Winter is one of my favourite seasons for going boating. There are fewer crowds, less stress, and plenty of opportunities for fun on the water.
Whether you enjoy cruising around and enjoying nature, catching a feed of fish, or sailing, it’s a season full of possibilities. Best of all, winter in the Southern Hemisphere is reasonably mild. We can enjoy year-round boating with a few small adjustments and continue to explore our coasts, bays, rivers and creeks.
While there are a few places in southern Australia and New Zealand where winter boating can be more challenging, everywhere else can easily adapt to the cooler temperatures and experience some of the best boating on offer. Unlike parts of the US, Canada and Europe, we don’t get snowed under or iced over and with a few adjustments we can continue to enjoy year-round boating. Let’s look at some winter boating opportunities and how to prepare for the cooler months on the water.
Be cool
Yes, winter is obviously cooler. Even the northern part of Australia can experience some cooler days. If you’re local to these areas and used to the warmer conditions, it can be noticeable. For southerners, winter in the north offers perfect weather. More on that later. Regardless of where you live, there’s no doubt winter is cooler and that can be advantageous. Why? Firstly, there are far fewer people on the water. The boat ramps are empty. There’s no lining up or competing for a car park at dawn. Simply turn up at the ramp, prepare your boat and you’re on the water without fuss. Once you’re on the water, the same applies. If you live in an urban area like Sydney, Melbourne or Brisbane, congestion on the water can be a real problem. In fact, it can be dangerous. Winter is far more relaxing.
Fewer boats, less to worry about and you can go about enjoying your day on the water. It’s also a great opportunity to learn new skills. Maybe you could do with some practice reversing your trailer at the ramp. A sunny summer day isn’t the time to practice. Head out in winter to a secluded ramp and practice all day if needed. The same applies on the water. It’s easier to build your skills without worrying about getting in the way of other boaters.
I really enjoy winter weather around Sydney. I find the mornings can be windier and typically the weather calms throughout the day. This is the opposite of summer when, depending on your location, you often get an afternoon breeze that can make things uncomfortable for smaller boats.
This is apparently due to the variations in air and sea temperatures. It’s also a good excuse to sleep in and get on the water later as the wind is receding. In fact, winter boating in general doesn’t need to occur in the early hours. As I mentioned, there are fewer people at the ramp and you will get a car spot to park your trailer. Plus, with the milder days, you won’t be forced off the water early due to extreme hot temperatures. Of course, being winter, you’ll experience cooler temperatures, so it pays to plan ahead.
Be prepared and plan
There’s an old saying: ‘There’s no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothing’. I agree! You will be exposed to colder temperatures during winter and the odd, unexpected storm. Don’t let that deter you from getting out on the water. There’s a great range of cold-weather gear available. My advice is to visit a boat chandlery or a brand that specialises in wet weather or marine gear. You could also visit an outdoors shop that sells hiking gear. Just like hiking in cold weather, you’ll want to layer your clothing, with each layer having a purpose and being made from quick-drying, sweat-absorbing material. The last thing you need on a cold day is cotton, which remains damp and heavy on the skin.
The top layer should be a breathable and waterproof jacket and pants. The best of these are Gore-Tex. This offers maximum breathability while remaining warm and lightweight. I own a Gore-Tex Simms jacket. It wasn’t cheap, but it has allowed me to stay out in cold conditions in comfort, keeping me dry and warm as the temperature drops.
It’s also worth noting, unlike dressing yourself for poor weather on land, you should consider not weighing yourself down. It’s a balance between staying warm and staying safe. If you end up in the water, heavy clothing can be dangerous. If you end up in the water, heavy clothing can be dangerous, so always wear a life jacket. On that note, Australian brand Stormy offers a life jacket and wet weather jacket in one. It’s a clever idea and gives some extra peace of mind in rough weather.
On the subject of life jackets, boating in colder weather is riskier and you should be prepared for a worst-case scenario. Pay extra attention to weather reports and if in any doubt, stay at home and wait for better weather. I also suggest taking an EPIRB, staying in communication with others, and always being aware of unexpected dangers. Cold water is dangerous and having a safety plan is essential.
Winter fishing
I love fishing in winter for the same reasons I love general boating in the cooler months. Fewer crowds often mean more fish. It’s incredible how fish respond to less boat traffic. They’re less fussy and more likely to eat your bait or lure. In addition, there are several species that migrate from state-to-state over winter, creating opportunities within reach of home. Another factor that I love about winter is, despite the cool temperatures, the weather is favourable for all-day fishing. If fishing isn’t your thing, winter provides the perfect opportunity for new and experienced sailors to take advantage of favourable conditions.
Hoist the sails
Winter is a wonderful time to take the boat out on the harbour, the lake or offshore. Matt Hayes, owner of Sydney by Sail, says the cooler months are perfect for some fun, recreational sailing on Sydney Harbour. “The winds are generally westerly and there are some great places to go and drop anchor out of the wind. Chowder Bay, Taylor’s Bay, Obelisk Beach or Reef Beach are all good spots to drop anchor, have lunch and a few drinks with friends and even go for a cold plunge into the water.” If you don’t have a yacht, you can charter one from Sydney by Sail, and if you want to learn to sail, or hone your skills, Sydney by Sail is an accredited sailing school operator. Doing it in winter, with less boats around, is easier.
For yachties who want to escape the cooler conditions of NSW, Victoria and Tasmania, head to Queensland. “Winter is a wonderful time to go sailing in The Whitsundays,” affirms Hayes. “We have a catamaran in our yacht share program and it is heading up to The Whitsundays over winter. It will be spectacular.” Racing is also fun in winter, with many interstate yachties taking part in Queensland’s racing season and regattas such as Hamilton Island Race Week and SeaLink Magnetic Island Race Week, both of which are proudly supported by Nautilus Marine Insurance.
Go away
I’m writing this story on a flight home from Hervey Bay and the beautiful K’gari. It was a quick getaway with the family; we grabbed some cheap airfares, packed our bags and hired a boat. We also spent a day with an experienced local fishing guide. Boating hotspots such as Hervey Bay are plentiful around Australia, and almost all of them have boat rental services or charter boats. Some charter boats are dedicated to fishing, while others offer cruising, whale watching and more. It’s so simple to fly in, turn up at the ramp where there’s a fuelled boat ready to go. After a quick safety briefing, we were on our way to explore the islands around Hervey Bay. We saw turtles, eagles, dingoes and caught a few fish to take home. This sort of trip suits an experienced boater. I understood how to navigate and keep everyone onboard safe, which meant we were able to explore more places in comfort. It was a fantastic experience.
There are also various bareboat charters around Australia that offer extended overnight trips. You can rent sailing boats or power boats in places such as The Whitsundays. Everything you require is onboard. It’s a fantastic way of escaping the cold weather down south, as Matt Hayes said, and enjoying your favourite pastime in a new setting.
Get out there
I hope this article has inspired you to get out on the water this winter. With the proper clothing and a few adjustments, winter is a great time for boating. You can enjoy your local waters with fewer crowds and less stress, which after all, is what boating is all about. See you out there!
By Scott Thomas