Hi all,
Had a pretty boring day at work. Pulled up from stats from windguru and BOM for the max daily recorded windspeeds at Sydney airport.
Ive calculated the % of days over the year that the windspeed registered in the following wind speed categories. You can very quickly understand why NSW does not have a slalom racing class but has a strong formula racing format.
Wind Speed Knots 28+ 22-27 16-21 11-15 7-10 0-7
Yearly 0.0% 0.2% 3.0% 22.2% 45.5% 29.1%
Autumn 0.0% 0.0% 1.2% 17.1% 44.4% 37.3%
Winter 0.2% 0.4% 3.2% 17.9% 36.7% 41.6%
Spring 0.0% 0.2% 4.7% 21.5% 51.5% 22.1%
Summer 0.0% 0.4% 3.1% 33.7% 50.5% 12.2%
Enjoy...
Cheers
David
I'll tell you that!
Wind Speed Knots 28+ 22-27 16-21 11-15 7-10 0-7
Yearly 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 10% 30% 60%
Seriously, were these stats compiled over a number of years or a particular time period? Whatever the answer is, there is only one conclusion - formula or wally sailing is the go in Sydney.
Yeah, probably couldn't see myself buying < 6m sail new as it wouldn't get enough use per year to justify the cost.
I see it as a positive. If you consider that 1 in 3 days will be 11-15kts. Buy equipment that suits the conditions and will get you planning.
Those figures would be average for the entire day too. So in summer when it's zero knots all morning, then we get a 20knot seabreeze for 6 hours in the afternoon, the day will register an average of 5 knots. (Figures simplified for my simlpified knowledge of maths).
I'd be happy with one of those 5 knot days.
Good point Shear Tip.
I'm still tempted to get a longboard/SUP for those classic lightwind cross off days..
Thanks for that Shear Tip. Averages make it sound much better. Who cares if it blows 2 knots at 3am?
I don't follow the stats, but i know my Formula Gear is used almost every weekend,
(In fairness, this is because it can be used in such a huge wind range 7-25knots).
My Slalom and High wind wave kit generally sits in the garage.
I hate to admit it, but these days, I look forward to the 10-15knot sunny sailing
(most days of summer) than the 25knot wind blown days on small kit.
I'm still surprised how many windsurfers have not evolved to sailing in lighter conditions. 130lts board and 8.5m sailing is incredibly rewarding, in my opinion.
The other benefit, is my wife and kids enjoy the beach while i get to sail, which is definitely not the case in 25knot.
Cheers
