Sail a Boat

You want a holiday packed with activity, so here we go! If you want to continue generating heat, keep moving around doing useful stuff, for instance, sailing. You can only retain heat if you are warm, to begin with. To make your boat more comfy get some bespoke cushions from Wickenroy Pavitt.

Put On a Woolen Hat And Carry Two Extra Ones

It no longer means an itchy head. Pick hats made of wool or chunky knits and a fleece lining. Ensure they'll stick on your head when the wind blows too hard. Avoid baseball hats (preserve them for baseball). Don't get a haircut until you get home or have grown a proper beard.

Your Kidneys Matter. Protect Them

We go looking for the wind on sailing holidays. The wind can whistle around your lower back or midriff area if you wear low-slung jeans. Builders may wear jeans, but we promise there's nothing like a "fisherman's bum." People cover their kidneys while exploring the sea, and so should you.

Remember to Pack Your Sunglasses and Suntan Lotion

The sea is very bright, and Northerlies bring high UV and clear air. There could be a bikini moment, but the chances of that happening are slim. Brown hands and a wind-tanned face look better than the beetroot bank holiday.

Strategic Waterproofing is Good For Cutting the Windchill

You will have to face another tough argument - and there's no escaping it. Jacket or trousers first? Being in the complete 'Musto' look is not mandatory when your colleagues say you should prepare for the sea. The ship's salopettes are enough for maintaining a warm core while at the same time letting you release steam. You can wear the jacket when you sweat all the sails up or if there's rain.

Don't Forget Enough Socks and a Buff

I like the combination of boots and thick socks (those with fleecy leggings). Unless you're friends with the engine room or have a vessel with radiators (Eda has a hotel towel rail, and Tecla and Europa come with radiators) or a stove, you may never get the time to dry your wet socks. A buff is a tabular fabric used as a scarf minus the bulk of massive training knitwear.

What About the Jumpers?

How many should you carry? I can't answer that. Why would I fit the Norwegian fisherman's jumpers in the rucksack? It's better to pinch one off a Norwegian fisherman if I need it. When voyaging for 3 to 30 days, I usually carry two Merino wool jumpers, three long-sleeved thermals, and a psychologically chunky item that will give me the Bjork or Shackleton look, though it all depends on the location or my current mood.

Your Hand are Waterproof

If you hold wet ropes when wearing your gloves, they get wet, and when you take them off to eat something or use your mobile phone, then it would be impossible to put them back on. If you're worried about getting red hands after pulling ropes, you are better off wearing gloves, but go for inexpensive ski gloves, as sailing gloves (leather ones) are freezing. On the other hand, you don't need gloves if your hands are hard enough to pull ropes. Use your sleeves to keep your hands warm between jobs, or even stuff them in the fluffy pockets on your sailing jackets. Preserve your dry gloves for holding the ship's wheel.

Nightime Hottie

Filling 12 hot water cans from the kettle is an all-night task that's not so exciting for anyone, so if the cold is too much for you, ask to help with washing up after supper, and you'll have a chance to sneak your hottie in the galley.