Courtesy of Gina Bradly

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If you are looking for a protected shallow bay that offers great sailing in any wind direction that is a three hour drive from NYC, than go no further than Napeague Bay on the East End of Long Island. Actually, you can't go any further than Napeague Bay; it is just about as close to the end of Long Island as you can get (expect for Montauk). The bay is so pristine that clams and oysters are farmed out of the waters all season and if you are lucky while you are beach starting, you might feel a big clam beneath your feet and find yourself dinner!

My first visit to Napeague was about ten years ago. In my novice sailing days, I felt like I had made an amazing discovery, and today I still feel the same way about Napeague. The road to bay is as wonderful as the water itself. The area has been preserved, thanks to The Nature Conservancy and the Town of East Hampton, so that when you drive down the road that leads to the bay, you feel like you are on a nature drive as deer and rabbit scurry across the road and you can hear the distinct chirping of Ospreys as they fly over head. Occasionally, I have spotted an owl, majestically perched in the marsh, and just recently I saw a mother fox and her pups playing in the sun.

The bay is nestled in between land, dunes and a bigger outer bay called Gardiner's Bay. In the dog days of summer the southwest thermal winds come in off the ocean and the bay is filled with windsurfers and kite surfers. It is one of the few places I have ever been to where the kite surfers and windsurfers live in harmony. The bay is about three miles by two miles and has very few deep spots so it is the perfect place for beginners.  There is a beach on the other side of the launch spot that is accessible by four wheel drives, so if do go astray, it is easy to get rescued. There is a great beach right there at the launching site that has port-a-potties, nice shallow water (for kids) and frequent visits by the Good Humor Ice Cream Truck.

"The bay is nestled in between land, dunes and a bigger outer bay called Gardiner's Bay. It is one of the few places I have ever been to where the kite surfers and windsurfers live in harmony."

Sailing Conditions

Napeague is the best when the winds are out of the Southwest, but offers great sailing in all directions. You can do a nice broad reach across the bay to the other side and enjoy the unspoiled beauty of the beach. If you are still chickening out on your jibes, the water is very shallow the on the other side and perfect for beach starting, so you can save all your energy for the speed runs back and forth. As you go across the bay in a Southwest wind, the winds can be stronger in the middle, so get ready to hold on!

On really windy days, if you are ready for a real challenge, the outer bay, Gardiner's bay offers intermediate to advanced sailing and is still somewhat protected so you don't have that "open ocean" feeling if you are heading out.  If you are in Napeague bay and you head to one of the two cuts in the Northwest corner of the bay, you can sail right out (or walk along the channel, just watch out for the current!) and enjoy the big rollers and the little waves in closer to shore. Just make sure you go out there with a buddy, it is not a place to sail alone. If it is a Nor'easter blowing through, you will probably be surprised at how many people are out there; it is a favorite spot for locals when the spring and fall winds start to blow.

Best Gear

The best gear for Napeague varies based on the time of the year and if you are planning on sailing in Gardiner's Bay. In Napeague, (or the "kiddie pool" affectionately named by my friends) the best gear is your light wind gear. Bigger sails and boards are better for the lighter winds of summer, but if a thermal kicks in, get ready to pull your sail's down haul and switch to a smaller board. Since the bay is so shallow make sure not to use an exceptionally long fin as you will find yourself stopping short in the middle of the bay.

For the outer bay or on windier days get out your smaller gear. Wave boards and convertible boards are the best option.

Kitesurfing

As I mentioned, this beach is also a favorite for kite surfing, for many of the same reasons. Windsurfers love it, shallow water, enclosed bay, lots of wind and great launching. There is an instructor there, who I highly recommend taking lessons from. His name is Skatoor and he will set you straight on the rules and the skills you need to fly safely. He can be reached at 203-984-1097. If you want to go at it alone, generally the kiters respect the windsurfers there as they know that the windsurfers have been there for a long time and they rig just down wind of sailing site and kite surf down wind of the windsurfers.

Courtesy of Gina Bradly

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Skills to Practice

I call Napeague the Jibe City of the Northeast. It is the best place to learn how to jibe and windsurf. The bay is so nice and shallow that it is the best place to learn water starting, beach starting and light wind tacking. For the advanced sailor, you can practice duck jibes, clew first water starts, and jumps since there is plenty of room to sail.

Getting there

To get to Napeague from NYC, all you have to do is take the Long Island Expressway (495) to exit 70 Manorville Road (Route 111) to Route 27 Sunrise Highway heading east. Stay on 27 all the way through the town of Amagansett. Once you pass Vickie Vegetable patch on the right, you take the next right onto Cranberry Hole Drive. Stay on the road until the end to Shore Road which will take you to the bay.
 

Local Information & Rentals

Park behind the signs for non-permit parking, it is about 100 yards away from the actual rigging and launch site. If you are unsure, ask anyone who is around, they will tell you where to park. Tickets for not having a beach permit (and those cost $150 at town hall) are $125, so is best to drop your gear and park at the legal spot. There have been no thefts that I know of at Napeague, but it is always smart to lock up your car.

There are port-a-potties at the site, but you should pack a lunch and bring plenty of liquids as it can get at the beach, especially if you are there for a thermal. The beach can be totally still, and the wind is out on the bay only.

There is one rental place right there at the launch, called Main Beach Surf and Sport. It is run by Billy Garry and if you call ahead of time you might be able to reserve gear. His number is 516-647-0678. He has instructors at the beach and plenty of decent gear to rent. Jan Milne does private instruction and has her own gear for the lessons, she can be reached at 516-380-0421. She also has female only clinics running all summer that I highly recommend.