Jo
Some replies/opinions to your posting.
1) Re the substrate - I've seen similar systems, and never seen one which is comparable to grass for softness. In every case I've ever seen, the substrate soon ends up on top with tufts of grass trying to grow around it. So why is this important ? A new windsurfing board is worth approx. $1800-2500, and a sail $700-$1000. In both cases they are extremely fragile, and putting a board & sail (known as a "rig") down on bitumen/concrete/gravel/anything remotely hard, especially when the wind is blowing, scratches/chips the board, and tears holes in the sail, which is esentially the same material the camera film is made from. Thus from my perspective, if you are going to rip up the grass and install a substrate, you might as well make it bitumen, as either way we can no longer use it for rigging up.
2) Re peak periods - On any given day dozens of boats go out, most come back before lunch, but there is always a few who stay out all day. Under the proposed plan by lunchtime most the cars/trailers may be off the grass area - but there will always be 2/4/6 who will remain right in the middle of the area Windsurfers use. How can this be managed ? When they come back to get their car and it's surrounded by boards and sails, and their car is dented from boards or sails blowing around, it's a recipe for conflict.
3) Re the area Windsurfers use - Go have a look any day the wind blows, but in short from the West side of the carpark to about 50 metres West of the existing shower. Beyond that point, very few use the area.
Very few sailors rig on the area to the East of the existing carpark - why not turn this area into carparking ?
4) Re erosion - I too share resident's concerns about this, and I'm sure we could improve this if there was better communication between the council and the sailors, and some understanding of the issues. In short, a big sail is up to 6 metres tall, 2.6 metres wide, and most boards are around 2.7 metres long. Connected together, they are a big, unweildy, hard to handle package we are trying to get down to the water. We need a "window" 4-6 wide to get down to the water, with no posts or signs either side. Last year the council installed a path to the water with koppers logs either side, about 1.5 metres wide. There is no way we can walk, with our rig, through something this narrow. Thus, we are all forced to walk over the vegitation to get to the water. There is also a habit of walking down to the water in front of the carpark, and exiting right in front of the showers so we can wash our rigs. If a designated walkway was created, we would use it. Once again, if the council engaged users, they would understand our behaviours instead of installing facilties which are more of a hinderance than a help.
In summary, it would benefit both sides if the council were to engage the Safety Bay Windsurfing Club and discuss these issues. I'm sure there is a compromise that will suit everyone. To date, my personal perspective is all the effort is being put into trying to convince Windsurfers the current plan is perfect as is, instead of trying to look at all the options and consider a better plan. Hope this helps.
