Wintercruising-some practical issues

South Pacific Familyadventure 2008
Claes Brodin
Tue 9 Mar 2021 17:45
Cruising in winter means one has to be prepared for some practical problems that are nonexistant in temperatures over freezing point. Not only is all deck and superstructure full of snow and ice,waterconnections frozen outside, and some systems difficult to start up,but also navigation out at sea could be at risk. Radar is almost mandatory up here in fog and darkness but in heavy snowing radarvision can be seriously reduced (also with anti clutter rain function on). If heavy snowing is forecasted perhaps it´s best to remain in port.
Another issue is dealing with ropes. They are all stiff and icy and many knots impossible to open. I had to leave 2 mooringlines by the kayside not managing to open the bowline knot.

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