Catalina Limitations

[Stephen]

I have a friend who is going to be sailing from Galveston to Tampa, as a week long trip in a Valiant 50. My questions is whether or not my Catalina 22 could make that trip also. The idea is to stay close to land the entire way as a safety measure, but I would like to know anyone else's experience with Gulf sailing, is this safely beyond the capabilities of my Catalina 22???

 

[Randy]

think

Stephen If its a swing keel you have, I would not concider it....only because of the way the swing keel is attached....its not made for the twisting that a wave from offshore can create... If its a fixed keel or a wing, chose the weather right, pick a route, get out your charts and have fun... I own a fixed fin and the major part of the racing I do is offshore... remember, shit happenes fast out there...and sometimes you dont have time to think, you have to react and fast.  I think you should go for it...but think safty.....

 

[Rob Rich]

Honestly,,,

I would think twice about it in my C-27 fixed keel. To make it in any kind of reasonable time frame, I think you would want to go well offshore. Considering the shipping coming out of Houston/Gavleston, and then Louisiana, Missisippi, etc, I would not feel comfortable without radar, which on a 22 is a tall order. If you decided to go without radar, you would need to be very wary of oil rigs, which a friend of mine almost whacked into on night during a fog.Personally, unless I had a kick-ass crew, I would pass on making this voyage in a small vessel. However, taking the C-22 down to Galeveston or either Padre for a long weekend sounds like a blast. This would give you a more accurate picture of what two weeks on your boat would feel like.Best Regards,Rob

 

[Daniel J.]

Have a good chart!!!!

Stephen, Your letter did ask about "Gulf Sailing". You didn't mention your "Keel Type". I have a Catalina 22 w/ a swing keel. I sail the gulf constanly. Your only real problem is getting to close to shore. The gulf gets very shallow, very fast. Most rock piles are marked, but there are some that aren't. Get a good chart, and leave your keel unlocked. Also, just north of Anclote Island (north of Tampa) Beware of submerged pilings, and sandbars. I have done battle with both in the middle of the night. I don't know much about your trip prior to the gulf, but the gulf itself is no problem what so ever with a 22'. Have a fun trip, and as you pass by the Hudson area, keep an eye out for another 22' flying the "Jolly Roger" at full mast. That would be me......