How many of you sail throughout the winter season?

[Alskade]

We are still popping out for short sails and I wonder how many forum members sail throughout a winter season?

 

[Heckler]

We are still popping out for short sails and I wonder how many forum members sail throughout a winter season?

Me, but its quite nice in Portugal!

 

[Alskade]

Not quite the same as the chilly Tamar

 

[Baddox]

We do, only less frequently than in the summer.

 

[Heckler]

:encouragement:

Not quite the same as the chilly Tamar

 

[Alskade]

We do, only less frequently than in the summer.

:encouragement:

 

[Poignard]

I have sailed in the winter when I had my boat in Gosport but now she's in Brittany I don't sail after the end of October.

I don't mind the cold but long dark evenings cooped up in a tiny cabin don't appeal.

 

[Alskade]

I have sailed in the winter when I had my boat in Gosport but now she's in Brittany I don't sail after the end of October.

I don't mind the cold but long dark evenings cooped up in a tiny cabin don't appeal.

I agree about the long dark evenings. As you stop at the end of October when do you start your season again?

 

[Laysula]

I race most Sundays on my mates boat and we sail quite often on our own boat, if we get a decent day.

 

[Kelpie]

We don't really day sail at any time of year. More likely to have a blast in one of the dinghies for a couple of hours.
We've done cruises very early and late in the season and you find that you're really up against it with short weather windows and lack of daylight. It really restricts the cruising range, and you are left with long dark evenings cooped up in the cabin.

 

[Poignard]

I agree about the long dark evenings. As you stop at the end of October when do you start your season again?

April

 

[Alskade]

I race most Sundays on my mates boat and we sail quite often on our own boat, if we get a decent day.

I think we can be lucky with the weather down here....if not a little rainy at times. We are finding it still quite warm, although we did buy some thermal gloves today

 

[Alskade]

April

That feels like a long time not to sail, but I guess if you sail a lot in your season then it balances out.

 

[stevie69p]

I sail all year round. There can be some great cold, crisp days for winter sailing, when I get away on over nighters, but if it's a bit damp I tend to just do shorter day sails.

That said, today has been stunning weather, but no sailing as the mast is down for re-rigging. Most frustrating.

I quite enjoy the long dark nights, as long as the cabin is cosy warm (blown air heating - yay!), and the boat is well stocked with books and some whisky and rum...

 

[Alskade]

. It really restricts the cruising range, and you are left with long dark evenings cooped up in the cabin.

I think you’re right. We are still just doing short passages (still relatively new to venturing very far for fear of being sunk by .....who knows what). I would imagine as we get braver we might feel the same.

 

[Alskade]

....and rum...

:encouragement::encouragement:

 

[dom]

I quite like the winter, sailing in the Solent right now; and tomorrow.

Magical time of year in some respects, makes two days feel like five!

 

[Bobc]

I was out yesterday and today. Some good sailing today in the Solent.

 

[dunedin]

Been out for two great day sails this week. Full blue sky both days, and round some beautiful islands.
Roads getting there were a bit tricky this morning though, -5C and plenty of ice (glad to have winter tyres on).
PS Put on oilskin trousers to keep warm, first time worn since August. Didn’t need heavy oilskin jacket though, as Gore Windstopper fleece brilliant.

 

[johnalison]

We tried it a few years after I retired but waiting for decent days was too often unproductive and we gave up. With cold water we only did a few local trips and it dint seem worth the effort. Keeping the boat dehumidified did help, and made it easy to keep bedding and furnishings comfortable and the boat warmed more quickly.