New Orleans in an O'Day 22

[jpmckay]

I'm new to this forum but have been sailing on and off for about 20 years, usually nothing bigger than a C15.

The boat bug bit me hard again after I moved from Atlanta to New Orleans and I have just sold my antique fishing skiff (w/ antique motor) and will be buying (this weekend) a very well maintained 1980 O'Day 22 for day sailing on Lake Pontchartrain and occasionally coastal cruising in the Northern Gulf of Mexico.

I haven't sailed a boat that size since 1993 but imagine it will come back quickly (plus I am doing a check ride with a colleague who is active in the local keelboat racing circuit).

Anyone have any perspective on good 2-4 day cruising trips in the area?

Paul

[Target9000]

Hey Paul! Welcome to CF and welcome to NOLA!

If you're actually in NOLA then a good 2 day sail is out of the Rigolets to Rabbit Island. Many also enjoy heading out to Cat Island or Ship Island in the Mississippi Sound.

Let us know what places you discover and come visit us if you're ever around SouthShore harbor.

[jpmckay]

Actually I plan to keep my boat in South Shore Harbor (I live on Bayou St. John, just 15 minutes drive away). I've already spoken with them and am just waiting to complete the purchase and get insurance lined up and should have it in a slip in a week or two (Mardi Gras is slowing things down).

I hadn't thought about Rabbit Island, will have to check that out. I've been to Ship Island but only on the day boat out of Gulfport.