Great Neck native sails back home

Editor’s note: All week long, Brittany Wait is profiling people around Great Neck, from community leaders to residents she bumps into around town.

Doug Reynolds, 22, of Great Neck, has lived in the community all his life. He studied actuarial sciences at Binghamton University.

In 80 degree heat with a light breeze, he watched 20 kids steer small sailboats in Little Neck Bay from the dock at Saddle Rock Park and Marina Wednesday.

Community affiliations: Co-director of Stepping Stone Waterfront and Sailing School

Tell me about your interest in sailing.

I started sailing in the school at 7 years old. I even taught my parents how to sail, and now I compete in sailboat races in Port Washington and other places on Long Island. I’m in the process of looking for a job on Long Island or in the city.

You’ve lived here all your life, except in college, so what has kept you from leaving?

Great Neck is unique. I feel there’s a lot of history in it, and it’s an older community with a lot happening. This is where my parents live. It’s comfortable for me, and I’m close to the city.

Tell me some of the hidden gems in Great Neck.

This whole park belonged to Walter Chrysler, Jr. at one point. It’s really cool to me that we’re basically chilling in what once was his backyard. It’s a hidden gem. Look at it, there’s no one here, and it’s often like this.

Define the character of the community.

It’s a good community. It’s a very focus-oriented community.