The Art of Winter Sailing

Single-handed winter sailing in IF-folkboat Maritornes (Foto: A. Kverneland)


In my home waters, the sailing season starts in April and lasts until October when many boats are pulled up for the winter. Easter is often used to get the boat shipshape, but if Easter falls late the fitting out should be done earlier. And in fact, if your boat is not pulled up, there is no reason not to try some winter sailing, as long as the weather allows it. Winter sailing is another experience. Other vessels on the fjord are scarce. Often you are completely on your own. The wind is cold of course, and more powerful than in summer, but not necessarily due to wind force. The cold air is far heavier then a summer breeze. Therefore, in heavy weather, the gusts will hit you like a club. When the gale is blowing, staying home is, I guess, recommended, but other days will come with moderate breeze and a pale sun, still giving out some radiation. Short days and changing weather will make this a rare – but exceptional event. The temperature, though, should not drop below freezing. I am sure sailors in the old days had their way of coping with the ice, but they didn’t – like you and I – sail for pure pleasure. In my first days of sailing, I sat a lower limit at three degrees Celsius. Today I’ll rather say five. Even at my latitudes, 59 N, a considerable part of the winter months is milder than this, due to the Gulf Stream following the Norwegian coast, making life here worth living even as far to the north as Finnmark and Spitsbergen. In any case, you'll have to be dressed. Some extra gear is mandatory; you’ll need the double of what you think is necessary. Use woolen clothes, especially the underwear. The outer garments should be wind- and waterproof. Every opening should be tightened in case you should fall overboard in the cold seawater. The trip is safer if you bring your friend or partner (but learn them to quit jabbing if they do). Don’t forget the packed lunch, coffee and some chocolate. If you are rich (and a little bit naive?), you can buy a personal emergency beacon, but don’t trust too much on it. In case of emergency, don’t hesitate with your Mayday, Mayday, Mayday. If you don't have a VHF, try a emergency phone number (to the Norwegian rescue coordination centre). Make note of your position.

Take reasonable security measures and keep your life jacket on if you wish to gain some minutes to pray, before entering another dimension. Don’t fumble around on the foredeck. Don’t pee over the railing; it might turn out as your last pee ever. Call. Don’t let them worry back home. I bought my first sailboat from a departed man. He was alone, and it was in the wintry month of Mars. He was still unaccustomed with sailing. He drowned just outside the harbour. When his boat finally was observed drifting, it was to late. His mother loved him, but not his boat, so I got a real barging.

Don’t fall overboard. Enjoy life instead, and these unique days of winter sailing. In these few but joyful days, you'll feel a special contact with the elemental forces surrounding you. To the east the mountains of Ryfylke are probably dressed up in a garment of snow. The days are growing short, but still offers some hours of daylight before dusk. When you turn around, heading towards home at last – it will probable already be wise to turn your lanterns on. But sailing as the evening sets in and darkness grows dense, is another memorable experience. Soon you’ll enter your home port, maybe freezing now, but delighted. And maybe someone is waiting at the pier.

Some wintry days, though, skiing or staying home is recommended.