I grew up Houston sailing in Clear Lake and Galveston Bay.

Clear Lake is shallow and suitable for dinghys and small one designs of less
than 4' draft. There is a county park with a launching ramp that you can use
as a base. Everything from car top sailboards to 22' trailerable
centerboarders can be found in that park.

Galveston Bay is a large protected body of water. It is generally shallow-
10-12' average which makes for some steep chop when the wind builds. There
are active fleets of one designs and cruising class boats. The winter NOOD
is often (maybe always for all I know) held there, so it is definitely a big
racing community.

Winds are generally pretty good except for the dog days of summer.

Most marinas are in the Clear Lake entrance channel or on the southern
perimiter of Clear Lake. There are thousands of slips in Clear Lake.

Cruising is a bit challenged due to the limited anchorages in the bay. But
there are a half dozen or more decent spots that are a half day sailing from
Clear Lake- Offats Bayou being my favorite.

If you are specifically interested in cruising, go to Texas Mariners
Cruising Association's website www.tmca.nu and surf around. Then join TMCA
and attend their new members orientation meeting next spring. You will meet
cruisers and get the local lowdown.

David

"~^ beancounter ~^" wrote in message
ups.com...
any cruisers know the houston - clearlake area? how is
it for sailing? are there many boats and good sailing
opportunities in the area?...thanx....