Newsletters

September - October 2024

Ahoy,

It's time to get on the water! Register for classes, leisure sails, fun races and regattas on Clear Lake and Galveston Bay by clicking on the links in this newsletter. All of our events are open to the public and offer something fun to fit every sailor's schedule! Captained charters and bareboat rentals can be made by contacting us here.

We look forward to sailing with you soon!

~ South Coast Sailing Adventures

Upcoming Sailing Flotillas

Everyone can enjoy a flotilla! A flotilla is a group of vessels that sail together, guided by an experienced flotilla leader who knows the local area well. Flotilla sailing is a fantastic way to explore exotic destinations with a group of like-minded sailors! Each day begins with a briefing where we discuss the course to the next island, the weather, navigation, and the sail plan (reefing). We will then set sail to a new anchorage. After picking up a mooring ball for the night, there will be plenty of time for water and land-based activities. Enjoy Sundowners while watching the sunset, then dinghy ashore to sample the fabulous local island cuisine.

Cabins are available on both monohulls and catamarans and are based on double occupancy. Solo sailors can share a cabin or, if available, reserve a crew cabin.

If you are a qualified skipper, you can put your own group together and fill a boat with your family and friends. This offers first time charterers the opportunity to explore unfamiliar waters with the guidance of a professional with local knowledge, giving you more confidence to charter on your own in the future.

Book your cabin or boat TODAY!

British Virgin Islands - December 2024

December 5-15

An adventure on the Caribbean Sea awaits you! Enjoy daily sailing excursions to new islands and tour local sites and top attractions including The Baths, Saba Rock and Jost Van Dyke!

Pricing Options

Tahiti & The Society Islands - February 2025

Feb. 15 - Mar. 1

Visit Paradise on Earth! Crystal-clear waters, vibrant coral reefs, breathtaking landscapes and serene lagoons are hidden wonders of French Polynesia. Navigate through the challenge of open ocean swells and maneuvering through intricate reef openings! The Polynesian hospitality envelops visitors, offering a harmonious blend of cultures and culinary delights. Experience the beauty of Tahiti and the Society Islands in February 2025!

Pricing Options

The leader of the Flotillas is our very own Capt. Lucy Newman. She holds a Master 100-ton USCG Captain’s License with an additional Auxiliary Sail Endorsement and has been sailing for over 50 years. She has navigated and sailed the waters of the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, The Caribbean, The Gulf of Mexico, The Great Lakes, Puget Sound, and numerous inland lakes throughout the United States. She has captained vessels on major races including The Bermuda Race, the Harvest Moon Regatta, and the Race To The Border. Since 2006, she has led flotillas in the British Virgin Islands. She has led flotillas in French Polynesia multiple times and has her 208 Offshore Passage Making Instructor certification. In 2021 Capt. Lucy earned the highest level in American Sailing as Master Instructor!

Call us today (281) 334-4606 for more details and to reserve your cabin!

Pictured above: British Virgin Islands Flotilla June 2024

Mark Your Calendar!

Upcoming Classes

Introduction to Sailing

Every Saturday

9:30am -12:30pm

Basic Keelboat 101

9am - 5pm

Two-Day Course

Offered Every Weekend

Basic Coastal Cruising 103

October 26 & 27,

November 2 & 1

Bareboat Chartering 104

October 25-27,

November 22-24

Combo 103 & 104

September 12-15, 26-29, October 3-6, 19-22 *HMR,

November 7-10, 14-17

Coastal Navigation 105

November 9 & 10

Cruising Catamaran 114

September 28-29,

October 19-20,

November 16-17

Docking Endorsement 118

September 21 & 22,

October 12 & 13,

November 2 & 3

ASA 111, Sailing Review

The ASA 111 standard was designed to improve and refresh your sailing skills and knowledge. Students decide on goals prior to the lessons and instructors may also provide a written personalized recommended plan after the session or class is completed. The ASA 111, Sailing Review can be taken multiple times, for multiple subjects!

CLASS CALENDAR

Upcoming Events!

September

14: Catamaran Day Sail & Dinner Social

28: Galveston Bay Day Sail & Dinner Social

October

5: Bay Cup II Regatta

11-13: Sail to Moody Gardens!

12: Fall Series #1 Day Sail & Social

13: Columbus Sail & Afternoon Social

17-20: Harvest Moon Regatta

26: Wings Over Houston Sail & Dinner Social

November

2: Galveston Bay Day Sail & Dinner Social

9: Fall Series #2 Day Sail & Social

11: Veterans Day Sail & Dinner Social

17: Sunday Sail & Afternoon Social

22-24: Galveston Island Sail!

29: Friday Sail on Sale

30: Small Business Sail & Dinner Social

UPCOMING EVENTS

Sail to Moody Gardens, Galveston!

Fri. Oct. 11 - Sun. Oct. 13

A Local Sailing Getaway!

Combine a staycation to Moody Gardens with a chance to sharpen your distance sailing skills!

Please join Captain Eric Kellen, with you as crew, for a journey down the Houston Ship Channel for an overnight stay at Moody Gardens. Along the way we’ll practice many sailing skills including provisioning, navigation (learn to use your GPS!), sail trim, steering, weather and tides. Increase your local knowledge and learn to deal with commercial traffic in the Ship Channel and ICW using the on-board VHF radio. Weather permitting, we’ll make a quick journey into the Gulf.

Get involved as much or as little as you like. Take advantage of picking Captain Eric’s brain about his 30+ years of sailing experience! A chart briefing will be held Friday evening followed by a crew dinner. There will be plenty of personal time available Saturday afternoon. Visit Moody Gardens, other attractions in Galveston or lounge on the boat. This is a skills-building and leisure cruise; all experience levels are welcome!

Get More Information / Registration

Harvest Moon Race Week

Regatta Participation: Oct. 16-20

Return Trip: Oct. 19-23

This annual 150 nm, offshore regatta is a tradition of sailing, when the night sky is dominated by the beautiful harvest moon! The regatta has grown from 20 yachts in 1987 to over 200 yachts in recent years. The event was dubbed "A Howling Good Time" by Cruising World magazine! We intend to field our Norseman 400 catamaran Reality Check. Pre-race preparations start Wednesday, October 16th at 9:00am. The race starts at 2:00pm on Thursday, October 17th in front of Galveston Island Pleasure Pier. There will be limited space available, register early for your spot to gain valuable offshore experience! Click on the link below for more information including a tentative itinerary and pricing.

Get More Information / Registration

Gateway Community Boating Center (GCBC)

GCBC is a 501c3, non-profit organization promoting safe boating through education. In addition, GCBC initiatives include protection and conservation of our waterways.

Did you know? GCBC owns four vessels in the South Coast Sailing Adventures fleet. Every time you rent one of these boats a portion of your charter fees are considered a donation and go directly to GCBC!

Fearless Love – Island Packet 32, this cutter rigged, full keel boat was generously donated and is perfect for moderate to heavier winds. She has been updated with a new fuel pump, new bilge pump, and the companion way hatch boards have been recently refinished.

Tranquility – Hunter 430, the steering station has been completely rebuilt and we are only waiting for the final wiring of the helm electronics to be completed. Tranquility should be ready before the end of September to sail again. Look for an upcoming club day sail!

Green Machine – J 27, this popular racing vessel was donated needing the bulkhead rebuilt due to termite damage. The mast has been unstepped and the bulkhead has been removed. The next step is to build a new bulkhead! If you have knowledge or want to learn about this process, please let us know.

Posh – Bianca Aphrodite 101, is a fast and sleek racing boat and cruiser, even in light to moderate winds! She needs some TLC! Currently scheduled to have the engine mounting feet replaced and then engine alignment.

Most of the GCBC operations and mission-centric programs are led by volunteers and donations. If you’re interested in making a difference in our local boating community or contributing to Gateway Community Boating, please contact southcoast@southcoastsailing.com!

Special Occasions

We offer a variety of special occasion packages on many of our fine vessels. Proposals, weddings, anniversaries, birthdays, ash scatterings, bachelor(ette) parties, bridal showers, and more! Call us and schedule great memories for a lifetime! (281) 334-4606

Docking and Maneuvering Made Easy

Increase your docking confidence level by leaps and bounds by enrolling in our ASA 118 Docking Techniques certification class. Most sailors experience more anxiety while maneuvering in tight spaces inside the marina and in and out of the slip. Learn how to master various docking scenarios by enrolling in one of our upcoming classes.

No prerequisites are required!

Sept. 21 & 22, Oct. 12 & 13 and Nov. 2 & 3

REFRESHER COURSE IS ALSO AVAILABLE if you have already taken the class. Many of our sailors repeat this class every couple of years to keep their docking skills sharp and also earn an additional certification (ASA111 Sailing Review of Docking Techniques).

The NEW Docking and Maneuvering Made Easy textbook has been recently released and is included in both the ASA118 Docking class as well as the ASA111 Docking Refresher. This is the most complete book written on everything you should know about docking your monohull or catamaran. Major topics covered are environmental effects, boat characteristics and multiple situations to safely dock your boat under any condition. Docking and Maneuvering Made Easy serves as a great stand-alone book for any sailor!

Now available at South Coast Sailing, order yours HERE today, only $34.95 plus tax!

“Sailing unties the knots in my mind.”

Boat of the Month: Knotwork

A twin-helm Beneteau vessel with double-cabins where luminosity and comfort take precedence on board. The Oceanis 43ft is a comfortable beamy cruiser that handles well with refined tastes and seaworthy upgrades. In pristine condition, Knotwork is ready for the discerning sailor to step on board and sail her away! Call with redemption code BOM910 and receive $50 off your bareboat or captained charter. Valid through Oct. 31, 2024.

Bay Cup II Regatta

Saturday, October 5, 2024

Three, Two, One, GO - Put your weekend into high gear! Sail with us on Galveston Bay as we participate in part two of the Bay Cup Series. The course will be set around fixed and dropped marks in the bay. Help crew and work on your sail trimming skills! This race is open to all sailors. Click HERE to register. See you on the water!

South Coast Sailing Club

A membership-based sailing group, formed to bring those together with saltwater in their veins and fair winds on their mind! Our club provides an opportunity for anyone with the sailing lifestyle in mind to spend time on the water with other sailors! There are numerous benefits when you become a club member, and the membership extends to family members within the same household.

20% off on weekend charters
40% off on weekday charters
Savings on day sails, club events & regattas
Enjoy discounts on ASA courses.
Pre-board on charters and multiday rental

Are you interested in joining South Coast Sailing Club? Give us a call and we'll tell you about all the great benefits and fun we have!

Club Fun!

A big thank you to all of those who have made it out to the club sails! We love spending time with our South Coast Sailing family! Be sure to check out the sails coming up and let's get you out on the water!

South Coast Sailing Membership