freshwater venues close to Melb eastern suburbs?

> 10 years ago
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pedro e
pedro e
VIC
257 posts
VIC, 257 posts
27 Jun 2008 7:33pm
Does anyone know of any good spots for freshwater sailing within easy reach of Melbourne's eastern suburbs?
Bondalucci
Bondalucci
VIC
1580 posts
VIC, 1580 posts
27 Jun 2008 9:28pm
Pedro,
Depends how far you are prepared to drive, and how big an expanse of water you want.

Lysterfield lake out near Narre Warren (Berwick) works best on a Nthly, but also on a Sthly too. Anything else and you get too many holes around the edges. Can be good, but the runs are fairly short.

If you want bigger and are prepared to drive further, Hazelwood Pondage out at Morwell (just past Moe), is unique. Unique because the water is warm as it is used to cool the power station. (no 3 eyed Simpsons fish to worry about either)

"mmmmmmmm.......warm water in Victoria thats not wee"

Think the pondage works on any direction, but someone else will know better than I.

Make sure there is good wind forecast as it's a decent drive and petrol prices are not to be sneezed at. Also factor in the lower flotation factor of fresh water especially in marginal conditions. (bigger sail or higher volume board)

Ive had some good sails at Hazelwood in the old days , but always found Lysterfield a bit frustrating.

Hope this helps.

Why the need for fresh water to sail in anyway
pedro e
pedro e
VIC
257 posts
VIC, 257 posts
28 Jun 2008 11:09am
Thanks for that. I noticed the Lysterfield lake on Google maps and wondered about it. It is reasonably close.

Fresh water appeals partly for a change, partly to give the gear a good wash, and partly for the flat water and thus speed potential. Also, I grew up in NZ and spent summer holidays sailing dinghies on Lake Wanaka and Wakitipu, amongst others, and much as I love the ocean, just appreciate the different environment.

When I windsurfed many years ago in Christchurch (1981 or so), I think I was the first, and probably only person to ever windsurf up the Avon river from the estuary up to the city centre, on a long board, just for the hell of it!

Haircut
Haircut
QLD
6491 posts
QLD, 6491 posts
28 Jun 2008 12:05pm
hazelwood pondage works on SW S SE E NE, the hill stops the wind on W, NW & N-ish. Very short sharp chop alot of the times. but waaaaaarm ESE to SE is great as u can sit tight against the eastern bank which irons out the chop. There used to be a dedicated windsurfing rigging area next to the pony club, but the closed access off. u can still rig near an old tin bus stop on the southern road (switchback rd) that runs to churchill, and sail out into the main pondage, or just rig anywhere in the boating or yachting areas. The top half is supposed to be dedicated power boating area, and lower half dedicated yachting but i don't think anyone really gives a toss where they go

you might draw a bit of attention because your doing something different and not the usual mandatory footy, cars, or v8 boats, so wear your bullet proof wetsuit

if u there around christmas, might catch u there

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