Goolwa Water Level - 25/9/2009

Since the flow restrictor has been installed all of our speed strips have been flooded but up until now the water on the "shelf" has not been deep enough to sail over with confidence. The water level has been as low as 800mm below sea level.

I think the old level of Goolwa lake was around 500-600mm above sea level, today it is 110mm above. Several days ago it was 70mm so the current rain falling in the catchment area east of adelaide is feeding the "Dam" well.

I'm sure we are all looking forward to being able to sail anywhere we like!

Sessions 09 - Grundys 15/8

Higher than average temperatures(27 in winter!) were experienced for the Saturday session at Grundys allowing 2 hardcore Speed Demons to head out in board shorts. They got a little to carried away though forgetting to don a harness resulting in another 1km round trip.

We finally had the 08 team together(less Reiffel) with medallions for our runner-up photo from last year. Chris also took some shots around the camp as we were all packing up and downing a few beers supplied by the Hamma's.

From L to R: Chris Dimond, Carl MacDonald, Sam Doecke & Tim Hemer.

Dog Lake Road

I am always looking for new sailing locations(as are many others) and one that may be the answer to Boggy lake & Boggy2 is access to lake Alexandrina from Dog Lake Road.
There is a bit of a walk(1km) on a sandy beach but the water seems to deepen much quicker than Boggy 2 or Milang. Its proximity to Boggy and the top of the lake may mean that it will get the Seabreeze effect during summer but being in the main lake runs can be 10km if desired. It may also be a good possibility for racing as there is no restriction on setting a course. Downsides could be if the wind drops out it would be a long paddle rather than walk.

I know we are all keen to try out a replacement for our beloved Boggy, lets hope this maintains the quality of flatwater spots we have had in the lower lakes for the past few years.

You can compare the depth levels with Boggy and Dog Lake Road by the colour banding. The yellow is sandbank recently exposed.

Sessions 09 - Grundys 6/8

Had a bit of footage of some of the SASD team members, better than nothing I suppose.









And some photos...

From SA Speed Demons

From SA Speed Demons

From SA Speed Demons

Helper for Grundy's

still haven't sailed the new strip yet, wonder if this little trolley (Mk1) will help.

it even packs up for easy storage!

Sailor Profile - Anthony Hamood

Nickname: Hamma

Age: 43

Occupation: Builder

Height: 179 cm

Weight: 81kg

Most used gear combo: Tabou Manta 59,7.0 evo 11

Favourite gear combo: CA 40 ,RS 5.0

Gear you wish you had: Happy with what i've got.

Favourite spot: Grundys

Spot you would most like to sail: Oossterland The Brace

09 aspirations(sailing & life): 46knot peak,40 knot Nm. Family to be happy and healthy.

Favourite movie: Most action movies , through my home theatre

Favourite food: Steak

Favourite colour: Blue

Favourite saying: Best not said!!!

Wheels: Merceedes vito van,Toyota Landcruiser

GTC Link: http://gpsteamchallenge.com.au/sailor/view/92

GPSSS Link: http://www.gps-speedsurfing.com/default.aspx?mnu=user&val=47281&uid=1887

Facebook Link: None

NM Heaven

Well the Goolwa - Clayton channel(nicknamed Grundy's after the launch road) is starting to show its potential with all team members who sailed on Saturday getting Nautical Mile PB's. It has also become the premier Australian mile+ venue with Anthony(Hamma) getting the Australian record of 36.79 - he had 3 runs over 36 Knots. Sam also set an Australian 1 Hour record of 27.07 knots.

See the session comments and gear used here:
http://gpsteamchallenge.com.au/sailor_session/show?date=2009-06-20&team=22

Well done to all, here are the days PB's (so far...)
Hamma - 36.79 NM (Australian Record!!!)
Chris - 35.99 NM
Choco - 35.61 NM
Sam - 34.43 NM and a 27.07 Hour (Australian Record!!!)
Carl - 33.94 NM
Joe - 31.47 NM and a 22.43 Hour

Add to the PB list Geoff with a 30.37 Peak and 28.48 5x10 Average on wave/freeride gear.

Chris also captured some footage on his new boom mounted camera..