Sheldrake Point

[Geoff]

Somewhat unexpected (as I wasn’t looking), there was a decent ESE wind today and it was warm and sunny. I looked at the Finger Lakes Recreational Boating forecast and it said “10”, while iWindsurf said 10-15. Realizing that 10 (much less 10-15) blowing down the middle axis of Cayuga would funnel the wind, I took a conference call in my truck on-route to Sheldrake Point. Got there at about 3:40.

I’ve sailed at Sheldrake on a SE about 3 or 4 times, and it’s always come up bigger than expected. Not sure if that is luck or something systematic.

At the site (a boat launch), I walked out on to the remnants of an old pier and measured 15 (scattered caps agreed). I rigged the 7.5 and the iSonic, hoping for a fair bit of gusts 15-20 and not too much in the 10 range.

Got out, and it pretty much was as I hoped for 15 minutes – ESE off the bluffs, a bit swirly but gusts to plane – and then there was a pretty big lull. Schlogged for several minutes, but could see wind coming. And boy, did it come. Arrived in the 15 range, but rapidly increased to 20, probably 25, major capping, I’d call it 5.5 (and was trying to hold on to my 7.5). Only had until 5:30 or so, so I didn’t want to re-rig and just held on. I thought it would die down. Wrong. Went on like that for 30 minutes, wearing me down and causing muffed jibes. On a fall, I put in some more outhaul to depower a little. Barely helped. Eventually it dropped and was remarkably steady in the 15 range. Getting worn out after about 1:45 of being massively overpowered, I called it an evening.

I really don’t know if Sheldrake is reliably strong like this on a SE, but every time I’ve gone there I’ve ended up on too big a rig and overpowered. Tough to launch a kite there, but that could be done on the east side of the lake at Aurora (Long Point State Park), which is not far downwind of Sheldrake and has good exposure on a SE. Don’t know if my experience at these spots are the exception or the rule, but it’s worth putting on your list of places to check out.

[FLX Kiter Brad]

What an unexpected surprise. I was out earlier in the day and it was swirly and dumpy. I was doing some work in the garage at 5pm and noticed it was 17 at the chamber and quickly scuttled the ship.  The HWS sail team headed in as the wind ramped up to low 20s. Strange to have strong winds and no swells on seneca so I took out the twin tip and practiced jumps. Had the whole chamber to myself for 2 hrs. pretty nice solo sunset sesh. I hear the Roch folks got some serious waves on Lake O too.

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