The words "winter" and "yachting" are rarely found together among cruisers, but for many yachtsmen, minus on the thermometer is not an obstacle. Interparus will give some simple advice regarding winter yachting.
Zimushka Crystal
Winter is not the most obvious time for sea voyages. However, this does not mean that all sailors send their yachts for the winter and stay at home. Strong winds, piercing cold and low temperatures do create additional difficulties. But armed with preparation, even a winter trip can turn into a real pleasure.

There is already an article on our website about winter yachting, which tells about the weather surprises of the winter sea, but this time we will focus on specific tips. They will seem obvious, but they often hide important nuances that are worth considering before going out to sea.
This article is based on material from the pbo.co.uk website by Alison Wood.
Clothes, clothes and more clothes
British traveler and writer Alfred Wainwright once said, “There is no such thing as bad weather, only inappropriate clothing.” This statement is especially true for yachtsmen. After all, bad weather is a completely different concept for sailors and land dwellers.
Why is it important to choose the right clothes?
Winter yachting is a test for both man and equipment. Cold piercing wind, high humidity, snow or fog create difficult conditions. Properly chosen clothing will help not only to survive these difficulties, but also to feel comfortable even in the harshest conditions.

One of the main principles of winter equipment is to keep all layers of clothing dry. Here, not only a high-quality waterproof jacket with sealed zippers and a high hood is important, but also effective protection of the lower layers. If the base layer gets wet, heat will quickly begin to leave your body, and this is a health risk.
Layers are the key to comfort
Layered clothing is the best choice for a winter cruise. This solution provides not only warmth, but also flexibility:
- The outer layer (jacket and trousers) protects from wind and water.
- The middle layer provides thermal insulation (e.g. fleece jackets).
- The base layer wicks away moisture and maintains a comfortable body temperature.
If the jacket restricts movement when adjusting sails or reefing, the multi-layer system allows you to remove the outer layer for a short time, while maintaining warmth and comfort thanks to mid-layer and base layers. It is important to remember: all layers must be breathable to avoid overheating and moisture accumulation.
Top layer for winter sailing
Outerwear should be reliable protection against moisture and wind. It is important that it does not absorb water and is not very worn, as damage to the fabric can reduce thermal insulation properties and increase cooling. The main task of the outer layer is to block cold wind and moisture, providing protection for the inner layers.

The outerwear material should be waterproof or at least water-repellent to prevent moisture from penetrating from the outside. At the same time, insulation is not the key function of this layer, its purpose is to create a barrier from the elements. Monitor the condition of jackets and pants: creases, cracks and tears in the fabric significantly worsen the protective properties, especially during long sea voyages.
Heat and where it comes from
The middle layer of clothing provides warmth. Wool or fleece sweaters, as well as insulated vests and jackets, are ideal for this purpose. The middle layer is the main “heat cushion” that helps to withstand low temperatures.
Don't forget about protecting your groin area. Warm long johns, fleece pants or other insulated items of clothing will help prevent hypothermia, which can lead to serious health consequences. For your legs, the best option is to combine several layers of clothing. You can wear waterproof top pants over warm pants, and thermal underwear will be your base layer.

Thermal underwear is a key item for any winter cruise. It helps to keep you warm and effectively wicks away moisture that builds up during active work on deck. When choosing thermal underwear, pay attention to the material. Merino wool has exceptional thermal insulation properties and is suitable for long-term wear. However, synthetic materials also demonstrate excellent results, especially in terms of moisture wicking and quick drying.
Head, arms and legs
In winter sailing conditions, the head, hands and feet are the coldest. To protect your head, use warm hats. The more hats you have on board, the better: they can be of different thicknesses and shapes to suit any weather. Avoid wide-brimmed hats, they are useless against the sea wind. Caps are also not the best choice, as they do not protect the ears and do not fit tightly enough.

Hands require no less attention. Have several pairs of gloves on board for different tasks. Some will be convenient for working at the helm, others - for performing small manipulations. Keep in mind that in some situations you will have to take off your gloves, as they limit fine motor skills of the hands, especially when working with rigging. Choose gloves made of water-repellent and waterproof materials so that your hands remain dry and warm even in difficult conditions.
Socks are a separate and important element of the wardrobe. It is advisable to have several types: warm woolen socks for boots, lighter ones for wearing in the salon and comfortable ones for everyday shoes. It is best to take three or four pairs of different types. Pay attention to the size of the socks: they should not be tight, roll up or gather in shoes, so as not to cause discomfort when worn for a long time.
We warm ourselves with everything we can.
Keeping the yacht warm in winter is not an easy task, especially if the yacht is not equipped with a powerful heating system. Keeping the fireplace or electric radiators on all the time is usually not possible due to the high energy consumption. The cold in the yacht becomes noticeable, especially at temperatures below 0°C, so it is important to have several alternative solutions at hand.
Some yachtsmen install carbon heaters. This is a practical solution, but requires extra care. Such devices should be checked regularly, and a working fire extinguisher should always be nearby. In addition, it is extremely important to install carbon monoxide (CO2) detectors to avoid the risk of poisoning. Carbon monoxide poisoning is definitely not something you want to do on a winter cruise.

A safer option would be salt warmers. These devices are relatively inexpensive, easy to refill, and retain heat for a long time. For additional comfort, you can purchase portable warmers that are convenient to use even on deck. Such accessories are often sold in tourist shops and on specialized websites.
Warm food and drinks also play an important role. Hot tea, soup or other warming food will not only help to retain heat, but will also significantly improve the mood of the crew in cold conditions. At night, the best solution is a tourist sleeping bag. A quality sleeping bag will protect you from the cold even at low temperatures, but you will most likely have to sleep in your clothes to retain maximum heat.
Dryness and warmth on a yacht
Dryness on a yacht is the key to warmth and comfort in winter. This applies to both the saloon and the deck. The less moisture there is on board, the easier it is to keep warm and prevent unpleasant consequences.
Before heading out to winter sea, carefully inspect the hull and saloon. Check for leaks, mold spots and other signs of high humidity. These minor problems can become critical in winter cruising conditions. Particular attention should be paid to the tightness of hatches, portholes and the ladder to the saloon. Make sure that all elements close securely and do not let water through.

If the yacht is used actively in winter, it must be regularly warmed up to avoid moisture accumulation. It is better to store the cockpit cushions in a dry place, as they quickly absorb moisture and lose their thermal insulation properties.
On deck, a reliable sprayhood will provide protection from splashes, preventing water from entering the cockpit. It is also worth paying attention to the condition of the bulwarks and checking the tightness of the seams in places where water often accumulates. Dryness is not only comfort, but also safety. Regular humidity control will help to avoid not only the cold, but also possible damage to the yacht structure.
New video on the Interparus channel!
😍We are ready to present the second part of the review of our magnificent yacht GARNA. This part is entirely dedicated to the interior of the catamaran. At the end, a bonus awaits you - night shooting. Enjoy watching!
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12.12.2024
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