I was intending to sail back upwind home but instead called Dave Howe who drove me back. Thanks Dave for your help. Good bloke.

If anybody wants to come out with me for Coast runs let me know. I want to get some experience in sailing Slalom in swell for next years Ledge to Lancelin.

Nice one Justin you lucky duck!
Wednesday arvo Formula(from 4pmish) launching from Balmoral Sailing Club is on the cards if you’re free then?

I'm in Justin. I love long coast runs. Let me know when your planning your next one.

great one Justin, interested:
0403 859 264
George

I'd be interested to hear how the wind changed over the course. Also, what sail /board combo did you use?

Looks like an epic run, Justin :) I'd love to join the fun.

As above, would be interested in what the conditions were like (out further and in close) and what gear you were using.

Cheers
N

Hi Justin,

I'm in. Formula board for me a it 's safer than slalom board for a long distance run.
I haven't see you for a while it will be good to catch up.

Ben

Wow what a response! We could get a group together, I have a 7 seater van which I could park at Shelley to take us back.

Here is some more detail.

I used a Patrik Slalom 128 which is 81cm wide, Gun GSR 8.7m sail and 41cm Z fin. I launched from Fishermans on Long Reef Headland. There was no shore break or breaking waves there just very flat water making it super easy to launch. It looked windy but I couldn't get planning for ages and had to slog it upwind for quite a while. Further out it was quite bumpy but it was fine as it was slow going. As I got close to rounding Long reef headland the waves where big and breaking a long way out so I gybe back to get further (upwind) out to sea to avoid the reef. When I came back for my second rounding it was now looking pretty timid but I gave the reef a wide berth anyway. Once around I was full planning over 20 knots heading downwind pretty much the whole way to Shelley.
At this point I had to make a decision about where to come in as I found getting to windward was difficult and rounding Long reef headland again with my little fin not a option.
My options where
come into Long reef beach taking it easy between the breaking waves and walk back to the car.
come into north curl curl and walk home to get my bike to get to the car
or
come into Shelley and try ringing my mates or catch a taxi.

I choose the last one There is no chance of damaging race gear at Shelley

Sailing in front of Long reef beach was super nice! the swell and chop was easy to read and I could relax and see the wind on the water easy.
There are three rocky headlands on the way down with waves going back and forth everywhere. The sailing is much nicer as you get further out to see I found. The only thing I was worried about was breaking something and having a long paddle.

Coming into Shelley there is very little wind and no waves but a lot of swimmers playing around to watch out for.

I had with me $50, phone, gps and car keys in my life jacket. I am looking for 10-15 knots or 15-20 knots to go again. Formula boards would be best for getting upwind. Slalom boards are also good if your thinking about just going downwind. Parking on the weekends is generally very hard on the northern beaches but should not put us off.

I am in too. I could easy meet you at Shelly and take your gear up to Long Reef. I might take my portable VHF as well.

I've done long runs off Long Reef in a NE a few times. Typically I launch a little further up on Collaroy Beach, Stuart St I think is pretty good. It's a slight downwind run from there to get around Long Reef so easier to get planing and up to speed. The wind is generally cleaner here as the headland can block the wind if you round it too close. Unless there is a big swell running, it's pretty easy getting off the beach.

Agree with your comments when sailing in close to the rocky shores at Dee Why or South Curly, the bounce backs are horrible. Much nicer staying well out to sea.

I only sail a slalom board so would be looking for 20 knots, NE or southerly.

thought i'd chip in as we've done it a bit and i have to say Don't use a formula board! that is if you want to enjoy yourself

we did a big coast run last year - i was on a 6.2 wave sail and a 100l atom free-ride - when we left the beach it was about 15kn, the wind was pretty variable over the trek and arguably i was on a bit too small kit but i didn't stop. Ian had a Futura 101 and a 7.0 camless freerace sail - that was probably perfect

guess what i'm trying to say is - long runs can hurt, you want to be comfortable! easy sailing big arse slalom board would be great, freerace board better

its awesome fun though

I think a formula board with smallish sail around 8.5 and using the chicken strap should be comfortable downwind...

Mike that is a super long track that you guys did!! My track is probably a third in length I'm guessing. I agree with you about been comfortable on long runs. I find freeride, no cam gear gives a nice soft ride, very comfortable. In this years Ledge to Lancelin I felt I would have been faster on freeride gear as I was not really sheeting in and blasting the chop on race gear. But my goal is to be blasting

Formula is still good if its flat and you are doing upwinds. In this video the conditions where comfortable for formula. It is from a few years ago.

Today might be good for a gentle cruise to Shelley. If anyone's available?