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Written by Cookie-Monster
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Saturday, 02 November 2002 |
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So why do you want to know about Sailing at Hayling Island, it's on the south coast for Gods sake! W
ell some of us hardy Northerner's now live in the south for our sin's and it's good to know how the other half lives.....
Hayling is just one of many places within easy reach of Motorway system which is just crying out for a visit. It offers a wide variety of sailing conditions suited both to the beginner and the expert (I kid you not, I've seen 'em), it also holds a windsurfing car boot sail. This is a very good chance to combine a sailing trip and pick up some cheap gear, I cannot recommend this enough.
Hayling Island - west end, this is the main wave sailing spot, there is a convenient car park over looking the break with a good rigging area. At low water, which is the best time to go, you have a sandy beach to launch from and it remains shallow for some way out. This area is perfect for beginners as it remains flat even with the biggest swell. So where are the waves? There is a sand bar about half a mile out and you've guest it, this is where you'll find the waves. In a SW to a W you WILL be able ride down the line (front side), wave size varies according to the swell but I've riden logo high waves and thats about average. At high water the sandy beach disapears and you have beach break on shingle, the waves aren't as defined but it's like sailing out back at West Kirby but with the waves coming at you.
Hayling Island - Langstone Harbour, those of us who aren't all that brave and don't fancy facing the beach break can move into Langstone Harbour which offers flat water sailing. A very good option int very strong winds.
Hayling Island - Car boot sail!! A chance to pick up good quality second hand gear at very cheap prices. It happens on the last Sunday of each month at Shore Watersports, here you can pick up brand new gear and clothing.
So how do you get to this mecca for southern sailors? Easy....
From London - Take the A3 and follow the signs for Hayling Island.
From the North - M6, M42, M40, A34, M3, now take the M27 EAST and the A27. You will now find signs for Hayling Island.
As you go over the bridge onto the Island take you first left before the garage and left again at the Hotel to get to the car boot sail.
Carry striaght on then take a right imeadiately after the second garage to find the small car park for Langstone Harbour.
For the West End, follow the road until you reach a round about by the fun fair, take a right and keep going until the houses thin out on your left and then turn left into the car park, park at the far end of the car park to sail. If your planing on staying over night there are B & B's or camp sites but if can sleep in your van the Inn on the Beach allows you to stay in their car Park (it's all very obvious when you get there).
Good Luck and happy sailing, if there is any further interest you may find your travel correspondent can do location reports on other South coast venues?
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