Not sure if this has come up before but a quick search showed nothing.
I'm thinking about starting a group page on Facebook (or any other suggested better site) for anyone who sails at Budgewoi Lake.
The purpose of the page is purely as a way for anyone to post (either before hitting the water or during a session) wind strength, direction, and best launch area for other potential sailers to read before making the sometimes long journey to the lake.
My daughter (who is heaps more tech savvy than me) thinks that it would only take 30 seconds for a person at the lake to post on their phone and would benefit a lot of sailers, particularly those of us who have to travel significant distances to get there.
All a post would need to contain is;
1- where you are (Peel St or Buff Pt)
2 - Approximate wind strength in knots and wind consistency - bullets/solid/gusts
3 - Approximate wind direction
4 - Weather conditions - Brass monkey - hot
5- optional - how many out
eg. I'm at Peel. 20knots constant SW, freezing cold, heaps out.
It's kind of like sending out a group text message but anyone can share or view.
Unfortunately you would need to have a Facebook (or other account). I hate Facebook and don't have an account. So before I go ahead with this idea I'd love (serious) ideas/thoughts/feedback.
Something like this must surely help alleviate the procrastinating and indecision around whether it's worth the trip.
Perhaps other popular sailing spots could also start this?
Agree about not benefiting Budgie locals.
I've been a part of the "text your friend" system but it's typically more speculative rather than live interpretations.
A web page that anyone can choose to provide others live info on, and that anyone can view to see if it's worth the trip could be a huge benefit to all sailers.
The problem as I see it with txt is that it is inclusive to those in the loop. If your mates are working that day, your on your own. The same info posted on a website benefits everyone.
Bruce has started a Budgie app for contact info, works great. Matt D has done the Facebook thing, also works fine.
Hey tony, if you have a smartphone download WhatsApp then give your phone number to Bruce H and he can add you.
Your daughter can search for the central coast marauders Budgie Smugglers group on Facebook.
It was such a good idea, that someone's already done it
Here is the group:
www.facebook.com/groups/547377612084381/
It is a closed group, Matt D administers it, simply ask to join and he will let you in.
Belly,
download WHATSAPP & PM me your mobile number & I will add you to the Budgie group. Allows everyone to post questions or weather reports which all can see.