With the holidays upon us, we have softly faded into the boating “off-season”. Not only because many members are traveling to meet with family around the country, but because even here in West Central Florida, it’s just a bit too chilly out there. So, what can one salvage from a day when the air and water temperature is 65 degrees with an added Northwest wind icing it’s way across the open water? We find a quiet little hideaway surrounded by trees or buildings, anchor the boat, and soak up the sun, naturally!
Here’s how to do it:
1. Match your upcoming free time against the week’s weather forecast. Winter weather patterns are much more easily predicted by our esteemed weather professionals than are the violently fickle summer pop-up storm systems. Your primary goal here is to find a sunny day with and determine the prevailing wind direction so that you can plan out which location will work.
2. Pick an area surrounded on three sides that will shield you from the wind. You obviously don’t want to pull into a cove surrounded on every side except that from which the wind is whipping.
3. Bundle up for the journey to and from your destination as you will undoubtedly be heading into the cold wind at least part of the time.
4. Drop anchor, break out the lunch fixins, and soak up the sun!
5. Don’t forget that the sun goes down early. I don’t usually stay past 3:00 in order to give myself enough time to pack up and get back to the marina before it starts getting too cold again.
