my best memories are of the Hobie lifestyle. No racing, family, beach, grills and coolers. Sailing was fun, not the only reason to be there.
Eric... I will bet a nickle that those days were not scheduled, planned or organized. Each day you dropped in the party was a bit different. The once popular sailing beach (Sandy Point on the Chesapeake) is still open but it is a rare event to see a recreational sailor trailer in and go sailing... much less the casual sailing scene of the past.
Today... it is all about schedules. Would you elevate a beach party day on you calender and/ or replace a race day? Would you choose to organize a beach party or a race day?
IME, the sailors that do the organizing, coordinating and fleet building are hard core racers. These folks (me for one have been there done that) would not trade a race day for a beach party (much less organize one). Moreover, all of the rec sailors in my club on Hobie Getaways or old Hobies and Prindles are family oriented and they would not schedule a beach party over a family day either.
What venues (public beaches or even private clubs) still exist where casual beach party... drop in for some recreational sailing is the general order on a weekend in season???
Back in the day... Notable places for a casual beach party sailing scene were
Barn Island in Connecticut
Heckshir State Park on Long Island
The Jersey Shore Communities. (boats on the ocean beach)
Sandy Point State Park Maryland
Dunedin Causeway in Florida
Do they still exist... what's the scene like this past season?
