Seriously though, for those who have not sailed in Portland harbour, here is what to look forward to:-
Portland harbour is a large protected area of water. It tends to be relatively flat, with a normal south-westerly the wind sweeps into the harbour over Chisel beach & close to launch site is very flat (off shore wind - but don't worry its safe as you are enclosed by the far harbour wall & it is shallow within at least 100 yards of the launch site). Even in last weekends northerly with the wind sweeping in across Weymouth bay & therefore onshore at the launch site, the chop is relatively small.
These flatish protected waters are great for beginners, those perfecting the carve gybe, freestylers & speeeeed.
It will be the site of the 2012 Olympic sailing competitions, so if nothing else, come & see for yourself the venue where the sailing golds are going to be settled. There is a fair chance that there maybe some racing going on in some part of the harbour to watch too - there was this past weekend, but the harbour is so large this does not get in the way.
More info soon........
Lawrence and Nuala
Last updated: 05/05/10 13:38 By: Andrew
Views: 452
Added by Lawrence on 05/05/10
TIDES:-
29 May 0728 1.9m
29 May 1229 0.3m
29 May 1946 2.1m
30 May 0051 0.3m
30 May 0807 1.9m
30 May 1308 0.3m
30 May 2020 2.0m
31 May 0130 0.3m
31 May 0840 1.8m
31 May 1344 0.4m
31 May 2048 1.9m
......& for those pulling a sicky on Tuesday 'coz its gona be such a great weekend you wont want to leave....
1 June 0208 0.3m
1 June 0908 1.7m
1 June 1417 0.5m
1 June 2114 1.8m
We will be based in the boat/yacht yard car park on the left as you are driving over towards portland bill. There is a car park charge of £5 for the day for cars & £8 for van/campers. If this car park is full there is a cheaper larger public car park on the opposite side of the road, but it means carrying your kit across the road.
The barrier goes up at about 5pm, & Nu has been advised that you may be able to stay in car park overnight, but there may be a small charge in the morning for any van/camper still there at 8am in the morning when the barrier goes back down (to control/charge for the day), plus the charge for a new days parking. There is a porta cabin there with cafe & toilets but no showers this year due to renovations.
Nu & I will be staying in our Portland Penthouse suite (aka Nu's mum & dads), but Nu has found details of a campsite near by - Pebble bank campsite, camp road 01305 774844, www.pebblebank.co.uk , info@pebblebank.co.uk guide price is £10-£20 & they have 40 tent pitches. Static vans are ok. They have a Launderette & family bar & restraunt.
Local windsurf shop is Windtek, located on lefthand side as you drive down the hill to go across road to Portland bill. www.windtek.co.uk , 01305 787900
I have added a photo of our van to this post, so anyone new to OMWC can locate us more easily - although if the boat yard car park is full / too busy we may be forced to park elsewhere......I have this 'secret' little bay that I can launch from & join you all at 'base camp' if necessary, but we hope to have the van on the site as a land mark for others at least.
Added by Duncan on 16/05/10
I'll be there! Admittedly the only bit of kit I own is a board but I'm sure something will turn up, maybe lots of babysitting!
Duncan
Added by Lawrence on 17/05/10
Cool!!!! - do you want me to bring the speed board down? 
Nu says we don't need you to babysit, as her mum will have them, but how are you fixed the following weekend?
Seriously, if you want to borrow some kit, let us know what you want us to bring down......or you could come & take a look yourself at 'The Store'.
Added by Lawrence on 25/05/10
Hi All, Lawrence here with a forecast update for the Weymouth event this coming weekend.
Windguru forecast is looking good for Sat (gfs 20knts), Sun (gfs 15knts) & Mon (gfs 15knts - just) all south/westerly quadrant based which is great for Portland harbour - flat water blasting.
Only dampener might be a few hours of rain Sat pm (but we will be wet by then anyway), & a chance of a few hours rain mid day Monday.......well it wouldn't be a proper Bank holiday without a bit of rain would it?
......told you all I'd ordered the wind! See you down there!!!!
Added by beth on 25/05/10
Forecast looks pretty awesome for this weekend! A little rainy but some real wind finally. Mike and the girls may venture down there or West ward Ho. Have fun. The minute I paid for my flight to Lanzarote I guaranteed you wind.
Added by kdebeer on 26/05/10
I'll probably do a bit of Weymouth this weekend, not sure what kit Duncan needs but happy to lend what I have spare.
Added by Lawrence on 26/05/10
Beth - cheers! We owe you one (but when it comes to wind in the UK right now, I'll believe it when I see it!). I'm sure you'll have a great time in 'gotti......
....would be awesome if we get to see Mick & the girl's down in Weymouth too......I'm sure between us that we will make sure Mike gets support so he gets a sail in too....we have the child care sorted when in Weymouth due to Nu's parents being down there......Weymouth has suddenly become our new fave spot
Added by Lawrence on 28/05/10
Sat & Sun still looking good for wind in Weymouth / Portland harbour!!!! wahoooooo!!!!
We will be heading down early Sat morning - c you there.
Added by nuporter on 28/05/10
Hi- just in case there isnt any wind this weekend- Ill lead a bike ride around Portland (mostly road and tracks- Lawrence only has road tyres so it wont be too difficult!!) on one day, and another ride round Osmington (north Weymouth)- leaving from Portland harbour....... in other words.... bring a bike if you are interested!!
Not sure how things will be regarding eating in the evening. Ill wait to see who is turning up before booking into a pub or arranging a bbq/takeaway.
See you there
Nuala xxx
Added by Carl on 28/05/10
We'll be down early Sat too, 3 stars showing on windguru now, the tide will be in then also. Early breakfast on the beach it is. See you there.
Social Bookmarks: