New Orleans

[Monty VM]

hello everybody, we will be sailing from Panama up to NOLA late April and May. We will stay at south shore in NOLA. I am looking at the charts and seeing some things that I do not understand. Such as vertical clearances listed as low a 4' by some of the bridges. HUH? What is the best way to sail in from the Gulf? through the rigolets or up the canal by the sanctuary? any local knowledge would be much appreciated.

 

[JamesG161]

I suggest call or email...
http://noyc.org/wordpress/

New Orleans Yacht Club.
Jim...

 

[Sandy Stone]

Most sailors come in through the Rigolets, as long as your mast fits under the 65' - 70' fixed bridges at Hwy 90 and I-10. Make sure you have reliable propulsion before approaching the Rigolets, because the currents can be surprisingly strong and it's too deep to anchor.

 

[BigEasy]

Definitely enter thru the Rigolets; just be aware of strong currents when there is a big tide range.
The bridges that are listed with clearances of four feet are likely railroad bridges at the entrance to the Rigolets and Highway 11 on Lake Pontchartrain. Both railroad bridges open readily as long as a train is not scheduled to pass.
As far as marinas to stay, the choice is rather limited as the primary marinas closest to downtown New Orleans are still in a state of disrepair from hurricane Katrina, with no transient slips available. The following list is your best bet for a slip:
1. South Shore Harbor Marina 504-245-3152
Decent marina; however, there are no amenities such as restaurants. Located directly on Lake Pontchartrain
approximately 15 to 20 minute cab ride to French Quarter. Inexpensive transient slips available.
2. Pontchartrain Landing RV park & marina 504-286-8157
Small marina & RV park Small restaurant. Located on the "Industrial Canal" just off of Lake Pontchartrain
in an industrial area that is not tourist friendly outside of the immediate marina area. Free Shuttle bus to
French Quarter may be available.
3. Oak Harbor Marina, Slidell 985-641-1044 (North side of Lake Pontchartrain)
Decent marina on Lake Pontchartrain approximately 40 minutes from French Quarter. Phil's restaurant is on
site. Clean restrooms & laundry. Safe area with security on site. No pump out facility. Inexpensive.

 

[BigEasy]

Monty,
If you are going to be in the area for a while, you might also consider visiting two communities on the "North Shore"
of Lake Pontchartrain across the lake from New Orleans. Madisonville on the Tchefuncte River has free dockage on the town "wall" for three days. Power & water is available for a nominal donation. Mandeville harbor is on Bayou Castine. Free dockage, power, & water for three days. Check in at the Pontchartrain Yacht Club across the street from the docks for a decal that is necessary. Good restaurants within walking distance.

 

[JamesG161]

Tchefuncte

You didn't tell him how to say that name!
Jim...

 

[kloudie1]

Definitely from the Rigolets.. Approach along the east side of the Chandeleur Islands, across the top to the southwest of Cat Island then into the Gulf Intercoastal and then the Rigolets.. Kinda tricky in and around Cat and that section of the Intercoastal. Couple of notes.. As Big Easy says, South Shore Marina is a bit isolated and a cab or a rental car is the only way to get around once you are there. The New Orleans Marina (504) 288 2351 sometimes does have a transient slip or two .. those would be walking distance to restaurants and the city bus line. I certainly agree with the North Shore recommendations from Big Easy..
I think that Oak Harbor Marina has changed its name to "Anchorage Marina" .. at the same phone number ..

James.. "Cha Funk Ta" is the local pronunciation.. Local joke was always.. ""...Tchefuncta ? Nope.. didn't even kiss her!

 

[JamesG161]

BTW come visit us on the Mississippi Gulf coast!
Most all of the marinas here are new or essentially new since Hurricane Katrina.
From the Bay St. Louis marina, it is 60 minute drive to Bourbon Street. No strong currents, one swing railroad bridge, little mud on you anchor, barrier islands to explore, easier to pronounce names, etc.

See you can pass right by us on the way to/from the Rigolets (Rig oh lees).
Jim...

PS: I would love know how our model 430 fairs on that trip from Panama!

 

[BigEasy]

Jim, I was lucky enough to get the spelling correct!!

 

[JamesG161]

shhhhh we have a few names too!
Tchoutacabouffa River
Flows into Biloxi Bay.
Jim...

 

[woodster]

i was just at gulf port this afternoon getting some things at ken hardware and crossed some of those rivers you speak of