The winter sun on the photo didn't show the real temperature, it was only a few degrees over zero. Today some ice chunks were floating at the shoreline, but nothing serious like this -attachment.
Kayaking in winter is much warmer than people can imagine, and it is good training for physical strength at catsailing.
My heartrate goes over 130bpm in the kayak and that produces much warmth from the inside.
Sitting on the trampoline in the wind and spray makes my mind freezing at todays temperatures. I envy the florida sailors who can sail the year round.

Next season I'll stay at the Elbe. Sailing at the sea is nice, but too far away from Hamburg to get onto the cat under the week. And a view to the gasoline station makes my decision a lot easier.
I hope to sail alot more than last year, when the Blade came late at mid season, and needed some work to sort all things out. I know the Elbe is a difficult area for catsailing with strong tide currents and container ship traffic but it won't get boring on the water. That's why I like kayaking after over 30 years here, none day is like the other on the water.

Gilo:
"And for open regatta's you're better of with a F16 if you buy a 16 foot boat because you can always sail up front."

If I sail upfront will depend on my skills and if I can sail my Blade to the Texel Rating. The US sailors had a favorable rating with their F16s
but even there times will become harder under the new rating.
With an own trailer in future I am ready equipped to travel at weekends to the sea and meet other catsailors, like Klaus, in Hamburg I am more or less on my own.