Horn Island

[kamala]

I'm looking to sail to Horn Island off the coast of Ocean Springs, MS and was looking for some first hand info. I have a Catalina 22 wing keel and need to know where the best/closest place is to launch.

What is the best boat ramp for accessing horn island with a sailboat?

Also, any general information, anchorages, distance, etc would be helpful.
thanks,
jhm

[MARC2012]

Been awhile since I was in that area but used to be a ramp in ocean springs & one in biloxi.Have not been there since Katrina but was beautiful.marc

[kamala]

I've found some information regarding the anchorages. It looks like the best place to anchor is the Horseshoe (see chart 11374 below). Deep right up to the beach. In terms of boat launches I still haven't found which one is closest and has an adequate draft to launch a wing keeled sailboat.

[SailingStNick]

There are six launch ramps at the Jackson County Harbor (Ocean Springs). Traffic is sometimes a problem. Draft should be ok as there are much larger sailboats docked in the harbor.

There's also a public launch on Highway 90 across from the Ohr-O'Keefe Museum and the Biloxi Yacth Club.

I have no experience launching there, but it is my belief that depths should be ok for your needs.

Edit: Where do you live? Do you need rail meat? I have a little experience but am ready and willing to learn. I live in Ocean Springs.

[LooseDiamond]

The Pascagoula Inner Harbor is almost due North of Horn Island. I do not know if they have a launch. The phone # 228-938-6627. I have a buddy that frequents Horn Is. from Ocean Springs, but he is a beach catamaran sailor.

Here is the # for Jackson Co. Harbor mentioned by SailinStNick: 228.872.5754

Either of those two points will be the closest to your destination. Sorry I couldn't help more. I am in Long Beach, and it is about a 25 mile run to the west end of Horn from there. Not ideal, but we do have great staff, launch, facilities, and it has always been safe for me to leave a truck for 3-4 days (good security). A little research should yield a suitable launch. Good luck!

[SailingStNick]

Originally Posted by LooseDiamond

I have a buddy that frequents Horn Is. from Ocean Springs, but he is a beach catamaran sailor.

Quite a number of the guys and gals from Ocean Springs Yacht Club make trips to Horn from their club under the Biloxi Bay Bridge.

[kamala]

I appreciate all of the replies. I've done some more research on the boat ramps and it looks like the Beach Blvd ramp (30.3455,-88.561928 or 599 Beach Blvd, Pascagoula, MS 39567) is the closest. I'm going to call around tomorrow to see if you can park there overnight. Anybody know off hand?

Here are some pictures:

The Beach blvd ramp is marked with the A and you can see the route by Singing River Island and the Round.

Chart of the Ramp (labeled on R as Surfaced Ramp). My draft is <5 feet so it should be ok.

Aerial photo

[kamala]

Originally Posted by SailingStNick

Edit: Where do you live? Do you need rail meat? I have a little experience but am ready and willing to learn. I live in Ocean Springs.

I'll PM you if I lose my crew for the trip and I appreciate the offer.

I just talked with the Recreation department and you can park at the Beach Blvd ramp listed above all weekend and there are no restrictions. He said that it was definitely large enough for a sailboat.

I'm driving about 6 hours and didn't want to be a 'fish out of water.' I appreciate everyone's help getting beta for the trip and I'll be sure to post photos when we get back! Also I posted some more information at sailingthrough.com. Thanks again.
jhm