Port Stephens Launch Site

Hi

We are going to visit relatives in Nelson Bay next Saturday and am thinking of taking my TI up there for its second outing. I am looking for recommendations for launch sites into Port Stephens. I would like to launch from the trailer and then step the mast in the water as my double deck trailer stops me from rigging on the trailer. I have a cart but I haven't used it yet.

I think Soldiers Point has docks down both sides of the ramp so there is no easy access to the beach?

Little Beach (Fly Point), however, looks like it has a sand beach right next to the ramp. This is the site I am thinking of using.

Can anyone give me the benefit of their local knowledge on these two site? Are there any other places I should consider?

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Brad K
Papaya Tandem Island - "Dry Reach"
Lengthened Jet Ski trailer
"Kayaking Bob" Spray Skirts
Trampolines

Brad, the most eastward ramp in Shoal Bay is a basic ramp (although you run out of ramp at low tide). One warning though... there is a toilet block just to the left at the top of the ramp, and the electric wires are low enough to snag on a TI mast (ask me how I know).
http://www.panoramio.com/photo/94676129 ... google.com

There is another ramp next to the campground further west. This is a far more developed ramp, but I haven't launched there. Google Earth shows the ramp clear of pontoons (which are totally unsuitable for Islands, as you know)

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Tony Stott
2012 Tandem Island "SIC EM" with Hobie spinnaker

Thanks Tony

I think the ramp near the caravan park is Little Beach. I'll give it a try unless I get other advice.

My last trailer sailer had a 9 metre mast so I know what mean about wires near boat ramps! They don't go to a lot of trouble to mark them either.

The most dangerous thing though was people who would stand under the mast and look up while I lifted it with the trailer winch and say stuff like "tall isn't it". It was a pretty solid aluminium section and would have made a mess out of them if something broke

_________________
Brad K
Papaya Tandem Island - "Dry Reach"
Lengthened Jet Ski trailer
"Kayaking Bob" Spray Skirts
Trampolines