Sailing under a Harvest Moon – What Better...

by Sail-World Cruising on 11 Sep 2007 Down there on the Gulf of Mexico the local sailors know how to make things enjoyable – what sounds better than a 'Harvest Moon Regatta'?. Imagine yourself on an overnight off-wind sail during the full moon, held in one of the best weather times of the year.

If you are anywhere close you can make your plans now to race or simply to attend the festivities of the 21st Annual Harvest Moon Regatta. It's one of the United States' largest point-to-point sailboat regattas, and this year, being the 21st, promises to be unique and exciting. In celebration of her 130th birthday, Elissa, the official 'Tall Ship of Texas' will sail with an expected fleet of over 250 boats from Galveston to Port Aransas. Elissa, a square-rigged barque launched in 1877, has been selected as the 2007 charity recipient of the Harvest Moon Regatta.

The Harvest Moon Regatta has itself been running annually since 1987. It starts at Galveston, near Texas City, and ends at Port Aransas in Corpus Christi Bay. The route adheres to the 'Gentlemen Never Go to Windward' rule, and runs close the shore.

While nothing can ever be guaranteed, and the organisers stress the importance of safety and proper preparation of the boats, the overnight sail usually turns out to be an easy one. The parties at the end in Port Aransas might cause more rocking than the seas ever do.

The regatta is organised by the Lakewood Yacht , and you can learn more about them and the Harvest Moon Regatta by clicking here