How to prepare for swimming in cold temperatures?

Cloth

There is a good saying: "There is no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothes." As funny as it is, it's true. With the right clothing, cold and wet weather can be easily tolerated and even enjoyed. 

Even despite all the achievements of the 21st century, wool remains the best heat insulator. Woolen sweaters, socks, gloves and hats will help you cope with the cold. The advantage of wool is that it retains moderate warmth even when slightly wet. Sure, you won't be as warm as if you were dry, but wool won't radiate your body heat the way cotton does. Climbers have a saying: “Cotton kills”. And this is partly true. 

Down is also an excellent insulator. Synthetic down jackets have become much better and more modern. However, there is a limitation - unlike wool in the same conditions, the fluff must remain dry. Only then will he warm you. 

Waterproof clothing is a great example of how modern technology has greatly expanded our capabilities. All the major brands make excellent, albeit expensive, waterproof jackets, trousers, and overalls. But don't forget that regardless of the brand - Musto, Henri Lloyd, Gill or Helly Hansen - water resistance decreases over time. On average, water resistance starts to "jump" at around 10,000 - 30,000 miles traveled. And this is subject to very tough operation.

Don't forget your arms and legs. For hands, several types of gloves are needed - for raising anchors, working with sails and rigging, and steering a yacht. To protect the feet, there are a large number of different models of shoes.

Warmth in the cabin 

Constant cold robs you of energy and can lead to lethargy and despondency. Staying warm is more relaxing, which increases both safety and cruising enjoyment. 

Purchase a warm, dry sleeping bag before starting your cruise. This step is the first and most essential. Of course, you need something in addition to a sleeping bag. 

Purchase a forced air heater such as Espar. It uses diesel fuel to generate heat and then uses electricity to pump warm air through ducts and vents throughout the cabin. 

Hot dishes

A good way to warm up and recharge your batteries is to eat something hot and delicious. Do not neglect warm food and drink. Prepare your camping food ahead of time. It is enough to pour such food with boiling water and wait 10 minutes.

From food, you can look at AlpineAire products. The company offers a wide variety of sets of both fast food and full meals, breakfasts and dinners. As a drink, you can use hot warm tea, coffee, hot chocolate, etc.

Don't forget that you need to consume enough calories to maintain good spirits and good physical condition.

Security

Do you know the safety rules for charter sailing in the summer? Multiply the requirements for these rules by 10. No, yachting in winter or in the northern latitudes is still about pleasure and relaxation, but in many ways it is a test for both the skipper and the crew. 

Always maintain a reliable connection to the ground or ships passing by. Check the reliability of all equipment before going to sea and recheck it regularly. No need to get paranoid - just be careful. Attentive to the boat, instruments, weather, crew. 

We remind you of the golden rule of any cruise - the weather will not wait. If a storm is forecast, then wait in a safe shelter. You should not climb on the rampage. Check the weather information. 

Do not forget that your boat must be suitable for the conditions in which you will be cruising. Robust, reinforced hull, insulated interior for maximum heat retention, no leaks, reliable hatches and portholes. 

Finally, for sailing in cold weather it is very important to have a good crew. Since conditions are much more difficult than in summer or in the tropics, it is even more important that the crew get along well with each other and enjoy working together. Indeed, a positive attitude is perhaps the single most important key ingredient to successful cold weather sailing.

Remember that yachting is about safe, reliable and enjoyable leisure. 

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24.02.2022