People usually associate yachting with warm weather, but there are some areas where the climate is not always warm throughout the year. Even if the weather is cold, it doesn't stop people from sailing on a yacht. Sailing in cold weather is not as easy as it sounds, and there are more potential risks than in summer, so extra preparations and precautions need to be taken. In this post, we will share some tips for sailing a yacht in cold weather.
Winterize your yacht in advance
Preparing your yacht for the next sunny season and completing the necessary steps to ‘winterize’ your yacht will not only make it safe to sail during the winter months, but it is a key task that must be done every year. Yachts have many complex systems that are likely to fail or suffer damage if they are not properly prepared for winter. A yacht's engine is a key component that needs to be flushed out of excess fluids, components checked and addressed for wear and tear, as well as demisting other critical components. You'll also need to winterize your yacht's fuel tanks, have the engine cooling system and pipework flushed out, and take some time to give your yacht a thorough clean to ensure that your yacht stays in good condition.
Always wear a lifejacket
When sailing on a yacht you should take a lifejacket and the necessary equipment with you, which can be very useful if the weather changes. On the one hand, it is darker in cold weather, which not only increases the chances of an accident, but also makes it harder for rescuers to spot you if you are in danger.
On the other hand, cold weather can easily shock your system, making it difficult to swim and save yourself in the water. If you always wear a lifejacket and are always prepared, the buoyancy it provides can give you a helping hand in an emergency, potentially saving your life whether you're physically tired, injured or freezing.
Protect against mound and mildew
When sailing on a yacht in cold weather, moisture can build up in the engine and other yacht systems, which can not only wreak havoc on your yacht, but also potentially lead to mound growth. For this reason, bed linen, duvet covers, pillows, towels, cushions and other upholstered items on the yacht need to be properly protected. When docking your yacht make sure you store these items in a warm place, preferably vacuum storage, which will prevent drafts and moisture from building up. This way, when you use your yacht in the winter, all of your items will remain warm, clean and free of mound.
Additionally, you need to be careful about how you store your items. If you lean your items against the hull, they will start to give off odors when moisture is retained between the hull and the items. So, it is best to store the item in another suitable location.
Be prepared with batteries
A yacht's batteries may not perform well in cold weather, but yacht engines rely on batteries to run, as well as to power other systems. Lead-acid marine batteries can freeze or leak if the temperature gets too low. This means that you need to be extra prepared to prevent your yacht from losing power at a critical time. When using your yacht during the winter months, make sure that your marine batteries are charged to 100 per cent and that you store them in a cool, dry place.
Coping with dark weather
When sailing on a yacht in cold weather conditions, it's important to keep in mind that when the yacht sails into the sunset, it won't be long before you're surrounded by darkness. As the days are shorter in winter, you will need to have a reliable lighting system in place in advance to ensure good visibility when sailing. If you don't have lighting then you need to plan your stops well in advance.
Keep warm
When sailing in cold weather, the chill is everywhere. The flowing willows create a breeze that acts like an air conditioning system, skimming over the water and along the coast, taking all the heat along the way. When sailing on a yacht in this cold weather, it is very important to keep warm. If you want to warm yourself up, the most effective way is to put on more clothes. Remember to bring plenty of hot coffee, tea, soup and other warm food and drink to keep you comfortable throughout the voyage.
