Technical Keeping Cool In The Sun

The perils of too much sun are well know, so decent shade on board is essential, says Miranda Delmar-Morgan

- Miranda Delmar-Morgan

Most people realise that yachts cruising in the tropics need decent shading, but it hasn’t normally been necessary for sailors in northern latitudes. That is changing though and we are increasingly getting searingly hot spells here in the UK. People are also now more conscious of skin damage and exposure. It is time to think about decent shelter and protection from the sun. Last year Edward and I were fried to a crisp for several days when on the Hamble, so we decided to tackle the setup on our boat.

You will have seen, in pictures at least, large, graceful yachts rigged up with vast awnings above canvas deck chairs to stop the ice in the gin and tonics melting. Two or more masts obviously make awnings easier to suspend because there is so much more rigging for tensioning it, and good tension is essential. The bigger awnings seen on large charter yachts have bolt ropes and grommets along the edges in order to maintain tension on rigging fore and aft. The Royal Navy even have dedicated manuals on how to rig awnings securely.

Even on small boats, however, they are going to have to withstand sudden gusts and squalls at anchor, rain showers, plus they need to be able to throw off the water rather than pool and sag. They nearly all need suspension along the centre line and that can be achieved with hoist points and lines running to a central ring and onto the main halyard. Single-masted sloops, as most boats are these days, present a problem and a different approach is required.