Forums > Windsurfing   Gps and Speed talk

Beginner Speedsailing resources and tips?

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Created by jase54 > 9 months ago, 10 Apr 2020
Dezza
NSW, 919 posts
5 May 2020 6:19AM
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What fin did you use on Friday Jase? It was shallow that day, I think most were using small fins 20cms or smaller. It is dangerous sailing in the shallow water, there have been crab pots and tree branches after storms in the sailing area, a helmet is a good idea for Primbee if you haven't got one.

Dezza
NSW, 919 posts
5 May 2020 7:46AM
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Plus an impact vest, a good one that protects the ribs

eckas
NSW, 323 posts
5 May 2020 8:04AM
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jase54 said..
So guys my next bit of advice I need, is how do you guys get to bare away on a 60 degree broad reach for the fastest speeds at Primbee? It all seemed a bit shallow and suicidal to me when there was a straight Westerly on Friday.I assume Primbee is best in a SW or NW?cheers



Best thing you can do is check out the tracks of the really good sailors on KA72 website. You can see precisely where they beared away, where they hit top speed, what angles they beared away to etc.

In a pure westerly, the bearaway is indeed very short, but you can sail constantly up and down looking for the right gust and the right patch of water. The guys that frequently score the highest speeds are the ones doing the most Ks because they are most often likely to be in the right place at the right time to bear off into a ripper gust (+ great gear and skills of course!). Big gusts are far less intimidating and the acceleration far less challenging to handle if you're entering them with 30 knots of board speed. You might get 5 or so seconds at full speed before you have to start pulling up.

NW and SW allow you to chase nautical miles by bearing away down the whole length of the speed strip. The tradeoff is that often you need to tack your way upwind to get back to the other end which can be a pain. The NW or WNW wind direction generally offers up the flattest water as there's a little less fetch upwind of the speed strip in which chop can build. Much longer fetches to the west and SW so more chop.

Jetlag
NSW, 168 posts
5 May 2020 8:33AM
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One good thing about Primbee is that there aren't any abrupt changes in water depth, just a fairly predictable slant towards the shore. If you add that to the practice of using 45-50 degree raked fins and a generally soft bottom, it means that hitting ground is not bad if you're in the straps. It does mean though that your fins become consumable items as the bottoms wear off in the sand and patches of cockles.
You will get a warning that you're running out of water when you feel the drag or start kissing the bottom. The hardest thing can be beach starting in water depth that can still be navigated at speed. It's a good idea to finish a bear away by cranking back upwind into deeper water while you still have board speed.
As Dezza mentioned, the greater hazards are crab pots, trees and the like. The razor clams are only a recent addition to the mix but the stinging risks from Fortesque and Stingrays are worth the discomfort of booties!!

sailquik
VIC, 6068 posts
5 May 2020 9:08AM
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It sound like a minefield out there....

skatesailing
NSW, 5 posts
5 May 2020 2:30PM
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eckas said..

Dezza said..
No booties for me either the last few winters at primbee and no cut feet, but I did see two bad cuts on others last winter, after seeing your pics on Friday night Jase, I wore booties on Saturday. Hope the foot heals quickly and you can get back out for the next one



Dezza has proven she can whip up an awesome duct tape bandage for any unfortunate foot cuts. She's known as the queen of gaffa tape around Primbee ways...


Duct tape is worth while having in your car it save me at lake George when i can my leg open with my Fin and had to drive 1 hour Millicent Hospital late Saturday afternoon.


jase54
NSW, 209 posts
11 May 2020 11:35PM
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Dezza said..
What fin did you use on Friday Jase? It was shallow that day, I think most were using small fins 20cms or smaller. It is dangerous sailing in the shallow water, there have been crab pots and tree branches after storms in the sailing area, a helmet is a good idea for Primbee if you haven't got one.


Cheers Dezza, I had a 21cm carbon fin made by Stuart Truscott. Mmmmm wearing a helmet seems very cautious but sods law means if I don't wear one I'm bound to crack my noggin next time I sail!

The good news, is my stitches are out tomorrow!

jase54
NSW, 209 posts
26 May 2020 7:28PM
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Jetlag said..
One good thing about Primbee is that there aren't any abrupt changes in water depth, just a fairly predictable slant towards the shore. If you add that to the practice of using 45-50 degree raked fins and a generally soft bottom, it means that hitting ground is not bad if you're in the straps. It does mean though that your fins become consumable items as the bottoms wear off in the sand and patches of cockles.
You will get a warning that you're running out of water when you feel the drag or start kissing the bottom. The hardest thing can be beach starting in water depth that can still be navigated at speed. It's a good idea to finish a bear away by cranking back upwind into deeper water while you still have board speed.
As Dezza mentioned, the greater hazards are crab pots, trees and the like. The razor clams are only a recent addition to the mix but the stinging risks from Fortesque and Stingrays are worth the discomfort of booties!!


Cheers Jetlag, I have ordered a pair of ripcurl boots www.ripcurl.com.au/mens/wetsuits/accessories/rubber-soul-2mm-split-toe-wetsuit-boot.html?size=9&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIpNX6hZvR6QIVTsEWBR3JUQlBEAYYASABEgLhRPD_BwE after more cuts last weekend, I reckon they are a good investment



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"Beginner Speedsailing resources and tips?" started by jase54