What to do when it rains on the water
4 h€ 0-40 Calm
Practical options when the clouds roll in: keep sailing with good rain gear, moor under a bridge or veranda, or cut the day short without grumbling.
A sailing day in the rain is perfectly manageable, as long as you make a few choices in advance. Start with the rain radar an hour before departure and plan your route accordingly. A short, heavy shower can often be waited out with a break under a bridge, a covered mooring, or a sheltered creek. A fully wet day calls more for appropriate clothing and a proper shelter.
More important than the rain jacket are dry base layers at the bottom of the bag and one towel per person. Children give up faster when their feet are wet, while an adult can sail on for hours with damp feet. In thunderstorm conditions, always head straight for shore and wait it out somewhere safe. Those who adapt to the weather often find rainy sailing days calmer and quieter than sunny ones.
Checklist
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Buienradar gecheckt
Regenpak of poncho per persoon
Droge wisselkleding in droogzak
Handdoek per persoon
Warme thermoskan
Telefoon in waterdicht zakje
Schuilplekken op route genoteerd
Check the rain radar at least an hour before departure and pack your bag accordingly.
Put dry socks, a hat, and a spare pair of trousers in a waterproof bag at the bottom of your pack.
Make a call at the first drops: do you sail on, moor up, or cut the day short?
In a heavy shower, find a covered mooring or bridge, tie up, and wait it out with a hot drink.
Take a moment to enjoy the sound of rain tapping on the deck or the spray hood. Quiet sailing days have few spectators.
In thunder or strong winds: head straight for shore, lower the mast if needed, and wait it out on land.
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For anyone copying this
Do as we did
Suggestions
- A poncho worn over a life jacket works better than a short coat.
- Hang wet clothing up immediately once you moor again.
- Store phones in a waterproof pouch to prevent damage.
- Pack extra dry shoes for children, not just socks.
- Keep spare batteries for the VHF radio in a dry compartment.
Variations
- - Kort de dag in en eindig met een warme lunch in een café aan het water.
- - Maak van een natte dag een fotodag: regen geeft veel sfeer.
- - Vervang het varen door wandelen langs hetzelfde stuk water.
by PlayTryBe team