I have been watching the winter westerlies over the last few years - NSW gets quite a few of them, sometimes the westerly pattern makes it all the way up the coast. This year there is an East Coast Low forming over central NSW, looking like some strong wind on Wednesday 2nd July.

When I watch the pressure distribution, it appears that Brisbane in particular seems to have stronger wind, but not south at Gold Coast or north at Sunshine Coast or further north. This appears to be due a mountain formation somewhere further inland. Is my observation accurate ?

Depending on the direction-of-flow of the wind, I would typically try Wellington Point in a Westerly or NW'er, Sandstone Point / Bribie Island in a SW'er - both good flat'ish water blasting. I did try Woody Point just recently but found it to be extremely gusty and shifty. Are there other sailable locations in a Westerly in the Brisbane / GC / SC region ?

Is Wellington Point the go for this Wednesday ?

Pelican park near woody point is not bad either!
Work getting in the way for me though!

was considering wello today.

did anyone catch any of it?

the forecasts are just not as reliable anymore

airsail said..

starboarder said..
the forecasts are just not as reliable anymore

Westerlies aren't reliable at the best of times. They tend to blow stronger in the mornings and die in the afternoon, opposite to summer seabreezes.

I am saying all year round....

Follow up post for Sunday 3rd August.

Got a good sail at Sandstone Point. Wind was SW, water was reasonably flat, wind was good. Was good on a ~5m, then moved down 4.0m

Its a good location for a SW-Southerly (not good in a Westerly). Low-tide can be a bit too shallow near the shore - best from mid-tide onwards with 4-7ft depth in most places. I would consider the location is reasonable safe - worst case downwind is Bribie Island (and a very long walk back).

Try Margate / woody point
by far the nicest westerly spot

bowsa said..
Try Margate / woody point
by far the nicest westerly spot

Went to Clontarf - very very gusty - the wind flows through the bridge pylons. If the wind shifts to dead-west, it drops off significantly. If it was a true SW'er it would be cross-shore, but with more west in the direction, the sailing is now offshore direction.... which doesn't seem to be a great idea.

Woody Point would be less gusty due to the fetch. A bit concerning that there isn't a safe exit strategy.

Where do I launch when at Woody Point ?

Looking good for wello tomorrow mid morning.
Tide good all day