Gulf Coast
A Region on the Rebound
REED’s RECOMMENDS: Ah, pity the poor Gulf Coast, or so
one might be led to believe. It is, however, every bit the pleasur-
able cruising ground it’s always been. Bashed and rearranged by
Hurricane Katrina, make sure your charts are updated to the latest
Notices to Mariners, but then be prepared for a cruise with unique
rewards. The food is still some of the best anywhere in the country
and the traditional Southern hospitality is all the more in evidence
to those who make the effort to visit.
One of the ports REEDnulls recommends is Pass Christian, Mis-
sissippi (30° 19N, 89° 18W) and NOAA has done a commendable
job updating their charts of the area. Coming into many of the Gulf
harbors from the sea can require tricky navigating around muddy,
shifting shoals, especially with harbors that lack a dredged channel
for commercial vessels. Transiting this coast via the Gulf Intrac-
oastal Waterway allows access to towns like Pass Christian with
fewer opportunities for things to go awry, despite the best care and
intentions.
Pass Christian bills itself as the “birthplace of yachting in the
South,” and the town’s small boat harbor is again open for business.
Call the harbormaster at 228-452-3315 for a slip.
The Pass Christian Yacht Club is one of the nation’s oldest yacht
clubs, and they are very experienced at rebuilding their clubhouse
after hurricanes; Katrina marked at least the fourth time they have
had to rebuild. There are now transient slips available, and reser-
vations can be made by calling the club at 228-452-2571. Spend a
few days at the PCYC and you may be invited to crew in one of the
club’s races.
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