Poole can be sailed in any direction other than NE. It shelves gently so is ideal for beginners / intermediates while learning to water start and gybe etc.
Poole harbour is zoned and the windsurfing area, Witley Lake is in the NE corner. The harbour is best sailed at high tide as the water goes out a long way at low tide.
On the other side of Poole harbour Peninsula, Sandbanks stretches from the harbour entrance to Bournemouth with conditions ranging from flat water cruising to moderate wave sailing depending on the wind direction. This is best sailed in a NE to W direction. One of the best kept beaches in England, Sandbanks is also very popular with families.
A little further round to the west of the harbour is Hamworthy Park. Although the car park is small (about 40 cars) there is a superb grass rigging area between the car park and the water. The water is lot less populated with windsurfers and moored boats, and the shipping lane there is never used by large craft. The area lends itself to a more peaceful sail suitable for all abilities, although the water does get deeper much quicker than Witley Lake.
Take the M3 and then the M27 turn off to Bournemouth.
Pick up the A31 and then the A338 towards Bournemouth. Follow it too the second roundabout (about 10 miles) and then follow signs to Sandbanks.
For the harbour there is roadside parking which is free from October to Easter, but it is about £5 for a day ticket in the summer - if you can get a space as it gets full very early in the summer. Alternatively, the pay and display car park on the peninsula can be used, but this is more appropriate for sailing off Sandbanks
Poole Harbour is suitable for all abilities and is generally flat whatever the wind conditions. Sandbanks is for the more experienced sailor as it is open water and experiences notable tidal currents.
There is a café on the sea front and one by the parade of shops next to "The French Connection" windsurfing shop. The toilets are on the sea front next to the life guard centre
Poole - Plenty of shopping for the non windsurfer and a vibrant nightlife for all tastes.
French Connection
On the harbour road towards the Swanage car ferry
01202 707757
http://www.fcwatersports.co.uk/
Poole Harbour Boardsailing
On the harbour road that runs round to the town
01202 700503
Poole Radio Cabs
Tel: 01202 673223
South Rising Guest House B&B
86 Parkstone Road Poole
01202 240766
crimisus@ntlworld.com
Melbury Guest House B&B
101 Parkstone Road Poole
01202 749015
Greyfriars Guest House B&B
80 Parkstone Road, Poole
01202 732261/770222
MarrickGuest House B&B
Bournemouth road, Poole
01202 721576 151
Maureen and Terry B&B
30, Napier Road, Hamworthy, Poole Dorset BH15 4NA
01202 687522
The Moorings B&B
21, West Quay Road, Poole, Dorset
01202 682197
Rockley Park (camp site/holiday homes)
Napier Road, Hamworthy, Poole
01202 679393
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