2009 rOnDAYvous -- where and when

[Pete]

It's the moment you've all been waiting for: the official announcement of the date and site for the 2009 O'day Owners rOnDAYvous. May I have a drum roll, please...

This year's big event will be held the weekend of July 10-12 at Lawrence Creek in Brightwaters, Long Island. That's on the South Shore, just off Great South Bay (across from Fire Island). A good friend of one of our fellow O'dayers has graciously provided the use of his waterfront property, with a few hundred feet of private bulkhead on this deep-water inlet. (OK, it's deep for Great South Bay, but plenty deep enough.)

The photo shows the site, looking north. There's plenty of room for games and activities, barbecuing, and the traditional outdoor SOS Band performance, and the Bay itself offers plenty of opportunity for racing, fishing, even a cruise across to Fire Island, if you're so inclined. (Of course, with the property including a private beach, you needn't sail over to FI if you just want to sunbathe.)

The year's first issue of the online newsletter "The rOnDAYvous Report" will be sent out in the next couple weeks, and it will include a lot more details, as will succeeding issues right on up to the big event.

If you've always wanted to explore Long Island's "other" shore, this is the perfect opportunity. Don't hesitate, don't be shy -- sign up ASAP for the 2009 rOnDAYvous. It sure beats kicking yourself in the fanny for having missed it.

Pete
s/v EmmieLou (O-322)
Little Silver, NJ

[George Boase]

Hello Pete,
Love to have more information! Weather permitting I'll plan on attending. I have a 25 O'Day so I don't take up much of that space.

I'll be coming from Narragansett Bay. Any tips?

George Boase

[Pete]

George,
Great to hear! I'll see what I can do as far as helpful info. I do know of one O'dayer who will be coming to the rOnDAYvous from New London (probably about the closest port of departure to your area). He's planning to head over to Montauk and come to Great South Bay from that direction. If your schedules meshed, perhaps you could hook up with him and travel together.

Meantime, why not send me your e-mail address so I can send you the newsletter "The rOnDAYvous Report," which has lots of pertinent information about the big event. Contact me at pooby_99 at yahoo dot com.

I hope to see you there. I'll send you more tips as they come to mind, and I'll also see about other flotilla options coming from your area.

Pete

[George Boase]

Thanks Pete,
I was thinking the same thing. Montauk then on from there. My email address is [e-mail] or you can email me from my website www.thecruisingsailor.com.

Always better, safer and more fun with more than one.

[George Boase]

Hello Pete,
Looks like you might be on the money for the weather. Great forcast for the rest of the week. We'll be leaving Wednesday at daybreak stopping at Montauck.

Can you advise regarding rip currents in the Fire Island inlet? I've heard they can be quite brisk.

See you all soon!
George

[Pete]

George,

The best advice I have regarding Fire Island Inlet is that it is particularly treacherous when an ebbing current combines with a prevailing southwesterly breeze. The U.S. Coast Pilot says that the inlet typically has a current of about 2.4 knots at full strength. Other than that, I'm not aware of rip currents to be wary of.

I'll be sending out one more rOnDAYvous e-newsletter tomorrow, with some last-minute information, especially as relates to navigation.

BTW, how'd you make out with crew for the trip?

See you in a few days.

Pete

[George Boase]

Hello Pete,
2.4 knts I don't worry about too much. I was concerned it might be over 5 which IS a problem for me since that's my best speed on motor.

Suky is meeting up with me and crewing. Thanks!

See you soon!

George

[Pete]

The O'day rOnDAYvous managed to capture the news media's attention. Newsday, the Long Island daily, covered our get-together on Monday the 13th, in an article by boating reporter Bill Bleyer (himself the owner of an O-31).

Here's the link. If the link doesn't work directly, just copy and paste, blah, blah, blah....

http://www.newsday.com/news/local/suffolk/ny-lisail1312959296jul12,...

Ya shoulda been there!