ARR & ARR, my homemade Ross Lillistone-designed Flint, surged north-northwest under reefed sail in the Lower Laguna Madre on the Texas Gulf Coast. It was midday on a hot Monday in June, and I would be in the 14′ 10″ open boat all day every day through Friday, so I was covered from head to toe to prevent sunburn, insect stings, and lacerations. I had a neck gaiter pulled up over my nose and ears, a wide-brimmed hat, UV-blocking gloves, and neoprene booties to protect my feet from mud riddled through with jagged shells that would steal shoes, slice skin, and rub in flesh-eating bacteria. I had just begun the Texas 200.It wasn’t as if my gut hadn’t tried to warn me back at Port Mansfield the day before, as soon as I had put the boat in. I had secured my boat in the marina slip and walked down the dock looking at other boats that had arrived for the 200, recognizing some from pictures and videos posted to the Texas 200 Facebook group and excited at finally seeing them, including the FLYING M and a Bolger Featherwind named HELLO KITTY. After a few hellos to the boats’ crews and a brief conversation or two, I walked back down the dock, and at first my slip seemed empty. Only after a few steps did I finally see my Flint way down low on the water taking up a smidgen of the available space, like a water bug in a swimming pool.A heavy lump had settled in my gut, and I wondered then if I might have misjudged myself and my boat. I tried to reassure myself that the forecast for the week was favorable, only fair and following winds at 10 to 15 knots. The lump wasn’t going anywhere, though, and I wondered if I should pull the boat out and drive home.
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Interesting story. Anyone planning the trip should read it. Yes, a hinged centerboard and drains to allow water to get to a central bailing point would help. I couldn’t help noticing the rowing style was not good. The oars should almost meet in the middle and should not go so deep into the water on the rowing stroke or else the upper part will offer resistance in the water. I don’t think Roger enjoyed his trip but will if he does it again better prepared. I also think it would be more fun with a bigger boat and a partner to share the fun.
Hi, John. Yes, my rowing technique could use a lot of improvement. The Texas 200 showed me that a lot of my boating skills could use improvement. I enjoyed a good part of the trip, maybe even most of it, but you are certainly right that better preparation, a bigger boat, and a partner would make the entire trip enjoyable. Thank you for taking the time to read the story.
Looks fantastic, I just wonder what it is like now after the impact of this recent bad weather. Thank you for sharing your journey, a lot of learning and a lot of fun!
Thanks for reading, Robert. The editor’s note above about Hurricane Harvey (I believe added after your comment was posted) describes the situation far better than I could have. Those areas could sure use all the help we can provide.
Probably the most enlightening account of the T200 ever. A first timer sees things that old timers never notice. Thanks for that fresh view!
Thank you, John.
At last I have a true picture of the 200. Thanks so much. I don’t know whether I’m sad or glad that I’m too old to try it. (Ok, I’m sad.)
Thank you, Annie.
Annie, I have done it a number of times and will continue until I can not get in a boat. Next year I will be 78. See you there.
I read “Trial By Water “ and it is the best T200 account I’ve read, including my own. I sailed the T200 in 2012, at 84 years of age, with my grandson as crew in a borrowed Lido 14. My grandson, Douglas, was 28 at the time and plenty big enough to pull me back into the boat in the event of an event. We found the T200 arduous, but I’d do it again if I were able.
Thank you, Garry. The Texas 200 at 84 is quite an accomplishment. I hope I’m as fortunate.
SO COOL! Thank you for sharing your journey, a lot of learning and a lot of fun! A big hug from ARGENTINA!
Roger, I have built and sailed a Flint in Australia. I admire your courage and determination, and understanding the lump in your stomach before the start of the Texas 200. Well done and thanks for your story.
Thanks for a great and inspiring writeup! I live in California, and sail in San Francisco Bay, but have a hankering to sail somewhere where the water isn’t cold enough to kill you!
I admire your courage and determination! Enjoyed reading your adventure. Couldn’t stop reading. Nicely written.
Thanks for the excellent write up. Really well done.
I really enjoyed your narration, makes me wonder how you had time to remember all this stuff, thinking tape recorder maybe. It has been a dream of mine since sailing from Port Isabel back in ’63, before the Beulah Blow Down. As a Sea Scout with the local Explorer group headed by Charlie Berry, we built two trimaran sailboats from hulls donated by the Trimaran factory in Laguna Vista. We group-sailed the two trimarans, a 21′ sloop, and a old 25′ flat-bottom Tow Master called THE QUEEN from Port Isabel to the Mansfield cut and back. I’ve been having sailing dreams ever since; been with the boat people ever since. Navy, charter, and family business. But I digress. Thank you for the narrative, and one day I will put my 22.5′ StarWind in the ditch and join all of you. Again, thanks for the memories. (Sorry bout the pun, Bob.)