Hi,

I must specialize in sailing the places no one else like to go.  For Lanier, Vann's Tavern seems to be the spot most often prefered for NE, E, and SE.  I often go there myself, esp. if I'm hoping to find another windsurfer.  (More often than not, it doesn't pay off.)

However, I suggest that those living on the 400 side of Lanier give Tidwell a look.  There are several advantages vis-a-vis Vann's Tavern:

1.  Closer - say about 10 minutes (maybe a little less) each way.  Round trip, save 15-20 minutes.  If your not that sure of the wind, why drive any further than you have too?  (I sometimes drive up to Tidwell for lunch, then go sailing if it looks good.)

2.  You can drive down to the lake and drop your gear off.  No hauling it down to the beach ala VT.  This saves you time as well, maybe even more than the drive.  (NO need to haul it back up again either).  No long walk up to your car to get whatever you forgot.

3.  Heated restrooms open all year.

4.  Wind shadow is usually much less than VT.  If its a due E, there is almost no windshadow.  In fact, for E, the wind may even be a little stronger close to shore.  Don't need to sail out 1/4 mile or more before you get the wind.

5.  Fetch - one of the longest on the lake.

6.  No islands in the way to clutter up your sailing.

7.  Grassy rigging area - its got one too.

8.  For newer sailors, if you get blown downwind, you will be in a cove that is not a bad walk back.  (I know, I've been there.)

9.  Wind - never seen anything that says there's more at VT than Tidwell, but SE is not quite as good at Tidwell as VT.  S is better at Tidwell however.  For NE, or E,I think they are about the same.

OK, I admit, there are some drawbacks, the launch is a litte rocky, not a big deal, however.   And there is generally not another windsurfer in sight.  (Which is why I'm posting this.  Also, more often than not that describes VT as well, even when there is some wind.)

So the next time your rolling up 400, why not turn off at Exit 16 and give it a try.

Randy