United States Coast Pilot 2 Atlantic Coast - Cape Cod, MA to Sandy Hook, NJ 2008

Outer Cape Cod and Nantucket Sound ■ Chapter 4 ■ 193 uneven and shifting in character. Vessels should not at- this chapter, leads into the sound from the southward, tempt to pass northward of the buoys marking the eastward of Chappaquiddick Island. southern end and southeast side of the shoal. Chart 13237 Chart 13244 (51) Nantucket Shoals is the general name of the nu- (58) Pollock Rip Channel and Butler Hole form the merous broken shoals which extend 23 miles eastward most direct channel leading from points northward of and 39 miles southeastward of Nantucket Island. These Cape Cod to Nantucket Sound. The channel leads be- extremely dangerous shoals are described in chapter 3; tween Bearse Shoal and Pollock Rip, thence eastward of caution must be exercised in this area. Handkerchief Shoal. Since large-vessel traffic may be encountered in this channel, fishing vessels and small (52) Halfmoon Shoal, near the center of Nantucket craft should avoid the area during thick or foggy Sound, is covered 9 feet. Its southern end is marked by weather. The channel is well marked by navigational a lighted bell buoy. Depths of 17 and 22 feet are 2.5 and aids. Mariners should consult the chart and seek local 1.5 miles, respectively, southeastward of the shoal. knowledge before entering Pollock Rip Channel and Deep-draft vessels should use care to avoid them. A Butler Hole because numerous shoals exist in this lighted gong buoy is 1.3 miles east-northeast of the channel. Caution is advised when transiting the area. 22-foot spot. (59) Submerged piling, the remains of the former (53) Cross Rip Shoal, about 2.5 miles west-southwest- Monomoy Point Light structure, may exist about 0.3 ward of Halfmoon Shoal, has a least depth of 11 feet. Its mile southward of Monomoy Point. An abandoned northern edge is marked by a lighted gong buoy. A lighthouse about 1.2 miles northward of the point is shoal, covered 26 feet, extends 1.2 miles eastward of the prominent. buoy. Caution must be exercised in passing between this shoal and the shoal making out southwestward (60) Great Round Shoal Channel, about 10 miles south- from Halfmoon Shoal. ward of Pollock Rip Channel, is used by many large fishing vessels transiting Nantucket Sound from New (54) Horseshoe Shoal, about 7.5 miles long, bares in Bedford to Georges Bank and sometimes by sailboats places at extreme low water. Its western side is marked that are headed by the wind so as to prevent their work- by two buoys and its northern and southeastern sides ing through Pollock Rip Channel. The buoyed channel by lighted buoys. The main channel passes between the has a controlling depth of about 27 feet between Great southeastern lighted buoy and the lighted gong buoy Round Shoal and Nantucket Shoals. Great Round marking Cross Rip Shoal. Shoal and Great Round Shoal Channel are subject to continual change. (55) L’Hommedieu Shoal, covered 3 feet, and Hedge Fence, covered 5 feet, lie in an east-west direction in Chart 13237 the western end of Nantucket Sound and the eastern end of Vineyard Sound. The water deepens abruptly at (61) The Main Channel of Nantucket Sound leads the edge of these shoals, and soundings will give little southward of Halfmoon Shoal, through Cross Rip warning of approaching dangers. The main channel Channel, southward of Horseshoe Shoal, through the passes southward of Hedge Fence Shoal. L’Hommedieu fairway between Hedge Fence and Squash Meadow, and Shoal is marked by buoys at its north, east, and west thence into the eastern end of Vineyard Sound. The ends. Hedge Fence is marked by a lighted gong buoy on channel is used by most of the vessels bound through its southeastern side, and a buoy on its western end. Nantucket Sound and is well marked by navigational aids. With care a least depth of 30 feet can be carried (56) The numerous other shoals in Nantucket Sound through the channel, but the draft of the vessels using are discussed with the land features near them. it seldom exceeds 24 feet. Channels (62) Cross Rip Lighted Gong Buoy 21 (41°26'51\"N., (57) Two principal channels lead from the eastward into 70°17'30\"W.), marks the northern edge of Cross Rip Shoal. Nantucket Sound. The northerly one is through Pollock Rip Channel and Butler Hole, and the south- (63) North Channel leads along the north side of erly one through Great Round Shoal Channel. Between Nantucket Sound, on either side of Bishop and Clerks, the numerous shoals in Nantucket Sound are two northward of Horseshoe Shoal, between Wreck Shoal well-marked channels leading to the eastern end of and Eldridge Shoal, northward of L’Hommedieu Shoal, Vineyard Sound. Muskeget Channel, discussed later in and through one of the openings in the shoals

194 ■ Chapter 4 ■ Coast Pilot 2 westward of L’Hommedieu Shoal into Vineyard Sound. with a favorable current and with some local knowl- This channel is used mostly by craft bound to points on edge beat through the sound against a head wind in the north shore of Nantucket Sound and by vessels clear weather. If they find they are losing ground, they bound through the sound during northerly winds or in come to anchor within the prescribed anchorages un- winter when the prevailing northerly winds keep the der the lee of one of the shoals, or in one of the harbors north shore of the sound free from drift ice. The least until the wind or current changes. depth in the channel is about 16 feet. Lighted and (68) In thick weather or fog when the aids cannot be unlighted buoys mark the channel. seen, vessels in the vicinity of Pollock Rip Channel are cautioned against anchoring in the channel or near any Anchorages of the aids. Steamers and tows passing through the (64) Sailing vessels working through the sound against channel in thick weather depend almost entirely on ra- dar navigation and the sound signals of the aids, mak- a head wind usually anchor during the night, or if be- ing it necessary for them to pass close to the aids. calmed and drifting toward the shoals it is best to an- (69) Vessels off Pollock Rip Channel entrance desiring chor and wait for a favorable current or change of wind. to anchor, wind and sea permitting, should stand west- The only anchorages for vessels of over 10-foot draft ward and anchor west of a line joining Pollock Rip that afford shelter from all winds are Nantucket Har- Channel Buoy 2A and Chatham Lighted Whistle Buoy bor, Hyannis Harbor, and Edgartown inner harbor. C. Anchorage may also be had in depths of 5 to 10 fath- Vineyard Haven, the anchorage most used by coasters, oms about 1 mile northeastward of Broken Part of is exposed to northeasterly winds. In northerly winds Pollock Rip. the best anchorages are off Dennis Port, Hyannis Port, (70) In Great Round Shoal Channel, the tidal currents and along the north shore. The anchorage off Fal- are not as strong as in Pollock Rip Channel. Easterly mouth is used in most winds by vessels with good winds make high tides and strong westerly currents. ground tackle. In easterly winds vessels sometimes an- Westerly winds make low tides and strong easterly cur- chor in smooth water westward of Handkerchief Shoal rents. or inside Great Point. Good shelter from easterly winds (71) Pollock Rip Channel and Great Round Shoal Chan- can also be found in Chatham Roads and Edgartown nel are subject to change; vessels of deep draft should outer harbor. In southerly and westerly winds Edgartown wait for a favorable tide. Harbor and Vineyard Haven are the best anchorages. (72) The Main Channel through Nantucket Sound is With the aid of the chart and the directions given under well marked, and strangers should experience little dif- the discussion of these harbors, strangers can enter the ficulty in navigating it. Vessels must take care to avoid anchorages. the 24-foot shoal extending 1.2 miles eastward of the (65) Several general anchorages are in Nantucket buoy marking Cross Rip Shoal and the 17- to 22-foot Sound and its eastern approaches. (See 110.1 and shoals 2.5 and 1.5 miles, respectively, southeastward of 110.140(c)(3) through (c)(7) and (d), chapter 2, for Halfmoon Shoal. limits and regulations.) (73) The North Channel through Nantucket Sound has broken ground with depths of 16 to 17 feet in some Routes places. Strangers should not attempt this channel at (66) Because of the numerous shoals, strong tidal cur- night. rents, thick fog at certain seasons, and vessels which Currents may be encountered in the narrow parts of the channel (74) The Tidal Current Tables and the Narragansett Bay through Nantucket Sound, the navigator must use more than ordinary care when in these waters. to Nantucket Sound Tidal Current Charts contain de- (67) In clear weather, day or night, the aids are readily tailed current information for many locations in this distinguished and sufficiently numerous to enable a area. stranger to follow the channel without difficulty. The (75) At the eastern entrance to Pollock Rip Channel the strongest currents will be encountered in Pollock Rip flood current sets about 053° and the ebb 212°. Channel, between Pollock Rip Channel Lighted Buoy 8 (76) Daily predictions for Butlers Hole at the western and Handkerchief Shoal Buoy 14, and off East and West end of Pollock Rip Channel are published in the Tidal Chop. In some places the current sets directly on the Current Tables. shoals and in a calm, sailing vessels are sometimes (77) Off the southeast end of Great Round Shoal, the obliged to anchor to prevent going aground. Most of tidal current is rotary, turning clockwise. The average the shoals rise abruptly from deep water and the bot- velocity at strength is 1.3 knots, and the average mini- tom is very irregular, so soundings alone cannot be de- mum velocity is 0.3 knot. Tide rips and water surface pended upon to keep clear of danger. Sailing vessels

Outer Cape Cod and Nantucket Sound ■ Chapter 4 ■ 195 agitation caused by upwelling may be observed across (85) Monomoy Island, a national wildlife refuge on the the 10-fathom contour east of the entrance to Great northeastern side of Nantucket Sound, is a low, narrow Round Shoal Channel. (See Tidal Current Tables for spit covered with sand dunes. Vessels sometimes an- predictions.) chor off the east shore of the island in depths of 4 to 6 (78) From the eastern entrance of Nantucket Sound to fathoms to await a favorable current for entering the the lighted gong buoy off Hedge Fence, the time of cur- sound. Off Monomoy Point, the south end of the island, rent becomes gradually later; the average velocity at shoals make off up to 5 miles eastward. strength varies from about 1 to 2 knots. (86) Monomoy National Wildlife Refuge, a Marine Man- Weather, Nantucket Sound and Vicinity aged Area (MMA), extends 1 mile offshore from (79) Winter winds and waves along with spring and Monomoy and Morris Islands. (See MMA 4-2, Appendix C, for additional information.) early summer fogs provide weather hazards in these waters. From October through March gales can be ex- (87) Tidal currents average about 2 knots at strength in pected about 3 to 6 percent of the time and are fre- the channel 0.2 mile west of Monomoy Point. The flood quently out of the west and northwest. Some wind and current sets 170°, and the ebb 346°. current interactions can also create problems. The most severe of these is found at the west entrance to the (88) The large bight formed by Monomoy Island and the Cape Cod Canal. Rough seas can develop here when the north shore of Nantucket Sound, eastward of Point tide ebbing out of the canal opposes a brisk southwest Gammon, has extensive shoals scattered throughout wind. Another well known “rough spot” is the West and bordering the shores. Not all of the shoals are Chop off the north corner of Martha’s Vineyard. At a marked by buoys. maximum ebb or flood the current runs 3.5 knots here and when it is opposed by the wind a nasty chop is set Chart 13229 up. (80) In general, over open waters, waves of 12 feet (3.7 (89) Chatham Roads, at the northeast end of Nantucket m) or more can be expected 5 to 15 percent of the time Sound, is between the extensive shoals which extend from November through February. In the shallow por- northwestward from the northern end of Monomoy Is- tions of Nantucket Sound these frequencies drop, but land and the shoals extending 1.6 miles from the shore waves may break before reaching these heights. of Cape Cod at Harwich Port. The Roads is the approach (81) The characteristic advection fog, formed by warm to Stage Harbor and the prominent summer resort of air over cool water, is most frequent from April through Chatham on the hilly ground at the northeast shore of August. At this time visibilities drop below 2 miles 10 to Nantucket Sound. 18 percent of the time; May, June and July are the worst and caution is advised, particularly near the numerous (90) Stage Harbor Light (41°39'30\"N., 69°59'04\"W.), 42 shoal areas in these waters. In addition to affecting visi- feet above the water, is shown from a modular tower on bility, fog also distorts sound so the direction of warn- the northeast side of Chatham Roads on the north side ing bells and horns may be difficult to discern of the entrance to Stage Harbor. accurately. (82) Thunderstorms can occur in any season but are (91) Among the conspicuous landmarks approaching most likely in spring and summer. Sometimes they ap- Chatham Roads and Stage Harbor are the domes of the pear as squall lines with strong, gusty winds preceding National Weather Service’s installation on the eastern the rain. Occasionally winds can gust to 60 knots. side of Morris Island, a radio tower at South Chatham, church spires, Chatham Light, and Stage Harbor Light. Pilotage: Nantucket Sound (83) Pilotage is compulsory for foreign vessels of 350 (92) A dredged channel, marked by buoys, leads from Chatham Roads for about 0.69 mile into Stage Harbor. gross tons or more, U.S. vessels under register of 350 The entrance is in an area of shifting sandbars and is gross tons or more and tank barge towing vessels carry- subject to shoaling. In February 2002, the controlling ing 6,000 barrels or more of petroleum cargoes. Pilot- depth in the entrance channel was 6.0 feet. age is available from Northeast Marine Pilots, Inc., Newport, RI, 02840; telephone 401-847-9050 (24 (93) A narrow channel, marked by private seasonal hours), 800-274-1216; FAX 401-847-9052; email: dis- buoys, leads northerly from Stage Harbor through [email protected]. Mitchell River to Mill Pond and has a depth of about 6 (84) Vessels requiring a tow usually take a tug from the feet. This channel is crossed by a highway bridge that port of their departure. has a bascule span with a clearance of 8½ feet. When in the open position the bascule span will overhang the channel, providing an unobstructed width of 15 feet. (See 117.1 through 117.59 and 117.607, chapter 2, for drawbridge regulations.)

196 ■ Chapter 4 ■ Coast Pilot 2 Anchorage railway at the boatyard can haul out craft up to 50 feet (94) Good anchorage for vessels up to 18-foot draft can for hull and engine repairs or dry open or covered stor- age. Storage is also available at the bridge. Gasoline, be had in Chatham Roads in depths of 21 to 30 feet, diesel fuel, water, ice, marine supplies, and moorings good holding ground. This anchorage is insecure for are available at Stage Harbor and at the bridge. The ma- small craft in heavy southwesterly gales. Small craft rina at the bridge has a 10-ton lift; berthage in 6 feet of can find a well-sheltered anchorage in Stage Harbor. water, gasoline, diesel fuel, water, ice, storage facilities, some marine supplies and a launching ramp are also No-Discharge Zone available. A launching ramp is on Sears Point. (95) The State of Massachusetts, with the approval of (102) Oyster Pond River extends from Stage Harbor for about 0.7 mile in a northwesterly direction, thence for the Environmental Protection Agency, has established 0.8 mile in a northeasterly direction into Oyster Pond. a No-Discharge Zone (NDZ) in the Stage Harbor Com- Private seasonal aids mark the channel at the bend in plex. The area covered includes Stage Harbor, north of the river. Shoaling to 2 feet was reported at the bend in a line drawn across its mouth at Nantucket Sound, and August 1981. On the west bank at the bend there are a the following tributaries: Little Mill Pond, Mill Pond, town wharf, a launching ramp, and a fish wharf. At 0.3 Mitchell River, Oyster Pond River, and Oyster Pond (see mile and 0.5 mile above the bend on the west bank are chart 13229 for limits). two boatyards and marinas. The largest marine railway (96) Within the NDZ, discharge of sewage, whether at the yards can haul out craft up to 44 feet for hull and treated or untreated, from all vessels is prohibited. engine repairs or dry open or covered storage. Gaso- Outside the NDZ, discharge of sewage is regulated by line, diesel fuel, water, ice, marine supplies, launching 40 CFR 140 (see chapter 2). ramps, berthage, and moorings are available. (103) Mill Creek, 1.6 miles northwestward of Stage Har- Routes bor Light, is used only at high water by small local (97) Vessels approaching Chatham Roads from the craft. The entrance between the jetties was reported to have 1½ feet in 1964. The tall radio tower of Chatham southward should pass westward of Handkerchief Radio Station WCC is prominent about 0.4 mile west of Shoal and the extensive shoals westward of Monomoy the jetties. Cockle Cove has been entered by small boats Island. Approaching from the westward pass either side through one of the breakthroughs in the sandbar. of Bishop and Clerks and thence southward of the sea- (104) Saquatucket Harbor, is entered about 3.5 miles sonal lighted whistle buoy off Kill Pond Bar, a shoal westward of Stage Harbor Light. A dredged channel covered 4 to 11 feet off the northwest entrance to Chat- leads from Chatham Roads to an anchorage basin at the ham Roads. When off the entrance to Chatham Roads, head of the harbor. The entrance is protected by jetties. steer 063° with Stage Harbor and Chatham Lights in In December 2004, the controlling depth was 4.8 feet range. This course will lead about 500 yards southeast- (5.5 feet at midchannel) to Buoy 8; thence in 2002, the ward of Chatham Roads Bell Buoy 3 and north of the controlling depths were 6.0 feet at midchannel from buoy marking Common Flat, the shoal on the eastern Buoy 8 to the anchorage basin with depths of 4.8 to 6 side of the roads, to the Stage Harbor approach buoy feet in the basin, except for lesser depths along the about 0.8 mile west-southwestward of Stage Harbor edges. In 1993, a submerged obstruction was reported Light. An anchorage may be had northward of the ap- about 10 yards south of Buoy 4. Buoys mark the chan- proach buoy in depths of about 28 feet. Boats continu- nel, and a light marks the outer end of the east jetty. A ing to Stage Harbor will pick up the channel entrance marina is on the north side of the anchorage basin. buoys about 800 yards southwestward of Stage Harbor Gasoline, diesel fuel, limited berths, water, electricity, Light. The channel is well marked. ice, a pump-out station, some supplies and a launching ramp are available. In September 2004, an approach (98) A 5 mph speed limit is enforced in the harbor. depth of 6.0 feet was reported at the marina berths. The (99) The harbor is closed by ice for short periods each marina monitors VHF-FM channel 68. The harbor- master here also supervises Wychmere Harbor, Allen winter. Local fishermen will act as pilots for craft desir- Harbor, Herring River, and Round Cove in Pleasant ing one. Bay. A 5 mph speed limit is enforced in these areas. The (100) The commercial fish piers in Stage Harbor are on harbormaster can be contacted by telephone (508- The Neck at the head of the dredged channel opposite 430-7532). Stage Island and on the west bank of Oyster Pond River (105) Wychmere Harbor, 3.7 miles westward of Stage just above the first bend about 0.7 mile above the en- Harbor Light, is a circular basin with a bulkheaded trance to the river. (101) There are a marina and boatyard on the north side of Stage Harbor adjacent to the fish piers, and a marina on Mitchell River just west of the bridge. The marine

Outer Cape Cod and Nantucket Sound ■ Chapter 4 ■ 197 Courtesy of Cape Cod Power Squadron entrance protected by two jetties. The west jetty is by telephone (508-430-7532) for advice on moorings or hook-shaped and marked on the end by a light. The east local conditions. jetty is short. The harbor is used by fishing and plea- (108) Allen Harbor, about 4.8 miles west of Stage Harbor sure craft. The village of Harwich Port is west of the Light, has a narrow entrance between two jetties into harbor. A church spire about 0.5 mile westward of the Doanes Creek. Allen Harbor is at the head of the creek. harbor and a hotel on the west bank of the entrance are The west jetty is marked by a private seasonal light. An conspicuous. elevated water tank north of the harbor is a good land- (106) In August 1994, the reported controlling depth mark. across the bar was 8 feet. Inside the jetties, the channel (109) In April 1979, the controlling depth in the entrance has a depth of 6 feet to the harbor. The channel is sub- channel was 5 feet. Private seasonal buoys mark the ject to shoaling. The outer anchorage basin, known lo- channel. The harbor affords good shelter for small cally as Harwich Port Harbor, has a depth of about 8 craft. feet with good holding ground. (110) A town landing and launching ramp at the west end (107) There is a large summer club-hotel and wharf on of the bridge were reported to have about 6 feet along- the west side of the jettied entrance. A town wharf is on side. A marina and boatyard on the west side at the head the east side. A boatyard is at the inner end of the chan- of the harbor has a 15-ton forklift and a hydraulic nel. Berthage, gasoline, diesel fuel, water, ice, a trailer that can handle craft to 42 feet for hull, engine pump-out station, marine supplies, and storage facili- and electronic repairs. Open and covered storage, gaso- ties are available; hull and engine repairs can be made. line, diesel fuel, water, ice, a pump-out station, marine A patrol boat enforces a speed limit of 5 mph; the patrol supplies and a launching ramp are available. In March boat is equipped with VHF-FM channels 16, 22, and 68. 2002, the reported alongside depth was 6 feet. The The harbormaster who supervises Wychmere Harbor harbormaster who supervises Allen Harbor has his of- has his office at Saquatucket Harbor. He can be reached fice at Saquatucket Harbor. He can be reached by tele- phone (508-430-7532) for local information.

198 ■ Chapter 4 ■ Coast Pilot 2 Courtesy of Cape Cod Power Squadron (111) Herring River, 6 miles west of Stage Harbor Light, Outside the NDZ, discharge of sewage is regulated by has a large prominent hotel on the west side and wind- 40 CFR 140 (see chapter 2). mill on the east side of the entrance. The entrance, be- tween two small jetties, is subject to shoaling. The (114) Swan Pond River, about 1.9 miles west of Herring approach is marked by private seasonal buoys, and the River, is a narrow shallow creek bordered by marsh, outer end of the west jetty is marked by a private sea- which drains Swan Pond. Fishermen and pleasure craft sonal light. In 1973, the midchannel controlling depth enter at high water. Fish wharves are on the east bank was 6 feet in the entrance channel. A basin dredged in just above the bridge about 0.3 mile above the mouth. the river just below the bridge has moorings for craft drawing up to 3 feet. The fixed bridge, about 0.3 mile (115) Bass River, 9.6 miles westward of Stage Harbor above the mouth, has a 14-foot fixed span with a clear- Light, is entered between two jetties. A light is on the ance of 10 feet. State Route 28 highway bridge about west jetty. A seasonal lighted bell buoy, 1.1 miles south- 0.8 mile above the mouth has a 20-foot fixed span with ward of the jetty light, marks the approach. A channel a clearance of 7 feet. Limited supplies may be obtained marked by private seasonal buoys leads over the bar at Dennis Port about 0.7 mile westward of the river. from about 0.4 mile southward of the jetty light through the jetties to an anchorage basin in the lower No-Discharge Zone part of the river, and thence to the highway bridge at (112) The State of Massachusetts, with the approval of South Dennis, 3.1 miles above the mouth. The bridge has a 25-foot fixed span with a clearance of 10 feet. The the Environmental Protection Agency, has established entrance to the anchorage basin and the channel over a No-Discharge Zone (NDZ) in the coastal regions of the bar are subject to shoaling. In June 2001, the the Town of Harwich. The NDZ includes major harbors dredged entrance channel had a reported controlling and contiguous beaches between and including Allen, depth of 4.6 feet to the river mouth, just inside the jet- Wychmere, and Saquatucket harbors and to the Her- ties; thence in 1981, the river channel had a reported ring River (see chart 13229 for limits). depth of 5 feet to South Yarmouth, thence 2 feet to the (113) Within the NDZ, discharge of sewage, whether bridge at South Dennis. In December 1992, severe treated or untreated, from all vessels is prohibited. shoaling was reported across the mouth of the river.

Outer Cape Cod and Nantucket Sound ■ Chapter 4 ■ 199 Private seasonal buoys mark the channel to Follins obtained before entering the river. In December 2000, Pond, about 6.1 miles above the mouth. the entrance channel had a reported controlling depth (116) State Route 28 highway bridge crossing the river of 4.1 feet. The entrance is reported to shoal quickly af- between West Dennis and South Yarmouth, about 1.5 ter dredging. A fixed highway bridge crosses the river miles above the mouth, has a 30-foot fixed span with a about 1 mile above the entrance. clearance of 15 feet. (125) Local fishermen and pleasure craft enter and moor (117) A 5 mph speed limit is enforced on the river. in dredged slips on the east side of the river. An un- (118) About 0.8 mile above the mouth, a channel leads named creek, about 0.2 mile above the mouth, leads eastward to a lagoon; a dredged depth of 10 feet was re- westward 0.5 mile to Lewis Pond. Small craft can enter ported in the channel and lagoon. West Dennis Yacht the creek only at high water. Small craft may enter the Club is at the head of the lagoon. pond but there are no moorings or services available. A (119) A marina and boatyard, about 0.4 mile below the marina is on the east side of the river just below the first highway bridge, has a lift that can haul out craft up highway bridge; berths are available. to 45 feet for hull and engine repairs or dry open and (126) Point Gammon, 12 miles west-northwestward of covered storage. Gasoline, diesel fuel, water, ice, a Monomoy Point, is the eastern entrance point to pump-out station, and a launching ramp are available. Hyannis Harbor. The point, prominent and wooded, is In May 2002, 6 feet was reported alongside the dock. marked by an abandoned lighthouse tower. A reef, The marina monitors VHF-FM channels 66 and 79. partly bare at low water, extends about 0.3 mile south of Town landings and launching ramps are on both sides the point. Extensive flats with rocks awash at low water of the river at and below the bridge. extend 1 mile northwestward of the point. Gazelle (120) Rental boats, gasoline, bait, and tackle can be ob- Rock, covered 5 feet and marked by a seasonal lighted tained at a fishing pier just north of the east end of the buoy, is about 0.5 mile south-southeastward of the bridge. A marina, above the pier, has berths, gasoline, point. Senator Shoal, covered 11 feet and unmarked, is diesel fuel, water, ice, a pump-out station, a 35-ton lift, about 1 mile southeastward of the point. Hallets Rock, and storage facilities; hull and engine repairs can be covered 17 feet, is about 1 mile south of the point and made. another rock, covered 13 feet, is about 1.2 miles (121) Two fixed bridges, railroad and highway, cross the south-southeast of the point in the vicinity of Hallets river about 0.7 mile above the highway bridge at South Rock. There are several submerged rocks in this area, Dennis. Least clearances are: 25 feet horizontal, and 8 which extends in a general line running northwest and feet vertical. southeast between Hallets Rock and Gazelle Rock to a (122) In August 1981, it was reported that about 4 feet private seasonal light 0.5 mile west of the point; the could be carried at high water to a marina and boatyard light marks a fishtrap. In 1990, a sunken wreck was re- on Kellys Bay, about 0.3 mile above the railroad and ported about 0.2 mile southward of Hallets Rock in highway bridges. A mobile lift at the yard can haul out about 41°35.3'N., 70°15.7'W. craft to 28 feet for hull and engine repairs or dry open (127) Bishop and Clerks, about 2.2 miles southward of or covered storage. Gasoline, water, moorings, and Point Gammon, is an extensive shoal area. The center berths are available. In August 1981, depths of 5 to 6 of the shoal is marked by a light. Several rocks awash at feet were reported at the boatyard. low water are on the arm of the shoal that extends (123) Dogfish Bar, an extensive shoal area off Bass River about 0.9 mile south of the light. A rock, covered 5 feet, entrance, is covered 1 to 6 feet. A small breakwater, for- is 0.7 mile south-southeastward of the light. The rest of merly used as a shelter for small craft, is on the easterly the shoal is covered 8 to 18 feet. A lighted gong buoy, end of the bar, about 1 mile southeastward of Bass River about 1.15 miles southward; an unlighted buoy, about West Jetty Light. The area around the breakwater and 0.75 mile westward; and a lighted bell buoy, about 0.7 northeasterly of it has shoaled. Rocks awash at low wa- mile northeastward of the light, mark the limits of the ter are about 0.4 mile northwestward of the breakwater. shoal area. Caution should be exercised when in the vi- These rocks are marked by a private seasonal buoy. A cinity of this shoal. fish haven, marked by a private buoy, is about 2 miles (128) Broken Ground, a shoal area westward of the south south of the breakwater, and a fishtrap marked by a pri- end of Bishop and Clerks, has depths of 14 to 18 feet. vate seasonal light is 1.8 miles southwest of the break- West Southwest Ledge, 1.6 miles southwest of Point water. Gammon and northwest of Bishop and Clerks, has (124) Parkers River, about 1.2 miles west of Bass River, is depths of 13 to 18 feet. A lighted bell buoy is northward entered between two jetties and extends 1.3 miles of the ledge and marks the approach to Hyannis Har- northward to Seine Pond. A motel on the east side of bor. A group of dangerous rocks and obstructions are the entrance is prominent. Local knowledge should be on the edge of the flat that extends northwestward from

200 ■ Chapter 4 ■ Coast Pilot 2 Point Gammon and into the approach to Hyannis Har- depths of 6 feet in September 2005, leads to the bor. A rock, covered 11 feet in about 41°37'02.9\"N., Hyannis Port Yacht Club landing on the west shore of 70°17'21.1\"W., is the westernmost and marked close W the harbor. by Hyannis Harbor Lighted Buoy 4. (136) Lewis Bay, with depths of 2 to 11 feet, extends (129) Hyannis Harbor, protected by a breakwater, is used northeastward from Hyannis Harbor. In the northwest as a harbor of refuge by coasting vessels and pleasure corner of the bay is the channel to the summer resort of craft of less than 14-foot draft. A light is on the end of Hyannis. The town has a hospital. Hyannis Yacht Club the breakwater. The harbor is the approach to Hyannis is on the west of the bay. A channel, marked by private Port, on the west side of the harbor, Lewis Bay, and seasonal buoys, leads westward to Hyannis Yacht Club. Hyannis at the head of the northwest arm of Lewis Bay. The club can accommodate craft to 140 feet; a reported (130) The most prominent objects when approaching the dockside depth of 8 feet is available. harbor are: the daybeacon on Great Rock, two red and (137) A dredged channel leads from Hyannis Harbor into white checkered standpipes, a light blue tank, the Lewis Bay, thence to an anchorage basin north of Har- breakwater light, the abandoned lighthouse tower on bor Bluff, thence to the town wharf at Hyannis, at the Point Gammon, and the square gray stone church bel- westernmost end. In February 2004, the controlling fry on the hill overlooking Hyannis Port to the west- depths were 10.5 feet (11.2 feet at midchannel) to the ward. anchorage basin, thence 9.6 to 13 feet in the basin, (131) Depths of 13 to 16 feet are in the approach channel, thence 10.5 feet to the town wharf. The channel is well but it is somewhat obstructed by the flats extending marked but is subject to shoaling, especially in the vi- westward from Point Gammon and an extensive shoal cinity of Lewis Bay Approach Channel Buoy 9. Heavy with numerous rocks extending southeastward from vessel traffic should be expected during summer Hyannis Point. In September 2005, reported depths of months. A riprap jetty extends 1,000 feet southerly 7 to 15 feet were available in the protected basin north- from Dunbar Point. ward of the breakwater light. (138) Vessels entering Lewis Bay must be guided by the buoys marking the dredged channel and by the color of Routes the water, deepest where it is darkest. (132) Vessels approaching Hyannis Harbor from the east- Anchorages ward should shape a course to pass about 1,000 yards (139) Vessels with drafts up to 13 feet may anchor in the south of Hallets Rock, exercising caution to avoid the reported wreck mentioned earlier, thence about 317° anchorage northeast of Hyannis Breakwater. Small to a point about 0.6 mile southwestward of Great Rock craft can anchor in Lewis Bay west of the channel, off Daybeacon 4A, and thence about 012° to pass about Hyannis Yacht Club and north of Dunbar Point. Lim- 100 yards or more eastward of the breakwater light. ited anchorage is reported available in the basin north Vessels may anchor inside the breakwater on the east of Harbor Bluff. edge of the mooring area in depths of 15 to 20 feet, soft bottom. Small craft can anchor in the northern portion Small-craft facilities of the harbor in depths of 4 to 8 feet, but care must be (140) Several small-craft facilities and launching ramps taken to keep clear of a charted, submerged wreck, marked by a buoy. are along the northwestern arm of Lewis Bay north- (133) Approaching from the westward, from a position ward of Harbor Bluff. (See the small-craft facilities tab- about midway between Horseshoe Shoal Buoy 7 and ulation on chart 13229 for services and supplies Wreck Shoal Bell Buoy 8 (chart 13237), steer about available.) Limited berths are also available at the town 054° to pass about 1400 yards east of Hodges Rock marina on the west side at the head of the arm. A Buoy 2, and thence about 012° to pass about 100 yards dockmaster is usually in attendance at this marina and eastward of the breakwater light in entering the harbor. can be reached by telephone (508-790-6327) or on (134) Ice seldom interferes with the movement of vessels VHF-FM channel 16. in Hyannis Harbor during normal winters; the prevail- ing northerly winds keep the harbor clear. However, (141) For local information on moorings and berthings, during severe winters or persistent southwesterly the harbormaster can be contacted by telephone winds, the harbor may be temporarily closed to naviga- (508-790-6273), through the Barnstable police depart- tion. During particularly severe winters, the harbor has ment (508-775-0387), or VHF-FM channels 16 and 9. A been closed by ice for up to 3 months. police boat from the town of Barnstable and a (135) Hyannis Port is a summer resort with many promi- Yarmouth Harbor Patrol boat patrol Hyannis Harbor nent homes. A privately dredged channel, with reported during the summer. A 6 mph speed limit is enforced in

Outer Cape Cod and Nantucket Sound ■ Chapter 4 ■ 201 Lewis Bay north of Harbor Bluff and in Hyannis Harbor to 10 feet leads to the anchorage. Anchorage with good in the channel leading to the yacht club. holding ground may be had in depths of 15 to 21 feet; (142) Ferries to Nantucket and Martha’s Vineyard berth however, vessels seldom anchor here for shelter as the in the harbor at Hyannis. Barnstable Municipal Airport harbor is exposed to southerly winds. The shoals off the is just north of the town. entrance somewhat break the force of the seas from (143) Westward of Hyannis Harbor breakwater the water southward, but not sufficiently to make it a safe an- is shoal with numerous rocks extending well offshore. chorage. Strangers should not enter except in the day- Eddie Woods Rock, covered 5 feet and unmarked, is 0.6 time with clear weather. Ice may close the harbor in the mile southwestward of the breakwater light. A fishtrap winter. marked by a private light is about 0.4 mile south of the (149) East Bay, on the west side of Centerville Harbor, rock. has depths of 1 to 4 feet. Small pleasure boats enter the (144) Squaw Island, 1 mile westward of Hyannis Harbor bay en route to Centerville River. The entrance to East Breakwater Light 5, is marked by a tower. Hyannis Bay, protected by a jetty on the southwestern side, had Point, the southerly tip of the island, is on the eastern a reported controlling depth of about 5 feet in August side of Centerville Harbor. 1981, but is subject to shoaling. Centerville River, (145) Southward of Hyannis Point and Centerville Har- which enters the northeast side of the bay, has been pri- bor are numerous shoals and rocks. Southwest vately dredged to a depth of 5 feet for a width of 40 feet Ground, the area about 1.5 miles south of Hyannis practically to the head of navigation. In September Point, has numerous rocks and shoal spots necessitat- 2005, a reported depth of about 3 feet could be taken ing extreme caution for vessels navigating the area. over the bar into Centerville River. Small boats moor in Southwest Rock, about 1.1 miles south of Hyannis the river off Centerville, or tie up to private piers. A 6 Point, is marked by a daybeacon. Unmarked rocks, mph speed limit is enforced in East Bay and Centerville some awash at low water and others covered 2 to 6 feet, River. are between the buoy and Hyannis Point. (150) A conspicuous stone tower with a mushroom- (146) Hodges Rock, covered 5 feet and marked by a buoy, shaped top is on the north side of the river. A town land- is 1 mile southward of Southwest Rock Daybeacon. An ing is on the north side just above the tower. A launch- unmarked rock covered 8 feet is 300 yards east of ing ramp is on the west shore of East Bay. A Hodges Rock. Bearse Rock, covered 5 feet and marked conspicuous wooden tower with a balcony on top is 0.3 by a buoy, is 0.5 mile southwestward of Southwest Rock mile southwestward of the jetty. Daybeacon. Channel Rock, covered 5 feet and marked (151) Cotuit Anchorage, 6.5 miles west of Point Gam- by a buoy, is 0.4 mile west of Bearse Rock. Gallatin mon, is an anchorage for small craft between the shoals Rock, covered 4 feet and marked by a buoy, is 0.4 mile which make off the shore. The anchorage is exposed to southwestward of Bearse Rock. Collier Ledge, 1.5 miles southerly winds and is seldom used except by local west-southwestward of Southwest Rock Daybeacon, is craft. The channel to the anchorage is marked by awash at low water. It is marked by a lighted buoy in the buoys, and vessels of less than 6-foot draft should expe- summer and an unlighted buoy in the winter. rience no difficulty in keeping in the best water. Lone (147) Gannet Ledge, covered 5 feet and marked by a buoy, Rock, covered 4 feet and marked by a buoy, is near the is 1.1 miles southwest of Hyannis Point. Gannet Rocks, southern side of the anchorage. A long shoal, covered 4 0.3 mile north of Gannet Ledge, include two unmarked feet and marked by a buoy at its southeast end, is 0.5 rocks 7 and 3 feet high and a rock covered 4 feet. Spin- mile northeastward of Lone Rock. dle Rock, awash at low water and marked by a buoy, is (152) West Bay, on the north side of Cotuit Anchorage near the head of Centerville Harbor. A rock awash at and 19 miles west of Stage Harbor, has a jettied en- low water and a rock covered 2 feet are 200 yards north trance about 150 feet wide and is the approach to the of the buoy. Two unmarked rocks covered 6 feet are 1.7 village of Osterville, on the east side of the bay. A pri- miles southwestward of Hyannis Point. vate seasonal light marks the end of the east jetty. A (148) Centerville Harbor is a bight 2 miles wide in the seasonal lighted buoy about 1 mile southeastward of north shore of Nantucket Sound westward of Hyannis the entrance marks the approach, and an unlighted Point. A church spire and an elevated tank in buoy marks a 4-foot shoal about 0.7 mile south of the Centerville, the village inland from the head of the har- entrance. Private seasonal buoys mark the channel bor, are used as guides for entering the harbor. through West Bay. An elevated water tank, about 0.7 Craigville Beach, on the north side of the harbor, is a mile northward of the bridge at Osterville, is conspicu- popular bathing beach. The approach to Centerville ous. In 1981-January 2001, a depth of 2.9 feet was avail- Harbor is obstructed by the previously mentioned able in the entrance channel, thence 6 feet to the rocks and shoals. The natural channel with depths of 9 highway bridge. The channel is subject to shoaling, and

202 ■ Chapter 4 ■ Coast Pilot 2 strangers should obtain local information before enter- (158) Popponesset Bay, west of Cotuit Anchorage, is ing the bay. shoal with depths of 1 to 4 feet in the greater part of the (153) Ice closes the bay for about 2 months each year. bay. In October 2001, a controlling depth of 3.3 feet was The wharves at Osterville have reported depths of 6 feet reported in the narrow entrance channel north-north- alongside. west of Thatch Island. Small-craft facilities (159) A small marina is on Daniels Island near the bridge (154) Small-craft facilities are on either side of the chan- to Popponesset Island. A launching ramp, a pump-out station, gasoline, diesel fuel, water, ice, some marine nel north of the highway bridge. Berths, moorings, supplies, and some services are available. A privately electricity, gasoline, diesel fuel, water, ice, marine sup- marked channel with a reported depth of about 3 feet plies, a pump-out station and storage facilities are leads to a marina on Mashpee Neck. Gasoline, water, available. Marine railways up to 40 feet and lifts to 50 and engine repairs are available. A flatbed trailer at the tons are available; hull, engine, and electronic repairs marina can haul out craft to 30 feet. can be made. The Wianno Yacht Club is on the east side of the channel at the highway bridge. (160) Wreck Shoal, about 3 miles south of Cotuit An- chorage, is about 1.4 miles long in an east-west direc- (155) Little Island, about 1 mile northward of the en- tion and about 0.3 mile wide. Depths on the shoal range trance to West Bay, separates West Bay from North Bay from 4 to 13 feet. A lighted bell buoy marks the east end to the northward. In August 1981, a reported depth of 5 of the shoal and another lighted bell buoy southwest- feet was available in the narrow channel eastward of ward of the shoal marks the channel between Wreck Little Island into North Bay. Strangers should obtain Shoal and Eldridge Shoal. An unmarked shoal covered local information before navigating in North Bay, 8 to 15 feet is about 1.5 miles northeast of Wreck Shoal which has depths of about 6 to 17 feet. The harbor- and southward of Cotuit Anchorage approach. Broken master can be contacted for local information on ground with a least known depth of 13 feet is between moorings and berthings; telephone 508-790-6273. A 6 this shoal and Wreck Shoal. mph speed limit is enforced in Cotuit, North, and West Bays by the Barnstable harbormaster and police. (161) Eldridge Shoal, about 0.9 mile south of Wreck Shoal, is about 1 mile long in a northeasterly direction (156) The highway bridge across the channel between and about 0.2 mile wide. Depths on the shoal range Osterville and Little Island has a 31-foot bascule span from 5 to 14 feet. A buoy marks the northern side. A with a clearance of 15 feet. (See 117.1 through 117.49 channel between Eldridge and Wreck Shoals has and 117.622, chapter 2, for drawbridge regulations.) depths of 23 to 41 feet. A channel between Eldridge and Advance arrangements for bridge openings can be Horseshoe Shoals has depths of 21 feet or more. made through the Department of Public Works. (162) Succonnesset Shoal extends about 2.4 miles west- (157) Cotuit Bay, northwestward of Cotuit Anchorage, is ward from Wreck Shoal to the shoal area off the shore separated from West Bay by Osterville Grand Island. southwestward of Succonnesset Point. Depths of 1 to 5 Cotuit is a village on the west side of the bay. A church feet are on the shoal. A lighted buoy is off the west end. spire and two elevated water tanks are prominent. A Between Succonnesset and Wreck Shoals is a narrow town wharf, with a depth of about 5 feet at its face, and a unmarked channel. Between Succonnesset and small-craft launching ramp are at the village. In L’Hommedieu Shoals, a shoal area with a least depth of 1981-October 2001, a privately dredged channel, with a 9 feet is marked by a buoy. reported controlling depth of 4 feet, leads from Cotuit Anchorage to off Cotuit Highlands; thence in July (163) Waquoit Bay, 5 miles southwestward of Cotuit An- 2001, a winding channel, with a depth of 6 feet, curves chorage, has depths of 1 to 8 feet. The entrance, about between Sampsons Island and Bluff Point into Cotuit 250 feet wide, is between two stone jetties. A private Bay. The channels into Cotuit Bay and North Bay are seasonal light marks the end of the easterly jetty. In marked by private seasonal buoys. A reported depth of 1971, the controlling depth in the entrance channel about 6 feet was in the channel from Cotuit Bay to was reported to be 4 feet. A seasonal lighted bell buoy, North Bay in September 2005. Seapuit River, south of about 0.6 mile west-southwestward of the jetties, Osterville Grand Island, connects Cotuit Bay and West marks the approach, and buoys mark a 5-foot channel Bay. The privately dredged channel in the river had a for about 0.8 mile through the bay. The Waquoit Yacht reported controlling depth of 6 feet in 2004. Cotuit Bay Club is on the west side at the head of the bay. is usually closed by ice each winter. (164) The Waquoit Bay National Estuarine Research Re- serve, a Marine Managed Area (MMA), includes Waquoit Bay and associated waters and protected

Outer Cape Cod and Nantucket Sound ■ Chapter 4 ■ 203 wetlands. (See MMA 4-3, Appendix C, for additional in- A bridge, crossing the entrance to Bournes Pond, has a formation.) 45-foot fixed span with a clearance 5 feet. (173) Green Pond, about 1 mile westward of Eel Pond No-Discharge Zone and 4.2 miles eastward of Nobska Point, has a narrow (165) The State of Massachusetts, with the approval of jettied entrance which, in 2001, had a reported control- ling depth of 3.5 feet. The entrance is reported to shoal the Environmental Protection Agency, has established rapidly after dredging; local knowledge is advised. A a No-Discharge Zone (NDZ) in Waquoit Bay. The NDZ private seasonal light marks the west jetty. A seasonal includes Waquoit Bay and its tributaries and salt ponds lighted buoy marks the approach, and private seasonal (see chart 13229 for limits). buoys mark the channel above the jetties. (166) Within the NDZ, discharge of sewage, whether (174) The village of Davisville, on the east side of Green treated or untreated, from all vessels is prohibited. Pond, and the village of Acapesket, on the west side of Outside the NDZ, discharge of sewage is regulated by the pond, are principally summer resorts. 40 CFR 140 (see chapter 2). (175) Menauhant Road highway bridge crossing Green Pond about 0.3 mile inside the entrance has a 33-foot Small-craft facility span with a clearance of 6 feet. In August 2002, a re- (167) Great River and Little River empty into the south- ported depth of 3 feet was in the approach to, and inside the marina on the west side of Green Pond just north of easterly side of Waquoit Bay. A marina is on the west the bridge. Berths, diesel fuel, water, ice, repairs, and side of Little River, about 0.5 mile above its junction marine supplies are available at this facility. with Great River. Gasoline, water, ice, a launching (176) Chapter 5 describes other ports on the south side of ramp, limited marine supplies, and storage facilities Cape Cod westward of Green Pond. are available. Hull, engine, and electrical repairs can be made; lift to 11 tons. A reported depth of about 3 feet can be carried to the marina. (168) Between Waquoit Bay and Falmouth Inner Harbor Chart 13241 about 3.6 miles to the westward, are several ponds formed by the barrier beach, some of which have out- (177) Nantucket Island, on the southeast side of lets. Many jetties or groins are built out from the shore Nantucket Sound, is about 13 miles long, hilly, partly for beach erosion control. wooded, and covered with vegetation that flourishes in sandy soil. The highest part of the island, about 100 feet (169) Eel Pond, about 0.8 mile westward of the entrance high, is in the eastern part; the eastern and southern to Waquoit Bay, is entered through a narrow jettied en- sides have steep and sand bluffs. The northern shore is trance. A private seasonal light on the west jetty and a fringed with shoals for a distance of about 1 mile. The midchannel buoy about 500 yards southeastward of the island was for more than a century a principal seat of light mark the approach. The privately marked channel the whaling industry and since has become a famous into the pond had a reported controlling depth of 5.1 summer resort. feet in April 2000. The channel is subject to shoaling; extreme caution and local knowledge is advised. (178) Great Point, the northeastern end of Nantucket Is- land, is a long, low, sandy point marked by Nantucket (170) A boatyard is on the west side of the northeasterly (Great Point) Light (41°23'25\"N., 70°02'54\"W.), 71 feet arm of Eel Pond at the mouth of Childs River. In March above the water and shown from a white tower. 2007, a reported approach depth of 4 feet was available. Gasoline, diesel fuel, water, ice, berths with electricity, (179) Point Rip is a shoal extending 3.8 miles east-north- 40-foot marine railway, pump-out station, launching eastward of Great Point. For 2 miles from the point, the ramp, storage facilities and some marine supplies are shoal has little water over it; farther eastward the available at the boatyard; hull, engine and electrical re- depths range from 12 to 18 feet. Buoys mark the north- pairs can be made. easterly and easterly sides of the shoal. Shoal water with depths of 16 to 22 feet extends about 1 mile north- (171) Seapit River, about 0.8 mile southward of the ward from these buoys; a lighted bell buoy marks the mouth of Childs River, connects the northeasterly arm northern side of the shoal water. A rock, covered 11 of Eel Pond with the upper part of Waquoit Bay. A re- feet, is 2.2 miles southeastward of Nantucket Light. ported depth of about 3 feet can be carried in Seapit River. The river is marked by private seasonal buoys. (180) Squam Head is a summer resort on the east side of Nantucket Island, about 5 miles south of Great Point. (172) Menauhant is a summer resort on the west side of Several large houses show prominently from seaward. Eel Pond and the east side of Bournes Pond. Menauhant Yacht Club is on the west side of Eel Pond. (181) Sesachacha Pond, 6.3 miles southeastward of Great Point, has a nonnavigable cut into it through the

204 ■ Chapter 4 ■ Coast Pilot 2 shore. From seaward, breakers mark the cut. In the Town of Nantucket. The NDZ includes all coastal wa- winter the entrance fills in, and each spring it is cut ters that lie within a straight line between Great Point through for drainage purposes. on Nantucket Island and the western tip of Muskeget (182) Sankaty Head Light (41°17'01\"N., 69°57'54\"W.), Island, to the limits of the Territorial Sea, and within a 158 feet above the water, is shown from a 70-foot white straight line between the southeast point of Muskeget tower, with a red band in the middle, on a high bluff on Island and the southwest point of Tuckernuck Island, the east side of the island. and between the southwest point of Tuckernuck Island (183) Siasconset, a village on the southeast end of the is- and Smith Point on Nantucket Island (see chart 13241 land, is marked by a prominent standpipe. The village for limits). has seasonal bus service with Nantucket. (190) Within the NDZ, discharge of sewage, whether (184) The south shore of Nantucket Island has no har- treated or untreated, from all vessels is prohibited. bors and is frequented only by local fishermen. A loran Outside the NDZ, discharge of sewage is regulated by tower about 0.6 mile southward of Siasconset and a 40 CFR 140 (see chapter 2). tank and several towers along the south coast are prominent from offshore. Chart 13242 (185) The thorofare between the western point of Esther Island and Tuckernuck Island is full of shifting un- (191) Nantucket Harbor is near the middle of the north marked shoals. The passage is used only by small fish- shore of Nantucket Island. A shallow lagoon about 5 ing vessels and a few pleasure craft. Private seasonal miles long extends northeastward from the harbor. The aids mark the channel. harbor is the approach to the town of Nantucket on the (186) Tuckernuck Island, Esther Island, and Muskeget western shore. The principal industry is fishing. Small Island are low sandy islands extending westward from coastal tankers carry fuel to Nantucket. Year-round Nantucket Island. They are separated by sandbars, passenger, vehicle, and cargo ferry service is main- some bare at low water, which are constantly shifting. tained between Nantucket and the mainland, to either (187) Madaket Harbor and Hither Creek, immediately to Woods Hole or Hyannis. A passenger ferry also operates the southward, are on the western side of Nantucket Is- from Falmouth and Oak Bluffs during the summer. land. Madaket Harbor is shoal with depths of 2 to 10 feet. The northerly approach to the harbor and creek is (192) Prominent from offshore are: a radio tower about marked by a seasonal lighted bell buoy. The channel 1.2 miles east of Madaket Harbor; a standpipe (chart that leads southward from over the bar in Nantucket 13241) about 1.5 miles west of Nantucket; a gilded cu- Sound is marked by private seasonal buoys, floats, and pola atop a church clock tower, and a church belfry markers. With local knowledge, a depth of about 3½ about 500 yards northwestward of it; the spire of a large feet can be carried over the bar and channel to Hither white church in the town; and the navigational lights at Creek. Local knowledge is also required to enter the the entrance to Nantucket Harbor. harbor from the southwest. A public boat landing and a boatyard are in Hither Creek. Gasoline, berths, a 10-ton (193) Brant Point Light (41°17'24\"N., 70°05'25\"W.), 26 mobile hoist, a pump-out station, storage facilities, ice, feet above the water, is shown from a white cylindrical provisions, water, and marine supplies are available at tower connected to the shore by a footbridge on the the boatyard; hull and engine repairs can be made. west side of the entrance near to the harbor. A fog sig- nal is at the light. Brant Point Coast Guard Station is on the point. North Atlantic Right Whales Channels (188) Endangered North Atlantic right whales have been (194) A dredged channel leads from Nantucket Sound to reported off the southern coast of Nantucket Island deep water in Nantucket Harbor off Brant Point. In July (peak season: November through April). The Northeast 2005, the controlling depths were 15 feet to Buoy 9, Marine Pilots distribute educational material to mari- thence 10.7 feet to Brant Point. ners in an effort to reduce right whale ship strikes. (See (195) Shoal water extends about 1 mile offshore on both North Atlantic Right Whales, indexed as such, chapter sides of the entrance, which is protected by two break- 3, for more information on right whales and recom- waters. The breakwaters are partially submerged at half mended measures to avoid collisions with whales.) tide. The east breakwater is submerged for almost all its length. An opening for small craft is in the east break- No-Discharge Zone water about 300 yards off Coatue Point. A light and fog (189) The State of Massachusetts, with the approval of signal mark the outer end of the east breakwater, and a buoy marks the outer end of the west breakwater. the Environmental Protection Agency, has established a No-Discharge Zone (NDZ) for all coastal waters of the

Outer Cape Cod and Nantucket Sound ■ Chapter 4 ■ 205 (196) A lighted bell buoy about 900 yards off the breakwa- and summer. There is a marked lag in the seasons as ter light marks the approach, and the channel is compared with inland areas. marked by a 162° lighted range and buoys. (204) July and August are relatively cool with average maximum temperatures around 75°F (23.9°C) and av- (197) A 6 mph speed limit is enforced in the harbor. erage minimums about 61°F (16.1°C). The average temperature for the island is about 50°F (10°C). Janu- Anchorages ary and February are the coldest months, having nor- (198) Anchorage in Nantucket Harbor may be had in mal mean temperatures near freezing, that is, average maximum of 38°F (3.3°C) and average minimum of depths of 6 to 17 feet off the south and southwest sides 25°F (-3.9°C). The extreme maximum temperature for of Brant Point or in depths of 12 to 17 feet in the gen- Nantucket is 100°F (37.8°C) recorded in August 1975 eral anchorage south of Brant Point. (See 110.1 and while the extreme minimum is -3°F (-19.4°C) recorded 110.142, chapter 2, for limits and regulations.) In gen- in December 1962. An average year sees 100 days with eral, the bottom is sticky. Although shelter is afforded temperatures below 32°F (0°C) and only one day with a to vessels it is advisable for small craft to use heavy temperature below 5°F (-15°C). Seldom do tempera- tackle as the harbor becomes choppy with easterly tures exceed 90°F (32.2°C), a fact which has occurred winds. Caution should be exercised to avoid anchoring only during June, July, and August. in the fairway and maneuvering area to the ferry wharf (205) The average wind velocity is about 11 knots with or the cable area northeast of Brant Point. the highest monthly averages during December through (199) The long sweep of strong northeast winds down the April. Gales have occurred during every month except harbor makes anchorage for small craft off the wharves June and July. Coast storms are frequent during the dangerous and uncomfortable. Small craft may find winter with winds of 40 knots or more. Hurricanes, more sheltered anchorage under these conditions in during the late summer and fall, may cause high winds. Head of the Harbor (chart 13241) or, with local knowl- Since 1871, forty tropical storms or hurricanes have edge, in Polpis Harbor (chart 13241). passed within 50 nautical miles of Nantucket. There (200) Launch service is available to craft at moorings or have been ten direct hits. The latest was tropical storm at anchor in the harbor. Esther in 1961. Esther had been a 125-knot hurricane earlier, but was dissipating at the time it crossed the is- Routes (chart 13237) land. (201) Vessels approaching Nantucket Harbor from (206) Precipitation is fairly evenly distributed through- out the year averaging about 41 inches (1041 mm) in Pollock Rip Channel can set a direct course from Hand- any given year. An average of 180 days each year records kerchief Shoal Buoy 14 (41°29.2'N., 70°05.1'W.) to the precipitation with 28 days having greater than 0.50 lighted bell buoy off the entrance. Approaching from inches (13 mm). The wettest month is December aver- the channel northward of Cross Rip Lighted Horn Buoy aging 4.35 inches (111 mm) and the driest month is 21 (41°26.9'N., 70°17.5'W.), pass to the eastward of June averaging only 2.2 inches (56 mm). Total snowfall Tuckernuck Shoal Lighted Bell Buoy 1, and then head for the winter season averages about 30 inches (762 for the lighted bell buoy off the entrance to Nantucket mm); however, melting is usually rapid and snow cover Harbor. rarely lasts more than a few days. The greatest snowfall in a 24-hour period was 14.9 inches (397) in February Tides and currents 1952. February is the snowiest month averaging nearly (202) The mean range of tide at Nantucket Harbor is 3 nine inches (229 mm). Snow is absent from May through September. An average five days each year re- feet. The tidal current off the entrance has a velocity of cords greater than 1.5 inches (38 mm) of snowfall. An 0.3 knot; the flood setting eastward and the ebb west- average of 18 thunderstorms affect the island in a given ward. The tidal current in the entrance channel sets year with the greatest frequency occurring during July into the harbor at a velocity of 1.2 knots and outward and August. Fog is present about 200 days each year. on the ebb at a velocity of 1.5 knots. (207) Except in severe winter, the harbor is seldom closed by local formation of ice. However, the harbor is Weather, Nantucket and vicinity frequently closed by drift ice from the sound which (203) The climate of Nantucket is influenced directly by packs and remains across the entrance during north- erly winds. the proximity of the ocean and is characterized by cool (208) (See page 426 for Nantucket climatological table.) summers and comparatively mild winters. Extremes of either maximum or minimum temperatures are very rare. The mild temperatures of the winter season are neutralized to a degree by sustained periods of high wind. The summers, though cool, are very humid. Heavy fogs are frequent, particularly during the spring

206 ■ Chapter 4 ■ Coast Pilot 2 (209) Nantucket Boat Basin, on the west side of Nan- Charts 13238, 13233, 13241, 13237 tucket Harbor, is entered about 0.4 mile south-south- westward of Brant Point Light. The basin is enclosed on (215) Muskeget Channel is an opening 6 miles wide on the north and south sides by Straight Wharf and Com- the south side of Nantucket Sound between Muskeget mercial Wharf, respectively, and its entrance is pro- and Chappaquiddick Islands. The opening is full of tected by two long bulkheads on the east and southeast shifting shoals. The best water is found close to the sides. Depths in the basin range from 3 to 10 feet. About eastward of Wasque Shoal and about 1.5 miles eastward 180 slips are available in the basin, and yachts 100 feet of the eastern shore of Chappaquiddick Island. Al- long and larger can be accommodated. The outer end of though this channel is partly buoyed, strangers should the north side of Straight Wharf is used by excursion never attempt it as tidal currents with velocities of 2 to boats. A private seasonal light is shown off the end of 5 knots make navigation dangerous. The currents the wharf and is operated only when tour boats are ap- through the channel are strong, having a velocity of 3.8 proaching the wharf in fog. Gasoline, diesel fuel, and knots on the flood and 3.3 knots on the ebb about 1.5 ice can be obtained on the south side of Commercial miles east of Wasque Point. The flood sets Wharf. Water and electricity are available at each slip. north-northeastward and ebbs south-southwestward. The basin’s dockmaster has his office on the outer end of Commercial Wharf. The dockmaster can be con- (216) Wasque Shoal extends southward of Wasque Point, tacted on VHF-FM channel 16. the southeastern extremity of Chappaquiddick Island. The shoal, which dries about 2 miles south of Wasque (210) The Woods Hole-Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket Point, rises abruptly from the deep water of Muskeget Steamship Authority Wharf is about 0.1 mile north- Channel. ward of the boat basin. A private light is shown from the roof of a shed on the northeast end of the wharf, and is (217) Mutton Shoal, 0.6 mile east of Wasque Shoal, has a operated only when Authority vessels are approaching least depth of 5 feet and is marked on its southwestern the wharf in fog. The submerged ruins of a pier which side by a lighted bell buoy. The best water in Muskeget uncover at low water are between the boat basin and Channel is between Mutton and Wasque Shoals. East- the Steamship Authority Wharf. A buoy marks the ru- ward of Mutton Shoal are numerous shoals covered 2 ins. Unpainted pile dolphins mark the former pierhead. to 6 feet. Mariners are advised to exercise caution in this area. (218) Between Muskeget Channel and the main channel (211) A boatyard, about 0.2 mile southward of Nantucket north of Cross Rip Shoal are numerous shoals, some of Boat Basin, has moorings, gasoline, a 23-ton mobile which are separated by unmarked channels. Tuckernuck hoist, storage facilities, water, and marine supplies; Shoal, northeast of Muskeget Channel, has a least hull and engine repairs can be made. The channel lead- depth of 2 feet; it is marked on the northeastern end by ing to the boatyard, marked by private seasonal buoys, a lighted bell buoy and a buoy on the northern side. had a reported controlling depth of 6 feet in August Shovelful Shoal, westward of Tuckernuck Shoal, is 1981. covered 3 to 17 feet. Long Shoal, northwestward of Shovelful Shoal, is covered 3 to 16 feet. Edwards Shoal, (212) Nantucket maintains ferry service with the main- south of Cross Rip Shoal, has a least known depth of 10 land and daily airline service with New York and feet. Norton Shoal, southwestward of Cross Rip Shoal Boston. Seasonal bus and taxi service is also available. and covered 8 feet, is marked by a buoy on its north side. Hawes Shoal, westward of Norton Shoal, has a Chart 13241 least depth of 1 foot; buoys mark its northwestern and southwestern ends. (213) A narrow unmarked channel leads through the la- Charts 13238, 13233 goon northeast of Nantucket Harbor to Head of the Harbor. In September 1981, a reported depth of about 3 (219) Martha’s Vineyard and Chappaquiddick Island have feet could be carried with local knowledge as far as the a combined length of 18 miles; the two islands are sepa- village of Wauwinet on the southeast shore of Head of rated by Edgartown Harbor, Katama Bay, and the nar- the Harbor. Unmarked shoals and foul areas extend off row slough connecting them. The northern extremity the several points. of Martha’s Vineyard is about 3 miles southeastward of the western end of Cape Cod. Martha’s Vineyard is well (214) Polpis Harbor is at the east end of the harbor just settled, especially along its northern shore, and is pop- south of Head of the Harbor. The entrance channel, ular as a summer resort. Along the northern shore the marked by private seasonal buoys, had a reported con- island presents a generally rugged appearance. The trolling depth of 6 feet in March-April 1994. southern shore is low and fringed with ponds, none of

Outer Cape Cod and Nantucket Sound ■ Chapter 4 ■ 207 which has navigable outlets to the sea. Approaching southwestward of the light, and the numerous beach from the south, the principal landmarks are a cabanas on Chappaquiddick Point. standpipe at Edgartown, an aerolight near the center of the island, a church spire near Chilmark in the western Channels part, a tall radar tower north of Chilmark, and Gay (227) The buoyed channel through the outer harbor is Head on the west side. (220) Communication with the mainland is by ferry, air- free from dangers and has depths of 20 to 37 feet until line, cable, and telephone. The principal towns are nearly up to Edgartown Light. Near the light the chan- Edgartown, Oak Bluffs, and Vineyard Haven. nel narrows and makes a sharp bend westward, leading (221) Cape Poge, the northeastern point of Chappaquiddick to the wharves at the town. In October 1986, depths of Island, is a bare, bluff, precipitous head, which may ap- 16 feet could be carried from the outer harbor to off the pear from a distance to be a small island. Cape Poge town. Abreast the town, the channel narrows and has Light (41°25'10\"N., 70°27'08\"W.), 65 feet above the wa- depths of 13 to 31 feet. The channel then curves south- ter, is shown from a white conical tower on the cape. ward to Katama Bay. It is bordered on the eastern side (222) Cape Poge Flats, extending about 1.5 miles north- by Middle Ground. Depths of 15 to 31 feet are found for eastward from Cape Poge, are marked at the northeast about 1.2 miles south of the town. The southern half of end by a bell buoy. The southerly edge of the white sec- Katama Bay is full of shoals, and is subject to frequent tor of West Chop Light is about 0.9 mile north of the changes. Also subject to change is the shoreline be- buoy. Shoal water extends about 0.4 mile offshore west- tween the southern part of Katama Bay and the ocean. ward and northwestward of Cape Poge. A buoy, 1 mile west-northwestward of Cape Poge Light, marks the Anchorages western side of the shoal water. (228) Anchorage with good shelter from easterly gales is (223) Cape Poge Bay, a lagoon of considerable size in the northern part of Chappaquiddick Island, is entered found westward of Cape Poge on the eastern side of the from Edgartown Harbor. The unmarked entrance is outer harbor. In westerly and southerly gales vessels used mostly by local pleasure and fishing craft. In Sep- find shelter in the southern end of the outer harbor tember 1981, it was reported that 4 feet could be car- about 0.4 mile eastward or east-southeastward from ried through the entrance channel with local Edgartown Light. In northerly or northeasterly gales knowledge. vessels usually go to Woods Hole or Tarpaulin Cove for (224) Edgartown Harbor, on the eastern side of Martha’s sheltered anchorage. Vessels should not anchor in the Vineyard and westward of Cape Poge, is divided into an channel abreast the town where the bottom is hard outer and an inner harbor. The outer harbor is used sand, the channel narrow, and tidal currents strong. principally as a harbor of refuge in southerly and east- Southeast of the town, anchorage may be found south erly winds and as a night anchorage. At the head of the of Middle Ground in depths of 24 to 30 feet, sticky bot- outer harbor, a narrow arm makes southward into tom. Katama Bay, forming the inner harbor. The inner har- (229) Small craft usually anchor in the special anchorage bor affords good anchorage and is the approach to in the vicinity of Middle Ground. (See 110.1 and Edgartown, a fishing and resort town on the western 110.38, chapter 2, for limits and regulations.) shore. Many yachts and pleasure craft use the harbor during the summer. Dangers (225) Katama Bay, used by local fishermen and small (230) On the western side of the outer harbor is a shoal pleasure craft, is large and shallow. Extensive shoaling has been reported in the southerly end of the bay. A 4 area extending 2.8 miles northward of Edgartown mph speed limit is enforced in the bay. Light. A bell buoy marks the northern edge of the shoal; vessels entering or leaving the harbor pass east- Prominent features ward of this buoy. The depths over the remainder of the (226) Edgartown Harbor Light (41°23'27\"N., 70°30'11\"W.), shoal are irregular, and there are a rock awash and sev- eral rocks covered 3 to 5 feet. Strangers should never 45 feet above the water, is shown from a white conical attempt to pass across this shoal. The channel into tower on the west side of the head of Edgartown outer Edgartown Harbor is marked by a lighted buoy and harbor. Also prominent are: a wooden tower and several unlighted buoys. flagpoles about 0.2 mile northwestward of the light, a (231) Sturgeon Flats, covered 2 to 18 feet, extend about church belfry in the town and a microwave tower 1.3 600 yards off the southeastern shore of the outer har- miles to the southwestward, a standpipe about 1 mile bor between the narrow entrance to Cape Poge Bay and the entrance to the inner harbor. In 2004, an obstruc- tion covered 19 feet was reported in about 41°23'31\"N., 70°29'27\"W.

208 ■ Chapter 4 ■ Coast Pilot 2 (232) A sandbar is making off eastward from Edgartown Edgartown Yacht Club and can be contacted by radio- Light. A buoy is on the eastern end of the shoal. Except telephone on VHF-FM channel 16 or by telephone for this shoal, the entrance to the inner harbor is not (508-627-4746). Copies of harbor regulations may be difficult to navigate. Middle Ground, in the inner har- obtained from the harbormaster. bor south of the town, has a least depth of 10 feet. (239) The depth at the Town Wharf is 25 feet. Depths at Routes (chart 13237) the other wharves are about 11 feet. A marina, (233) Vessels approaching Edgartown Harbor from the boatyard, and a yacht club are at Edgartown. The boatyard has a marine lift that can handle craft to 9 eastward, from a position about 400 yards north of tons for hull and engine repairs and dry open or cov- Cross Rip Lighted Horn Buoy 21, can steer 267°, head- ered storage. Gasoline, diesel fuel, water, ice, marine ing for the standpipe on Martha’s Vineyard southward supplies, and moorings are available. Launch service to of Oak Bluffs, passing northward of Muskeget Channel moored craft is available. Bell Buoy 7. When Cape Poge Light bears 155°, head south-southwestward into the harbor. (240) A small ferry operates between Edgartown and (234) Vessels approaching from the westward and pass- Chappaquiddick Island. No schedule is maintained, but ing northward of Squash Meadow can head on a 180° the ferry runs on call. There is seasonal bus service to course from a position about 0.5 mile southward of Oak Bluffs, Vineyard Haven, and other island points. Hedge Fence Lighted Gong Buoy 22 to enter the har- Ferries connect Oak Bluffs and Vineyard Haven with bor. In the daytime, the channel southward of Squash Woods Hole, Falmouth, Hyannis, and Nantucket. Meadow is sometimes used. Strangers in sailing vessels seldom enter the inner harbor, as a fair wind is neces- (241) Sengekontacket Pond, about midway between sary to keep in the channel. Edgartown and Oak Bluffs, has two entrances which are subject to shoaling. The southerly entrance is the Tides and currents main entrance and had a reported controlling depth of (235) The mean range of tide is 1.9 feet. The tidal current 10 feet in August 1981. There are no public landings in the pond, and it is used by local and fishing craft only. in the narrow part of the channel inside Edgartown The south entrance is crossed by a fixed highway bridge Light and off the town has a double flood and a double with a 13-foot span and a clearance of 5 feet. The fixed ebb, and in general follows the direction of the channel. highway bridge over the north entrance also has a Near the middle of each flood or ebb period there is an clearance of 5 feet. approximate slack preceded and followed by maximum of velocity. The average velocity is about 1 knot. (See (242) Squash Meadow is a shoal south of the main chan- the Tidal Current Tables for predictions.) In July 2007, nel through Nantucket Sound and about 4 miles north- it was reported that a breach had occurred on South west of Cape Poge. The hard sand shoal has depths of 5 Beach just southward of Katama Bay. The breach has to 16 feet and is marked on its southeastern end by a affected the published tide and tidal current predic- bell buoy and on its western end by a buoy. tions so that mariners are cautioned about the accu- racy of the information. (243) Harthaven is a small pond northward of Senge- kontacket Pond. The entrance is through a privately (236) Fogs are prevalent during the summer and at dredged channel between two short jetties. In August times appear without warning. Drift ice from the 2000, a depth of 4 feet was reported in the entrance. sound, driven into the entrance by the wind, obstructs The pond has depths of 2 to 6 feet. There are no services the entrance to sailing vessels during a part of the win- or landings in the pond. ter. It is reported that the harbor is normally closed by ice during January and February. The Chappaquiddick (244) Lone Rock, covered 4 feet and marked by a buoy, is ferry channel is usually kept open. The tidal currents 350 yards offshore about 750 yards southeastward of keep the inner harbor open except for a few days at a Oak Bluffs wharf. time during severe winters. (245) Rhode Island Rock, covered 9 feet, is about 700 (237) There are no pilots for Edgartown Harbor. Tugs are yards northward of the breakwater light. seldom used, and none is available. Fishing craft or the harbormaster’s vessel will act as tugs in an emergency. (246) Oak Bluffs Harbor, 4.8 miles northwestward of Edgartown Harbor Light, is a landlocked basin fre- Harbormaster quented by pleasure craft and some fishing vessels. The (238) The harbormaster has control of the anchorage of entrance is protected by two breakwaters. A light is on the end of the north breakwater. Oak Bluffs is a sum- vessels in the harbor. He will usually be found at the mer resort and fishing village on the harbor. Promi- nent are a church dome and a cupola in the village and the bluff north of the entrance.

Outer Cape Cod and Nantucket Sound ■ Chapter 4 ■ 209 (247) In 2005, the entrance channel had a reported con- (251) Oak Bluffs Wharf, about 0.2 mile southward of the trolling depth of 10 feet, thence depths of 11 to 14 feet breakwater light, is reported to have a depth of 13 feet were reported in the harbor. Numerous submerged at the head. Several obstructions with lesser depths rocks, covered 10 to 15 feet, are in the harbor approach, have been reported about 400 yards northeast of the in an area within 0.4 mile of shore bounded on the wharf face. A private seasonal light and fog signal are north by a line extending northeasterly from the break- operated from the seaward end of the wharf when ferry waters and on the south by Lone Rock. A submerged vessels are approaching the wharf in fog. There is sea- obstruction, covered 10 feet, is reported in this area in sonal ferry service from the wharf to Woods Hole and about 41°27'37\"N., 70°33'04\"W. A buoy is about 75 Nantucket. Seasonal ferry service is also maintained yards southwest of the obstruction. The chart is the between Falmouth, Hyannis and New Bedford. Sea- best guide for approaching the harbor, however, it is ad- sonal fast ferry service is maintained from Quonset, vised that mariners transiting the area exercise ex- Rhode Island, and year-round fast ferry passenger ser- treme caution as other uncharted rocks may exist. vice is maintained from New Bedford. Oak Bluffs is a port of call for cruise ships. The Vineyard Transit Au- (248) East Chop Yacht Club is on the north side of the thority provides island-wide transit service year-round. harbor, and several private piers are on the west side. There is air service from Martha’s Vineyard Airport The town wharf extends along the bulkhead on the about 4.5 miles southwestward of the town. south and east sides of the harbor. The town maintains berths with electricity, a launching ramp, a pump-out (252) A 530-foot groin, marked at its outer end by a station, and guest moorings. Gasoline, diesel fuel, wa- daybeacon and partially submerged at high water, is ter, ice and some marine supplies are available; hull about 650 yards south of the ferry wharf; caution is ad- and engine repairs can be made. vised. (249) Martha’s Vineyard hospital is on the beach road (253) Other ports on the north side of Martha’s Vineyard, close westward of the town. The harbormaster moni- westward of Oak Bluffs Harbor, are described in chapter tors VHF-FM channel 71; telephone 508-693-4355. 5. (250) A no-wake speed limit is enforced in the harbor.

210 ■ Chapter 5 ■ Coast Pilot 2

Vineyard Sound and Buzzards Bay ■ Chapter 5 ■ 211 Vineyard Sound and Buzzards Bay (1) This chapter describes Vineyard Sound and Buz- Anchorages zards Bay following the Massachusetts coast of Vine- (6) Woods Hole is the only anchorage providing shel- yard Sound, the northwestern shore of Martha’s Vineyard, the eastern shore of Buzzards Bay, the Cape ter from all winds for vessels drawing more than 10 Cod Canal, and the western shore of Buzzards Bay. Also feet. In northerly and westerly winds, good anchorage described are Woods Hole, Cuttyhunk, Onset, may be had in Tarpaulin Cove. In southerly winds, shel- Wareham, and the port of New Bedford, as well as the ter can be had in Menemsha Bight, although Vineyard numerous fishing and yachting centers along the Haven is generally used. Several general anchorages sound and bay. are in Vineyard Sound. (See 110.1 and 110.140 (c) (1), (c) (2), and (d), chapter 2, for limits and regula- COLREGS Demarcation Lines tions.) (2) The lines established for this part of the coast are Tides and currents described in 80.145, chapter 2. (7) The mean range of tide in Vineyard Sound varies Charts 13230, 13237, 13218 from 1.4 feet at West Chop to 2.9 feet at Gay Head. The time of current becomes somewhat earlier from Hedge (3) Vineyard Sound and Buzzards Bay are deep and Fence westward through Vineyard Sound. The current easily navigated day or night. Vineyard Sound, together velocity increases from 1.4 knots at Hedge Fence with Nantucket Sound, provides an inside route from Lighted Gong Buoy 22 to about 3 knots off West Chop New York to Boston which avoids Nantucket Shoals. Light, and then gradually diminishes to 1.2 knots off Buzzards Bay, together with Cape Cod Canal and Cape Gay Head Light. (See “Current Diagram-Vineyard and Cod Bay, provides the shortest deep-draft route be- Nantucket Sounds” in the Tidal Current Tables, and the tween New York and Boston. Tidal Current Charts, Narragansett Bay to Nantucket Sound, for the hourly velocities and directions of the (4) Vineyard Sound is bounded on the north by the current.) southwestern part of Cape Cod and the Elizabeth Is- (8) At the western entrance to Vineyard Sound, lands, and on the south by part of Martha’s Vineyard, west-northwestward of Gay Head Light, the tidal cur- which presents a rugged and generally inaccessible rent is rotary, turning clockwise. The velocity is only shoreline. To the west, it joins Rhode Island Sound on a 0.2 to 0.5 knot. Since the tidal current is weak, winds line between Cuttyhunk Island and Gay Head. To the greatly affect it and the current frequently sets approxi- east, it joins Nantucket Sound on a line between mately with the winds. Nobska Point and West Chop and provides an inside passage clear of Nantucket Shoals. The navigational Weather: Vineyard Sound, Buzzards Bay and aids are colored and numbered for passing through the vicinity sound from the eastward. The channel through the (9) Buzzards Bay is open to winds out of the south and sound is well marked and generally free of dangers. southwest, which are common from spring through fall. Winds increase as they move from the surrounding (5) Deep-draft vessels entering or leaving Vineyard land out over the Bay. Its northeast-southwest orienta- Sound should stay at least 3.5 miles southward of the tion causes southwesterlies to strengthen as they fun- southwest end of Cuttyhunk Island and pass southeast nel up from the mouth of the Bay to its head. The result of “NA” buoy. is that speeds are often double those at nearby land sta- tions and southwesterlies may prevail even when land stations are reporting west or northwest winds. How- ever, as a general rule southwesterlies blow harder

212 ■ Chapter 5 ■ Coast Pilot 2 close to the Elizabeth Islands than in the middle of the can ride out most blows. The greatest danger encoun- Bay. The relatively shallow water of the Bay increases tered by vessels at anchor in a northeast gale is from the steepness of waves and their closeness to one an- vessels with poor ground tackle, which are likely to other; this can cause a stiff chop. With southerly or drift, foul other vessels, and then go ashore. westerly gales there is a heavy sea in the westerly en- (17) The harbor is the approach to the village of Vine- trance to Vineyard Sound and heavy seas occur at times yard Haven. A detached breakwater, marked on its off the entrance to Quicks Hole. southeastern end by a light, is on the flats on the west- ern side of the harbor near the head; a privately main- Pilotage: Vineyard Sound and Buzzards Bay tained fog signal is at the light. The fog signal and a (10) Pilotage is compulsory for foreign vessels of 350 private light, on the southeast corner of the ferry wharf at the head of the harbor, are activated when a ferry ap- gross tons or more, U.S. vessels under register of 350 proaches the slip in a fog. gross tons or more, and tank barge towing vessels car- rying 6,000 barrels or more of petroleum cargoes. Pi- Channels lotage is available from Northeast Marine Pilots, Inc., (18) The natural channel is clear; soundings are the Newport, RI, 02840; telephone 401-847-9050 (24 hours), 800-274-1216; FAX 401-847-9052; email: dis- best guide for finding anchorage. When well inside the [email protected]. entrance, the water shoals gradually toward the west- ern shore, but the eastern shore is steep and should be Charts 13238, 13233, 13229 given a berth of about 0.2 mile. Channel depths of 16 feet or more are available to the ferry wharf at Vineyard (11) East Chop and West Chop are prominent points on Haven. the north side of Martha’s Vineyard and on the east and west side of the entrance to Vineyard Haven. Both Anchorage points terminate in high wooded bluffs which show (19) Vessels anchor according to draft, anywhere from prominently from the sounds; each is marked by a light. the points at the entrance to the head of the harbor. Shallow-draft vessels favor the western shore. (12) West Chop Light (41°28'51\"N., 70°35'59\"W.), 84 (20) Vessels entering the harbor with a head wind or feet above the water, is shown from a white conical light breeze, at the end of a favorable current through tower at the summit of West Chop. A fog signal is the sound, should continue on in the channel until the sounded from the light station. harbor is well opened before standing in for the an- chorage. This will help clear the entrance points. Ap- (13) A lighted gong buoy, 0.5 mile northeastward of the proaching from the eastward, vessels will keep clear of light, and a buoy, 0.5 mile eastward of the light, mark Squash Meadow and East Chop Flats by keeping in the shoal water and rocks awash to the eastward of West white sector of West Chop Light. Good anchorage is Chop. It has been reported that during strong tidal cur- northeastward of the breakwater buoy in 20 to 23 feet. rents, the buoy may be submerged. The anchorage basin behind the breakwater has depths of 5 to 12 feet and is usually filled to capacity during the (14) East Chop Light (41°28'13\"N., 70°34'03\"W.), 79 summer. When anchoring in the harbor, care must be feet above the water, is shown from a white tower on taken to avoid obstructing the approach to the ferry the east side of the entrance to Vineyard Haven. East slip and the approach to the oil wharves on the south- Chop Flats, covered 5 to 18 feet, extend 0.2 mile north- erly side of the harbor. ward and 0.5 mile eastward of East Chop. A lighted bell buoy, about 0.5 mile east-northeastward, and a buoy, Dangers about 350 yards northward of the light, mark the flats. (21) Flats, partly bare at low water and marked by a (15) Vineyard Haven Harbor is a funnel-shaped bight in buoy, make off 300 yards from the eastern shore of the the northern side of Martha’s Vineyard between East harbor about 1 mile inside East Chop Light. A rock, Chop and West Chop, about 1.4 miles long in a south- covered 9 feet and marked by a buoy, is 0.3 mile north- west direction and about 1.3 miles wide at the en- ward of the breakwater light. trance. This haven, easy of access, is the most important harbor of refuge for coasters between Tides and currents Provincetown and Narragansett Bay. The depths range (22) The mean range of tide is 1.7 feet. The tidal cur- from 46 feet at the entrance to 15 feet near the head of the harbor. rents have little velocity in the harbor; however, care should be taken on the ebb, which sets westward, not to (16) Although Vineyard Haven Harbor is exposed to approach too closely to West Chop as the current in northeasterly winds, vessels with good ground tackle

Vineyard Sound and Buzzards Bay ■ Chapter 5 ■ 213 that vicinity sets on the ledges eastward and northward Charts 13230, 13229 of the point. (30) Falmouth Harbor, the open roadstead off the south (23) The harbormaster has control of the anchoring of shore of Cape Cod eastward of Nobska Point Light, af- vessels in the inner harbor; he will usually be found at fords an anchorage for vessels in 24 to 36 feet about 0.8 the town dock on the west side of the harbor and can be mile from shore. Smaller vessels can anchor closer to contacted by radiotelephone on VHF-FM channel 16, or the shore in 15 to 18 feet. The bottom is generally by telephone (508-693-1368). A 4 mph speed limit is sticky and good holding ground; the depths shoal grad- enforced inside the breakwater and within 150 feet of ually toward the shore. The anchorage affords a lee in moored craft. northerly winds; in southerly winds the sea is some- what broken by L’Hommedieu Shoal and the shoals (24) Pilots are not available at Vineyard Haven. A westward of it so that a vessel with good ground tackle twin-screw, 500-hp tug, also equipped for salvage work, can ride out a gale in comparative safety. (See 110.1 is based in the harbor. and 110.140 (c) (5), and (d) chapter 2, for limits and regulations of the anchorage area.) (25) The ferry wharf at the head of the channel has a depth of 24 feet reported at the outer face. The ferry slip (31) Falmouth Harbor is frequently used by vessels with is on the north side and inshore end of the wharf. A pri- good ground tackle that prefer this anchorage to the vate light is on the northeast corner of the wharf. The anchorage in Vineyard Haven Harbor, which may be light and a private fog signal, on the southeastern end crowded in bad weather. Vessels approaching the an- of the breakwater, are activated when a ferry is ap- chorage are cautioned to stay clear of the two shoal ar- proaching the slip in a fog. Several other wharves, two eas with depths of 10 to 16 feet marked by buoys which marinas, and a boatyard are in the harbor. A yacht club extend westward of L’Hommedieu Shoal. is on the west side of the harbor, about 0.3 mile north- ward of the breakwater. (See the small-craft facilities (32) Vessels can enter Falmouth Harbor from the tabulation on chart 13229 for services and supplies southward on a course of 344° with West Chop Light available.) astern, and pass about 0.1 mile westward of Falmouth Harbor East Shoal Buoy 17. Vessels in the vicinity of (26) Guest moorings, maintained by the town, are avail- Nobska Point Light can pass 0.4 mile eastward of the able off the municipal wharf, 200 yards northward of light on a north-northeasterly course, and when Tar- the ferry wharf; other moorings can be hired from the paulin Cove and Nobska Point Lights are nearly in boatyard and marinas. range, stand eastward to an anchorage. (27) The Martha’s Vineyard Hospital is on the beach (33) Falmouth Heights, about 3 miles east-northeast of road near Oak Bluffs. Nobska Point Light and east of the town of Falmouth, is a prominent yellow bluff on the summit of which are (28) The Woods Hole-Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket numerous homes and a large hotel. Steamship Authority maintains year-round ferry ser- vice from Woods Hole. Air service is available from (34) Falmouth Inner Harbor, westward of Falmouth Martha’s Vineyard Airport, about 4 miles south of the Heights, is a dredged basin about 0.7 mile long and less town. than 0.1 mile wide, on the north side of Falmouth Har- bor. A tall green standpipe, about 1.5 miles westward of (29) Lagoon Pond, eastward of the town of Vineyard Ha- Falmouth, is one of the most prominent landmarks in ven, has its entrance about 0.5 mile northeastward of this vicinity. The yacht club dock and flagpole, just in- Vineyard Haven Breakwater Light. A short jetty, side the entrance on the east side of the harbor, are con- marked by a light, extends from the northwestern end spicuous from close inshore. The harbor is entered of the jutting point on the northerly side of the en- through a dredged channel between two jetties; a light trance. In April 2004, the controlling depth through marks the end of the west jetty. In March 2004, the con- the entrance was 6.3 feet (7.9 feet at midchannel). The trolling depth was 7.1 feet in the entrance channel to channel is marked by private buoys. The pond, used by the inner harbor; thence 6.2 feet in the inner harbor, local and fishing craft, has depths of 5 to 25 feet with except for shoaling to 3.7 feet at the upper end of the shoaler depths near the shore. Robbins Rock is off the harbor along the NW side. west shore, about 1 mile above the bridge. The highway bridge across the entrance has a 30-foot bascule span Tides and currents with a clearance of 15 feet. (See 117.1 through (35) The mean range of tide at Falmouth Heights is 1.3 117.49, chapter 2, for drawbridge regulations.) Ad- vance arrangements for bridge openings can be made feet. The tidal current in the sound about 1.5 miles by contacting the harbormaster or drawtender (tele- south of the harbor sets east-northeastward on the phone: 617-693-1212).

214 ■ Chapter 5 ■ Coast Pilot 2 Courtesy of Cape Cod Power Squadron flood at a velocity of 2.3 knots, and west-southwestward northwestward of West Chop Light. A buoy is at the on the ebb at 1.7 knots. northeast end, and a lighted bell buoy off the south- western end. Small-craft facilities (40) Lucas Shoal, covered 17 to 30 feet, is the south- (36) There are several small-craft facilities in Falmouth western end of the ridge. It is separated from the Middle Ground by a natural channel with a depth of 31 feet. A Inner Harbor. (See the small-craft facilities tabulation buoy marks the southwestern end of the shoal. on chart 13229 for services and supplies available.) (41) Lake Tashmoo, a landlocked pond on the north- west side of Martha’s Vineyard, is entered through a (37) The harbormaster is at the town-operated Fal- narrow jettied entrance which had a reported control- mouth Marina, on the west side halfway up the harbor; ling depth of 2½ feet in September 1981. The lake, only telephone 508-548-9796. The harbormaster monitors used by local craft, has general depths of 3 to 10 feet. A VHF-FM channels 16, 12, and 9. A ferry operates in the private seasonal light marks the east jetty and private summer to Oak Bluffs from the wharf at the head of the seasonal buoys mark the channel through a shoal area harbor. just inside the entrance. (42) A 4 mph speed limit is enforced in the pond. An- (38) Nobska Point, about 29 miles westward of choring is prohibited in the entrance channel. Monomoy Point, is a bluff with Nobska Point Light (43) A small boatyard is on the easterly side of the lake; a (41°30'57\"N., 70°39'18\"W.), 87 feet above the water, flatbed trailer can handle craft up to 30 feet for hull and shown from a white tower, at the south end. A fog sig- engine repairs. Guest moorings and limited supplies nal is at the light. Nobska Point Ledges, partly bare at are available. low water, extends 150 yards eastward and southwest- (44) Norton Point and Cape Higgon are prominent ward from the point. bluffs on the northwest side of Martha’s Vineyard about 3 and 8 miles, respectively, southwestward of West Charts 13233, 13229 Chop Light. (45) Menemsha Bight, on the northerly side of the (39) Middle Ground, covered 6 to 18 feet, is the easterly western end of Martha’s Vineyard 2.5 miles east of Gay half of a narrow, somewhat shifting ridge that extends for about 9 miles westward from a point about 0.5 mile

Vineyard Sound and Buzzards Bay ■ Chapter 5 ■ 215 Head, affords shelter from southerly and easterly winds Gasoline, diesel fuel, water, ice, a launching ramp, and in depths of 25 to 60 feet, sticky bottom. (See 110.1 and marine supplies are available. 110.140 (c) (1) and (d), chapter 2, for limits and regu- (52) Seasonal bus service is available from Menemsha to lations for the anchorage area.) There are no dangers in Vineyard Haven and other points on the island. the bight if the shore is given a berth of 0.3 mile. (53) Gay Head, the westerly end of Martha’s Vineyard, is (46) Menemsha Creek, on the northwestern shore of a prominent high bluff. It is marked by Gay Head Light Martha’s Vineyard and about 3 miles eastward of Gay (41°20'54\"N., 70°50'06\"W.), 170 feet above the water, Head Light, is entered from Menemsha Bight through shown from a 51-foot red brick tower on the head. A a dredged channel that leads southeastward to lighted gong buoy is 1.6 miles northwestward of the Menemsha Basin, on the north shore just inside the light. entrance. From the basin, the dredged channel contin- (54) Devils Bridge is a reef making off 0.8 mile ues southward through the creek to Menemsha Pond, northwestward of Gay Head. The reef has a depth of 2 about 1 mile above the entrance. The entrance to the feet about 0.4 mile offshore and 17 feet at its end. creek is protected by jetties. The east jetty is marked by (55) Nomans Land, about 5.5 miles southward of Gay a light. A bell buoy, about 300 yards northwestward of Head, is a prominent, high, and rocky island. Except for the light, marks the channel approach, and buoys and a small section on its northwestern side, the shore con- daybeacons mark the channel. sists of clay and gravel cliffs 10 to 18 feet high with (47) In October 1991-March 1992, the controlling depth boulders lining the shores. In the interior of the island was 10 feet at midchannel to Menemsha Basin, thence are many hills, the highest over 100 feet high, with 1½ feet could be carried to Menemsha Pond; thence 5½ considerable marshy area between the hills. A danger to 10 feet was available in the larger northwestern part zone surrounds Nomans Land. (See 334.70, chapter 2, of Menemsha Basin and 3½ to 5 feet in the smaller for limits and regulations.) southeastern part, except for shoaling to 1 foot in the (56) Several sunken rocks and ledges are in the passage southeastern corner. The channel south of Menemsha between Nomans Land and Martha’s Vineyard. Lone Basin is reported to shoal rapidly after dredging; mari- Rock, covered 8 feet, and Old Man, a ledge covered 4 ners are advised to seek local knowledge before at- feet, are marked by buoys. A buoyed channel about 0.7 tempting to go beyond Menemsha Basin. mile wide between the islands may be used by small (48) Menemsha is a small fishing village on Menemsha vessels in the daytime. Shoal water extends 0.5 mile Basin. Menemsha Pond, a rectangular basin about 1 southward of Squibnocket Point, the southernmost mile long and 0.7 mile wide, has general depths of 2 to point of Martha’s Vineyard. 18 feet, with the deepest water in the southern half of the pond. Charts 13230, 13229 Tides and currents (57) Elizabeth Islands, including Nonamesset, Uncatena, (49) The mean range of tide in Menemsha Bight is 2.7 Weepecket, Naushon, Pasque, Nashawena, Penikese, and Cuttyhunk Islands, extend about 14 miles west-south- feet. The tidal currents through the entrance have an west from the southwest end of Cape Cod. The islands, estimated velocity of 3 knots or more. Slacks are re- forming part of the northern shore of Vineyard Sound, ported to occur 45 minutes after local high and low wa- separate the sound from Buzzards Bay. They are hilly ters. and partly wooded; the shores are, in general, low bluffs. Westward of Woods Hole are several buoyed (50) Guest moorings are available in Menemsha Basin, channels between the islands, but Quicks Hole is the and anchoring is permitted in the pond. Berths are also only one recommended for strangers. available at the public facilities at Dutcher Dock, on the northeast side of the basin. Commercial fishing and Charts 13235, 13229 charter boats berth at the dock or at the private piers on the west side of the basin. Menemsha Coast Guard Sta- (58) Woods Hole is that water area lying between the tion is on the south side of the basin. The harbormaster southwest tip of Cape Cod and Uncatena and controls all berthing and mooring in the basin. The Nonamesset Island, the easternmost of the Elizabeth harbormaster has an office at Dutcher Dock and can be Islands, with Buzzards Bay on the northwest and Vine- contacted by radiotelephone on VHF-FM channel 16 or yard Sound on the southeast; it includes Great and Lit- by telephone (508-645-2846). tle Harbors in the eastern part, and Hadley Harbor in (51) A marina is on the east side of Menemsha Basin. Repairs and hauling of craft to 45 feet can be arranged.

216 ■ Chapter 5 ■ Coast Pilot 2 the western part. Woods Hole is also the approach to (63) The deepest draft using the passage is 11 feet. the town of Woods Hole on the northeastern shore of These channels are marked by buoys and lights, but ex- Great Harbor. The town is a busy commercial center treme caution and slack water are required to safely and a transshipping point for passengers and freight to navigate them with drafts greater than 8 feet. Mariners and from Nantucket and Martha’s Vineyard. During the entering from Buzzards Bay should keep in mind that summer it is an active resort and frequently a port of the buoys are colored and marked for passage from call by yachts passing through to Vineyard Sound or Vineyard Sound to Buzzards Bay. Buzzards Bay. The deepest draft entering Great Harbor in 1981 was 14 feet. There is considerable waterborne Anchorages commerce in seafood products and general cargo. (64) (See 110.1 and 110.140 (c) and (d), chapter 2, for Prominent features limits and regulations of the deepwater anchorages in (59) The most prominent landmark approaching Woods the vicinity of Woods Hole.) An anchorage about 0.2 mile square, with poor holding ground and irregular Hole is Nobska Point and light. A light marks the south depths ranging from 19 to 62 feet, is at the head of end of Juniper Point, the finger of land separating Lit- Great Harbor. Shoals covered 5 to 9 feet are northwest tle and Great Harbors. Also prominent is the house of the anchorage. Good anchorage in depths of 29 to 36 high on Juniper Point, a standpipe 2.2 miles northward feet is also available about 200 yards northwest of the of Nobska Point, a water tower and stacks in the town, National Marine Fisheries Service’s wharf. Small craft the dome of the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institu- can find good anchorage in Little Harbor and Hadley tion, and the buildings of the National Marine Fisheries Harbor. Service and the Marine Biological Laboratory. Dangers Channels (65) Numerous ledges and shoals border the channel (60) Woods Hole Passage, a dredged section through the through Woods Hole. Great Ledge, an extensive rocky northern part of Woods Hole, connects Vineyard Sound shoal awash at low water with a full northwest gale, lies and Great Harbor with Buzzards Bay, and consists of between the entrances to Little and Great Harbors; it is The Strait and a spur channel known as the Branch at marked by a buoy. Coffin Rock, eastward of Great the western end of The Strait, and Broadway, the Ledge and covered 5 feet, is marked by a lighted buoy southerly entrance to The Strait from Vineyard Sound. 120 yards eastward of the rock. Nonamesset Shoal, In August 1989, the controlling depths were 13 feet in covered 10 feet, extends about 0.2 mile eastward from The Strait, except for shoaling to 11 feet near the north Nonamesset Island, at the entrance to Great Harbor. edge of the channel between Buoys 2 and 6, 12 feet (13 Parker Flats extend as much as 200 yards off the east- feet at midchannel) in the Branch, and 11 feet in Broad- ern shore of Great Harbor northward of Juniper Point. way. The northerly entrance from Great Harbor into Most of these dangers are marked by buoys. The Strait is preferred over Broadway with its sharp (66) Fringing the passage westward of Great Harbor are turn, which is difficult in strong currents, especially for many other ledges and shoals. Red Ledge, grassy, and low-powered vessels and vessels under sail. Grassy Island, with its surrounding ledge marked by a (61) The passage through Woods Hole, between numer- light, are on the western side of Great Harbor Channel. ous ledges and shoals, is marked by navigational aids. Middle Ledge, which uncovers 1 foot in places and is However, tidal currents are so strong that the passage marked by buoys, is on the south side of The Strait. A is difficult and dangerous without some local knowl- ledge, awash at low water and marked by a light, is edge. Buoys in the narrowest part of the channel some- about 250 yards westward of Middle Ledge. Hadley times are towed under, and a stranger should attempt Rock, covered 5 feet, is some 500 yards west-south- passage only at slack water. westward of the light west of Middle Ledge. A rocky (62) The entrance to Great Harbor from Vineyard shoal area extends more than 0.3 mile westward of Sound, between Great Ledge and Nonamesset Shoal, Penzance Point, the southern extremity of Penzance, has depths of over 18 feet. A 344° lighted entrance which is the curving peninsula sheltering the west and range leads into the harbor from Vineyard Sound to the northwest sides of Great Harbor. Most of the dangers wharves at Woods Hole in Great Harbor. A lighted bell adjoining the passage channel are marked by naviga- buoy marks the entrance and lighted and unlighted tional aids. buoys mark the channel. When entering on the range, mariners should guard against the current from Buz- zards Bay, which has a tendency to set vessels eastward.

Vineyard Sound and Buzzards Bay ■ Chapter 5 ■ 217 Tides and currents is shown from the southwest corner of the ferry slip. (67) The mean range of tide is 1.4 feet off Little Harbor, The ferry to Naushon Island lands at the service wharf about 60 yards north of the ferry pier. The buildings about 1.8 feet off Woods Hole Oceanographic Institu- and wharf of the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institu- tion, and 3.6 feet off Hadley Harbor. Strong northwest- tion are northwestward of the ferry pier. North- erly winds may lower the water in the passage as much westward of the Oceanographic Institution are the as 2 feet. wharves of the Marine Biological Laboratory; the (68) The velocity of the current is about 3.5 knots in The wharf, basin, and buildings of the National Marine Strait southward of Penzance Point. (See the Tidal Cur- Fisheries Service; the town pier; and several private rent Tables for predictions, and the Tidal Current buildings. Charts, Narragansett Bay to Nantucket Sound, for the (74) Depths at the principal piers vary from 11 to 30 hourly velocities and directions of the current.) Both feet. A breakwater extends about 90 yards southwest- the velocity of the current and time of slack water are ward from the south end of the National Marine Fish- affected by strong winds. At the north entrance to eries Service wharf. The front entrance range light is Woods Hole in Buzzards Bay, the velocity of the tidal near the end of the breakwater. Foul ground extends current is 0.8 knot, whereas at the eastern entrance to about 50 yards northwestward of the outer end of the The Strait in Great Harbor, it is about 1.3 knots. In the breakwater. upper part of Great Harbor, near the National Marine Fisheries Service’s wharf, the currents are barely per- (75) Eel Pond, an extension of Great Harbor to the ceptible, and vessels at anchor lie head to wind. northeastward, is a basin with depths of 10 to 20 feet. In (69) Drift ice is brought through from Buzzards Bay, September 2001, the narrow entrance to the pond had but seldom interferes with navigation except in unusu- a reported controlling depth of 6 feet. A highway bridge ally severe winters, when it may close the entrance over the entrance channel has a 31-foot bascule span from the bay. Small craft may experience difficulty in with a clearance of 5 feet. (See 117.1 through 117.59 severe winters, but powered vessels usually proceed and 117.598, chapter 2, for drawbridge regulations.) through the ice. The strong tidal currents usually keep The piers of the Marine Biological Laboratory are along Great Harbor open. the southwest side of the pond. A boatyard in Eel Pond has water, some marine supplies, limited berths with Pilotage: Woods Hole electricity, and can do engine repairs. The harbor- (70) Pilotage service is available for the harbor. (See Pi- master has an office in Falmouth. lotage, Vineyard Sound, this chapter.) (76) Seasonal ferry service is available from Woods Hole to Nantucket and Oak Bluffs, Martha’s Vineyard. Routes Year-round ferry service is available to Vineyard Haven, (71) The following directions are good for medium- Martha’s Vineyard. draft vessels entering Woods Hole at slack water. Ap- (77) Woods Hole Coast Guard Station is on the west proaching from the eastward, pass about 0.3 mile side of Little Harbor about 450 yards northward of Ju- southward of Nobska Point on a west-southwesterly niper Point. A dredged buoyed channel leads from Vine- course until on Great Harbor Lighted Range, or from a yard Sound to a turning basin off the Coast Guard point close to Nobska Point Lighted Bell Buoy 26, steer wharf on the west shore. In 2001, the controlling depth 279° until on the entrance range. Approaching from was 16 feet for a width of 150 feet in the channel with 15 the westward in Vineyard Sound, give the south side of feet available in the basin. The east side of the harbor is the Elizabeth Islands a berth of about 0.5 mile and steer used as a mooring area for local craft. A depth of 15 feet for Nobska Point Light on any bearing between 045° is available in the mooring area. Numerous rocks and 051° until on the entrance range. awash are in this part of the harbor; extreme caution is advised. A 6 mph speed limit is enforced in the harbor Towage by the Falmouth Harbormaster. (72) A 200 hp tug is available at Woods Hole. (78) Hadley Harbor, in the western portion of Woods Wharves Hole at the northwest end of Nonamesset Island, is (73) The ferry pier of the Woods Hole-Martha’s Vineyard suitable only for small craft. It is reached by a narrow, crooked channel. The deeper entrance, marked by and Nantucket Steamship Authority is on the eastern buoys, is between ledges on both sides; the northern side of Great Harbor. When a ferry is approaching in ledge is marked by a private daybeacon. The inner har- fog, a private fog signal is sounded, a private quick bor forms a well-sheltered anchorage for small craft. flashing white light is shown from the southwest cor- ner of the pier, and a private quick flashing yellow light

218 ■ Chapter 5 ■ Coast Pilot 2 (79) Two wharves, with depths of about 9 feet at their Charts, Narragansett Bay to Nantucket Island, for the ends, are on the western side of Hadley Harbor. A pri- hourly velocities and directions of the current.) vate wharf, with a depth of about 7 feet at its end, is at (87) Quicks Hole, between Pasque Island and the western end of Nonamesset Island. Nashawena Island, is the only passage between Vine- yard Sound and Buzzards Bay eastward of Cuttyhunk Charts 13233, 13230, 13229 available for vessels of over 10-foot draft. The clearly defined entrance from Vineyard Sound, about 0.6 mile (80) Naushon Island, the largest of the Elizabeth Is- wide, is about 4 miles southwestward of Tarpaulin Cove lands, extends west-southwestward from Uncatena and and about 5 miles north of Gay Head. The passage is Nonamesset Islands. used considerably by tows, especially during westerly or southerly winds, to avoid the very heavy sea in the (81) Weepecket Islands, in Buzzards Bay off the north- entrance to Vineyard Sound, and also because a secure eastern part of Naushon Island, are bare and rocky. anchorage from these winds can be had, if necessary, on the north side of Nashawena Island. The passage is (82) Weepecket Rock, on a rocky ledge about 0.7 mile considered unsafe for a long tow at night, but otherwise northeastward of the northernmost of the Weepecket it may be used by steamers either night or day. Islands, is covered 8 feet, and is marked by a lighted (88) Vessels should follow a midchannel course through gong buoy. the passage. The channel is nearly straight with a width of about 0.2 mile. General depths are 30 feet or more, (83) Lackeys Bay, between Nonamesset Island and Jobs but there are several spots of 16 to 18 feet and others of Neck, the southeastern extremity of Naushon Island, is 21 to 27 feet. Because of the broken nature of the bot- shoal with numerous bare rocks. tom, the passage is not recommended for a stranger drawing more than 21 feet. Buoys mark the channel. Note (89) The aids in Quicks Hole are colored and numbered (84) In November 1990, an unexploded World War II for passage from Vineyard Sound to Buzzards Bay. (90) The eastern side of Quicks Hole is foul, and no at- ordnance was reported about 0.5 mile southeastward of tempt should be made to pass eastward of the lighted Lackeys Bay in about 41°29'34.5\"N., 70°41'15.0\"W. buoy. Felix Ledge, 0.2 mile off the eastern shore of Nashawena Island, is covered 16 feet and marked by a (85) Tarpaulin Cove, about 5 miles west-southwest of buoy. Nobska Point, is a bight about 0.5 mile in diameter, in (91) In November 1985, a sunken wreck was reported the south shore of Naushon Island. The cove affords on the west side of the passage in about 41°26.5'N., shelter from northerly and westerly winds, and is fre- 70°51.0'W. quently used. A light is on the southwest side of the (92) Lone Rock, covered 3 feet and marked by a lighted cove. Anchorage in depths of 14 to 18 feet, good holding buoy, is off the northern entrance, about 0.7 mile ground, is in the cove with the light bearing between northward of North Point, the northeastern extremity 212° and 189°. Deep-draft vessels should anchor far- of Nashawena Island. Tide rips have been observed be- ther out in depths of 36 feet or more. The eastern and tween North Point and Lone Rock during spring tides. northern shores should be given a berth of 200 yards. Rocks are near the western shore and should be given a berth of over 300 yards; buoys mark the dangers. Charts 13233, 13230, 13229 Tides and currents (93) The mean range of tide is 2.5 feet at the south end (86) Robinsons Hole is a narrow buoyed passage from Vineyard Sound to Buzzards Bay between the western and 3.5 feet at the north end of Quicks Hole. The tidal end of Naushon Island and the eastern end of Pasque Is- currents have considerable velocity in Quicks Hole, land. It has numerous rocks and ledges, and strong about 2 to 2.5 knots, and a sailing vessel should not at- tidal currents. The buoys often tow under, and the pas- tempt to pass through unless with a strong favorable sage should never be attempted by strangers; it is used wind on a favorable current. Deep-draft vessels should occasionally by local fishermen. It has been reported be careful not to be set off their courses. With a strong that currents sometimes reach a velocity of 5 knots in westward current through Vineyard Sound, there is a the passage. The velocity in the narrow part is about 3 northward current through Quicks Hole; with a strong knots. The flood sets southeastward and the ebb eastward current in Vineyard Sound, the current sets northwestward into Buzzards Bay. (See the Tidal Cur- southward through Quicks Hole. Strong winds affect rent Tables for predictions, and the Tidal Current the regularity of the currents. (See the Tidal Current Tables for predictions, and the Tidal Current Charts,

Vineyard Sound and Buzzards Bay ■ Chapter 5 ■ 219 Courtesy of Cape Cod Power Squadron Narragansett Bay to Nantucket Sound, for the hourly (97) Vessels bound for Cuttyhunk Harbor generally ap- velocities and directions of the current.) proach from Buzzards Bay. The principal dangers are marked by buoys. Strangers should not enter except in (94) Penikese Island, grassy and hilly, is about 1.3 miles the daytime with clear weather. If entering from the northwestward of Knox Point, the northwestern ex- northwestward, a greater draft than 10 feet should not tremity of Nashawena Island. Shoal water extends from be taken in. The approach from northeastward is Penikese Island to Gull Island, a small islet 0.5 mile deeper. southeastward. No attempt should be made to pass be- tween them. Rocky ledges extend southward and west- (98) Canapitsit Channel, between the east end of ward from Gull Island; buoys are on the southern edge Cuttyhunk Island and Nashawena Island, is used by of this area. The channels to Cuttyhunk Harbor from small boats and is partially marked by buoys. In No- Buzzards Bay are southward of the ledges. vember 1980, the channel had a controlling depth of 5½ feet. The buoys at this entrance are often dragged (95) Cuttyhunk Harbor is formed by the bight between off station by strong currents and heavy seas. The chan- Nashawena Island and Cuttyhunk Island, the western- nel should never be used during a heavy ground swell. most of the Elizabeth Islands. Northward of the harbor With southerly winds, heavy seas will break across the are Penikese and Gull Islands and several ledges, which entrance. shelter the harbor from winds from that direction. The harbor is exposed to winds from the northeastward. Channels Weather-bound coasting vessels and fishermen some- (99) A dredged channel leads from Cuttyhunk Harbor times use the anchorage in the harbor. The harbor is the approach to the village of Cuttyhunk and to into Cuttyhunk Pond to a turning basin at the western Cuttyhunk Pond; the latter is entered through a terminal in the pond and an anchorage basin in the dredged cut in the eastern end of Cuttyhunk Island. eastern part of the pond north of the channel. In April Copicut Neck forms the northerly side of Cuttyhunk 2003, the entrance channel into the pond had a con- Pond. trolling depth of 7.3 feet with lesser depths along the southern edge of the channel; thence 9 feet in the pond (96) Prominent from offshore is a 50-foot-high monu- channel to the turning basin, with 7 to 10 feet in the ment on an island in Westend Pond on the western end turning basin. The anchorage basin had depths of 8 to of Cuttyhunk Island. 10 feet. The jettied entrance is marked by a light on the

220 ■ Chapter 5 ■ Coast Pilot 2 north jetty and by a buoy off the end of the submerged Charts, Narragansett Bay to Nantucket Sound, for the south jetty. A bell buoy marks the entrance to the chan- hourly velocities and directions of the current.) nel. (105) Drift ice is carried into Cuttyhunk Harbor with northerly winds and closes the harbor during severe Anchorage winters. (100) Limited anchorage with reported poor holding Small-craft facilities ground may be found in depths of 10 to 24 feet in (106) There is a service wharf on the south side of the Cuttyhunk Harbor. The shores on both sides of the har- bor are foul, and the anchorage is in the middle. channel at the entrance to the pond and a marina on the south side of the basin at the head of the channel in Dangers the pond. A yacht club and a fishing club are on the is- (101) Shoals extend 0.6 mile northeastward of Cutty- land. Gasoline, diesel fuel, water, ice, berths with elec- tricity, and some marine supplies are available. Limited hunk Island. Whale Rock and Pease Ledge uncover at lodging in cottages is available on the island. The low water. Middle Ground, covered 9 feet, is 0.5 mile harbormaster can be reached by telephone north of Copicut Neck in the northwestern approach to (508-966-9295). There is daily launch service with New the harbor. Middle Ledge, covered 15 feet, is about 0.4 Bedford in the summer and twice weekly in the winter; mile east of Middle Ground. Edwards Rock, covered 7 seaplane service is also available. feet, is 250 yards northeastward of Whale Rock. These dangers, except for Middle Ledge, are buoyed. An un- Charts 13218, 13228, 13230, 13229 marked rocky shoal, covered 12 feet, is in the middle of the northwestern approach about 0.2 mile southeast- (107) Buzzards Bay is the approach to New Bedford, ward of Middle Ledge. Numerous other rocks and many small towns and villages, and the entrance of ledges covered 4 to 12 feet are between Cuttyhunk Is- Cape Cod Canal. The bay indents the south shore of land and the ledges southwestward of Penikese and Massachusetts, extending in a northeasterly direction Gull Islands. The eastern point at the entrance and the from Rhode Island Sound. The bay is enclosed on the eastern shore of the harbor should be given a berth of south side, and separated from Vineyard Sound, by the over 300 yards. Elizabeth Islands. Routes (108) The shores are irregular, rocky in character, and (102) In approaching Cuttyhunk Harbor from eastward in broken by many bays and rivers. Large boulders are common, in places extending a considerable distance Buzzards Bay, take care to avoid Lone Rock, 0.7 mile from shore, thus making close approach to the shore northward of the northeastern end of Nashawena Island. dangerous. Thence pass northwestward of Cuttyhunk East Entrance Lighted Bell Buoy CH (41°26.6'N., 70°53.4'W), and (109) The bottom in the main part of the bay and ap- thence to anchorage according to draft in the harbor. proach is very broken with boulder reefs in places. Ves- (103) In approaching from westward, from a position sels should proceed with caution when crossing shoal about midway between Ribbon Reef and the Cuttyhunk areas in the tributaries of the bay where the depths are Island monument (41°24.8'N., 70°56.8'W.), steer 051° not more than about 6 feet greater than the draft. Cau- until abeam of Middle Ground Buoy MG, distance 600 tion must also be exercised in the vicinity of the wrecks yards. Pass midway between Middle Ground and shown on the chart. Deep water prevails as far as Wings Penikese Island, passing northward of Middle Ledge Neck, above which the bay is full of shoals. and the 12-foot spot southeastward of it, and then swinging southeasterly to the harbor anchorage, or (110) Cape Cod South Closure Area, a Marine Managed southward to the entrance to Cuttyhunk Pond. Area (MMA), includes the inshore waters of Buzzards Bay and offshore Federal waters of the south coast of Tides and currents Massachusetts. (See MMA 5-1, Appendix C, for addi- (104) The mean range of tide at Cuttyhunk Pond en- tional information.) trance is 3.4 feet. The current velocity in Canapitsit (111) Traffic Separation Scheme (Buzzards Bay) has Channel is 2.6 knots on the flood which sets been established in the approach to Buzzards Bay south-southeastward, and 1.7 knots on the ebb which through Rhode Island Sound. (See charts 13218 and sets northwestward. In the channel southward of 12300.) Penikese Island, the flood sets eastward and the ebb westward at about 0.8 knot. (See Tide Tables and Tidal (112) The Scheme is composed basically of directed traf- Current Tables for predictions, and the Tidal Current fic lanes, each with one-way inbound and outbound traffic lanes separated by a defined traffic separation

Vineyard Sound and Buzzards Bay ■ Chapter 5 ■ 221 zone and a precautionary area. The Scheme is recom- there are spots with depths of 17 to 34 feet. Because mended for use by vessels approaching or departing these shoal areas are surrounded by deeper water, ves- from Buzzards Bay, but is not necessarily intended for sels of 16-foot draft or more must exercise extra cau- tugs, tows, or other small vessels which traditionally tion when entering the bay. In heavy southwest gales operate outside of the usual steamer lanes or close in- the sea breaks over some of these spots. shore. (123) The best guides for entering the bay from westward (113) The Traffic Separation Scheme has been designed are Buzzards Bay Entrance Light and the lighted buoys to aid in the prevention of collisions at the approaches in the entrance. Gay Head Light and Buzzards Bay En- to the major harbors, but is not intended in any way to trance Light are the guides for vessels approaching supersede or alter the applicable Navigation Rules. from the southward. Separation zones are intended to separate inbound (124) Buzzards Bay Entrance Light (41°23'48\"N., and outbound traffic lanes and be free of ship traffic, 71°02'01\"W.), 63 feet above the water, is shown from a and should not be used except for crossing purposes. tower on a red square superstructure on red piles about Mariners should use extreme caution when crossing 4 miles 255° from the southwest corner of Cuttyhunk traffic lanes and separation zones. (See Traffic Separa- Island. The name BUZZARDS is painted in white on the tion Schemes, chapter 1, for additional information.) sides. A fog signal and racon are at the light. (114) The precautionary area in the southwest part of Rhode Island Sound has a radius of 5.4 miles centered (125) Recommended Vessel Route (Buzzards Bay) has on 41°06'06\"N., 71°23'22\"W., excluding those areas of been established in the approach to Buzzards Bay the circle bounded by imaginary lines extended be- through Rhode Island Sound. tween the outer limits of the inbound and outbound traffic lanes. (Note that this precautionary area is com- (126) The U.S. Coast Guard Captain of the Port, Provi- mon to the Traffic Separation Schemes for the ap- dence, in cooperation with the Southeastern Massa- proaches to both Buzzards Bay and Narragansett Bay. chusetts and Rhode Island Port Safety and Security The Traffic Separation Scheme for the approach to Committees, has established a Recommended Vessel Narragansett Bay is described in chapter 6.) Route for deep draft vessels and tugs/barges transiting (115) The separation zone is a 1-mile-wide zone centered Rhode Island Sound, Narragansett Bay, and Buzzards in the following positions: Bay. Deep draft vessels and tugs/barges are requested to (116) (i) 41°10'09\"N., 71°19'09\"W., follow the designated routes. These routes were de- (117) (ii) 41°21'48\"N., 71°07'06\"W. signed to provide safe, established routes for these ves- (118) The inbound traffic lane is a 1-mile-wide lane with sels, to reduce the potential for conflict with a length of about 14.8 miles. Entering the traffic lane at recreational boaters, fishing gear, and other small a point in about 41°09'36\"N., 71°18'00\"W., a course of craft, and to reduce the potential for grounding or col- 038° follows the centerline of the traffic lane to its end, lision. Vessels are responsible for their own safety and thence steer usual courses to destination. are not required to remain inside the route nor are fish- (119) The outbound traffic lane is a 1-mile-wide lane erman required to keep fishing gear outside the route. with a length of about 14.8 miles. Entering the traffic Small vessels should exercise caution in and around lane at a point in about 41°22'25\"N., 71°08'06\"W., a the Recommended Vessel Routes and monitor VHF course of 218° follows the centerline of the traffic lane channels 16 or 13 for information concerning deep to a junction with the precautionary area. draft vessels and tugs/barges transiting these routes. (120) The Traffic Separation Scheme is not buoyed. (121) Buzzards Bay has six entrances, but two of these Anchorages are so narrow and dangerous as to exclude their use ex- (127) New Bedford Inner Harbor affords anchorage for cept by small craft with local knowledge. The four ma- jor entrances are the main channel, from westward, vessels of 25-foot draft. Cuttyhunk Harbor affords an- passing north of Cuttyhunk Island; Cape Cod Canal chorage in depths of 10 to 24 feet; except for the from northeastward; and Quicks Hole and Woods Hole small-craft inner harbor, it is exposed to northerly from the southward. The two hazardous entrances are winds. A good anchorage sheltered from all southerly Canapitsit Channel, between Cuttyhunk and Nasha- winds may be had off the north shore of Nashawena Is- wena Islands, and Robinsons Hole, between Pasque and land eastward of Penikese and Gull Islands in depths of Naushon Islands. 40 to 48 feet. This anchorage, frequently used by tows, (122) The western entrance has a clear width of 4.3 miles is available for vessels of any draft; however, care must between Sow and Pigs Reef and Hen and Chickens. The be taken to stay clear of the fishtrap area in the vicinity. bottom in this entrance is irregular and rocky, and Two general anchorages are off the western entrance to Cape Cod Canal. (See 110.1 and 110.140 (b) (1), (b) (2), and (d), chapter 2, for limits and regulations.)

222 ■ Chapter 5 ■ Coast Pilot 2 No-Discharge Zone Coxens Ledge, covered 28 feet and marked by a lighted (128) The State of Massachusetts, with the approval of bell buoy, is 1.2 miles northward of Ribbon Reef. (150) Mishaum Ledge, a group of several rocky spots the Environmental Protection Agency, has established with a least depth of 8 feet, extends about 1.7 miles a No-Discharge Zone (NDZ) in Buzzards Bay. The area southward of Mishaum Point. It is marked by a lighted covered is bounded by the points gong buoy off its southeast end. A lighted bell buoy (129) 41°29'48\"N., 71°07'13\"W. marks a rocky shoal covered 22 feet about 1 mile (130) 41°25'05\"N., 71°05'46\"W. north-northwestward of the north end of Penikese Is- (131) 41°25'25\"N., 71°03'32\"W. land. An unmarked rocky shoal covered 18 feet is 0.5 (132) 41°22'30\"N., 70°59'52\"W. mile north of the island. (133) 41°24'33\"N., 70°56'57\"W. (134) 41°25'17\"N., 70°54'30\"W. Tides and currents (135) 41°25'17\"N., 70°54'12\"W. (151) The mean range of tide varies from 3.0 feet at (136) 41°26'24\"N., 70°51'20\"W. (137) 41°26'45\"N., 70°50'23\"W. Westport Harbor to 4.2 feet at Bird Island near the head (138) 41°26'57\"N., 70°48'29\"W of the bay. The tidal currents in the passages between (139) 41°26'59\"N., 70°48'18\"W. Buzzards Bay and Vineyard Sound have considerable (140) 41°30'35\"N., 70°42'06\"W. velocity and require special attention. At Hen and (141) 41°30'38\"N., 70°41'58\"W. Chickens Lighted Gong Buoy 3, the tidal current is ro- (142) 41°30'55\"N., 70°40'52\"W. tary, turning clockwise. Tide rips occur when a sea is (143) 41°31'14\"N., 70°40'58\"W. running against the current. Maximum velocities are (144) 41°44'15\"N., 70°37'27\"W. (west canal entrance), about 0.5 knot. Minimum velocities average about 0.2 and knot. (See the Tide Tables and Tidal Current Tables for (145) 41°44'11\"N., 70°37'21\"W. (east canal entrance), predictions, and the Tidal Current Charts, and includes all waters of Buzzards Bay (see chart Narragansett Bay to Nantucket Sound, for the hourly 13218 for limits). velocities and directions of the current.) (146) Within the NDZ, discharge of sewage, whether treated or untreated, from all vessels is prohibited. Ice Outside the NDZ, discharge of sewage is regulated by (152) The head of Buzzards Bay and the harbors in that 40 CFR 140 (see chapter 2). vicinity are generally closed to navigation during the Dangers winter. The approaches to the harbors on the eastern (147) Hen and Chickens, extending 1.4 miles southward shore are rendered dangerous by drift ice. In severe winters the drift ice extends across the bay and joins of Gooseberry Neck, is a reef consisting of many large the local formations on the western shore, forming an boulders, most of them baring a foot or less. The reef is impassable barrier for short periods. Ice forms more in two large groups; the southerly group is the larger. rapidly in the bay with winds from north to west as the Numerous covered rocks are well away from the visible western shore forms a shelter from such winds. When part of the danger. A narrow ledge covered 5 to 14 feet the field ice extends sufficiently out toward the channel extends about 0.4 mile northward from the visible part as to be affected by the winds from north to west, the of Hen and Chickens. A buoy is north of the ledge. Old outer edges are broken up and carried off to the eastern Cock, a rock awash, and The Wildcat, covered 5 feet or southern shore where they form drift ice. Under or- and unmarked, are in the southern shoal area. The dinary circumstances a northeast wind, if continued south edge of the shoal is marked by a buoy. Strangers for 48 hours, will clear the bay of ice. Southerly winds, are advised to stay outside the 5-fathom curve in this especially southeastern, diminish the extent and vicinity. weaken the strength of the pack. Some of the lighted (148) Sow and Pigs Reef, much of which is dry or awash, buoys are removed from station or replaced by extends about 1.5 miles west-southwestward from unlighted buoys when endangered by ice. Cuttyhunk Island. Its outer end is marked by a lighted bell buoy. An unmarked rocky shoal, covered 20 feet, is (153) The southern side of Buzzards Bay from Cuttyhunk 0.9 mile westward of Cuttyhunk Island. Numerous ob- to Woods Hole has been discussed previously in this structions and rocks with a least depth of 27 feet were chapter. reported to extend as much as 3 miles southward of Sow and Pigs Reef. (149) Ribbon Reef, a detached ledge covered 18 feet, is about 1.5 miles northwestward of Cuttyhunk Island.

Vineyard Sound and Buzzards Bay ■ Chapter 5 ■ 223 Charts 13230, 13229 in 1981. The harbormaster has an office at the town wharf. A 6 mph speed limit is enforced in the harbor. (154) Quissett Harbor, 1.7 miles northeastward of the western entrance to Woods Hole, is used by small plea- Charts 13236, 13229 sure craft. The Knob, a small hillock on the north point of the entrance, and the homes on the eastern shore of (160) Wild Harbor (41°38.3'N., 70°38.9'W.), 7 miles north- the harbor are prominent. A standpipe, 1.2 miles ward of Woods Hole, is a small cove on the south side of northeastward of the entrance, is conspicuous. Nyes Neck affording anchorage in northerly or easterly winds. A tower on Nyes Neck is prominent. The en- (155) A seasonal lighted buoy marks the entrance, and trance is clear in midchannel, with depths of 13 to 20 buoys mark the entrance channel, thence private sea- feet inside. A seasonal lighted buoy marks the entrance, sonal aids mark the best water to the northeast end of and buoys mark the shoals extending from the en- the harbor. In August 1981, a depth of about 8 feet was trance points. The shores are foul, and the easterly part reported available in the channel. Mariners are advised of the harbor is shoal. The reported depth in the pri- to steer a midchannel course through the entire en- vately dredged channel into Silver Beach Harbor to a trance channel to avoid numerous rocks on both sides small basin is about 3 feet, but is subject to shoaling. A of the channel. stone jetty extends off the south side of the entrance to the basin. The basin is a special anchorage. (See 110.1 (156) Anchorage can be found in the middle of the harbor and 110.40, chapter 2, for limits and regulations.) in depths of 11 to 18 feet, sticky bottom. Local craft generally moor in the northeastern part of the harbor (161) A town wharf and surfaced ramp are in the basin. In off the boatyard at the town of Quissett. The boatyard August 1981, depths of 4 feet to bare were reported has an L-shaped pier and a float which was reported to alongside the wharf. Ice and provisions are available. have about 15 feet alongside. Water, ice, moorings, some marine supplies, storage facilities, and marine (162) Megansett Harbor, the approach to the towns of railways up to 40 feet are available; hull and engine re- North Falmouth, Megansett, and Cataumet, is entered pairs can be made. The harbormaster can be contacted between Nyes Neck on the south and Scraggy Neck on through the boatyard. the north. The natural channel is buoyed as far as the rock breakwater at Megansett. The breakwater is (157) Hamlin Point, 2 miles north-northeastward of marked at the end by a light. A yacht club and a town Quissett Harbor, is marked by a prominent hotel with wharf are just inside the breakwater. In August 1981, twin cupolas. A shoal, covered 10 feet near its outer depths of 4 to 5 feet were reported alongside the wharf; end, extends about 1 mile westward of the point. water is available. The harbor has extensive shoals and Gifford Ledge, covered 9 feet, is 1.4 miles north- ledges, but by following the buoyed channel a draft of northwestward of Hamlin Point. Great Sippewisset about 8 feet can be carried to an anchorage in the outer Rock, awash and marked by a private seasonal day- harbor in depths of 10 to 22 feet. Inside the breakwater, beacon, is 0.4 mile offshore about 1.1 miles northward anchorage is available in 6 to 12 feet, taking care to of Hamlin Point. A shoal area, foul with rocks awash avoid the shoals on the north side of the harbor and the and covered, extends 0.3 mile offshore eastward of the rock awash near the center in 41°39'27\"N., 70°37'31\"W. daybeacon. Cataumet Rock, covered 6 feet and marked by a buoy, is on the south side of the entrance; Seal Rocks are on the (158) West Falmouth Harbor, 5 miles northward of north side and marked by a seasonal lighted buoy. Woods Hole, has depths of 1 to 6 feet and bares in places at low water. The entrance is protected by a breakwater (163) Fiddlers Cove (41°38.9'N., 70°38.2'W.) is a extending about 700 feet southward of Little Island, small-craft harbor on the south shore of Megansett the north point of the entrance, and by a short jetty on Harbor, about 0.5 mile east-southeastward of Cataumet the northwest end of Chappaquoit Point. A tower and Rock. A channel, privately dredged to a reported depth the summer homes on Chappaquoit Point are promi- of 7 feet, leads southward to a marina and boatyard in a nent. The entrance is marked by a seasonal lighted bell dredged basin on the east side of the cove. A seasonal buoy and an unlighted buoy on the south side and by an lighted buoy marks the approach, and private buoys unlighted buoy on the north side; these buoys mark mark the channel. Gasoline, diesel fuel, ice, a pump- reefs that extend westward from both entrance points. out station and wet and dry storage are available; lift ca- Seasonal private buoys mark the channel in the harbor. pacity, 35 tons. Hull, engine and electronic repairs can be made. In April 2002, the reported approach and (159) In 1981, it was reported that 4 feet could be taken alongside depth was 7 feet. through the narrow, privately marked channel in the harbor to the anchorage basin off the town wharf at the village of West Falmouth on the east shore of the har- bor. Depths of 5 feet were reported alongside the wharf

224 ■ Chapter 5 ■ Coast Pilot 2 (164) Halftide Rock, awash at low water, is about 500 southward through the channel that leads through yards southwestward of the end of the Megansett break- Hospital Cove. Hen Cove is immediately northward of water. Rands Harbor, about 0.3 mile east of Fiddlers Red Brook Harbor. The channels are buoyed. In August Cove, is a private boat basin with little or no water. 1981, reported depths of 8 feet and 6 feet could be car- ried through the north and south channels, respec- (165) Squeteague Harbor, northward of Megansett, is en- tively. Because of numerous submerged rocks in and tered through a narrow channel from the head of near the edges of the channel, local knowledge is ad- Megansett Harbor. The privately marked channel had a vised. reported depth of about 2 feet in 1981, however, depths (171) A marina is on the east shore of Red Brook Harbor of 5 to 7 feet are reported to be available in the channel about 500 yards southeastward of Handy Point; a to the harbor; local knowledge is advised. The village of 60-ton lift is available. A boatyard with a 35-ton mobile Cataumet is on the northerly shore of the harbor. lift is on the east side of the small cove, about 300 yards south of the marina. Both facilities have berths, elec- (166) Seal Rocks, about 0.3 mile southwestward of tricity, gasoline, diesel fuel, water, ice, marine supplies, Scraggy Neck, on the north side of Megansett Harbor and storage facilities, and can make hull and engine re- entrance, are partly bare at half tide and marked by a pairs. Electronic repairs can be made at the marina. buoy about 300 yards southwest of their southern end. Depths of 8 feet are reported at the marina berths and Part of an old concrete barge is aground on the rocks. at the boatyard berths. Southwest Ledge, extending about 0.7 mile westward (172) Wings Neck, 9 miles northward of Woods Hole, ex- of Seal Rocks, consists of two patches of shoals covered tends about 2 miles in a west-southwest direction into by 2 to 18 feet and marked by buoys on its northern, Buzzards Bay. The neck is a prominent peninsula, ir- western, and southern sides. A rock awash is in the regular, and hilly. The anchorage areas southwestward northerly shoal. of the neck are discussed with the Cape Cod Canal. A yacht club and private piers are on the east shore of the (167) Pocasset Harbor and Red Brook Harbor share a neck. Traffic signals for the Cape Cod Canal are displayed common entrance between Scraggy Neck and Wings from a tower on Wings Neck. (See 207.20, chapter 2, Neck. Bassetts Island separates Pocasset Harbor from for details.) Red Brook Harbor. Broken ground with depths of 17 to (173) Pocasset River, between the northeastern end of 19 feet in places extends across the entrance. Entering Wings Neck and Bennets Neck, is entered from the about 250 yards north of buoys marking the north side north side of Wings Neck through a privately dredged of Southwest Ledge, vessels of about 14-foot draft can channel that leads southward between two jetties to a anchor westward of Eustis Rock Buoy in depths of 20 to highway bridge about 0.4 mile above the entrance. In 30 feet. This anchorage is exposed to westerly winds. June 2001, a reported depth of 6 feet could be carried to Eustis Rock, about 0.2 mile north of Scraggy Neck, is the bridge. The bridge has a fixed span with a clearance covered 5 feet and marked by a buoy. The area eastward of 7 feet. Only very small boats go above the bridge. A of Eustis Rock to Bassetts Island is shoal. boatyard is on the south side of the river at the bridge. Water, berths with electricity, storage facilities, a (168) A narrow buoyed channel, with a reported depth of 35-foot marine railway, and a 5-ton lift are available; about 8 feet in August 1981, leads north of Bassetts Is- hull and engine repairs can be made. A town wharf and land to Pocasset Harbor. Barlows Landing, at the floats are on the north side of the river at the bridge. northeast end of the harbor, has a depth of 1½ feet. A (174) Tobys Island, just northward of the entrance of small-craft launching ramp is just south of the landing. Pocasset River and on the south side of Phinneys Har- bor, is connected to the mainland by a causeway. (169) Hospital Cove, about 0.2 mile southward of the (175) Phinneys Harbor, between Tobys Island on the east southern end of Bassetts Island, is entered through a and Mashnee Island on the west, is approached from natural buoyed channel that leads southeastward from Buzzards Bay through a buoyed channel that leads a point about 0.4 mile east-southeastward of Eustis along the northerly side of Wings Neck to another Rock to a small anchorage in the cove. A depth of about buoyed channel into the harbor. A light is at the bend of 6 feet can be carried in the channel, and there are the approach channel. Depths of about 10 feet can be depths of 8 to 14 feet in the anchorage. In August 1981, carried in the inner channel, and greater depths are a shoal at the south tip of Bassetts Island was reported available in the approach channel. The harbor is used to be shifting westward in the vicinity of Buoy 3; cau- as an anchorage by small boats. Mashnee Island, once tion is advised. A boulder reef extends northeastward an island, is now connected with the mainland by a from Scraggy Neck in the approach to the cove. Several landfill causeway. A group of rocks awash, marked by a private piers with depths of 5 to 8 feet alongside are in the cove. (170) Red Brook Harbor, eastward of Bassetts Island, is approached from the northward through the channel that leads through Pocasset Harbor, and from the

Vineyard Sound and Buzzards Bay ■ Chapter 5 ■ 225 Courtesy of Cape Cod Power Squadron buoy, is 0.2 mile off the east shore of the harbor, and an- Cape Cod Canal other rock, covered 4 feet, and marked by a buoy, is 0.1 mile north of Tobys Island. (179) Cape Cod Canal is a deep-draft sea-level waterway (176) The village of Monument Beach is on the east connecting Buzzards Bay and Cape Cod Bay. The water- shore. A marina is at the long town pier in the cove in way is 15 miles long from Cleveland East Ledge Light the southeastern corner of the harbor. Berthage in 5 to deep water in Cape Cod Bay. The canal shortens the feet is available at the pier. Gasoline, water, ice, elec- distance between points north and south of Cape Cod tricity, a pump-out station, and a surfaced ramp are by 50 to 150 miles and provides an inside passage to available. avoid Nantucket Shoals. The canal is maintained by the (177) Back River, a stream which is nearly bare except Federal Government as a free waterway. (See 207.20, near its entrance, empties into the north side of chapter 2, for the regulations governing the use, ad- Phinneys Harbor. Small craft sometimes anchor in the ministration, and navigation of the Cape Cod Canal.) entrance. A railroad bridge and a highway bridge cross- ing the river about 0.2 mile above the mouth have fixed (180) Traffic lights (red, green, and yellow) are located at spans with a minimum clearance of 4 feet. A boatyard is the easterly canal entrance at Sandwich; at the Canal on the south bank between the bridges. In August 1981, Electric Terminal basin on the south side of the canal at a depth of about 1½ feet was reported available in the Sandwich; and at the westerly entrance of Hog Island river to the boatyard. A forklift is used to haul out boats Channel at Wings Neck. These signals apply to all ves- up to 26 feet at the yard, while boats up to 37 feet in sels over 65 feet in length that desire to transit the length can be hauled out on a flatbed trailer at a paved canal. (See 207.20 (h), chapter 2, for detailed informa- ramp at Barlows Landing and then brought to the yard tion on signals.) for hull and engine repairs or dry open or covered stor- age. A launching ramp and marine supplies are avail- Prominent features able at the yard. (181) Cleveland East Ledge Light (41°37'51\"N., (178) Gray Gables is on the north side of the head of the Back River. 70°41'39\"W.), 74 feet above the water, is shown from a white cylindrical tower and dwelling on a red caisson on the east side of the entrance channel approaching Cape Cod Canal from Buzzards Bay. A racon and fog

226 ■ Chapter 5 ■ Coast Pilot 2 Courtesy of Cape Cod Power Squadron signal are at the light station. The railroad bridge over 1981, it was reported that the east entrance was being the canal at the village of Buzzards Bay, and the high- privately maintained to a depth of 40 feet to the New way bridge at Bourne are also prominent. England Petroleum Company wharf about 1.2 miles (182) Canal Breakwater Light 6 (41°46'47\"N., west of Canal Breakwater Light 6. 70°29'23\"W.), 43 feet above the water, is shown from a (184) The approach channels from both the west and the red cylindrical tower on the end of the north breakwa- east are marked with lighted ranges and other naviga- ter at the east entrance to Cape Cod Canal from Cape tional aids. The canal itself is lighted at night on both Cod Bay. A fog signal is at the light. The most promi- banks by mercury vapor lights, generally 500 feet apart. nent landmark when approaching from Cape Cod Bay is the tall lighted stack of the powerplant about 1.1 Anchorages miles west-southwestward of Canal Breakwater Light (185) General anchorages are on each side of Cleveland 6. The high-level highway bridge across the canal at Sagamore, 2.5 miles west of the breakwater light, is Ledge Channel between Cleveland Ledge Light and also prominent. The breakwaters at the east entrance Wings Neck. (See 110.1 and 110.140 (b) and (d), to the canal should not be confused with the smaller chapter 2, for limits and regulations.) In 1971, a dan- jetties at Sandwich Harbor, 1 mile to the southeast- gerous submerged rock was reported just inside the ward, nor should the two white church spires back of easterly edge of Anchorage D in about 41°40'05\"N., Sandwich Harbor be mistaken for the range structure 70°40'17\"W. In January 1984, an obstruction was re- marking the entrance to the canal. ported in Anchorage C in about 41°40'00\"N., 70°41'35\"W. Channels (186) Mooring basins, with tieup dolphins, are at both (183) A Federal project provides for a channel 32 feet ends of the canal. One is on the east side of Hog Island Channel abreast of Hog Island, where shoaling to bare deep through the Cape Cod Canal. (See Notice to Mari- in about 41°43'49\"N., 70°37'53\"W. was reported in Sep- ners and latest editions of the chart for controlling tember 1979. The other is just inside the eastern en- depths.) Deep-draft vessels should obtain the latest in- trance to the canal. A small boat basin is on the south formation as to available depths so as to pass through side of the channel just inside the eastern entrance to the canal during maximum stages of high water if the the canal; depths of 8 to 13 feet were available in the ba- draft of the vessel is near the controlling depth. In sin in June 1969.

Vineyard Sound and Buzzards Bay ■ Chapter 5 ■ 227 Bridges strikes. When right whales are present in Cape Cod Bay (187) The Cape Cod Canal is crossed by three bridges. (peak season: January through May), vessels transiting Cape Cod Bay are urged to use Recommended Two-Way The railroad bridge at the village of Buzzards Bay, 7.8 Whale Avoidance Routes to reduce the likelihood of miles above Cleveland East Ledge Light, has a verti- collisions with right whales. (See North Atlantic Right cal-lift span with a clearance of 7 feet down and 135 feet Whales, indexed as such, chapter 3, for more informa- up. The span is normally maintained in the raised posi- tion on right whales and recommended measures to tion and lowered for the passage of trains. (See 117.1 avoid collisions with whales.) through 117.59, 117.589, and 207.20(i), chapter 2, for drawbridge regulations.) The State Route 25/28 Pilotage: Cape Cod Canal and Buzzards Bay highway bridge at Bourne, 9 miles above Cleveland (194) At the canal, Canal Traffic Control “WUA21” or Ledge Light, has a fixed span with a clearance of 135 feet. The U.S. 6/State Route 3 highway bridge at “Cape Cod Canal Control” monitors VHF-FM channels Sagamore, 11.8 miles above Cleveland East Ledge 16, 13 and 14; usually works on 14. The Masters of all Light, has a fixed span with a clearance of 135 feet. vessels required by the Coast Guard to carry a pilot are (188) The minimum clearance of the overhead power ca- required to notify Canal Traffic Control prior to enter- bles across the canal is 160 feet. ing the waterway with information as specified in Sec. 207.20 (k), Management of Vessels (see chapter 2). Tides and currents (195) Pilotage is compulsory for Buzzards Bay for foreign (189) The mean range of tide is 3.5 feet at the railroad vessels of 350 gross tons or more, U.S. vessels under register of 350 gross tons or more and tank barge tow- bridge near the Buzzards Bay entrance and 8.7 feet at ing vessels carrying 6,000 barrels or more of petroleum the Cape Cod Bay entrance. The large differences in cargoes. Pilotage is available from Northeast Marine Pi- range and timing of the tide between Buzzards Bay and lots, Inc., Newport, RI, 02840; telephone 401-847-9050 Cape Cod Bay cause strong currents in the canal. Tides (24 hours), 800-274-1216, FAX 401-847-9052; email: may lower the canal level 2 feet below mean low water [email protected]. or even more if attended by heavy offshore winds. (196) The pilot boats NORTHEAST I and NORTHEAST III (190) Daily predictions for the tidal current in Cape Cod serve the canal and are owned and operated by the Canal at the railroad bridge are given in the Tidal Cur- Northeast Marine Pilots, Inc. NORTHEAST I is a rent Tables. Under ordinary conditions, the tidal current 38-foot boat with a black hull and white superstructure has a velocity of 4.0 knots on the flood, which sets east- and the word PILOT on both sides and NORTHEAST III ward, and 4.5 knots on the ebb, which sets westward. is a 33-foot boat with black hull and white superstruc- (191) Due to the strong tidal currents in the canal, espe- ture. cially during spring tides, low-powered vessels should (197) The pilot boats NORTHEAST II, NORTHEAST III await slack water or favorable current. Navigators are and NORTHEAST IV serve for boarding eastbound ves- warned to be on the alert for possible “bank suction” sels. NORTHEAST II is a 47-foot boat and NORTHEAST and “bank cushion,” the effects of which may cause a IV is a 52 foot boat; both have unpainted aluminum vessel to take a sudden and decided sheer. hulls and superstructures with the word PILOT in red on both sides. All Northeast pilot boats monitor Weather: Buzzards Bay and vicinity VHF-FM channels 16, 13 and 10, and work on 13 or 10. (192) Fog is said to be less dense over Cape Cod Canal (198) Pilots meet westbound vessels off the eastern en- trance to the Cape Cod Canal in Cape Cod Bay, ½ mile than outside, but at times a water vapor rises from the east of Lighted Bell Buoy CC, in approximate position canal to such an extent that traffic has to be suspended. 41°48.6'N., 70°27.0'W. The canal proper never has been closed by ice, but occa- (199) Pilots meet eastbound vessels at the Brenton Reef sionally Buzzards Bay and Cape Cod Bay become so Pilots Station, about 1.5 miles eastward of congested with ice that navigation through the canal is Narragansett Bay Entrance Lighted Whistle Buoy NB prevented. within an area bounded by: (200) 41°23.6'N., 71°22.4'W., North Atlantic Right Whales (201) 41°22.6'N., 71°22.0'W., (193) Endangered North Atlantic right whales have been (202) 41°24.2'N., 71°20.0'W., (203) 41°22.6'N., 71°20.6'W. This pilot boarding area is reported within the Cape Cod Canal and in the vicinity southward of a line extending from Point Judith to of the Canal's east entrance. The Cape Cod Marine Traf- Sakonnet Point. fic Controllers provide information regarding North Atlantic right whale sightings and locations. The Northeast Marine Pilots distribute educational mate- rial to mariners in an effort to reduce right whale ship

228 ■ Chapter 5 ■ Coast Pilot 2 (204) Pilots also meet vessels in the vicinity of Point Ju- Communications dith Lighted Whistle Buoy 2, within a 1-mile radius cir- (212) Information on operating conditions, widths, cle centered in 41°17.2'N., 71°30.4'W. depths, or other data on the canal is available at all (205) Pilot services are generally arranged for in advance hours, day or night, by calling the canal office at Buz- by ships’ agents or directly by shipping companies. zards Bay (508-759-4431). (213) Vessels which are to transit the Cape Cod Canal will Launch service monitor channel 16 continuously to establish contact (206) Launch service is also available; arrange through with traffic controllers. The vessels will be asked to switch to channel 12 or channel 14 as a working chan- Northeast Marine Pilots, Inc. nel to pass information between the traffic controllers and the vessel. However, channel 13 may be used only Towage when the above channels are not available. (207) Tugs to 2,200 hp are based at the village of Buz- (214) The radiotelephone at the Cape Cod Canal Office, Buzzards Bay, Mass., is in continuous operation. Call zards Bay; arrangements for their services are usually letters are WUA-21, and the frequencies are channels made through ships’ agents. Tugs monitor VHF-FM 13, 16, 12, and 14. Vessels equipped for communication channel 13 when expecting a vessel, and use channel with the Cape Cod Canal Office are requested to keep 18A as a working frequency. their radiotelephone tuned to these frequencies. Coast Guard (215) Buttermilk Bay, at the northeast end of Buzzards (208) Cape Cod Canal Coast Guard Station is on the east Bay, has depths of about 1 to 7 feet. A dredged marked channel and Cohasset Narrows connect the bay with side of the entrance to the canal about 1 mile north- Cape Cod Canal. In March 2004, the controlling depth eastward of Sandwich Harbor. was 5 feet to the railroad bridge about 1.1 miles above the channel entrance, except for severe shoaling at Wharves midchannel and in the right quarter between Buoy 3 (209) State Pier, site of the Massachusetts Maritime and Buoy 5. In 1992, a rock was reported just below the railroad bridge in about 41°44'46\"N., 70°37'22\"W. Two Academy, on the north side of Cape Cod Canal, 0.6 mile bridges cross Cohasset Narrows; the railroad bridge has below the railroad bridge at the village of Buzzards Bay, a bascule span with a clearance of 6 feet, but is kept in a is 600 feet long with about 25 feet alongside the berth- closed position and used as a fixed bridge. The highway ing face. In August 1981, shoaling to 10 feet was re- bridge, immediately above, has a fixed span with a ported in the basin off the berthing face in about clearance of 9 feet. Several small piers for shallow-draft 41°44'15\"N., 70°37'35\"W. In August 1981, the reported boats are the only facilities in Buttermilk Bay. Gasoline controlling depth on the channel side of the pier was 25 is available in the bay. feet. Permission to berth at the pier must be obtained from the academy. Vessels should not attempt to go (216) Butler Cove, on the western side of Cohasset Nar- alongside or leave the pier except at periods of slack wa- rows southwesterly of the bridges, has depths of 3 to 5 ter. Passing vessels are requested to proceed slowly to feet. avoid damage to lines and other equipment at the pier. (210) The New England Petroleum Company mooring (217) Onset Bay, between Sias Point on the north and platform, on the south side of Cape Cod Canal, 1.2 Hog Neck on the south, is the approach to the village of miles westward of Canal Breakwater Light 6, provides Onset. A dredged marked channel leads westward from berthing for tank vessels up to 750 feet long with drafts Cape Cod Canal along the southerly side of the bay to a of 40 feet. Vessels over 50,000 tons or 32-foot draft turning basin off the village. Two anchorage areas, one moor at high water slack during daylight hours only. on each side of the channel, are at the head of the chan- Vessels under 50,000 tons moor at high water slack, day nel. In October 1995, the midchannel controlling or night. Petroleum products are pumped to storage depth was 14 feet to the turning basin, thence depths of tanks ashore. 13 to 15 feet were available in the basin; depths of 6 to 8 feet were available in the eastern anchorage basin with Supplies 7½ feet available in the western anchorage basin. (211) Gasoline, diesel fuel, water, ice, marine supplies, (218) Wickets Island is a high and wooded islet in the and a paved ramp are available at the boat basin just in- middle of the bay. The buoys in the entrance channel side the Cape Cod Bay entrance to the canal. Temporary are frequently towed under because of the strong cur- berthage and anchorage are also available at the basin. rents. A rock, covered 8 feet, is near the channel en- trance about 75 yards northeast of Hog Island Channel

Vineyard Sound and Buzzards Bay ■ Chapter 5 ■ 229 Light 21. In 1981, two rocks, covered 4 to 5 feet, were advised. The section near Quahaug Bar, north of Long reported on the north edge of the channel between Beach Point, is subject to shoaling. Depths shoal to 2 Buoys 2 and 4; caution is advised. and 3 feet close to the buoyed channel. Small craft (219) A special anchorage is in the northern part of On- sometimes anchor just north of Long Beach Point. set Bay. (See 110.1 and 110.45, chapter 2, for limits Highway and railroad bridges over the river above the and regulations.) Additional anchorages are available wharves have 31-foot fixed spans with a clearance of 1 at the head of the dredged channel. foot. (220) A 5 mph speed limit is enforced above Wickets Is- (225) The mean range of the tide at the entrance to land. Wareham River is about 4.1 feet. The velocity of the (221) The Onset town wharf, on the north side of the current is not great enough to materially interfere with turning basin, has depths of about 14 feet at its face. a sailing vessel having a good breeze. During the first The harbormaster has an office at the wharf. The half of the ebb the current below the wharves of the harbormaster monitors VHF-FM channel 16 and uses town sets across the flats westward of the channel, and channel 9 as a working frequency; call sign KYQ-833. during the whole of the ebb it sets across the flats east- Several small-craft facilities are on the north side of the ward of the channel below Long Beach Point. (See the bay along the southwesterly side of Long Neck. (See the Tidal Current Tables for predictions.) The river ices small-craft facilities tabulation on chart 13229 for ser- over for short periods during most winters. vices and supplies available.) Onset has bus service. (226) Vessels approaching Wareham River from Buz- (222) East River empties into Onset Bay southeast of On- zards Bay pass 0.8 mile east of Bird Island Light and set. A draft of 3 feet can be taken to an anchorage just steer 351° to the buoyed channel. Strangers should ob- above the highway bridge which connects Onset and tain local information regarding channel depths before Long Neck. The bridge has a fixed span with a clearance navigating the river. of 11 feet. (227) The depth at the Wareham town landing was re- (223) Stony Point Dike, a sandspit breakwater about 5 ported to be about 4½ feet in August 1981. The feet high, extends about 1.8 miles south-southwesterly Wareham Harbor Patrol patrols the harbor during the from Cedar Island Point to Abiels Ledge. The breakwa- summer boating season and enforces a speed limit of 5 ter protects Hog Island Channel. Cleveland Ledge knots. A boatyard, on the western side of Wareham Channel Range Front Light is on the outer end of the Neck about 0.3 mile below the bridges, has a marine breakwater. Abiels Ledge, between the channel and the railway that can handle craft up to 45 feet for hull and south end of the dike, is covered 3 feet. Dry Ledge, 1 engine repairs or storage. Gasoline, diesel fuel, water, mile northwestward of Abiels Ledge, bares at half tide; marine supplies, and a 25-ton mobile hoist are avail- it is marked by a buoy. Little Bird Island, 0.8 mile able. In August 1981, depths of about 6 feet were re- northward, is surrounded by uneven bottom with ported alongside the boatyard service float. Wareham depths of 2 to 19 feet between it and the northerly shore has bus service. of Buzzards Bay. (228) Marks Cove, on the west side of the channel to (224) Wareham River, which empties into the northern Wareham River between Swifts Beach on the north end of Buzzards Bay, is the approach to the town of and Cromeset Neck on the south, has depths of 2 to 5 Wareham on the west bank. Great Hill, wooded, 124 feet. The cove is used by small boats. In 1961, a 6-foot feet high, and about 1.5 miles southward of Long channel was dredged by the State through the cove Beach Point, is prominent when approaching the river. from the 6-foot contour to Cedar Island at the entrance A brick stack and a standpipe in Wareham are conspicu- to Cedar Island Creek. ous. The buoyed channel to the town is crooked and (229) Weweantic River, entered southward of Cromeset twisting; in 1986, the controlling depth was about 4 Neck, has a narrow and crooked channel partly ob- feet from Wareham River Buoy 13 to the upstream structed by rocks. A reported depth of about 3 feet can limit of the project. In October 1987, a sunken wreck be carried past the rocks and as far as the highway was reported in the vicinity of Wareham River Entrance bridge, with local knowledge. The channel is not Buoy 10. A rock covered 6 feet is in the entrance about marked. An overhead power cable crossing the river 350 yards south-southwest of Dry Ledge in about about 1.4 miles above the mouth has a clearance of 51 41°41'59.9\"N., 70°41'41.6\"W., and several rocks and feet. The highway bridge, which is 1.7 miles above the shoal spots covered 9 to 14 feet are within 0.75 mile mouth, has two fixed spans with a clearance of 5 feet. west to southwest of the ledge. A shoal makes off south- The channel is through the northeasterly 45-foot span. easterly from Cromeset Point, 0.6 mile southward of The river is navigable for 2 miles above the highway Long Beach Point. In August 1981, it was reported that bridge by small craft drawing less than 2 feet. A small Long Beach Point covers at high water; caution is marina is just above the bridge. Gasoline, water, ice,

230 ■ Chapter 5 ■ Coast Pilot 2 storage facilities, marine supplies, and hull and engine western side of the channel about 0.2 mile northwest- repairs are available. A flatbed trailer at the marina can ward of Ram Island. The buoyed channel has a reported haul out boats to 25 feet. depth of about 12 feet from the entrance to Marion. (230) From Wareham River to New Bedford the shore is (237) Blankinship Cove and Planting Island Cove, on indented sharply by rocks and ledges extending off- the eastern side of Sippican Harbor, have a common shore nearly 2 miles in places. entrance northward of Ram Island. They have general (231) Wings Cove, between Great Hill Point southeast of depths of 3 to 5 feet. Meadow Island separates the two Great Hill and Piney Point on the eastern side of coves. Gibbs Rock, marked by a private seasonal Sippican Neck, has depths of 8 to 17 feet in its outer daybeacon, is 50 yards off the north point of Ram Is- section. The cove affords protection from westerly land. A rock awash is charted 120 yards north of the winds; it is used only by small local craft. daybeacon. (232) Butler Point is at the southern tip of Sippican (238) Hammett Cove in the northeastern part of Neck. Shoal water extends about 0.4 mile southward Sippican Harbor is shallow and used only by small local from the point to Bird Island, a round, low flat island. craft. The approach to the cove is marked by private (233) Southward and westward of Bird Island are several seasonal buoys. Charted obstructions are close west- buoyed dangers. Bird Island Reef, covered 15 to 18 ward of the buoys. feet, is about 0.4 mile east-southeastward. About 0.5 (239) The mean range of tide at Marion is 4.0 feet. Ice mile southwestward is Centerboard Shoal, covered 12 usually closes Sippican Harbor for about a month or feet. The Bow Bells, isolated shoals covered 11 to 18 more each winter. feet, are about 0.6 to 1 mile southwest of Centerboard (240) Aucoot Cove, about 0.8 mile southwestward of Shoal. An unlighted gong buoy is about 1.15 miles Sippican Harbor, has depths of 10 to 19 feet. A 4-foot southward of Bird Island. spot is near the center of the cove in about (234) Sippican Harbor, scene of much pleasure-boat ac- 41°40'23.2\"N., 70°45'23\"W., and the head of the cove is tivity, makes into the north shore of Buzzards Bay foul. The harbor is protected from all winds except about 3 miles southward of Wareham River. The harbor southeast. An unmarked channel with depths of less is the approach to Marion, a small town on the western than 1 foot leads to a boatyard west of Haskell Island. shore. It is entered between Bird Island on the east and Local knowledge and a high tide are required to navi- Converse Point on the west. Prominent features in- gate to the boatyard, which can haul out craft up to 40 clude the abandoned lighthouse on Bird Island and the feet in length. The yard does general repairs and ma- conspicuous house and flagpole on Converse Point. chine work. Gasoline, diesel fuel by truck, and marine The standpipe on Sippican Neck can also be seen for a supplies are available. The other coves between considerable distance. Sippican and Mattapoisett Harbors are foul and seldom (235) The town dock at Marion, approached through a entered. channel marked by private seasonal buoys, has re- ported depths of 4 to 5 feet alongside. Two boatyards at Chart 13229 Marion provide limited guest moorings, electricity, gasoline, diesel fuel, water, ice, marine supplies, and a (241) Mattapoisett Harbor, about 3.5 miles southwest of pump-out station. Mobile hoists to 50 tons and dry win- Sippican Harbor and 5 miles northeastward of New ter storage are available; hull, engine and electronic re- Bedford Harbor, is the approach to the town of pairs can be made. In September 2006, a reported depth Mattapoisett. The harbor is used by numerous yachts of 6 feet could be carried to the boatyard at the head of during the summer. Although exposed to southeasterly the harbor. The harbormaster, who controls all moor- winds, the ledges at the entrance somewhat break the ing and anchoring in the harbor, monitors VHF-FM sea from that direction. A light on Ned Point marks the channels 68. approach. A standpipe is in the town. Vessels anchor be- (236) Mendells Rock and Seal Rocks are shoal, rocky ar- tween Ned Point and the wharves in 13 to 17 feet. eas, northward of Converse Point extending up to 0.2 mile off the west shore of the harbor. Planting Island, a (242) The entrance between Angelica Point and Straw- peninsula extending about 0.6 mile northwesterly from berry Point on the east and Mattapoisett Neck on the Sippican Neck, is on the eastern side of the harbor. At west is about 1.5 miles wide. A buoyed natural channel Ram Island, off Marion, the passage between the island leads through the numerous rocks and ledges in the and the western shore is less than 275 yards wide. The entrance to the anchorage area off the town. The chan- currents in the narrow portion of the channel have nel has a depth of about 14 feet but because of the bro- considerable velocity at times. Little Island lies on the ken bottom, vessels should proceed with caution over areas where the charted depths are not more than 6 feet

Vineyard Sound and Buzzards Bay ■ Chapter 5 ■ 231 greater than the draft. Strangers should not attempt to western side of West Island with Long Island. A fixed enter at night. span in the causeway has a clearance of 5 feet. The (243) There are many shoals and rocks, most of them depth at the bridge is 6 feet. The approach from south- buoyed, off the points and in the entrance. Off the west ward to the west side of West Island runs among many side of the entrance, Mattapoisett Ledge extends about sunken rocks and shoals, and is very dangerous. The a mile southeasterly from Mattapoisett Neck. Nye causeway between Long Island and Sconticut Neck, the Ledge, covered 7 to 17 feet, about 0.4 mile southeast- neck of land forming the east side of New Bedford Har- ward of Mattapoisett Ledge, is marked by a seasonal bor, completely blocks passage between the two. lighted bell buoy. In or near the entrance channel are (250) Bare rocks and shoaling extend about 1 mile south- Gallatin Rock, covered 10 feet; Sunken Ledge, covered erly of West Island, and from there to the New Bedford 3 feet; Snow Rock, covered 5 feet; and Barstow Rock, Harbor entrance are numerous isolated rocks and covered 8 feet. Near the town wharf, a rock, covered 3 ledges, the most dangerous of which are buoyed. feet, is marked by a buoy. Mosher Ledge, about 1.1 miles south of Wilbur Point, (244) A special anchorage is in Mattapoisett Harbor. (See has a least depth of 6 feet. Strangers should stay south 110.1 and 110.45a, chapter 2, for limits and regula- of the buoys marking these dangers. tions.) (245) The mean range of tide in the harbor is 3.9 feet. The (251) New Bedford Harbor, a tidal estuary at the mouth stone wharf at the town has a reported depth of 6 feet of Acushnet River on the northwestern side of Buz- alongside. Diesel fuel, gasoline, oil, water, ice, marine zards Bay, is the approach to the city of New Bedford supplies, and a surfaced ramp are available. A boatyard and the town of Fairhaven. The harbor is about 166 in town can handle craft to 60 feet long and 7 feet in miles from The Battery at New York via Long Island draft at the town ramp. A 5 mph speed limit is enforced Sound, and 83 miles from Boston via Cape Cod Canal. in the mooring areas. The harbor includes all the tidewater lying northerly of (246) A boatyard on the east side of the harbor provides a line from Clarks Point at the southern extremity of limited guest berths, gasoline, diesel fuel, electricity, New Bedford to Wilbur Point at the southern end of water, ice, storage facilities, marine supplies, and a Fairhaven and extends to the head of navigation on 30-ton mobile hoist; hull and engine repairs are avail- Acushnet River at Acushnet. The outer harbor consists able. In August 1981, a reported depth of 5 feet could be of the area south of the hurricane barrier at Palmer Is- carried to the boatyard. land, and the inner harbor consists of the area north of (247) Ram Island, about 1.5 miles southwestward of the barrier to a short distance above the New Bed- Mattapoisett Harbor, is a low, grassy island connected ford-Fairhaven Bridge. to Mattapoisett Neck by a narrow shoal. Rocks and shoal water surround the island. (252) New Bedford is a manufacturing city on the west (248) Cormorant Rock, 0.9 mile southeastward of Ram side of the Acushnet River. Fairhaven is on the east side Island, bares at half tide and is marked by a daybeacon. of the river. Principal shipping includes receipt of gen- Ledges with very little water over them surround the eral cargo and frozen fish; exports are general cargo. daybeacon at a distance of 150 yards. A rock, covered 12 Commercial fishing craft operate from the ports. The feet, is about 0.2 mile northeastward of the daybeacon; deepest draft entering is about 30 feet at high water. depths of 18 to 21 feet extend 0.2 mile southward. The channel between the rock and Ram Island has depths of (253) The approach from Buzzards Bay and the entrance about 15 feet. to New Bedford Harbor are much obstructed by ledges (249) Nasketucket Bay is entered between Cormorant and shoals, between which are several channels leading Rock on the east and West Island on the west. North- to the dredged entrance. The bottom is very broken, ward and westward of West Island the bay is greatly ob- characterized by large boulders; vessels should proceed structed by rocks and small islands. Because of these with caution when crossing areas off the general track obstructions, only small craft proceed through the bay when the charted depths are not more than 6 to 8 feet to Little Bay, at the head, or up Nasketucket River. The greater than the draft. edges of Little Bay are foul, but excellent anchorage in all but strong southerly winds is available in the center Prominent features of the bay in 3 to 6 feet, sticky mud. The entrance is (254) From the main channel numerous landmarks can made treacherous by obstructions and wind and should not be attempted without local knowledge. Numerous be seen on the westerly side. Dumpling Rocks Light 5A rocks, including Whale Rock, are on the east side of off Round Hill Point, about 3 miles west of the channel, West Island at the entrance. A causeway connects the is conspicuous. About 0.5 mile westward of the radar dome on Round Hill Point is a radio tower. Clarks Point, on the west side of the channel, is marked by a granite fort. About 0.7 mile northeast of the point is

232 ■ Chapter 5 ■ Coast Pilot 2 Butler Flats Light near the edge of the shoal. A group of that point in Acushnet River there is little traffic except three stacks is on the west side of the inner harbor. Al- by launches and small craft. though there are no landmarks on Sconticut Neck, Fort Phoenix is a promontory fairly conspicuous just Routes east of the channel, almost opposite Palmer Island. (260) The main channel to New Bedford Harbor is from Several church spires are prominent in Fairhaven. A tall radio tower is on Popes Island in the inner harbor. Buzzards Bay Midchannel Lighted Bell Buoy BB A private light is on the northeast point of Palmer Is- (41°30'33\"N., 70°49'54\"W.) through the buoyed chan- land, about 0.2 mile inside the hurricane barrier. The nel eastward of Negro Ledge. lights marking the eastern and western sides of the (261) There are several other passages with least depths hurricane barrier are also prominent. of about 21 feet that lead from Buzzards Bay to New (255) Butler Flats Light (41°36.2'N., 70°53.7'W.), a pri- Bedford Harbor west of the main channel. However, vate aid 53 feet above the water, is shown from a white they are not as well marked as the main channel; un- conical tower on a black cylindrical pier about 0.7 mile marked shoals with depths of 9 to 18 feet are near the north-northeast of Clarks Point. course lines. (262) From a position about 0.3 mile south of Mishaum COLREGS Demarcation Lines Ledge Lighted Gong Buoy 5 (chart 13230), a course can (256) The lines established for Buzzards Bay and Vine- be set to pass about 500 yards east of Dumpling Rocks Light 5A to about 500 yards northwest of Decatur Rock yard Sound are described in 80.145, chapter 2. Buoy 12, thence on a 006° course to join the main channel near Butler Flats Light. Channels (263) An alternate approach can be made from a position (257) A Federal project provides for a 30-foot deep chan- about 0.3 mile southeastward of Wilkes Ledge Lighted Buoy 7 on a course of 004° to join the main channel nel from Buzzards Bay to the turning basin just above near Butler Flats Light. The high elevated tank at Fair- the New Bedford-Fairhaven Bridge. (See Notice to Mar- haven is a good leading mark for this leg. iners and latest edition of charts for controlling (264) Strangers should not attempt to enter New Bedford depths.) The 350-foot-wide channel is constricted to Harbor except in clear weather when the aids are visi- 150 feet by a hurricane barrier across the inner harbor, ble. Vessels should proceed with caution where the protecting New Bedford Harbor, extending from the charted depths are less than 6 to 8 feet greater than the western shore over Palmer Island to Fort Phoenix on draft, because of the broken character of the bottom. the east. The 150-foot gated opening will be kept in the open position during fair weather, but is closed during Anchorages periods of high winds or high tides, or when a hurri- (265) Before proceeding into New Bedford Harbor, ves- cane is expected. Lights marking the eastern and west- ern sides of the opening are shown from the top of each sels occasionally anchor in depths of 20 to 30 feet about of the two gate operations houses, 48 feet above the wa- 0.7 mile south of Clarks Point. Two general anchorages ter. A fog signal is sounded from the west barrier light. are in the outer harbor. (See 110.1 and 110.140 (a) and (d), chapter 2, for limits and regulations.) In the (258) Hurricane barrier traffic lights are displayed on the inner harbor vessels may anchor in the two dredged an- north side of the smaller, northerly house on the west chorage areas on either side of the channel in depths of side of the entrance and adjacent to the old fort at 25 to 30 feet. Clarks Point. Green lights are displayed when the gate is open. Red lights are displayed from 20 minutes be- Dangers fore the start of closing the gate through reopening. In (266) The entrance to New Bedford Harbor is full of rocks addition to the traffic lights, three flashing white strobe lights are shown; two from atop the west barrier oper- and ledges, some covered 3 feet or less. Obstructions ating house, one facing toward the harbor and one fac- near the entrance passages are marked with buoys. The ing toward the bay, and a third light facing toward the chart is the best guide. bay adjacent to the old fort at Clarks Point. These syn- (267) Dumpling Rocks, bare and covered, extend 0.4 chronized lights flash every 20 seconds, but flash every mile southeastward from Round Hill Point. A light is 2 seconds from 20 minutes before the start of closing on the easterly rock. A buoy marks the southeastern the gate through reopening. portion of the shoal area around the rocks, and a gong buoy is about 400 yards east of the light. (259) The controlling depth above the turning basin to (268) Wilkes Ledge, 1.8 miles southeastward of Round the Coggeshall Street Bridge is about 15 feet. Above Hill Point, is the southernmost danger at the entrance to the harbor. It is covered 9 feet with a wreck near the

Vineyard Sound and Buzzards Bay ■ Chapter 5 ■ 233 easterly part; a lighted buoy is close south-southwest- Pilotage, New Bedford ward of the wreck. (274) Pilotage is compulsory for foreign vessels of 350 Bridges gross tons or more and U.S. vessels under register of (269) Four bridges cross Acushnet River at New Bedford. 350 gross tons or more. Pilotage for New Bedford is available from Northeast Marine Pilots, Inc., Newport, The first, the US6/New Bedford-Fairhaven Bridge, has a RI 02840; telephone 401-847-9050 (24 hours), 800- swing span with a clearance of 6 feet. (See 117.1 274-1216; FAX 401-847-9052; email: dispatch@nema- through 117.59 and 117.585, chapter 2, for draw- rinepilots.com. bridge regulations.) The bridgetender monitors VHF- (275) Pilots meet westbound vessels off the eastern FM channel 16 and works on channel 13; call sign entrance to the Cape Cod Canal in Cape Cod Bay, ½ WHH-238. About 1 mile above this drawbridge is the mile east of Lighted Bell Buoy CC, in approximate Coggeshall Street Bridge, which has a fixed span with a position 41°48.6'N., 70°27.0'W. clearance of 8 feet. A highway bridge with a fixed span (276) Pilots meet eastbound vessels at the Brenton Reef and a clearance of 8 feet is just below the Coggeshall Pilot Station, about 1.5 miles eastward of Narragansett Street Bridge. About 1.3 miles above the Coggeshall Bay Entrance Lighted Whistle Buoy NB within an area Street Bridge is a fixed bridge with a clearance of 6 feet. bounded by (277) 41°23.6'N., 71°22.4'W., Tides (278) 41°22.6'N., 71°22.0'W., (270) The mean range of tide is 3.7 feet. (279) 41°24.2'N., 71°20.0'W., (280) 41°22.6'N., 71°20.6'W. This pilot boarding area is Currents southward of a line extending from Point Judith to (271) Tidal currents are weak. From a series of current Sakonnet Point. Should weather or other conditions prevent pilot boarding in the above location, other ar- observations, conducted by the Corps of Engineers rangements may be made with the pilot office. over a 2-day period in October 1965 at the center of the (281) The pilot boats NORTHEAST I and NORTHEAST III navigation opening of the New Bedford Hurricane Bar- serve the canal and are owned and operated by North- rier, it was revealed that the maximum flooding and east Marine Pilots, Inc. NORTHEAST I is a 38-foot boat ebbing velocities were about 2.4 knots; average flood with black hull and white superstructure and the word setting 344° and the ebb 144°. During flooding or ebb- PILOT on the sides; NORTHEAST III is a 33-foot boat ing a slight set towards the east barrier abutment may with black hull and white superstructure. be experienced. During this same period it was further (282) The pilot boats NORTHEAST II, NORTHEAST III revealed that the time of slack water occurred about 30 and NORTHEAST IV serve for boarding eastbound ves- minutes before the time of low or high water; that the sels. NORTHEAST II is a 47-foot boat and NORTHEAST maximum ebbing velocity occurred about 2 hours after IV is a 52 foot boat; both have unpainted aluminum the time of high tide; that the maximum flooding ve- hulls and superstructures with the word PILOT in red locity occurred about 4 hours after the time of low tide; on both sides. All Northeast pilot boats monitor and that, generally, the maximum current occurred at VHF-FM channels 16, 13 and 10, and work on 13 or 10. about the same time as the most rapid change in the (283) Pilot services are generally arranged for in advance vertical height of the tide was taking place. by ships’ agents. Weather, New Bedford Harbor and vicinity Towage (272) The prevailing winds during the winter are from (284) Oceangoing vessels usually require tug assistance north to west, and during the summer from south to when docking and undocking. Tugs up to 2,200 hp are southwest. Thick fog is reported to close in quickly based at New Bedford, and arrangements for their ser- with little warning in New Bedford Harbor. vices are usually made through ships’ agents. Tugs monitor VHF-FM channel 13 when expecting a vessel, Ice and use channel 18A as a working frequency. (273) The channels and anchorage area usually are navi- (285) New Bedford is a customs port of entry. gable throughout the year, although in prolonged peri- Quarantine,customs,immigration,and agricultural ods of extreme cold weather the harbor as well as all of quarantine Buzzards Bay may be closed to navigation because of (286) (See chapter 3, Vessel Arrival Inspections, and Ap- ice. Such conditions are infrequent and of short dura- pendix A for addresses.) tion. Steamers generally can make their way through the ice in the harbor.

234 ■ Chapter 5 ■ Coast Pilot 2 (287) Quarantine is enforced in accordance with regula- of refrigerated space; receipt of frozen and chilled food- tions of the U.S. Public Health Service. (See Public stuffs; owned and operated by Bridge Terminal, Inc. Health Service, chapter 1.) (297) Frionor Processing and Distribution Center Wharf: 200 yards northwest of Fish Island; 580 feet long; 25 to (288) New Bedford has several hospitals. 28 feet alongside; 63,400 square feet of refrigerated (289) Coast Guard vessels moor at the State Pier. space, 57,500 square feet of freezer space, 34,700 square feet of covered storage space; receipt of frozen Harbor regulations fish; owned and operated by Frionor Norwegian Frozen (290) The New Bedford Harbor Development Commis- Fish Ltd. (298) New Bedford North Terminal Wharf: 400 yards sion, through the harbormaster, enforces the harbor northwest of Fish Island; 1,000 feet long; 30 feet along- regulations. The State Pier Traffic Manager is the State side; 14 acres of open storage; owned by New Bedford authority who directs anchoring, berthing, and move- Harbor Development Commission and operated by var- ment of vessels, and discharging operations at the State ious tenants. Pier. Vessels are expected to proceed slowly in the vicin- ity of the piers. State laws forbid pollution and dumping Supplies of refuse and rocks inside the harbor. The harbor- (299) Gasoline, diesel fuel, water, provisions, and marine master has an office just north of the State Pier. supplies of all kinds are available. Diesel oil and marine Wharves bunker fuels are available by truck. The water is excel- (291) The New Bedford waterfront has many piers and lent for drinking and boiler use; a water boat services craft at anchor. wharves. The fishing industry uses most of these facili- ties. Only the deep-draft facilities are described, and the Repairs alongside depths for these facilities are reported; for in- (300) There are several boatyards at Fairhaven that can formation on the latest depths contact the operator. All of the facilities described have highway connections, make hull, engine, and electronic repairs; storage facil- and most have rail connections. Water is available at ities are also available. The largest marine railway in most piers and wharves. Cargo in the port is usually the area can handle vessels up to 330 feet. Lifts to 150 handled by ship’s tackle. A 250-ton floating “A” frame tons are available. Several repair firms in New Bedford derrick is available for heavy lifts by prior arrangement. are available for above-the-waterline repairs and en- (292) New Bedford South Terminal Wharf: 500 yards gine repairs. Derrick lighters, some with air compres- westward of Palmer Island; 1,600 feet long; 30 feet sors and diving equipment, are also available. alongside; 250,000 cubic feet of refrigerated storage; receipt of seafood products; owned by several seafood Communications companies. (301) There is only rail freight service to Boston and fre- (293) Commonwealth Edison Co. Pier: 300 yards north- ward of South Terminal Wharf; north side 740 feet quent bus service to Providence, Boston, and New York. long, with dolphins; 30 feet alongside; receipt of petro- A mail and passenger boat makes trips to Cuttyhunk leum products; vessels usually berth with bow inshore; twice weekly in the winter and daily in the summer. owned by Commonwealth Electric and operated by Seasonal passenger ferry service is also available to New England Petroleum Corp. Martha’s Vineyard. Air service is available to Boston, (294) State Pier: 500 yards northward of New Bedford New York, Martha’s Vineyard, Nantucket, and Cape Gas and Edison Light Co. Pier; face 450 feet long, north Cod. side 600 feet long, south side 775 feet long; 30 feet alongside; 125,000 square feet covered storage; receipt (302) The coast between New Bedford Harbor and the en- and shipment of general cargo; owned and operated by trance of Sakonnet River is fringed with extensive the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Division of Wa- shoals, many of them rocky and a considerable number terways. of them well offshore. The entrances to several inlets (295) Maritime Terminal Wharf: westward of Fish Island; are shoal and are used only by local fishing and plea- 600 feet long; 31 feet alongside; 3 million cubic feet of sure boats. refrigerated storage; receipt of frozen food, fish, and chilled foodstuffs; shipment of general cargo; owned (303) Clarks Cove, between New Bedford Harbor and and operated by Maritime Terminal, Inc. Apponagansett Bay, affords anchorage in depths of 12 (296) Bridge Terminal Wharf: northeast side of Fish Is- to 22 feet. It is exposed to southerly weather and is sel- land; 450 feet long; 28 feet alongside; 500,000 cubic feet dom used. Several small piers can accommodate small craft. Several rocks are off Moshers Point on the west side of the cove.

Vineyard Sound and Buzzards Bay ■ Chapter 5 ■ 235 (304) Apponagansett Bay, about 2 miles southwestward Point, covered 2 to 7 feet, is marked by a buoy. Pawn of Clarks Point, shelters numerous pleasure craft and a Rock uncovers 3 feet and is 0.2 mile easterly of Barneys few fishermen in the summer, but the bay is insecure in Joy Point, the point on the west side of the river en- southeasterly gales. Nonquitt and Bayview are villages trance. on the south side of the entrance and South (311) Gooseberry Neck, about 4 miles southwestward of Dartmouth is on the northerly shore. Padanaram Mishaum Point, is marked by several prominent tow- Breakwater is marked on the southern end by a light. ers. The neck, irregular and elongated, extends about 1 The approach to the bay is obstructed by numerous mile southward from Horseneck Beach to which it is ledges and rocks, and strangers should enter only in joined by a narrow roadway over rock fill. The water the daytime with clear weather. Inside the breakwater surrounding the neck is very foul. the channel is marked by buoys. Dartmouth Rock, cov- (312) Hen and Chickens and the dangers southward of it ered 4 feet, is on the northeast side of the channel. Pri- have been previously discussed under the entrance to vate seasonal anchorage buoys mark the area off South Buzzards Bay. Dartmouth, which is usually very crowded in the sum- (313) In addition to Hen and Chickens, numerous rocks mer. A highway bridge at the village has a swing span and reefs surround Gooseberry Neck. Shoal water ex- with a channel width of 31 feet and a clearance of 8 feet. tends 0.6 mile southwestward of the neck to Lumber (See 117.1 through 117.59 and 117.587, chapter 2, Rock, covered 4 feet and marked by a buoy, and over 0.5 for drawbridge regulations.) Above the bridge, small mile westward to Browing Ledge, covered 6 feet. Little craft anchor in a narrow channel near the eastern Southwest Rock is about 0.3 mile northeastward of shore. Lumber Rock. (314) Westport River empties into the large bight be- (305) The harbormaster controls anchoring and berth- tween Gooseberry Neck and Sakonnet Point (chart ing in the harbor and can be contacted through the po- 13221). The mouth of the river is between Horseneck lice department or VHF-FM channel 16. The speed Point, 2.7 miles northwest of Gooseberry Neck, and limit in the harbor is 5 mph. The Knubble, a protruding mound of granite marked by a light about 0.2 mile south of Horseneck Point. The (306) Southward of the bridge is a landing at a Yacht Club river is the approach to Westport Harbor, the area just with reported depth of 10 feet alongside. Diesel fuel, inside the entrance; the village of Westport Point, on gasoline, water, ice, and some marine supplies are the north shore of the east branch of the river; and the available. Two nearby boatyards and a marina can pro- village of Acoaxet, westward of The Knubble. Fishing vide limited guest berths, storage, complete marine and pleasure boats use the river as far as Westport supplies, and hull, engine, electronic, rigging, and sail Point. repairs. The largest marine railway can handle craft to (315) The bar and entrance channels are marked by 55 feet; mobile hoists to 35 tons are also available. In buoys. The entrance channel is narrow and crooked. In August 1981, depths of 3 to 11 feet were reported at the June 2000, the bar and entrance channels had control- slips. ling depths of 7.1 feet over the bar and 5.5 feet (6.9 feet at midchannel) in the entrance. Depths over the bar are (307) Round Hill Point, about 3.5 miles southwestward continually changing, and local information should be of Clarks Point, is marked by a prominent round hill on obtained as to depths and best water. Numerous rocks which is a white tower and a radar installation. Care are in the channel below the bridge at Westport Point; should be taken not to confuse this tower with Dump- caution is advised. ling Rocks Light 5A. Westward of the hill is a radio (316) Boats should not try to enter during strong south- tower. erly winds as heavy seas break over the entrance bar. About 1 mile above the entrance the river divides into (308) Between Round Hill Point and Salters Point, 1.1 two branches. The west branch is shallow, with a nar- miles southwestward, Hunts Rock Breakwater extends row channel marked by private seasonal buoys, and is 270 yards in a northeast-southwest direction. used by local craft to opposite Toms Point, about 1.6 miles above the entrance. Above the Westport Point (309) Mishaum Point, 1.9 miles southwestward of Round bridge, the east branch is marked by private seasonal Hill Point, is the southern point of Smith Neck. Shoal buoys as far as the Hix Bridge, 4.7 miles above Westport water extends about 0.2 mile off the point. Point. A reported depth of about 4 feet can be carried to this bridge with local knowledge. Chart 13228 (317) A highway bridge with a 49-foot bascule span and a clearance of 21 feet at the center crosses the river at (310) Slocums River, westward of Mishaum Point, has a bar at the entrance nearly bare at low water. The channel inside is narrow, unmarked, and little used. Slocums Ledge, extending 0.6 mile westward of Mishaum

236 ■ Chapter 5 ■ Coast Pilot 2 Westport Point, about 2 miles above the mouth. (See about 10 feet at their faces. Berthing at the piers is un- 117.1 through 117.59 and 117.620, chapter 2, for der the control of the harbormaster, who can be con- drawbridge regulations.) Hix highway bridge, about 6 tacted through the town hall or police department. miles above the mouth, has a 35-foot fixed span with a (322) A 5 mph speed limit is enforced in the harbor. clearance of 3 feet. An overhead power cable on the (323) A boatyard and a marina are in the harbor. The north side of Hix bridge has a clearance of 37 feet. boatyard is on Horseneck Point about 0.5 mile west of (318) Approaching Westport River, boats must take care the highway bridge. The marina is on Westport Point to pass westward of the dangers off Gooseberry Neck about 0.1 mile west of the highway bridge. Berths, and eastward of the dangers off the river entrance. Nu- moorings, gasoline, diesel fuel, water, ice, launching merous rocks and ledges are southward of the entrance ramps, and marine supplies are available. The largest to the river. Twomile Rock, 1 mile southeastward of marine railway is at the boatyard and can handle craft Westport Harbor Entrance Light 5 on The Knubble, is up to 60 feet for hull and engine repairs and dry open or marked by a daybeacon. Shoals with depths of 5 to 18 covered storage. feet are southeasterly of the rock. A buoy is 0.35 mile south-southeast of the rock. Halfmile Rock, 3 feet No-Discharge Zone high, is 325 yards southeast of the light on The (324) The State of Massachusetts, with the approval of Knubble. The shoal water surrounding the rock is marked by a buoy. The area south of The Knubble is the Environmental Protection Agency, has established very foul. Other unmarked dangers include Twomile a No-Discharge Zone (NDZ) in the coastal waters of Ledge, extending 1 mile south of The Knubble, and cov- Westport. The NDZ includes Westport Harbor and the ered 2 to 12 feet; Joe Burris Ledge covered 14 feet, mid- East and West Branches of the Westport River (see way between Halfmile Rock and Twomile Rock, and chart 13228 for limits). Pinetree Ground, about 1 mile south of Twomile Rock, (325) Within the NDZ, discharge of sewage, whether covered 25 to 30 feet. treated or untreated, from all vessels is prohibited. (319) The shore in this vicinity should be given a berth of Outside the NDZ, discharge of sewage is regulated by about 1.3 miles to avoid numerous rocks and ledges ex- 40 CFR 140 (see chapter 2). tending about 1 mile offshore for 2.5 miles westward of Westport Harbor. (326) Quicksand Point is about 1.5 miles west of The Knubble. The boundary line between Massachusetts Tides and currents and Rhode Island is near the point. Cutty Wow Rock, (320) The mean range of tide is 3.0 feet. The tidal current awash at low water, is 1 mile southwestward of the point. in the entrance has a velocity of 2.5 knots, and caution is recommended when navigating the river. (See the (327) Briggs Point, 2 miles southwestward of Quicksand Tidal Current tables for predictions.) Point, is surrounded by shoals and rocks. Halfway Rock, 2 feet high, is 0.4 mile southeastward of the (321) Two piers, used by fishing and pleasure boats, are at point. Westport Point. These piers have reported depths of

Vineyard Sound and Buzzards Bay ■ Chapter 5 ■ 237

238 ■ Chapter 6 ■ Coast Pilot 2

Narragansett Bay ■ Chapter 6 ■ 239 Narragansett Bay (1) This chapter describes the Sakonnet River, (6) The Scheme is composed basically of directed traf- Narragansett Bay, Mount Hope Bay, and Taunton and fic lanes each with one-way inbound and outbound Providence Rivers. Also discussed are the ports of New- traffic lanes separated by a defined traffic separation port, Fall River, and Providence, as well as the numer- zone, and two precautionary areas, one at the southern ous other yachting and fishing centers in this area. end and the other at the northern end of the directed traffic lanes and separation zones. The Scheme is rec- COLREGS Demarcation Lines ommended for use by vessels approaching or departing (2) The lines established for this part of the coast are from Narragansett Bay, but is not necessarily intended for tugs, tows, or other small vessels which tradition- described in 80.145, chapter 2. ally operate outside of the usual steamer lanes or close inshore. Charts 13221, 13218 (7) The Traffic Separation Scheme has been designed (3) Narragansett Bay, opening into the north side of to aid in the prevention of collisions at the approaches Rhode Island Sound 17 miles westward of Buzzards to major harbors, but is not intended in any way to su- Bay entrance, is the approach to the cities of Newport, persede or alter the applicable Navigation Rules. Sepa- Providence, Fall River, and Taunton, as well as numer- ration zones are intended to separate inbound and ous towns and villages. Rhode Island (Aquidneck Is- outbound traffic lanes and be free of ship traffic, and land), the largest island in the bay, forms the eastern should not be used except for crossing purposes. Mar- shore of the bay proper. The entrance is between iners should use extreme caution when crossing traf- Brenton Point, the southwestern part of Rhode Island, fic lanes and separation zones. (See Traffic Separation on the east, and Point Judith Neck on the west. The bay Schemes, chapter 1, for additional information.) is about 18 miles long from the entrance to the mouth of Providence River. Navigation of the bay is easy dur- (8) The southern precautionary area in the southwest ing day or night in clear weather as it is marked by navi- part of Rhode Island Sound has a radius of 5.4 miles gational aids. The large Conanicut Island and centered on 41°06'06\"N., 71°23'22\"W., excluding those Prudence Island, and several smaller islands, divide areas of the circle bounded by imaginary lines extend- the bay into two passages. Sakonnet River, although ing between the outer limits of the inbound and out- not a part of Narragansett Bay, is included with it in the bound traffic lanes. (Note that the southern following discussion. precautionary area is common to the Traffic Separation Schemes for the approaches to both Narragansett Bay (4) East Passage is good for a least depth of about 60 and Buzzards Bay.) The Traffic Separation Scheme for feet for about 11 miles up the marked channel to the the approach to Buzzards Bay is described in chapter 5. entrance of the dredged channel to Providence. West Passage is the approach to Dutch Island Harbor, (9) The separation zone is a 2-mile-wide zone centered Wickford, Greenwich Bay, and Providence River. Ves- upon the following positions: sels of over 16-foot draft rarely go above Dutch Island Harbor without a pilot, but vessels of 16-foot draft or (10) (i) 41°22'39\"N., 71°23'22\"W., less should have no difficulty in going to the head of the (11) (ii) 41°11'07\"N., 71°23'22\"W. bay and Providence River. Sakonnet River is good for a (12) The inbound traffic lane is a 1-mile-wide lane with depth of 18 feet from the mouth to Mount Hope Bay. a length of about 11.5 miles. Entering the traffic lane at (5) Traffic Separation Scheme Narragansett Bay has a point in about 41°11'06\"N., 71°21'24\"W., a course of been established in the approach to Narragansett Bay 000° follows the centerline of the traffic lane to a junc- through Rhode Island Sound. (See charts 13223, 13221, tion with the northern precautionary area. 13218, 12300.) (13) The outbound traffic lane is a 1-mile-wide lane with a length of about 11.5 miles. Entering the traffic lane at a point in about 41°22'39\"N., 71°25'24\"W., a course of 180° follows the centerline of the traffic lane to a junction with the southern precautionary area.

240 ■ Chapter 6 ■ Coast Pilot 2 (14) The northern precautionary area has a 3.55-mile Security Broadcast System, Narragansett Bay radius centered on a point in about (41°25'35\"N., (21) In conjunction with various maritime interests, 71°23'22\"W.), excluding those areas of the circle bounded by imaginary lines extending between the the Coast Guard has developed a system of recom- outer limits of the inbound and outbound traffic lanes. mended radiotelephone procedures for Narragansett and Mount Hope Bays that is designed to supplement (15) A 2-mile-wide restricted area extends from the the Vessel Bridge-to-Bridge Radiotelephone Regula- northern limits of the Narragansett Bay Approach traf- tions (33 CFR 26) (see chapter 2). These voluntary pro- fic separation zone to 41°24.7'N. This restricted area cedures consist of Security calls to be made by vessel within the precautionary area will only be closed to ves- masters, pilots, or operators on VHF-FM channel 13 sel traffic by the Naval Undersea Warfare Center Divi- (156.65 MHz) at designated points. The procedures are sion, Newport, during periods of daylight and optimum designed to give notice of unseen vessels, give notice of weather conditions for torpedo range use. The closing intended movement, clear channel 13 of traffic unre- of the restricted area will be indicated by the activation lated to navigation, give each vessel information on all of red flashing lights on naval vessels supporting the others in the immediate vicinity, and to do so at little torpedo range activities. There would be no vessel re- cost and with as little radiotelephone traffic as possible. strictions expected during inclement weather or when These recommendations do not relieve a master, pilot, the torpedo range is not in use. or operator of any requirements of law or regulation. There is no guarantee that every vessel will follow (16) The Traffic Separation Scheme is not buoyed. A them. group of buoys within the separation zone and the pre- (22) Inbound vessels should make Security calls when cautionary area mark the torpedo range; these buoys abeam of Narragansett Bay Entrance Lighted Whistle are not related to the Scheme. Buoy NB, when off Castle Hill Light, and when at the south end of Prudence Island (state whether bound for (17) Narragansett Bay Entrance Lighted Whistle Buoy Providence or Fall River). The call at Castle Hill Light NB (41°23'00\"N., 71°23'24\"W.) is at the north end of alerts outbound vessels so that they can pass East Pas- the separation zone and is equipped with a racon. sage Lighted Bell Buoy 11 close aboard, as during ebb current they tend to be set toward the center of the (18) A safety zone has been established about 2 miles channel. Vessels bound for Providence should make ad- northward of Buoy NB for Liquefied Petroleum Gas ditional Security calls when off Popasquash Neck and (LPG) vessels. (See 165.20, 165.23, and 165.121, when approaching Bullock Point Light BP. Vessels chapter 2, for limits and regulations.) bound for Fall River should call Brightman Street Bridge when they enter Mount Hope Bay to allow suffi- (19) Recommended Vessel Route (Narragansett Bay) cient time for opening of the bridge. has been established in the approach to Narragansett (23) Vessels outbound from Providence should make Bay through Rhode Island Sound. Security calls when leaving their dock and when off Popasquash Neck. Vessels outbound from Fall River (20) The U.S. Coast Guard Captain of the Port, Provi- should make calls when leaving their dock, when ap- dence, in cooperation with the Southeastern Massa- proaching Mount Hope Bridge, and when off Gould Is- chusetts and Rhode Island Port Safety and Security land. Committees, has established a Recommended Vessel Route for deep draft vessels and tugs/barges transiting Anchorages Rhode Island Sound, Narragansett Bay, and Buzzards (24) The principal anchorages for vessels seeking shel- Bay. Deep draft vessels and tugs/barges are requested to follow the designated routes. These routes were de- ter are Newport Harbor in the East Passage and Dutch signed to provide safe, established routes for these ves- Island Harbor in the West Passage. These harbors af- sels, to reduce the potential for conflict with ford anchorage with good holding ground for recreational boaters, fishing gear, and other small deep-draft vessels, and are sometimes used by coasting craft, and to reduce the potential for grounding or col- vessels on the passage between Vineyard Sound and lision. Vessels are responsible for their own safety and Long Island Sound. Good anchorage will be found al- are not required to remain inside the route nor are fish- most anywhere in the bay under the lee of islands or the erman required to keep fishing gear outside the route. shore, where vessels becalmed or at night frequently Small vessels should exercise caution in and around anchor. Point Judith Harbor of Refuge is just west of the Recommended Vessel Routes and monitor VHF Point Judith. General and explosives anchorages are in channels 16 or 13 for information concerning deep Narragansett Bay. (See 110.1 and 110.145, chapter 2, draft vessels and tugs/barges transiting these routes. for limits and regulations.)

Narragansett Bay ■ Chapter 6 ■ 241 Routes southwest and are cleared off by northerly and westerly (25) Vessels approaching from eastward should shape winds. The usual duration of the fog is 4 to 12 hours, but periods of 4 to 6 days have been known with only their approach to pass well south of Seal Ledge and short clear intervals. The head of the bay will some- Brenton Reef. Brenton Reef and other dangers on the times be free from fog while the entrance is completely easterly side of the entrance will be avoided by keeping shut in. Castle Hill Light bearing eastward of 003° and passing (29) Navigation of the bay and its tributaries is some- westward of the lighted whistle buoy and the gong buoy times impeded by floating ice and in severe winters by off Brenton Reef and the bell buoy off Butter Ball Rock. packs of field ice. The ice which breaks up in Provi- Approaching from westward, from a position with dence River and Mount Hope Bay is set by north and Point Judith Light bearing 344° distant 2 miles, vessels northeast winds down the bay through East Passage. If may steer 028° for about 9 miles to a position 0.5 mile there is much ice, a gorge is sometimes formed at Fort west of Castle Hill Light, thence follow the navigational Adams, but it is of short duration. The passages are lights in the bay. The recommended route, however, for rarely closed for any length of time below Gould Island deep-draft vessels is via the Narragansett Bay Approach in the East Passage and Dutch Island in the West Pas- Traffic Separation Scheme, which is described earlier sage. During January and February, Mount Hope Bay, in this chapter. Bristol Harbor, Warren, Providence River, Greenwich Bay, and Wickford are usually closed to sailing vessels Tides unaided by power. The inner harbor of Newport is also (26) The tidal movement in Narragansett Bay with its sometimes closed during these months with the excep- tion of a channel kept open by vessels. It can get nasty vertical and horizontal constituents–tide and current, at the mouth of Narragansett Bay when strong winds respectively–is a continuation of the tide wave of the oppose the currents. Rounding Point Judith can be Atlantic Ocean. This wave sweeps into the three en- rough or interminable, due to the confluence of tidal trances between Sakonnet Point and Point Judith and currents. Also local wind conditions can cause the tide continues up the bay and into each of its tributaries un- to turn earlier or later than predicted in the tables. til stopped by rapids or other obstructions. As is usual when oceanic tidal movements enter inland waterways, North Atlantic Right Whales the nature of the movement is modified by the hydro- (30) Endangered North Atlantic right whales may occur graphic features encountered. In this area the local fea- tures are such that the current movement in particular in the Narragansett/Buzzards Bay Traffic Separation is subject to considerable distortion. The mean range of Scheme (peak season: November though April). The the tide varies from about 3.5 feet at the entrance to 4.6 Northeast Marine Pilots distribute educational mate- feet at Providence. (See the Tide Tables for predictions.) rial to mariners in an effort to reduce right whale ship strikes. (See North Atlantic Right Whales, indexed as Currents such, chapter 3, for more information on right whales (27) The flood current in Narragansett Bay frequently and recommended measures to avoid collisions with right whales.) has two maximums of velocity separated by a minimum (31) The Narragansett Bay National Estuarine Re- velocity which at times becomes an ebb flow. Over the search Reserve, a Marine Managed Area (MMA), in- greater part of the bay, the usual maximum flood or ebb cludes the waters around Prudence, Patience, Dyer, velocity is from 0.2 knot in the broad portions of the and Hope Islands in Narragansett Bay. Cape Cod South waterways to 1.5 knots in the more constricted sec- Closure Area includes inshore waters of Narragansett tions. Velocities of about 1.4 knots occur at the bridges Bay and offshore Federal waters of the south coasts of in Seekonk River, a velocity of about 1.7 knots in the Massachusetts and Rhode Island. (See MMAs 6-1 and narrows at the mouth of Kickamuit River, and a veloc- 5-1, Appendix C, for additional information.) ity of 2.3 to 2.7 knots at the bridges in Sakonnet River. In Sakonnet River, from the highway bridge to its Pilotage, Narragansett Bay and Other Rhode mouth, current velocities are small, being generally Island Waters less than 0.5 knot. (See the Tidal Current Tables for pre- (32) Pilotage is compulsory for foreign vessels and U.S. dictions, and the Tidal Current Charts, Narragansett Bay, vessels under register when entering and departing for hourly velocities and directions of the current.) Narragansett Bay and all ports of the waters of the State of Rhode Island. Weather, Narragansett Bay and vicinity (33) Pilots for Narragansett Bay are available from (28) In the entrance to the bay and its approaches, fogs Northeast Marine Pilots, Inc., Newport, RI; are more prevalent from April to October. The fogs are brought in by winds from east through south to

242 ■ Chapter 6 ■ Coast Pilot 2 (34) telephone 401-847-9050 (24 hours), 800-274-1216, Chart 13221 (35) FAX 401-847-9052, (36) email: [email protected]. (48) Sakonnet River, on the easterly side of Narragansett (37) Pilots board vessels about 1.5 miles eastward of Bay, is between the mainland and the eastern shore of Rhode Island. The width of the river varies from 0.7 to 2 Narragansett Bay Entrance Lighted Whistle Buoy NB miles except at its northern end where a least width of within an area bounded by 0.3 mile is found. The river is little used except by fishing (38) 41°23.6'N., 71°22.4'W., vessels and small craft. Sakonnet Light (41º27'11\"N., (39) 41°22.6'N., 71°22.0'W., 71°12'09\"W.) is on the eastern side of the southern en- (40) 41°24.2'N., 71°20.0'W., trance and marks the western end of the foul ground (41) 41°22.6'N., 71°20.6'W. This pilot boarding area is west-southwest of Sakonnet Point. southward of a line extending from Point Judith to Sakonnet Point. Vessels arriving from sea should ap- (49) The channel of Sakonnet River is good for a depth proach this boarding station via the Narragansett Bay of 18 feet from the mouth to Mount Hope Bay. There Traffic Separation Scheme inbound traffic lane. are numerous shoals and outlying rocks, but the dan- (42) Vessels bound for Long Island Sound ports may gers are well marked by buoys. Except for the breakwa- board pilots at any point south or east of the Point Ju- ter light off Sakonnet Harbor, no lighted aids are in the dith Pilot Station, centered on 41°17.0'N., 071°30.5'W., river, and strangers should not attempt to navigate it at and outside the waters of the State of Rhode Island. night. (43) Pilots board from the Northeast Marine Pilots, Inc. pilot boats NORTHEAST II, NORTHEAST III and (50) Good anchorage for vessels drawing up to 17 feet NORTHEAST IV. NORTHEAST II is a 47-foot boat and can be had in midriver just below High Hill Point in NORTHEAST IV is a 52-foot boat; both have unpainted depths of 21 to 28 feet. Although open to the south- aluminum hulls and superstructures with the word ward, a heavy sea seldom reaches as far as this anchor- PILOT in red on both sides. NORTHEAST III is a age. In southeasterly gales the water is comparatively 33-foot boat with black hull and white superstructure. smooth inside the mouth of the river. Fishermen seek- A vessel should confirm her ETA by VHF-FM radio at ing shelter frequently anchor on the flats in the bight least 2 hours before arrival. All Northeast pilot boats northward of Fogland Point in depths of 10 to 14 feet. monitor VHF-FM channels 16, 13 and 10, and work on 10. (51) Sakonnet Point, at the eastern entrance to (44) Pilots for Narragansett Bay serving U.S. enrolled Sakonnet River, is surrounded by bare and submerged vessels in coastwise trade are available from the Con- rocks. Several islets and islands are south of the point. necticut State Pilots (a division of Interport Pilots Schuyler Ledge, with a least depth of 8 feet, is about 0.8 Agency, Inc.), address: State Pier, New London, CT, tele- mile southward of the point, and is marked by a bell phone 800-346-4877 or 908-787-5554 (24 hours), cable buoy. A seasonal fishtrap area marked by private buoys PORTPILOTS Port Monmouth, NJ. is about 0.7 mile southwest of the point. (45) Connecticut State Pilots board vessels from the pi- lot boat CONNECTICUT PILOT, 65 feet long with blue (52) Cormorant Rock, a bare dark rock off the western hull and white superstructure, and from pilot boat side of the entrance to the river, is about 0.8 mile south CONNECTICUT PILOT II, 47 feet long with blue hull of Sachuest Point, the southeastern extremity of and white superstructure. The boats monitor VHF-FM Rhode Island. Vessels should not pass between Cormo- channels 16 and 13, 2 hours prior to the vessel’s sched- rant Rock and Cormorant Reef, 0.3 mile southward of uled ETA, and work on channel 10. The pilots meet the rock. The least depth on the reef is 4 feet; it is ships bound for Narragansett Bay at any point south or marked by a bell buoy. east of the Point Judith Pilot Station, centered on 41°17.0'N., 071°30.5'W., and outside the waters of the (53) The mean range of tide at Sakonnet Point is 3.1 State of Rhode Island. feet. (See the Tide Tables for predictions.) (46) Vessels to be boarded should provide a ladder 3 feet above the water on the lee side. (54) The two bridges and the remains of the abandoned (47) Pilot services are generally arranged at least 24 highway bridge at the north end of Sakonnet River act hours in advance through ships’ agents or directly by as dams to maintain the water at different levels on ei- shipping companies. ther side of them, causing dangerous currents through the openings. The currents change with great rapidity both in velocity and in direction, and are characterized by a double flood. (See the Tidal Current Tables for pre- dictions, and the Tidal Current Charts, Narragansett Bay, for hourly velocities and directions of the current.) Vessels usually pass through the draws near the times of slack water.