BOATERS BLOG
Today is the first day of Fall. What is the Autumnal Equinox?
September 22nd is the autumnal equinox, the time when the sun crosses the celestial equator. We have an equinox twice a year – Spring and Fall – when the tilt of the Earth’s axis and Earth’s orbit around the sun combine in such a way that the axis is inclined neither away nor toward the sun.
How the Autumn Equinox affects boaters:
Water temperature is changing quickly. Fall days can still remain bright, but the water is getting colder. If you spend any significant time in water even as warm as 60°F, you are risking potential body heat loss. Day length changes in the Fall. Daylight hours are shrinking, this is important to take in to account in planning a trip. Other weather hazards are more common in the Fall season. Low light, mist and fog can make you harder to see this time of year when out in the water. Wearing bright clothing can help keep you spotted in case of an emergency.
As all seasons come with different potential weather hazards, it is crucial to keep your insurance policy up to date for the hazardous conditions prominent in your area. The boat also deserves a little more attention in the fall. One thing that prevents many people from keeping their boats in past mid-September is the likelihood of severe weather. Stronger breezes are one thing; tropical systems are quite another. With these safety precautions in mind, Fall does not mean the end of boating season. There are plenty of Fall boating activities such as numerous boat and trade shows around the country. Fall is one of the best times for fishing. Fish are migrating and feeding in preparation for the Winter. Fall boating is full of colorful landscape and comfortable cruising. The start of Fall means a gradual cool down in the temperatures both in the air and in the water.
Whether you are in the North, or tropical South, there is plenty to enjoy in the Fall boating season. Check out the quick video below to view the Equinox from space!