Zach's bay Memorial day weekend

[Havana Shamrock]

Airshow raft up

Joe, "Havana Shamrock", "Mirage", 360DB.
Ron, "rcmafgny", "Knot For Sail", 260DA
Greg, "Greg", "Lady TAZ", 480DB.
Ben, "Ben Diss", "Knot Flyin", Formula 400ss.
Alex, "Alex F", "Inspiration", 420DB.
Brian, "bmac", "Endless Love", 44DB
Vince, "Vince_nj1", "Ryker Bella", 320DA
Jonathan, "Xplicitlnck", "no-name", 270DA
Paul, "", "Good Life", 25 Baja
TBD, "Dasch Boat", TBD, TBD
Alvin, "Spikeitaudi", "Hope Floats", 240DA
Steve, "Not on CSR", Not applicable, Monterey 269CSR
John, "Just Chilli'n", 250DA...need info for another 2 boats
Michael, M&M's Beach House. 240 DA.
Darrin , my girl, 270 AJ

VHF Communications:
72 - primary channel to communicate with the group.
69 - backup channel if we get too much noise on 72.
16 - is always on. This will be the channel to use in case if we don't get respons on 72 or 69. Once the communication is established with a vessel we'll ask to switch to 72 or 69, whichever will be the better option at the time.

 

[Xplicitlnck]

Ill b there. Most likely sat but not 100% mayb sunday.

 

[rcmafgny]

We will be there more then likely for the entire weekend.

 

[Dasch Boat]

Weather permitting, both days.

 

[Alex F]

Are you guys having CSR Raft party? Anyone staying overnight, what days?

We're thinking on going, but I'll need to fulfill admiral's requirement to drop her off some place nice, so she can be away from the planes while the show is on. I need to come up with a plan on how to do it on both days. From what I see here: http://www.jonesbeachairshow.com/ the show will be on both days.

I'm also trying to convince our friends on a sailboat to join us for the long weekend. Do you guys know how Meadowbrook State Parkway Bridge and Sloop Channel Bridge operate lately? This is what I got from activecaptain:

1. Meadowbrook State Parkway Bridge
Shall open on signal if at least one-half hour notice is given to the New York State Department of Transportation, as follows1) Every other hour on the even hour.(2) From April 1 through October 31, on Saturday, Sundays, and Federal holidays, every three hours beginning at 1:30 a.m. Notice may be given from the telephone located at the moorings on each side of the bridge or by marine radio.

2. Sloop Channel Bridge
From 7:30 a.m. through 8:30 p.m. on Saturday, Sunday and Federal holidays the draw shall open on the hour and half-hour provided at least a half-hour advance notice is given by calling the number posted at the bridge.

 

[rcmafgny]

Freeport is cute town and nearby. Long beach is a little further west. Point lookout in between.
Sloop bridge under construction but i think still opens upon calling.
Channel buoys to Zachs are all in

 

[Havana Shamrock]

Alex we will stay over whatever day is best. Count us in either way.

 

[Alex F]

Freeport is cute town and nearby. Long beach is a little further west. Point lookout in between.
Sloop bridge under construction but i think still opens upon calling.
Channel buoys to Zachs are all in

Ron, I never heard about Point Lookout. Any tips on what to do/see there? If you can provide some suggestions on Freeport and Long Beach that would be great.

 

[Xplicitlnck]

Im out of freeport you can drop people off at the end of.nautical mile (guy lambardo st) tons or bars and restaurants. Very busy mem weekend there is a public trans dock at the end water power I think I if im not mistaken 2$ pf per night (begining of canal to the west heading in big cazebo on the side if your not sure) and if she doesnt like being there u have paddy mcgeez a couple miles west anx either one is.a.short cab ride to long beach. As for point lookout not to familiar. If there is a raft being formedfor sat let me know

 

[cod]

Alex,

Personally I think that is a tough request. There is really nothing to see or do in Point Lookout. Its a cute little area with a couple of restaurants. Long Beach is basically a small city but not very tourist oriented. Freeport's nautical mile is really nice with many restaurants and shops. but it seems a little crazy to me to cruise all the way there from Zachs Bay. then go back to the air show, then have to go back to pick her up. Its at least a 1/2 hour each way minimum with the 5 mph zones. and Zachs Bay is going to be a zoo.....

 

[Alex F]

You nailed it Steve. That's exactly what my puzzle is. The way you described it was my original thought, but the more I think about it the more it doesn't look like the best plan. It also doesn't look like a realistic dinghy ride and taking the mothership out of that zoo and back in will be a real fun. I was wandering if stay with the crew at Freeport while the show goes on and then head to Zach's makes more sense? Will I be able to see at least some part of the show form Freeport?

This goes to show you how a "small" request can mess things up...:grin:...The worst part is (for me) is that this event is on two days in the row. So, if I let's say arrive to Freeport on Sat morning and explore the area for few hours, have lunch and then head to Zach's at around 2:45pm (the show ends at 3pm), then I'll need to be out of there around 10am on Sunday (according to their site the show hours 10-3 on both days). It's doable, but I'll need to find another decent destination, b/c there's no point of going back to Freeport. I'm also guessing that Long Beach and Point look out won't do me much good as they're located even closer to the show, and btw, I think those areas would be packed with spectators. So, I'm still scratching my head trying to make the trip happen with unnecessary running around.

I guess, I still have to be happy, b/c she didn't say "forget the planes I'm not going". :grin:

 

[Greg]

I'll be there, Probably get there Saturday morning sometime. The plan is to spend the night. We should plan on a raft-up.

Didn't know about the bridge schedule. Last time we were there, it was one guy running multiple bridges. we had to call on the phone to get an opening, and it took over 45 min. I guess now I know why, I'll have to plan better.

 

[Vince_nj1]

I am hoping to get out there for an overnight if the weather is good and I can get my overheating issues fixed.

 

[cod]

I was wandering if stay with the crew at Freeport while the show goes on and then head to Zach's makes more sense? Will I be able to see at least some part of the show form Freeport?

I doubt you will be able to see to much of the show from Freeport but it is still a nice stop over. You may be able to see the planes in the distance but really not the same experience when they are flying right over head. A few years ago we watched it from the ocean side as the seas were real calm that day. It was incredible because most of the time they fly just off the beach. I think your best plan would be to convince the admiral that she will be missing out on a thrilling air show.......

 

[bmac]

We'll be at Watch Hill for the Memorial Day wekend but plan on going to the air show one of the days, most likely Saturday, depending on which is the better weather day. I'm up for a raft up. It's been many years since I've been to Zachs Bay so I'll need some local knowledge to guide me in. Help, anyone? I'm guessing it's about 90 minutes from Watch Hill.

 

[Alex F]

Guys, does the Zach's bay get packed to the point that boats can't enter/exit the area or is it not so bad?

Steve, I'm totally with you. But, keeping admiral comfortable is more important than the show. I was talking to a friend of mine who attends these shows in AC, he said that the primary event is in the last hour while at the beginning of the show there are usually several fly by and other activities like CG rescue operations. I'm thinking that I have a good chance to have admiral to take it slowly the next day while we're rafted. If she's comfortable than we're good to stay. Otherwise, plan B is to take off when we need to. I just hope that we won't be trapped.

Can you recommend any other place on the main land side? Is there anything in Merrick?

... Help, anyone? I'm guessing it's about 90 minutes from Watch Hill.

Brian,
According to my log from the trip on 320DA it's 33NM from JI to Watch Hill and it took us 2hrs. So, I guess your ETA of 90min to Zach's is close enough.

 

[Havana Shamrock]

Alex, once your in zachs bay I suggest you stay there it does get packed and you don't want to be moving around all that traffic. The show is just off in the distance so it's not over head all day , plus they have parachute jumpers, smoke planes etc. very entertaining. She'll love the location I believe. Yes. Let's raft up everyone... Alex start a spreadsheet on who's going and so on!!!! Just kidding.

 

[Greg]

The local police do keep fairways open, so you can still come and go at will. It does get packed, but not to the point where it is dangerous or anything. I've gone back every year since the first time.

Of course if you're tied to my boat I won't let you go...

 

[Alex F]

....Of course if you're tied to my boat I won't let you go...

Greg, are you bringing slashing machine? I think this is the time to use plan C. "Honey, we're trapped....it's Martini time".

....Let's raft up everyone... Alex start a spreadsheet on who's going and so on!!!! Just kidding.

Joe, at least we don't have to vote on the location.:lol:

 

[cod]

Guys, does the Zach's bay get packed to the point that boats can't enter/exit the area or is it not so bad?

Alex,
You will always be able to ge out. I wouldn't worry about that. There will be a lot of daytrippers coming and going. Nothing really on the mainland. Heading east down the state channel you will have Hemlock cove which is another anchorage. Beyond that I would suggest Atlantique which is a closer than Watch Hill. Atlantique is adjacent to Ocean Beach which is the largest town on fire island with shops and restaurants. Its a long walk along the beach or you can take a 2 minute water taxi ride. They are not really dinghy friendly. The only question is if slips will be available as it is a Town Marina that does not take reservations. Its a first come, first serve basis. In the past I have seen slips open for Memorial day weekend as many people still don't have their boat in the water but slips for your size vessel are limited. They do allow non- resident boats at a slightly higher rate but still reasonable. There is also a path that takes you to the beach on the ocean side.