How to protect your yacht between sailing seasons
Preserving your yacht out of season: a strategic issue
Between sailing seasons, a yacht requires special attention to ensure its longevity and maintain its performance. In Monaco, where weather conditions can be favorable but also humid, winter storage or the off-season are crucial times for yacht owners. Champion Marine, a Monegasque company with expertise from nautical racing, supports owners in the rigorous management of this period.
Why protect your yacht between seasons?
Whether you own a cruising yacht or a sportier model, prolonged downtime without proper maintenance can cause costly damage. Mechanical systems, hulls, electronics, and upholstery can all deteriorate if not properly maintained. This is especially true on the French Riviera, where the salty air accelerates component wear.
The key steps to good off-season protection
1. Complete cleaning before storage
Before any winter storage, a thorough cleaning of the yacht is essential: the hull, deck, cabin, engines, and tanks must be freed of salt, algae, and other debris. A clean yacht is better protected against moisture and corrosion.
2. Thorough technical inspection
A technical inspection helps detect potential anomalies before they become serious. Champion Marine recommends a complete inspection of the propulsion systems, electrical system, and navigation equipment.
3. Draining and treatment of fluids
Engine oils, coolants, and other fluids must be replaced or treated with specific additives to prevent their degradation. This preserves internal parts and prevents deposits or blockages when restarting.
4. Protection against humidity
Humidity is one of the yacht's main enemies. It is advisable to use dehumidifiers on board, leave cupboards ajar, and regularly ventilate enclosed spaces.
5. Suitable covering and tarpaulin
A well-fitted tarpaulin effectively protects the boat's structure, especially if it is stored dry. In Monaco, some ports offer storage solutions under a shed, particularly recommended for valuable yachts.
6. Battery and electronic systems maintenance
It is important to disconnect the batteries or use smart chargers to prevent complete discharge. Displays, GPS, radar, and sonar devices must also be properly powered down.
Champion Marine expertise: a heritage of precision
At Champion Marine , off-season protection isn't just a series of technical actions. With a heritage directly derived from nautical competition – with figures such as Jacky Ickx, Tullio Abbate and Giacomo Sacchi – the company applies a rigor and attention to detail directly inherited from the world of racing.
This unique expertise translates into tailor-made management of off-peak periods, with protocols adapted to each type of yacht, whether Saxdor, Tullio Abbate or Ranieri International models.
Conclusion
Protecting your yacht between seasons means preserving a significant investment and ensuring a smooth return to sailing. In Monaco, where every detail counts, working with an experienced partner like Champion Marine can make all the difference. With their competitive approach, they offer off-season protection services that combine reliability, precision, and a passion for the sea.