The launch at Hatteras Island Sail Shop has gone by many names over the years, usually by the name of the restaurant in front. Today it is still sometimes called Emily's or Getaway's or just Barton's, after Barton Decker, the shop owner.

The buiding out front has since been razed and replaced by a nice parking lot. Park here and rig in the grass. Here you will find a growing number of kiters but there are still some windsurfers to be found here. Alhough he would prefer that you come inside and spend some money, Barton has, for years, encouraged people to come and sail here freely and use the restroom and outdoor shower.

The shop is the host of one of the iWindsurf weather stations that dot the outer banks.

Sailing is best on S, SW, N, NW, & NE winds. Look out for a few jetskis and kiters here. Look for this to be the windiest spot on the entire outer banks when the warm SW winds blow from late spring into early fall. When the winds are out of the SW and the air is clear and hot, expect the winds to kick in around 2:00 and surpass the mid twenties.

For some of the best sandwiches on the island, walk across the street to Top Dog.