Now You See Them, Now You Don't - Sailing In A Plastic Tent Is A Bad Idea

[BlowingOldBoots]

I have seen a small number of yachts motoring along with the fully enclosed cockpit habitat erected. I can guess it is warm and dry, I get that. However, sailing along recently towards the Treshnish Isles, with my spray hood up, in the rain and smirr, I noticed how the plastic screen filters the light. My plastic screens are in good nick, not dull or opaque.

The pictures below, taken within seconds of each other, show the importance of keeping a good look out in fresh air and not just through the windows, plastic or glass. Years ago sailing with my Dad I noticed that the clear view window (high speed rotating glass disc), was so much clearer than the plain glass.

Untitled by Rival Sailor, on Flickr

Untitled by Rival Sailor, on Flickr

It's not an artefact of the digital image process as it was like this with my own eyes as well. I am not trying to preach, just thought it was interesting and worth mentioning.

Cheers!

Alastair

[aquaplane]

I have found this too.

Seminole has an inside steering position with windscreen wiper for the view ahead, but I still have to go out for a good look round frequently when it's wet.

I only hide inside when it's honking it down or we are shipping lots of spray bashing into a headwind.

[Burst Boiler]

Its not the impact on vision I find the problem, but the inability to feel the wind. Sailing with a cockpit enclosure is like having sex wearing a condom.

[claymore]

Its not the impact on vision I find the problem, but the inability to feel the wind. Sailing with a cockpit enclosure is like having sex wearing a condom.

I don't sail when it is raining.
We have a reliable wind indicator which tells me what is blowing and where from
If the boat is heeling, that also tends to be a fair indication of windstrength.
It is some time since I have needed to use a condom

[Nick]

I don't sail when it is raining.

You need to get out more

[claymore]

I don't sail when it is raining.

You need to get out more

Certainly I do - however, not when its raining if you don't mind.