Race to the River 2013

I wanted to do the Rockport Yacht Club's Race to the River 2013 as a shakedown sail for the Bahamas, but I was super busy at work. So, I compromised with a plan to drive down to Port O'Conner after work on Friday, drop Ama Mama in the water, and head out at first light to join the Yacht Club fleet up at Matagorda.

It was a crazy plan. I got out of work late, and I didn't get down to Port O'Conner until 10pm. By the time I put the boat in the water and got everything ready to go, it was well past midnight. I had to wait until the Fishing Center in Port O'Conner opened so I could pay for my car/trailer parking fee. So, I tied off to their dock and tried to get some sleep, but it was not very restful.

When the Fishing Center opened at 5am and I paid my parking fee, I got underway in the remaining hours of darkness. As I entered Matagorda Bay, the sun began to rise. After leaving the Matagorda Bay entrance, it was a great 30 mile sail along the coast and up the Colorado River to Matagorda Marina.

I was tired when I finally got to the Marina. So, I took a nap before heading to the post race party.

The next morning, I took off early to head south on the ICW back to Port O'Conner. Once I had motored into Matagorda Bay, it was a fabulous day for a close reach across the bay.

This is why I put myself through lots of driving and sleepless nights on a short weekend! I spent Sunday night at The Sanctuary with the rest of the fleet, woke up early, got the boat out of the water / ready to roll, and headed home to Austin on Labor Day - another great weekend on the water!