Winter Sailing

[Runner]

My wife has officially forbid me heading to the lake to start learning how to sail because of the temps. What cold weather gear do people use when sailing small boats in colder weather? Wet, 50's for highs, and windy!

[templequeen]

If you are sailing a small boat where you are going to get wet, try a drysuit. You'll stay dry and safe.
In England, we sailed through the winter in drysuits with neoprene gloves and hoods. A hot shower and a whiskey mac afterwards is also recommend, sure fire way to bring the feeling back to your limbs.
If you want to survive, a dry suit is worth the investment.

[imagine2frolic]

This is Melanie dressed in foulies off of Daytona. It was in the 20's with the wind chill factor.............i2f

[Morgan Paul]

I will be keeping my boat in the water this winter and expect to be sailing a lot.
Went out yesterday on Long Island Sound. Temperature about 32 degrees winds around 20 knots. I kept fairly warm except for my hands. Anyone ever try SealSkinz gloves? (link below).

SealSkinz ChillBlocker Fleece Lined Waterproof Gauntlet Gloves

Thanks Runner for starting the thread. Since this will be my first year for Winter sailing I am learning to stay warm in a cold, windy and wet environment.

[imagine2frolic]

FUN STORY!

When I was sailing down the Ca. coast in winter. I was all bundled up in my foulies, boots, gloves, and a hat. I had on long underwear, and a jacket under my foulie jacket. The hood over my ball cap, and it was raining. I kept feeling water on my butt cheeks, COLD water. I would go below, and dig around trying to stop the leak. After 4-5 times of going below trying to stop the leak. I realized when sitting down my long underwear would open up un the back. What I was feeling were the cold foulies on my skin.

[Morgan Paul]

I kept feeling water on my butt cheeks, COLD water.

That is nasty.

[michaelmrc]

i wear a set of full bib foul weather pants really helps stop that rain down the crack of the butt feeling. long johns fleece shirt foul weather jacket and a toque. neoprene gloves to keep the fingers working seems to work for me.

[johneri1]

Seems like most stuff that works good on the slopes also works good in the boat. I especially like a H.H. one piece I've had for years--keeps the dry parts dry. Great sailing in winter; not as much traffic in the bay.