Florida to Galveston

[LPL]

Hi all. We are contemplating a trip to Galveston from the Panama City area. A few years ago, we did this trip from Galveston to Tampa Bay. We did the ICW to Pensacola, then did offshore hops from there.

On our return, we would prefer not to do the ICW through Louisiana and Texas. We are well aware of the oil rig issue, and our plan would be to stick to the shipping lanes. This would be in late April or early May and in a well found sailboat.

Our possible routes would be:
1. Anchor at Horn Island, then head SW through the Chandeleur and Breton Sounds, make our way through the Baptiste Collette pass then down the Mississippi to Venice (if we leave early early am, we should be able to do the main part of this in daylight). I believe this would require staying at a marina in Venice.

Then leave Venice down the Misssissippi to Head of Passes, then take the SW past to the safety fairways and on to Galveston via fairways.

2. Leave Mobil Bay and take safety fairways to Galveston.

Has anyone out there done either of these routes that would care to comment on them? Any info on the Chandeleur and Breton Sounds as far as adequate depths (we draw 5' 6" and have go aground phobia). The best we can tell, the Baptiste Collette is well travelled with adequate depth??? What about the SW Pass?

Although it greatly increases the stress factor, we are used to heavy shipping areas.

Thanks,
Paul

[marc2012]

Venice jump is almost right across from Bat,Col.Might ck depth Tiger Pass ,Plent water 2010.marc

[LPL]

Marc,

Thanks for your reply. We had heard that Tiger Pass was shoaled but not sure if that is correct. Have you sailed the Chanduleur and Breton sounds?

Thanks,
Paul

[marc2012]

Have sailed out of ship island to venice many times.There is a marked channel,however the markers are FAR apart.My former neighbor took a Benny 32 something through there in aug.marc