Preparing your boat handling for winter ashore

The arrival of winter often means putting your boat ashore to protect it from the rigours of the season. But for this operation to go off without a hitch, it's essential to be well prepared for handling your boat. From the equipment you need to bring to the safety instructions, not forgetting the key stages to follow, good organisation will help you avoid stress and unforeseen events. Here's our advice on how to prepare for taking your boat out of the water.

Preparing for your boat handling appointment

The key to successful handling: anticipation and organisation!

The first step is to prepare your boat for the winter by de-reefing the sails and removing any equipment that could blow away. You should also think about reassembling the probes so as not to damage them during handling.

Handling appointments are made directly at the Brest marinas offices. At this point, the port team will need all the essential information about the boat:

• length,
• width,
• draught,
• weight,
• any other information useful to the handling team.

Prior to handling, it is essential to plan for the equipment needed to maintain and care for the boat:

• A ladder to get on and off the boat once it is secured on land.
• A water hose with a gardena nozzle.
• An extension lead with a European plug. Please note that this extension lead must be in good condition.
• Any small tools or fairing equipment you may specifically need.
• A high-pressure cleaner.

You can hire a high-pressure cleaner at each of Brest marinas. You need to specify this when making your handling appointment.

What should you do when handling your boat?

On the day of the handling operation, it is preferable for the yachtsman to switch his radio on channel 9 to be in direct contact with the handling team. This will enable everyone to coordinate the operation as effectively as possible.

On the day of handling, arrive at the handling dock on time. It is important to follow the instructions of the teams on site to guarantee the safety and efficiency of the operation.

When lifting your boat, pay particular attention to the positioning of the straps and skids. Clearly indicate to the team where they should be placed to avoid damaging the hull or appendages (keel, rudder).

The teams at Brest marinas are there to help you, but your precise instructions are crucial if everything is to run smoothly.

Safety during handling operations

Safety is an important consideration during these operations. Never move under the lifting equipment, it is dangerous and forbidden.

Only the cradles and crutches supplied by the port are authorised. In fact, these are the only ones that the teams know are perfectly reliable and know how to use. Do not use any personal equipment to provide additional support. If you have any questions or specific requirements in this area, it's best to ask the harbour agents.

Certain activities, such as sandblasting, hydrogumming or using a paint spray gun, are strictly forbidden in careening areas for safety and environmental protection reasons. You should also choose antifouling products that do not contain tributyltin (TBT), a harmful product that is now banned.

In addition, Brest's marinas have been certified as Clean Harbours active in biodiversity, so it's important to make good use of the waste collection facilities available to you.

Finally, follow the traffic rules for the open spaces and careening areas: speed is limited to 10 km/h, and parking is only authorised outside these zones. Vehicle access is tolerated only for people working on their boat, and only for loading or unloading equipment. When the wind exceeds 40 knots, we strongly advise against using the careening area.

Wintering your boat ashore is a crucial stage in protecting it and preparing it for the next season. By ensuring that you prepare properly for handling your boat, you can guarantee a fast, safe and efficient operation. Don't forget to follow the safety instructions, both for yourself and for other boaters. Your boat will thank you, and you'll be able to take to the sea again in the summer months with complete peace of mind!