Set Sail for Pensacola

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The warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico, Pensacola Bay and the Intracoastal Waterway make vacationing in Pensacola a water wonderland. Sailors and boaters have long discovered the beauty of this area, known for its clean, gulf-fed waters. It is the ideal playground for cruising, sailboat racing and of course, sunset tours and dolphin watching.

Being on a sailboat gives many a sense of peace and closeness to nature. Let the wind carry you to pristine locations along the Gulf Islands National Seashore. Enjoy swimming and snorkeling in the emerald waters of the Gulf of Mexico, or sail the calmer Pensacola Bay with its remote locations along Fort Pickens and Fort McRee. Wherever you decide to set anchor, be on the lookout for giant lightning whelks, sand dollars, olive shells, fighting conchs and other seaborne prizes while strolling along Pensacola's white sandy beaches.

Sailing in Pensacola has a long history. In 1559 Don Tristan de Luna sailed 11 ships into what is now known as Pensacola Bay, establishing the first European settlement in the United States. Pensacola was chosen by de Luna because of its natural deep-water harbor. When a hurricane struck just five weeks after the colonists' arrival, de Luna lost seven vessels from his fleet.

This early chapter in Pensacola's maritime history just recently revealed some of its secrets. In 1992, a team conducted an underwater inventory of Pensacola Bay and discovered what marine archeologists believe to be one of de Luna's ships. The small galleon has thus far surrendered more than 3,000 artifacts including an iron breastplate, limestone cannon balls and a small 15th century coin. Together with the anchor that was retrieved from this 1559 shipwreck, many of the artifacts are on display at the T.T. Wentworth, Jr. Florida State Museum.

After the de Luna expedition withdrew in failure, Pensacola Bay was forgotten by Europeans. Only when word reached New Spain that Frenchmen had invaded the Gulf of Mexico did a Spanish voyage seeking the French intruders rediscover Pensacola Bay in 1686. An expedition diarist described it as "the best bay I had ever seen."

If you sail the waters of Pensacola Bay today, you still can see many historical landmarks and interesting sights during your trip including the Pensacola Lighthouse, the ruins of Fort Pickens, a massive pre-civil war era fort, and Fort McRee. Fort Pickens is expected to reopen to boaters, hikers and bikers sometime in April 2006. Fort McRee, only accessible to boaters, is an ideal place to anchor overnight and enjoy the day's catch for dinner as the southern breeze kicks in.

Pensacola is also the closest departure point to the "Nipple" in the Gulf of Mexico, the point where the continental shelf gets very deep and billfish prefer to live. Fishing in the bay also proves plentiful as it is fed by freshwater streams teeming with fish.

If you prefer your fish cooked, anchor your boat at one of Pensacola's restaurants that welcomes guests at their docks. The Fish House, as the name suggests, serves some of the freshest seafood available. Chefs handpick the day's offerings from seasonal catches of fish, shrimp, oysters and crab directly off local fishermen's boats. Other local favorites for docking your boat include The Oar House right next to the Pensacola Yacht Club, or Flounder's and Peg Leg Pete's on Pensacola Beach.

An average of 343 days of sunshine per year, temperate climate, clear waters and pristine beaches makes Pensacola a sailor's paradise.

Getting here is now easier than ever. Pensacola Regional Airport offers more than 100 flights a day to major cities in the U.S. and recent nonstop flights have been added from Pensacola to Dallas and Chicago. www.flypensacola.com.

And Pensacola is easily accessible from 1-10, 1-65, Highway 98 and I-110.

To request a free Visitors Guide, view a complete calendar of events as well as travel packages and hot deals currently offered in the area, log on to www.VisitPensacola.com, or for more information on the Pensacola Bay Area, call the Pensacola Bay Area Convention and Visitors Bureau at (800) 874-1234 or (850) 434-1234.

Pensacola Bay Area Sailing Schools and Charters Key Sailing

(877) 932-7272 (toll-free)

www.keysailing.com

Lanier Sailing Academy

(850) 432-3199

www.laniersail.com

Floridaze Sailing Schools and Charters

850-221-2895

www.floridazesailing.com

Pensacola Bay Area Yacht Clubs Pensacola Yacht Club

(850) 433-8804

www.pensacolayachtclub.org