| Where to Windsurf in Portland |
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| Windsurfing | |
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Portland, Dorset - Home of Speed ! Measuring 3 x 2 miles, Portland Harbour is a popular windsurfing location attracting thousands of sailors every year. It can be sailed in any wind direction and being virtually enclosed it offers a reasonably safe environment for beginners and improvers.
In the 80s it was home to the Weymouth Speed Week with the likes of Fred Heywood, Pascal Maka and Jenna de Rosnay all aiming for the 40 knot speed title. In October 2006 a kitesurfer by the name of Nigel Bowley gave everyone a run for their money on the Portland Speed course - including the windsurfers - by coming out on top with an amazing speed of 36.85 knots. How to get there - Portland Harbour can be approached through Weymouth along the A354. It is well signposted through the town. There are three main access points to the water. The Weymouth Sailing Centre is a private club to the north of the Harbour which offers day membership and has showers, a bar and snacks.
The Ferrybridge boatyard car park on the left of the road ( £3 daily charge ) or a larger council car park on the right which is cheaper but entails carrying kit across the road so care must be taken. There are toilets and a cafe. Sailing Conditions - The natural phenomenon of Chesil Beach, a 10 mile stretch of pebble beach, allows winds from southerly to north-westerly to sweep unhindered into the harbour which makes for blasting conditions in strong winds on flat water. A classic Portland Harbour day has strong westerly winds blowing, which enable the sailor to bear away to 120 degrees off the wind, sailing parallel to the Weymouth to Portland Road.
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Most kitesurfers launch from the causeway at Ferrybridge which joins Weymouth to the Isle of Portland. 
