by =======================================
This FAQ highlights the local sailing spots in Central-Eastern New York,
Massachusetts, and Western Vermont. If you would like to add your favorite
sailing spot or make corrections to the current list please send it to:
S-Mail: Marc Lefebvre
9-1B Windingbrook Drive
Guilderland, NY 12084
Phone: (518)452-5800
This FAQ will be posted on a monthly basis, courtesy of Adirondack Boardsailing
Club (ABC) and the Eastern New York Windsurfing Association (ENYWA).
To submit an entry onto this site FAQ, please use the form below.
########################################################################### Name of Site: Location: (Give simple clear directions) Access: (Site must be available to the public. Give fee if any. Describe Faces: (Direction the beach faces) Winds: (Favored wind direction) Lodging: (Camping, Motels or other accommodation that you can use.) Notes: (Include any useful info not covered above) Cautions: (On or off the water. ie. PFD req., SHARKS ;-) ########################################################################### Area: Eastern New York ########################################################################### Name of Site: Northville Bridge (Sacandaga Lake) Location: NYS Thruway to exit 27 the Rt. 30 north to about 8 miles past Access: Fees: free. Parking is on the side of the road. Grassy rigging Faces: E Winds: N, NE, S, SE Lodging: Camp sites available in the state park. Notes: Best winds are until mid July, they kick up again around Cautions: None. ########################################################################### Name of Site: North Hampton Beach State Park (Sacandaga Lake) Location: NYS Thruway to exit 27 the Rt. 30 north to about 5 miles past Access: Fees: $3.00 off season, $5.00 on season (5/31-9/1) per car. Plenty Faces: Beach faces the north. Winds: N, NE, S, SE Lodging: Camp sites available in the park. Notes: Best winds are until mid July, they kick up again around Cautions: None. ########################################################################### Name of Site: Granview Marina (Sacandaga Lake) Location: NYS Thruway to Amsterdam exit, north on Rt 30 till Mayfield. Take Access: Fees: $5.00 per car. Grassy knoll rigging area with picnic tables. Faces: South East Winds: All accept NW Lodging: Local motels in village of Mayfield. Notes: This site is directly across from Vandenburgh Beach. Cautions: Water drops off sharply early in the season. ########################################################################### Name of Site: Vandenburgh Beach (Sacandaga Lake) Location: NYS Thruway to Amsterdam exit, north on Rt 30 till Mayfield. Take Access: Fees: $5.00 per car. Sandy rigging area and launch. Faces: NW Winds: ALL accept SE Lodging: Local motels in village of Mayfield. Notes: This site is directly across from Granview Marina. Cautions: Steep launch area. ########################################################################### Name of Site: Million Dollar Beach (Lake George) Location: I-87 (N) to Lake George Village exit. Grassy area between Million Access: Parking is $5.00, grassy rigging area and sandy launch. Faces: N Winds: N, NW, NE Lodging: MANY motels in the village. Notes: Yes, you can actually drop your board off on the grassy area by the Cautions: A lot of jet ski traffic. ########################################################################### Name of Site: Hague Town Beach (Lake George) Location: I-87 (N) to exit 25. Take Rt 8 east until Rt. 9N take right beach Access: Parking is $5.00, grassy rigging area and sandy launch. Faces: E Winds: N, NE, SE Lodging: MANY motels in the village. Notes: None. Cautions: None. ########################################################################### Name of Site: Verona Beach State Park (Oneida Lake) Location: Thruway W past Utica, N on Rt 365 to Rt. 31, then W to Rt 13. N Access: The camping area is right on the beach. When I was there we Faces: S, W, N Winds: NW, SW, W Lodging: Cottages and motels at Sylvan Beach several mi. N Notes: Delta Knolls Windsurfing is located in the area for equipment Cautions: None. ########################################################################### Name of Site: Saratoga Winds Launch (Saratoga Lake) Location: I-87 (N) to Saratoga Lake exit. Take Rt 9 (S), Left to Saratoga Access: Fee: $25.00 per person, or $200.00 per year. Grassy rigging area Faces: W Winds: N,W,S Lodging: Motels on Rt. 9 Notes: Home of Adirondack Boardsailing Club. Cautions: PFD's req. or $50.00 fine. ########################################################################### Name of Site: Bev's Place (Saratoga Lake) Location: Same as Four Winds. (Two houses down from Four Winds Launch) Access: Fee: $5.00 per person, grassy rigging area, sandy launch. Faces: W Winds: N,W,S Lodging: Motels on Rt. 9 Notes: None. Cautions: Be careful of the docks. PFD's req. or $50.00 fine. ########################################################################### Name of Site: Browns Beach (Saratoga Lake) Location: Same as Four Winds. Access: Fee: $7.50 per day, grassy rigging area, sandy launch. Shallow Faces: W Winds: W,SW Lodging: Motels on Rt. 9 Notes: Call Susan 587-8280 for more info. Cautions: PFD's req. or $50.00 fine. ########################################################################### Name of Site: Crystal Lake Beach (Crystal Lake, Averil Park) Location: Rt. 43 Averil Park about 15 minutes from Albany. Access: Fee: $5.00 per person. Grassy rigging area and launch. Faces: All Winds: All Lodging: None known. Notes: Lessons and windsurfing shops on the lake. Cautions: None. ########################################################################### Name of Site: Lake Taghanic State Park (Lake Taghanic) Location: Ancram, NY, Columbia County on Taconic State Parkway. About 40 Access: Fee: $4.00 per car and a few bucks to launch Faces: W Winds: NW, SE Lodging: Camping at the park. Notes: It is a "V" shaped lake with the launch area being at the bottom Cautions: None. ########################################################################### Name of Site: Ossining, NY (Hudson River) Location: Ossining NY, on the Hudson River. Ossining is Access: Parking available, access open to all. Rigging on grass 30 yards Faces: Beach faces W/NW. Winds: Best on frontal NW, OK on southerlies. Any direction too west Lodging: Various motels in Tarrytown area, camping available at Croton Notes: Access is open for now. Please be a good citizen, clean up Cautions: Shipping channel in center of river gets occasional big boats. ########################################################################### Area: Central New York ########################################################################### Name of Site: Long Pond Location: Once in Rochester (Exit 45-47 on Thruway), pick up 390 Access: No fee. Grassy rigging and short walk to the water. Faces: SW Winds: SW Lodging: Nearest camping is Hamlin State Pk. No lodging Notes: Great flat water sailing even in high winds. Pond Cautions: Can get crowded. PFD usage enforced. ########################################################################### Name of Site: Webster Park (Lake Ontario) Location: In Rochester, pick up 590 North to 104 East. Follow Access: No fee. Grassy rigging area. Small rocky beach. Faces: N Winds: WSW, W, NW Lodging: Camping in Webster Park. No lodging nearby. Notes: Always windier than Durand Beach as it is further out Cautions: Beware of concrete pier to the east. Waves can get ########################################################################### Name of Site: Durand Beach (Lake Ontario) Location: In Rochester, pick up 590 North. Almost near the Access: No fees. Grassy rigging and very short walk to a Faces: NW Winds: WNW, NW, N Lodging: No camping, no lodging real close.. Notes: Great sailing in NW and N winds. Nice lake waves. Cautions: PFD usage strictly enforced. ########################################################################### Name of Site: Kershaw Park (Canandaigua Lake) Location: NYS Thruway to Exit 44. Follow exit road South Access: Parking fee $5. Faces: S Winds: SE, S, SW, W Lodging: Camping just north of Canandaigua. Many small hotels Notes: Windsurfing shop located down the road. Very crowded Cautions: PFD usage strictly enforced along with bottle rules ########################################################################### Name of Site: Seneca Park (Seneca Lake) Location: NYS Thruway to Exit 42. Pick up Rt 14 South to the Access: Park fee $3. Large grassy rigging area. Faces: W, SW Winds: SE, S, SW, W, NW Lodging: Camping at Sampson Park to the south. Many small Notes: Best place in the Finger Lakes especially in south Cautions: Water is shallow for the first 50 ft. Don't sail ########################################################################### Name of Site: Oneida Lake Location: NYS Thruway to Exit for 81 North. Follow 81 N to Exit Access: Parking fee $?. Grassy rigging area. Faces: N Winds: NE, E Lodging: Camping unknown ?. Small hotels nearby. Notes: Great in east winds as the lake forms a venturi at Cautions: A little shallow near the beach.. ########################################################################### Area: Eastern Massachusetts ########################################################################### Name of Site: Craigville Beach (Cape Code) Location: Rt. 28 East to signs for Craigville Beach. Right onto Main Access: Public beach. No boardsailing from 9:00am to 5:00pm in July and Faces: S Winds: S,SW,E Lodging: Camping and Lodging in Village. Notes: Mostly bay sailing but in high winds the ocean conditions prevail. Cautions: None. ########################################################################### Name of Site: Kalmus Beach (Cape Cod) Location: Rt. 28 into Hyannis. At Airport Rotary take Barnstable Road Access: Designated Boardsailing Area on beach. Summer fee $8.00 per day. Faces: S Winds: SW,S,E Lodging: Camping and Lodging available in Hyannis. Notes: Windiest in the summer. Cautions: Boat traffic and observe all rules for continues access. ########################################################################### Name of Site: West Dennis Beach (Cape Cod) Location: Rt. 28 to West Dennis to signs for 134. When signs point to East Access: Public Beach. Restricted in July-August. Faces: S Winds: S,SW,E Lodging: Camping and Motels in West Dennis. Notes: Has flat bay sailing, bay chop sailing and tidal river sailing. Cautions: None. ########################################################################### Name of Site: Red River Beach (Cape Cod) Location: Rt. 28 to Uncle Venie's Road just west of signs that say Access: Public Beach. Restricted in July-August. Faces: S Winds: S,SW,W Lodging: Lodging available in South Harwich. Notes: Favorite site for many racers, visiting sailors and cruisers who Cautions: None. ########################################################################### Name of Site: Forest Beach (Cape Cod) Location: Rt. 28 East past the sign that says "Entering Chatham". South on Access: Public Beach. Restricted in July-August. Faces: S Winds: S,SW,W Lodging: Lodging available in South Harwich. Notes: Favorite spot for cruisers who want a short run over to Monomoy Cautions: None. ########################################################################### Area: Western Massachusetts ########################################################################### Name of Site: Ninigret Pond Location: I-90 East to West Springfield then I-91 South to I-95 East then Access: Fee: $5.00 parking. Grassy rigging area and small sandy beach Faces: N Winds: N,W,NW Lodging: Unknown. Notes: Open June - September Cautions: None. ########################################################################### Name of Site: Onota Lake Location: East on Rt. 20 past Hancock Shaker Village; several miles before Access: Free. open all year with nice grassy dedicated windsurfing area Faces: W Winds: N,NW,S,SW Lodging: Camping area. Notes: Very popular spot for western Mass boardheads. Cautions: A lot of jet ski and water skier traffic when wind is light. ########################################################################### Area: Western Vermont ########################################################################### Name of Site: Somerset Reservoir Location: Rt. 7 to Vermont, then west on Rt. 9 (same road) about 15 miles Access: Public and Free. Grassy rigging area and small sandy beach. Faces: W Winds: N,NW,SW Lodging: Nutmeg Inn and Red Mill in town and Camping right there. Notes: None. Cautions: None. ########################################################################### Name of Site: Sand Bar State Park (Lake Champlain) Location: See directions to Grand Isle SP Access: $3.00 per car grassy rigging area and nice sandy beach. Faces: N Winds: N,NW,W for SW cross the street to other side. Lodging: Motels in Burlington and camping areas near by. Notes: Lessons/Rentals/Sales are available on windsurfing equip. Cautions: Water can be very shallow, but at least it is sand. ########################################################################### Name of Site: Button Bay State Park (Lake Champlain) Location: I-87N to exit 24. Take Rt. 8E to Hague then north on 9N bridge Access: Free, sandy beach and rigging area. Faces: SW Winds: S,SW,N,NW,W Lodging: Motels in Burlington and camping areas near by. Notes: Can be very windy in the main part of the lake than the Cautions: None. ########################################################################### Name of Site: Grand Isle State Park (Lake Champlain) Location: I-87 to Plattsburgh exit, take Rt. 314 east to vermont ferry ($7). Access: Free, grassy rigging and rocky launch. Faces: NE Winds: N,S,NE Lodging: Camping at park. Notes: Can get very choppy and windy. Cautions: None. ########################################################################### Name of Site: South Hero Town Beach (Lake Champlain) Location: From Grand Isle SP 3 miles south on Rt 2. and 3 miles North of Access: Free, grassy rigging area, rocky beach, Very popular spot. Faces: SW Winds: S,SW,W Lodging: Camping at one of the parks. Notes: This is just for townies but if you don't bother the bathers and Cautions: None. ########################################################################### ---
parking, rigging and water entrance conditions.)
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
======================
Mayfield. Bridge is on the right. Take first right before the
bridge
area and a sand and pebble beach.
September. This place is a like a mini gorge when the wind N
or S. South is best.
###########################################################################
Mayfield. Look for a DEC sign on the right hand side of the road.
Right at the sign about 2 miles to the park.
of parking. Sandy beach for rigging and launching.
September.
###########################################################################
right on to School House Road (this road may be unmarked but it
is the next street after Vandenburgh Road, look for sign that
says, "Mayfield Business District and turn right"), right onto Lake
Side Drive, Granview Marina is the fifth marina/club down on the
right hand side facing the lake.
Small sandy and rocky launching area.
Best winds are until mid July, they kick up again around September.
###########################################################################
right on to Vandenburgh Road. Beach is on the left.
Best winds are until mid July, they kick up again around
September.
###########################################################################
Dollar Beach and the Steel Pier
Million Dollar beach and have a hassle free launch. No swimming
by the grassy area but sailing is permitted. Swimming but no
sailing at the state park.
###########################################################################
is 100 yards on the left.
###########################################################################
on Rt. 13 about 3 miles to Verona SP. Boat launches are at the
ends on the dead end streets off Rt. 31 (the road along S shore),
13 (E shore), and Rt.. 49 (N shore).
kept our stuff rigged at the campsite and carried about 50 yds to
the water. This was off season; you may have to launch at boat
launch at S end of park in the summer. There is also a day use
picnic area at the park.
and local info.
###########################################################################
Lake. Right once you reach lake (Rt 9P). Launch is on the left
side.
and sandy launch site.
###########################################################################
###########################################################################
launch area and is great to learn your water starts. Picnic
and Volleyball area is available as well. Beach has a life guard
and a swim area which is great for children and the non-windsurfing
persons with you.
###########################################################################
###########################################################################
miles from Albany. Easy drive by Mass Pike and Taconic Parkway.
of the "V" on the East. No jet skis or any motorized crafts
allowed. Large bath house with snack bar and restrooms. Nice
place to camp.
###########################################################################
located 7 or 8 miles north of the Tappan Zee bridge
on the east side of the Hudson River. To get there, take Rt. 9
north from 287 just at the end of the TZ bridge. Go left in town
on Main St. If you see a turn to the right for Rt. 133 you
just passed Main St. Take Main to the river, cross over the
train tracks on the bridge and go to the extreme southern
end of the commuter parking lot. Park alongside the fence
next to the beach area.
from the water, sandy beach launch into a small cove.
is puffy and difficult to get out in. NE can be good in the
slot above the yacht clubs, when wind misses Croton Point to
the north.
Point park (Westchester County Park system). Call them for
details.
after yourself etc. Don't park in the commuter spots (tickets!).
Getting blown downwind on northerlies means walking back from
Scarborough station below Sing Sing prison.
======================
North until it ends. Take the Lake Ontario Parkway west until
Long Pond Rd. Make a right until you reach a stop sign, then turn
left. Park at a 45 degree angle.
No real beach. Be careful of rigging too far into local
resident's lawn. There's a central launch area in the middle of
Pond.
nearby.
like water.
###########################################################################
104 East to Holt Rd exit. Left on Holt Rd and follow it until the
end. Make a left and Webster Park is on your right.
on the Lake.
quite large in strong winds.
###########################################################################
Lake, make a left on Lake Rd at a traffic light. Follow Lake Rd.
through Durand Park. Durand Beach is on your right, park at the
far west lot.
sandy beach.
###########################################################################
through the town of Canandaigua and to the lake. Bear right and
follow the road along the north shore. Take the second entrance
into Kershaw Park.
nearby.
in the summer. Winds are generally gusty except in SE winds.
and no beer drinking. Lots of Sharks (i.e., Fanatic Sharks :-).
###########################################################################
town of Geneva. In Geneva, pick up Rt 5 & 20 East along the north
shore of the lake. The park entrance is on your right. After
entering, make a left and follow the road until the end.
hotels nearby.
winds. Not very crowded. Fantastic rollers in strong southerly
breezes.
until you get to the buoys..
###########################################################################
31. Drive a little distance along the south shore and you'll see
a state park..
this end and increases the wind speed significantly..
===========================
Street Continue south on Main Street to water.
August.
###########################################################################
east. Continue on Barnstable Road to Hyannis Center and cross Main
and South streets. Barnstable Road becomes Ocean St. follow
Ocean St. to water and Kalmus Beach.
Weekly passes available for $20.00
###########################################################################
and South Dennis, go the opposite direction onto Swan River Road.
When this road ends make a right on to Lower County Road. Between
a quarter and a half a mile down make a left onto Lighthouse Road.
Go past Lighthouse Inn and down to the Public Beach.
###########################################################################
"Entering Chatham". South on Uncle Venie's Road to water.
want a short run over to Monomoy Island Wildlife Refuge.
###########################################################################
Forest Beach Road to water.
Island Wildlife Refuge.
===========================
to exit 92.
###########################################################################
Pittsfield take left at Hospital sign. Take right at West Street
then go about a mile and left on Valentine Road. After about a
mile is a sign on left for the Pittsfield city park. Take left,
and when road splits after about 300 yards, take right and keep
going until you come to a large parking lot. In far left corner
is the windsurfing beach.
to rig. Water is about chest deep in launch area.
=====================
beyond Bennington 2 miles past Rt. 8, 3 miles before Wilmington.
When almost at bottom of mountain, take left on Somerset Road
towards NEPCO picnic site. Follow river and the main dirt road
(NO TURNS) to dam, then keep going another 1/4 mile to picnic site
on E side of lake.
###########################################################################
###########################################################################
at Crown Point. Just after bridge north on Rt. 17. Half mile
after DAR State Park, Rt. 17 turns right. Right there, get on
local road toward Panton for 8 miles, then left at sign to Button
Bay SP. Just before the park is road to left which leads to boat
launch. Sail here.
bay. Maybe 5-10 knots more plus BIG waves!
###########################################################################
You will pass by Cumberland Bay State Park (NY) on the way (good
for a S wind). After ferry Rt 314 S for about 200 yds, take left
on town road about a mile to a 'T', then right about a mile to
Rt. 2. North (left) about 1/4 mi to the Park.
###########################################################################
bridge from Sand Bar, Rt 2. take 90 degree bend. Right there head
south. After 1/2 mi take left fork for 1 1/2 miles to lake. Take
left, small parking lot on left.
it is windy no one will bother you.
_________________________________________________________________________
/ -----------------| Marc A. Lefebvre |------------------\
| ===============| Software Engineer |================ |
| =============| Pinebush Technologies, Inc. |============== |
| =============| Pine West Two Plaza |============== |
| ===============| Washington Avenue Extension |================ |
| -----------------| Albany, New York 12205 |------------------ |
|-USA World Cup `94-|___(518)452-0927___(518)452-5800___|-USA World Cup`94--|
|****** Makers of the worlds fastest plotting solution, HyperPlot (tm)******|
"I'd rather be Windsurfing!"