Offshore winds are nasty I had the wind drop and turn off shore at Mt Matha couple of weeks ago 1 km out is a long way when u have to swim. The problem is the offshore wind is usally so messy because it is coming off the land. Wouldn't venture to far out unless u had someone looking out for u.

The only place in Port Phillip Bay I would sail by myself in offshore winds is Rye. You you can walk out nearly 400m so no worries if you get in trouble, so long as you stay close to shore. However you need about 25knots at South Channel to avoid messy winds (equates to about 15-20knots in close). How often do you get 25knots in the Bay? (rhetorical question don't bother answering).

Best to avoid offshores. But I take your point about flat water. Have had some smooth and speedy sessions in offshores at Rye. During summer there is usually plenty of people and sailors down there so you don't feel too lonely.

You really shouldn't be sailing in offshores - ON YOUR OWN, it's the No1 recipe for disaster.

If you have to do it - let someone know where u are, what time you'll be back and to call 000 when u go missing.

Chances of gear breakages is minimal if you check downhauls,uj joints etc etc i'd just be worried by getting hit by a howling Victorian Northerly thats so strong you cant even paddle back in.

Find yourself a buddy or 2 for offshore days - safety in numbers.

Thanks. I just wondered if I was being over cautious or a big skirt.
My own judgment has thus far prevented my demise so I'll stick with it.
I do have a mate with a large sea going boat, I may see what he is doing some offshore day.
By the way, where's Woodies.

Cheers Simon.

I saw someone sailing in an easterly off Cottesloe a few months ago, looked quite good in the flat water so I gave it a go myself a few weeks later on one of those 35 deg C days with 20knt easterly blowing. I played it a bit safe by taking a 150 litre Go board with a 6.5m sail. Launched at City beach and stayed in close to start with and didn't venture too far, but 1 1/2 hours later after I'd been up to Triggs a few times and south to Cottesloe I was wondering why no-one else was out, I was having so much fun. It really was great and I'll do it again if the conditions are right. As expected it was very gusty and I knew I wouldn't be planing all the time hence the Go Board. I certainly wouldn't recommend it for the in experienced.