Shore Leave: Douglaston Junior Yacht Squadron

1996

I don't think I've ever had more fun or had better instructors than this summer, The instructors taught us a lot and are not the kind of people that you go as far away from as possible during breaks. Before this year if you told someone you were from Douglaston they wouldn't have a clue what you were talking about. Now most J.S.A (Junior Sailing Association) sailors know where Douglaston is, because we have won so many trophies. At Port Washington, David Arnold, Robert Arnold, -and Kevin Burke placed Fourth, Michaela Restivo and Meggie Abularrage placed Third, and Eias Roman and Charlie Schmidt placed First at Port Washington and Pequot.

Elias Roman

This summer has meant a lot to me. Not only because of the fun sailing, but because of the friendships I've made and the memories that will last forever. I'll never forget going to my first sleep away regatta or capsizing for the first time. One of the most important memories for me was sailing with my sister, Casey. We learned each other's thoughts, ideas, and abilities. We worked together and we fought a lot. The memories we have shared we will never forget.. When Labor Day came and that first day of school approached, I realized that I had just experienced the best summer of my life.

Michaela Restivo

This past summer I had the privilege of sailing my second year of Blue Jays for the Douglaston Club. The summer was a lot of fun for me, as it was for everyone else who sailed Blue Jays. Every day there was wind we went out and raced the courses set by our instructors. On days there was no wind, we went out to swim in the Bay, play games, or, best of all, we would capsize somebody's Laser. Just about everyone went to three regattas, which were great learning experiences and fun.

Our instructors Chris, John, and Heather were also great. They taught us lots of stuff, making us better sailors. They made us look better than most of the other clubs on Long Island Sound. Next summer I look forward to seeing all the friends I made from sailing this past summer. I also look forward to sailing either 420's or Lasers next year.

Brian Burke

Sailing this summer was the best. I've been sailing for a few years, but this summer I learned more about sailing than any other summer. I got to go to Larchmont Raceweek with my sister where we came in 7th. I don't know how we managed that because I don't think we ever stopped fighting. Then came Pequot, my first sleep away regatta. I sailed with Kate Occhipinti and we had fun. My best regatta was Midget Raceweek, where I also sailed with Kate, and although we didn’t do as well, we still had a great time. This summer brought me so much happiness. I'll never forget the many friendships I made or the lasting memories we all had together.

Casey Restivo

Tomorrow the World-Cup?

As parents of young sailors, we have plunged into a world requiring strange demands of our already overloaded schedules. Some of the tasks include chauffeuring, boat cleaning, learning odd skills, such as rigging sailboats and even stranger, learning how to back one's car and trailer into dangerously deep murky waters to launch and retrieve sailboats. All of this fades as we watch the genuine caring and support our young people give each other. Their poise and tenacity on the water through sweltering heat and freezing rainstorms is truly inspiring. We parents can't wait for the next season to watch our children grow, team together and enjoy their youth in our very special community.

Ernan Roman