Ahoy!

Inside your newsletter this month

Club Events - Fun and unique sails built for learning, making good friends, and testing the water together!

• December Flotilla - British Virgin Islands
• Sunday, Peanut Regattas
• Saturday, Cruzan Rum Races: Final Defeat Lafite
• Saturday, Summer Sizzler Sail & Dinner Socials
• Wednesday Night Sails: Only 4 left!

School News and Highlights

• Instructor Bob Buddingh
• Introducing ASA 102 Keelboat Sailing 2: Boat Handling and Sail Trim

Spotlight Sailing

• Upcoming Bay Cup II Regatta, September 26
• Harvest Moon Regatta Race Week: Please join us for a 150 NM journey from Galveston to Port Aransas.

Sailing Tip of the Month

• Maintaining Momentum While Tacking and Trimming Sails

Toolbox

• Interested in owning your own vessel? Murray Yacht Sales Open Boat Saturday
• Skippering Opportunities
• Club Membership Benefits

Sailors Lost and Found

Please feel free to reach out if any of these items belong to you!

To book your next outing or ask questions, give us a call at (281) 334-4606!



Fair winds,

The Crew at South Coast Sailing Adventures

December 2026 Flotilla

British Virgin Islands

December 3rd - December 13th

Please join South Coast Sailing Adventures as we explore the gem of the Caribbean Islands for an island-hopping odyssey in the British Virgin Islands!

This December, trade the dull colors of winter for tropical blooms, turquoise water, warm trade winds, and the soulful culture of the British Virgin Islands. December’s legendary “Christmas winds” deliver perfect sailing conditions, making this one of the most sought-after experiences in the world for sailors and adventurers alike. This flotilla is your chance to live the dream and experience the cruising lifestyle for 11 days and 10 nights.

Sail from one breathtaking island to the next, drop anchor in crystal-clear bays, and wake up each day somewhere new and unforgettable. Every stop brings its own magic. Explore paradise with hidden beaches, reefs with vibrant marine life, lively beach bars, and create unforgettable memories from the moment you arrive.

Take this opportunity to discover what "island time" is all about and immerse yourself in the beauty, rhythm and culture of The British Virgin Islands.

Snorkel or scuba dive at the Indians

Visit the famous Baths

Witness breathtaking Caribbean sunsets

Flotillas combine the freedom of bareboat chartering with the added comfort, security and camaraderie of group travel.

Reserve your cabin or private vessel by calling our office at (281) 334-4606 or emailing lucy@southcoastsailing.com. Cabin selection based on first come first served. Don't miss your boat!

Wednesday Night Sailboat Races

Only 4 Races Left!

Series 5: Aug 19th, 26th, Sept 2nd & 9th



The Wednesday Night Races are the kind of midweek reset that’s hard to beat! Join the South Coast Crew as we continue to enjoy good times, good company, and a dose of friendly competition.

The 2026 series continues through September, offering crowd-pleasing, gently competitive races, giving new and seasoned sailors the opportunity to put learned skills into action. Whether you’re building confidence or sharpening trim, it’s a welcoming, supportive environment to grow as a sailor and log some nautical miles along the way.

We’ll see you out there!

Register for the upcoming Series 5, Race 1 on August 19th below!

Spotlight Sailing

Saturday, Bay Cup II Regatta

September 26th



3,2,1...Go! We invite you to be part of the annual Bay Cup Regatta series - a season of exciting racing, skill-building, and great camaraderie on and off the water.

Bay Cup I on Saturday, March 7, was a huge success! There was an abundance of laughter, fun and challenge! We can't wait for Bay Cup II!

Whether you're sharpening your competitive edge or gaining valuable experience, this series offers:

• Fun and challenging racing
• Informative debriefs and learning opportunities
• A supportive and welcoming sailing community

Come sail, learn, compete and connect. We look forward to seeing you at the starting line!

You will need to bring your own food and drink to enjoy during the day sail.

The race is sponsored by Lakewood Yacht Club and organized by Bay Access.

39th Annual Harvest Moon Regatta Race Week

October 21-28



October marks the arrival of our most anticipated tradition: the Harvest Moon Regatta. Cruising World first dubbed it "a howling good time", and four decades later, this legendary race remains a bucket-list favorite for sailors of all experience levels. The October tradition facilitates guided support for journey making and a definitive opportunity for developing sailors to join an unforgettable offshore odyssey.

Since its 1987 debut with fewer than 20 boats, the annual Harvest Moon Regatta has surged in popularity, drawing a fleet of over 200 by 2019. This gateway into offshore sailing is an opportunity to turn your open-water goals into a new milestone, experience overnight sailing, and build confidence for long-distance trips.

The adventure begins as sailors navigate from Seabrook to Galveston via the Houston Ship Channel, arriving at Galveston’s iconic Pleasure Pier for the start of the race. After arriving at Pleasure Pier, the 150-nautical mile race sets off for Port Aransas (Port A), for a 2 day and night offshore journey. The October evenings, dominated by the harvest moon, light the sparkling waters as the journey continues and each sailor becomes an integral part of the racing crew.

Big celebration on Saturday night in Port A! Attend the Sailor Rum Party and awards ceremony. We are proud of our South Coast sailors who have placed in the top 3 winners for their class over the years!

The journey back to Seabrook is full of possibilities. More adventure and nautical miles guaranteed! We will be in and out of the Intracoastal Waterway, depending on weather conditions, where communication with commercial traffic is necessary. Learn why cruising sailors make the choice to travel "The Ditch" stretching from Brownsville, TX to Boston, MA. Discover more about the Intracoastal Waterway here, trust us, it's worth exploring. The return trip gives sailors the possibility to traverse locks, potentially anchor in Offatts Bayou (in front of Moody Gardens), practice VHF radio skills, and to experience what true bareboat cruising and gunkholing means.

We will be offering ASA 103, 104, 106, & 114 during Harvest Moon Regatta race week. Register with South Coast Sailing to take a course during The Harvest Moon Regatta.

Whether you’re looking to gain valuable offshore experience, strengthen your sailing resume, master the open seas, or earn certifications, the Harvest Moon Regatta is the ultimate hands-on classroom.

School News and Highlights

Instructor Bob Buddingh

Captain Bob Buddingh has been sailing since the age of eight, developing a lifelong passion for the sport that has spanned decades. After moving to the Galveston Bay area in 1978, he immersed himself in the local sailing community and has remained an active presence on the bay ever since. His extensive experience includes countless bareboat charters throughout the United States and the Caribbean, over 30 years of competitive racing on Galveston Bay, Chicago to Mackinac, ten Harvest Moon Regattas, two Houston-to-Veracruz races, and a sailboat delivery to Key West.

Captain Bob holds a U.S. Coast Guard Master Captain's License with a Sailing Endorsement and brings a wealth of real-world sailing knowledge to every lesson. He offers students practical insight that extends far beyond the textbook.

Captain Bob has a patient, approachable teaching style that puts students at ease while encouraging them to become capable, independent sailors. His calm demeanor and depth of experience create an enjoyable learning environment for sailors of all skill levels.

He enjoys sharing the lessons he's learned from decades of cruising, racing, and passage making. He specializes in helping students not only understand how to operate a sailboat, but why each technique matters, emphasizing safety, seamanship and confidence on the water.

Captain Bob's lifelong dedication to sailing, impressive racing, cruising résumé, and commitment to mentoring new sailors, make him an outstanding instructor and a favorite among students looking to build lasting confidence on the water.

Introducing ASA 102 Keelboat Sailing 2: Boat Handling and Sail Trim

We are now offering the long sought-after ASA 102 Keelboat Sailing 2. The course is a stepping stone to on-the-water independence, seamlessly bridging the gap between basic lessons and understanding of sail trim and maneuvering. This course focuses entirely on the responsive dynamics of keelboats with tiller steering and builds upon what is learned in the ASA 101 Basic Keelboat Course.

Learn how to read subtle feedback from the rudder to master sail shape and power, control the boat in winds of up to 20 knots, and practice advanced boat handling and docking under power. Utilizing the official Boat Handling & Sail Trim Made Easy curriculum, the course drills essential safety maneuvers including winch handling, safe line management, and Quick-Stop crew-overboard recovery. Taking this next step transforms your foundational knowledge into sharp muscle memory, giving you the direct, hands-on tiller control needed to confidently command your own cruiser.

Sailing Tip of the Month

Maintaining Momentum While Tacking and Trimming Sails

Want to keep your boat moving fast through a turn? The secret lies in the coordination between the helm and your sail trim. A great tack isn’t just about changing direction, it is about maintaining forward momentum.

Turning the front of your boat through the wind (tacking) can stall your momentum if your steering and sail trimming are out of sync.

To execute a smooth, fast turn, start by falling off the wind slightly to build maximum forward speed, which gives your rudder the power it needs to steer effectively.

Next, initiate a smooth, progressive turn, letting the boat's weight carry it smoothly through the eye of the wind.

As the boat turns, hold the active sail line (active sheet) until the sail just begins to flap, releasing it completely right before the front of the boat points directly into the wind. Immediately pull the inactive sail line (lazy sheet) in as fast as possible while the sail is still loose, before the wind fills it up.

Finally, steer slightly lower than your tightest angle to the wind and keep the ropes loose to let the boat accelerate back to top speed before you pull everything tight.

Toolbox

Interested in Owning Your Own Vessel?

Murray Yacht Sales Open Boat Saturdays

Watergate Marina: August 15th

Murray Yacht Sales' Open Boat Saturdays is your neighborhood opportunity to step aboard a variety of vessels and envision your next adventure or make an educated decision on a new addition to your fleet.

When shopping for a boat, working with a professional broker is the best way to navigate the buying process, as they provide expert market analysis, handle complex paperwork, and protect your financial interests.

Captain Lucy is not just the heart of South Coast Sailing; she is also a broker for Murray Yacht Sales and is available to assist you in the boating market. She is an incredible resource for making an educated buying decision, comparing specifications, and providing real-time market insights tailored to your unique boating goals.

Stop by Watergate Marina between 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM

During monthly open boat Saturdays with Murray Yacht Sales! Explore buying options and discover what you love, sailboats!

South Coast Sailing Club

Join South Coast Sailing Club to take advantage of all club member benefits! Give us a call and we'll tell you about the fun we have!

• Enjoy 40% discount on weekday bareboat charters
• 20% discount on weekend bareboat charters
• Discounts on monthly events including club cruises, day sails, regattas/ races
• Discounts on ASA courses
• Camaraderie with fellow sailors
• The club membership includes family members within the same household.
• Your initiation fee includes: an official South Coast Sailing Club burgee, South Coast "I'd rather be sailing" bumper sticker and window decal.
• $599 per year and a one-time $100 initiation fee

Club Skipper Opportunities

Add to your sailing resume by skippering club events.

We encourage our sailors who have earned their ASA 101, 103, 104, and 118 certifications to skipper our club events! Stepping into the skipper role is a great way to build confidence, gain real-world experience, and develop strong leadership skills on the water. By skippering, you not only get valuable practice in planning, decision-making, docking and crew management, but you also have the opportunity to join in on the fun. As a thank-you for leading a club sail, you’ll receive a special coupon toward an upcoming club event. It’s a rewarding way to grow and keep your sailing journey moving forward! Club sails are held almost every weekend!

If you are interested in becoming a club skipper, click below to let us know!

Lost and Found Items

Please reach out if any of these items belong to you or if you have found any of our lost items!

Please Return to South Coast Sailing

Happy Sailing

“At sea I learned how little a person needs, not how much"

-Robin Graham