Winter trip to Cork

[sailbadthesinner]

I am off to cork on the challenge yachts with some mates in October. anyone got any tips or bits and stuff to get help stay dry(er) and warm (er).
Normally on a wet october night i'd use a bottle of scotch, but i'd be in front of the fire so no danger there.
I have a coastal brthable jacket by HH and some of 'enry's lightweight brerathable troosers. I am thinking of getting some offshore breathable ( if i can find a cheap set) as the one's challenge hire are not. I have some musto fleece gloves, that is it.

If it Cooks Flys or Floats, Rent it.

 

[rogerroger]

I did the Fastnet trip on a Challange boat in May - I treated myself to a new Musto Offshore Goretex jacket which was absolutley fantastic. I thought my 6 yr old Musto trousers were OK but they leaked. You can have all the fancy breathable mid layers etc but went crotch and legs on watch at 3AM isn't nice!

treat yourself to the Offshore trousers and then test your gear by standing under a shower for 20 mins. I reckon this is about equivalent to the amount of water that drenches you changing head sails on those babies.

Plenty of pairs of socks - you can't beat dry feet. Take 2 or 3 hats as well as they'll get wet.

Roger Holden
www.first-magnitude.co.uk

 

[DoctorD]

You definitely need a breathable and waterproof top layer - the best you can afford, although one of my crew has the Compass breathables and says they are very good as well as being hugely cheaper than HL or Musto. The best also stiop water going down your neck. If in doubt use a fleece scarf as well. Mid layer should be fleece on top and warm and flexible trousers (Compass do a good pair of inexpensive sailing trousers). You can always go for the speicialist mid layers but these are expensive (good though). Underneath wear thermal vest with long sleeves and thermal long johns - I found a great company at Southampton Boat Show last year that does wonderful and inexpensive underwear - www.ravenspring.co.uk. They also have drysuits and breathable outerwear at good value prices. I really feel the cold and this stuff has imnproved my tolerance of night sailing no end. Also don't forget soft/warm sailing hat (these are no expensive e.g. Musto, Gill etc.) Gloves are also very important - especially when helming. In fact, when it's cold I use waterproof gloves on the wheel. (I find my hands get very cold otherwise). I take these off for winching etc since I'm paranoid about trapping my hand/fingers in ropes.

I'm sailing to Cork in July and I know it will be cold at night then - so good luck in October!

 

[Guest]

Womens tights believe it or not, keep you warm as toast.

2 pairs are wamer than any known brand of thermals imho.

Did the azores to plymouth in feb, stayed pretty snug all the way.

Lots of thin layers are the key.

Lipstick is of course optional.

 

[Gunfleet]

Do you have to tip the woman out first? Sorry. Couldn't resist it.

 

[Guest]

I would thoroughly recommend breathable thermals. I bought a set from my local outdoor shop recently and I've worn them on a few offshores and they work really well. I've also worn them under my breathable coastal trousers with no mid layer and they work really well. Don't buy cotton thermals. They will hold in moisture and make you cold. In my opinion the best clothing system is breathable thermals with long arms & legs, fleece jacket & trousers as a midlayer and a breathable oilskin jacket & trousers. You could also consider getting a wooly bear as a midlayer. They are used by divers under drysuits. Also, an essential item is a good pair of sea boots. Dubarry's are the business if a bit pricey but my last pair lasted nearly 5 years and they were used for both racing and cruising all year round.
Get a few pairs of Bridgedale socks. They are the biz.
A few fleece hats and a fleece neck gator will help. The neck gator is not as bulky as the scarf and it can be pulled up over your face easily.
Finally, don't forget gloves. Bring two pairs of sailing gloves and a pair of helmsmans or ski gloves in case you have to drive for a while.

Enjoy your trip and stay warm and dry.

DH

 

[rogerroger]

But if going to Ireland pick up pair of Dubarry's there - £100 for the boats in Kinsale...

Roger Holden
www.first-magnitude.co.uk

 

[sailbadthesinner]

Of i follow your advice I am wondering. Do those tights that improve your figure too work as well as normal ones? I would hate to look stunning but be freezing.

I think lipstick is a must in certain situations


If it Cooks Flys or Floats, Rent it.

 

[Guest]

You can get the boots even cheaper in the Dubarry Factory shop in Ballinasloe but it's a long way from Kinsale. It's in the heart of the midlands. I bought a pair of the all leather boots in the factory shop for 100 Euro's which is around £65stg. They are seconds but I can't find the flaw. In my opinion they are the best boots available by far.

DH

 

[sailbadthesinner]

Ah Balinasloe only raced through it
can't see Bus Eirrean getting me there and back in a day .
What is special about these wellies?


If it Cooks Flys or Floats, Rent it.