Hey,

I visited the folks last week in Sarasota (560 miles/9 hours) last week and managed to get in a few good, though short sessions. I cut them short to spend time with the family. Had wind three out of the seven days. It was surprisingly cold for South Florida and it turned out to be a good thing I brought the full (5/3) suit. That just reinforces the advice to always bring everything on trips.

The first day was on Sunday afternoon, Feb 15, using a 6.5 and the Phoenix on a North wind. I was planning about half the time (in the gusts). I should have rigged the 8.5 but was too lazy and the smaller sail is more fun. Warm enough to wear my shorty, but most locals in full suits.

The second day was Tuesday afternoon with a 5.4 and the Copello. Arguably the best day with steady NW wind and flat water. Even managed to jibe the Copello several times. That surprised the heck out of me. The temps were in the low 50’s so I wore the full suit.

The last day was Wednesday morning with a North wind. Started out on a 5.4 and the Copello, but rigged the 6.5 as the wind dropped. Found out you need to be aware of the tide as the low water reduced the sailing area and created some shallow areas that would have been a problem had I not been using a small wave fin. The temps were in the 50’s again so lots of neoprene.

All the sailing was done on the north side of the John Ringling (of Ringling Circus fame) Causeway/Boulevard, just west of the main bridge. The intercoastal waterway goes under this span. Beware when sailing across the channel as you could very easily get run over by one of the very nice luxury yachts that steam through there. It’s noticeably choppier there too and turning around is harder. Note that there are no toilets there so plan ahead.

The sailing area is a large bay area west of the channel. There are some shallow areas in the middle and around the west side so be careful, especially on low tide. Might be a good idea to take it slow the first few runs to make sure you don’t bottom out.

The locals all said that Ken Thompson Park was a better launch with a nicer rigging area. It’s on the north side of the sailing area. They it said to use it on any winds with southerly components. I don’t know about toilets there. See link to map for a better visual.

There’s also a really nice shopping area near the South launch. It’s called St. Armand’s Circle and is about one mile walk to the West. It could be handy diversion in case you’re traveling with a non-windsurfing person. Plus, Island Style Windsurfing shop is just a few blocks north of the causeway on Highway 41’s West side. Note that the shop can help point out wave and kitesailing spots for the more adventurous than me.

I never saw many folks out on the water, maybe because of the cold temps. Sunday was the most with about six or so. Those I spoke with were very friendly and were eager point out information about sailing there. The old “Whatcha riggin” also seems to be a universal icebreaker with windsurfers there as with everywhere else.

Bill

http://maps.yahoo.com/maps_result?ed=M7tNO.p_0TqT&csz=sarasota%2C+fl&country=us