Having never sailed Ricketts before, but stopping by at midday today to see what it was like with these westerlies, it did look very inviting. I hear there is a lot of reef to worry about. Where exactly? It looked fairly clear right in front of the Yacht Club... is this the case or is it only safe to windsurf at high tide. Thanks!
There are a couple of different spots that people refer to as "Ricketts Point '
There is Beaumaris Yacht Club ( Ricketts point north) . This works great in a Southerly or Sth Westerly . There there is a reef that runs full width of the beach with a smallish gap in the middle marked by posts . High tide you can sail over the reef in most places but in low tide it is very tricky and you need to know where the rocks are . I would suggest not sailing here without talking to a local first and getting them to point out where and where not to go .
The other main place is what I usually refer to as Ricketts Point , which is the beach at the end of Dalgetty Road next to the Beaumaris Life saving club . This is the spot in a Easterly or Sth easterly and a true Westerly . In a Westerly it is really one of the best spots on the Bay . The Reef here runs out on the Nothern end of the beach then hooks around and runs across the beach a few hundred meters offshore . In a westerly you get fairly flat water inside and then hit the waves breaking on the reef . It's sweet . Pretty safe in high tide unless you venture too far north , a good rule is not sail further north than the no boating mark in front of the life saving club . In low tide you have to be a bit more careful of the section of offshore reef that hooks around , but it is pretty vissable so just stear clear of the breaking waves .
Both top spots , just talk to a regular first and you will be fine .
Cheers Martin... I actually had my gear with me but didn't go in due to not knowing more with regards to the reef and wind directions etc. I actually had a look at both the spots you mention. The spot close to the Beaumaris Life saving club did indeed look nice, cross shore and blowing (according to to my wind metre) a decent 15-19 knots. Just wish there where a few out, or someone to speak to to get a locals perspective. Thanks very much for the info!
Looking at the forecast i think we will all be there tonight, tommorrow and sunday!
Just follow everyone else!!