Corpus Christi, Bird Island, Laguna Madre, April 21 – May 3

[obzansky]

Corpus Christi, Bird Island, Laguna Madre, April 21 – May 3

Based on our first 2 weeks here, Corpus Christi seems to be a massive wind machine. While I’ve managed to use my full range of sails (3.8 to 8.0), most sessions find us using 4.4s to 6.0s. Conditions here are very similar to the sound side on the outer banks of Hatteras, shallow, flat, warm water. Water temp is in the mid 70s and air temp is generally above 80. So far sailing is great from all wind directions.

We are camping at a national park ($8 per night) campground a few miles south of the sailing beach. While this campground has showers (cold), flush toilets, and great view of the gulf, it does get wind blasted. Many folks camp right at the Bird Island launch (free but you must register). Facilities are “primitive”, no showers, 2 pit toilets for everyone. Within a 30 minute drive there are many other options for camping, hotels, condos, etc.

While there are some young local sailors, most people sailing this location seem to be the over 60 retired or semi-retired crowd. They come for a few weeks to a few months. Many sail the rest of their year on big boards and sails on lakes around the country. Very friendly group!

The rental shop, at the launch site, has a good selection of advanced and beginner gear. It seems that, each day, about 3 to 6 people are using the advanced gear and there are about 6 beginners taking lessons and renting gear.

Finally saw Willy yesterday out sailing with a smile on his face. He is still stoked on riding the wind!

[RickHeninger]

I gotta get there sometime Dave. Sounds like you had a killer time.