Power boats tossed on rocks at Mill Basin |
The sun has set on New York City, but before it did, my wife
and I finally ventured out of the neighborhood to check on our sailboat in Mill
Basin and our kayaks in Paerdegat Basin in Brooklyn. This is what we experienced in the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy.
Along the way, we encountered several traffic lights along
Flatlands and Flatbush that were not working and therefore causing some traffic
congestion. As we waited to turn south
on Flatbush, a convoy of about a dozen ambulances, escorted by police cars,
screamed south, perhaps on their way to assist with the evacuation of a
hospital in Coney Island.
Our spirits were lifted as soon as we saw masts rising from
behind the Kings Plaza Marina fence.
Mischief with a shredded jib flapping |
Even though it appeared that the high water was several feet
about normal, we found our C&C 24 more or less intact. The only damage was a partially ripped and
shredded jib sail still on its furler. Some floating debris, mostly wood and Styrofoam
from docks, was floating nearby. One of
the dock cleats had partially pulled out and was missing one of its two
bolts. It was apparent that the boat’s bow
had been rubbing or banging against the dock, but the dock was more damaged
than the boat. The dock across from us
was ripped up and tied to the rest of the dock.
Several slip docks appeared to be bent at an angle. At least three beach power boats were visible
up on rocky banks. A neighboring sailboat
had a ripped and torn mainsail still on its boom.
The King’s Plaza Marina office and show room still had some
water on the floor after about two feet of water filled it during the storm
surge. Some merchandise inside appeared
tossed about.
Downed tree obstructing street near Sebago Canoe Club |
After exploring Mill Basin, we drove back across Flatlands
to Mill Basin, where a large downed tree across the street forced us to make a
small detour.
The Sebago Canoe Club did
not fare as well as our sailboat. Most
of the walkway had floated up and out of its position. Apparently several feet of water had entered
the clubhouse, causing the cabinetry to dislodge from the walls, the refrigerator
to topple, and tossing about most of the other furnishings.
Kayaks in racks strewn about |
A few kayaks and small sailboats were strewn
about the property but most kayaks were still in their racks, though the racks
had been moved by the water. My wife’s
Current Designs Sirocco and my Ocean Kayak Drifter were in different racks and
both wedged into and against a fence. My
Necky Chatham 17 and her Ocean Kayak Drifter, on two other racks, were still in
place. It will take a lot of work to
clean up the grounds and clubhouse. At An
odor of petroleum filled the air, reminders of the spill a couple weeks ago.
Tomorrow? After Sandy day two. Schools will be closed again. Buses will be running, but the subway probably will not.
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