High Winds Return

After some relatively tame wind late last week, the Maui wind machine is back on full-strength, delivering strong winds. Yesterday and today both delivered wind in the upper 20s, accordign to iWindsurf. Sailing this afternoon, I found myself with plenty of power to spare on my 4.0. I could have been out on my 3.5, but it just wasn't worth it. Most guys were on 4.0s. Women were on small 3s. One local woman was overpowered on her 2.9. Thinking about it, The Gorge has the reputation for the high-wind windsurfing destination in the U.S. But, having sailed the Gorge for 8 years, I can honestly say that Maui in the summer delivers a higher frequency of wind in the 4.0 range than the Gorge. Keep that in mind if you're looking for a high-wind windsurfing destination.

And, if you put any stock in what the weather forecasters say, it's supposed to get windier over the next week or so. Our high pressure to the north is supposed to strengthen to 1034 MB and we're supposed to get some small low pressure systems passing south of the islands. So, if many people are talking about the conditions today being "nuts," it ought to be certifiably looney in a few days.