The Hempstead Bay Sailing Club is planning afternoon racing for its fleet celebration on Summer Saisltice afternoon. The club is located on the south shore of Long Island though protected from the wide Atlantic by the sandy shores of Long Beach. The exact address is53 Empire Boulevard, Island Park, NY and it is here they sail and race Flying Scots, Sunfish, Hobie Cats, Tanzers, Catalinas, O'Days and a wide variety of other afternoon daysailers.
According to their club history, "It all began in 1962 when a group of sailors with a variety of craft in Middle bay, decided they wanted to race against each other. The majority of them were berthed at Lido Marina, now the site of HBSC. The club’s original facility was a houseboat floating on a barge in middle bay. It served as clubhouse, race committee boat, and starting line. In 1964 a constitution was drawn up, and we were formally incorporated on April 20, 1964. At this time, the members voted to race "one designs". Highlanders were considered, but the "Flying Scot" was chosen, because it is fast, responsive, and also a good family boat. In 1965 a Board of Trustees was set up to run the club. Later that year, an opportunity to lease Lido Marina with an option to buy came up, and was acted upon. HBSC now had a home! In 1966 a complete renovation of the main building was undertaken to create the clubhouse. Next door to us on the south side was a coffee shop and fishing station where the "Survivor 2" party boat was docked. That site became available years later, and was added to make up the property we have today.
If you're looking for a club on the south shore of Long Island they may be hard to find but here's the hint from their page, "HBSC is a diamond in the rough informal sailing club located in Island Park NY. Our property has approximately 185’ of waterfront on Barnum channel, and sits on approximately 3/5 of an acre. We are just south of "Peter’s Clam bar" (a landmark favorite restaurant). Since we do not advertise, prospective members happen upon us by chance and usually say they didn’t know we existed."
We look forward to starting our summer sailing 'with them' in June 2022!
