New York Boat Show 2014

     Well, its not a very good boat show, what with its overwhelming power boat orientation, but it is the only big show in the New York Metro area and many sailors attend to visit the booths of the various boating related vendors and service providers.

     This year I took two five hour shifts -- manning the Harlem's Booth. Yes we recruit new members to replace those who have the unfortunate habit of moving to Florida, getting sick, dying, or, in today's economy, being compelled to give up boating for financial reasons.

     This year we cut back the number of members who cover each shift at the show because in the past when we had five or six members present, we sort of got in each other's way. Two or three are enough and we provide relief for each other to get food, and visit other vendors for a while. My first shift was Friday, 4 to 9 pm, and the show was almost snowed out with very few people in attendance. Saturday, from ten to three, we were thronged.

      If you had come by, you would heard my little talk: Swinging out between the table and the chair, in a friendly, cheerful, non-interrogatory voice I ask: "Where do you keep your boat?" And if they keep it at Cape May, NJ or near Montauk, New York, and answer my next question that they live near there too, I would wish them to enjoy the show; "But if you ever sail into Long Island Sound, you won't find a better place to take a guest mooring and enjoy our launch service and restaurant, etc. than the Harlem!"

     But for boaters who live in New York City, northern New Jersey, Westchester or Rockland Counties, "unless they have the firm feeling that you "need" a dock, the Harlem could be the place for you. Why drive so far out on Long Island or Connecticut in rush hour traffic to get to your boat? You can only use it on weekends. But if you leave work just a bit early, you can also sail weekday evenings from the Harlem."

      Some say "I don't have a boat so I'm looking". "Well, when you get her you will need a place to keep her."

      "Can't afford one yet", you say. "We have a great new program for you: You join at a low level of cost and after we teach you and check your skills out you can use one of the four boat that the Club owns for the use of its members, to improve your sailing skills until you save up enough to buy your own boat. Plus enjoy all of our social activities."

     "But all you should do today is give us your email address and name and we will send you an email to invite you to come to one of the open houses we are having this winter to actually see the club, drink some of our wine, talk to more people and we think the club will sell itself to you."

      Hopefully we will get a crop of new members this year!