This may come in another post. I posted yesterday but don't see it today; assume it was casualty of the glitch. Will be in Texas late Oct with a few days free. Wish to explore the coast for sailing potential. Need advice on where to look and what Texas sailing is like. Hope to retire 2-3 years and perhaps live aboard 2 months somewhere in the gulf. I have a meeting in San Antonio, planning on driving to C. Christie area and following the coast north, not sure how far I'll have time for. Has Rita left Galviston and south useable for tourists? If so: Suggestions for marinas to look at? Suggestions for ports to look at? Suggestions for route to follow? Suggestions for web sites to learn about Texas sailing? Thanks Geoff
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A
Andrea
Sailing in Texas after Rita
Rita caused no problems. There is a big race in October from Galveston to Port Aransas (near CC). CC always has wind for sailing. We sail and race out of Lakewood Yacht Club in Seabrook. Check out the HarvestMoonRegatta.com web site for some general info including marinas in Port A. Bridge Harbor is a frquent stop, but they like fishing boats better than sailors. Go to GBCA.org and post a discussion question there and you will get lots of help from local racer/cruisers.
Rita caused no problems. There is a big race in October from Galveston to Port Aransas (near CC). CC always has wind for sailing. We sail and race out of Lakewood Yacht Club in Seabrook. Check out the HarvestMoonRegatta.com web site for some general info including marinas in Port A. Bridge Harbor is a frquent stop, but they like fishing boats better than sailors. Go to GBCA.org and post a discussion question there and you will get lots of help from local racer/cruisers.
Galveston Bay area
1. Galveston Bay was spared by the hurricanes (so far) 2. The Clear Lake area is said to be the largest collection of recreational boats in the US. Maybe, maybe not, but it certainly is a huge number. 3. Galveston Island is an unsatisfactory sailing location. Too few berths and very difficult to reach 'sailable' waters. 4. The Clear Lake region has to many marinas and facilities ot even bother listing. However some of the best are Boardwalk($$$$), Waterford($$$), Watergate($$), Legend Point($$). Range in price fro a 30' from around $160-+$300 per month w/ elec/pump/clubhouses/pools etc. One outlying berth(s) south of there about 10mi is a flatrate of $75. All of these are suitable to 7ft draft. Several Yacht (yech) Clubs are in the area. Many full service boatyards with lifts to +100 tons. Several chandleries and many sailmakers, riggers etc. 4. Winds on Galveston Bay are prevailing SE at 10-15knt Spring/Summer & Fall Winter, late Fall, Early Spring are variable with regular Northerlies. Can be brisk occasionally +20knt 5. Summer is HOT, so most sailing is done before Noon and late afternoon/evening. 6. Galveston Bay is shallow. Avg depth less than 10', wiht the exception of the Houston Shipping channel which is 55' and bears heavy traffic. Howver, the bay is very large physically and provides plenty of overnight length destinations. The fishing can be spectacular and porpoise populate the southern half from about Clear Lake to the Gulf. It is a nice lazy days run from Galveston Is. to Clear Lake, winds permitting. The bay has many obstructions, i.e oil wells new and old. The area is within 30 miles of downtown Houston, symphony, theaters, libraries(fairly scarce in Texas). About the same from Galveston which has it's own attractions. Too many restuarants and other dollar eaters to list...it is a metro area of approx 4 million. All in all you could do worse, especially if you plan to liveaboard for a year or two. The best facility, imho is Legend Point Marina, it is also hands down the most 'storm' proof. g'luk
1. Galveston Bay was spared by the hurricanes (so far) 2. The Clear Lake area is said to be the largest collection of recreational boats in the US. Maybe, maybe not, but it certainly is a huge number. 3. Galveston Island is an unsatisfactory sailing location. Too few berths and very difficult to reach 'sailable' waters. 4. The Clear Lake region has to many marinas and facilities ot even bother listing. However some of the best are Boardwalk($$$$), Waterford($$$), Watergate($$), Legend Point($$). Range in price fro a 30' from around $160-+$300 per month w/ elec/pump/clubhouses/pools etc. One outlying berth(s) south of there about 10mi is a flatrate of $75. All of these are suitable to 7ft draft. Several Yacht (yech) Clubs are in the area. Many full service boatyards with lifts to +100 tons. Several chandleries and many sailmakers, riggers etc. 4. Winds on Galveston Bay are prevailing SE at 10-15knt Spring/Summer & Fall Winter, late Fall, Early Spring are variable with regular Northerlies. Can be brisk occasionally +20knt 5. Summer is HOT, so most sailing is done before Noon and late afternoon/evening. 6. Galveston Bay is shallow. Avg depth less than 10', wiht the exception of the Houston Shipping channel which is 55' and bears heavy traffic. Howver, the bay is very large physically and provides plenty of overnight length destinations. The fishing can be spectacular and porpoise populate the southern half from about Clear Lake to the Gulf. It is a nice lazy days run from Galveston Is. to Clear Lake, winds permitting. The bay has many obstructions, i.e oil wells new and old. The area is within 30 miles of downtown Houston, symphony, theaters, libraries(fairly scarce in Texas). About the same from Galveston which has it's own attractions. Too many restuarants and other dollar eaters to list...it is a metro area of approx 4 million. All in all you could do worse, especially if you plan to liveaboard for a year or two. The best facility, imho is Legend Point Marina, it is also hands down the most 'storm' proof. g'luk
L
liam
Sounds great
Hey Didereaux, Thanks for the rundown. Sounds great! I would love to be able to spend some time cruising there. Thanks again.
Hey Didereaux, Thanks for the rundown. Sounds great! I would love to be able to spend some time cruising there. Thanks again.
V
Vernon
Port Aransas
Keep to your plan to head to Corpus Christi first. Check out the downtown marina area and then head out to Port Aransas on the barrier islands. After that, drive up to Rockport. The whole area offers excellent coastal sailing opportunities -- all away from the overpopulated upper Texas coast. We sailed Gaveston Bay for nine years, but for nine months had our boat at Port Aransas. During that time we enjoyed good anchorages, good food and more "vacation-like" experiences that anywhere else along the Texas coast. Plus, there's easy access to the Gulf for day sailing in open water.
Keep to your plan to head to Corpus Christi first. Check out the downtown marina area and then head out to Port Aransas on the barrier islands. After that, drive up to Rockport. The whole area offers excellent coastal sailing opportunities -- all away from the overpopulated upper Texas coast. We sailed Gaveston Bay for nine years, but for nine months had our boat at Port Aransas. During that time we enjoyed good anchorages, good food and more "vacation-like" experiences that anywhere else along the Texas coast. Plus, there's easy access to the Gulf for day sailing in open water.
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