Sailing during the winter means that your body will consume more energy in order to stay warm. So, it’s really important to be well-protected from the elements. You need to purchase the appropriate clothes and gear that ensure protection and comfort while sailing in cold weather. For example, a pair of sailing boots and a base layer top, as well as a heater, will warm up the blood circulating through your body. You’re already aware that sailing in the winter equals shorter days, a drop in temperatures, and the appearance of heavy weather phenomena. In any case, don’t get discouraged if you’re on the way to planning your winter sailing voyage. Even though sailing can be harder during the winter by following some simple precautions and tips you’ll be well-equipped and good to go! So, keep reading in order to be informed on how to stay warm while sailing.

Essential Gear for Keeping your Body Warm

First of all, staying dry and maintaining your physiological body temperature is of high importance. And being wet while sailing can’t really be avoided. So, once you get wet, you have to ensure to change your clothes immediately as the combination of cold wind and temperature will cause your body to freeze. It can be really dangerous for your health to remain with wet clothes on while the temperature is below zero. In addition, keep in mind that saltwater is hard to dry due to its composition of salt crystals. And as a cold-weather sailor, it’s more than likely to get wet and continuously exposed to cold conditions. This is why it’s advisable to use synthetic mid-layer materials that dry quickly with body heat while providing warmth at the same time. For example, prefer to buy a synthetic fleece blend rather than wool which takes too long to dry.

Waterproof clothing, proper wet weather sailing gear, and sailing shoes are must-have items for your voyage. Keep in mind that layers are perfect for changeable and cold weather. This is because you can adjust them when the temperature rises or drops. Breathable clothes are also great to have as they wick sweat away from your body. So, the must-have sailing gear consists of an offshore jacket, a spray-top, a dry-suit, a waterproof bib, hand and toe warmers, rubber gloves, sailing boots, and wool socks. Gill Marine, Musto, Helly Hansen, Zhik, and West Marine are the most trustworthy brands, according to many sailors. Offshore foul-weather gear also includes fleecy underclothes, a fleece neck gaiter, foam or fleece boots, loose outer gloves as well as hats that lower over the ears.

Bear in mind to purchase the appropriate clothes that will keep you both warm and dry as much as possible. Silk, wool, and polypropylene inner layers can retain body heat much better than cotton does. Regarding cotton, in case it gets wet it will absorb and trap water into its fibers. So, it’s preferable to buy synthetic and highly-resistant water and windproof jacket. Furthermore, don’t hesitate to pay more if you can be certain that your gear will last for more than one sailing season. It’s also preferable to try on your clothing and shoes before making your purchase in order to avoid sending them back if the size and fit don’t suit you.

It’s important to understand that air leaks matter more than insulation, especially in cold temperatures. Meaning that wearing separate jackets and pants will offer the appropriate ventilation in normal temperatures. The exchange of air will keep your body warm and therefore prevent condensation when temperatures drop. However, in really cold temperatures, wearing one-piece outer layers is better than two-piece layers for both jackets and pants. This is because colder temperatures equal drier air, so, in this case, the chill can be more harmful than dampness. And even during the rain, 32F air has just 10% relative humidity when warmed to 80F within your clothes.

Bear in mind that when sailing in cold weather, the insulation becomes progressively drenched even if it doesn’t leak. This is because moisture leaves your skin and is consequently transported outwards until it reaches a surface that is below the dew point. This also applies to the inside surface of the outer shell of a fleece-lined nylon jacket. Meaning that the moisture will condense on the inside of the jacket. And as a result, you might think that your clothing is leaking but it won’t. In order to prevent this, you have to wear separate layers so that when the inner layer becomes wet you’ll be able to dry it out easily. So, it’s advisable to avoid wearing an insulated jacket that will eventually become sodden and difficult to dry, as this might also cause health problems.

In addition, note that wool’s composition and fiber arrangement tends to retain more heat. This is because wool absorbs small amounts of liquid into its fibers and can wick moisture out via small openings within the fabric. The downside with wool is that is difficult to dry. In any case, prefer to buy moisture-wicking fabrics such as synthetics, and latex dry suits rather than cotton and jeans. There are great protective but pricey drysuits by Musto, Kokatat, and Neil Pryde that can keep you absolutely dry and won’t slow down physical activity onboard.

In general, cotton is an anti-moisture wicking fabric and is not appropriate for winter sailing. It’s important to keep the moisture away from your skin when you begin to sweat in order to prevent getting cold. Lastly, a great piece of clothing gear is a vest that can keep your core temperature up as well as your extremities warm. Consider buying vests made with hydrophobic-down which is highly water-resistant and breathable; the perfect material for outdoor and sailing activities. And of course, don’t forget to wear a PFD or harness when immersing in cold water as physiological changes can alter like a flash.

>>Also Read: Best Sailing Jackets to Keep You Warm While Sailing

Essential Equipment to have Onboard

Heaters

Purchasing a reliable cabin heater for a prolonged voyage in cold weather is a must. There are different types of fuel including diesel, LPG-propane, or butane for combustion. The last ones are considered more environmental-friendly because they consume less energy. However, they tend to use up a lot of gas in a short amount of time. So if you use a gas-consuming boat heater make sure that you have a sufficient amount of cylinders available beforehand. Regarding diesel heaters, purchasing a diesel heater that works with a gravity-fed fuel supply is simple and relatively easy to install. Also, consider installing a pipe that draws air from the outside apart from the already installed exhaust pipe. This configuration will help to maintain a draft in strong winds, and ensures that your heater won’t use all of the ­oxygen in the cabin.

Alternatively, if you have a long sailboat you can also use a bus heater that circulates air warmed by the engine. However, these consume a lot of DC current but they’re great when powering. Avoid installing a ­duct/­blower assembly as well as electronically managed diesel-burning units that use ducts and pumps that consume too much power. Regarding solid-fuel heaters, you ought to have space in order to carry wood or coal. And also keep in mind that getting a propane heater might entail the installation of a leakproof piping system throughout the cabin.

To ensure that the heat is spread throughout the cabin consider getting two 1400W electric or oil heaters for the saloon, plus another one of 400W electric or oil heater. The last one will heat the aft area near the bottom of the companionway. Another choice is to buy two indoor portable propane or gas radiant heaters. But make sure that these heaters are 100% safe for sailboat usage as propane, and most burning fuels can lead to poisoning due to CO. So, it’s important to buy a functioning propane heater that has optimal combustion during operation and presents no danger of carbon monoxide poisoning.

It’s also essential to winterize your engine. Winterizing the engine means having clean oil, stabilized fuel, and a cooling system that can be drained or filled with antifreeze. Moreover, don’t omit to inspect all essential components, cover all openings, and make any necessary repairs. When winterizing the engine, consider placing it alongside a 1300W fan-forced air heater. Normally, the engine is equipped with a frost-watch setting which keeps the whole engine as well as the cockpit lockers around 15C all winter. So, in case you deal with any AC power issue in the marina you can just start the engine and put it into reverse. Like this you’ll prevent ice buildup and warmth won’t be affected in your boat’s interior.

Lastly, consider using an autopilot as this will prevent excessive exposure to the helm. But if you’re cruising on longer passages, then a wind vane steering system will work better for you. The wind vane system steers to a wind angle rather than a compass course and will prevent crash-gybing during an unexpected wind-shift. Lastly, sailing in the winter means sailing amongst mist and fog conditions and long hours of darkness. So, a radar or AIS can be also quite helpful for your visibility, tracking, and collision avoidance.

>>Also Read: Best Boat Heaters for Your Winter Trip

De-Icers

What dock bubblers or de-icers do is that they prevent ice damage caused around your dock and boat. Wooden and fiberglass boats tend to be more susceptible to damage. Regarding wood hulls or wood docks, water flows through the planks and then freezes resulting in spreading them apart. This can cause a major leak issue and the worst-case scenario would be to cause your boat to sink.

Fiberglass boats are generally more vulnerable. Even though that fiberglass boats tend to be more durable, when ice accumulates around the hull it can still damage the rudder and propeller. Furthermore, if ice is constantly hitting around a fiberglass boat this can damage the gel coat along the waterline. De-icers can prevent all of these damages and protect your boat from any major issues caused by ice.

The procedure that de-icers follow is that they prevent the formation of ice. This happens due to the constant flow of warm bottom water to the cold water on the surface. In addition, they maintain clear water around the boat and prevent ice from freezing against the hull. It’s advisable to keep them running from early winter until early spring. Bear in mind that weeds and debris can damage the motor of the de-icers when starting it up. Or even worse, debris can twist the AC cord or blow a fuse which will consequently damage their blades. Suspending two 3/4 hp de-icers on lines under the boat is an effective solution. Having 2 de-icers will do the job for both small and big sailboats.

Power your Body

Powering your body with “fuel” is of great importance for winter sailing. This entails consuming hot drinks and beverages as well as soups and stews. Warm beverages include tea, coffee, cocoa hot beverage, hot chocolate, boiled herbs, and spices like Chai Masala. All these will protect your immune system and prevent pneumonia, frostbite, and any flu disease. The great thing is that all these are relatively easy to make in your sailboat’s galley. You can use a thermos flask in order to keep your beverages warm throughout the day. Like this, you ensure that your core and body temperature will be kept warm.

So, always keep a flask of hot beverage or a thermal mug within reach. You can also store these in your drysuit or waterproof backpack. Don’t forget to drink lots of water in addition to hot beverages and meals. You can also use a wide ‘food flask’ for soups and stews. These will allow your food not to freeze in case you have already cooked but want to eat it later.

Remember to pour your beverage in a thermos immediately after making it. Like this, you’ll ensure that its temperature will remain warm for hours. Furthermore, try to cook as much as possible and prefer making healthy meals. On the contrary, make sure to stock up in your provisions pre-cooked meals that you can boil with water or simply heat them up in the oven. You might need those for when you’re tired and need something quick to prepare. Due to frequent cold temperatures, prefer to consume small quantities and warm meals. Lastly, avoid navigating with a full stomach and having a bloated belly. The key to cold-weather sailing is eating healthy, warm, and small meals so as to ensure stability and well-being during cold-weather sailing.

Bedding

Keep your pillows, duvets, and blankets stored in a vacuum bag. These will keep linen and duvets dry and mildew-free. You can easily remove the air from them using a 12V vacuum cleaner or an electric dinghy pump. Some types of vacuum bag allow you to simply roll out the air. Always be equipped with extra clothing, towels, blankets, and bedding which you’ll stow in watertight/vacuum bags. Also, if you prefer buying a sleeping bag then consider getting those that are suitable for 4-season or 5-season use. For example, the mummy-shaped sleeping bags keep warm air near your body instead of letting it circulate and cool down.

Alternatively, you can also use an electric blanket in case you’re sailing in extremely freezing temperatures. However these will consume power but as their heat source is close to your body, they are quite effective in keeping you warm. In any case, with a bit of imagination, you can make your “moving home” a cozy paradise. As space in a sailboat is smaller than in a house, it can get quickly warm and comfortable by just using your heaters. Or, there are sailors that add a diesel-burning fireplace or solid-fueled furnaces. These small details can create a warm and enjoyable interior environment in which you’ll totally feel being at home. You might even like this atmosphere more than living in a house on land!

Regarding the cockpit cushions, it’s important to get ones in case you don’t already have them. Buoyant deck cushions use waterproof outers and polyethylene foam. You can attach them to your sailboat through a nylon hook at the back. There are waterproof cushions with padding in the seat and knees that are surprisingly comfortable. But remember to take the cockpit cushions inside to keep them dry, in case of extreme weather conditions. Soggy and salty cushions will need a long time to dry so it’s advisable to protect them beforehand. 

>>Also Read: Best Sleeping Bags for Sailing to Keep You Warm at Night

Useful Information and Tips for Keeping your Body and Sailboat Warm

• In reference to cabin heaters, in case you have shore power onboard, a fan heater can quickly warm the whole cabin. However, the cold temperature will come back as soon as you switch it off. Also, fan heaters are really noisy. In any case, keep in mind that electric heaters tend to draw heavily on your power.
• Regarding diesel heaters, consider purchasing Webasto or Eberspacher, and for gas heaters a great brand according to many sailors is Propex. These also require fans to circulate the heated air and will consequently consume considerable amounts of power.
• Propane and butane heaters work by blowing hot air around the boat and can be connected to the electrics when you’re in a marina.
• In case you prefer to purchase an oil-filled radiator, then letting it function overnight won’t cause any damage but remember to regulate it to the lowest temperature. This will keep the chill away and will also reduce condensation if you allow ventilation in.
• If you’re sailing year-round, bear in mind that air and water temperatures can get excessively cold and express sudden fluctuations, especially in the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans.
• Keep in mind that about 70% of body heat is lost through the head. So, don’t forget to purchase a durable sailing cap or hat to protect your head.
• Protecting the most vulnerable parts of your body, i.e. the extremities is of great importance. Make sure to keep them wrapped up using a fleecy hat or balaclava, wool socks, and insulated/durable gloves.
• A practical tip concerning moisture-wicking fabrics and layers is a system composed of a second thermal inner layer, a breathable mid-layer, and a waterproof outer layer. Brands like Nautica, Helly Hansen, and other major marine clothing manufacturers offer triple-layer clothing systems.
• Try to dress evenly and stay covered from head to feet. This is more important than having insulation on your core. For instance, a hat or cap will retain more warmth than adding a second jumper. In addition to that, a fleece layer for your legs will retain more warmth than a third top layer.
• Always make sure to purchase the appropriate clothes for winter-sailing as well as protecting them afterward. Keep them out of the cold dampness and store them in the bottom of a sleeping bag, underneath the berth, or inside the closet.
• Thermal and waterproof gloves are also a must for keeping you warm in the winter. However, they might trouble you when you’re dealing with knots and adjusting sheets. But, it’s advisable to learn to work with gloves during the winter. In any case, dry hands are warmer than wet hands, so don’t forget to keep your lines dry. You can alternatively get fingerless gloves for dexterity and wear a pair of rubber gloves underneath.
• Buying insulated rubber work gloves, or neoprene dive gloves will do great for winter sailing. You can buy them online or from a specialized outdoor activities store.
• Neoprene socks provide extra layers of warmth for cold weather sailing. Moisture-wicking wool sailing socks will keep your feet warm and dry as well as wick moisture away.
• Don’t forget to put on your fluffy and wool socks even when you’re not wearing your sailing shoes. But, ideally, you should let your feet free while sleeping. 
• Purchase sailing boots that use triple or double latex, and/or lined with neoprene, which makes them totally waterproof. Razor-cut soles for deck-­grabbing traction are also important as they ensure steady footing.
• Make sure that you have downloaded a reliable and functional weather forecasting application that provides charts, information on marinas, anchoring, etc. It’s another must-have tool and an investment that is worth paying.
• Cold-weather sailing requires you to be active during the day so as to stabilize your body’s temperature. In case you have some free time consider getting involved in other physicals activities onboard apart from sailing.
• If you’re sleeping in your sleeping bag then a useful tip is to take as many layers off as you can. Like this, you’ll ensure that you won’t catch a cold in case you get wet after sweating while you’re sleeping.
• Apply some hand cream and chapstick that prevents your skin from cracking and keeps it moisturized during cold-weather sailing.

>>Also Read: Best Ways to Heat a Liveaboard Sailboat

The Bottom Line

So, if you’re keen on winter sailing you understand that keeping yourself warm while sailing is the first thing to consider before setting sail. In addition, foul-weather gear, appropriate equipment such as cabin heaters and de-icers should be purchased beforehand. Foul-weather gear for harsh weather conditions in cold waters requires durability, functionality, and breathability. Also, consider buying a drysuit as an alternative to foul weather gear in cold conditions. You might find yourself spending $1000 for purchasing the appropriate clothing but it’s a must in order to stay well-protected. Your boat type and exterior configurations will determine how much you spend for both yourself and your boat. Staying healthy during your winter voyage will ensure safe and enjoyable sailing for you and for your crew members. Don’t forget to make hot beverages and soups that aid to retain your body’s temperature. Wish you all safe and warm voyages!