Gary,

I like the various bands of color and lighting throughout the shot. If you were to look at either the top or bottom in isolation they almost don't look like they're part of the same shot, yet they transition nicely from one to the other. The gulls are a nice catch, as is the ship on the horizon.

As for wearing a coat at the beach, I've seen that so many times that I didn't even think twice. Here in northern CA the beaches can get quite cold at times. I guess it's all your frame of reference.

PC