frozen why not sail, at least on the warmer days? It amazes me how many folks here put their boats in around the 4th of July and pull them Labor Day. The best sailing of the year is missed when they do that. I enjoy the whole year but October is my favorite sailing time here. Pete
I can't imagine how I could justify my slip fee if I only got out 30 times a year. I don't live all that far south (Chesapeake Bay) and still manage 60 or so trips per year. A lot of my trips are after work trips though. I would get out more except I also kayak and do other activities that compete for my time. If the water isn't frozen why not sail, at least on the warmer days? It amazes me how many folks here put their boats in around the 4th of July and pull them Labor Day. The best sailing of the year is missed when they do that. I enjoy the whole year but October is my favorite sailing time here. Pete
Mill Creek
Got up Wednesday morning to a dusting of snow outside but drove to the boat in Solomons, Md just the same. Upon arival I noticed the docks were dead silent. The only sounds were the honking ducks in a pond nearby. Mill Creek is a mile or so long and this time of year it takes on this cold bleak appearance. The trees on the shore are bare and gray like the water. Imagination just sat there in the water like a lonely old man on a park bench. I climbed on and checked her out, brushed off some snow, patted her on her pointy nose, checked her mooring lines, bilge, and so on. All is well. Not much else to do so back to the car and home to a fire in the fireplace, a good book, and wait till spring. David.
Got up Wednesday morning to a dusting of snow outside but drove to the boat in Solomons, Md just the same. Upon arival I noticed the docks were dead silent. The only sounds were the honking ducks in a pond nearby. Mill Creek is a mile or so long and this time of year it takes on this cold bleak appearance. The trees on the shore are bare and gray like the water. Imagination just sat there in the water like a lonely old man on a park bench. I climbed on and checked her out, brushed off some snow, patted her on her pointy nose, checked her mooring lines, bilge, and so on. All is well. Not much else to do so back to the car and home to a fire in the fireplace, a good book, and wait till spring. David.
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