Horsley To Host Rally To Save Our Parks.
So I went to the rally. I did not see any other windsurfers. (I'm a little disappointed by that). I understand most of the Heckscher crew is in Bonaire. But not all.
Lots of lifeguards, fishermen, State Park Police, soccer groups,
equestrians, philharmonic lovers, bikers, runners, a few surfers,
several 4x4 groups , and locals who just love the open space .

LIBAG had a nice tent set up and about 20 guys.

At least 10 politicians made speeches. As did the Leaders of many of
the groups in attendance as well.

I learned an important lesson today. Don't accept an invitation to any of these political rallies or events without a guarantee of stage time.

The fishermen , soccer Moms, and lifeguards earned political clout
today. Surfing was not even mentioned.

It also seemed to me that the politicians were pandering to the local Heckscher crowd.

I think Surfrider made the best choice on this one. We would have needed at least 20 people in Surfrider gear to have been noticed.

So, do we just leave this alone? Or actively inform the politico's
that if they want our support: we need more lead time?

It seems like we were an afterthought to Horsley.

It also seems that most windsurfers and surfers don't really think we have an access problem.

For many; it is comfortable to remain under the radar. For me; I no longer want to break the law, just to go surfing or windsurfing.

I fear it will take an "incident"
In order to get more surfers involved.

I'm tired. I just want to concentrate on getting healthy and strong again.
Next time you get kicked off a beach...you're on your own

Critics Decry Looming NY State Parks Closings

Critics Decry Looming NY State Parks Closings


So is there real support for this?
Or, will the Politicians turn a deaf ear yet again when we ask for equal access?
I will go and listen to what they have to say today.

Windsurfing is not a crime. But according to the NYS Park system it is an illegal activity at ALL Ocean Beaches.
It is allowed at Heckscher State park, from April 15 to October 15th on the Great South Bay. That's it!

And while there are Miles of Outer Beaches accessible via 4X4... it is illegal to even carry a surfboard in your truck on these beaches.

Long Island's outer beaches are the exclusive playground of Fishermen. YOU and I ARE NOT ALLOWED.

This DISCRIMINATORY practice IS SUPPORTED, ENDORSED, and ENFORCED BY by New York State.

I like to sail alone

Why am I showing all these old photos of Lauralee and my self? That's simple. It is to show you that I've been doing this a long time, on a lot of different types of boats. So I've earned my grumpiness.
Jon S. and myself, built our first boat together roughly 40 years ago. they have always been a part of my life.
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I am happy by myself. It is no secret that I like to sail alone. Or with Lauralee. my wife.
In Summer I sail to and from a mooring. In the Winter I use a Slip. I don't like the dock as much. That has to do with my dislike, or intimidation of engines. I can't tear down an internal combustion engine , and put it back together better than I found it. So if it's idling funny, or the carburetor is gasping for air I don't know exactly what to do. I am just more comfortable under sail.

Under sail power...I've spend the better part of the last 35 years pushing various sailboats around. I understand them. And I've spent the last 25 years pushing Seque around. I know exactly how she reacts. So today I had my main up. [double reef] And my jib ready at 50%. I removed the fenders on the lee side. No need for them. I had the boat set up to sail out of my slip. [like I do ALL the time.] Then I hear, Hey Frank we're going sailing; wanna' come?

Gee thanks guys; but I'm all set up to go. Well, you need a hand with those lines?"

[Note to self: If you ever hear these words again... just say no thanks I'm fine.] .

It's Garry; and he is with a bunch of guys from the yacht club...So I decide to be sociable. Problem is these are guys who own big boats. Most of whom use their engine for everything. So while they "are" sailors...they are not "sailors" in the same way Lauralee, or I am.

When you work moving boats around a boat yard for 30 years or so; you kinda' pick up a few things. I have been on a lot of different boats. And everyone is different. But because these folks own one big boat, and belong to a Yacht Club, they are all a bunch of Captains. Literately incapable of taking instruction IE crewing. So without even asking me how... they all start untying lines and pushing the boat around.

"Guys please don't do that." [no one is listening to me at all]. "no don't untie that line" The boat, as I usually set it up, is using the sails power to push it against the dock where the fenders protect the gellcoat. I oversheet the main so the power is light enough that I just incrementally ease the boat away from the dock, backwind the jib pre-set at 50%, and sail away.

Nobody does any thing I say. " don't worry Frank; we got it". It feels like I am not even there. Now my bow is scraping against the slip downwind of me. Segue's gellcoat has lasted over 25 years. But now some idiot with fear in his eyes ,and no comprehension of the English language is trying to fend me off, and push my boat to windward. The Hulk couldn't push my boat to windward. "Please guys STOP. Your not helping" Still no one listens; "we have too many captains and no crew." Garry un-cleats my spliced on line that I use to stop the boat when I sail to my slip. So now, I'm scraping against the leeward slip where I have no fenders out.

"Why don't you have your engine on?". "You never put up a sail in the slip why did you do that? That's your problem." Don't cha just love unsolicited advice?

So I scream this time "Please Guys; I got it! Just leave the F@*king lines alone!" "I'm fine." "Look I do this all the time: ALONE". "You guys are not helping. Just get the f@*k out of here, please, thank you" and so I shoved off and went sailing. But now I'm the BAD guy. I'm the asshole who lost his temper. These guys may be competent sailors in their own right. but they did not know, or understand how to work as a crew. If they did, someone would have asked me what the plan was. Instead they just started pulling lines, with out any understanding of what the captain wanted. It felt like they were doing everything possible to purposely damage Segue .

It is the arrogance of success. Smartest guy in the room syndrome... Because each guy has achieved a certain level of excellence in one thing... they assume they have that same level of expertise in everything they do. Each one assumes they are the smartest guy in the room.

Well now you know why I don't RSVP to your stupid events.

You know why I respectfully decline, whenever you invite me as crew.

And I don't invite you on my boat.
I was so angry; I let it ruin my sail and my whole day.
When it's windy; I windsurf.
Breezy; I sail.
Waves; I surf.
Hot and sunny; go fishing or swimming at the beach.

So I let you ruin my sail today. That one was my fault.
I won't let it happen again.
yours,

Frank,

2nd February sail

I'm cheap. I really don't like to spend money. So when I finally bought a replacement for the JP 109, I obsessed and worried about it. I kept thinking "I'm good with glass and epoxy" "I could fix this". I will: eventually. But I'm sure I'll add a ton of extra weight. So I was pretty apprehensive about sailing the RRD today. It took a little getting used to. But that board ripped. I have repaired and added so my epoxy to the JP, I had forgotten what a crisp ride felt like. She is everything I hoped for: about as close a shape as I could find to the JP. Oh well; I really didn't need a dishwasher,and new washer dryer. I never would have pulled the trigger if I hadn't crashed last weekend. As it turned out I got a very nice price. Isthmus sailboards had to make room for this years inventory. Gary Stone, the owner, is around my age. So he gets it. Always good honest advice.

Oh yea: and I sailed the RRD 110 FSW with a 6.0 from 3:30 to sunset. About 2 hours. There were about 5 to 7 of us out at West Meadow. I'm back.

It's still February

Finished out the long weekend with a substantially warmer sail than the last few.
Yesterday was the first day I've windsurfed since before Thanksgiving. I think that is the longest I have been out of the water since College. In the past, even with broken, torn, and sprained things; I at least found some way to get wet.

The Doc's have to run their tests. That doesn't mean they can tell you what's going on. At least I only lost 15 pounds this time. Let's hope this means I can start getting strong again.
I really have no right to complain. Many of my friends and family, have it much worse. Some just never bounce back.
But you have to just keep trying. If you wait to get to a the level where you where before your [illness, injury, etc.] then sometimes you just don't come back.

So just get out there. I'll never be as fit as I was in my 20's. And that my friend is what we call life.

Not a bad weekend so far. Sailed Segue Saturday afternoon. But I was cold. First time I've felt that way this year. Broke the top sail slide at the head of the main.
I replaced it with one from the old one. The shape of the "new" sails from 2005 are better. But the craftsmanship is just so much better on the 25 year old set.

I must give Mustang, thanks for the push today. . Wish I could have sailed with you earlier. Upwind Mike and I sailed a good two hours. We used a 6.0 & 5.7. Swell filled in for a while. Nice clean waist high. A good first day back for me, right until I nailed a sand bar on my way in at the end of the day. Doesn't look like I did too much damage. I ground down some hairline cracks at the fin screw connection. I didn't see any discernable buckling on the bottom. But we will see...I have been looking for a replacement of my well loved 2007 JP 109. It is my most favorite I have ever had. It's not that old: but I use it a lot. I beat the crap out of it, and has been showing its signs of age. This is just one more reminder that she won't last forever.

It has been a frustrating search. The newer boards in that volume 109 ltrs; don't seem to have enough rocker for me. The rails are too sharp,and they seem to be designed for early planing. Not dropping into a logo high face. What I love about the board is that the volume gets me safely home when the wind dies, but she sails like a smaller wave board. I use it 5.0 to 6.0. But it handles a 4.5 or 6.5 just as well.
It is a great board for Democrat Point, and gusty conditions. Of course I switch down to my 90 ltr when the wind is strong and steady. But the JP made me sail better in less than perfect conditions and isn't that what we sail the most?

February is here already. I haven't really been feeling well the last few months. This means I've missed quite a few windsurfing, and surfing days. I've even missed a few important Beach Access meetings. Sorry guys.

But thank god it hasn't been too rough, or cold this winter. If not for the few sailing days I've enjoyed on Segue this winter, I would have been landlocked in hell.( Thank you Dad for letting me take over her care these last five years.) 25 years sailing the same boat and she grows on you. You begin to appreciate her quirks in how she handles.

Everyone is different. What makes you happy?. What gives you strength? What soothes your soul? From a very young age, I understood it was the water.
I am,
I have, always needed a connection to the ocean.
A Lake or a Pool is not enough... It just does not do it for me. I need saltwater; I'll even take brackish. Back bays, sounds, and estuaries: that is where I belong.

Whenever I am away from the ocean; I'm different. I Iose a part of me.
Whenever I am away from the ocean; and try to explain this to anyone, they always try to convince me that they have plenty of water in their landlocked paradise.

It's just not the same.