Sailing with the Wolf and Scott usually means that you're in location perfect for the wind and tides. A 5 degree difference in direction will change the launch call for these guys. So imagine my surprise when I arrived at Mattituck to find about ten people windsurfing in the wrong direction. The wind was southwest (Mattituck is meant for SSW) and so the point to the west was creating a wind line. Quell horror! But I'm ahead of myself. Right before I arrived people were on 4.2's and 3.7's and it was nuking! Right before I arrived the wind died...big time. There was half an hour of standing on shore, talking about 6.2's. "If it was summer we'd be thrilled about these whitecaps" more than one said. But it was January, everyone was in drysuits, and big wind was what people wanted.
Then the wind returned...not all the way, but to blessed 4.7. Perfect! Except that it had been so long since I'd sailed that my van wasn't properly loaded and I didn't have my 4.5. Unbelievable. There was no mercy on shore: "Forgot? You have a WINDSURFING VAN!" said everyone. And they were right. I was an embarrasment to windsurfing van owners, a contemptuous failure to those who would like to own a windsurfing van, a pathetic disaster. Then Christian offered to loan me a 4.7 (he would rig a 5.0 that he also had, for himself.) Saved! Christian's sail was perfect, and this pathetic embarrasing contemptuous out of practice kook got a good little session in...who cared if we were in the wrong spot! Warmish (air) 4.7 windsurfing in January? That's a win. Thank you Christian!
On the water at Mattituck: the Wolf, Scott, Frank, Frank, Joe Natalie, Peconic Jeff, Christian, Jeff Slechta, Jake (visiting from Deleware!) Rich Simons, and one or two people I'm forgetting.
(Photos by Jeff Schultz.)
It was nice to finally meet you on Saturday !! Good that the wind picked back up for you guys.
Frank
Posted by: Frank Srobel | January 21, 2013 at 02:20 PM
You are more than welcome! Watertime is everything.
More 45 degree January sailing days please.
Christian.
Posted by: christian charles | January 21, 2013 at 04:45 PM
YOWZA. Jeff have any more pictures anywhere?
Posted by: bonnie | January 22, 2013 at 09:55 AM
looked to double down w a North shore sesh after getting humbled at the Ocean..Nice venue, wind a little sketchy that day but worth checking out for future reference. Lookin fwd to hooking up w the group again.
fyi: to add a little humour to your forgotten sail comment, I left my DRYSUIT at home on fri but had a backup wetsuit thank goodness. with a new PFD adding core warmth, and warm air, survived just fine..I was pining for a van but it's all good!
Posted by: Kevin O'Shea | January 22, 2013 at 11:08 AM
Great poast!
Not to rub in your guilt trip but as a former owner of a full-sized windsurfing van, not having that 4.7, is well ... you put it perfectly yourself, lol.
That yellow JP(?) no-noses is flat out sexy for a piece of foam and fiberglass.
Posted by: PhilMcPhilly | January 22, 2013 at 08:10 PM
My name is Vic and I'm new to sailing this area. I windsurfer 30 years ago and now I'm back in. Where do I buy and sell used gear online that reaches locals? I have a mistral energy board I want to trade or sell cheap. Thanks
Posted by: Vic Elefante | January 31, 2013 at 05:00 AM
Hi Vic,
Join the Yahoo Long Island Windsurfers Group (a bulletin board) to reach the bulk of LI windsurfers. Also note: Hampton Watersports holds swap meets every May and September. You can find links to both in the right hand column under "Long Island Windsurfing links".
Posted by: Michael | January 31, 2013 at 10:55 AM