Ask Captain Jim

10/16/2026

🌬️ Gale warnings for the northern Gulf: this is a weekend to stay tied up.

Starting at 7pm CDT tonight (Friday), the National Weather Service expects north winds of 20–30 knots, gusting to 35, on the bays from Mississippi Sound to Choctawhatchee. Out on the coastal waters it's gusts to 40 and seas of 5–8 ft, and on Louisiana's waters and Lake Pontchartrain, gusts to 45. It eases early Sunday.

Just a week after Isaias, damaged docks and boats waiting on repairs are especially exposed. Double your lines, add chafe gear, and check on your boat before dark.

Plan your sailing window at askcaptainjim.com

10/14/2026

🦐 The PCB Seafood Festival is back on, this weekend!

Isaias pushed it back a week, so it now runs Fri–Sun, Oct 16–18, at Capt. Anderson's Marina on Grand Lagoon. Hours are Friday 5–9pm and Saturday and Sunday 11am–9pm. Admission is free, and there are fireworks over the lagoon Saturday at 9pm.

Coming by boat? Call ahead for a slip, because some docks may still be short on power after the storm surge.

Plan your sailing window at askcaptainjim.com

10/14/2026

✅ Good news west of Destin: the ports are back open.

The Port of Mobile went back to normal port condition at 4pm Saturday. Gulfport and Pascagoula are normal too, and the Coast Guard now lists Pensacola and Panama City as open. Mobile Bay and the Mississippi Sound make a good place to stage while the eastern Panhandle recovers.

Before you leave, read Coast Guard MSIB 136-26 for any leftover limits, and call your marina first. Power and fuel may still be spotty.

Plan your sailing window at askcaptainjim.com

10/14/2026

⚠️ Moving a boat along the Florida Panhandle after Isaias? Slow down and check first.

Hurricane Isaias came ashore near Destin as a Category 2 last Friday. In the latest Coast Guard update we found, Pensacola, Destin, Panama City, Port St. Joe and GIWW miles 167–376 were still in "recovery" status, with boats 65 ft and over restricted while channels are surveyed. Expect debris, and marks that may be off station. Destin Marina took heavy damage, so call ahead before counting on a slip or fuel.

Before you go, check navcen.uscg.gov/port-status or call Coast Guard Sector Mobile at 251-266-5888. Travel in daylight, with someone on the bow.

Plan your sailing window at askcaptainjim.com

10/09/2026

⛵ Big sailing weekend in the western Panhandle!

The Fish Class World Championship is on Pensacola Bay this Saturday and Sunday (Oct 10–11), hosted by Pensacola Yacht Club. A classic Gulf Coast one-design with deep roots in local racing.

Over on Choctawhatchee Bay, the Flying Scot Rally runs the same weekend in Niceville.

Crossing Pensacola Bay? Give the race course some room.

Plan your sailing window at askcaptainjim.com

10/09/2026

🔄 Looping down the Gulf this fall?

Baytowne Marina at Sandestin (Miramar Beach, FL) has a Looper docking special: discounted transient dockage, member fuel pricing, a free pump-out with fuel, and no cancellation fees when weather holds you up. AGLCA members get an extra 10% off dockage.

Show your Looper ID or fly your burgee at check-in. Reservations: 888-670-0935.

Plan your passage at askcaptainjim.com

10/03/2026

I never knew how these things worked!!

Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube.

09/30/2026

Wow - I'm not advertising this thing but I think it's great!!

Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube.

09/24/2026

In Pensacola for the next few days? Check out some spectacular multi hull races.. catamarans and trimarans!!!

09/16/2026

Here's the latest.. and check out the best sailing window at www.askCaptainjim.com