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keeping warm for winter training

24/3/2025

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Clipper 68 yacht with snow on deck

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As we approach the UK's winter, it's worth noting that Clipper Yachts are not heated! Some will have a small oil-filled heater & dehumidifier which is aimed, largely, at trying to keep the crew area and sail bags (in the same place on a Clipper 68 training yacht) as dry as possible when alongside and between courses.

However, overnight and when at sea, Winter on a Clipper Training Yacht is cold. When there are lots of people below, it can also get wet, with lots of warm breath and a cold deck making for a chilly rainforest in some conditions.
Picture
The best way to plan for this is to invest in a specialist marine sleeping bag. Ocean Sleepwear do one which is Goretex ™  lined and has dual fleece interiors. These are great bags, but not cheap. The basic mummy-shaped bag comes in at nearly £300 and the square 'Volvo' bag is over £390.

​Our 
pre-used classified ads also have Ocean Bags from time to time. Or you can hire bags from us for as little as £69 for one level of training.

Hire an Ocean Sleeping bag for Training.
An alternative to this has been sourced by me and is available online for about £50. It's the Mountain Warehouse Sutherland sleeping bag. 

We did a quick review of the Sutherland Bag here. And the Ocean Bag here.
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KEEPING YOUR COOL IN THE TROPICS ON A CLIPPER 70

24/3/2025

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If you are signed up to do legs 1, 4, 5 or 7, then you are likely to see the tropics at some point. Legs 1, 5, and 7, in particular, can be very warm for at least part of the time at sea. This brings with it several challenges, mainly revolving around choosing the correct deck clothing and apparel, managing fluid intake, personal hygiene and keeping cool below deck when off watch.

Trying to sleep in 38-45º C, especially when it's humid and you are salt-encrusted & sweaty, is almost impossible until you are very very tired.

Good, lightweight, wicking base layers with long sleeves (for UV protection) are critical. Don't use cotton. It gets wet, retains moisture once saltwater is on it and will get smellier, faster! A lightweight merino wool is good for comfort, performance and odour management. Icebreaker is a well-known Kiwi brand, although it is pricey.

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  • HOME
    • ARTICLES AND VIDEOS
    • QUICK TIPS & VIDEOS
    • PREMIUM VIDEO & CONTENT
    • OWN BOAT TUITION
    • BECOME A MEMBER
  • SAILING KIT
    • ALL SAILING KIT
    • ALL UNSOLD KIT
    • DRY SUITS
    • SAILING BOOTS
    • BASE LAYERS
    • MID LAYERS
    • FOULIES (WET GEAR)
    • SOCKS GLOVES AND HEADWEAR
    • KIT BAGS AND ACCESSORIES
    • SLEEPING BAGS AND PILLOWS
  • PDF DOWNLOADS
    • Passage Planning Dynamic PDF Template for Sailors
    • Pilotage Planning Dynamic PDF Template for Sailors
    • Pre-Departure Dynamic PDF Template for Sailors
    • A3 Landscape Logbook PDF Template for Sailors
    • Package Deal for PDF Templates for Sailors
  • ONLINE COURSES
  • CLIPPER CREW
    • THE FIERCE TURTLE BLOG >
      • INDIVIDUAL POSTS
    • SLEEPING BAGS FOR HIRE
    • SELL YOUR SAILING KIT
    • SELL YOUR OCEAN BAG TODAY!