A Short Guide To Winter Sailing Adventures
Get amongst the outdoors this winter
Saltwater Journal is reader supported.
When you buy through our links we may earn an affiliate commission (at no extra cost to you)
Inevitably there comes a point each summer — following long weeks of miserable humidity, sweat trickling down my boobs, back, and face red from the heat — tossing and turning at 1am because IT’S SO BLOODY HOT — that I long for snow, and cold things, and glorious white frost I can stamp my boots through, and my heavy winter duvet which I LOVE more than nearly as much as Lindt balls.
I adore winter. The layering up in all the wools , and jackets and my little colourful beanie and setting off out into the cold on a bracing stroll. So it’s no surprise that I’m an advocate for winter sailing — it’s a vibe.
If you need any encouragement to find a local club for winter sailing, take an off season charter, or get your own boat ready — let this be it!
Below is my short, simple guide for winter sailing to help you prepare yourself and your boat, and make the most of your time on the water all year round.
Why brave the cold?
Let’s be real: sailing in winter isn’t for everyone. It’s not as simple as tossing on a windbreaker and heading out. Winter sailing calls for preparation, layering, and a good bit of character (or what my mum likes to call grit). But for those willing to brave the elements, it offers something truly special.
What winter looks like in different parts of the world
Now, winter conditions look pretty different depending on where you are in the world — particularly when we’re talking sailing weather. Head up to the very northern latitudes (like these epic adventures by Alluring Arctic) and you’ll be picking your way past icebergs in -15°C / 5°F. It’s serious stuff to keep your systems running at well below freezing temps. It’s why the majority of sailors winterize their boats over the cold season (more about what that is shortly).
At the opposite end of the globe, in New Zealand, we deal with huge southerly blows sweeping up from Antarctica but overall experience relatively milder winter temperatures with our most southern island averaging about 8-10°C / 46-50°F . The temperature doesn’t drop below freezing out on the water, so it’s not necessary to winterize our boats — making it the perfect place for enjoying time out on the water all year around!
There are plenty of places to sail in winter around the world. So, no matter where you are, with a bit of careful planning, you can enjoy your sailing all year round.
-
To "winterize" your boat means to prepare it for the cold winter months, especially if it's going to be stored and not used. Winterizing is essential in colder climates, where freezing temperatures can damage parts of the boat. The process helps prevent issues like burst pipes, fuel system problems, and corrosion, ensuring your boat is ready to go when warmer weather returns.
Here’s a quick rundown of what winterizing typically involves:
Engine Prep: Flush the engine with fresh water to remove salt and debris, then add antifreeze to protect it from freezing. It’s also a good idea to change the oil to prevent moisture and acids from sitting in the engine over winter.
Fuel System: Fill the tank to reduce condensation and add a fuel stabilizer to prevent fuel degradation.
Plumbing and Water Systems: Drain fresh water tanks, hot water heaters, and plumbing lines, then add antifreeze to prevent freezing in water systems.
Battery Maintenance: Disconnect the battery and either store it in a dry, warm place or keep it on a trickle charger if left on the boat to maintain its charge over winter.
Clean and Dry the Interior: Remove any items that could be damaged by moisture or mildew, clean the interior, and make sure everything is thoroughly dry to prevent mold.
Cover the Boat: If stored outside, use a winter cover or shrink-wrap to protect it from snow, rain, and UV damage.
Winterizing your boat properly can save time, money, and headaches when it’s time to get back on the water in spring!
Getting started with winter sailing
Join a sailing club winter racing series
If you have a local sailing club, there’s a good chance they’ll run a winter racing series. Joining the club and signing up as crew is a great way to get involved and out on the water. Winter series races can be more laid-back, making them a fantastic chance for building your sailing skills up for summer while getting to know other sailors.
Plus you can’t beat celebrating the end of a good sail (aka not breaking something onboard) with hot drinks and food back at the club house afterwards!
Plan a day trip or overnight cruise
If you have your own boat just sitting there looking sad in the driveway, or at the dock — research some local spots you can take your boat sailing to. They don’t have to be far away — what’s important is getting out on the water to make the most of the fresh air and wild outdoors. You will need to pick a settled weather window so it’s as pleasant as possible for you and anyone else you take on your adventure.
Whether it’s for the day to explore a local beach, or an overnight trip or longer — you’ll find yourself completely invigorated from making the effort to go.
Essential gear and tips for staying warm on winter sailing trips
On a boat, staying warm and dry are the two key aspects to winter sailing that’ll make your overall experience much more enjoyable. And like all outdoor adventuring, it’s about wearing the right gear for the conditions (just ask any ill equipped tourist who regrets wearing jeans and sneakers up the local mountain and ends up being rescued looking like last week’s limp carrots found in the back of the crisper). Being seriously wet and cold (and hypothermic) really are two of the biggest killjoys to any experience.
So, let’s set you up with wearing the right layers and really good wet weather gear.
The best clothing layers for winter sailing
If staying warm is dependent on wearing the right clothing layers — what exactly should you wear?
Wool and fleece
When it comes to cold-weather gear, wool is a must-have. It’s naturally insulating and, even when damp or wet, keeps you warmer than anything cotton ever could. In winter, my go-to layers are merino wool underwear, base layers, socks, gloves, and hats. Then I add a fleecy midlayer and a down puffer jacket (but you’ve gotta keep the puffa jacket dry!). Overtop, are my wet weather layers.
I’ve reviewed the best of the best gear for you to cover these layers — from the best wet weather jacket, to fleecy midlayers, best sailing pants and best shoes. There’s a price range to suit everyone in these articles — but the brands are trusted by sailors worldwide.
For your hands and feet, it’s all about layers and versatility. I keep a mix of gloves on hand for different tasks: insulated fishermen’s gloves for anchor work, thick waterproof mittens for longer watches, and fingerless wool gloves for line handling or eating my sammie! For footwear, it’s personal preference and will depend on conditions. There are insulated neoprene boots, while others may prefer simple rubber boots (like the Grunden’s which are popular) or leather Xtratufs. As long as your hands and feet are warm, you’re set to face whatever winter throws your way.
For REALLY cold weather and a chance-of-frostbite sailing, I’d strongly encourage wearing a drysuit like this one by Helly Hansen.
Clothing layers and gear to take sailing in winter
As well as layering up like a delicious little human onion to stay warm on deck, you’ll also feel much more comfortable below deck if you have some form of heating onboard.
Cabin heating options for small boats and yachts
The Dickinson diesel heater keeps below deck cosy
An onboard heater
Warming your hands in front of a heater makes a huge difference to morale and enjoyment, and in some latitudes is essential in order to get warm and dry if it’s been wet up on deck. On our 34ft yacht, we installed a Dickinson heater and it transformed our sailing life by extending our cruising comfort to winter too — we had no excuse not to get away!
Before we had the heater we did find ourselves cooking with the oven more often than not — for the extra ambient heat.
But unless you’re in extreme negative winter temperatures, you don’t have to have a heater onboard to have a winter adventure!
Other ways to stay warm onboard
If you’re sailing on a smaller boat — like a dinghy or trailer sailer, (and you wouldn’t install a heater) there are other handy ways to warm yourself up, especially if you’re camping out overnight.
Keep a good sleeping bag onboard (highly recommend the Coleman North Rim rated to -17°C / 0°F)
Take a thermos or boil a jug for hot water to fill a hot water bottle (perfect for when you’re ready to jump in your sleeping bag!)
Have plenty of nutritious warm food and drink — to warm yourself from the inside. (Comfort food goes a long way too — or favourite treats like my Lindt balls!
Wear all your clothing layers — and don’t forget woollen socks, gloves, and a woolly beanie which are essential for keeping your feet, hands and head warm (I’ve been known to wear my woolly hat and socks to bed!).
TIP: Pack plenty of spare warm clothing layers
Important safety checks before you set sail in winter
Heading out for a winter sail will mean you need to do a bit of extra preparation to ensure you’ve got plenty of heater fuel and provisions onboard to stay warm, and the right gear to keep yourself safe, warm, and dry. But it’s all totally worth it — and you’ll find yourself with some great stories to share when you get back home.
Weather forecast
Pick the right weather window — and you’ll find plenty of winter adventures on the water
Keep a close eye on the weather forecast to watch for developing storms and low pressure systems — you’ll want to plan your time out on the water around these and avoid where possible. It might be winter but we still want to pick the nicest weather possible to head out for a trip! If you haven’t got Predict Wind it’s worth getting — it’s the best weather forecasting app available. Give yourself a good weather window of wind and sea state and it’ll be much more enjoyable all round.
There can be plenty of sunny days in winter too — and there’s nothing like exploring an isolated beach, anchored in a bay all to yourself, while everyone else is at home.
Rugged up and exploring a crowd-free beach in winter
Safety gear: life jackets, tethers, and cold water precautions
Check your life jacket, making sure it’s in top condition, and keep a harness or tether on hand for rough conditions. Cold water shock is life threatening so you want to make sure you stay onboard! Test your engine and electronics ahead of time since cold weather can affect reliability. Always carry extra layers, hand warmers, and a thermos, and make sure your VHF radio and personal locator beacon are fully charged. Cold water is unforgiving — staying prepared makes all the difference to your survival.
In summary
Winter sailing can be as mild or wild as you like — enjoying it is all about about layering up with quality gear, prepping well with your safety equipment and picking the right weather. Now you’re all set, we get to the good part where we all get excited to jump onboard and sail to a remote little bay IMMEDIATELY, so we can sit and watch the stars come out, while our breath hits the cool air and vaporises, and the cabin lights reflect on the night water while beef stew reheats on the stove — sounds good right? Read about 5 more reasons to love winter sailing!
Did you enjoy this article? Share it online and read more on the Journal…
