Winter lay-up checklist for Nordic cruising yachts

Timing

Start lay-up when you will not sail for several weeks — frost and condensation do more damage than cold alone on Baltic cruisers.

Engine and fluids

1. Fuel stabilizer or fill tank to reduce condensation
2. Coolant — verify antifreeze strength
3. Oil change — acids in old oil corrode internals over winter
4. Raw water — flush or antifreeze per engine manual

Rig and deck

• Rinse and cover sails; inspect standing rigging while mast is up or down
• Ventilation below — crack hatches with covers against snow
• Batteries — disconnect or maintain on smart charger

Cross-read winter commissioning (reverse order) and winter cover.