There's something about the shoreline that draws people to it ... the appeal of the water, the picturesque sunrises and sunsets, the smell of the surf and sound of the waves. It refreshes us, calms us, makes us recall fond memories and dream of new ones.
There also is something about Sea Cliff, the small, one- square-mile village whose name describes its character ... a cliff overlooking the sea. Located on the North Shore of Nassau County, this unique village known for its many magnificent Victorian homes, has 18 public parks, seven churches and, above all, its glorious views of Hempstead Harbor and Long Island Sound.
There are no super highways, shopping centers or housing developments. Many homes are passed down by families. Some people move elsewhere for a while, but many return to raise families amid the joys of this waterfront community.
"There's no place like Sea Cliff," says George Christman, longtime resident and veteran sailor. "It's an open harbor, and in 10 minutes you can be sailing in the Long Island Sound." Sea Cliff embraces boating, and sailboats dominate the harbor in the summer. Their masts fill the harbor like the teeth in a comb during the height of the sailing season.
Sea Cliff became known internationally in 1976, when resident, author and illustrator Frank O. Braynard created OpSail, which brought Tall Ships from all over the world to the village en route to New York Harbor to celebrate the country's bicentennial.
The event celebrated "the brotherhood of the sea" and the coming together of men and women from many nations to share in a great endeavor. Sailing brings people together. A sport that promotes teamwork is enjoyed together by many generations and is a wonderful way for families to spend quality time together.
The Sea Cliff Yacht Club also hosts the annual Around Long Island Regatta, now in its 31st year. Braynard was a founder of the regatta.
The yacht club and the village each offer junior sailing programs.
Sailing for some is a hands-on challenge between sailors and Mother Nature; there's skills and navigation to be learned, all kinds of rigging, different sails for different purposes and more. For others, it's a simple escape from the hectic work week, a chance to slow down and reconnect with our families or ourselves.
Village history
In 1865, a group of Methodists came by steamboats from New York City to hold prayer meetings. According to an 1877 article from the Sea Cliff Journal, they were attracted by "the sea breeze, excellent bathing, an admirable harbor, a favorite anchorage for yachts, boating and very respectable fishing." In 1871, the group purchased 240 acres of farmland from the Carpenter family. Originally tents were set up, but in time, a domed tabernacle that could seat 5,000 was built,
along with a steamboat dock and boardwalk. The camp era ended in 1890, and the tabernacle was sold to a German Methodist group that began selling land for private homes.
Home building really took off and Sea Cliff became a very popular summer resort, with magnificent Victorian homes or "Gingerbread cottages."
