It's on again so clear your calendars from the 16th until the 20th of June. This event was an unmitigated success last year and gained international exposure with its coverage by none other than John Carter (world renowned sports photographer).

There are some logistics involved in getting to Green Island so it is probably best to start the planning process early but from what I have heard it is well worth the trip. The venue is spectacular with crystal clear waters and warm, consistent winds to power your sails.

The island looks tiny in that shot, how are we all going to stay on it?

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blackattack said..

The island looks tiny in that shot, how are we all going to stay on it?

ah!!! the island is tiny...? I though that the bloke was too big!!! lol

Hey anyone from Brizzy thinking of heading to the Nats

What for? crappy conditions like this?..it's very much on the cards, not quite booked yet though.

Is it the sort of place you can take the wife and kids?

Green island itself is family friendly. Life guarded beach to swim, crocodile shows, cafe etc..

Cairns mainly shopping and some decent dining

Further afield has plenty of attractions

A particular thing that works well at that time of year is the 18 to 28 degree days.

As matter of interest...don't have to commit at this point...how many SE QLD crew , especially if you have done a FR are 'considering' going to GI in June?

The other good thing about GI is that the main beach is actually tucked out of the wind, so kids, Mrs etc can swim snorkel etc...the wind happens 'just around the corner'...so its the best of both worlds.

NO wetsuit required!

Man that photo is incredibly tempting. Just had a blast at Wello over the weekend and it was sure chilly. Could do with a blast in tropical waters before we all bed down for the winter.

Then these may temp you even more!
I booked my tickets on Friday night a lazy $28 for the return gig thanks to some racked up points!

Note: There are quite a few people already confirmed as going, don't leave it too late to confirm
there is limited numbers for the event, I'm told when its full its full, so need to get in asap.

ONLINE REGISTRATION IS OPENNNNNNN.

www.greenislandnats.org/event-info/online-registration/

There is not many places in the world like it. These shots are from the Arlington Reef which you can sail to from Green Island. It's a magic spot. At some point in the recent years they've figured out tourism for Cairns needs to expand out from just the reef and they've redeveloped the whole forshore in town; it's now super family friendly - heaps of restaurants, big outdoor pool/fountain for kids, lots of non-windsurf sports to do everywhere... then for the adults it's actually a VERY good winter party town! Windsurf all day...hit the Gilligans all night. pretty decent.

Get your entries in ASAP!

this week up north....

Do people normally go up earlier than the event to have a social sail or wait around and have a sail after the event? Am hoping to book in tomorrow.

Think most crew get up there 1-3 days prior, a lot of people had had a couple of days sailing before the Monday, Sat is the 'barge day' to get your gear accross.

Can someone more knowledgeable than me (a very wide field) explain the weather at Green Island. The Cairns forecast regularly looks like this;

But the readings from the Cairns weather station are often much lower. Is the station behind a hill? The readings from Arlington reef are usually stronger & closer to the forecast, are they more reliable? What size sails and boards would the Firie Bobs of this world take to Green Island if they were going there for a week in June?

Yep that's how it looks this time of year .
Cains itself is too sheltered you need to go a little north or out to Green island.
Arlington reef wind meter is the one to check for out there.

Great place to sail and a really well organised event.
Just make sure that you've got a good uni joint and a spare bit of rope
It's not real pleasant sitting on the board about 2.5 km off shore in a cross off shore breeze with the rest of the rig being found on Upolo reef a few weeks later

GI website just recently updated, thanks Sean www.greenislandnats.org/ can't wait

Can anyone please give me any info on how the slalom races will be started. Beach start two minute countdown etc. Wish there was some wind to practice with down here.

Off shore boat start with first leg running back towards beach.

Think it may have been 5 minute countdown but could have been less.

Thanks Muz!!

Qantas have some cheap flights atm

and this is a dull week up there wind wise.....

Get a leave pass and head north I'd say...

...Keep in mind, Arlington race area runs about 5 knots over Cairns windspeed in any SE trade pattern

Just over 2 weeks to go... June 16 - 20, while rest of OZ freezes, it's GAME ON.

Friendly REMINDER to participating sailors to get your registration in ASAP

3 Major Australian Titles all up for grabs in 3 Divisions

Australian Slalom Championships [b](Open, Masters, Women)
Australian Freerace Championships (Open, Masters, Women)
Australian Freestyle Championships (Open, Masters)

Time to go hard, or go home.

www.greenislandnats.org


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Can't wait!
Just finished procuring bits to replace busted bits! no prizes for what bits!


From a Qld Freerace Sponsor as always!

Al Bentley:: 2013 Australian Freestyle Champion. Back again in 2014 to defend his title courtesy of Qantas.

... Mid Winter. Somewhere in Australia.

Are we all doing a drip out there this year?

If by drip you mean trip and by there you mean Arlington reef then I say great idea. Let's do it.

Excellent what day where you thinking of going over and does everyone chip for a support boat. Going up this year for first time. Can't wait.