Can anyone use the rigging area and beach at the south-east end of Manly Harbour (near the yachting association). It seems to me, this might be a better lauching spot rather than stumbling down the rock wall ?
There are ups and downs to this spot
Ups
No steps, good launch from sand from around half tide up
downs
Pretty thick mud on low tide , and a longer walk than manly
Alot less parks, and not as much grass
wind is alittle gusty in south easters
A few kites (but they are good blokes)
G'day - I sometimes cast off from that beach & it usually works well. I (along with a few others) also set off from the sandy boat ramp at Darling Point (per attached map)
Also ups & downs for this spot:
Ups:
- You can park right next to the rigging & launch area
- Heaps of rigging space
- You can keep an eye on your car/gear from out on the water
- Sandy ramp & surrounding seabed
- On-shore breeze for E, SE & S wind
- Flat water
- heaps of people can see you & call somebody if you get in strife
Downs:
- Fair bit of traffic on a good day ... I've always found fellow windsurfers very polite ... nearly dropped my sail on one bloke - he just dodged it and had a bit of a chuckle - if that person is reading this, my apologies!
- Launching involves crossing the esplanade bike/walking path
- The ramp is occassionally used by people launching small boats, cats etc
- Parking on the busy esplanade makes loading to a roof-rack (like me) a bit sketchy
- There's a perpetual crowd of onlookers to laugh at you if you stuff up a move
I'll actually be down at that spot about 1pm on Saturday, hope to see you there!
Tim
Hi Tim. great feedback. That spot also works really well on a high tide in a big NE. You can get to Wello from there on one tack.
Came along to the Royal Queensland Yacht Club on the Saturday and you will be able to drive right in, park down the back and launch from the beach there. WQ will shout you a cold drink and you can have a go on the demo gear that Goodtime will have there. If you are really keen you can even have a go at the marathon planned for 2.00pm.
See post titled "Windsurfing Extravaganza"
