Logbook 001, Schooner's Winter.

Winter Preparations on Schooner Kathrina

When winter arrives and the sailing season ends, Schooner Kathrina doesn't fall completely silent. Although the ship isn't heading to the shipyard this year, important preparations are made during the winter to ensure the vessel remains in excellent condition for the next sailing season.

Building a canopy protects the ship
First, a canopy is built over the ship to protect the deck structures from snow and weather stress. This prevents moisture from entering the structures and ensures that the varnished surfaces do not need to be damaged by shovelling snow during the winter. The plank seams also remain intact when water and snow are kept at bay.

Sail maintenance in Suomenlinna
Before the canopy is built, the sails are removed and taken to Suomenlinna to dry. This is an important step, as moisture remaining in the sails could damage their materials. After drying, the sails are carefully packed in the sail loft to await the next sailing season.

Glycol and heating cables ensure engine condition
The cooling systems of the engines and generators are protected for winter by flushing them with glycol. This way, the water-cooled engines will not freeze and break down during the cold season. Heating cables are also installed at the outlets of the bilge pumps so that the pumped water does not freeze the outlet structures.

Heating for events during winter
Although sailing is on hold, Kathrina also serves as a venue for various events during the winter. However, heating the ship requires planning and time. For events, the ship is efficiently heated with one 9 kW fan heater, two 2 kW radiators, and a Jotul fireplace that creates atmosphere. Heating takes approximately two to three days, depending on the outdoor temperature.

Schooner Kathrina ready for a new season
Thanks to the canopy during winter, maintenance and upkeep can be done as soon as the night frosts are gone, ensuring the ship is shipshape again when the sailing season begins on May 30th! This careful preparation guarantees that Kathrina remains in excellent condition and ready for next summer's voyages. The winter work ensures that the ship serves its crew and passengers in the best possible way year after year. As spring approaches, the sails will be brought out again, and all preparations will be made so that Kathrina can start the new sailing season in splendid condition.