Sailor's Log: First Docking at Orient By The Sea

(Photo is of Robert Haase)

Life is full of surprises so after 12 years of sailing Gardiner'sBay I did something new. After leaving my slip in 3Mile Harbor, East Hampton, I sailed the nine plus miles to land at Orient Point at the Orient By the Sea Restaurant and Marina. Now with Labor Day 2016 in the rear view mirror the place was in off season hours and closed when I arrived at 5 pm. I tied up my 22' Catalina and proceeded up to the establishment. I was greeted by owner Robert Haase who has toiling there for over 36 years. He told me wonderful tales of visitors who landed there by plan or by mistake. The best tale was of a 93' luxury yacht that arrived blocked the whole Marina with its occupants in black tie and formal wear thinking they had landed at the Orient Yacht Club for a black tie gala. Robert invited me back and said I could dock overnight for $1.50 a foot per night. I think next summer I am going to do that because who doesn't love the North Fork of Long Island. Afterwards as I was leaving I heard the roar of Haase's motorcycle that was much louder than my 6 horsepower Yamaha ! The sail/trip back to East Hampton included some white caps over 20mph gusts but another sensational sunset over Orient and Gardiner's Bay!