Shackle or knot

[thinwater]

Ah that explains it - I am rather envious of you being able to sail virtually all year round. It is a bit different here in UK.

Actually, my winter weather is not that different. January is typically highs around 5-10C and lows below 0C. The lowest temperature is typically about -15 to -20C. Typically we get about 2 feet of snow, but sometimes less and as much as 0.8m in one fall. You pick the nicer days.

Warm clothes. Waterproof socks. Balaclava. Ski goggles can be helpful if it is breezy--not that weird, since you would wear sunglasses anyway.

Yes, a hard top and heat are very nice, but I sail my F-24 all year. Cabin fever strikes. But you won't see many boats. IMO, the biggest disincentive to winter cruises is actually the long nights and short days.

 

[geem]

A full hard top beats spray hood. Hardly any need for foul weather gear.

we now have a hardtop. We also have an Alaskan flap that zips onto the end so it will totally seal us in. Very useful for cool wet night passages, particularly if the wind blows from behind. Sailing in slippers

 

[thinwater]

I do not favor full enclosures for sailing. They're fine at anchor or the dock.

• You can't quickly get on deck. A motor cruiser with a full enclosure would have doors that quickly open to side decks.
• You can't look around the windows in poor visibility, for example if they are coated with fog, rain, or even worse, snow. A motor cruiser with a full enclosure would have a glass windscreen and a wiper, like a car. And a door to the side deck.

They also isolate you from the wind a bit too much, but you can get used to that.

Mine wraps around the sides (adjustable) and is open in the back (unless I add panels) which seems about right in even vile weather. I then may seal it up at anchor.

 

[Refueler]

I do not favor full enclosures for sailing. They're fine at anchor or the dock.

• You can't quickly get on deck. A motor cruiser with a full enclosure would have doors that quickly open to side decks.
• You can't look around the windows in poor visibility, for example if they are coated with fog, rain, or even worse, snow. A motor cruiser with a full enclosure would have a glass windscreen and a wiper, like a car. And a door to the side deck.

They also isolate you from the wind a bit too much, but you can get used to that.

Mine wraps around the sides (adjustable) and is open in the back (unless I add panels) which seems about right in even vile weather. I then may seal it up at anchor.

I too do not agree full enclosure unless its a wheelhouse ... but a partial is inviting ...

My 25 has a sprayhood .. and it really earns its place on board.

My 38 has no spray hood and I have lost count of the times I am totally drenched wet through ... its a race boat - so maybe need to live with it ?? But a spray hood does look inviting !