TheCat, try Inverloch in the inlet instead for waterstarting. Still generally flat, but more area where the water is the right depth with a solid sandy bottom.
Not really sure - haven't sailed there enough to know how strong the tidal currents are or the best wind direction. Someone else here should know. Anyone?
Both Sandy Point and Inverloch are excellent places to learn, compared with just about any place on the bay.
Sandy Point is definately better for complete beginners, or those trying to learn high-speed gybes (even duck gybes), or bettering ther last GPS-speed, but dont expect to do any chop jumping...
Inverloch has quite a number of sandbars that get exposed on low tide which turn out to be a nuiscence once you are moving... Inverloch can also build up a little bit of chop on one side of the inlet, which can be annoying for complete beginners, but is excellent fun the closer you get to the mouth of the inlet (think flat water with jump-ramps every so often...).
Inverloch has a bigger town (if family facilities are a concern), and it is about 1/2 hour closer to Melbourne.
** Google has a few small videos for download which will show you how flat Sandy Point is (use the video search).
I reckon I'm gonna have to head to Sandy Point at least once in my life. When is the best wind guys? Can I borrow your GPS Hardie??? Judging by the photo's I will also need to borrow your 7mm steamer, gloves, hood, helmet.
last week in Feb has become an Annual deal and in last 2 febs had 2 non sailing days.
also do the Christmas-newyear week that can be, and was big wind time.
also planning one for late Nov 06.
Includes 3 meals, shared quality accom. windsurf lessons to carve gybe level, Kite lessons, use of large range of gear, some demo KA sails and kites to play with.
Also in last throws of organising a Fiji trip in August.
I've had mixed luck with Sandy Point, I've been there about 4 or 5 times and it's been dead calm. Pretty disapointing. The good thing is you can rig big and feel safe even though your totally overpowered because it's so flat. Inverloch is good to check out when visiting too, sand bars everywhere but good wind.
Bayblaster, before going to Sandy Point, check www.windguru.cz/ for a forcast. Most of the regular sailers only head on down when the forcast is for two-stars or better.
fond memories... my first real planing runs were at Sandy on a bombora 284 fantastic plastic that flapped up and down with much gusto just in front of the mast foot....
it is cold, but philip island is way colder. my 3x2 westuit with a rashie under was fine 90% of the time.
hey tony, waddya mean about tassie at this time of year? presently suffering a prolonged spell of fine sunny days, unfortunately it's rather cool, and bloody windless!!! e-mail me with fiji details! baby's not due 'till sept, so may have time for last fling. might be fun, especially if "single man" lenny's going. oh, and don't get me confused with that other eastie, although with a name like that he's bound to be a legend! (hey other eastie, where do you hail from?)
