[quote=MN3]1. Where are some of the better areas to sail? Clearwater, Dunedin, Palm Harbor?
Dunedin causeway or clearwater sailing center - both areas have gulf/beach sailng
2. Is mast-up storage available - yes at the clearwater sailing center (on sand key)
for about 1200 year (with membership) or do most sailors trailer their boat? both are utilized depending on your needs
3. Are sting rays an issue there? I got stung at Long Beach, Ca. and don't want to go through that again.
There are 100,000's of them here. You can see them pop 2' in the air out of the water or see 1000's of leopard rays zoom under your boat in huge packs. in my 19 years here, and 12 years sailing here ... i have never seen anyone stung.. but it defiantly does happen. they suggest you "shuffle" through the waters to avoid being stung...
4. Are there beachcat communities/sites that will welcome new cat sailors? I've tried to find people here in the L.A. area to communicate with, but I've struck out. I've heard that beachcat sailing is dying here.
there is a local fleet that would love new members (as long as your not a big headed, stubborn prick who is more competitive than personable ...) and the sailing center has programs and events all the time if that is your "thang". there are other fleets (Sarasota squadron) and locations (gulfport yacht club) within about an hours drive.. depending on your goals and needs.
5. Is the water there really that warm all year around? - The water is bath water in the summer (close to 90*) and gets in the 50's in the winter. you can sail year round depending on what "cold" is to you. but winter sailing still need cold weather gear. I will no longer sail in below 60* air and this year is predicted to be colder than usual so i see dry pants (bib) in my future
6. How often does the wind exceed 10 knots? Light to moderate are the norm, but every day after the sea breeze kicks in we get a nice 10 knot wind.
spring/summer pattern is: prevailing easterly winds, turn around around 1pm with the seabreeze, fall gets windy with cold fronts,[/quote]
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