Sailing in the rain: What skippers should check before setting sail

The German Weather Service is forecasting rain in some areas over the weekend of 29 and 30 August 2026. Light rain is possible, particularly in parts of the North Sea coast and in Schleswig-Holstein. In other parts of the country, it will remain partly cloudy or sunny.

Rain changes the course of a day’s sailing. But initially, it is simply a matter of comfort. A steady drizzle with a moderate wind, good visibility and a well-prepared crew is a completely different matter to a band of showers with gusts or a thunderstorm cell. Before setting sail, therefore, the question shouldn’t be whether it will get wet. What matters is what else comes with the rain.

First the weather forecast, then the decision

The key distinction is this: is it steady, light rain, are there isolated showers, or is a thunderstorm on the way? When the rain persists for any length of time, visibility suffers most of all. Spectacle lenses fog up, barrels and other vehicles disappear into the mist sooner, and the crew gets slower and colder with every passing hour. Showers, on the other hand, can quickly bring stronger winds, gusts and an abrupt change in visibility.

The situation is different during thunderstorms. In such cases, sudden changes in wind direction, squalls, heavy rain and the risk of lightning are all part of the possible scenario. The article ‘Thunderstorm at Sea’ explains why the squall front in front of the cell can be particularly crucial for a yacht. Anyone who is unable to assess a thunderstorm situation in the sailing area with certainty should postpone the leg or plan it in such a way that a sheltered harbour remains within easy reach.

When looking at the forecast, one must not stop at the weather symbol. What is important is the wind direction and gusts, the direction of showers, visibility forecasts, warnings, and whether conditions are likely to worsen as the day progresses. For the current situation, the DWD forecast for Saturday and Sunday A rough idea of your location. Once out on the water, radar, local reports and keeping an eye on the surroundings remain important.

When visibility is restricted, the safety margin must be increased

Rain can significantly reduce visibility, even when there is no fog. This can quickly become a critical issue, particularly in narrow channels, approaching harbour entrances or in areas with heavy commercial traffic. In such situations, the yacht needs to maintain a greater distance, allow more time and follow a course that does not rely on the last possible sighting of a buoy.

The YACHT guidance on sailing in poor visibility are also useful in heavy rain: the chart and the electronic equipment must be synchronised, the lookout must actively scan ahead and to the sides, and speed must be adjusted to visibility. Anyone who only looks at the chart plotter in the rain will lose sight of the traffic.

In maritime areas, where visibility is reduced, the applicable sound signals and equipment requirements must also be taken into account as part of the preparations. The Waterways and Shipping Administration states in its Overview of visual signals and audible signals It is expressly pointed out that this guide does not replace the current Regulations for Maritime Traffic Lanes or the Collision Prevention Rules. Anyone travelling at sea or in a maritime traffic lane should familiarise themselves with the regulations applicable to their area before setting sail.

Wet conditions slow down familiar movements

A wet deck isn’t just uncomfortable. Shoes lose their grip more quickly, gloves become more slippery, and announcements are harder to hear from under the hood. This is particularly true at times when space is already tight: when reefing, entering the harbour, mooring or walking forward.

The solution is simple: prepare for manoeuvres in good time. You should reef the sails whilst the crew are still dry enough, visibility is still good and there is no time pressure. Fenders, mooring lines and boat hooks should also be at the ready before entering the harbour. If the shower hits whilst you’re in the tight berth or in front of the lock, you won’t have a free hand to rummage frantically through the locker.

It is equally important to have a clear division of responsibilities. Whoever is at the helm, is in charge. Whoever takes the ropes knows in advance which ones. And whoever stays below deck secures the hatches and, if necessary, prepares warm, dry clothing. The common mistake is not setting sail in the rain. It is planning the procedures as if everything were to remain dry and clearly visible.

Staying dry without sealing the ship

Wet clothes and closed hatches can quickly turn a long, rainy day into a damp problem. The article “Solutions for tackling damp below deck” shows how ventilation and protection from the rain can be combined. A sprayhood or a canopy not only provides comfort; it also prevents dripping oilskins and rainwater from being carried into the cabin.

Before setting sail, it’s worth taking a quick look around: are the hatches, windows and companionway secured so that they can be closed quickly in the event of a shower? Do the cockpit drains work properly? Is there a place where wet jackets and trousers won’t end up on the cushions or in the berth? Practical solutions for open companionways, standing water on deck and tarpaulins can be found in the Rainy-day life hacks.

It is important to remember that ventilation remains essential. If you lock the boat up completely when it rains and then pile wet oilskins in the forepeak, you are merely shifting the problem elsewhere. It is better to ensure a protected air flow and a clear, dry space, preferably outside the living area.

The sailing trip needs a simple Plan B

A rainy day doesn’t call for a particularly challenging leg of the journey. Short legs, familiar harbours and a fallback option make the decision easier. This is particularly true for crews with children, those with little experience, or those who have just taken over a charter boat. Even a well-established crew can lose concentration after several hours in the cold and wet.

Plan B must be specific. ‘We’ll turn back if necessary’ is not enough. It is better to set a specific time before setting sail at which to reassess the situation: after the first shower, before an open crossing, or at the latest one hour before reaching the port of destination.

A day at the harbour is certainly a sensible option. The text ‘Blown in’ describes the involuntary lay-up with humour. When it comes to planning a sailing trip, however, a more pragmatic approach applies: if you stay in harbour when faced with an unfavourable combination of wind, visibility and crew, you haven’t lost a day’s sailing. It prevents a wet leg from turning into a risky manoeuvre.

The four questions to ask before setting sail

Before casting off, four honest questions will suffice:

Book recommendation

Weather at sea explains the basics of meteorology from the perspective of sailors and motorboat enthusiasts. Key topics include high- and low-pressure systems, local weather events, sea conditions and meteorological trip planning. The book helps readers to avoid viewing a rain forecast in isolation, but rather to take wind trends and local sailing conditions into account when making their own decisions before setting sail.

What has been your experience: when is rain simply a matter of putting on your waterproofs, and at what point do you decide to keep the yacht in harbour?