Laguna Madre, Port Isabel TX

[LeoJo]

Left my Oday in Maryland and bought a Macgregor 22' to use in the Bay.  I live in Brownsville and work in DC during the summer months.  My plans are to sail the bay up to Corpus Christi and return.  I know the return is the hard part but would like to make contact with those who have completed the trip under sail.

[Tim]

Welcome LeoJo,

I know there are some locals that will be soon helping you out with your request.  How did you find your way here?

Tim

[CharlieJ]

Hey- we don't call that a bay down there- That's the "Laguna Madre" - the Mother Lagoon ;D

We sailed it from Port Mansfield to here in Magnolia Beach back in June during the Texas 200, along with about 30 other boats. You can find a write up on that here-

http://www.texas200.com/

and MANY many pictures here-

http://www.texas200.com/2008/index.htm

The ones labeled "Charlie and Laura" are us, in our 18 foot trimaran. We usually sail a 25 footer out of Port Lavaca.

LOTS of great sailing all along the Texas coast, and seldom a shortage of wind, as opposed to the very still, windless summers on the east coast.

You're gonna love it ;D ;D

[TexSail]

The Laguna Madre is interesting.  There are lots of fishing houses up on piers.  The ICW is so narrow at points that on some boats, if you are seated it appears that you are sailing through sand.  Cool place.

[LeoJo]

I sure "see" sailboats at slips (many behind homes) but seldom out on the water.  I'm looking for a slip so I don't have to trailer all the time, any leads?  What surpises me is how many boats seem to be neglected yet if you get interested in purchasing become so valuable.  My MacGregor 22 "Sailfishness" is kept on it's trailer until I can keep at Port Isabel.  I've launched at the ramp twice and both times with bad experiences.  Too many fishermen think you tie up the ramp with a sailboat, of course they are not willing to help only b...h.  I was interested in that 47' Morgan that's been tied up for the last 8 years and now has part of someones roof from the storm on it but it too has become out of reach for a restorer (they want 10k!).  I woud like a live aboard for weekends.  I partner a Endaevour on the east coast as my weekender.

[LeoJo]

Welcome LeoJo,

I know there are some locals that will be soon helping you out with your request.  How did you find your way here?

Tim

Tim,  I'm from Redford Tx near Presidio and worked in the Washington DC area (long commute).  I'm now retired (retired early but still work summers) and wanted to stay near a large body of water but still enjoy living on the border, Brownsville was the best choice.  Been here about 4 years now and love it.