I just got back from Fred Howard and they have made some nice improvements there. They have added a very nice sod rigging area with palm trees on the south side of the island. The family really enjoyed the viewing area and the shade.
The people were some of the nicest I have ever sailed with except for one clown that decided to criticized every piece of equipment that I got off the car including my new Hifly Madd 138. He made it clear to everyone that the Madd was slow and not a good option. I got my fill and bluntly told him that he could prove how slow I was on the water. After a few minutes of sailing he disappeared. I wasn't the best or the fastest but fast enough to get him to move along. He loaded his stuff and left. I later found out that his nickname around there is Big Mouth Gene.
If you make it down there hook up with someone and sail the couple miles out to the island with the lighthouse. The further you go the nicer the water gets. The chop also gets much larger out there. Great for you jumpers.
This was my third trip down there and would recomend it to anyone.
Alan,
I think he was jealous of your board. I got to try it (138) and it's really a nice board! I was highly advised to get the 138 instead of the 115... It also seems smaller than it's volume indicates. For our lake sailing, you probably won't need to get super size fin(s) to counter your large sails because of the twin fins. Your Veloce did great at Banana River and I don't think I'll use the E Rock much anymore. Both boards received some scorn by the pros that were milling around. Will keep it for the boys to learn on.
One day at Banana River the water was as smooth as glass - not a ripple and it was around 20 just off the surface. It was a surreal, buttery ride! Too bad Beth and Greg will be closing up the resort soon. They bought a house in Bonaire and plan to hold some clinics there.
Mimi
I agree about the 138 Mimi. The advantage of the board is the twin fins don't create the leverage that a single long fin creates. This enables you to carry enough fin area to get you through the dead spots and the lack of fin leverage allows you to carry the same fins in the gusts. It is perfect for around here. I talked to one lady down there that went to one of the island locations that had rentals. She rented one the first day and said it was the best board she had ever ridden. The following days she tried to rent it again but every day there was a line of people trying to get it so she never could. She was about your size and was having the same problem deciding between the 115 and the 138. She said she wished they had a 125. She lives in St Pete so I think the 115 would be better for her but here I think the 138 would be better. When powered up they feel like they lose about 20 liters. The fins make them very lively. The biggest problem with them is the looks and comments that you have to put up with when you carry it to the water. Once on the water people shut up though.
Glad you had fun at Banana River. The good sailors like the chop but for me I like the smooth water, fully powered and relaxing.
Keep the board as long as you want. I am not worried about the money. Just sail it and have fun.
How about tomorrow at Galts. We might get enough west and we have gear to wash. At least that can be an excuse.
I can make it Tuesday morning at Galts. If you go or anyone else, I'll be there early!!! Will pack it up today to be ready!
Mimi
Now there's a dream come true, sell it all and move to Bonaire! Nice!