New Orleans Sailors - West End to Gulfport?

[Idratherbesailing]

I've got a 37 Gulfstar at Orleans Marina that I cruise at 7 knts, motorsailing if I have to. Is it reasonable to leave at dawn and get to Gulfport Yacht Harbor in one day before dark, assuming decent weather? I'm assuming I can get the highway 11 bridge to open when I need it and such. I've done this before, but always left from Oak Harbor. Haven't done this in a couple of years, so is there anything I need to look out for, such as bridges that aren't working now?

 

[Forrest15112]

Absolutely. I left Gulfport around 7am, averaged about 5.5-6 knots to the Rigolets, motored from there through the hwy11 bridge, sailed again around 5-6 knots or so, back-tracked a few miles to allow a thunderstorm to pass ahead of me and still made it to Mandeville around 6PM. Hwy 11 opened for me at 3pm on a Friday afternoon. I called from a couple miles out and they asked for 3 minutes advanced notice.

 

[Winkfish]

I think you'll be ok. In fact, in a couple of weeks they'll be having the New Orleans to Gulfport race. Bridges have never been a problem. Also, you can call the bridges in question ahead of time to ask what their protocols are.

 

[kloudie1]

65-70 nautical miles from New Orleans Marina. It is a long day to Gulfport .. best to start as soon as there is light, and not wait 'till dawn. That way you'll have light when you arrive. Have a safe trip!

 

[shemandr]

... so is there anything I need to look out for, such as bridges that aren't working now?

Local Notice to Mariners would be a good source for that sort of info. Or you could try Active Captain.

 

[nolasafari]

I am in Orleans Marina by the condos slip EW 26. Where are you located?

 

[sailaway78]

Doable

It's doable, but makes for a long day. Normally the Hwy. 11 bridge is prompt about opening. The CSX at the Rigolets can cause a wait if there is a train coming. Went through there last Thurs. and spent about 30 minutes waiting on a train.

 

[BigEasy]

If necessary, you can shave off 10 miles (approximately 1.5 to 2 hours) by going into the harbor at Pass Christian. I believe the transient rate is about $25per day. Fair Winds.

 

[Idratherbesailing]

Thanks for all the replies. Confirming what I thought, 10-12 hours, means very early start and hope for no holdups...I'll have someone with me that for various reasons needs to overnight at the slip in Gulfport, which is why I am asking the question...is there a time of day the Hwy 11 bridge won't open, such as during morning or evening rush? You can find out that for the Causeway bridge but it doesn't seem to be available for the Hwy 11 bridge. Guess I'll call them.

 

[Idratherbesailing]

Big Easy, have you used the slips at Pass Christian? I've never been in there, and from looking at the charts and active captain comments, it makes me worry about both available dockage and water depth...got a 5 foot draft.

 

[Forrest15112]

They appear to be rebuilding, or adding on, to the PC marina now. It looks like the same style as Gulfport with high towers housing utilities. it's no where near complete, but let's hope they don't put the fixed piers so high. They're also building a new marina in Bay St Louis, but it isn't complete either. You should be OK with 5' draft into PC marina.

 

[Sandy Stone]

The Hiway11 bridge opens on demand unless there is a train coming. It would be unusual to wait more than 15 minutes for it.

 

[BigEasy]

Sandy is correct; there is no curfew on the Highway 11 bridge. There can be a delay in opening if a train is on the way.
I have been in & out of the Pass Christian marina a few years ago on a Beneteau 373 that had a 5 foot draft with no problem. I have personally seen dredging taking place in the channel leading into the existing harbor about two years ago. There are actualy two approaches, one from the East & one from the West with shallow water inbetween the channels. Just for your information, there is a major expansion of the PC marina that is taking place to the East of the present marina. I believe that there will be about 50 recreational slips and about 100 commercial spaces at the new expansion. The new phase is scheduled to open sometime in the early fall. Meanwhile, Bay St Louis is opening their new Marina in a few weeks with the grand opening slated for July 25. It will be all recreational with about 160 slips. Between Gulfport, Pass Christian, and Bay St Louis there will a lot of space availability in top condition marinas. If you need more information about Pass Christain slip availability, water depths, and approaches, you can contact the harbor master (Willie Davis) at 228-452-5128.

 

[Sandy Stone]

One other thing - be sure you have a reliable engine for this trip. If it dies at the wrong time in light wind, the current in the Rigolets can sweep you into a bridge before you can do anything, and it's too deep to anchor.

 

[Idratherbesailing]

Thanks for all the Information!

Thanks for all the replies..I'm always happy at the amount of New Orleans (and Northshore) sailors and local knowledge you can find on this board. I really appreciate the information about Pass Christian and the Hwy 11 Bridge. I also understand about the reliable engine, but I'm a systems guy, so while you never know, if anything quits on my boat it won't be from lack of maintenance and attention...or as my wife says "are you just going to work on the boat?"......