Over the last 12 months, WSP has been heavily involved with discussions relating the use of Shoal Bay (Landsdown Rd) as a mooring spot for yachts. Most of this has been positive and we have been slowly moving forward towards a resolution with the Harbour Master and local council in favour of removing the boats (which are a safety hazard to windsurfers and kiteboarders).

In order for this to happen smoothly, we need to play by the rules as well. This means taking care to be respectful of the locals and their neighbourhood. WSP received a letter and picture recently outlining the position of the local residents, basically saying that they are not happy with how the place is treated when the windsurfers and kitesurfers descend when it gets windy.

Please, please, please be respectful of the area and locals when using this spot, otherwise we are likely to loose out. If you see anyone not towing the line - pull them up. It will only take one idiot to ruin it for the rest of us!

Thanks.

You can check out the letter sent to us here:

www.windsurfing.co.nz/?s1=windsurfing

As far as i know some of the yachts that were moored "illegal" got removed or are in the process of getting removed.
But i cant see those yachts being removed that are legally moored since they have been there long time before we (Kiters and windsurfers) got into it.
I love my kiting, but to be honest i would be pretty pissed off if i would live down there with my boat moored near by since years and one day i am told to move my yacht because it is a danger for Kite - and Windsurfers.

Yes its true they are a hazard, but if you are beginner you want to play it safe anyway and stay clear off the boats by practicing on the left hand side off the sand spit. And those who are confident ride between the boats.

I don't know... i just got this feeling that if we ask too much, something is coming back in a bad way.
(then again its just me thinking out loud...)

Cheers
Christoph :wink: