Sailing in the Rain

[memo18111]

I purchased a Beneteau 343 and will transfer it next week. it will take 4 days and seems like it will rain most of the time.
I have never sailed in rain. Let me know about do's and don'ts

[Sailmonkey]

Wear a jacket

[perchance]

Make sure you keep your feet dry.

[SVTatia]

Rain affects ocean swells - for whatever reason it calms the waves, not necessarily lowers them but makes them smother.

Get a southwester hat, much better than any hood.

Oh, and do close the hatches.

[cchesley]

I dunno, but I've been 'told' that the rain drops actually bend the wind down somewhat. So the wind is hitting the sails at a less than perfect angle. This added downforce may increase the heeling angle by up to 0.0452%. The added weight of the water in the rigging further reduces your stability by another 1.3007% so you may need to think about reefing earlier. I haven't been able to actually verify those percentages so you may need to do your own calculations....

[delmarrey]

A bimini comes in real handy and dodger as second best. But if you don't have either make sure your weather gear">foul weather gear is water proof. And if you wear glasses a helmet/visor with a face shield comes in handy. I'm surprised the authorities don't make us wear helmets already.

[DeepFrz]

Don't tuck your pants into your rubber boots.

[Seaworthy Lass]

A decent wet weather jacket and pants in a breathable waterproof fabric like Goretex will ensure you are as comfortable as you can be for a four day wet passage. Waterproof boots and wool socks will help keep your feet warm and dry. Temperatures will be in the highish teens probably, so not terribly cold unless you can't stay dry. A small towel around your neck (replaced as needed) will help with drips. I don't know if you have dodger or how much protection it will provide, but some clear safety specs (inexpensive from hardware stores) can provide some comfort when you have high wind coupled by rain.

[micah719]

A recording device. Capture the sound of the rain pattering on the sails, deck and sea as the hull swishes through the waves. Keep your recording for a rainy day...erm, I mean, one of those days where you could use a boost and are far from a sailing fix. Send me a copy.

[bloodhunter]

Constant rain will make the decks slippery. Be careful when you leavethe cockpit. Better yet, clip on

[symagellan]

Keep yourself dry. And think about what do to with your wet sails after arrival. Drying sails can be quite tricky.

[ohdrinkboy]

If you reef your main, be aware that it can collect water in the pocket of the reef. When you tack or gybe it can be like pouring a bucket of water out of the main.....don't have your wife sitting under it unless she has a good sense of humor.

[jackdale]

Depending on then temperature, wear either sandals (with closed toes) or boots. Shoes will just result in wet socks. If I wear gloves, I wear rubber work gloves with liners. I prefer wet hands to soggy sailing gloves

Breathable foulies will keep you dry and warm. Take off your foulies as soon as you go below to prevent wet cabin soles.

If you reef your sail, it will collect water and dump it out on the next tack. Probably onto the working winch and the person working it.

[jackdale]

Originally Posted by ohdrinkboy

If you reef your main, be aware that it can collect water in the pocket of the reef. When you tack or gybe it can be like pouring a bucket of water out of the main.....don't have your wife sitting under it unless she has a good sense of humor.

Great minds ...

[David M]

Don't look up for long periods of time with your mouth open.