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Buckroe Overview
Buckroe Beach is best sailed in any winds from the north-northwest, clockwise to the southwest. Offshore winds produce nice conditions with flat water on the outside, although the wind line will be pretty far out. During summer doldrums, if temperatures are in the upper 80s or low 90s, a sea breeze can kick in around 3 p.m. to turn a NE-SE 10-knot forecast into a great 5.5 afternoon. Northeast and east winds produce big chop due to the large fetch, and the shorebreak, known to eat equipment, can be treacherous. The current can be strong and runs parallel to the shore, so watch for diminishing winds if you sail a sinker. Those not familiar with rough seas should sail Buckroe with due caution. Sideshore winds can easily be sailed by the novice, however the water depth is overhead from about 30 yards out. The bottom is clean so there is not a lot of need for booties, however the jetties are covered with barnacles that can send you to the hospital. Windsurfers are restricted to a narrow launch shared with jetskis at the north end of the beach at Pilot Avenue during the beach season (Memorial Day to Labor Day). On bad beach days (i.e., rain, lots of wind!) and in the offseason, the entire public beach is open to windsurfing. Other than the jetskis, there is little trouble with boating traffic as there is plenty of space and the shipping channel is about three miles to the southeast. North end parking is scarce so you must find it on First Street, although the police usually tolerate offloading and then rigging at the grassy rigging area. There is plenty of parking off season at the south end. Occasionally, weeds are a problem so it's a good idea to bring along a weed fin. Jellyfish can be bad in the summer, although their threat changes on a daily basis. The water temperature ranges from a low of about 35 degrees in February to almost 80 in August. Mill Pond at Fort Monroe is best sailed during west to northeast winds, with west being sloppy. It's a great place for beginners and flatwater sailors because when other sites are too rough, Mill Pond is still pretty flat. The winds are flukey, however, gusting frequently and shifting by as much as 45 degrees in just a few seconds. MP's will close the Mill Pond in "dangerous" conditions (e.g., Hurricanes). Call 727-2238 first before heading out. Note: It feels much windier from the edge of the road than it is out on the water due to the slope of the seawall. Be cautious of the two small bridges that span the only pathways for incoming and outgoing water. On an outgoing tide, stay well away or you might be sucked underneath. There are strong undertows if you go under the single bridge beyond the first two.
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Year round-cool winter |
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Sensor Notes
The sensor is located atop the Buckroe Fishing Pier. Winds from the north-northwest, clockwise to south-southwest, are unobstructed, but winds with more of a westerly component read somewhat low and gusty.
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