Texas
Where Everything’s Bigger
REED’s RECOMMENDS: Corpus Christi Bay is large, very shal-
low body of water and if you’re tempted to depart from the marked
channels, be aware that any wind will soon kick up a very nasty
chop. It is deep enough for most sailing vessels, but anchoring is
not recommended. Head instead to the Corpus Christi Municipal
Marina, where there are abundant slips and facilities for livea-
board rentals. It’s an excellent, full-service marina. You can reserve
a slip on the Web at www.corpuschristimarina.com/ or by calling
361-826-3980. The entrance to the marina is at roughly 27°48N
97°23W and approaching from the SE a series of buoys will take you
across Alta Vista Reef to the breakwater entrance.
The marina is about as close as you can get to downtown Corpus
Christi. Trollies provide public transportation to the city itself.
REED’s recommends cruisers spend some time visiting this at-
tractive, pleasant city. The WWII aircraft carrier USS Lexington is
berthed to the N of the marina and is open year-round except for
Thanksgiving and Christmas. The ship’s 910-ft long flight deck has
a number of aircraft on display and tours are self-guided, which
means you can spend as much time as you like exploring this inter-
esting vessel.
Is there surfing in Texas? We’re glad you asked. Yes, Texans surf,
especially in Corpus Christi–trust us, there are few more interesting
folks in this world then Texas wave-riders–and for a real glimpse at
surf culture along the Lone Star State’s 367-mile coastline, be sure to
visit the Texas Surf Museum (www.texassurfmuseum.com).
Padre Island National Seashore is nearby, the largest, longest barri-
er island in the nation, and well worth a visit for the superb beaches
and abundant wildlife. There is, unfortunately, no public transport
to the park and you can’t take your boat there. Since you will need to
rent a car anyway, consider renting a four-wheel-drive to explore the
further reaches of the park.
For competitive sailing, the heart of yacht racing is the Houston
Yacht Club on Galveston Bay (www.houstonyachtclub.com) near
Clear Lake. Each September, the club hosts a National Offshore One
Design (NOOD) Regatta, sponsored by Sailing World magazine,
probably the biggest and best event in the state.
212