Embarking on a winter convoy, far from the tranquility of summer, means plunging into an adventure where every moment demands rigorous preparation and heightened vigilance. These crossings, often rough and unpredictable, require meticulous preparation to guarantee the safety of both crew and boat. We asked Darel, an experienced skipper accustomed to braving the winter elements, about the key points to check before casting off.
PROFILE - Darel has been an avid sailor since childhood (dinghies, rowing boats, windsurfing...) and after 15 years in the recruitment, training and integration sector, he turned to the merchant navy: "I'm a sailor, and I've always been a sailor," he says I couldn't afford to buy a boat, so I made a living out of it "he says. Since then, he has sailed for a variety of shipowners: passenger shuttles, old riggers, ferries, fishing, sailing school, and on iconic vessels: the oldest French ship Le Belem, the ocean-going sailing ship Le Ponant, a transatlantic crossing in a Gunboat... But each navigation has its own learning curve, and you have to be attentive at all times, because " There's nothing more terrible than the sea to tame a man "as Homer said in The Odyssey, VIII, 138 - 9th c.
Ship: "Your best ally deserves your full attention"
" Before thinking about sailing, waves or wind, check your boat first. It needs to be ready to take the punishment. "These words from the skipper, who has been on more than twenty winter convoys, set the scene. The ship becomes a refuge, an ally, and every detail counts.
- Floors and trunks : " Lift all the floors and check what's underneath. A water or diesel leak may go unnoticed in port, but become a real problem at sea. Take time to check the bilges, especially around pumps and tanks. "
- Full of diesel and water : " In winter, it's best to be generous with your reserves. Having a good safety margin gives you peace of mind in the face of the unexpected. "
- Engine and oil level : " Think of the engine as your joker. Even on a sailboat, in the event of a squall or emergency, it can save the day. Check the oil levels and the belt, and test it before leaving port. "
- Rigging the skipper insists on inspecting the standing and running rigging: " A worn halyard or weakened shroud can become critical in 30 knots of wind. Take an hour to inspect each component. "
- Instruments and windlass : " No instrument is useless in winter. Check your GPS, your radar, and test your AIS. "Finally, don't neglect the windlass: " Imagine having to anchor in an emergency in the middle of the night... without a windlass. "
Weather: "Winter does not forgive misreadings"
The weather becomes the arbiter of any winter convoy. " The slightest error in interpreting the weather files can turn a crossing into a nightmare, or even a tragedy. "
- Anticipation and analysis : The skipper advises not to be satisfied with basic applications: " Cross-reference information between several weather models. "In winter, conditions change quickly, and you need to plan flexibly.
- Weather windows : " In winter, it's better to wait two days for a good window than to risk a low-pressure system. 40-knot winds aren't heroes, they're destroyers. "
- Listening to the premises : In some ports, local fishermen and yachtsmen can provide invaluable advice. " They know the local pitfalls, such as those areas where the swell suddenly rises or the current strengthens. Never underestimate their experience. "
Passengers: "A good crew makes all the difference"
Whether your team members are novices or experienced, they need to be ready, both physically and mentally. " Passengers are your greatest strength, but also your greatest weakness if you don't prepare them properly. "
- Health the skipper insists: " Don't compromise on health. If someone coughs or looks ill before departure, it's best to postpone. In winter, the flu at sea can be a real problem. "
- Alcohol and alertness : " No drunken crew members, ever. At sea, every second counts, and you need everyone at 100%. "He also recommends carrying a well-stocked first-aid kit, including medication to combat seasickness, which can surprise even the hardiest of sailors.
- Crew cohesion : " Briefing the crew before setting out is essential. Explain the navigation plan, everyone's roles, and what to do in case of emergency. A well-informed crew is a calmer crew. "
Navigation: "Stay flexible and be prepared for anything"
In winter, even the best thought-out navigation plan has to be able to evolve. " You can't draw a straight line on a map and expect everything to go according to plan. "
- Adaptable plan : " Prepare a main itinerary, as well as plans B and C. Locate sheltered harbors and possible anchorages in case of emergency. "
- Well-organized quarters in winter, the nights are long and the temperatures bitter. " Make sure every crew member knows when he or she is due for a shift and has the necessary equipment to keep warm. "
- Paper cards and traditional tools : " Even if you have a state-of-the-art GPS tracker, always keep paper maps and a compass on board. Electronics can fail you at the worst possible moment. "
The skipper concludes with a smile: " In winter, caution is not an option, it's an obligation. But if you're well prepared, these convoys can be the most memorable of your life. Imagine yourself, at dawn, gazing out at an icy sunrise over a silvery sea, with the feeling that you've taken on an extraordinary challenge. It's at moments like these that maritime adventure reveals all its greatness. "
Safety: "When things go wrong, she's the one who saves you"
Safety equipment is a crew's life insurance policy. In winter, extreme conditions increase the risks, and every minute counts in the event of an incident. The skipper insists: "Before setting out, ask yourself if you're ready to handle a critical situation. "
- Up-to-date equipment check when your liferaft has been serviced. " A poorly maintained raft may be unusable when you need it. Also check lifebelts, harnesses and lifelines. In winter, no one should move about the deck unrestrained. "
- VHF and communications test your VHF and, if possible, take an EPIRB (emergency beacon) with you If you have to abandon ship, it's this little thing that can save your life. "An emergency portable VHF is also recommended.
- Lamps and visibility : " In winter, the days are short and the nights dark. Bring headlamps for each crew member and a powerful headlamp for night maneuvers. "
- Emergency maneuver training : " Brief everyone on man-overboard recovery procedures. Everyone needs to know what to do if someone falls in. In winter, a person in cold water has less than 15 minutes before hypothermia sets in. "
The skipper concludes this section with a simple reminder: " Winter is unforgiving. Prepare yourself, your boat and your crew for anything that might happen. This preparation will give you peace of mind and confidence, even if all goes well. "
Convoying in winter: a challenge
Winter sailing is not an adventure to be taken lightly. Between demanding weather conditions, shortened days and increased risks, each leg requires meticulous preparation and flawless execution. Yet for skippers and their crews, these convoys are a unique opportunity to put their skills to the test and optimize every navigation choice.
In the end, these winter missions, though tough, reinforce the experience and efficiency of those who undertake them.
