With snow falling and the temperature hovering around zero, winter cruising isn’t exactly the first thing on my mind. However, I’m always thinking of my sailboat and wonder how she’s doing down in False Creek. What’s the snow (about six inches as I write this) doing to her? Is the heater working? Did I check the mooring lines and close the thru-hulls when I last visited her?

Other than those who cruise during the winter, most of us check on our boats every week or so. Clearly, it isn’t a lot of fun hanging around on our boats or at the marina in this weather.

But just because it’s winter doesn’t mean we can’t take care of some boat projects. This is the perfect time of year to either rewrite or attack the “to do” list. While the cold may not make working on the boat the most fun job, the more things that can be crossed off the list in winter, the fewer there will be to tackle in spring. And spending a winter day or two down on the boat (with the heat cranked) when there’s nothing else pressing offers its own comforts.

Every time I check on my boat, I always try to bring home an item or two that needs attention and deal with it in my workshop. With the added comfort of heat, this allows me to take the time to do things right. So far, I’ve brought home my head, canvas and items that need painting or varnishing.

This time of year is also great for dealing with all the stuff I’ve pulled off my boat for the winter. Lifejackets will be scrubbed, cushion covers cleaned, various lines rinsed and all that accumulated salt water washed out of everything.

Winter is also the perfect time to take a course or two to improve our maritime skills. I’d like to brush up on my celestial navigation—it’s been over 20 years since I took a sextant sight. Plenty of other great courses are available through the Canadian Power Squadron, sailing schools or continuing education. And for those without a Pleasure Craft Operator’s Card, why not finally get one?

Winter is also a great time to reacquaint ourselves with fellow boaters. I’ve been travelling to various yacht clubs and power squadrons to talk about my adventures during the 5,600 mile, 30-day race from China to British Columbia I took part in back in April. I’ve met a ton of people and made lots of new friends. Each time I do the presentation, I’m reminded of B.C.’s wonderful community of boaters. We all have so much in common and can learn from each other. If you’re not a member of a club or power squadron, consider joining. It can cost as little as $125 per year at clubs that don’t own any facilities, like the Gulf Yacht Club (of which I’m a member), or a whole lot more at clubs like the Royal Vancouver Yacht Club, which have all the bells and whistles. Clubs and power squadrons provide social interaction among like-minded people and offer the chance to learn from others as well as plan and enjoy cruising adventures with fellow boaters.

So despite the weather, there really are plenty of ways to beat the winter blues.