⛵ Louisiana — Sailing Resources
Louisiana offers excellent freshwater sailing on Lake Pontchartrain (one of the largest inland bodies of water in the South, right by New Orleans) and good options on Toledo Bend Reservoir and other lakes. The Gulf Intracoastal Waterway and bays provide coastal cruising opportunities, though many sailors focus on the protected waters of the big lakes.
Boater Education
- Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) Boater Education — Required for anyone born after January 1, 1984, to operate a motorboat over 10 horsepower (including sailboats with auxiliary power) or PWC, unless accompanied by someone over 18 who has completed the course. Must carry proof of completion. No one under 16 may operate a PWC.
Approved courses are available online (free options like BoatUS) and in-person. A certificate is lifetime. USCG-licensed captains are exempt.
Marinas & Harbors
Lake Pontchartrain is the primary sailing venue, with easy access from both the Southshore (New Orleans) and Northshore (Mandeville, Slidell, Madisonville). Toledo Bend Reservoir on the Texas border is another solid option for inland sailing.
Lake Pontchartrain
- Orleans Marina (New Orleans, Southshore) — Well-maintained fixed docks, transient slips (40–75 ft), covered piers, fuel, pump-out, Wi-Fi. Convenient to the city and yacht clubs.
- Oak Harbor Marina (Slidell, Northshore) — Good transients, protected, often mentioned for visitors.
- Pontchartrain Yacht Club (Mandeville, Northshore) — Family-friendly club with marina access directly to the lake. Quick launch to open water.
- Marina Del Ray (Madisonville) — Good option on the Tchefuncte River side.
- New Orleans RV Resort & Marina — Floating and fixed docks, transients available.
Toledo Bend Reservoir (Louisiana side)
- Several marinas (e.g., Cypress Bend, North Toledo Bend State Park area, South Toledo Bend). More power/fishing oriented but usable for sailboats; good for trailer-sailors.
Pontchartrain has the most slip capacity and sailing infrastructure. Transients are available but call ahead, especially around events or in summer. The lake can get choppy with south winds; many sailors prefer the Northshore for quicker access to better water.
Marine Surveyors
- Louisiana has a limited number of resident accredited surveyors. Many owners use surveyors from Mississippi, Texas, or Florida who travel to the Pontchartrain and Gulf areas.
- Use the official SAMS and NAMS directories and filter for Louisiana or the Gulf Coast.
Local yacht clubs (Pontchartrain YC, New Orleans YC) can often provide current recommendations.
Brokerages
Louisiana has a small dedicated sailboat brokerage scene. Most activity happens through private sales or brokers based in Mississippi, Texas, or Florida.
- Search current listings on YachtWorld and BoatTrader.
- Some local dealers around New Orleans and the Northshore handle brokerage on a limited basis.
Lake Pontchartrain has an active used-boat market, especially for cruisers heading to or from the Gulf and the ICW.
Sailing Clubs & Resources
- Pontchartrain Yacht Club (Mandeville) — Family-friendly club with excellent direct access to Lake Pontchartrain. Strong racing, cruising, and social programs.
- New Orleans Yacht Club (New Orleans, Southshore) — Historic club with major racing programs and a long tradition on the lake.
- Lake Pontchartrain Women’s Sailing Association — Welcoming group focused on women sailors, with education and events.
- Other clubs around the lake and in the New Orleans area. Toledo Bend has smaller local groups.
- Louisiana Sailing Clubs — US Sailing
Lake Pontchartrain has the strongest organized sailing scene in the state. Many clubs are open to visitors and offer crew opportunities. The lake is known for good wind and quick access to open water from the Northshore.