Hoping I can tap into the brains trust here for some recommendations on a good place to practice beach starts and basic manoeuvres in either the Northern part of Sydney or the North end of the Central Coast.
My story is that I sailed a TC Runner (big long board) in the 80s and have recently acquired a F2 Xantos (169L) with 5m and 6.9m sails. I'm 5'11", 79kg and reasonably fit but also 59 years old and haven't sailed regularly for about 30years. In early January I took it out on Budgewoi lake and was able to get up and running with a beach start in about 12 knots, but still need a lot of practice. As Ive got time on my hands over the next few weeks I'm looking for recommendations for the best places to practice and preferably avoid water starts at this stage. 
When you say the Northern part of Sydney? I can't tell you much about Manly or Middle Harbour. Bit further North is Narrabean Lakes then further North you'd be looking at Governor Philip Park or Sandy Point, both at Palm Beach. All would be flat enough to uphaul if you pick the conditions but all suffer from lack of parking.
Up Gosford way there is a good group sailing out of Gosford Sailing Club and Saratoga SC. Probably a bit better access to Brisbane Waters too with more options for launching.
From there the only other area I've sailed is Lake Macquarie. Heaps of choices there.
That's the extent of my knowledge 
Select to expand quoteJethrow said..
When you say the Northern part of Sydney? I can't tell you much about Manly or Middle Harbour. Bit further North is Narrabean Lakes then further North you'd be looking at Governor Philip Park or Sandy Point, both at Palm Beach. All would be flat enough to uphaul if you pick the conditions but all suffer from lack of parking.
Up Gosford way there is a good group sailing out of Gosford Sailing Club and Saratoga SC. Probably a bit better access to Brisbane Waters too with more options for launching.
From there the only other area I've sailed is Lake Macquarie. Heaps of choices there.
That's the extent of my knowledge
Thanks Jethrow,
Will check out those options. Narrabeen Lakes is quite close to me, do you have a recommendation for the best launching point?
Hey Oldtc,
Narrabeen Lagoon (or Lake Dangerous as us locals call it) can be sailed in most winds except north or south.
Sea breezes or Noreasters are best down the western end at Middle Creek reserve. Wind funnels down and is onshore. Usually crowded but is easy for what you want. also handy if you break something or get tired, float back.
SSE to SE is good from Billarong Reserve off Wakehurst Parkway. Some shallows spots so ask the locals. Side onshore.
W to WSW, same spot, just different ends of the carpark. Usually very gusty but is pretty nice if around 15 knots. Stronger it gets the harder to sail.
Usually some friendly locals around to ask.
Hope this helps.
Budgiewoi lake sounds perfect for the board you're using. However there's a group of us sailing from Saratoga Sailing Club on Sunday afternoons. We have spare longboards if it's too light for your Xantos.
Select to expand quoteka43 said..
Hey Oldtc,
Narrabeen Lagoon (or Lake Dangerous as us locals call it) can be sailed in most winds except north or south.
Sea breezes or Noreasters are best down the western end at Middle Creek reserve. Wind funnels down and is onshore. Usually crowded but is easy for what you want. also handy if you break something or get tired, float back.
SSE to SE is good from Billarong Reserve off Wakehurst Parkway. Some shallows spots so ask the locals. Side onshore.
W to WSW, same spot, just different ends of the carpark. Usually very gusty but is pretty nice if around 15 knots. Stronger it gets the harder to sail.
Usually some friendly locals around to ask.
Hope this helps.
Thanks ka43 much appreciated. That's the detail I need, will definitely give Narrabeen a go.
Select to expand quoteAUS817 said..
Budgiewoi lake sounds perfect for the board you're using. However there's a group of us sailing from Saratoga Sailing Club on Sunday afternoons. We have spare longboards if it's too light for your Xantos.
Thanks AUS817 will keep Saratoga in mind for next time I'm on the Central Coast.
