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Great South Bay Overview
Heckscher is the single most popular sailing location on Long Island. The launch is on a prominent point of land so it's a great site for many wind directions. Shallow area near shore is good for beginners, while prevailing southwesterlies make for a long run across the bay for intermediate sailors. Weed fin is a necessity during the Summer.
Open to nonresidents in the summer months.
Windsurfing permitted in Lot 7.
One of the easier beaches to reach: freeway access right to the launch.
Excellent winter alternative: Go to Islip, about 3 miles West. (Take the street across from the County Building to the water). Sailing conditions are about the same as Hechscher
$7 Admission- Windsurfing in Lot 7. Or, since Heckscher is a NY State Park, unlimited admission is also possible with an Empire Passport--cost is $65.00. Available at entrance booth or online.
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| Season: |
April-October |
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| Launch: |
Sign posted says launching only April 1-November 1 |
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Maps & Directions
Take the Southern State Parkway to the end, it becomes the Heckscher State Parkway and goes into the park. When towing, take Sunrise Highway to Heckshire Parkway South. Launch at Field 7. Bathrooms at Field 6."
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Sensor Notes
The sensor is located west of Heckscher State Park. This park is on such a prominent point of land that it meteorologically resembles a peninsula. Easterlies, nor'easters and the
off-shore northerlies all work well
from the Park once you get away from the wind shadow created by the Park. Conditions during these
blows will be much better in the Park than reported by the meter;
try using the reported gusts as
an approximation of the average
wind you might find in the Park.
Also note: if you are sailing in the ocean, you will need about one sail size bigger than you will need at Heckscher.
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