Between the end of summer and the beginning of autumn, 90-95% of Italian boaters say goodbye to the sea, preparing their boat for the long winter storage, either in the waters of their trusted marina or on dry land. From October onwards, recreational boating traffic along our country’s coasts gradually decreases, as do movements between the docks of our tourist ports. But is sailing in the Mediterranean in winter really such a bizarre concept, or perhaps just for a few? Certainly not. Sailing with your boat in December, January, and February is undoubtedly different from the usual summer experiences, there’s no doubt about that. However, what might be considered disadvantages are also accompanied by many advantages, unique characteristics of sailing that only winter can offer us. The premise, mind you, is to leave the moorings of your berth well-equipped, with all the necessary precautions: provided these premises are respected, sailing in the Mediterranean in winter allows us to experience this sea in a way we never could during the crowded months of June, July, August, and September. But what should we know before casting off? What should we expect, and what is the right approach to tackle boat outings in winter?

The Disadvantages of Sailing in the Mediterranean in Winter: the Cold and the Weather

Let’s address the obvious elephant in the room right away: sailing in the Mediterranean in winter inevitably means dealing with the cold. It is precisely the low temperatures that keep Italian leisure sailors away from boats, tourist ports, and cruises between October and April. However, it should be noted that defending against the cold is not at all impossible: if it can be done on alpine ski slopes, it can certainly be done on our boats, starting with technical clothing and a good waterproof jacket, completing the ensemble with a hat and warm gloves. Those who wish to spend not just a few hours, but a few days on the boat, should organize themselves to ensure warmth even at night. Again, nothing impossible, from using a sleeping bag to an under-deck heating system, knowing that those who decide to sleep in port can also opt for convenient electric heaters through connection to the power pedestal.

Then there’s the issue of the weather to address more generally. Assuming that in the Mediterranean, one rarely finds themselves without wind – a valuable piece of news for sailors – it should be noted that during these months, weather disturbances tend to be more frequent, but also quite predictable, and generally with more stable conditions compared to summer. Therefore, it becomes crucial to pay great attention to the forecasts and act accordingly to minimize risks without denying oneself the enjoyment of sailing.

Not just Cold: Fewer Daylight Hours

Among the possible disadvantages of sailing in the Mediterranean in winter is not only the cold: there’s also the fact that the days are shorter. This makes it necessary to plan specific cruise itineraries to avoid finding oneself sailing in the dark, perhaps with fog – and a few degrees colder – to adhere to overly optimistic plans.

Why Sail in the Mediterranean in Winter: the Entire Coast to Ourselves

We have seen the disadvantages of sailing in the Mediterranean in winter: now it’s time to move on to the advantages, which, as well known by boaters who navigate our tourist port of Genoa even in these weeks, are far from few. Consider the chaos of crowded anchorages and marinas during the summer, the postcard anchorages that turn into huge parking lots: well, in winter all this disappears, offering boundless tranquility. This means, first of all, having space to anchor comfortably, as well as practically ensuring a berth in any open tourist marina in the Mediterranean, even in those marinas where mooring is practically impossible in summer. It also means dealing with lower mooring costs, often paying very little for your berth. But it also means seeing the most famous places in the Mediterranean as they truly are, authentic, without traffic, without noise, without the usual tourist traps.

The Spectacular Winter Sky

What captivates those sailing in the Mediterranean in winter is also and above all the splendor of the sky and the scenery, especially when choosing the right days to leave the port. In these months, the sun’s rays, due to the inclination of the Earth’s axis, are also more “inclined”: the result is a different light, producing long shadows and a golden atmosphere. But that’s not all, as the winter sky is populated by a variety of bird species that we could never see in summer. Overhead fly all those migratory birds that move from north to south – and subsequently vice versa – to find more favorable climates.

The Right Clothing and Good Organization

As we have seen, sailing in the Mediterranean in winter is absolutely possible and offers great advantages. It all comes down to organizing in the right way, with all the necessary precautions: we learn to dress appropriately, always have dry spare clothes at hand, take more frequent watch shifts, and so on. And, of course, it becomes important to plan your cruise with caution, starting with choosing the most suitable ports for mooring, thus intelligently using the berth reservation service of the marinas you want to reach.