Heading down to Airlie Beach for a few days at the end of Feb and wondering if anyone knows of any good sailing spots there, assuming there's wind.
A few people sail at Bowen, just up the road. I lived in Airlie for a while, and it's pretty sheltered, sometimes the SE trade would come around to the east a bit and blow in to the main town beach.
Bowen is the place to go. Beautiful beaches much better than Airlie. I was up there in July. Seemed to have a beach for every wind direction - also the place where Australia the movie was filmed
Gday Coconuts08
I lived and sailed in Airle for 5yrs.
On a Northerley, launching from the Cannonvale Beach, near the stinger enclosure and sail toward the marina (make sure u get some up wind distance as the wind get VERY fickle near the game fishing club). This offers you some great bump and jump.... really good in front of Coral Sea.
However. in a Sou Easterly..Go to Bowen.
Many a time I have sailed strong SE only to have the die and be stuck out in the middle of the bay. (you do get good a light wind water starts and grovelling though 
)
Bowen on the other hand, wind can be really consistant in SE and is almost totally cross shore in front of the SLSC (stay out of the flags though 
).
I really enjoyed sailing there, great bump and jump with some really good air to be had. Definitley worth the 40minute drive...even if you have to wear a full lycra suit. Yes the stingers are very real and I have had personal experiece with them. I have seen them and caught them in ALL the places I mentioned... Go the lycra
cheers and enjoy the fine sailing to be had
Climber
