west gulf of mexico

[mario f]

Just out of curiousity... Been wondering why not many if any cruising along coast from Yucatan to Texas???
Is it weather related, frequent gale force winds? I can't believe there is nothing to see or do.
Looking at charts I don't see any problems.
Your thoughts, facts, etc.

Thank you
Mario

[belizesailor]

Its not common, due to much of that section of the Texas & Mexican coast being industrialized (oil patch) in the developed areas and isolated and not that pretty in the undeveloped areas.

[Sailmonkey]

Originally Posted by belizesailor

Its not common, due to much of that section of the Texas & Mexican coast being industrialized (oil patch) in the developed areas and isolated and not that pretty in the undevelped areas.

And without the developed areas there are few to no natural harbors, add to that the entire coast being a lee shore....

[belizesailor]

Originally Posted by Sailmonkey

And without the developed areas there are few to no natural harbors, add to that the entire coast being a lee shore....

Ive camped along some of the barrier islands in the area, very isolated and lots of junk from the oil patch blown ashore there...including the wreckage of a few sail boats.

[Sailmonkey]

Originally Posted by belizesailor

Ive camped along some of the barrier islands in the area, very isolated and lots of junk from the oil patch blown ashore there...including the wreckage of a few sail boats.

I always have mixed emotions seeing the tree of hard hats on south padre. Beautiful beach if you can focus beyond the trash

[belizesailor]

I also think its because the far W GOM coast is not on the way to any popular cruising venue. The Yucatan is on route between the USA and W Carib and is also a more appealing destination in and of itself.

There are however some regattas to Veracruz.

[rbrentp]

There is not much between Veracruz and Brownsville so you have to be self contained. About 60 NM north of the beach above Merida is a group of small islands making a National Park that is really pretty. Good clear shots on Google Earth.

[KadeyKrogen38]

I agree with the comments already made. That said the Western Gulf is not a pleasant place to sail. Headwinds normally all the way to Yucatán, strong counter current from Gulf Stream. Washboard seas due to bouncing off the coast. Lots a rig and oil patch stuff.

Generally not for the faint of heart, not fun

[dakno]

Bi annual race from Gulfport, Ms/Pensacola to Isla Mujeres Yucatan. Next one 2018. Giant party.

[belizesailor]

Originally Posted by rbrentp

... About 60 NM north of the beach above Merida is a group of small islands making a National Park that is really pretty. Good clear shots on Google Earth.

Have noticed that area on charts. Have you been in there?

[Rockyscience]

Alacranes is not to user friendly as well..

[geoleo]

......don't forget unpredictable crime cartel violence ....see www.borderlandbeat/com

[belizesailor]

Originally Posted by Rockyscience

Alacranes is not to user friendly as well..

Have you been in there?

[Rockyscience]

Originally Posted by belizesailor

Have you been in there?

Yes, I was hired to bring a 44 Ft. sailboat out of "Sail Belize" for the owner and as soon as we rounded Contoy it got dead calm so we motored hoping for wind.
Running low on diesel I spotted a Mexican fishing "Mother boat" going in Alacran south cut, so I stopped and made friends with them and bartered for a few liters of diesel.
I like Chinchero much better..

[belizesailor]

Originally Posted by Rockyscience

Yes, I was hired to bring a 44 Ft. sailboat out of "Sail Belize" for the owner and as soon as we rounded Contoy it got dead calm so we motored hoping for wind.
Running low on diesel I spotted a Mexican fishing "Mother boat" going in Alacran south cut, so I stopped and made friends with them and bartered for a few liters of diesel.
I like Chinchero much better..

Im very familiar with the atolls in Belize, but havent made it in to Chinchero or Alacran yet...hoping to add those to next years route.