Dan's Papers - June 27, 2008 - Bring On The Wind In Peconic

The wind in your hair, the taste of salt on your face, the speed - Sailing! Locals and tourists alike flock to the North Fork each year; taking to the waters for the great sailing. On June 29, 2008, the Peconic Bay Sailing Association (PBSA) will host their first race of the season - the Ray Krogman Memorial Race. Each year this sailing association gives beginners and seasoned sailors alike, a chance to enjoy this sport together. There are five races positioned throughout the summer: July 12 (Galley Ho Race), July 25 (Kindred Spirit Race), Aug. 17th (Peconic Cup), and Sept. 5 (Jackrabbit Race). There is also the 15th annual Whitebread Race held on Oct. 11, 2008. PBSA has adopted a handicap rating system; similar to those implemented in golfing. This rating will assist in leveling the playing field, creating an opportunity for beginning racers to feel more significantly placed in the competition. After the handicap rating system was used on last year's scores, it did not change the placing for the top finishers. The PBSA's greatest goal is to give people a chance to enjoy sailing as a group and have friendly competitions in the process. These races afford enjoyable, competitive events that will enhance a person's sailing experience.

As many people know, sailing can become a consuming pasttime. I can only imagine the vast number of people anxiously watching the weather reports all week. Will the weekend be windy enough? Will the water be too rough? Will we be able to take the boat out? On those weekends that are unfit for sailing; I can picture all the people in the morning polishing, waxing, checking and re-checking their boats. Even if they can't take them out on the water, they will get in some quality time!

Whether you have a yacht, keelboat, simple dinghy or just a skiff; sailing gets in the blood. In the words of Sir Francis Drake, "It isn't that life ashore is distasteful to me. But life at sea is better."

For all of those who spend their weekdays toiling away at high pressure jobs, caring for children, and dealing with the stresses of life, those moments sailing are the life breaths that keep them going. Maybe you are just discovering the art of sailing? Entering a race can bring a fun hobby into the realm of necessary, life affirming activity prerequisite for continued existence. Just as runners can start running races, turning their daily runs into quests for improving times and pushing the limits of their bodies, so can sail racing turn a leisurely activity into a life force.

Joining the Peconic Sailing Association is a wonderful way to share your love of sailing with others that possess your same passion. Full membership grants a person entry into all races, a subscription to the newsletter and updates, and invitations to all social gatherings and group cruises. Family and individual memberships are available. See their website at pbsa.net for further information on joining. Regardless of your skill level; PBSA welcomes you all to join their "family" and become a part of a rich Long Island tradition.

"Ships are the nearest thing to dreams that hands have ever made." -Robert N. Rose