My wife and I will be bringing our newly purchased Hunter 29.5 back to Pensacola from Galveston around the end of March. As we have never made this trip before (we intend to go ICW) we would be interestd in hearing from those who have. Of particular concern is the transit through New Orleans. Any tip you have would be greatly appreciated. Thanks Grant & Christie Ziebell Pensacola, FL
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To avoid the 'crash
If at all possible try a direct route past and around the Miss. delta and re-connect to the ICW past that point. The traffic, particularly lots of oversized barges combined with the reduced nav-aid maintenance(Coast Guard now almost strictly boat searchers), the locks(a claustrophobic nightmare when barges are involved), and the complete disaster of the overcrowded Mississippi River and it's tremendous currents(especially in spring time) make for a horrible start out. In March/April the southeasterlys are not set yet, and you can catch the back end of a front with its northerlys and easily make that initial run to the lighthouse off the end of the delta in a couple of days. Remember the rhumb line from Galveston to FL keeps you pretty much parallel to the LA coast anyway, so in case of trouble you really aren't that far off shore. Post your watch for ships and wells, and all should be well. Carry TWO GPS's, if you are a weak navigator(or not, for that matter). Honestly, properly prepared you and the boat will be far safer going the direct route on the first leg. And you can run from Galveston up to Sabine Pass by ICW then out to sea as well...hey they have the best shrimp burgers made in the one restuarant in Sabine Pass.
g'Luk
If at all possible try a direct route past and around the Miss. delta and re-connect to the ICW past that point. The traffic, particularly lots of oversized barges combined with the reduced nav-aid maintenance(Coast Guard now almost strictly boat searchers), the locks(a claustrophobic nightmare when barges are involved), and the complete disaster of the overcrowded Mississippi River and it's tremendous currents(especially in spring time) make for a horrible start out. In March/April the southeasterlys are not set yet, and you can catch the back end of a front with its northerlys and easily make that initial run to the lighthouse off the end of the delta in a couple of days. Remember the rhumb line from Galveston to FL keeps you pretty much parallel to the LA coast anyway, so in case of trouble you really aren't that far off shore. Post your watch for ships and wells, and all should be well. Carry TWO GPS's, if you are a weak navigator(or not, for that matter). Honestly, properly prepared you and the boat will be far safer going the direct route on the first leg. And you can run from Galveston up to Sabine Pass by ICW then out to sea as well...hey they have the best shrimp burgers made in the one restuarant in Sabine Pass.
g'LukGalveston - Pennsacola
I did the ICW from Brownsville to New Orleans last summer. Not a bad trip. Don't let the locks and the Mississippi put fear into your heart. It's not that big a deal, as long as you pay attention. You can avoid most of the Mississippi ( advisable ). Check your charts, and get into the river just above down town New Orleans, run a very few miles down stream right through downtown, and get out at the Interharbor canal. That will put you into Lake Ponchatrain. If you would like any more info drop me an email and I'll try to answer. Phil Prater > sailaway_78@hotmail.com <
I did the ICW from Brownsville to New Orleans last summer. Not a bad trip. Don't let the locks and the Mississippi put fear into your heart. It's not that big a deal, as long as you pay attention. You can avoid most of the Mississippi ( advisable ). Check your charts, and get into the river just above down town New Orleans, run a very few miles down stream right through downtown, and get out at the Interharbor canal. That will put you into Lake Ponchatrain. If you would like any more info drop me an email and I'll try to answer. Phil Prater > sailaway_78@hotmail.com <
Galveston-Pensacola
While I have not personally done this route, I would refer you to the website below. A friend of mine has taken this route on his boat Bruadair. They have a detailed cruising log and photo gallery of the trip. It is essentially the identical route you are considering. Hope it helps and have a great trip! www.bruadair.us Frank Kemah, TX
While I have not personally done this route, I would refer you to the website below. A friend of mine has taken this route on his boat Bruadair. They have a detailed cruising log and photo gallery of the trip. It is essentially the identical route you are considering. Hope it helps and have a great trip! www.bruadair.us Frank Kemah, TX
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