GBCA Discussion Forum

Guys, I really appreciate your help.  It'll give me a lot more confidence now, thanks to you.

Rick

I've done my share of Harvest Moons but never had to duck into Freeport.  I'm going there the first week in April and have two quick questions some of you old salts might help me with.

First, seems all the Coastal Pilots and Cruising Guides always say the jetty entrances have dangerous currents and can be treacherous to navigate.  What's it really like in Freeport assuming ordinary conditions?  Do I have to enter at slack water?  Do I take my life in my hands if I try to enter when the wind opposes the current?  Assuming average conditions, can I enter whenever I arrive or do I really have to wait outside for a specific window of opportunity?

Second, I've heard Bridge Harbor only has short finger piers so boats have to back in.  My full keel Island Packet is difficult to back so I'd prefer to go bow in.   Can you do that in Bridge Harbor?  I've also heard that it's tight just getting in to the marina.  Some comments have suggested using Surfside Marina instead?  Any thoughts on that?  Which is the easiest to get into and which would allow me to go bow first?

Thanks, Sailors.

Thanks to all of you who replied.  Because of your help, I was able to find somebody to come in and talk.

Rick

I'm wondering if any of you have taken your boats up the ICW from Galveston to Florida and/or from Florida to New England.  If so, is there any chance I could persuade you to give a 45 minute or so presentation to our group on Saturday, October 2 at the Lakewood Yacht Club.  We're having our annual Rendezvous of Island Packet owners then.  Many of us are really interested in that journey but would like to hear from someone who's done it before and can share stories and photos with us.  Please reply to me directly at revans@evans-rowe.com.  Thanks.

Rick Evans
San Antonio, Texas