The Joys of Winter Sailing - LM Style

[oceandancer]

The LM is one of the most versatile of yachts but sadly, in my experience, not enjoyed to the full by many owners.

A wheelhouse, (fully enclosed in my case) with unrivalled all round visibility and an excellent wheel steering position allows for use of the boat in all seasons. Throughout the winter months there are often sunny days with favourable winds that can be enjoyed using the full potential of the mark. During these long and tedious periods of partial lockdown it is a real benefit to be able to get out there and go sailing even for just a couple of hours. You would most probably be single handed but the LMs are well suited for this, just err on the side of comfort and caution and reef in all but very gentle conditions and use and enjoy the wheelhouse for warmth and comfort between tending sails. Don't forget, though, that the galley top makes an ideal seat for a crewmate if in your bubble.

Indoor sailing may be a somewhat different sailing experience, more of a gentle diversion but it certainly is enjoyable compared with thumb twiddling and counting the spots on the wallpaper at home! Just recently I have managed to enjoy my local sailing area almost one day a week and have been in company with only one or two other boats, however, they were all out in the open, in the cold wind togged up in many layers whereas I was inside my snug wheelhouse with the doors closed, lid down, heater on, radio on and a cup of tea at hand, no competition in the comfort stakes. The LM27 may not be a race horse but to my mind she wins hands down as a pure all season leisure facility.

So, if your boat is still in the water get out there and enjoy some winter sunshine when it happens, after all you have the right boat for it.

Best regards for 2021 to all

Mick Legg