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Winter sailing months around NC, SC,

6K views 17 replies 10 participants last post by  mariner3302 
#1 ·
Was wondering about the temps for southeast coast sailing in winter months. Cooler temps in low 40 fine for me, but think 40 degrees on water would be very different. Question is, how far down south would I need to travel to enjoy the sailing during the winter months. I have been asking lotts of questions, thanks to everyone for their replies. Trying to make a decision on how doable my sailing dreams are.
 
#2 ·
Impossible question. Some people sail all year, so long as the water isn't hard. Some sail for only a few months (they procrastinate in the spring, think it's too hot in the summer, and then when any chill aproaches they declare the season finished). A few factors:

* The boat. Some are protected, some are open, some are wet, some are dry.
* A heater makes a big difference.
* If swimming is important, winter is bad. If not sweating is important, winter is nice.
* Some waterfront businesses may not be open out-of-season.
* Winterizing is a non-issue from about Norfolk south.
* 40 on the water is about the same, but a bit more wind and getting wet is les fun.
* Wind is more dependable in the off-season. Pick days when there is not too much.

Sail Delmarva: Winter Sailing
 
#4 ·
And quieter.

I should have added that I don't feel that sailing is a year-round activity in all southern locations; too hot and less dependable wind... except for the dependable thunderstorms.
 
#8 ·
Thanksfor the info, North Carolina and South Carolina are the two areas I am focused on for now. In the construction business and winter time is a dead time for us. From end of December to end of February usually a very slow time.
Yeah, the Carolinas might be good. Building really seems to be booming around Charlotte, but right on the water less so. But I'd check with people more in the know.

If you were considering sailing the Carolina sounds, think very shallow draft. Sure there are channels, but being able to just wonder is more fun. I've sailed the Easter Shore of VA a good bit, and shallow draft is your friend.
 
#6 ·
Aside from the temps, there is the basic sailing area to consider. In SC, you're basically talking about ocean sailing (you can sail Charleston Harbor and Port Royal Sound (North end of Hilton Head Island) ). In NC you have a much wider range of inshore venues, especially if based in Oriental. This presumes of course that you want to sail, not just be on the boat.
 
#7 · (Edited)
Having a motor sailer here in the UK up on the North East Coast a lot of us sail all year round.

Last year I often sailed up to -12 Degrees 'C' (10.4F) in the North Sea but the 'wind chill' can be -25 Deg C (-13F) You do however have to take those extra safety precautions especialy on deck and watch you sails don't freeze up 'if' they get wet.

If like me you sail mostly single handed go prepared, have a flask of hot coffee at hand, wear sensible winter clothing 'DO NOT LET YOURSELF GET COLD' if you do, start heading home !!.

We do not however sail if there are any signs of ice, as thin ice will cut your nice GRP waterline to shreads in a very short time.
 
#11 ·
Winter is generally not too bad here in NC. Even if you only like sailing in really fair weather, there will be quite a few days you can get out. There are alot less power boats to deal with as well. Real nice places to check out all up and down the coast and lots of nice lakes and rivers as well.
 
#12 ·
Surprised to see this thread, asked this question a while back. Still dreaming here, but hoping to do some sailing around Southport NC, maybe this winter. Have a catalina 22 hoping to do some pocket cruising with. In the ready mix business, and business stinks in january and february. Hopefully someday soon.
 
#13 ·
Southport wouldn't be high on my list. You're basically sailing the Cape Fear River (been there, didn't enjoy it), with it's tides and shipping traffic. Oriental would be my first choice as a base to sail from. The river is wide enough you can go in any direction, close enough to other locations to reach in a day, and if you're a few hours away from base and the weather kicks up, you have options for riding it out. Most everywhere else, you'll spend most of your time sailing the same route, over and over.
 
#14 ·
Very good info, thank you. I took asa 101 in Southport, loved the town. Guessing you are correct we sailed close to Baldhead Island, lotts container ships back and forth. Will focus my research more on Oriental , have read its the capital of sailing for NC.
 
#15 ·
Oriental is a very nice spot, and primo location, no question... However, during the winter months it will be VERY quiet there, at least during the week... That may be precisely what you're seeking, of course...

But if you'd prefer a bit more activity, Beaufort will offer a bit more "action", especially after dark... Even so, towns like Beaufort and Morehead City will be pretty quiet that time of the year...

Of course, anywhere you sail to that time of year will be pretty dead... Ocracoke, for example, shuts down to a considerable extent during the winter, so it might be a consideration that you'd want to return to a town of a bit more substance than Oriental after your cruising bits...

New Bern is another option, lots going on there, a very nice town... But, you're pretty far up the Neuse, and while there can still be some nice sailing to be had nearby, you're a long way from recommended destinations like Ocracoke, or Cape Lookout...
 
#16 ·
Winter? What winter? Haven't been having much of one at all here in NC the last year or two.

If you're headed to NC check out Washington, NC as well.
 
#18 ·
I singlehanded from Oriental for a year and the winter was the best sailing. Dressed for it of course but I did a lot of Oriental to Ocracoke and outside around Caped lookout then into Beaufort. Then you can turn around and do it in reverse or take the ICW cut back to Oriental. However you do it, it is a great time!
 
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