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The Boat’s Ready... You’re Warm and Waterproof. It’s Time for Winter Sailing  Usually, this time of year, there’s a plethora of articles on “winterizing” your boat. This usually assumes that you’re done sailing for the year and the boat will sit snug in her slip like a hibernating bear, waiting until the sun once again appears in the spring sky. The fluids have all been drained, some kind of dehumidifier and/or heater is at work, the cushions are all propped up or removed, and a few extra docklines have been added. For a few intrepid souls, however, winter presents an opportunity to enjoy uncluttered and uncrowded anchorages, and plenty of wind for sailing. Sure, it might be a bit rainy and cold, but it’s worth braving the elements to basically have our wonderful sailing area all to yourself. Besides, in the land of fleece and Gortex, cold and wet have just become a state of mind, not body. But just as it’s important to go over the boat in the springtime, it’s just as important, if not more so, to make sure she’s shipshape for winter sailing. With increased winds there will be more strain on the rigging, so make sure all turnbuckles, swages and everything else that keeps the mast up, is strong and ready to go. Check the lifelines, especially the cotter pins and rings. Make sure your reefing system is working smoothly. In fact, a couple of shorthanded reefing drills wouldn’t hurt. Get those little sails out of secret stowage spot, take them out of the bag and look them over. Then, make sure they’re readily accessible. Cold, dense air can be deceptively powerful. Once you’re squared away topside, it’s time to make sure the cabin is nice and toasty, so you can burrow in, cozy up, and sip a little hot chocolate or a glass of red wine, and let out a contented sigh as you turn the pages of a favorite book. So, “winterize” your boat and use it. Make sure the boat is strong and dressed with proper sails, you’re dressed warm and waterproof, and keep both eyes on the weather. Remember, except for the cold, the wet, and the wind, winter is just another great chance to sail. |
