| One of the big allures of sailing is laying back in warm | | | | winter months and many times on the large lake I sail in |
| sunshine and enjoying a leisurely broad reach to a | | | | northern Texas, I'm the only boat out on a cloudless |
| favorite anchor spot, or conversing in the cockpit with | | | | chilly day. I get to see wildlife I don't see in the summer |
| friends decked out in only swim suits and flip flops. But | | | | like certain species of ducks and waterfowl and of |
| many people miss out on an exciting time of year to | | | | course the majestic Bald Eagle. It's just a different |
| sail, winter time. Obviously your lake or water body in | | | | experience. Beating against a cold northeast wind with |
| which you sail can't be slammed with a layer of ice but | | | | rain pelting your foul weather gear is a rush that few |
| for those of us lucky enough to enjoy fairly mild | | | | sailors appreciate or enjoy. I do. Not that I'd like to sail in |
| winters, the cold months can be just as rewarding with | | | | those conditions year round but it's a nice contrast and |
| canvas up as the warmer months. | | | | challenges you to learn different skills and techniques. |
| Sailing in cold weather months is different than the | | | | The obvious preparations apply - warm foul weather |
| warmer months for obvious reasons but a little chill in | | | | gear, a thermos of soup and or coffee, insulated |
| the air shouldn't deter you from stretching your sea | | | | gloves and caps and a good dodger on the boat |
| legs. Cold weather sailing usually has no lack of wind | | | | makes things a little more comfortable. With a little |
| which is in contrast to those dog days of summer | | | | preparation and some appreciation for a different style |
| when you'd give your kingdom for just the hint of a | | | | of sailing, you too can take advantage of sailing times |
| breeze. Boating traffic is considerably less as well in | | | | that few people choose to go out in. |