Walvis Bay (2500 km from central Johannesburg) Prevailing Wind Conditions The windy season is from August to December , peaking during September and October. The normal weather pattern is for the wind to start blowing at mid day and pick up during the afternoon reaching full strength at about 3 pm. 4 to 5 square metre sails will usually do although on good days you might need a 3.5. Wave sailing is done at Dolfyn Strand also known as "Gunz" with the local surfing community. The wind here is normally not as strong as in the lagoon and a 5 to 5.5 will be required. The wind is cross on shore in spring and summer. In the winter time the most exciting wind conditions is undoubtedly the EAST WIND. This allows for better wave sailing conditions and "Gunz" is where you will find the windsurfers on any good east wind day. Sail size of 4 - 5 will be required although this year we got blown of the water with 4's. The wind-blown sand is not really a problem as it stops at the water unless the wind is 30 knots+. It does however make rigging up less pleasant. Camping Facilities None at the Walvis Bay Yacht Club, but numerous in town or Swakopmund, Flamingo recommended. The Walvis Bay Yacht Club offers everything from great food and drink, to storage and launch facilities. Lawn is available for rigging. Launch Instructions When SW, launching from the slipway shelters you from the wind, and you might have to wade out a bit to receive the full brunt of the wind. One is able to launching via an opening to the side that has clean wind, but beware of the rocks. The entire area provides "flat water" sailing, there is Flamingo lagoon, and a sand bar 1km out in the bay which is a famous speed sailing spot. The wind accelerates across this sand bar in a SW, and makes for very flat water sailing in strong wind. The entire bay is protected by Pelican Point some 12km away.
