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What is the shortest book ever written? answer: my life on
land by Jacques cousteau, the legendary french oceanographer.
although this old joke is always good for a chuckle, the philosophy
behind it is played out by regular folks who enjoy life on the water
to such an extent that the family boat is a home away from home.
as serious boaters will attest, being on a boat brings a unique
tranquility, insight and a calmness that our high-torque, ultra-
connected society sorely lacks. not to mention camaraderie
among family or friends.
"it's a way of life, away from the everyday stresses of work, a
place to relax and be together with family," says Gary Grossman.
He and his wife allison took possession of a 2010 500 sea ray
sundance just in time for boating season, christening it "Bay B
Girl" having purchased it from marinemax lindenhurst, where
they have their home slip.
"you just always want to be on the boat," says allison, adding
that it also gets her kids, alexis, 18, amanda, 16, and Jonathan,
12, away from the ubiquity of screen time and digital distractions.
"the water is so calming and really brings the family together."
Gary, President of the Permanent Division at execu|search
Group in new york city, describes the boat as their "stress-free
environment" and "Zen place." Gary and allison met on a beach
(no boat) on fire island back in 1992, and got their first boat
about eight years ago, a 28-foot sea ray, when they figured the
kids were old enough to go out on the water. since then they've
had a 34, 39 and now the 50-footer, all sea rays, which easily
gives the whole family some welcome space on the water.
While at their seasonal slip at the montauk yacht club a few
years back ("the dockhands are so amazing, everyone's so nice!"
says allison) they met stew and lisa Kritz, who had their own sea
ray 480 moored in the slip next to theirs. it turned out to be the
beginning of an enduring friendship, almost like a virtual merger
of two families that comes from sharing life on the water.
"stew and lisa are wonderful people and having our slips
the boAting LiFe
The water is home away from home for Gary and Allison Grossman.
the MArineMAx exPerienCe