Winter sailing.

[Guest]

Don't you hate those that go on about the great virtues of out of season sailing? All that guff about Newtown being empty. There is a reason for that. The reason is that it was a damn sight nicer two months ago. If they want to sail cold all the time why not sail in the Barents Sea. I will get the boat out as usual in early December and look forward to next years great summer and not try to be macho in early February.

 

[billmacfarlane]

Don't think they mean sailing in Arctic conditions Alec. I was out today for example , beautiful day , light breeze , sailing in a t-shirt , and hardly a soul about. Everybody's occupied laying up their boats. Practically every winter you get little spells like this and it's great to take advantage of them. As for the cold weather stuff - I'll leave that to the Willie Kerr's of this world.

 

[Guest]

Don't tell everyone that how quiet things get crowded!!

Roly, Voya Con Dios, Glasson, Lancaster

 

[ccscott49]

No, I dont hate people who go on about winter sailing, they are right! There are often beautiful days, my boat stays in the water all the year round, only coming out for antifoul, maintenance etc. Boats are happier in the water, supported all round by the medium they were designed to be in, not propped up, lying on a few blocks/stakes. Keep sailing lads! It is SOMETIMES grand out here! Your probably paying for your berth/mooring anyway!

 

[Guest]

Right on Mr Scott! A few hours of gentle sailing in quiet waters in February can set me up for days.
Yes, boats are far less stressed stuctures when floating than balanced on a keel and a few pit props.
Mr Moore is really restricting himself and missing out on a lot of pleasure.

 

[bryantee]

About 10 years ago.New years day the weather was right as was the tide.Took the Contessa from Hesketh bank down to Lytham St Annes and back.Couple of Guys who had lived in Southport for 60 years and never been on the marshes in winter,sheer magic.

 

[Guest]

I have had some absolutely glorious days in the winter ..... OK so its not so warm .... and I do NOT have heating, but a 8mtr boat soons warms up with the oven / hob lit for a while ... or a well placed fan heater from the mariona supply ....
A crisp winters day with sunshine and clear skies is beautiful - I have great memories of exploring rivers / coves on days like that .... other days - in front of home fire of course !!!!

But of course its also nice to have the pick of spots and not be crowded out .... AND I like the summer crowds to chat / have a drink / call across the cockpits etc. like most....... enjoy BOTH worlds ....

 

[Guest]

I have noticed the increase of winter sailing in Uk etc. so I think the word is out !!!!

I only lift out / stop sailing my Estonian boat in winter .... as it's impossible to keep a boat in 1/2mtr of ice !!!! It crushes the hull ! So winter sailing here is not on. BUt in UK, I do it as often as I can with the other boat ....... I'm not missing out both places !!!! NO way !

 

[Guest]

The longest you\'ve spun out a pair of Y Fronts

As we know, this country no longer has a climate - just weather ! That appears to be the problem with winter sailing.

Take last weekend for instance, I decided to have a weekend sail and ended up being away for 6 days because the wind and weather was so fantastic. Mobile phones are now the best gizmos on our boats say I !

I made my Y Fronts last 6 days - can anyone beat this ?

 

[Guest]

I've changed my mind. I just had a lovely sail.

 

[bob_tyler]

Hope that all the winter sailors check their insurance cover.

 

[johndf]

Re: The longest you\'ve spun out a pair of Y Fronts

I've just been away for four days and had better weather than I had in the three weeks I was away in the summer. Every day was sunny and on Tuesday the temp got up to 22 degrees. I'm not a particularly 'hardy type' but if the weather is good, why not take advantage of it. Last winter, on the other hand, seemed to be continuous rain so all I had were a few day sails.

 

[EdEssery]

Most people on the way out of the water - I'm on the way in! My sailing season start here. Just completed the purchase of the boat (1986 MG C27) on Friday - working on a couple of things the surveyor found over the next two weekends, engine service next week. She goes in on the 13th - I'm just praying the glorious weather of late continues for a few weeks whilst I reacquaint myself with the Solent anchorages -- but this time they'll be quiet!

Ed

 

[billmacfarlane]

Keep your eye open for me Ed. Like you I've just taken delivery of new boat on Friday after a boatless summer. She's getting her maiden sail on Tuesday and then I'm off for the rest of the week. I intend to get a fair bit of sailing on before Xmas.

 

[Guest]

Do any other Aussies out there have any idea what this thread is about??? The only weekend I decided not to go out on this this winter just passed was because it didn't look like it would get over 20 C at all. Too cold for me....otherwise it sailing all winter!!

 

[AndrewB]

OK - you\'re on.

23 days. Achieved by not wearing them (Atlantic crossing). Took another couple of days for the Trackmark impression to wear off.

Now that's what I call winter sailing.

 

[mpprh]

Hi
I used to live in Sweden.
Some boats do stay in for the winter, using a bubbler under the mooring.
One marina in Oslo has a complete bubbler section and is filled with boats during the winter.
I have seen this in Sweden, Norway and Denmark.

On the other hand, I think I agree with the comments !
It's too cold and the days are too short.

 

[Guest]

Not Bad

You must have had a "swinging" crossing Andrew.

A few tips when you decide to give them a wash :-

1. After swilling round a saucepan, after having baked beans in it ( why does any old grub taste like gourmet food after a decent day's sail ) place Y Fronts in, bring to the boil and simmer for 5 minutes. If you have to wear the storm canvas ' Linford Christie' type with extra running backstays simmer for 7 minutes. Wring out and gently grill for 5 minutes. They will then be good for about another 6 days.

 

[AndrewB]

Thanks for the tip. Can I add ...

Put them in soak before boiling, by tying onto a long rope and trailing behind the yacht. Three or four days should do the trick. I did hope they might lure a bonito or two, but for some reason the fish didn't seem tempted.

 

[jac]

Re: Thanks for the tip. Can I add ...

Could old pants be used as a cheap form of antifouling. Just wear them all week at work and then suspend them under the boat when you arrive at the weekend - Anyone want to try it?
How about a feature in YM next year - Pants tested for their antifouling qualities.