I have been authorized to distribute as widely as possible the following statement:
The State Parks Dept. of NY is now evaluating a proposal by the Superintendent of Heckscher State Park to allow seasonal, mast-up storage of catamarans in a fenced in security-patroled enclosure, from Memorial Day to Labor Day, for, tentatively, $200 per season, which will be an introductory rate. Anyone wishing to register their intent to participate may sign up by emailing norris@gcnews.com. If you register, you may receive early consideration in the event the facility fills up. Certainly, you will be automatically included in any "first draw" or similar activity which may occur to award spaces in that event. Please don't register unless you seriously intend to participate.We have been working very closely with the Park Superintendent. The program may kick off as early as this coming Memorial Day, if all things bureaurocratic go reasonably smoothly. Deposits are not being accepted at this time. We do not initially expect to require membership in any club to store your boat, but that is, after all, a common practice.
Heckscher State Park is located on Great South Bay, Long Island. Great South Bay is over 40 miles long, 15 or more wide, featuring abundant creeks, rivers, Fire Island National Seashore, various smaller Islands, and miles of deserted beaches to land on and explore. The western 10 miles of the bay is navigable, with care and attention to charts; while the remainder is broad, and free from shoals, meaning full-bore sailing at will is the norm. The western quarter of the bay accumulates floating eelgrass; while the eastern 3/4 is usually clear. Only a few places in the bay are more than 15 feet deep, so the water warms up early in the spring.
The bay is served by its own Coast Guard Station.
Meteorologically, the Bay sees a reliable 15+mph SW seabreeze from 10:30am till evening, all summer long. When the wind veers around to the east, the relatively short-period, high aspect swells can be invigorating.
Until 3 years ago, some racers may remember that LICSA, the Long Island Catamaran Sailors Association, held the "Great South Bay 60-60-120" here. 2 years ago, the Hobie 17 and 18 Continental Championships were held on the Bay, about 5 min's sail from Heckscher. 16 Yacht clubs on the bay have joined together to form the GSBYRA, the Great South Bay Yacht Racing Association, which coordinates regattas at the member clubs.
There is camping at Heckscher State Park, and swimming beaches, and a pool, and various playgrounds, picnic areas, B-Ball courts etc.
This Page at ReserveAmerica.com is where you make reservations.
The site itself will be surrounded by a 6 foot fence with locking gates. Fresh water will be provided. The Park intends to provide buried-concrete tiedown and locking points, and a security patrol will visit the site regularly throughout the day. The site is located aproximately 50 feet from the high tide line; is slightly screened from the north and west by some jack-pine trees. The beach in question faces south. Parking is a short walk away, and a rack for locking sail tubes will be provided.
I hope this answers most questions people may have, I'll try to reply to any questions posted here.
norris@gcnews.com 
