Sailing the Hamptons Waters is Therapy

         There is no doubt that life has its moments. In fact life is a string of moments; some really good, some not so good, most part of a pattern we live. Years back when things were on the not so good side of the scale I started sailing around in Gardiner's Bay. The idea that so much of the shore line was as pristine as when the first settlers moved in was appealing.When in my small sail boat I was truly in charge of my life and where I was going. The vast openness lifted my soul. Then my spirits were also raised so that my smile was never forced but as natural as the so many sunsets I have enjoyed. Each day's sunset is so new and special. 
         Perhaps I am now in the sunset part of my life. In fact that is why I selected the Sunset Marina in East Patchogue to celebrate my last great love through marriage two years ago. The day of my wedding was a Nor'Easter. But everyone showed up. My grown children even flew in even though they have their own lives and are moving on toward their goals.
        I always wanted to be a writer. I started a newspaper at Boy Scout Camp. I wrote for the local Standard Star in New Rochelle about high school sports while still in High School. I sent two hand written, Letters to the Editor,  of the Washington Post about Watergate that were the only two I ever sent. Ben Bradlee himself called me to ask permission to edit the first one, he was laughing, saying it was sort of cynical and funny. The second hand written letter he printed in full. I guess I always had something to say through words. But sailing is something I can't put into words adequately.
        The breeze soothes my soul and makes my mind wonder in concentration of wind speeds, currents, wave heights and cloud cover. I aim the boat where it can effortlessly go only powered by wind in its sails. When its hot, I stop for a swim wherever. I have to say the older I get the better the boat seems to sail. There is no room for life's baggage on a small sailboat, the baggage is left at the dock on the land. I watch sea gulls soar, fish jump and even a lost occasional butterfly drops in way off shore.The sailing keeps me sane in an insane world. My conversation with my beagle who always sails with me is special, although he snores right through it. 
           I have had some successes and some flops in my life. I will never be a rich man monetarily it wasn't what I aimed at. I am however rich in adventure, rich in love, and a big part of that well natured love is my love of the sea.