Sailing in Foul Weather


I understand that this might seem crazy to some readers, but I just LOVE sailing in foul weather. As long as there is no lightning, I really enjoy being out on the boat in the rain. Cool temps too? No problem!

The key to being able to enjoy this is having the right gear. Called 'foulies' by old salts, proper foul weather gear (FWG) can keep you warm, dry, and safe during spells of bad weather. Handy at any time of the year, foulies earn their keep in the fall and spring in Minnesota, where the cool weather makes having a jacket handy even on sunny days if the temperature drops.

Unlike regular camping rain gear, good foul weather gear for sailors has lots of storm cuffs to keep wind driven rain out, and reinforcements at the seat, knees, and elbows to help protect it against the decks anti-skid surface. In addition, the pants are normally bibs, so bending over or squatting does not end up with a river of cold rain down your back.

Also, get the image of your old elementary school raincoat out of your mind. Current FWG is constructed using Gore-tex, and is lined, so they are comfortable and breathe. My WM 'Third Reef' jacket is one of the most comfortable pieces of outerwear I own.

Important safety tip; even if you do not normally wear a PFD while sailing, it is a good habit that you put one one whenever you don your FWG. Two reasons; first the weather turning nasty can mean greater risk on the boat, and two; your ability to swim is compromised by the rather bulky gear, particularly in the water. In the picture above, I have a inflatable belt-pack PFD on, and it is so small and lightweight that I forget it is there.

As a bonus, places like West Marine typicality feature their foul weather gear in end-of-season sales. Sometimes you can find really great deals. While you are there, also look at 3-season sailing gloves, and sailing boots. You can thank me later!

One last thing. Keep you eye on the weather. Watch for electrical storms, and turn on your weather radio if you have one.

For a post about sailing and electrical storms, see HERE

For a post regarding weather radios, see HERE

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