I just want to thank all of you in advance for all of the help so far. I'm all set for this season with my hobie 16. Granted its a 1979 boat but it was a fresh water boat all of its life until I got a hold of it and will be flying hulls all summer out of rockaway beach. As a surfer, sailing is something I never got into until now and frankly, I'm all in. I know that I'm under gunned with my cat now but after I've replaced all of the standing rigging, new tramp, new everything for that matter, I'll have a solid boat with rock solid hulls this year. my plan is to get real good at the hobie 16 and upgrade at the end of the season, like october. I was looking into taking sailing lessons with red gear racing and would like to get to the point of competition. does anyone know of any schools up by me that can teach me the way around a f-18.

This is something like surfing for me that has become ingrained in who I am. the real perk for me is that up in New York, there are more days with wind than days with waves. the combo days I'm looking to take on ground swells but thats another story. I think that an f-18 is most likely my best bet to get into the racing side of things. Right now I'm about 225lbs. (because I love cheeseburgers and naps) but should be closer to 185 by summers end. My crew weight will average over 300lbs easy. if anyone local to me is looking for someone to crew with and teach me stuff, I'm down for that too. I could teach anyone to surf plus I know the value of cold beer.

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Ed Lavin
Time on the water doesn't count on the clock of life
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