do something different
If you don’t live near the coast and want a break from weekend travel to sail, an option to consider is winter dinghy racing at a local club. This can offer a different on the water experience that’s fun and rewarding in its own right, while honing skills, all without too much commitment.
Today’s clothing stops winter dinghy sailing being as perishingly cold as it could be 30 years ago – you don’t even need to get more than your face and hands wet. You’ll learn, practice things – and refine wind awareness that will be useful in summer on a bigger boat, even if your usual activity is relaxed cruising.
Every second weekend between November and March will often find me in an Illusion mini keelboat in Bembridge Harbour. It’s fun, intense, and a lot gets crammed into just two hours spent on the water.