might be overkill but I remember a couple who sailied a I20 to the bahamas(I think). I recall they ran a log piece of spectra from the hounds to the attachments for the shrouds on the hulls, the spectra could give you extra time if a shroud failed.

I wish I lived closer to the tip of Florida, I would go island hopping in the Florida keys. Instead I am going to cruise the gulf coast.

I planned on camping on the islands along the coast. Will that be a problem? They look uninhabited so I don't see it being to much of a problem as long as I leave it how I found it.

Also, I have some experience in the ocean but most of it is fishing experience. I want to know what I need to worry about. I know that the chance of shark attack is pretty small so that isn't what I am worried about, but are jellyfish a threat? What would I do if I got stung by one. Is there anything I need to worry about?

I have talked to a few people from corpus and they have all said that the water temp should be around 70 in mid march. I know that the prevailing wind is out of the southeast, and it is pretty reliable during the entire month of march. Is there anything I am missing here, from the way the wind sounds I will be able to reach along the barrier islands alot which should block most of the waves, it should be a fast way to sail.

Sorry this was so long, I just want to make sure I am thinking of everything!

might want to tke some of the west system repair kits. They're not too expensive, and can save the day for a quick fix. Not sure about the jellyfish, I've never had a problem with them. I have seen a 18ht hit a Manta Ray and have to replace a hull. The dagger board cut through the hull like butter. Other than that a waterproof vhf might help, you might need to contact a bridge keeper on the intercostal or in an emergency. Sounds like a lot of fun, I'm jealous.

Another question, I should have good wind after looking at the last 10 years weather in march I should expect so great winds.
So how many miles can I make a day. Lets say I am on the water by 8 or 9 in the morning. Sail for about four hours, hour break for lunch and some fishing, then another couple of hours for sailing. So what am I looking at, can I make 50 miles per day. Lets say about 6 hours total sailing. That would only be about 8 mph average, can I do better than that? It doesn't really matter, I will have five days for the sailing part of the trip. I will just sail north until the end of the second day then turn back. That will give me an extra day to get back, also it will give me time for some fishing around the islands.

Carry some meat tenderizer for jellyfish. Coyotes may be a problem on some of the more uninhabited areas. Texas coast is pretty desolate place in lower Texas area. And mosquito's will eat you ALIVE. They were real bad at TCC in Palacious (sp). If it were me I would put in double shrouds and some extra piece of line of a forestay. Demasting would be bad. I raced old ruff Riders down the ditch and thee is not a lot there for miles. Cell phone and VHF would be a good idea. Be safe, rather than sorry. And watch out for barges. They don't get out of your way.

Doug

Doug I don't think coyotes should be a problem unless they are alot different than the coyotes here in Oklahoma. At the worst they might sniff my gear but they are not danger. I am alot more worried about misquitoes, or mabeye a rattlesnake.

But back on the subject of the trip. after looking at some satellite images of the islands I realize that most of the islands are just shallow sandbars. But some of them are raised above water so I will have somewhere to sleep. I will have to make sure that I don't wake up under water some morning.

It appears that there is only one bridge to worry about. I think it has a raised area where sailboats can pass under but if not I will simply drop the mast and paddle under then raise the mast again.

As for how many miles, it greatly depends on what direction the wind is coming out of, and how hard you can push the boat.

50 miles a day is fairly reasonable IMO. I'll second Zander's recommendation of an epoxy repair kit.

Like I said before if the wind does what is has for the past 10 years I am going to be on a screaming reach all day long.
If I can do 50 miles per day the would make Port Lavaca within range. That would be nice ot be able to stop there and refill my water tank, it would allow me to cut down on the amount of water I am going to need.

Yes the wind is mostly out of the south here, most of the time. BUT watch for weather fronts. A beat down the ditch is a bitch!!!! It is VERY narrow at spots.

Doug

I have been looking at the satalite images and it doesn't appear that I will have to go through any of the really narrow ditchs. I think I will be able to stick to the main waterway most of the time.

How much shipping goes in and out of Corpus, will I have to worry about giant cargo ships? I assume that I will see them coming and be able to stay out of the way but I will have to make sure.

It we depended on the historical wind patterns for planning the Tybee 500, we'd only pack a chute.

The last two years I can only remember two legs where we were able to use the chute for a whole leg.

What I'm trying to say, is that don't rely solely on historical weather data to plan your timetable.

Sounds like fun.
Someone should "act" old and responsible here.
Have you ever sailed in the ocean? Has your friend?
You have been sailing for maybe two years I'm guessing. I'm a little concerned about you experience level here.
If you plan on reaching down the shore then you may have to sail off the beach with an on shore breeze.
Have you ever done a surf launch.
Don't assume anything will be easy, even sailing on the inside.

Two is one and one is none. Have a spare knife, tools etc. and don't store in the same place.
Bring some neosporin w/pain relief. Salt water is nasty on cuts.
Stay safe, we want to hear the stories from you, not the Coast Gaurd reports.

I'm done now

Think the only thing you have to worry about are tugs with barges. All ships take the Gulf or come from Galveston to Houston up Ship Channel. Pat he is going up the Laguna Madre, it is like a big bay.

Doug

Now that's a great story....say, sorry I missed you in Columbia - but I didn't see you in the results. Did you make it?

I have sailing in the ocean, it was on my uncles hobie 16 and we were launching into some surf that scared the [censored] out of me. Granted that was some time ago but I have read up on it alot and understand the idea.

I have been sailing since I was about...14 or so. I started on a Sunfish, then the Hobie 14, and now the Nacra.

I have alot of people playing the responsible father part, included in that group is my father and every other family member. But thank you I will make sure to have extra parts and tools everywhere.

don't *NOODLE* around with cuts on salt water. Good call there.

I have no idea what the services are in that area, but why not plan a trip where you can stop at differient bars/hotels/beach restaurants, etc?

You could fill up on water, and probably get a shower.

Bill

From what I'm told, the Texas coast can be pretty desolate.

That isn't really what I am looking for. I have done alot of hiking back in the wilderness in New Mexico some of it 20 and 30 miles from the nearest road. I just basically want to take a camping trip by boat. It will be combining two of my favorite outdoor activities.

Sounds like fun. Things you need.

Knife, flint, water, food, vhf, cell phone, strobe, flares, signal mirror, whistle, extra line, extra shackles, a couple of tools(screwdriver, pliers). I'm sure there might be more things but this is a good start.

Don't put all your eggs in one basket. In other words don't pack all your equipment into one backpack. Keep some on you, some on the tramp, some on the forward tramp. That way if you lose one thing you don't lose everything.

Remember to stay with your boat. Only enter a life raft by stepping up into it as your boat sinks.

Mike Hill
www.stlouiscats.com