I'm going to Hilton Head next week. I've read the info on HH in the places to sail section. Anybody been there recently with anything to update the HH info?
Randy
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What happens in a black hole stays in a black hole.
Tim Carter is an expert on sailing there. He has some great stories to tell. (Ask him about the frontpage coverage in the newspaper and the Coast Guard story).
Be sure to take your landsailor thing. The beach is huge at low tide and very hard packed. (It's tiny at high tide). I think they don't allow those on the beach during high season, so your timing is good.
Mike Overton runs Outside Hilton Head. They used to be the WS shop but are now outfitters and kayak/eco-tour operators. He was getting into kites, but still windsurfed the last time we saw him. He is probably the best source for places to go, etc.
Oh I just read that HHI thing in Places to Sail. The last time we were there (3 years ago) the Sea Pines people were pretty hardnosed about access. Almost all the places mentioned are inside the plantation. Maybe it's different now... and if you're staying inside Sea Pines - no problemo.
A couple of times in the off-season, I've parked at the Sea Side Villas on South Beach, or is it Foreest Beach? Heck, can't remember, but anyway it's the main public beach where the Holiday Inn is near that traffic circle at Coligny Plaza. Very easy access for really easy-going open ocean sailing if the wind is right, of course. I've been out in 20 knots there without a vicious shorebreak to deal with. You have to ask the folks in the villa office if you can come in there temporarily -- I usually tell them I'm a regular summer renter and I'm just going to be here for 2 -3 hours today, and, please could I get in an empty corner of the lot. It's been no problem. Rigging on grass and easy walk out.
Chuck - I missed your original post, so I guess you're there this week. We stay in Sea Pines so I usually sail out of the Yuppie Beach club. Sometimes the guards at the parking lot are a little stiff, but if you assure them that you're launching and landing away from any beach crowds, they'll let you in. One year, there was a jerk on duty - Adolf something or other - so I would drive in and park in the morning before the guards show up and just bike in when it was rip time. The life guards are very flexible, buit it's a good idea to schmooze a little before you launch. just make sure they know you know whatb you're doing and you won't spear any kids named Chad or Amber and they'll be cool. The other real good spot is South Beach. they changed the rules a few years back and you have to be a property owner to park in their lot. But it's possible to talk your way past some of the guards. no problem if you're sailing after 5 pm. Last spot inside Sea pines is the sound. It is the gorge when you catch on shore winds and outgoing tide, but under all other directions, watch the current - it is overpowering. I'm not sure what stories Chris is talking about. I've only made the paper twice down there following searches by the coast guard. they found and rescued me once. The second time, I wasn't so lucky - which is why I'm not sure just where I am any more. Have fun.
Tim Carter is an expert on sailing there. He has some great stories to tell. (Ask him about the frontpage coverage in the newspaper and the Coast Guard story).
Be sure to take your landsailor thing. The beach is huge at low tide and very hard packed. (It's tiny at high tide). I think they don't allow those on the beach during high season, so your timing is good.
Mike Overton runs Outside Hilton Head. They used to be the WS shop but are now outfitters and kayak/eco-tour operators. He was getting into kites, but still windsurfed the last time we saw him. He is probably the best source for places to go, etc.
cv
Oh I just read that HHI thing in Places to Sail. The last time we were there (3 years ago) the Sea Pines people were pretty hardnosed about access. Almost all the places mentioned are inside the plantation. Maybe it's different now... and if you're staying inside Sea Pines - no problemo.
A couple of times in the off-season, I've parked at the Sea Side Villas on South Beach, or is it Foreest Beach? Heck, can't remember, but anyway it's the main public beach where the Holiday Inn is near that traffic circle at Coligny Plaza. Very easy access for really easy-going open ocean sailing if the wind is right, of course. I've been out in 20 knots there without a vicious shorebreak to deal with. You have to ask the folks in the villa office if you can come in there temporarily -- I usually tell them I'm a regular summer renter and I'm just going to be here for 2 -3 hours today, and, please could I get in an empty corner of the lot. It's been no problem. Rigging on grass and easy walk out.
Chuck Hardin
Whitecap Windsurfing, Inc.
c:706-833-WIND (9463)
Chuck - I missed your original post, so I guess you're there this week. We stay in Sea Pines so I usually sail out of the Yuppie Beach club. Sometimes the guards at the parking lot are a little stiff, but if you assure them that you're launching and landing away from any beach crowds, they'll let you in. One year, there was a jerk on duty - Adolf something or other - so I would drive in and park in the morning before the guards show up and just bike in when it was rip time. The life guards are very flexible, buit it's a good idea to schmooze a little before you launch. just make sure they know you know whatb you're doing and you won't spear any kids named Chad or Amber and they'll be cool. The other real good spot is South Beach. they changed the rules a few years back and you have to be a property owner to park in their lot. But it's possible to talk your way past some of the guards. no problem if you're sailing after 5 pm. Last spot inside Sea pines is the sound. It is the gorge when you catch on shore winds and outgoing tide, but under all other directions, watch the current - it is overpowering. I'm not sure what stories Chris is talking about. I've only made the paper twice down there following searches by the coast guard. they found and rescued me once. The second time, I wasn't so lucky - which is why I'm not sure just where I am any more. Have fun.