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Another Year

I personally feel that the Texas200 has been a great success. But with success comes problems. Having been cautioned by several experienced people, we are taking steps to formalize the structure of the event as a Non-profit organization. This will insure that we can continue to enjoy the Texas200 for years to come without the spectre of liability issues. There may be a membership required for participation, but that is still to be decided.

Another problem is parking. As most of you know, the parking area we had last year was full to overflowing. Unfortunately, we have not been able to locate anything else so will have to limit the shuttle to a single bus.

Now for some good news: Jackie Monies has volunteered to fix breakfast for everyone the morning of the shuttle. That will make the meeting more enjoyable and mean that arrangements won't have to be quite as hurried - eating facilities in Port Mansfield being what they are. There will be a general meal ticket on sale soon and it will cover both this breakfast and the Shrimp Boil at the end of the trip. It may also cover a dinner at the Yacht club if the members of that fine organization decide to put one on.

The dates have moved back a bit this year. We thought that would make it easier for the several teachers who sail with us each year. It will also let us sail a bit farther into the summer tradewind weather pattern without having to worry too much about hurricanes. We have also shifted the shuttle and launch day back one day - the idea here is to give folks who have to drive more time to set up befor we sail off. So the shuttle will be on Monday instead of Sunday and we will arrive at Magnolia Beach the day of the messabout instead of the day before. Also, this year the Kayak Builder's Bash will coincide with the messabout, so there should be a big blowout at the end.

A lot in the air but at least we know the dates, and folks can start requesting vacation time off. Bus tickets will go on sale later as will meal tickets. Watch this space for updates.

The route is pretty much the same as last year. Here are the main points:

2010 Schedule

Start: Port Mansfield:
We will meet on Monday morning, June 21, 2010 at the TPW boat ramp on the north side of the harbor in Port Mansfield. Breakfast tacos and coffee will be served starting at 7:00 - a meal ticket will be required. At 8:00AM everyone needing a shuttle will leave with cars and trailers to make the drive to Magnolia Beach and the parking area. A bus or van will bring us all back to PM. Tuesday morning we set sail for Happs Cut. You will need to purchase a ticket ahead of time to ride the bus. Tickets will be $50 and will go on sale after the first of the year. A ticket is NOT necessary to sail with the group, only to ride the shuttle.

Camping is allowed at the county park, though it is pretty primitive, and there is a Motel in town - or you may want to get a slot at the marina.

Tuesday - Camp 1
The land cut has several channels heading east toward Padre Island. We will stop for the first night in the northermost of these, called Happ's Cut.

Wednesday - Camp 2
The folks at Padre Island Yacht Club have offered us the use of their facility and an anchorage for the night. We will try to have some volunteers with cars there to take folks to get supplies. This will be the last good opportunity for that. There are resturants nearby also, There may be a dinner put on by the yacht club that night - more on that later.

Thursday - Camp 3
Paul's Mott is located where Long Reef - in Aransas Bay - runs into St Joseph's Island. There are several ways to get there so we may split the group in case some of the faster boats want to take the longer, more scenic path.

Friday - Camp 4
Army Hole is the old name for this decommissioned Army Air Corps Base which dated to WWII. It was Matagorda State Park but now is a state operated wildlife area owned by the federal government. It has an excellent harbor and a nice picnik area, but no facilities. There is a "back way" from Paul's Mott to Army Hole and some of the more adventurous boats may want to take that. It involves finding several poorly marked passes and is not for the novice sailor.

Saturday - Finish
Magnolia Beach is only about 30 miles from Army Hole so we should all be there early. Again, there is a "Back way" for anyone with a shallow boat and a yen for adventure. Everyone is invited to stay for the messabout and Kayak Builder's Bash which will go on all day..