Well we are into Feb and now we finally have some wind! So game on .
We still have Lake C to run, and we will run it this month, however February was always listed as Sandgate so we will hopefully be able to run this Sunday if the wind persists.
Tides for Sandgate work this weekend, then again next fortnight.
So we are on 'alert' for a Freerace this Sunday, at Sandgate , weather permitting, Sign on from 12pm, updates later in the week.
** STOP NEWS**
Hot off the press!
Subject to boats being available and helpers, wind strength and direction, there is an exciting challenge for experienced sailors this Sunday also, full bragging rights, who knows maybe a bottle of rum or ctn of beer....a race within the race so to speak.
Surf Connect Jetty to Jetty Challenge!
A mad dash across the bay from Sandgate Jetty to Woody Point Jetty and back, simple as that.
FR competitors that do the dash and get back within the hour just need to keep sailing at the Sandgate end to fill in the remaining hours to make up the full 1HR.
The 1Hr GPS results are all that will be entered into the overall Freerace title score board, Jetty to Jetty is a simply a line honours bragging rights!...for the moment.
PDF's will be mandatory for this event (they always are) but officials will check for this one .
1/2 hour FR competitors will be still be sailing the normal FR GPS format, and the same for 1hr competitors if they don't want to do the dash.
There will also be updates to the KA72.com IT reporting software which also will show races within the race, best NM, best 10Sec, etc ..these will be confirmed closer to the date also pending software updates..again these are just races within the race to keep it interesting and hopefully relates well for the GPS Guys.
So there i something in it for everyone, don't forget every entry gets you a chance to win prizes in the end of season random prize draw including a BRAND NEW SAIL!
Stay tuned for details, NOR and event registration links later in the week, spread the word amongst your friends.
Its been a while so any questions ask away here and we will endeavour to answer as soon as we get off the water and onto a computer!
'
Righto I have some questions as a newbe to Sandgate. Where exactly are we sailing from as in where do we meet up? I have a trailer so need to plan ahead for parking somewhere. Also on google earth I'm assuming shows low tide as there is no water. How shallow is it and how far out? What's the bottom like there? Is it muddy with coral and rocks like Wello (do we need boots). How rough is the water in a SE'r. Seems like it might be pretty rough open water in this location especially after a week of onshore wind/swell. Sorry for all the questions but it helps for those that have never been.
Cheers
Marty
Hi Martin,
Sandgate is a great sailing spot, especially on a SE the event site is pretty much straight out the front of Sponsors SURF CONNECT
www.surfconnect.com//, this will also show you where they are, even has a live webcam!
Heaps of parking, even for trailers, grass, shade, BBQ's, Kids park and swim pool right near by, café and Fish and chips close by also, its a great venue!
Padi at Surf Connect is a great supporters of Freerace and he has a great rescue IRB and a team of experienced water sports instructors that lend a hand on the day also.
Tide will be high, so no long walk, beach is pretty much sand and firm bottom no mud!, no sizeable rocks that I know of, booties not required.
Generally small mushy powerless onshore baby waves can be expected, medium rolling swells out back but heaps of room between them, so its smooth in between the swells, not choppy you just sail over the backs of them (they will be side on) and then use them for your gybes!
The Jetty to Jetty if SE will (should) be just sailing one way no turns/tacks each way required.
Totally aware of the wind/waves/swell situation if things get too gnarly we won't put people out there simple as that, but we really don't expect that to be the case, especially with the cyclone moving away quickly...our biggest concern is ensuring wind!
Its a great spot and the blast across the bay will be a hoot!
Hope this helps,
Don't for get to pre register if you can via website with secure Pay Pal, you can get there either here
www.freeracequeensland.com/entry-faq-s.html
www.windwanderers.org.au/Events/FreeRace/OnlineEntryFees.aspx
See you there.
No Wind Forecast For Sunday Brisbane, 
so unfortunately Sandgate event is rescheduled to Sunday the 22nd.
It's been an epic week for wind, hope you all got some, next week looks good also.
Freerace 4 Sandgate Incorporating the Jetty to Jetty , is on 'Alert Status' at this point for this Sunday 22nd.
Weather Forecasts are all over the place currently, could be anything from a Cyclone to 5knts on Sunday, and we can't run in either of those conditions!
Will also have to look at Swells/Tides etc that result from the system, just in case things get crazy.
Way to early to call at this point, update later in the week...enjoy the wind that is out there now!
it should be obvious, but just to confirm with the Cyclone warning/watch in place there will be NO Freerace this Sunday 22nd
Stay safe and dry everyone, special thoughts to the guys at Surf Connect who are right in the path of some potential big flooding.
