SA
121 posts
hi crew,
just wondering if anyone has sailed much from the islands, Im heading up to work for a few weeks.
I know that there is good trade winds but is there a couple of spots that just go off or will i be dreaming?
Ill be based on Hamilton Island
NSW
1282 posts
I did a marathon from Mackay to Airlie Beach about 20 years ago. Had an absolute ball racing North from island to island. Unfortunatley we didn't stay in one spot for more than a night so I can't vouch for any one spot but sailing off Catseye beach and in the Dent passage was fun i fthe tides were right (heaps of current if not).
28 posts
In the late 80's I worked on Sth Molle, sailed a 8'4" wave board from Shute Harbour to Sth Molle then used the Molle as a base.
Great sailing, warm water, but the currents are huge.
QLD
144 posts
there is some fun sailing straight off the windward beach on Hammo but watch the tide. the guys/gals in watersport on the resort side of the island will be able to clue you in for spots. it used to be called "Johno's" but I'm not sure what it's known as now.
not sure what your plan is for gear, but keep in mind you can't take your car to hammo, and once you're there the only way around the rock is by foot or by buggy (expensive). so you'll want to store your gear close to where you're sailing (again, I'd talk to the watersport mob).
naturally there are no wave spots but wind-against-tide conditions in the passages can make for some amazing ramps!
matt
QLD
142 posts
well i have been sailing (on big boats) up there many time but never ws'ed there...watch out for the tides they are massive so make sure u can get bact to beach. but that said in bettween the islands the winds just whip up so you should be able get some great runs (and ramps, as said) but really watch out for the tides
kris