Hi Mark
No, it wasn't me at the Pilgrim Nuke Plant!
The key thing for a successful spey cast is a good current which helps to load the rod. The long rod helps to achieve a controlled drift - at least that's the theory. I've wondered about trying it off the beach and belting out a 12wt shooting head - another theory to test!
I'm based in CT and work in NYC so don't get up your way as much as I'd like. If I can get up during May I'll let you know. BTW, it's been a few years since I wielded the big rod so Hard Hats might be the order of the day!