Anybody still sailing?

[Baha]

I am planning on heading out for the long weekend to do some coastal sailing in Norfolk. The Admiral thinks I am crazy and will not be coming. Any tips for cool-weather sailing? It will be in the high 40's to mid 60's this weekend with winds blowing 2-4 (occasional 5).

I do have a ceramic butane heater that I will use with the hatch cracked and a good sleeping bag.

[Danhux]

The wife and I are planning on doing a day sail Saturday if weather permits here in Raleigh, NC. We’re hoping to sail 3 or 4 times before thanksgiving on the local lakes.

[Nauti Nell]

Will be out tomorrow and Thursday on the lake north of Atlanta, Ga. This time of year is some of the best sailing around here especially midweek when you have the lake pretty much to yourself.

[Baha]

Will be out tomorrow and Thursday on the lake north of Atlanta, Ga. This time of year is some of the best sailing around here especially midweek when you have the lake pretty much to yourself.

That is what I am hoping for. We have some great sailing grounds, but some are not so good when full of other boats.

[Tomfoolery]

Heading out tonight, in fact. Almost a full moon, and warm. But I keep sailing up until around the end of October usually.

The downside, though, is that it's usually pretty cold when I'm winterizing it, which is usually mid-November.

[Sea Wind]

I go out on the Chesapeake Bay until late December but I also take my kids camping in late Fall, so we are used to sleeping outside with temperatures up to the high 40s. Have a carbon monoxide alarm in the cabin if you are going to run it overnight. I usually use the heater to warm up the cabin while hanging out on the boat and then turn if off for sleeping. I don’t like to sleep worrying about it. Strong wind breaker is key for the cockpit, fleece will keep your warm but you feel naked when the wind hits you.
I follow the rule that you should have a sleeping bag that is rated for at least 10 degrees lower than the lowest temperature you are expecting, otherwise bring some blankets to throw on top.
The wheel gets really cold so remember gloves. The Dodger was a great addition to extend the sailing season in our case.
Once the Octoberfest beer is gone I switch to red wine on the boat.

[dlandersson]

I had a really nice day Sunday, Oct 1. on an X. It was brisk, we wore light jackets.

1. If the wind is more than 15 knots (or may be) I find a reef is a good idea - before you go out.

2. If the wind is more than 15 knots, don't use 150% Genoa or (what I do) use it furled to 110%.

3. Have some hot chocolate, etc.

I am planning on heading out for the long weekend to do some coastal sailing in Norfolk. The Admiral thinks I am crazy and will not be coming. Any tips for cool-weather sailing? It will be in the high 40's to mid 60's this weekend with winds blowing 2-4 (occasional 5).

I do have a ceramic butane heater that I will use with the hatch cracked and a good sleeping bag.

[DaveC426913]

I don't understand. Y'all are in the tropics.

I'm in Canada and I'm going out tomorrow night.

If not for haulout rules, I'd be sailing until the lake turned hard and bumpy.

[dlandersson]

Mounties after you again?

I don't understand. Y'all are in the tropics.

I'm in Canada and I'm going out tomorrow night.

If not for haulout rules, I'd be sailing until the lake turned hard and bumpy.

[sailboatmike]

Still sailing???

Opening of the season this weekend, cant wait, opening day Saturday, racing Sunday (weather permitting)

In theory the season goes between 6 and 7 months, strange thing is the club is actually more active over winter than summer as many of the keel boat owners take off on long distance jaunts over summer.

Here is hoping for some decent weather, last couple of seasons have been shockers

[Baha]

I go out on the Chesapeake Bay until late December but I also take my kids camping in late Fall, so we are used to sleeping outside with temperatures up to the high 40s. Have a carbon monoxide alarm in the cabin if you are going to run it overnight. I usually use the heater to warm up the cabin while hanging out on the boat and then turn if off for sleeping. I don’t like to sleep worrying about it. Strong wind breaker is key for the cockpit, fleece will keep your warm but you feel naked when the wind hits you.
I follow the rule that you should have a sleeping bag that is rated for at least 10 degrees lower than the lowest temperature you are expecting, otherwise bring some blankets to throw on top.
The wheel gets really cold so remember gloves. The Dodger was a great addition to extend the sailing season in our case.
Once the Octoberfest beer is gone I switch to red wine on the boat.

In the late fall/winter/early spring it doesn't get warm, but almost never gets very cold around here. I am thinking I could still do some sailing in January. I just would not have a lot of daylight. Thanks to everyone for the tips. I always have sailing gloves, and am also taking some leather work gloves as well. I have a good fleece and a better wind/waterproof shell and a toasty warm sleeping bag. I will not ever sleep with a gas appliance lit. I even take all the canisters outside. The Brits say there is no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothing..

[Goaltender46]

Still sailing here in sunny so cal. Took the Mac 26D to Big Bear lake and enjoyed some brisk sailing!

[eodjedi]

Currently sailing Northern Chesapeake area all week. Right now we're anchored near Pleasure Island. Weather has been beautiful but lacking in wind. Hopefully tomorrow will improve. There's about 10 knots of wind now, but just a little bit too dark to sail. Using our Webasto 5000 at night to keep toasty, but only need to run it for 20 minutes or so to 76 degrees, then shut it off for the night.

[DaveC426913]

Mounties after you again?

I only have to go 10 yards off shore, and their horses drown.

[Y.B.Normal]

I plan to go out this Thursday afternoon and again this weekend. Today's high was 79* . This weekend I have to take the boat out as the harbor closes Oct. 15th.
Normally the temp this time of year is in the 60s and we wear fleece and windbreakers. BYW, once the water hardens up the local boaters switch to runners (ice boats).