"We haven't sailed here in years," the Wolf said. It's true. Between Hurricanes Sandy and Irene, and conditions, we hadn't sailed the fine NW launch since Spring 2011. "And they screwed up the beach" Scott noted. Something about stones and pebbles gave irritation to Lord Scotworth.
So be it. We arrived Friday to 4.7ish conditions (sometimes we gagged) we being Peconic Jeff, Jonathan, Birthday Boy Frank (we sang to him) Dr. Pain, John Natalie (in less than perfect conditions!) Scott the Wolf and your editor. The tide was up a bit, and we didn't get Meschutt's trademark half-pipe inside ramps, but there were still some jumps to be had on the outside, particularly as the wind picked up. I started out moderately powered w 4.7/ but by the time I left I was lit on 4.7/77. Good rippery.
A personal idiot highlight that I'll share: Heading towards shore on an inbound reach I saw Jeff watching me…I figured he was contemplating rig choice. Then I saw him raise is camera. Excellent…I shall show off! (I thought). With the so smooth inside I went for a duck jibe…I made the duck jibe…but about a third of the way through I realized my turn would take me through knee to calf deep water. Yikes! I was lucky. The thing about duck jibes is they're harder to adjust once you start. Doh!
(Top: Scott puts his newly acquired Naish through its paces. Bottom: I initiate a duck jibe that could have ripped out the fin box. Lucky duck! Photos by Jeff Schultz.)
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