Just a quick heads up for any sailors who park at Manly (BNE). The other day a car was broken into and the owner lost his wallet etc.
He was in the habit of leaving his key under the car and the thieves used it to access the vehicle.
I am not sure what the alternative is if you have an electronic key but you should be aware that there are people watching where you put it and taking advantage of the situation.
It may have just been an isolated event but something worth mentioning.
You can get a key cut without the electronic parts for most keys. Its noramlly only about $20. You can then take the key without the electronic parts out on the water with you. In summer you can get board shorts with key holders and the same goes for wet suites. thats what I do :)
I have an electronic key also. I got a normal key cut which I take with me in my sailing harness (it has a small pocket). The only thing you have to watch out for is that the normal key will work on your car doors, but if you use it in the ignition it will trigger the immobilizer and that i think can be and expensive mistake.
The new Neil Pryde Wave harness has a water proof key pouch build in. Appart from the fact that the harness is super comfy the pouch seem work really well.
I bought mine from Windsurf and Snow in Sydney. They recieved a shipment last Friday. They also sell water proof key pouches but why spend the extra money if you can get a harness with the pouch build in.
Re hiding you key under the car... well, that's I how I had my car stolen down at Botany Bay a few years ago. Certainly tought me a lesson.
While out windsurfing many years ago at Caloundra my car was broken into. I had the keys with me in my harness and they just smashed the back window of the car and got in and stole my purse. I think they must have been watching me and seen me leave my purse in the car. I always keep my key in my harness while out on the water
In my experience if they got lucky they will be back!Leaving your key on the tyre or exhaust is an old trick and particulary the surfers know about it. Usual procedure is keep everything out of sight and all the boys being observent when on the beach,it happened on the Gold Coast once and we were all 30m away and didnt notice,Hate those gits. One things pretty certain it wouldnt of been a windsurfer.
I've been waiting for this to happen - every w/surfing day I see naive people stashing their keys somewhere on the vehicle, without even looking around to see if anyone is watching. For christsake, if I saw them do it, so will someone waiting for an opportunity. Wake up people.
