Cooling by bathing
Sails down and into the water - still the best way to cool off at sea. Lowering the sails may seem unnecessary when there is little wind, but it is a safety measure; when a breeze comes up, even unsailed high-sided yachts soon drift as fast as an ordinary swimmer can swim. That's why a fender on a floating line is just as much a part of the bathing routine as unfolding the bathing ladder in good time. And don't forget: reapply sun cream after swimming!
Utilising evaporative cooling
According to the laws of physics, evaporation produces cold. This can be utilised in somewhat inelegant ways, for example with damp cloths hung in hatches and companionways. The smart solution: wet your cap and T-shirt regularly - the effect is naturally greatest directly on the skin. Incidentally, bottles also cool down when a wet sock is put on them.
Protect food
- On-board refrigerator: The appliance is suboptimal in two respects - it consumes electricity and it offers little space. This makes it all the more important to utilise it optimally. The on-board cooler works best when it is well filled - then little cold air can escape in exchange for warm air when it is opened. The cooling capacity can be increased with a trick: You can add frozen cooling elements (rectangular solid ones are better than cooling bags), provided there is still room, or freeze juice cartons deep and use them as substitute cooling elements, so to speak.
- Alternatives: For fruit, butter and jam, overnight refrigeration is often enough to keep them edible for a long time. If there is no room in the fridge, they can be wrapped in a box in a high-quality sleeping bag during the day and are only a few degrees warmer in the evening. Depending on the food, we recommend using tried and tested preservation methods: boiling, drying and pickling.
Provide a draught
For just under 10 euros Fans which are connected via USB plugs - ideally via a battery bank on board. If conditions permit, the deck fans with the opening for fresh air supply can be turned into the wind. And when at anchor, the use of a windscoop is recommended: The bag catches the breeze and directs it through the hatch into the ship's interior.
Ice in an insulated container
In well-insulated containers, ice cubes for refreshing drinks can easily remain frosty for a day. Because of their usually narrow necks, ordinary vacuum flasks but somewhat impractical. It's much easier with wide-necked Thermal containers for food. Despite the now very effective insulation, make sure that the container is not exposed to direct sunlight.
Mobile air conditioning
The company Evapolar offers a mini "air conditioner" in cube form with a USB connection for around 240 euros. It works on the principle of evaporative cooling. A cartridge is continuously moistened with fresh water, which evaporates. The power consumption is said to be just 10 watts; connected to a battery bank, no fixed installation is required. Cooling is said to be sufficient for around three square metres. A replica is now also available for a tenth of the price. The mini "air conditioner" from Evapolar is available, for example, from Amazon or at Fritz-Berger available.
Rigging for shade
In the northern climes, permanently installed biminis are not common. But when the sun is sizzling mercilessly, shade still needs to be provided. So a temporary solution is needed.
- Parasol: A visually unattractive but simple measure is to use a sunshade: it is quick to set up, easy and variable to align against the sun and inexpensive to purchase. Niro Petersen and Lanztec offer universal sunshade holders that can be attached to the winch. Alternatively, holders for the railing can be used.
- Awning: Awnings provide shade in the harbour or at anchor. The simplest designs are placed over the main boom and tensioned towards the railing. There are also triangular models specially designed to shade the foredeck and the "overhead", a kind of giant frisbee with a five-metre-long aluminium tent pole (photo). But beware: waterproof materials, which are also supposed to keep out rain, are impermeable and lead to heat build-up underneath. As a makeshift solution, air-permeable fabrics can be used as awnings. However, such materials are generally not very resilient and: In most cases, they do not offer any protection against UV radiation.
Plan your route flexibly
Travelling during the hottest part of the day can be a pain, especially on downwind courses. This can be countered with an adapted itinerary. If the sailing schedule allows, an early departure may make it possible to be in cool rooms or on the beach during the critical phase. The same applies to a late departure in the evening. You can also generally avoid the worst of the heat. A Mediterranean cruise in midsummer, for example, can be a real heat ordeal. Perhaps the trip can be moved to the early or late season? Or to an area with a more pleasant climate?
Covering hatches
This measure is common practice in motorhomes: windows and hatches are covered with reflective film. It doesn't look pretty, but it works. And if such cloths are tailored to the skylights, the appearance does not suffer too much. If needed spontaneously, it is advisable to use a rescue blanket, which has also proved its worth with motorhome travellers. Reflective inserts are also available for use from the inside, but heat can build up between the window and the film.
Sleep better
- On deck: If there is a pleasant breeze at night, it is easier to feel on deck than in the bunk - especially as the heat below deck only dissipates slowly. This is why an open-air sleeping area may not be as comfortable as a bunk, but it is more bearable.
- Cooling mats: This unusual tip comes from sailors who have travelled in very hot waters. The cooling mats are actually intended for pets, but an XL model for large dogs (around 80 euros) is actually used by some people, and some even swear by it.
- Do not cook: If possible, you should avoid using the cooker immediately before going to bed. This is because the burner not only heats up the cooking pot, but also the surrounding area, which is already warm in this case.
