Swan bay near queenscliff past Geelong

DUKE4 said..
Hi guys,
i have 2 weeks to Kill so I'm off speed sailing just me and my dog from SA ,I know obviously LG , I've sailed sandy point. Any other locations that I could go in Vic worth the drive ,
love slalom as well

kind regards
Peter

I love your enthusiasm and optimism!

The reality is that it is very cold in Vicco, and especially Sandy Point this time of the year, and the WSW fronts that bring the best speed winds are bitterly cold. You will most likely be on your own at Sandy Point, which means safety is an issue. Very few sail here now until the spring storms start again in September/October.

Swan Bay works on NorWesters, which can be less bitterly cold, but if you are looking for flat speed sailing conditions, it's not always very flat. Better at LG in those conditions.

Sandy Point has a few spots that can be fun and flat in a NW, but those conditions are fickle as they are very tide dependant. Low tides and Easterly winds are excellent, but are extremely rare this time of the year.

Andersons Inlet (Inverloch) has a variety of spots that work on different wind and tides. WNW and Easterlies can be good at Area45, and if it is you may have some company as there are a few diehard local sailors.

Marlo has some good safe sailing and a nice speed strip on WSW winds.

If you have a boat, there are a few other options in Victoria, including the Port Albert area, Mallacoota and a couple of places in between, but cold and loneliness are still the issues.

You are probably better off checking the forecasts and chasing them North where it is a bit warmer. Primbee is pretty good on West and NW winds this time of the year. Not super cold, and not super flat since the weed has died off, but very good fun sailing and safe, with plenty of nice sailors for company.

I have heard good things about Sanctuary Point and Kyeemagh, but not sailed there myself.

Further North to Budgewoi, the winds are more fickle, but the reward is great of you can snag it. The weather is generally less harsh and it is a nice trip to make up and down the coast, especially if you have a surfboard.

Even further North, the Brisbane area teams seem to get some good sailing this time of the year and it is definitely a LOT warmer!

Perhaps, the only place that has really good, consistent winds and warm conditions this time of the year is around Cairns, but that is a little too far to drive for 2 weeks.

So if you just want to have a road trip, scope out places, and have the off chance of a few days of sailing, by all means, head East and North. To tell the truth though, you are probably better off staying around LG if more days speed sailing are your main goal and you can tolerate the temperatures.

Let me know if you call into Sandy Point. If I am not up pigging in the snow, I will stand on the shore and watch you, and make you a hot coffee afterwards.

red said..
Bloody hell Daffy... you've been to swan bay once in some of the worst conditions we've had!! Maybe come across and sail it a few times before you right it off...

DUKE4... swan bay works in any direction and any tide. But works best in anything with West in in and higher tides. Great alround speed spot where some good numbers are to be had. Send me a pm if your over this way...
Swan Bay works on NorWesters, which can be less bitterly cold, but if you are looking for flat speed sailing conditions, it's not always very flat. Better at LG in those conditions

Hooked a big one!

Bradman said..
Yep swan bay was flat as a tack on Sunday Daffy.
As well as warm and 25kts NW. Sailed with your mate Isaac from Pit crew.

LOL! 'Flat as a tack' was not quite how he described it, but he did say there was some nice flatter stuff in the weed, and that he had the wrong fin to take advantage of it.

red said..
Yep... never be the pit... but then again... the pit will never be the pit

....again.

kato said..
Ssssh Daffy. We don't want the unworthy at the Pit . That last session was........Ok

Not a worry Kato. We throw them in, and if they survive, they are worthy!

Thanks everyone , lots of info there

ill let some of you know if I'm around the place. Pretty keen just to drive away enjoy new places,

cheers
got the gear ready , just need wind

Thanks again guys ,

does sandy point work on westerly!? Or does it have to have some south in it ?!

Ie west is too down wind, you suggested wsw is that the limit

cheers

I'm planning to sail Swan Bay. Forecast looks good Wednesday through to Sunday.

DUKE4 said..
Good places to sail on westerly if at sandy point? Down here now and forecast is for full bore westerly ,

Did you go?
if you did. Did you survive and have you thawed out yet?

PS: The snow was good!