The place
There are several ways to continue sailing in winter. The easiest way is to leave our cold and rainy lands for the warmth of the Caribbean or the warmth of our European coasts.
The West Indies
On the other side of the Atlantic, the hurricane season ends at the end of November, so you can enjoy sailing in the sun. The best time to sail in the Caribbean is between December and April, with wind and calm seas.
French speaking countries Martinique, Guadeloupe, Saint-Martin or Saint-Barthélemy euros or English speaking countries British Virgin Islands or Anguilla, Barbuda, etc. euros there is something for everyone.
The advantage of the West Indies is the proximity of the islands, which can be reached during the day to take advantage of numerous stopovers.
Europe
Here too, it is possible to enjoy milder and more temperate climates to indulge your passion. In Greece, for example, the temperature is around 22°C at the end of November and the water temperature is 20°C! A delight! However, beware of the Meltem, which can generate gusts of 60 knots, which occur without warning!
The Aegean Sea is known for its numerous islands, which are quite close to each other and which all offer several marinas to take shelter. Beware, however, off-season, many shops are closed.
Croatia or Portugal are also good alternatives, especially along the Algarve coast, in the south of the country. The conditions are pleasant all year round and in winter, a light breeze allows sailing, accompanied by a beautiful winter sun, illuminating the blue sky with its warm rays.
The equipment
euros who choose to continue sailing in winter on our French coasts, it's all a question of equipment. Equipment for the person first, but also equipment for the boat. After all, in the Nordic countries, people continue to sail in winter, not to mention the long-distance cruisers who travel the Great North.
The sailor
In winter, you must beware of humidity and therefore provide suitable equipment . You must dress from head to toe and protect your extremities. First of all, to avoid heat loss, but also to prevent frostbite and other minor injuries.
We keep the principle of 3 layers with breathable clothes to evacuate the perspiration and keep the heat: polar under-layer, polar, suit, overalls, jacket, oilskin, etc. It's up to you to choose!
Choose well-made clothes and designed for regular and sustained navigation.
- The accessories
For accessories, think of a hat and neck warmer that you will slip under the hood of your jacket. For the euro gloves, especially in euro sailing, opt for neoprene. They will be more protective than a simple pair of mittens. If they don't protect you from humidity euros yes you will get your hands wet euros they will nevertheless protect you from the cold euros and yes! euros but above all they will reduce the rubbing of the ropes which can hurt you in cold or rainy weather.
Finally, opt for sailing boots waterproof and breathable. Pay attention to the grip to move safely on the deck. You can complete the ensemble with a good pair of waterproof socks. If it's an investment, it's still worth it, even on a heavy rainy day, your feet will stay dry!
You can also invest in heaters that you can slip into your outfit anywhere: gloves, boots, pockets, etc.
- The face
Protect your face with sunscreen during the day and in the evening, remember to clean yourself either with a hot shower if you can, or with euro wipes to remove the salt that could further damage your already dry skin. Apply a good cream to remedy this.
The boat
Again, it's all about humidity. You can consider using an electric dehumidifier in port to keep your boat dry. It will be useless when sailing.
in euros, heating is essential. First of all to remedy the humidity, but especially for life on board. At anchor, in winter, it is very cold. In addition to the interior heat and therefore the comfort on board, the heating will also allow you to dry your towels euros if you have shower on board euros, your kitchen linen and your sailing clothes.
Because except for the euro pro skippers who have no other choice than to sail soaked euros, ours does not arise.
Finally, you can cover your cockpit with a canopy that will protect you from the spray and rain and even provide a full cockpit closure.
