A sailboat blogger named Adam (Messing About In Boats) and I transcended Web 2.0 or whatever a few months ago and had a few beers. We gabbed mightily about our blogs, and speculated on the true nature of some other waterpeople whose blogs we knew (Horse Joe and Lord Tillerman...did your ears burn?) Then we did it again...it was great fun. But a third time called for new blood. So we invited Bonnie of Frogma fame, the fate of whose sailing soul was once bitterly fought over by the Horse and the Tiller (it had something to do single vs. multihull). I had a vision of three people.
But not for nothing is Bonnie Queen of the Kayak Bloggers...she suggests inviting Tugster Will and Bowsprite Christina (a wonderful new blog) and A Moveable Bridge Brian and Karen (who own a boat named Puffin!) and before we knew it there was quite the gathering in the works. I brought Peconic Jeff (Peconic Windsurfer), Tugster brought an actual tugboat captain (Towmasters) throw in a few more bloggers, and duly assembled at the Ear Inn (an ancient nautical bar built when god was a pup) we had an outstanding time.
There were fine stories and tales told that I'm not going to try and retell. But I will say that it was spectacularly obvious what stoked the fires of this blogging fleet: It's not about the websites. It's about the passion and the desire to share. We should do it again!
(Top photo: Christina (Bowsprite,) Will (Tugster,) Joel (Towmasters,) Elizabeth (Sex in the Public Square...perhaps not a sailing blog but partner in crime with Will) and Bonnie (Frogma.) Bottom photo: Christina, Joel, Elizabeth, Adam (Messing About in Boats) Will, and Peconic Jeff (Peconic Windsurfer) with my head rising behind Jeff's. Photos courtesy of Tugster Will Van Dorp.)
Looks you all had a swell time. What a terrific idea.
Posted by: Tillerman | March 01, 2009 at 08:29 AM
It was a winner. I think we're going to do it again. If you're ever planning on being in New York City let one/some of us know.
I'm overdue to windsurf with a buddy who sails out of Fogland...if/when I make that trip I'll ping you...maybe chase you & Laser on the water!
Posted by: Michael | March 01, 2009 at 10:51 AM
Woah, Michael you should have called "down in front" during that 2nd photo!
Fun meeting everyone and hearing all the interesting NY Harbor stories. Let's do it again!
Posted by: Peconic Jeff | March 01, 2009 at 02:46 PM
I'm sorry I missed it. Sounds like you guys had a great time.
-Ian
www.hudsonwindsurfer.blogspot.com
Posted by: Ian Berger | March 01, 2009 at 10:16 PM
So this was the view of the "other" table! It was great to blog it up with you. I agree with Michael. We should do it again.
Posted by: John Edward Harris | March 01, 2009 at 11:24 PM
mike,
It's pretty amazing how many people you have touched with this blog. I know it's the first thing I read each time I'm searching about windsurfing. Hope you were able to sail some yesterday.
Posted by: f messina | March 07, 2009 at 07:49 AM
Hey Frank,
We got a little light action at South Jamesport...will have a bit about it on the blog on Monday. I'm sorry to hear you're still wasting your time on the Puffin, though...surely you have something better to do.
Hey I hope we get to sail together sometime soon!
Posted by: Michael | March 07, 2009 at 08:14 AM
Blogfest Bonaire soon??
Posted by: Ann Phelan | March 07, 2009 at 12:02 PM
Very very cool gathering...
Posted by: catapulting_aaron | March 12, 2009 at 10:33 AM