Winding Down Another Season
Having not contributed a post in sometime, I feel compelled to continue sharing my boating experiences of late. Autumn is a very busy season for boat owners particularly for the sailor. The winds are brisk and skies are clear as the northerly winds fill in more frequently making for ideal fall sailing.
However, arrangements will eventually need to be made for winter storage as well as plans for decommissioning the boat. Surplus gear, spars, sails, batteries, charts, removable electronics, cushions, food and drinks, etc. should be stored in a safe, dry area under lock and key. If the boat is to be hauled, the engine should be winterized before the boat comes out of the water eliminating the need for a fresh water source, hoses and fittings. The boat must be stored level when hauled so water cannot collect and pool on deck and in the bilge.
If stored outside, a framed cover will need to be erected. Yes, many rationales can be made for overlooking this critical detail. However, the boat will indeed suffer if exposed to the winter elements of frost, ice, snow and fluctuating temperatures. Leaks will develop under fittings where moisture is trapped and frozen. Constant changes in temperature coupled with heavy dews and frosts challenges even the tightest of joints resulting in sheets of brightwork being thrown. Without a cover, below decks will require an inordinate amount of heat to make working conditions tolerable. Be sure the cover allows for air circulation with venting throughout; otherwise, mildew is likely to occur below decks. The boat will generally stay much cleaner when properly covered. And when springtime finally arrives, much less work will be required to bring her back in shape.
Alternatively, the boat owner may choose to move the boat south. The advantage here is that the boat will be continually used throughout the year giving the yachtsman the opportunity to explore different cruising grounds. Here on the east coast, many choose south Florida as their winter destination.
Recently, I took part in a yacht delivery from New York to Ft. Lauderdale. We took the outside route and made just one stop in Norfolk to wait out a bad forecast for Cape Hatteras. The trip to Norfolk took roughly 38 hours from Sandy Hook NJ in ideal conditions of 25-35 knots of wind out of the northwest. From Norfolk to Ft. Lauderdale the trip took a total of 5 days as we experienced 20-30 knots of wind out of the northeast which carried us t0 the FL border and then southwest winds in the 15-20 knot range down the Florida coastline. A trip of this nature is rigorous and should only be attempted by an experienced crew in a well found boat. It is a commitment in time and the risks involved should not be taken lightly.
Many prefer a leisurely trip down the Intercoastal Waterway. That is fine provided the masthead is less than 65′ from the waterline – you will need to allow at least 3 weeks and a good deal of fuel as sailing is out of the question for the majority of the ICW. It is a good idea to make berthing arrangements before arriving as the docks in south Florida tend to fill up quickly late in the year. Once the boat has been moored, the owner can now make plans to exploit some great cruising opportunities in the Florida Keys, the Bahamas, and Mexico. Be sure to bring your mask and flippers as these aqua colored waters are teaming with wildlife and must be seen to be believed.
