Where are all the Texas Padre Island Cruisers

[RTB]

johnshasteen,

I see winds (predictably) out of the SE in the summer yes, but winter? PassageWeather - Sailing Weather - Marine Weather Forecasts for Sailors and Adventurers

The most uncomfortable I've been on the Gulf was after hurricane season. I don't believe I would have wanted to be out there in the past 48 hours! Maybe you could ease my mind about sailing the Gulf in the winter? What about the cold fronts that blow through every 3-5 days?

[Lostmt]

Anyone know if wookie left Port A today or not. The weather sure sucks here in POC.

[MeckDC]

We're in Port A waiting for our sail drive to be fixed. Can't get in or out of the slip without it unless my neighbors don't mind some dings. We're heading south to Mexico soon. Anyone going our way?

[johnshasteen]

Originally Posted by RTB

johnshasteen,

I see winds (predictably) out of the SE in the summer yes, but winter? PassageWeather - Sailing Weather - Marine Weather Forecasts for Sailors and Adventurers

The most uncomfortable I've been on the Gulf was after hurricane season. I don't believe I would have wanted to be out there in the past 48 hours! Maybe you could ease my mind about sailing the Gulf in the winter? What about the cold fronts that blow through every 3-5 days?

We've been sailing the Gulf for 40-years and I don't see cold fronts that often - when they come, they're usually not bad sailing - by the time they get to the Gulf, most have calmed down to winds in the 20's and you may encounter some choppy seas if you are at the point where and when the winds shift from SE to N or back, but that's usually only for a couple of hours.
For summer sailing we have a 130 headsail, but for the winter we have a 110 working jib. The summer winds are light and fluky, but if you like bluewater sailing, then the winter winds are much better.
If you sail only a couple of miles off the shoreline, you will always get more severe conditions because of the shallow water - if you are going to do that, just stay in Galveston Bay. On the other hand, once you are beyond the 20-fathom line, it's a different world.
If you go on the Regata de Amigo this year, you'll see when you cross the 20-fathom line, the seas turn from that ugly green/brown/blue to a dark, inky blue.

[RTB]

Thanks for the info. I just need some experience out there, and the Regata De Amigos should help with that. We are about 30 miles from the Gulf, so haven't had the chance to stick our nose out there yet....soon, though.

I have been out on fishing boats 20-60 miles many times, and yes the water sure changes once you get a ways out.

[johnshasteen]

Originally Posted by RTB

Thanks for the info. I just need some experience out there, and the Regata De Amigos should help with that. We are about 30 miles from the Gulf, so haven't had the chance to stick our nose out there yet....soon, though.
I have been out on fishing boats 20-60 miles many times, and yes the water sure changes once you get a ways out.

RTB, having been on the Regatta de Amigos three times (once on Paloma, once on a Gulfstar 50 and once on a Pearson 365), one thing I didn't care for is that the race is in June, which means often light winds and mostly S or SE, which can make it a tacking duel. The best trip was aboard the Gulfstar, which had a frozen margarita machine.

[RTB]

Maybe I'll request we install a margarita machine! We'll already have plenty of scotch!

Yep, I figure the winds will be a bit flukey in June, but beats the a$$whoopin the guys got in the Harvest Moon Regatta this year!

[rcarr]

The last Regatta de Amigos was darn tough the first two days.



S/V MAKIN' MERRY
Islander 38C
N. Padre Island

[RTB]

rcarr, I can't find much info. Got a link?

[Lostmt]

RTB,
This link might have some information you are looking for.

Regatta de Amigos, Galveston - Veracruz