The dock in the middle of winter can sometimes be a lonely place.   For reasons that totally elude me, some people get the notion that winter sailing is no fun.  "Pashaw" sez I.  The following are several excellent reasons to get up to the lake and enjoy a brisk Winter's sail.
 
Become Members of the Twenty / Twenty Club and get your Man Card Stamped - You can become a member of the Twenty / Twenty Club by sailing in twenty MPH winds when the temperature is thirty-three degrees or less.  At twenty mph and thirty-three degrees, the wind chill factor is twenty degrees, hence the twenty / twenty club. This will also earn you a stamp on your man card. (Ladies, you can get a stamp on your man card too.  Man cards are issued for doing something many would consider not so bright, not for the plumbing you are packing.)
 
Learn how not to foul your Foulies - The beauty of sailing is that gear is available for every occasion and this includes cold, wet, windy and just plain nasty weather.  From the inside out you can layer up with long underwear over which you put warm stuff over which you put an outer layer of foulies to keep out the wind and water. Stuff your feet in a pair sea-boots and your head into that thing the terrorists wear to hide their face and you're all set. Depending on the colors you have chosen, you will look like a very scary Santa or Big Bird.  The challenge comes when it is time to get rid of those 3 cups of coffee you had before you took off from the dock.  When the boat is heeled 25 degrees and you are looking up at the head wrapped in more layers than King Tut, this can be somewhat challenging. It does provide great entertainment for your shipmates. 
 
Learn how measure apparent wind chill - Everyone understands the concept of wind chill, a blowing wind makes things colder. There are formulas and charts to figure it out.  As sailors, we are well aware of the concept of true wind speed and apparent wind speed. Where there is true wind speed, there is true wind chill and where there is apparent wind, speed there is apparent wind chill.  Calculating apparent wind chill is more art than science and is based on various factors, like when it becomes apparent that you can't feel your feet any more.
 
Learn how to broach with grace - Winter weather systems march through Georgia much like Sherman did 145 years ago. Sherman liked to play with matches and break things.  The typical winter weather patterns for North Georgia can bring strong winds, which make for great sailing and let you practice your reefing skills.  For those who opt not to reef, there is always the joy of broaching. Hang on tight and learn the special broaching words, Oh S......
 
Lose your fear of drowning - Should the worst happen and you end up in the water as the boat sails off without you, fear not. You will freeze to death long before you can drown. 
 
Learn how to make snotcicles - Cold, wet, windy weather are the perfect conditions for snotcicles to form.  Once you are out on the boat, you will be amazed at the sheer volume of the stuff that is coming out your nose and being whipped by the wind into your hair, your moustache (if so equipped) and just about everywhere else. After a while, you will become a seasoned winter sailor and will wear your snotcicles as mark of pride much like the angry bull.  
 
Learn how make hot toddies - Pack a thermos with your favorite hot toddy recipe.  After a while it may not keep you warm, but if you made it right, you won't notice that you can't feel your toes and nose anymore.
 
Learn how to build a Fire - At the end of the day, leave the winter wonder land of the lake behind and head back to your cave where you will toss a couple of logs on the grate, turn up the gas and throw in a match. Before you know it, you will have created fire.  Spread your wet foulies out by the fire to dry.  Grab yourself a bowl of chowder or chili and something warm to drink and start the re-warming process.   As you sit by the glowing embers warming up your insides and outsides, grab your cruising guide for the BVI's, Windward Islands, or some other warm place and read a few pages, so when you fall asleep your dreams will be of toasty trade winds and warm tropical lagoons. Sweet Dreams, Nanook.
 
See you next week at the lake at the "So you've struck an iceberg, now what?" seminar.

Here's to being in a boat with drink on the rocks rather than being in the drink with a boat on the rocks,