As part of the Weymouth and Portland build up towards the 2012 Olympics, Paracademy has become involved in a unique project to train local young people with skills that will potentially enable them to be part of the Olympic experience that will be right on their doorsteps. [more]
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Weymouth Weather
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Portland Harbour is famed for having almost its own weather system. Quite often when there's no wind elsewhere we have a steady usable wind. The natural feature of Chesil beach causes an acceleration effect on the prevailing South West winds causing a few extra knots in the harbour. The best direction is South West. This is offshore so you need to ensure you have the right experience or the tide's out so you can walk back if all else fails. South West winds cause a 2 mile stretch of mirror smooth water close to shore. Launching is easier as you are flying the kite offshore rather than onshore.
North, North east and due South winds need to be avoided due to gusting. From the South the wind swirls around the Isle and Royal Manor of Portland and from the North, North east the wind is messed up by Wyke Regis (mainland). Fortunately these direction seldom occur. Easterlies cause choppy water and onshore launching. Fine for low tides or less windy conditions. High tide and wind greater than 20 knots are best left to the experts as launching, landing and sailing close to the beach mean bad things could happen!
The trick to dealing with Easterlies is to hack hard up wind so that you are at least 2 line lengths from the beach. Remember that the tide in this area has a double low water and ALWAYS consult the forecast and tide chart prior to sailing. If in doubt ask the locals!
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