WINTERISE & REFIT TO REAP REWARDS IN SUMMER

Whether you keep your yacht afloat or haul her out ashore, this quieter period of the year is ideal for essential maintenance, checks, and upgrades, says Mandy Boughton of Ancasta Yacht Services

- Mandy Boughton, MD, Ancasta Yacht Services

As the last of the summer breeze fades and the nights start drawing in, many yacht owners instinctively turn their attention ashore. The temptation to batten down the hatches, walk away and hibernate until spring is very real, but winter needn't be something to endure - it could be a golden opportunity. In fact, winter is the best time to fully prepare your boat for the season ahead.

Boat winterisation isn't just about the survival of your yacht through the colder months, it’s about preservation - and this includes maintaining the value of your yacht and therefore your investment. Sailing boats are exposed to wind, water, salt and UV for much of the year, and the effects of inactivity, moisture, and fluctuating temperatures during winter can take their toll.

Indeed, the best way to protect your yacht over winter is to haul her out, get her properly covered, and ensure systems are drained, cleaned, and checked. But even if she’s staying afloat, regular winter checks and preventative work are absolutely essential.

THOROUGH CLEAN AND DRY-OUT

A sailing yacht that’s clean and dry will always fare better in storage. Begin with a top-to-keel wash down: scrub decks, nonslip surfaces, cockpit lockers, and hull topsides. Remove any grime, salt, or fouling residue. Pay particular attention to stainless fittings, tracks, cleats and winches - corrosion here can creep in fast.

Canvas work like sprayhoods, sail covers and dodgers should be washed and dried before storing. If possible, take sails off the boat and store them dry in a warm, ventilated space. Damp sails stored in bags can develop mildew, and UV degradation is always a concern if they're left exposed.