As winter approaches, many boat owners realise it's time to get their boats ready for the harsh season ahead. While some prefer to take their boat out of the water and put it ashore, others choose to leave it afloat, which can be a very good option if certain precautions are taken. Leaving a boat in the water over winter involves a series of checks and adjustments to avoid any nasty surprises. In this article, we take a look at 8 essential steps you can take to prepare your boat for winter afloat.

1: Secure the mooring

The first step in preparing your boat to spend the winter afloat is to secure its mooring. A solid mooring is the key to preventing the boat from being damaged by water movements, particularly during winter storms. Make sure your mooring lines are in good condition, with no signs of wear or fatigue.

Don't forget to double up on the mooring lines: a main mooring line and a spare line in case the main line breaks.

Spread the attachment points over several cleats, to reduce the tension on each mooring line, and therefore the risk of breaking.

2: Check the fenders

To protect your boat's hull effectively, it is essential to use fenders that are in good condition and in adequate quantity. Fenders that are too damaged should be replaced.

Make sure they are securely fastened to prevent them from falling into the water.

Place fenders between your boat and the one moored next to it. This will give your hull extra protection, particularly during gales or manoeuvres in port.

Boaters can also install bumpers and other protection directly on the pontoon to increase the overall safety of the boat's hull.

3: Remove the sails

Sails are among the most exposed and vulnerable parts of a boat during winter weather. It is strongly recommended to remove the sails before winter arrives and store them in a dry, well-ventilated area.

Not only does this prevent the sails from unrolling and tearing in the wind, it also protects them from damp and mould, prolonging their life.

If you still decide to leave the mainsail in place, make sure it is carefully furled and protected by a strong cover. Make sure the cover is securely fastened to prevent it from catching in the wind. You should also check that the sail is perfectly tensioned, and avoid any folds or excessive tension, which could cause serious damage.

4: Remove anything that catches the wind

One of the golden rules for getting your boat ready to spend the winter afloat is to minimise the wind load. The more parts are exposed to the wind, the greater the risk of damage, especially in stormy weather. Anything that can be removed from the deck should be. This includes, in particular, biminis, awnings, sunscreens, as well as decorative elements or non-essential accessories.

Solar panels should be securely fixed or removed if possible, especially if they are mounted on tilting brackets. Don't forget to check antennae and other outdoor electronic equipment, which can become detached in the wind.

5: Tighten the halyards

Halyards are often overlooked during winter preparations, yet they can cause significant problems if not properly tightened. Loose halyards can not only create a lot of noise by slapping against the mast in the wind but they can also wear out prematurely.

To avoid this, take the time to tighten all halyards firmly.

6: Disconnect your boat

Boats are not allowed to remain connected to the electrical network if no one is on board.

Disconnecting your boat reduces the risk of fires, prevents battery overload, and also helps save energy.

Sensitive to these safety issues, Brest's marinas have been running a campaign to unplug boats for several months now.

7: Leave your ladder free for use

Emergency ladders are regularly installed on pontoons. However, leaving your boat's ladder accessible and easy to unfold is a small, simple gesture that enhances general safety in the harbour.

A person who falls into the water can easily climb back on board a boat if the pontoon ladder is a little too far away.

This small gesture can make a big difference in the event of a problem, enabling rapid intervention.

8: Regularly check your boat

Even in winter, it’s important to visit your boat regularly. Make sure the mooring remains secure and that no incidents have occurred. This will help you quickly spot any deterioration or anomalies.

Similarly, if you notice an issue with a neighbour’s boat, promptly inform the marina office. A swift action can help prevent accidents and ensure the safety of all marina users.

Preparing your boat for winter on the water requires attention to details that may seem trivial but are crucial for ensuring the safety and longevity of your equipment. Adopting these eight steps will help you find your boat in optimal condition come spring, ready for new nautical adventures.

The arrival of winter marks the end of the sailing season. It's also a crucial time to prepare your boat for the rigours of the winter season. Storm Ciaran, which blew in at the beginning of November, did not spare Brest's marinas: damaged boats, damaged infrastructure, and so on. To avoid such damage in the future, let's take a look at the essential steps you need to take to secure your boat for winter, and the importance of remaining vigilant throughout the year.

Protecting your boat moored at the pontoon for the winter

Before leaving the pontoons, yachtsmen need to make sure their boat is safe, and this requires a little preparation.

Check the boat's mooring

The condition of your boat's moorings is essential if it is to get through the winter season without a hitch. So make sure the mooring lines are in good condition, with no signs of weakness or deterioration. Adjust them correctly to avoid excessive movement caused by strong winds. A solid mooring ensures your boat's stability all year round.

In winter, double your mooring lines. Strong winds can generate significant forces on the boat, and doubling the mooring lines reduces the risk of the boat coming loose from its mooring or sustaining damage. Moorings can also suffer damage over time due to exposure to the elements, wear and tear or unforeseen factors. Doubling up on mooring lines provides an extra layer of safety in the event of failure of an individual mooring line.

Check the fenders

To protect your boat's hull as effectively as possible, it's important to use sufficient fenders in good condition. Make sure they're properly moored so they don't fall overboard.

Put fenders between your boat and your neighbour's boat. This will protect your boat's hull better in gales and when manoeuvring in the harbour.

Fenders that are too damaged should be replaced.

Clear the sails

The best thing to do is to take the sails off the boat for the winter and store them in a dry place. This prevents them from unfurling and tearing in the wind. The other advantage is that this precaution will help to extend the life of your sails.

If you do leave the mainsail, make sure it's properly furled and protected.

Remove anything that catches the wind

Before winter sets in, or before you leave your boat for a long period, remove all small items of equipment from the cockpit: fishing rods, tenders, or any other accessory likely to cause damage by rubbing or catching the wind.

Don't forget to remove anything that is caught in the wind: biminis, awnings, deck tops, etc. A clear hull reduces the risk of unnecessary damage during the winter.

Securing your boat on land for the winter

Boats wintered on land must also be secured. The sails and anything that catches the wind must be removed.

During the Ciaran storm, several boats on the Moulin Blanc Marina fell over. Some of them were set on personal craddles. To ensure everyone's safety in the future, boats will only be set on the harbour craddles (except those with shaped craddles or Nautipark craddles).

Smaller boats are sometimes stored on their trailers. When this happens, it's essential to put on the brakes and add chocks to prevent the boat from shifting, as happened to two of them during the last storm.

Stay vigilant all year round

Vigilance throughout the year, and particularly during the winter season, is a crucial step in ensuring the safety of your boat and those around it.

Regular visits to your boat

Even during the winter, take the time to visit the boat regularly. Check that the mooring is still secure and that no problems have arisen. This will enable you to detect any signs of damage or anomalies quickly.

Report any anomalies to the harbour office

Sharing responsibility for the safety of all boats in the marina is essential. If you notice anything wrong with your boat or a neighbour's, report it immediately to the harbour office. Prompt action can prevent accidents and protect all harbour users.

Securing your boat for the winter, whether it's moored to the pontoon or stored ashore, is essential to prevent it being damaged. By remaining vigilant and fostering a culture of collective safety, every boater helps to keep the marina safe. Enjoy the winter and look forward to a new sailing season full of new discoveries!