U.S. Coast Pilot 2, Chapter 6 ¢ 245 miles. This ledge is from 175 to 600 yards offshore, southerly limit of this shoal, 0.9 mile north-northeastward culminating in America Ledge at its northern end. of Fox Island. A rock with a depth of 10 feet over it is Numerous rocks are on Great Ledge. Between Plum about 500 yards westward of General Rock. Brig Ledge, Beach and Rome Point, on the west side of the passage, about 0.5 mile north of General Rock, is covered 9 feet. 1.2 miles north of the bridge, are several rocks, including The southern shore of the outer harbor is foul. Charles Red Rock and Old Sergeant. Bare and covered rocks are Rock, with a depth of 4 feet, is just inside of the northern northeastward and eastward of Rome Point. breakwater. (326) Fox Island, 0.4 mile northeast of Rome Point and (333) Vessels approaching Wickford Harbor from the southward of Wickford Harbor, is small and low. A shoal southward, after passing through the main span of the with numerous submerged rocks including Seal Rock Jamestown Bridge, steer 340°. When northeastward of extends southward of the island. A narrow channel, Fox Island, steer for Wickford Harbor Light 1 on any suitable only for small craft, is between this shoal and the bearing between 313° and 290°, anchoring 0.2 mile or shoals extending northeastward of Rome Point. Halfway more southeastward of the light in depths of 13 to 15 feet, Ledge with a depth of 18 feet is about 0.5 mile east of soft bottom. Fox Island. (334) In severe winters the inner harbor is closed by ice, (327) Wickford Harbor, on the western side of but the outer harbor is usually open although drift ice is Narragansett Bay 8 miles above Beavertail Light, occasionally encountered. comprises an outer and an inner harbor. The outer harbor (335) Wickford has several small-craft facilities and is a broad bight between Quonset Point on the north boatyards. The largest marine railway, on the east of and Wild Goose Point, about 0.6 mile westward of Fox Wickford Cove, can handle craft up to 60 feet. Berths, Island, on the south. The entrance is about 2 miles wide. electricity, gasoline, diesel fuel, water, ice, marine The inner harbor entrance is between Poplar Point, 1.3 supplies, pump-out facilities, a launching ramp, mobile miles northwest of Fox Island on the south, and Sauga hoists to 30 tons, lifts to 70 tons, and hull, engine, and Point, about 0.4 mile north of Poplar Point, on the north. electronic repairs are available; wet and dry storage is The harbor is used chiefly by recreational craft, and by also available. In 1981, a reported depth of about 7 feet oyster and lobster boats. The town of Wickford is on the could be carried to the marine railway at Wickford Cove. southwestern side of the inner harbor. (336) Quonset Point, on the north side of Wickford (328) Several prominent landmarks are visible when Harbor, is marked by elevated tanks. Near the eastern end approaching Wickford Harbor. A standpipe (chart 13221) of the point are the conspicuous buildings of the Quonset and a church spire in Wickford may be seen for many Point Industrial Park. The piers at Quonset Point, and miles. An abandoned lighthouse on Poplar Point and the at Davisville, about 1.5 miles northward, are usually light off the point are prominent. approached from East Passage until north of Conanicut (329) The channel to the inner harbor, marked by buoys, is Island, thence through a buoyed dredged channel to a restricted to a width of about 150 yards by the breakwaters turning basin off the point from which a channel leads to and the shoals off Sauga and Poplar Points. The north the piers at Davisville. A depth of about 33 feet can be breakwater is marked by a light. The channel leads to the carried in the channel to the turning basin. Depths of 27 to junction of three coves, Fishing Cove to the northward, 35 feet are available throughout the basin.An obstruction, Mill Cove to the northwestward, and Wickford Cove to covered 26 feet, is at 41°35′09.7\"N., 71°24′34.0″W. A the southwestward. A State regulatory buoy just inside depth of about 32 feet can be carried in the channel to the jetties marks a “Slow no wake” zone. Davisville, thence about 26 feet through the turning basin (330) WickfordCoveisthesceneofconsiderablepleasure- to the piers. boat activity. A dredged channel in the cove extends (337) Hope Island, about 1.6 miles north of Conanicut between flats, many of which are dry at low water, to a Point, has low grassy hills with a few trees. The island highway bridge about 0.9 mile above the breakwaters. is a State estuarine sanctuary and is off limits to visitors Numerous piles, used as moorings, border the channel during the bird nesting season. Bare and submerged rocks for about 0.35 mile below the highway bridge. In 2010, surround the island for about 0.2 mile. Despair Island the channel had a controlling depth of 5.5 feet. is on the outer end of a rocky ledge extending 0.2 mile (331) A marked dredged channel in Mill Cove leads to an northeastward of Hope Island; a buoy is off the northeast anchorage basin about 0.7 mile above the breakwaters. side of the ledge. Scup Rock and Round Rock are off In 2010, the channel had a controlling depth of 8 feet the eastern side of Hope Island, and Gooseberry Island except for shoaling to 4 feet in the north quarter of the and Seal Rock are off the western side. A hazardous channel between Cornelius Island and Point Wharf. The reef with piles and a boiler awash on it is about 0.4 mile anchorage basin had a controlling depth of 6 feet except southwestward of the southwest point of Hope Island; a for shoaling to 5 feet in the northeast corner. lighted buoy marks the area. (332) Good anchorage may be had in the middle and (338) Allen Harbor is 2 miles north of Quonset Point. The southern parts of outer Wickford Harbor. The northern harbor is entered through a buoyed channel which has a part of the outer harbor has numerous rocks and ledges. depth of about 8 feet. Depths of 8 to 10 feet are inside. General Rock, with a depth of 9 feet over it, is the
246 ¢ U.S. Coast Pilot 2, Chapter 6 A town launching ramp is on the southeast side of the ramps, marine supplies, and hull and engine repairs are harbor. available. The largest lift, on the east side of the cove (339) Calf Pasture Point is on the north side of the about 0.3 mile above the mouth, can handle craft up to entrance to Allen Harbor. Abreast the point and for some 70 tons. distance northward of it, a shoal extends 0.5 mile from (349) Brush Neck Cove, about 0.5 mile west of Warwick shore. Cove, is fronted by a flat with a general depth of about 2 feet. This channel is used by small local craft at high water (340) as far as the pier at Oakland Beach. Oakland Beach, on Horse Neck, between Brush Neck and Warwick Coves, Chart 13224 is a summer resort with bus communication. (350) Apponaug Cove, in the northwestern part of (341) Potowomut River, entering the west side of West Greenwich Bay, is entered through a marked Federal Passage, 1.7 miles north of Calf Pasture Point, is separated channel with a project depth of 6 feet that leads from from Greenwich Bay on the north by Potowomut Neck. the bay to an anchorage basin on the southwest side of A dredged channel leads through the entrance of the river. the channel just below a fixed railroad bridge about 0.7 In 2004, the channel had a controlling depth of 2.7 feet. mile above the channel entrance. A State regulatory buoy Caution is necessary to avoid rocks with depths of 1 foot at the entrance to the cove marks a 5 mph speed zone. over them in the entrance. Strangers should not enter the (See Notice to Mariners and latest edition of chart for river. controlling depths.) Small-craft facilities can be found in the cove and at the west end of Greenwich Bay southwest (342) Round Rock, about 0.7 mile eastward of Potowomut of the entrance channel to the cove. (See small-craft River entrance, uncovers 3 feet and is marked by a seasonal facilities tabulation on chart 13221 for services and lighted buoy close eastward. Several other rocks, awash supplies available.) and submerged, lie between Round Rock and the entrance (351) Chepiwanoxet Point, on the western side of the to the river; caution is advised. bay northward of the entrance to Greenwich Cove, is a small neck of land with a yellow bluff facing eastward. (343) The natural channel of West Passage extends From this island, shoals with little water over them extend between the shoal area eastward of Round Rock and about 500 yards northward and 300 yards eastward and the shoal area westward of Patience Island. The channel southeastward. Shoals extend about 300 yards northward has depths of 21 to 70 feet. Buoys mark the entrance and westward of Long Point, the northwestern extremity from the southward, and a lighted bell buoy marks the of Potowomut Neck. northwestward edge of the shoal off Patience Island. The (352) Greenwich Cove, in the southwest end of channel is the approach from southward to Greenwich Greenwich Bay, is about 1.3 miles long and 300 to 600 Bay, Warwick Point, and the channel from West Passage yards wide. Buoys mark the entrance channel into the to Providence River. cove. State regulatory buoys at the entrance mark a “Slow no wake” zone. On the western shore is the town of East (344) Patience Island, 0.2 mile west of the northern end of Greenwich. Depths of about 7 to 11 feet are available in Prudence Island, is surrounded by shoals and foul ground. the cove to about 0.5 mile from the head. Good anchorage The island is a State park and estuarine sanctuary. may be had off some of the small-craft facilities on the west side of the cove in depths of 8 to 11 feet. (345) Warwick Point, the southernmost point of Warwick (353) The cove has several boatyards. Berths, electricity, Neck, 0.7 mile northwest of Patience Island, is marked by gasoline, water, diesel fuel, ice, marine supplies, wet and a light and sound signal. dry storage, launching ramps, lifts to 21 tons, and complete engine and hull repairs are available. The harbormaster (346) Greenwich Bay, at the northwestern end of in the cove controls anchoring and berthing; contact can Narragansett Bay, is entered between Warwick Neck and be made through the Warwick City Hall. Potowomut Neck. Shoal water borders the shore of the (354) From Sandy Point, the eastern extremity of bay, but the general depths are 10 feet or more. Potowomut Neck, shoals with depths of 2 to 9 feet extend northeasterly for about 0.6 mile. Extensive shoals extend (347) Warwick Cove, between Warwick Neck and Horse off the eastern side of Warwick Neck to Ohio Ledge. Neck, is in the northeastern part of Greenwich Bay. A Rocky Point is on the eastern side of the neck, 1.7 miles Federal project provides for a 6-foot channel from the north-northeastward of Warwick Point. bay to an anchorage basin at the head of the cove; other (355) The natural channel between the shoals off Warwick anchorage basins in the cove are on the west side of the Neck and the shoals northward of Patience and Prudence channel, 0.5 mile above the channel entrance, and on each Islands has depths of 19 to 50 feet. A buoy marks the side of the channel 0.7 mile above the channel entrance. shoal off Providence Point, the northernmost point of All of the anchorage basins have a project depth of 6 feet. Prudence Island. (See Notice to Mariners and the latest edition of the chart for controlling depths.) A State regulatory buoy off Horse Neck marks a 5 mph speed limit. The cove is the scene of considerable pleasure boat activity. (348) The harbormaster in the cove controls berthing and anchorage; contact can be made through the Warwick City Hall. The cove has several marinas and boatyards. Berths, electricity, gasoline, water, ice, storage, launching
U.S. Coast Pilot 2, Chapter 6 ¢ 247 (356) waters between Black Point and Point Judith are boulder- strewn and shoal up gradually. Chart 13218 (358) Three very prominent landmarks are Point Judith Light, the elevated water tank 1.7 miles north of Point (357) The shoreline of Point Judith Neck between West Judith, and Hazard’s Tower, a high, square stone tower Passage and Point Judith should be given a berth of at 0.5 mile south of Narragansett Pier. Closer inshore the least 0.6 mile. From Narragansett Pier to Black Point, a stone bathing pavilion at the State-operated Scarborough rocky promontory 1.9 miles southward, the shoreline is Beach, 0.5 mile south of Black Point, and an open stone a rugged rocky ledge with deep water close inshore. The tower on a house 0.4 mile north of Black Point are prominent.
248 ¢ U.S. Coast Pilot 2, Chapter 6 (359) Chart Station Tidal Information Mean Higher Mean High Mean Low High Water* Water* Water* 13218 Gay Head, Martha's Vineyard Latitude/Longitude 3.0 0.1 13218 Woods Hole, Little Harbor 3.2 1.5 0.1 13218 New Bedford, Buzzards Bay 41°21'N/70°50'W 1.6 3.8 0.1 13218 Point Judith, Harbor of Refuge 41°31'N/70°40'W 4.1 3.1 0.1 13218 Block Island, Old Harbor Basin 41°38'N/70°55'W 3.4 3.0 0.1 13221 Narragansett Pier 41°22'N/71°29'W 3.2 3.3 0.1 13221 Bristol, Bristol Harbor 41°10'N/71°33'W 3.6 4.2 0.2 13223 Wickford 41°25'N/71°27'W 4.5 3.9 0.1 13223 Prudence Island 41°40'N/71°17'W 4.1 3.9 0.2 13223 Newport, Naval Training Station 41°34'N/71°27'W 4.1 3.6 0.1 13223 Beavertail Point, Conanicut Island 41°35'N/71°19'W 3.9 3.5 0.2 13224 East Greenwich, Greenwich Bay 41°30'N/71°20'W 3.8 4.2 0.2 13224 Bristol Ferry, Mount Hope Bay 41°27'N/71°24'W 4.5 4.2 0.2 13225 Providence, State Pier #1 41°40'N/71°27'W 4.5 4.6 0.2 13227 Fall River, Taunton River 41°38'N/71°15'W 4.8 4.6 0.2 41°48'N/71°24'W 4.9 41°44'N/71°08'W * Heights in feet referred to datum of sounding MLLW. Real-time water levels, tide predictions, and tidal current predictions are available at http://tidesandcurrents.noaa.gov To determine mean tide range subtract Mean Low Water from Mean High Water. Data as of September 2014
U.S. Coast Pilot 2, Chapter 6 ¢ 249
72°30' 72° 71°30' 250 ¢ U.S. Coast Pilot 2, Chapter 7 41° Index of Chart Coverage in Chapter 7 RHODE ISLAND 41° 13219 30' 30' CON CONNECTICUT 12358 RIVERLONG ISLAND SOUND 13205 Groton Fall River Point Judith Harbor Point Judith NECTICUT Mystic Stonington Greenport New London Watch Hill Fishers Island 13217 13214 Block Island BLOCK ISLAND SOUND 13212 Montauk Point Gardiners Island GARDINERS BAY 41° 41° LITTLE PECONIC BAY 13209 13215 GREAT PECONIC BAY 12354 NORTH ATLANTIC OCEAN 72°30' 72° 71°30'
U.S. Coast Pilot 2, Chapter 7 ¢ 251 Block Island Sound (1) This chapter describes Block Island Sound, Fishers (10) Recommended Vessel Route (Block Island Sound) Island Sound, Gardiners Bay, Little Peconic Bay, Great has been established for Block Island Sound. Peconic Bay, and the ports and harbors in the area, the more important of which are Point Judith Harbor, Great (11) TheU.S.CoastGuardCaptainofthePort,Providence, Salt Pond, Stonington, Mystic Harbor, and Greenport. in cooperation with the Southeastern Massachusetts and Rhode Island Port Safety and Security Committees, (2) has established a Recommended Vessel Route for deep draft vessels and tugs/barges transiting Rhode Island COLREGS Demarcation Lines Sound, Narragansett Bay, and Buzzards Bay. Deep (3) The lines established for this part of the coast are draft vessels and tugs/barges are requested to follow the designated routes. These routes were designed to provide described in 33 CFR80.150 and 80.155, chapter 2. safe, established routes for these vessels, to reduce the potential for conflict with recreational boaters, fishing (4) gear, and other small craft, and to reduce the potential for grounding or collision. Vessels are responsible for Charts 13205, 13215 their own safety and are not required to remain inside the route nor are fisherman required to keep fishing gear (5) Block Island Sound is a deep navigable waterway outside the route. Small vessels should exercise caution in forming the eastern approach to Long Island Sound, and around the Recommended Vessel Routes and monitor Fishers Island Sound, and Gardiners Bay from the VHF channels 16 or 13 for information concerning deep Atlantic Ocean. The sound is a link for waterborne draft vessels and tugs/barges transiting these routes. commerce between Cape Cod and Long Island Sound. It has two entrances from the Atlantic: an eastern entrance from Rhode Island Sound between Block Island and Point Judith, and a southern entrance between Block (12) Block Island North Reef is a sand shoal with a least Island and Montauk Point. The sound is connected with depth of 11 feet extending 1 mile northward from Sandy Long Island Sound by The Race and other passages to the Point at the north end of Block Island. The shoal should southwestward, and with Fishers Island Sound by several be avoided by all vessels; its depths change frequently, passages between rocky reefs from Watch Hill Point to and its position is also subject to a slow change. It is East Point, Fishers Island. practically steep-to on all sides, so that soundings alone cannot be depended on to clear it. A lighted bell buoy is (6) The north shoreline of Block Island Sound and 1.5 miles northward of the point. Fishers Island Sound from Point Judith to New London is generally rocky and broken with short stretches of sandy (13) Southwest Ledge, 5.5 miles west-southwestward of beach. Many inlets and harbors, especially in the vicinity Block Island Southeast Light, has a least known depth of of Fishers Island, afford harbors of refuge for vessels. 21 feet and is marked on its southwest side by Southwest Most of the rocks and shoals near the channels are marked Ledge Lighted Whistle Buoy 2. Rocky patches extend 1.5 with navigational aids. miles northeastward from the ledge. The sea breaks on the shoaler places on the ledge in heavy weather. (7) The southern part of Block Island Sound is bounded by Block Island on the east, the eastern extremity of Long (14) Several other dangers that must be guarded against Island, and Gardiners Island on the west. Plum Island and are northward and westward of Southwest Ledge Lighted Fishers Island are at the western end of the sound. Whistle Buoy 2. These dangers are: 37-foot sounding, marked by a lighted buoy, about 2.2 mile 280° from the (8) The deep water in the central part of Block Island lighted whistle buoy and numerous rocks up to 1.1 miles Sound will accommodate vessels of the greatest draft. north of the lighted whistle buoy. (9) Westward of Gardiners Island, enclosed between (15) The deepest passage in the southern entrance to the northeastern and eastern ends of Long Island, are Block Island Sound is just westward of Southwest Ledge Gardiners Bay, Shelter Island Sound, Little Peconic Bay, and has a width of over 2 miles; this is the best passage and Great Peconic Bay. This area is well protected but for deep draft vessels. The area between Southwest Ledge generally shallow, and is not suited for deep-draft vessels. Lighted Whistle Buoy 2 and Block Island Sound South The shoreline is marked by many indentations and shallow Entrance Obstruction Lighted Buoy BIS is known locally harbors. These waters are much used by commercial as Montauk Channel. Mariners should keep in mind that fishing vessels and small pleasure craft because of the vessels with a draft in excess of 38 feet will not be allowed protection afforded and the many anchorages.
252 ¢ U.S. Coast Pilot 2, Chapter 7 to transit this area. Further, pilots using Montauk Channel (25) The Race may be said to be the only locality shall consider draft, sea and swell, wind, visibility, current where tidal currents have any decided influence on the and vessel traffic. When these conditions pose a threat to movements of the ice. Large quantities of floe ice usually the safety of any person, vessel, prudent navigation or pass through The Race during the ebb, especially if the safety of the environment, Montauk Channel shall not wind is westerly, and in severe winters this ice causes some be used. obstruction in Block Island Sound and around Montauk (16) Between the inner patch of rocks and the shoals, Point. These obstructions are the most extensive around which extend 0.9 mile from Block Island, is a channel 1.3 the middle of February. miles wide, with a depth of about 31 feet. Vessels using this channel should round the southwest end of Block (26) Island at a distance of 1.5 miles. It is not advisable to use this passage during heavy weather. Weather, Block Island Sound and vicinity (17) The entrance between Point Judith and Block Island (27) Land influences the weather only at the northern is used by vessels coming from the bays and sounds eastward to Long Island Sound. The route generally used edge of the Sound, with a northerly wind. Otherwise is through The Race. Tows of light barges and vessels of the waters are open, similar to the nearby ocean. Winds 14 feet or less draft sometimes go through Fishers Island from all other directions have ample time to increase in Sound, especially during daylight with a smooth sea. This strength and the Sound can be as turbulent as any water entrance is clear with the exception of Block Island North off the coast. Wind speeds can be double those found on Reef and the numerous large boulders extending about the coast, especially in winter, when average speeds of 4 miles south-southeastward of Point Judith. The coast 16 to 17 knots are common. Gales occur up to 5 percent from Point Judith nearly to Watch Hill should be given of the time in winter and are most likely from the west a berth of over 1 mile, avoiding the broken ground with and northwest. Seas built by winds from the southeast depths less than 30 feet. through southwest are usually highest since there is no land to interfere with the fetch. Seas of 10 feet (3 m) or (18) more are likely 5 to 7 percent of the time in winter. (28) Because of relatively cold water, summer fog occurs Tides and currents two to three times more often in these waters than in (19) The effect of strong winds, in combination with the either Narragansett or Buzzard Bays. For example, in June visibilities drop below ½ mile nearly 9 percent of regular tidal action, may at times cause the water to fall the time. several feet below or rise the same amount above the plane of reference of the chart. (29) (20) Tidal current data for a number of locations in Block Island Sound are given in the Tidal Current Tables. North Atlantic Right Whales (21) The tidal currents throughout Block Island Sound (30) Endangered North Atlantic right whales may occur have considerable velocity; the greatest velocities occur in the vicinity of The Race and in the entrances between in Block Island Sound, in particular in the Narragansett/ Montauk Point, Block Island, and Point Judith. Soundings Buzzards Bay Traffic Separation Scheme. They may also alone cannot be depended upon to locate the position; the occur 30 miles south of Block Island Sound (peak season: shoaling is generally abrupt in approaching the shores or November through April). The Northeast Marine Pilots dangers. distribute educational material to mariners in an effort to reduce right whale ship strikes. (See North Atlantic Right Whales, indexed as such, in chapter 3 for more information on right whales and recommended measures (22) In the middle of the passage between Point Judith to avoid collisions.) and Block Island, the velocity is 0.7 knot. The flood sets (31) All vessels 65 feet or greater in length overall westward, and the ebb eastward. (L.O.A.) and subject to the jurisdiction of the United States are restricted to speeds of 10 knots or less in the (23) In the passage between Block Island and Montauk Block Island Sound Seasonal Management Area between Point, the flood sets generally northwestward and the ebb November 1 and April 30. The area is defined as the southeastward. In the middle of the passage the velocity waters bounded by: is 1.5 knots on the flood and 1.9 knots on the ebb. About (32) 40°51'53.7\"N., 70°36'44.9\"W.; 1.2 miles eastward of Montauk Point, the flood sets 346°, (33) 41°20'14.1\"N., 70°49'44.1\"W.; ebb 162°, with a velocity of 2.8 knots. (34) 41°04'16.7\"N., 71°51'21.0\"W.; (35) 40°35'56.5\"N., 71°38'25.1\"W.; thence back to (24) In Block Island Sound and in the eastern part of starting point. (See 50 CFR 224.105in chapter 2 for Long Island Sound, fogs are generally heaviest with regulations, limitations, and exceptions.) southeast winds. In these waters the usual duration of a fog is from 4 to 12 hours, but periods of from 4 to 6 days (36) have been known with very short clear intervals. In the autumn, land fogs, as they are termed locally, sometimes Pilotage, Block Island Sound and Long Island Sound occur with northerly breezes, but are generally burned off (37) Pilotage is compulsory for foreign flag vessels and before midday. U.S. vessels which are under register (i.e. engaged in foreign trade) in Block Island Sound and Long Island
U.S. Coast Pilot 2, Chapter 7 ¢ 253 Sound. Vessels should not enter Block Island Sound or for the year, but the mean is 17 knots in the winter, when Long Island Sound without a state licensed pilot. See gales are frequent. In the early fall most of the tropical Pilotage, Long Island Sound (indexed as such), chapter storms moving up the coast affect the island to some 8. The Point Judith Pilot Station is the primary pilot extent. Since 1871 and 1996, 13 storms have come within boarding location for entry into Block Island Sound and 25 miles of Block Island. In August 1991, the center of Long Island Sound. Vessels bound for Long Island Sound Hurricane Bob passed about ten miles to the west of the ports may board pilots at the Point Judith Pilot Station, island with 85-knot winds. centered on 41°17.0'N., 71°30.5'W. There is a secondary (46) (See Appendix B for Block Island climatological pilot station which may be used with special arrangement table.) at any point south of the Montauk Point Pilot Station, centered on 41°02.0'N., 71°42.0'W. (47) (38) Communications (48) A ferry operates daily from Galilee to Great Salt Chart 13217 Pond or Old Harbor, carrying mail, passengers, freight, (39) Block Island, 5 miles long, is hilly with elevations and vehicles. There is summer ferry service from Old up to about 200 feet. The shore of the island is fringed Harbor to Providence, via Newport, and to New London. in most places by boulders and should be given a berth The island has telephone service to the mainland. Air of over 0.5 mile even by small craft; the shoaling is service is also available. generally abrupt in approaching the island. (40) (49) Block Island Southeast Light (41°09'10\"N., Weather, Block Island and vicinity 71°33'04\"W.), 67 feet above the water, is shown from (41) Block Island, formed by glaciers, consists of nearly a red-brick octagonal, pyramidal tower attached to a dwelling to Mohegan Bluffs on the southeast point of the 7,000 acres (2,830 hectares) and lies in theAtlantic Ocean island. The wreck of the large tanker SS LIGHTBURNE about 12 miles east-northeast of Long Island and about is southeast of the light at 41°08'57\"N., 71°32'52\"W. the same distance south of Charlestown, RI. Hence, the climate is typically maritime, but under conditions of (50) Block Island North Light (41°13'39\"N., extreme cold or heat the effect is felt on the island as 71°34'33\"W.), 58 feet above the water, is shown from a well as on the mainland. Temperatures of -10°F (-23.3°C, white tower on a house structure on Sandy Point at the February 1992) and 95°F (35°C, August 1948) have been north end of the island. At Clay Head, on the northeast recorded. side of Block Island, is a lone white house on top of the (42) Summers are usually dry. Recorded rainfall for any bluff. one month ranges from a trace to 11.51 inches (292 mm). November is the wettest month averaging 4.08 inches (51) Old Harbor, frequently used as a harbor of refuge, (104 mm) and June is the driest averaging 2.46 inches is an artificial harbor formed by two breakwaters on the (64 mm). east side of Block Island, 1.4 miles northward of Block (43) The warmest month is July with an average high of Island Southeast Light. A Federal project provides for a 76.5°F (24.7°C) and an average low of 63.7°F (17.6°C). channel 15 feet deep entering the harbor and leading to The coolest months are January and February. Each a basin with a project depth of 15 feet; the inner harbor average 32°F (0°C). The island is too small to build up anchorage area also has a project depth of 15 feet. (See cumulonimbus clouds, and local thunderstorms do not Notice to Mariners and latest editions of the charts for occur. Fog occurs on one out of four days in the early controlling depths.) The harbor is occupied by pleasure summer, when the ocean is relatively cold and foggy days craft during the summer. The eastern part of the inner average about 22 each year. harbor is left clear for the passage of the ferry to the wharf. (44) Winters are distinguished for their comparative The basin in the southeast corner of the inner harbor is mildness; maximums average 36°F to 42°F (2.2°C to usually occupied by fishing boats and local craft which 5.6°C) and minimums average 26°F (-3.3°C) in January tie up along the sides. Gasoline, diesel fuel, and berths and February. Since the surface winds are usually are available. The harbormaster has an office at the Old easterly when snow begins it soon changes to rain or Harbor town dock. melts rapidly after it piles up. The ocean temperatures are always somewhat above freezing and not far off shore (52) The east breakwater extends about 300 yards are relatively high. northward of the entrance of the inner harbor, and is (45) The ocean has a dampening effect on hot winds marked at its end by a light and sound signal. A bell buoy in summer and an accelerating effect on cold winds is 0.55 mile northward of the breakwater. A light marks from the mainland in the winter. Katabatic winds from the end of the breakwater on the west side at the entrance Narrangansett Bay and Long Island reach as high as to the inner harbor. 35 knots when anticyclonic conditions prevail on the mainland in winter. The wind velocity averages 15 knots (53) Great Salt Pond (New Harbor), on the west side of Block Island, is the best harbor in Block Island Sound for vessels of 15-foot draft or less. In easterly gales when the sea is too heavy to enter Old Harbor, a landing can be made at Great Salt Pond. The entrance, about 2 miles
254 ¢ U.S. Coast Pilot 2, Chapter 7 south-southwestward of Block Island North Light, is a a heavy southerly sea. It is little used by tows. The only dredged cut through the narrow beach. The southwestern soft bottom in the harbor is found in the southern part of side of the entrance is protected by a jetty, which is marked the deeper water enclosed by the main breakwater. On by a light and a sound signal at its outer end. the north side the shoaling is gradual; the 18-foot curve (54) A Federal project provides for a channel 18 feet deep is about 0.3 to 0.5 mile offshore. A shoal extends from entering Great Salt Pond. (See Notice to Mariners and the north to the central part of the harbor with depths of latest editions of the charts for controlling depths.) Local 14 to 18 feet; the shoal is marked by a buoy. knowledge is advised before entering. (66) The area within the V-shaped breakwater affords (55) Anchoring is prohibited west of the main channel protected anchorage for small craft. The breakwater and in the northern portion of Great Salt Pond. A mooring should be given a berth of 200 yards to avoid broken area is near the southeast end, east of the channel. See and hard bottom; a rocky shoal area about 100 yards chart 13217 for limits. wide, paralleling the west side of the main breakwater (56) Small-craft facilities in Great Salt Pond can provide northward from the angle should be avoided. A good berths, electricity, gasoline, diesel fuel, water, ice, and berth for a vessel is on a line between Point Judith Harbor marine supplies. The marina about 0.3 mile westward of of Refuge East Entrance Light 3 and Point Judith Harbor the ferry landing had a reported depth of 16 feet at the face of Refuge West Entrance Light 2, midway between them of the dock in 1981. Sail and engine repairs are available in 22 to 30 feet. This position falls on the edge of the east- nearby. west thorofare used by pleasure craft and fishing boats. (67) Awreck, covered 12 feet, is about 570 yards southeast (57) of Point Judith Harbor of Refuge West Entrance Light 2 in about 41°21'33\"N., 71°30'28\"W. Another wreck, Currents covered 6 feet, is marked by a lighted buoy about 475 (58) Tidal currents in the entrance to Great Salt Pond yards westward of Point Judith Harbor of Refuge East Entrance Light 3 in 41°21'34\"N., 71°30'11\"W. have a velocity of 0.3 knot. (See Tidal Current Tables for (68) The southern entrance to the Harbor of Refuge, predictions.) known locally as the East Gap, is 400 yards wide; it has a controlling depth of about 20 feet with deeper water in (59) the western half of the channel. (69) The western entrance to the Harbor of Refuge, No-Discharge Zone known locally as the West Gap, is 500 yards wide; it has (60) The State of Rhode Island, with the approval of the a controlling depth of about 19 feet, with lesser depths on the north side of the entrance. A rock, covered 12 feet, Environmental Protection Agency, has established a No- is near the north side of the entrance at 41°21'48.7\"N., Discharge Zone (NDZ) in Great Salt Pond. The NDZ 71°31'07.4\"W. Another rock, covered 16 feet, is 125 includes all waters east of a line from the landward end of yards SE of the end of the north breakwater. the jetty located at the northwestern channel entrance to the red marker located approximately 600 feet northwest (70) of the United States Coast Guard facility dock (see chart 13217 for limits). Currents (61) Within the NDZ, discharge of sewage, whether (71) The tidal currents have a velocity of about 0.7 knot treated or untreated, from all vessels is prohibited. Outside the NDZ, discharge of sewage is regulated by at the south entrance. The currents off the west entrance 40 CFR 140(see chapter 2). are rotary, with a velocity at strength of 0.5 knot. (See Tidal Current Tables for predictions.) (62) (72) Considerably stronger currents have been reported to develop especially when the tide is ebbing. Chart 13219 (63) Point Judith Light (41°21'40\"N., 71°28'53\"W.), 65 feet above the water, is shown from an octagonal tower, (73) Point Judith Pond is a saltwater tidal pond entered 51 feet high, with the lower half white, upper half brown. between two rock jetties at The Breachway in the The station has a sound signal. About 100 yards north of northwestern part of Point Judith Harbor of Refuge. the light is Point Judith Coast Guard Station. A lighted The east jetty is marked near its seaward end by a light. whistle buoy is about 3.2 miles southward of the light. The pond extends 3.3 miles northerly to the town of (See chart 13218.) Wakefield. It is used extensively by small fishing vessels and pleasure craft, and numerous fish wharves are inside (64) The area around Point Judith, including the the entrance. The north end of Point Judith Pond affords approaches to Point Judith Harbor of Refuge, is irregular good anchorage for boats of 4 feet draft or less during a with rocky bottom and indications of boulders. Caution heavy blow. is advised to avoid the shoal spots, even with a smooth sea, and to exercise extra care where the depths are not (74) The village of Galilee on the east side of the entrance more than 6 feet greater than the draft. and Jerusalem on the west side at Succotash Point have State piers and numerous small piers chiefly used (65) Point Judith Harbor of Refuge, on the west side of Point Judith, is formed by a main V-shaped breakwater and two shorearm breakwaters extending to the shore. The harbor is easy of access for most vessels except with
U.S. Coast Pilot 2, Chapter 7 ¢ 255 by fishermen. A State fisheries laboratory is just above and boulders in places, which should be avoided by deep- the State pier at Jerusalem. A State pier superintendent draft vessels where the depths are less than 36 to 42 feet. controls the State piers at Galilee and Jerusalem; his (83) Matunuck is a summer resort about 3 miles west of office is at the head of the Galilee State Pier. Point Judith. Southwest of Matunuck Point is Nebraska (75) A Federal project provides for a depth of 15 feet Shoal, a patch of boulders covered 18 feet and marked by from Point Judith Harbor of Refuge to the State Pier at a buoy. The shoal is at the south end of broken ground, Jerusalem along the west side of Point Judith Pond with with depths less than 30 feet offshore; the water deepens a branch channel on the east side extending northeasterly abruptly around the patch. from the entrance of the pond to the State Pier at Galilee, (84) Charlestown Breachway, 4.5 miles westward and a 10-foot anchorage basin just inside the pond of Matunuck Point, is a narrow inlet which leads to entrance. The western channel extends north the turning Ninigret Pond, also known as Charlestown Pond, to basin at Wakefield; portions of the channel are federally the westward, and the village of Charlestown to the maintained to 6 feet. (See Notice to Mariners and latest northward. In 1994, a reported depth of about 1½ feet editions of charts for controlling depths.) could be taken in the inlet, with depths of about 3 to 6 feet inside. The southern part of Ninigret Pond is mostly mud (76) flats. Local knowledge is required in entering and moving about inside. A small-craft facility is at Charlestown, Tides and Currents and one is at the western end of Ninigret Pond; berths, (77) The mean range of tide in the pond is 2.8 feet and gasoline, electricity, marine supplies, and launching ramps are at both facilities. occurs later than in the Harbor of Refuge by about 10 (85) Quonochontaug,10.8mileswestwardofPointJudith, minutes just inside the entrance and 30 minutes at the is a summer settlement at the outlet of Quonochontaug north end. The tidal currents in the entrance have a Pond. In 1981, a reported depth of about 3 feet could be velocity of 1.8 knots on the flood and 1.5 knots on the carried in Quonochontaug Breachway, with depths of ebb, and cause slight rips and overfalls at changes of tide. 15 to 20 feet reported in the pond. Vessels favor the west Higher current velocities are reported to occur. (See Tidal side of the entrance to avoid rocks in the easterly half of Current Tables for predictions.) the entrance. (86) Weekapaug Point, 12.5 miles west of Point Judith, is bold, rocky, and prominent from the southwest and southeast. Two stone jetties, 1,500 feet long, protect (78) Several boatyards and marinas are at Galilee, the entrance to Winnapaug Pond just westward of the Jerusalem, Wakefield, and at Snug Harbor, on the west point. In 1981, a reported depth of about 5 feet could be side of the pond about 0.8 mile above the entrance. carried in Weekapaug Breachway to the pond; vessels Berths, electricity, gasoline, diesel fuel, water, ice, marine favor the west side of the breachway above the bridge. supplies, storage, launching ramps, and hull and engine Reported depths in Winnapaug Pond vary from bare to 10 repairs are available. The largest marine railway in the feet. There are numerous shoals and sandbars. Southerly area, at the southern end of the waterfront at Snug Harbor, winds cause breakers at the ends of the jetties; extreme can handle craft up to 150 feet long or 400 tons. In 1981, caution is advised. The fixed bridge over the entrance has a reported depth of 12 feet could be carried to the railway. a clearance of 6 feet. (87) Old Reef, with a least depth of 7 feet, is about (79) Daily ferry service is available to Block Island from 1.5 miles west of Weekapaug Point and about 0.5 mile Galilee. Daily bus service is operated to Providence. offshore. (80) Potter Pond, shallow and landlocked, is joined with (88) Point Judith by a narrow channel near Snug Harbor. Local knowledge should be obtained before using this Chart 13214 channel, which has depths of 2 to 4 feet and is crossed by overhead power and telephone cables with a clearance (89) Watch Hill, about 17.5 miles west of Point Judith, of 30 feet at the channel entrance and by a fixed highway is a high bare bluff on its easterly side with several large bridge with a clearance of 5 feet about 0.4 mile above hotels and summer houses. the entrance. A current of more than 3 knots develops through the channel on the ebb. The mean range of tide (90) Watch Hill Light (41°18'14\"N., 71°51'30\"W.), 61 in the pond is about 1 foot, and it occurs about 2.5 hours feet above the water, is shown from a square gray granite later than in the Harbor of Refuge. tower, 45 feet high, attached to a white building with a red roof, on Watch Hill Point. (81) (91) Gangway Rock, awash at low water, is part of a Chart 13215 boulder reef extending about 0.2 mile southward from Watch Hill Light. A lighted bell buoy marks the south end (82) From Point Judith to Watch Hill the shore is low of the reef. A submerged rock is about 50 yards northward and for the most part consists of sandy beaches which of the buoy. are broken by several projecting rocky points. Back from the immediate shore are areas of cultivation interspersed with rolling grass-covered or wooded hills. Except for Point Judith Pond, most pond outlets are used only by small local craft. The coast is fringed by broken ground
256 ¢ U.S. Coast Pilot 2, Chapter 7 (92) Watch Hill Passage is the principal entrance to 9 feet over them. The passage between the buoy and Race Fishers Island Sound from eastward, and the only one Rock Light has very irregular bottom; the least depth is used by strangers. It has a least depth of about 16 feet. about 18 feet. It is suitable only for small vessels with a A spot with 13 feet over it in the passage is marked by a comparatively smooth sea. buoy; the best channel is northward of this buoy, giving (104) Race Rock, on the northeast side of The Race, is it a berth of about 150 yards. nearly 200 yards in diameter, with a depth of 8 feet. A ridge with a least depth of 28 feet extends about 120 yards (93) Watch Hill Reef, on the southwest side of Watch SSW of Race Rock. Another ridge, extending in a north- Hill Passage, has rocks that bare and is marked by a gong south direction with a least depth of 38 feet is about 320 buoy. yards east of Race Rock. (105) Race Rock Light (41°14'37\"N., 72°02'50\"W.), (94) Sugar Reef Passage, between Watch Hill Reef and 67 feet above the water, is shown from a granite tower Sugar Reef, has a width of 0.3 mile; the least depths are attached to a dwelling on a granite pier on the rock. A about 22 feet. sound signal is sounded at the station. The sound signal is reported at times to be inaudible when a vessel is (95) Sugar Reef, some 500 to 600 yards in extent, is approaching from eastward and is close southward of covered 2 to 12 feet and should be avoided; it is marked Fishers Island. by a buoy off its north side. (106) (96) Catumb Passage, between Sugar Reef and Catumb Rocks, has a width of 150 yards; its least depth is 13 feet. Charts 13209, 13212 (97) Catumb Rocks, the highest of which are awash, are (107) The Race, the main entrance to Long Island Sound marked by buoys on the north, southeast, and southwest from eastward, extends between Fishers Island and Little sides. Rocks covered 1 to 18 feet extend 0.8 mile westward Gull Island, between which is a width of about 3.5 miles. of Catumb Rocks to the buoy that marks the east side of The only dangers are Valiant Rock, nearly in the middle, Lords Passage. This passage, about 0.3 mile wide, has a and Little Gull Island with its reefs. least depth of 16 feet. (108) (98) Wicopesset Rock, on the northwesterly side of Lords Passage, is the easterly part of foul ground extending Current about 0.3 mile to Wicopesset Island, which is low and (109) In the middle of The Race, the flood sets 295° and rocky. the ebb 100°, with average velocities of 2.9 knots and (99) Wicopesset Passage, between Wicopesset Island 3.5 knots, respectively. There are always strong rips and and East Point, is narrow and is obstructed by a rock swirls in the wake of all broken ground in The Race, in the middle marked by a buoy; it is suitable only for except for about one-half hour at slack water. The rips small craft and should not be used by strangers. A bell are exceptionally heavy during heavy weather, and buoy marks the southern entrance. Extreme caution is especially when a strong wind opposes the current, or recommended when using the passage as the ebb current the current sets through against a heavy sea. (Predicted is apt to set boats on the foul ground. times of slack water and times and velocities of strength of current are given in the Tidal Current Tables.) (100) Information about the tidal currents in the passages (110) During the flood stage of the tide, a significant eddy is given with the discussion of Fishers Island Sound. exists on the northwest side of Valiant Rock. (101) Charts 13214, 13212 (111) Little Gull Reef, with little depth and foul ground, extends 0.3 mile east-northeastward from Little Gull (102) Fishers Island, 6 miles long, is hilly and sparsely Island and is marked at the northeast end by a buoy. wooded. Chocomount, 136 feet high, is the highest point Mariners are advised that the buoy is sometimes on the island. East Point, at the east end of the island, is submerged by the strong current and deep-draft vessels marked by several large houses. The former Coast Guard should avoid this locality. Little Gull Island Light station at East Harbor, about 1 mile from East Point of (41°12'23\"N., 72°06'25\"W.), 91 feet above the water, is Fishers Island, is prominent; numerous buildings on the shown from a gray granite tower, 81 feet high, attached to western part of Fishers Island and a large yellow hotel a red dwelling on a pier. A sound signal is at the light. The building are conspicuous. The radar antenna on Mount light and Race Rock Light are the guides, as soundings Prospect, near the west end of the island, south shore, cannot be depended upon. is the most prominent landmark on Fishers Island from seaward. The south side of the island is fringed with foul (112) In passing north of Valiant Rock, vessels should keep ground which rises abruptly from depths of 42 to 48 feet, from 0.5 to 0.8 mile southwestward of Race Rock Light, but by giving the shore a berth of 0.5 mile, all dangers and craft passing southward of Valiant Rock should hold will be avoided. to a course about 1 mile northeastward of Little Gull Island Light. (103) Race Point Ledge, partly bare at low water, extends about 0.2 mile southwestward from Race Point, the southwest extremity of Fishers Island, and is marked at its end by a buoy. Inside the buoy are boulders with 2 to
U.S. Coast Pilot 2, Chapter 7 ¢ 257 (113) Cerberus Shoal, 6 miles southeast of Race Rock (122) MontaukShoal,about2.5milessouth-southeastward Light, is about 0.4 mile in diameter, with a least depth of of the light, has least depths of 30 feet. Great Eastern 19 feet on a small rocky patch near its north end. The seas Rock, 1.5 miles east-northeast of the light, has a least break on this shoal during heavy swells. It is marked by a depth of 25 feet. Phelps Ledge, just northerly of Great lighted gong buoy. Near the shoal, tide rips are unusually Eastern Rock, is covered by 24 feet. Endeavor Shoals, strong. about 2.3 miles northeast of the light, are covered by 19 to 24 feet on a narrow ridge about 0.4 mile long. A lighted (114) Great Gull Island, 0.6 mile southwest of Little Gull gong buoy is off the eastern end of the ridge. Island, was formerly a military reservation, but is now privately owned. The pier on the north side is in ruins. A (123) Vessels drawing up to 20 feet can avoid the dangers lookout tower on the island is conspicuous. eastward and northeastward of Montauk Point in smooth weather by giving the point a berth of over 1 mile and (115) Valiant Rock, with a least depth of 20 feet, is avoiding Great Eastern Rock. surrounded by shoal area, and the 10-fathom curve surrounding the rock marks the area which should be (124) Broken ground with rocky bottom and boulders avoided by deep-draft vessels and preferably all vessels, extends about 2 miles off the north coast west of Montauk on account of the heavy swirls and rips. A lighted whistle Point. Shagwong Reef, with a least depth of 8 feet and buoy is northward of the rock. marked by a lighted bell buoy, is the northern limit of this area. Shagwong Rock, with a least depth of 7½ feet and (116) The Sluiceway, the passage between Great Gull marked by a lighted buoy, and Washington Shoal, with a Island and Plum Island, has several known dangers least depth of 15 feet, are between the shore and Shagwong and very irregular bottom with boulders, and should be Reef. The principal danger outside Shagwong Reef is a avoided. The velocity of the tidal current in the passage shoal with a depth of 30 feet, 5.3 miles northwestward of is 2.6 knots on the flood, and 3.2 knots on the ebb; flood Montauk Point. sets 299°, and ebb 133°. Considerably higher velocities occur at times, and tide rips are very bad in heavy weather. (125) Boulders covered 3 to 10 feet are between Old Silas Rock and Plum Island. Old Silas Rock, marked by a buoy, Pilotage Pickup Locations Off Montauk Point is awash at high water. Middle Shoal Rock, 0.3 mile (126) Pilots, by special arrangement during favorable northeastward of Old Silas Rock, has a depth of 8 feet. weather conditions, may meet a ship with less than 38- (117) Bedford Reef is broken ground, on which the least foot draft off Montauk Point bound for Long Island found depths are 14 to 16 feet, extending about 1.5 miles Sound. Foreign flag vessels and U.S. vessels which are southward from broken ground lying between Great Gull under register can arrange for a state licensed pilot by and Plum Islands. It should be avoided. Constellation contacting the joint rotation administrator, Block Island Rock, on the southeasterly extension on this broken Pilots at 243 Spring Street, Newport, RI 02840; telephone ground, has 17 feet over it, is marked by a buoy, and lies 401–847–9050 (24 hours), 800–274–1216; FAX 401– 1.9 miles southward of Little Gull Island Light. 847–9052. U.S. vessels engaged in coastwise trade (enrolled work) in need of pilotage services can contact (118) the various pilot organizations directly. For telephone number, FAX number, cable address, description of the Chart 13209 boat, frequencies, etc., consult the name of the association under Pilotage, Narraganset Bay and Other Rhode Island (119) Montauk Point, the easterly extremity of Long Waters (indexed as such), chapter 6; Pilotage, Long Island Island, is a high sandy bluff, on the summit of which Sound (indexed as such), chapter 8; and Pilotage, New is the light. The land is grass covered, with a height of York Harbor and Approaches (indexed as such), chapter 165 feet at Prospect Hill, 2 miles westward of the point. 11. The south side of the point is bold, the 10-fathom curve (127) Mariners are also reminded that vessels with a draft is about 0.5 mile from shore; depths of 24 feet and less in excess of 38 feet are advised to not transit the Montauk extend 0.8 mile off the northeast side of the point. Channel (as defined by the area between Southwest Ledge Lighted Whistle Buoy 2 and Block Island Sound South (120) Montauk Point Light (41°04'15\"N., 71°51'26\"W.), Entrance Obstruction Lighted Buoy BIS). Further, pilots 168 feet above the water, is shown from a white conical using Montauk Channel shall consider: draft, sea and tower with a red band midway of its height and a covered swell, wind, visibility, current and vessel traffic. When way to a gray dwelling. A sound signal is at the light. these conditions pose a threat to the safety of any person, vessel, prudent navigation or safety of the environment, (121) Surrounding Montauk Point for about 4 miles is a Montauk Channel shall not be used. shoal area that has been closely surveyed (see also chart 13215); the bottom is very broken, and extra caution should be observed where the depths are less than 10 feet greater than the draft. In general, the shoals are a series (128) Montauk Harbor, in the northern part of Lake of long narrow ridges, in places only a few yards wide, Montauk, is entered through a dredged channel on the and their positions are indicated by the rips over them at northern shore about 3 miles west of Montauk Point; the strength of the tidal currents. a Federal project provides for a depth of 12 feet in the
258 ¢ U.S. Coast Pilot 2, Chapter 7 channel and 10 feet in the boat basin northwestward of (140) The tidal currents have a velocity of about 1.5 Star Island. (See Notice to Mariners and latest editions of knots through all the channels between the shoals. It is charts for controlling depths.) The entrance is protected not advisable for vessels drawing more than 10 feet to by jetties, each of which is marked by a light. A lighted attempt the passage without local knowledge, and then bell buoy, about 0.3 mile north of the entrance, marks the only when the buoys can be seen. approach to the harbor. (129) Star Island, just inside Montauk Harbor, is (141) Napeague Harbor, a small-craft refuge in the connected to the mainland by a causeway. A privately southwest part of Napeague Bay, can be entered through marked channel, with a reported controlling depth of 7 privately dredged channels northward and southward of feet in 1999, leads from beyond the end of the Federal Hicks Island. In 1981, the reported controlling depths channel to the southern part of Lake Montauk where there were 4 feet in the northerly and southerly entrances. are depths of 6 to 8 feet in the center. Depths in the central part of the harbor range from 1½ to 7 feet; the chart is the best guide. The harbor is especially (130) useful in northeasterly weather when the adjoining bays are unsafe. There are no landings in the harbor. COLREGS Demarcation Lines (131) The lines established for Montauk Harbor are (142) Promised Land is a former fishing village on the southwest side of Napeague Bay. A depth of about 4 feet described in 33 CFR80.155, chapter 2. can be carried to the landing at the yacht club, 1.3 miles westward of Promised Land. (132) (143) Gardiners Island, 11 miles westward of Montauk Currents Point, is partly wooded and has an elevation of 130 feet (133) Tidal currents at the entrance to Montauk Harbor near its middle. Cartwright Island is narrow, low, and sandy, and extends 1 mile in a southerly direction off have a velocity of 1.2 knots on the flood and about 0.5 the south tip of Gardiners Island. Its size and shape are knot on the ebb. They are reported to decrease rapidly subject to considerable change by storms. after entering the harbor and are practically negligible near the yacht club landing on the east side of Star Island. (144) Crow Head is the high bluff at the western end (See Tidal Current Tables for predictions.) of Gardiners Island. Shoal water with depths of 9 to 16 feet extends 1.8 miles southwestward from Cherry Hill Point, the westerly end of Gardiners Island, and terminates at Crow Shoal. The shoal has depths of 3 to (134) Montauk Coast Guard Station is at the northern 11 feet and is marked by a buoy. An obstruction covered end of Star Island. 12 feet is 200 yards eastward of the buoy. (135) (145) The bight between the southern part of Gardiners Island and Crow Shoal is Cherry Harbor. It has depths Small-craft facilities of 24 to 27 feet with mud bottom and affords shelter from (136) There are several small-craft facilities on both northeasterly winds. Bostwick Bay is the bight on the northwest side of Gardiners Island. It affords excellent sides of the entrance to Montauk Harbor, and a yacht anchorage in easterly winds in depths of about 25 feet, club and several marinas are on the east side of Star but is exposed to all westerly winds. Island. Gasoline, diesel fuel, water, ice, marine supplies, and space for transients are available. Lifts to 80 tons (146) Gardiners Point, a low spit, is at the northerly can handle craft for complete engine and hull repairs. end of a very shoal bar which extends 1.5 miles north- Groceries and other supplies may be obtained at the northwestward from Gardiners Island. This shoal is village of Montauk. The yacht club can be contacted at steep-to on its north and west sides and is marked by a 631–668–7732. lighted gong buoy. A rock with a depth of 2 feet over it is about 0.8 mile eastward of the north point of Gardiners Island and is marked by a buoy. (137) Fort Pond Bay is a semicircular bight about 1 mile (147) The Ruins, a concrete structure on Gardiners Point, wide on the north side of Long Island, 5 miles westward is Government property and formerly a naval aircraft of Montauk Point. The bay is free of dangers, but flats bombing target; it is prohibited to the public. The Ruins with 8 to 12 feet over them make out 0.2 mile from its and the area within 300 yards radius of it is dangerous eastern shore. The bay affords anchorage in 40 to 50 feet, due to the possible existence of undetonated explosives. soft bottom, but is exposed to northerly and northwesterly winds; the shoaling is abrupt on its east and south sides. (148) Arestricted anchorage for U.S. Navy submarines is about 3 miles eastward of Gardiners Island. (See 33 CFR (138) Montauk, a summer resort at the southeast end of 110.1 and 110.150, chapter 2, for limits and regulations.) the bay, is the terminus of a Class II railroad. A depth of 10 feet was reported alongside the commercial pier on the (149) Gardiners Bay is at the western end of Block Island east side of the bay. There are no public piers available. Sound from which it is separated by Gardiners Island. The bay is an excellent anchorage easily entered day or (139) Napeague Bay, 8 miles westward of Montauk night, and is the approach to Shelter Island Sound and Point, is shallow in the western and southwestern part. the Peconic Bays. The principal entrance is northward of Promised Land Channel, the buoyed passage southward of Gardiners and Cartwright Islands, has a least centerline depth of about 14 feet; however, the depth is continually changing due to the shifting shoals.
U.S. Coast Pilot 2, Chapter 7 ¢ 259 Gardiners Point. The entrance from Long Island Sound is (160) Plum Gut, the entrance to Gardiners Bay from through Plum Gut. The entrance southward of Gardiners Long Island Sound, is nearly 0.6 mile wide and has Island is used by fishing vessels. sufficient water for vessels of the deepest draft; in the (150) The principal guides for the entrance to Gardiners passage are several rocks with depths of 15 to 22 feet over Bay from Block Island Sound are the lighted gong buoy them. A wreck with a least depth of 57 feet is in about north of Gardiners Point, Little Gull Light, and Orient 41°10'06\"N., 72°12'59\"W. Tidal currents set through the Point Light. When past the lighted gong buoy north of passage with great velocity. Steamers, or sailing vessels Gardiners Point, vessels can select the anchorage in with a strong favorable wind, should have no difficulty Gardiners Bay which affords the best lee in the prevailing in passing through. winds. (151) The principal dangers in approaching Gardiners (161) Velocities of the current on flood and ebb are 3.5 and Bay from the northward are the broken ground between 4.3 knots, respectively. The flood sets northwestward and Constellation Rock and Plum Island, and the shoal making the ebb southeastward. Heavy tide rips occur. In 1983, out to Gardiners Point. In the bay, Crow Shoal should NOAA Ships RUDE and HECK reported that during be avoided. In general, the shoaling is rather abrupt in the flood a countercurrent normally develops along approaching these dangers and gradual in approaching the north shore of Plum Island. This countercurrent is the shoals on the western side of the bay. most prevalent within 0.5 mile of the island. Caution is recommended when using this passage. (152) (162) Oyster Pond Reef, extending about 0.5 mile east- No-Discharge Zone northeastward from Orient Point, is marked by a light (153) The State of New York, with the approval of the and sound signal. Caution is recommended regarding the sound signal, as it may be difficult to hear at times, Environmental Protection Agency, has established a particularly with an easterly wind. Numerous boulders No-Discharge Zone (NDZ) in the Peconic Estuary. The and little depth are between the light and Orient Point. NDZ includes all open waters, harbors and creeks of Midway Shoal, about 0.5 mile east of the light, has 17 the Peconic Estuary west of a line from Orient Point to feet over it and is marked by a lighted buoy. Montauk Point (see chart 13209 for limits). (154) Within the NDZ, discharge of sewage, whether (163) When using Plum Gut it is well to give Plum Island treated or untreated, from all vessels is prohibited. and Orient Point Light a berth of 0.2 mile. The best water Outside the NDZ, discharge of sewage is regulated by in the passage will be found on a 295° course, passing 40 CFR 140(see chapter 2). Pine Point and the buoy marking Midway Shoal at a distance of 350 yards and passing midway between Orient Point Light and Plum Gut Light on the western end of Plum Island. (155) Plum Island, about 2 miles westward of Great Gull Island, is 2.5 miles long, hilly, and bare of trees except (164) A channel, with a reported controlling depth of 7 feet near the southwest end and has several large buildings in 1999, leads to a research basin operated by the U.S. and a prominent tank; it is marked on its western point by Department of Agriculture on the south side of Orient Plum Gut Light. The island is a Government reservation Point, about 1 mile southwest of Orient Point Light. and closed to the public. A ferry operates between here, Plum Island and New London. (156) The bight in the southeast side of Plum Island is foul to Plum Island Rock, which is 0.5 mile from shore (165) abreast of the middle of the island, has 1 foot over it and is marked by a buoy. Small-craft facility (166) A small-craft facility is about 0.1 mile westward (157) Plum Gut Harbor, on the southwest side of Plum Island, has an entrance between jetties with private of the wharf. Berths, electricity, gasoline, diesel fuel, seasonal lights on dolphins off the outer ends. The lights water, ice, and a launching ramp are available. In 1981, are shown daily from sundown to 0130. A private sound a reported depth of about 6 feet could be carried to the signal at the west jetty light is sounded occasionally when facility. Department of Agriculture vessels are navigating in the area. A depth of about 14 feet is in the entrance. Small yachts seeking shelter in an emergency lie alongside the wharves. The harbor is under the supervision of the (167) Acabonack Harbor, at the southeast end of Department of Agriculture and the Coast Guard, and may Gardiners Bay, is entered through a privately maintained be used only with permission. and marked channel with a reported controlling depth of 8 feet in the entrance in 1996. (158) (168) Hog Creek Point, on the southerly side of Gardiners COLREGS Demarcation Lines Bay, is generally flat, with bluffs approximately 25 feet (159) The lines established for Plum Gut Harbor are in height. Lionhead Rock, off the point and marked by a buoy, is awash at high water. Fishtraps are westward of described in 33 CFR 80.155, chapter 2. the point. (169) Threemile Harbor, on the south side of Gardiners Bay 1.7 miles southwestward of Hog Creek Point, is
260 ¢ U.S. Coast Pilot 2, Chapter 7 entered through a channel with two privately dredged (182) sections. In 1980, a portion of the wooden bulkhead on the west side of the entrance collapsed into the channel. Currents In 1981, it was reported that by favoring the east side of (183) The tidal currents have considerable velocity the entrance channel a depth of 8 feet could be carried to a point opposite Maidstone Park, thence in 1996, a wherever the channel is narrowed. The velocity in the reported depth of 6 feet could be carried to the basin at the narrower places is about 1.8 knots. head of the harbor. The approach to the harbor is marked by a seasonal lighted bell buoy, and the channel is marked (184) by lighted and unlighted buoys. The jetties at the harbor entrance are marked on the outer ends by private lights. A Ice public commercial landing with reported depths of 8 feet (185) Ice obstructs navigation in the coves and shallow is on the east side of the channel about 0.6 mile above the entrance. A 5 mph speed limit is enforced in the harbor. harbors during January and February. In severe winters, drift ice is reported to interfere with navigation for short (170) periods of time. In the south arm of Shelter Island Sound, the ice is heavy enough at times to destroy structures Anchorage exposed to it. (171) Anchorage is available in Threemile Harbor in (186) depths of 9 to 14 feet with soft bottom and good holding ground; this is a good anchorage during strong winds. Small-craft facilities (187) Diesel fuel, gasoline, ice, water, marine supplies, (172) and other provisions can best be obtained at Greenport Currents and Sag Harbor. Several boatyards, shipyards, marine (173) The tidal current has a velocity of about 3 knots railways, and enclosed basins with excellent repair facilities are at Greenport. through the entrance. (174) (188) Ram Head is a prominent sandy bluff on the western Small-craft facilities shore of Gardiners Bay. A lower bluff is nearly 1.5 miles (175) Small-craft facilities on the east and south sides westward of Ram Head with numerous houses along the top. A shoal with 7 to 17 feet over it extends about 2.4 of Threemile Harbor can provide berths, electricity, miles southeastward from Ram Head. gasoline, diesel fuel, water, ice, launching ramps, storage, lifts to 40 tons, and hull and engine repair. Provisions can (189) A boulder with 1 foot over it is 230 yards from shore be obtained at the town of East Hampton, 3.5 miles south about 0.3 mile northeastward of the northern point of the of Threemile Harbor. entrance to Coecles Harbor. Other boulders with little (176) In 1989, the public pier maintained by the town of depth are between this boulder and Ram Head. East Hampton at the head of the harbor had reported depths of 7 feet at its face and 4 feet on its west side. (190) The entrance to Coecles Harbor is at the south end of Ram Head; the channel is marked by private seasonal (177) buoys and a private seasonal light. In 1996, the reported controlling depth in the privately maintained entrance COLREGS Demarcation Lines channel was 8 feet. The speed limit is 5 mph.Amarina and (178) The lines established for Threemile Harbor are boatyard are in the harbor. A mobile hoist at the boatyard can haul out craft up to 35 tons; gasoline, water, ice, diesel described in 33 CFR 80.155, chapter 2. fuel, marine supplies, pump-out facilities, berths, guest moorings, storage facilities, and complete engine and hull (179) repairs are available. In 1981, a reported depth of 5½ feet could be carried to the marina and boatyard. In 2003, a Chart 12358 dangerous rock was reported about 250 yards south of Buoy 10 at 41°04'11.5\"N., 72°18'22.5\"W. Care should (180) Shelter Island Sound and Peconic Bays extend be taken to avoid this hazard. westward from Gardiners Bay about 22 miles to Riverhead, the head of navigation on Peconic River. They (191) A special anchorage is in Coecles Harbor. (See are much frequented by yachts and other small craft in 33 CFR 110.1 and 110.60(y), chapter 2, for limits and the summer. Fishtraps and oyster stakes are on many of regulations.) the shoals. (192) (181) A depth of about 26 feet can be carried through the channel north of Shelter Island and through Little Peconic COLREGS Demarcation Lines Bay as far as Robins Island, and about 13 feet through the (193) The lines established for Coecles Harbor are channel south of Shelter Island. Across the bar between Little and Great Peconic Bays about 13 feet can be carried. described in 33 CFR 80.155, chapter 2. With local knowledge greater depths can be carried in the channels and across the bar. A depth of about 6 feet can be taken to South Jamesport and Riverhead. (194) Extensive flats and an unmarked aquaculture site make off from Ram Head and the shore between it and Hay Beach Point, the northernmost point of Shelter Island, which is a low flat with a clump of scrub at its
U.S. Coast Pilot 2, Chapter 7 ¢ 261 end and backed by wooded highland. Long Beach Point had depths of 5 to 8 feet. The entrance channel is marked is a low spit eastward of Hay Beach Point. A bar with by private seasonal buoys. Two smaller privately dredged little depth extends southwesterly from Long Beach Point channels with depths of about 9 feet reported are in the to the ruins of a former lighthouse of which only the 10- northeastern part of the basin. foot concrete foundation remains. A private light marks (205) The harbormaster for Greenport Harbor controls the ruins. mooring and berthing in the basin. The speed limit is 5 (195) Shoals with depths of 10 to 12 feet extend 0.5 mile mph. eastward from Long Beach Point. The south and west sides of this shoal have depths of 12 to 15 feet, and rise (206) abruptly from the channel. The limits of the shoal south of the point are marked by buoys. The bar has extended Small-craft facilities southward enough to be a real danger to small craft. (207) Small-craft facilities at Greenport can provide berths, (196) electricity, gasoline, diesel fuel, water, ice, storage, marine supplies, a pump-out facility, and hull and engine repairs. COLREGS Demarcation Lines The largest marine railway, at a shipbuilding company at (197) The lines established for the Long Island bays are the southeast end of the waterfront, can handle craft up to 500 tons and 15 feet in draft. Mobile hoists to 50 tons described in 33 CFR 80.155, chapter 2. are available. A well-equipped machine shop is also in the town. (198) Orient Harbor, about 4 miles northwestward of Ram Head, is an excellent anchorage; the depths range (208) A ferry operates between Greenport and Shelter from over 20 feet in its southern part to 16 feet at its Island. During the summer, bus service is available from northern end. Orient is a village at the northeast end of Greenport to Orient Point where there is ferry service to Orient Harbor. At the end of the main wharf the depth is New London. 8½ feet. The eastern part of Orient Harbor has depths of 7 to 9 feet. Fish traps are on the shoals. (209) Dering Harbor, southward of Greenport and at the northwest end of Shelter Island, is a favorite anchorage (199) About 0.4 mile northeastward of Cleaves Point, at for yachts and motorboats. The entrance to the harbor, the southwest end of Orient Harbor, the shore has been marked by private buoys, is partially constricted by a cut through to a small pond which is used as a private disposal area in about mid-entrance and shoal area with basin for small craft. The entrance, between two jetties, a reported depth of 4 feet in 1981 that extends from the has a depth of about 3 feet over the bar, with about 6 feet southwestern entrance point to near the disposal area; in the basin. Permission is required before anchoring in caution is advised. In 1989, it was reported that about 10 the basin. Rocks are 0.2 mile south of the entrance. feet could be carried into the harbor with local knowledge. Depths of 10 to 14 feet are available in the central part (200) Hallock Bay makes eastward from Orient Harbor on of the harbor, with much lesser depths around the edges. the north side of Long Beach Point. A channel, marked by Moorings and float landings for small craft are in the bight uncharted private daybeacons, leads into the bay. The bay at the southwest end of the harbor. Vessels too large to is shallow and dangers and shoaling have been reported. enter can anchor outside the harbor in depths of 14 to 30 Local knowledge is advised prior to entering. feet. The speed limit is 5 mph. (201) Gull Pond is 0.3 mile westward of Cleaves Point at (210) the southwest end of Orient Harbor; a private light marks the entrance. In 1981, a reported depth of 4 feet could be Small-craft facilities carried through the entrance, with depths of 10 to 15 feet (211) Small-craft facilities, on the west side of the harbor, reported in the pond. A State launching ramp is available in the pond. can provide berths, electricity, gasoline, diesel fuel, water, ice, marine supplies, pump-out facilities, and hull (202) Greenport is an important town and the terminus of and outboard engine repairs. A launching ramp is also a branch of a Class II railroad. The white church spires, available. near the northern end of town, and a tank and TV radio tower in the center of town are prominent. (203) Greenport Harbor is formed on the northeast (212) Shelter Island Heights is on the southwestern side by a 5-foot-high breakwater, which extends 0.2 mile of Dering Harbor. southeastward from Youngs Point, nearly to the 18-foot curve, and is marked at its outer end by a light. The depths (213) Fanning Point is on the north shore at the southwest at the wharves range from 5 to 20 feet. The railroad wharf end of Greenport. A shoal extends 300 yards off the point on the south side of the waterfront can accommodate a and is marked by a seasonal lighted buoy. Four dolphins, vessel up to 100 feet. part of a former oil facility, are northward of the point. Currents of 2 knots, running fair with the channel, have (204) Stirling Basin, on the northeast side of Greenport, been reported in the vicinity of Fanning Point. is a part of Greenport Harbor. In 2009, Sandy Beach had migrated into the entrance channel, but 6.7 feet could be (214) Conkling Point, on the north shore 1 mile carried in the left outside quarter. The anchorage areas southwestward of Fanning Point, is low and sandy at the end and has deep water as close as 150 yards. A marina on the southwest side of the point had a reported depth
262 ¢ U.S. Coast Pilot 2, Chapter 7 of 6 feet in the approach in 2006. Berths and moorings, (223) The channel south of Shelter Island has numerous electricity, diesel fuel, water, ice, marine supplies, a shoals, but is easily followed by vessels of 13 feet or less pump-out, a launching ramp, a 30-ton mobile hoist and draft when the buoys can be seen. The channel is used by winter storage are available. Hull and engine repairs can vessels going to Sag Harbor. Vessels operating between be made. Greenport and Sag Harbor prefer the inside route around (215) Mill Creek is the entrance to Hashamomuck Pond, the western end of Shelter Island. The tidal current in about 1.1 miles westward of Conkling Point. In 1981, the the channel between Shelter Island and North Haven privately dredged entrance channel into the creek had a Peninsula has a velocity of about 2.4 knots. The approach controlling depth of 4 feet, thence 3½ feet was reported in from Gardiners Bay is across a shoal or bar which extends the channel along the northwest shore of Mill Creek. The in a southeasterly direction from Ram Head to the south entrance channel is marked by private seasonal buoys. shore, the depths on which vary from 7 to 11 feet about About 400 yards eastward of the creek is a small bight 1.6 miles from Ram Head, and thence 13 to 17 feet to the entered through a channel with a depth of about 4 feet buoys which mark the entrance. and marked by private seasonal lights and buoys. In 1992, severe shoaling was reported across the entrance. (224) Dangerous Rock, awash at low water in surrounding (216) Jennings Point, the western end of Shelter Island, is depths of about 12 feet, is 0.2 mile south of the channel. high and wooded. Rocks are off the point close-to, and it should be given a berth of over 150 yards. A lighted buoy (225) A shoal extends 0.3 to 0.4 mile north of the shore of is off the point. A gazebo on the point is prominent. Cedar Point which is marked by a light. The shoal has (217) The town of Southold is at the head of Southold boulders, and its edge is marked by buoys. Bay, which is the bight at the western end of Shelter Island Sound westward of Jennings Point. For about a (226) Shoals with boulders and little water over them in mile northeastward of the entrance jetty, shoals with 12 places extend nearly 0.5 mile southeastward from Nicoll feet or less extend nearly 0.4 mile from shore and are Point. Buoys mark the limit of the channel in this area. generally steep-to. The southwest part of the bay is shoal for about 0.3 mile from shore. Anchorage can be selected (227) Northwest Harbor, between Cedar Island Light east-southeast of the jetty at a distance of from 0.2 to 0.4 and Barcelona Point, is strewn with boulders covered mile, in 12 to 18 feet. by 4 to 6 feet. (218) In 1989, the reported controlling depth was about 3 feet in the privately maintained channels in Town Creek (228) Sand Spit, an extensive shoal partly bare at half- and Jockey Creek. The common entrance to Town Creek tide, is between Mashomack Point, the southeastern and Jockey Creek is marked by private seasonal buoys. extremity of Shelter Island, and Sag Harbor. The spit is The bridge that crosses Jockey Creek has a 45-foot fixed marked by buoys and a light. span with a vertical clearance of 6.5 feet. The privately maintained channel in Goose Creek had a reported (229) A group of rocks locally known as Gull Island, controlling depth of 7 feet in 2008. The fixed highway showing bare at half-tide, is nearly 0.4 mile northeastward bridge at the mouth of Goose Creek has a clearance of 9 of the breakwater at Sag Harbor. feet. (219) On the shore south of Southold entrance jetty is a (230) Sag Harbor, about 2.5 miles southwestward of the prominent white tower. light on Cedar Point, is protected on the northeast by a breakwater marked at the outer end by a light. A spherical (220) tank, a radio tower, and several flagpoles are prominent landmarks. Small-craft facilities (221) There are several small-craft facilities on the creeks (231) In entering Sag Harbor, do not round the breakwater too closely, as a depth of about 6 feet is found near its and along the west shore of Southold Bay from Paradise end. Anchor eastward or northeastward of the end of the Point to Conkling Point. Berths, electricity, gasoline, former ferry wharf, locally known as Long Wharf. A 5 water, ice, marine supplies, launching ramps, storage, mph speed limit is enforced. lifts, and cranes are available. Provisions can be obtained at Southold. (232) In 1974, the dredged channel into Sag Harbor had a controlling depth of 8 feet (10 feet at midchannel) through the entrance to the turning basin, 9 feet in the turning basin, 5 feet in the southerly anchorage area, and 7 (222) Paradise Point, on the west side of Shelter Island feet in the main anchorage area. In 1991, the channel was Sound, is low and wooded, and from the point a sloping no longer being maintained. The channel to Sag Harbor sandspit extends about 0.3 mile eastward and is marked Cove is about 8 feet deep; this channel and the cove are by a lighted buoy. Southward of Paradise Point, shoals marked by private seasonal lights and buoys. A fixed with depths of 10 to 15 feet extend from the west shore bridge at the entrance has a clearance of 21 feet. Berths, to midsound; the southeast point of the shoals is marked electricity, gasoline, diesel fuel, storage, marine supplies, by a buoy. water, ice, launching ramps, and complete engine, hull, rigging, and sail repairs are available at Sag Harbor; a 30-ton mobile hoist, near the inner end of the breakwater, can haul out craft up to about 60 feet. (233) Smith Cove, a small bight on the south side of Shelter Island, is a good anchorage for small craft in northerly weather. Depths range from 11 to 30 feet. A
U.S. Coast Pilot 2, Chapter 7 ¢ 263 marina on the west side of the cove can provide moorings, (244) Richmond Creek and Corey Creek are at the limited berths, gasoline, electricity, water, and some head of Hog Neck Bay. A depth of about 7 feet can be marine supplies. In 1981, a depth of 6 feet was reported taken in the privately dredged channel leading to a basin alongside the pier at the marina. A ferry operates between in Richmond Creek; the channel is marked by private South Ferry on the southwest side of the cove to North seasonal buoys. In 1999, the dredged channel leading into Haven Peninsula. and connecting with small boat channels in Corey Creek (234) West Neck Harbor and West Neck Bay are shallow had a controlling depth of 4 feet. In 1964, controlling bodies of water on the southwest side of Shelter Island. depths in the small-boat channels inside Corey Creek In 1989, it was reported that a depth of 2 feet could be were 5½ to 6 feet. The entrance channel is marked by carried over the bar and into the harbor from Shelter private buoys. Island Sound. The entrance is close eastward of the seaward end of a peninsula, marked by a private lighted (245) Little Peconic Bay is about 5 miles long. The buoy, that separates the harbor from the sound, and the southerly shore of the bay is clear if given a berth of 0.4 channel follows along the north side of this peninsula. mile, but shoals extend 0.6 mile from the south end of the The channel is marked by private buoys. The harbor has bay. numerous private landings. A boatyard with a marine railway can handle craft up to 40 feet for hull and engine (246) An aquaculture site, marked by private seasonal repairs. Berths, gasoline, water, ice, a launching ramp, buoys, is at the south end of Little Peconic Bay about 1 and some marine supplies are available. mile north-northwest of the entrance to North Sea Harbor. (235) (247) A prominent sandy bluff, known locally as Holmes Hill, is just west of the entrance to North Sea Harbor. In Anchorage 2008, the reported controlling depth through the dredged (236) A special anchorage is in West Neck Harbor. (See channel and into the harbor was 7 feet. The channel is marked by private seasonal buoys and by a private 33 CFR 110.1 and 110.60(y-1), chapter 2, for limits and seasonal light at the entrance. This is an excellent harbor regulations.) of refuge for small craft with drafts not exceeding 3½ feet. The bottom is soft with good holding ground. (248) A marina in the harbor has gasoline, ice, water, some (237) Noyack (Noyac) Bay is between North Haven marine supplies, and a lift that can handle craft to 10 tons; Peninsula and Jessup Neck and southward of the western hull and engine repairs can be made. end of Shelter Island. No dangers will be encountered if the shores are given a berth of 0.4 mile. (249) Wooley Pond, 1 mile northeastward of North Sea Harbor, is entered through a dredged channel which, (238) Mill Creek, in the southern part of Noyack Bay, is in 2000, had a reported depth of 8 feet. The channel entered through a privately dredged channel that leads to is marked by private seasonal buoys and by a private a basin. The channel is marked by private seasonal lights seasonal light on the north side of the entrance. and buoys. In 1991, the reported controlling depth was 8 feet in the channel; thence in 1981, 6 feet in the basin. A (250) A marina in the pond can provide berths, electricity, clubhouse on the west side of the entrance is prominent. gasoline, water, ice, storage, marine supplies, and hull and engine repairs; a 45-foot marine railway and a 12-ton (239) forklift are available. In 1981, depths of 5 to 6 feet were reported available at the marina. Small-craft facilities (240) Small-craft facilities in the creek can provide berths, (251) Nassau Point, the long neck on the northwest side of Little Peconic Bay, has high bluffs on the eastern side. A electricity, gasoline, water, ice, storage, a launching shoal with little depth over it extends 0.5 mile southward ramp, marine supplies, and hull and engine repairs; a 25- from Nassau Point and is marked by a lighted buoy. ton mobile hoist is available. (252) Cutchogue Harbor, between Nassau Point and New Suffolk, is used by local boats drawing 6 to 10 feet. On the east shore of the harbor, northwestward of Nassau (241) Jessup Neck is a long narrow strip, partly high and Point, three channels leading into the ponds have been wooded, separating Noyack Bay from Little Peconic Bay. dredged by private interests. At the middle of the three The north end of the neck is a sandspit from which a shoal channels, 0.9 mile northwest of the extremity of Nassau with 4 to 12 feet over it extends nearly 0.4 mile north- Point, are several private wharves. The channel leads northwestward. A lighted buoy marks the outer end of the between two jetties, and a depth of about 3 feet can be shoal area. carried into the pond and 1 foot to some of the wharves. (242) A shoal with depths of 5 to 7 feet extends 1.5 miles (253) Haywater Cove,Broadwater Cove,Mud Creek, southwestward from Great Hog Neck, on the northwest and East Creek, used by local interests and sharing a side at the entrance to Little Peconic Bay; this shoal is common entrance, are at the head of Cutchogue Harbor. marked by a seasonal lighted buoy. The entrance channel and the channels through these waterways have been privately dredged. In 1999, a (243) Heavy tide rips occur southeast of Great Hog Neck reported depth of 6 feet was available in the entrance during the flood with a southwesterly wind.At such times, channel; thence in 1966, 6 feet in East Creek and 7 feet in small craft can avoid the worst of them by favoring the shore on the northwest side of the passage.
264 ¢ U.S. Coast Pilot 2, Chapter 7 Haywater Cove and Broadwater Cove; thence in 1976, 6 lights and buoys, leads into the creek and had a reported feet in Mud Creek. Shoaling is reported to occur in these controlling depth of 8 feet in 1981. The landings are at areas; caution is advised. West Neck, a small settlement northeastward of Ram (254) A depth of 8 feet can be taken within 100 feet of the Island in Bullhead Bay. An obstruction buoy is locally wharves at New Suffolk by passing eastward and about maintained during the summer to mark a rock, covered 200 yards northward of the buoy westward of Nassau 1½ feet, about 100 feet westward of the town landing. In Point and steering westward for the wharves. A small 1981, a reported depth of 5 feet could be carried to the basin, with a depth of about 8 feet reported in 1981, is town landing. A 5 mph speed limit is enforced. northward of the wharf. In 1981, shoaling to 2 feet was (264) Cold Spring Pond, about 1.6 miles southwestward reported in the southern part of Cutchogue Harbor, about of Sebonac Creek and 1.1 miles eastward of Shinnecock 0.4 mile east of New Suffolk. Canal entrance, is entered through a privately dredged (255) A larger basin at the north end of New Suffolk, channel which had a reported depth of 6 feet in 2001. locally known as School House Creek, extends to the In 1992, severe shoaling was reported in the entrance. highway. The entrance channel is protected by a short The entrance channel to the pond is marked by a private rock jetty, covered at high water, on the south. The depth seasonal light and buoy. An overhead power cable at the to the boatyard at the head of the basin was reported to be entrance to the pond has a clearance of 34 feet. 6 feet in 2008. Berths, gasoline, storage, marine supplies, (265) James Creek, on the north shore of Great Peconic hull and engine repairs, and a 30-ton mobile hoist are Bay opposite the entrance to Shinnecock Canal, is entered available at the boatyard. through a privately dredged channel that had a reported (256) Wickham Creek, locally known as Boatmens controlling depth of 6 feet in 2008. The entrance is Harbor, 0.7 mile north of New Suffolk, is entered through marked by private seasonal buoys. Small-craft facilities a privately dredged entrance channel with a reported on the creek can provide berths, electricity, gasoline, controlling depth of 8 feet in 2002. The channel is marked diesel fuel, water, ice, some marine supplies, sewage by private seasonal buoys and bush stakes. Gasoline, pumpout, launching ramps, lifts to 20 tons, storage, and water, ice, storage, a launching ramp, and some marine hull, electronic, and engine repairs. A flatbed trailer can supplies are available in the basin. A flatbed trailer can haul out craft to 30 feet. haul out craft to 32 feet. (266) South Jamesport is a village on Miamogue (257) In southeast gales, local craft of less than 6-foot Point, 3.4 miles southwestward of James Creek. Local draft seek shelter in the small cove, locally known as knowledge is necessary to avoid the shoals in this area, Horseshoe Cove, in the northeast part of Cutchogue and strangers should take soundings frequently to keep Harbor. in the best water. (258) The through channel in North Race, northward of Robins Island, is marked and used only by light-draft (267) boats. South Race, the channel southward of Robins Island, has a controlling depth of about 13 feet and is Small-craft facility marked by buoys. (268) A small-craft facility at South Jamesport can provide (259) An aquaculture site, marked by private buoys, is 0.6 mile southwest of the south end of Robins Island. berths, electricity, gasoline, water, ice, launching ramps, (260) Tide rips occur between the mainland and the south storage, marine supplies, and hull and engine repairs; end of Robins Island when the tidal current sets against a 25-ton mobile hoist is available. In 1999, a reported the wind. depth of 6 feet could be taken to the facility. The town (261) Great Peconic Bay, about 5 miles in diameter, is has railroad passenger and bus service. used mostly by local motorboats from Shinnecock Canal and by yachts. The bay is generally clear, but extensive shoals make off from the shores, except on its south side. Shinnecock Canal, the entrance from the south, is (269) Peconic River empties into the western end of described in chapter 10. Flanders Bay, about 1.5 miles westward of South (262) Rodgers Rock, about 1.3 miles west-southwestward Jamesport. The river is entered through a dredged of Cow Neck and about 1.2 miles south-southwest of channel marked by private seasonal lights that leads from Robins Island, has a depth of 6 feet over it and is marked Flanders Bay to the head of navigation at Riverhead, on the northeast side by a buoy. Robins Island Rock, about 2.4 miles above the channel entrance. The dredged 0.8 mile westward of the south end of Robins Island, is channel is approached from deep water in Great Peconic awash at low water. It is marked by a buoy. Caution is Bay through a marked channel. In 2001, the controlling recommended in this vicinity. depth was 4.3 feet (5.7 feet at midchannel) in the dredged (263) Sebonac Creek, on the southeast side of Great channel. A fixed highway bridge with a clearance of 25 Peconic Bay, is used extensively by yachts, and serves feet crosses the river about 0.9 mile above the mouth. as a yacht harbor for the town of Southampton. A privately dredged channel, marked by private seasonal (270) Flanders Bay is the scene of considerable small boat activity. Small-craft facilities are at Riverhead; limited berths, electricity, gasoline, water and a pump-out station are available. (271) Meetinghouse Creek,Terrys Creek, and Reeves Creek, which empty into the northwestern part of
U.S. Coast Pilot 2, Chapter 7 ¢ 265 Flanders Bay, are entered through privately dredged the velocity of flood is 1.7 knots and ebb 2.2 knots. The channels. In 1981, the channels had reported controlling flood sets 284° and the ebb 113°. depths of 5 feet. The entrance channel leading to, and (280) InthechannelsouthofRamIslandReef,thevelocities connecting with, Terrys Creek and Meetinghouse Creek of flood and ebb are 1.3 and 1.6 knots, respectively. The is marked by private seasonal buoys and a private flood sets 255° and the ebb 088°. The direction and seasonal light. Marinas on Meetinghouse Creek provide velocity of the current are affected by strong winds that berths, electricity, gasoline, diesel fuel, water, ice, marine may change the duration of flood or ebb. supplies, pumpout facilities, a 30-ton forklift, 55-ton (281) The strong tidal currents prevent the formation of mobile hoist, storage facilities, and hull, motor, and heavy local ice, except in shoal tributaries. The only ice to electronic repairs. In 2011, a reported depth of 8 feet was give trouble is that set in from Long Island Sound by wind available alongside. and current. The ice formations in Little Narragansett (272) Reeves Bay, on the southwest side of Flanders Bay, Bay are sufficiently heavy to be destructive to structures is entered through a privately dredged channel that leads exposed to them. to the town of Flanders on the south side of the bay. In 1999, the channel had a reported controlling depth of 2 feet. Other dredged channels lead from the entrance channel into several arms of the bay. A boatyard at (282) On the south side of Fishers Island Sound, off the Flanders has gasoline, storage facilities, marine supplies, north side of East Point on Fishers Island, are Seal and a 10-ton marine railway; hull and engine repairs can Rocks, partly bare at low water and marked by a buoy. be made. A rocky patch covered 11 feet and marked by a buoy is about 500 yards northeastward of Seal Rocks. Youngs (273) Rock, about 0.4 mile westward of Seal Rocks, has about 1 foot over it and is marked by a buoy. A rocky patch Chart 13214 extends about 400 yards to the east-northeastward. (274) Fishers Island Sound extends between the (283) East Harbor and Chocomount Cove, in the north mainland of Connecticut and Fishers Island, and forms shore of Fishers Island, are sometimes used as anchorages one of the entrances into Long Island Sound that is used by small craft. There is considerable foul ground in to some extent by light tows and other vessels up to 14- East Harbor and in the approach to Chocomount Cove. foot draft. The sound has numerous shoals and lobster The harbor and cove are exposed to northerly winds. A trap buoys, and the entire area is exceedingly treacherous, former Coast Guard Station with a boathouse and dock characterized by boulder patches that rise abruptly from is prominent near the south side of East Harbor. Several deep water. Vessels should follow the deeper channels small private piers with about 6 feet at their ends are in between the shoals and proceed with caution if obliged East Harbor. to cross shoal areas. In general, all shoal spots or abrupt changes of depth are indications of boulders and should (284) The north shore of Fishers Island from East Harbor be avoided as anchorages. around into West Harbor has several private landings. (275) (285) East Clump is a cluster of rocks partly bare at high water and marked by a buoy about 0.8 mile north Currents of Fishers Island. From East Clump for some 2.8 miles (276) In Watch Hill Passage the tidal currents are strong westward to North Dumpling, there are rocky islets and dangers which must be avoided. These are 0.5 to 0.8 and necessitate caution in navigating. Buoys may be mile off the Fishers Island shore, and most are buoyed. towed under. The flood current sets nearly in the direction North Dumpling, an islet marked by a light and sound of the channel, but has a tendency to northward and the signal, is surrounded by rocks awash and foul ground. ebb a tendency to southward. The northerly and southerly Seaflower Reef, marked by a light, is near the middle of set is more marked between Napatree Point and Latimer the western entrance of Fishers Island Sound and 0.8 mile Reef Light. northwestward of North Dumpling Light. (277) In Sugar Reef and Catumb Passages the tidal currents set obliquely across the axis of the channel. The (286) West Harbor, on the north side of Fishers Island flood sets northwestward and the ebb southeastward. The southeastward of North Dumpling Light, affords shelter tidal currents in Sugar Reef Passage are about the same from southerly winds. In 2002, the dredged channel velocity as in Watch Hill Passage, but are stronger in leading into the harbor along the west shore had a Catumb Passage. controlling depth of 10.2 feet. Foul ground extends across (278) In Lords Passage the tidal currents set diagonally the entrance of West Harbor to near the eastern edge of the across the channel and have a velocity of nearly 2 knots, dredged channel; the northern limits of the foul ground the ebb being greater than the flood. are buoyed. (279) In the main channel of Fishers Island Sound, the flood sets westward and the ebb eastward. In the main (287) A yacht club wharf and another small-craft facility channel between Napatree Point and Wicopesset Island, are on the southwest side of the harbor. Gasoline, diesel fuel, water, ice, and hull and engine repairs are available. A marine railway can handle craft up to 40 feet. The head of the harbor is used by boats drawing less than 5 feet
266 ¢ U.S. Coast Pilot 2, Chapter 7 which enter by the narrow unmarked channel southward point just southwest of Little Narragansett Bay Entrance of Goose Island. Lighted Buoy 5 where the channel has been encroached (288) Hay Harbor, at the west end of Fishers Island, is upon by the shoaling off Sandy Point. Deep water is used by small craft. available, with local knowledge, north of the channel (289) Silver Eel Cove (Silver Eel Pond) is on the west opposite the shoal. The channel continues eastward of side of Fishers Island, 0.6 mile northeastward of Race Little Narragansett Bay Entrance Lighted Buoy 5 to Little Point. The entrance, about 75 feet wide and jettied, is Narragansett Bay Entrance Buoy 11 with a controlling marked by a private light and has a depth of about 11 feet, depth of 4 feet, thence 7.5 feet to the entrance of Pawcatuck with similar depths inside. Submerged fender pilings are River. reported on both sides of the entrance. Dolphins are on (296) Caution should be exercised in entering Little the northeast side of the cove, and the channel is clear Narragansett Bay. Shoal water extends for about 200 between them and the wharves on the southwest side. yards off Stonington Point, and the shoal area north of Vessels must go to the wharves as there is no room for Sandy Point is subject to continual change. Strangers anchorage. There is very little dockage available. The are advised to obtain local information before entering entrance is difficult with northwesterly or westerly winds. because of rocks and shoal water near the edges of the Alighted whistle buoy is about 450 yards off the entrance. channel. A ferry which operates between Fishers Island and New London lands here. During the summer, a Coast Guard (297) unit is stationed inside the entrance to the cove. (290) On the north side of Fishers Island Sound are: Little Currents Narragansett Bay, and Pawcatuck River leading to the (298) In the dredged channel northward of Sandy Point, towns of Westerly and Pawcatuck; Stonington Harbor and the town of Stonington; and Mystic Harbor leading the currents have a velocity of 1.3 knots. The flood sets to the towns of Noank and Mystic. eastward and the ebb westward. (See the Tidal Current (291) Napatree Beach, 1.3 miles long between Watch Hill Tables for predictions.) Point and Napatree Point, is bare. Sandy Point, about (299) Watch Hill Cove, in the southeastern part of Little 1.4 miles north-northwestward of Napatree Point, is at Narragansett Bay, is used by small craft. In 2012, the the northwestern end of a long and narrow sand island buoyed dredged channel leading to the cove had a in Little Narragansett Bay. An extensive sandspit makes controlling depth of 4.5 feet (6.3 feet at midchannel). A off from the northeasterly and southwesterly sides of the least depth of 8.7 feet was in the anchorage basin. island; give these areas a good berth. The island is subject to continual change; caution is advised. (300) (292) Napatree Point Ledge, a boulder reef with little depth, extends nearly 0.4 mile southward of the point. Anchorage It is marked by a lighted bell buoy. A sunken wreck is (301) A special anchorage is in Watch Hill Cove. (See about 0.3 mile eastward of the ledge in about 41°18'N., 71°53'W. 33 CFR 110.1 and 110.47, chapter 2, for limits and (293) The west side of Napatree Point should not be regulations.) approached closer than 175 yards to avoid a stone jetty which is covered at high water. Between Napatree Point and the Stonington outer breakwater is an extensive flat on which the depths are 2 to 10 feet, rocky bottom. (302) A yacht club and town dock are in Watch Hill Cove; Middle Ground, the western part of the flat, is marked berths, guest moorings, electricity, diesel fuel and water by the outer breakwater, which has a light at its western are available. end. A sound signal is at the light. (294) Adepth of 17 feet can be taken to an anchorage inside (303) Pawcatuck River, entered just south of Pawcatuck this breakwater, giving the light on the breakwater a berth Point, extends about 4 miles to Westerly.AFederal project of more than 250 yards. In anchoring, give the inside of provides for a depth of 10 feet for nearly 4 miles thence the breakwater a berth of over 300 yards to avoid shoals 7 feet to the end of the channel. (See Notice to Mariners and fishweirs. This anchorage provides good shelter and latest editions of charts for controlling depths.) The except in southwesterly and westerly winds, although it channel is well marked. is seldom used. (295) Little Narragansett Bay, at the eastern end of (304) Fishers Island Sound, is entered at its extreme western end southward of Stonington Point. The channel, with Currents dredged sections, extends generally southeasterly across (305) About 1 mile above the entrance to Pawcatuck River the bay into Pawcatuck River to Westerly. In 2012-2013, the controlling depth was 6.5 feet from the entrance to a the tidal current has a velocity of 0.6 knot on the flood, and 0.5 knot on the ebb. (306) Ice (307) The river is generally closed by ice from January to March. (308) Colonel Willie Cove, 0.5 mile above Pawcatuck Point, has a boatyard with a marine railway that can handle craft up to 50 feet for hull and engine repairs. Berths with electricity, gasoline, diesel fuel, water, ice,
U.S. Coast Pilot 2, Chapter 7 ¢ 267 storage facilities, a pump-out station, marine supplies, approach is best, with fewer dangers, and the navigational and a 30-ton lift are also available. Mariners enroute to aids serve as excellent guides to avoid them. In daytime the boatyard should use the chart as a guide. with clear weather, no difficulty should be experienced in entering any of the approaches. (309) (319) From southeastward, the course from south of Napatree Point Ledge should be west-northwestward Anchorage until off the buoy at the southwest end of Middle Ground, (310) A special anchorage is in Thompson Cove, 2 miles from which a northerly course can be shaped past the breakwater lights and into the harbor. above Pawcatuck Point. (See 33 CFR 110.1and 110.48, (320) From southwestward, a northeasterly course can be chapter 2, for limits and regulations.) A yacht club pier shaped from the lighted bell buoy south of Ram Island is in the cove. Private seasonal buoys mark the approach Reef to south of White Rock, and thence eastward past to the pier. the north side of Noyes Rock to the harbor. (321) The inner breakwater, about 400 yards northward of Stonington Point on the east side of the entrance, extends westward about 250 yards and is marked by a light. (311) Westerly, 4 miles above Pawcatuck Point, is an (322) Stonington is on the east side of the harbor. Traffic important manufacturing town. is mostly fishing and recreational craft. The wharves have depths of 7 to 12 feet alongside. Following southerly (312) weather, a surge is felt by vessels tied to the southern side of the seaward pier. Small-craft facilities (323) A boatyard is in the northeast part of the harbor. (313) There are numerous small-craft facilities along both Berths, electricity, gasoline, diesel fuel, water, ice, storage, 40-ton lift, marine supplies, and hull, engine, sides of the Pawcatuck River and at the head at Westerly and electronic repairs are available. In 1981, a reported and Pawcatuck, just across the river. The largest marine depth of 7 feet could be carried to the yard. railway in the area is at Avondale and it can handle craft (324) A harbormaster is at Stonington. to 55 feet. Berths, electricity, gasoline, diesel fuel, water, (325) A railroad causeway with two fixed spans crosses ice, storage facilities, launching ramps, lifts, some repairs Stonington Harbor 0.4 mile above Stonington; the and marine supplies are available. Depths of 7 to 9 feet east span has a clearance of 5 feet and the west span are reported at the town dock at Pawcatuck. has a clearance of 4 feet. Overhead power cables at the openings have clearances of 41 feet. (326) Noyes Rock, 0.4 mile southward of Wamphassuc Point, has a least depth of 7 feet. Noyes Shoal, with (314) Wequetequock Cove is a shallow cove at the 10 to 18 feet over it, is nearly 1.5 miles long in a west- northern end of Little Narrangansett Bay. A narrow northwesterly direction; it is marked by a gong buoy near unmarked channel leads eastward of Elihu Island into its eastern end. the cove. A depth of about 4 feet can be taken as far as Goat Island, about a mile above Sandy Point. A fixed (327) railroad bridge with a clearance of 6 feet crosses the cove about 0.2 mile above Goat Island. A small-craft facility No-Discharge Zone is on the west side of the cove near the head. Water, ice, (328) The State of Connecticut, with the approval of the berths, gasoline, storage facilities, launching ramp, 4-ton forklift, marine supplies, and hull and engine repairs are Environmental Protection Agency, has established a No- available. In 1981, a reported depth of 2 feet could be Discharge Zone (NDZ) in the Connecticut portion of the carried to the facility. Pawcatuck River, Little Narragansett Bay, portions of Fishers Island Sound and Stonington Harbor. The area (315) Stonington Harbor, 3 miles northwestward of covered extends from Wamphassuc Point due south past Watch Hill Point, is protected by breakwaters on each Noyes Shoal to the boundary between Connecticut and side. Each of the breakwaters is marked at its seaward New York, easterly following the state boundary to the end by a light. The controlling depth to the inner harbor is intersection of the Connecticut, New York and Rhode about 11 feet. Anchorage can be selected inside the west Island State lines, and following the boundary between breakwater in depths of 15 to 18 feet, taking care to keep Connecticut and Rhode Island to U.S. Route 1 over the the south end of Wamphassuc Point bearing northward of Pawcatuck River and including all Connecticut waters 270°. Vessels drawing up to 8 feet can find anchorage in seaward of U.S. Route 1 (see chart 13214 for limits). the inner harbor. A rock that bares at low water is about (329) Within the NDZ, discharge of sewage, whether 50 yards southward of the fishing wharf and is marked treated or untreated, from all vessels is prohibited. by a private buoy. Outside the NDZ, discharge of sewage is regulated by 40 CFR 140(see chapter 2). (316) Anchorages (317) Special anchorages are in Stonington Harbor. (See 33 CFR 110.1and 110.50, chapter 2, for limits and regulations.) (318) StoningtonHarborisapproachedfromsoutheastward and westward. Vessels with local knowledge sometimes cross Noyes Shoal from southwestward. The southeastern
268 ¢ U.S. Coast Pilot 2, Chapter 7 (350) Mystic Harbor and Noank, Connecticut N Image courtesy of U.S. Power Squadron, District 1 (330) Latimer Reef, about 0.6 mile south of Noyes Shoal, dangerous rock is off the east side of Mason Point, the is a very broken and rocky area 0.4 mile long. It is marked southern extremity of Mason Island, in 41°19'21.6\"N., by a light at its west end and a buoy at its east end. The 71°58'05.0\"W. eastern end of the reef has a least found depth of 6 feet. (335) Enders Island, 0.3 mile eastward of the southern end of Mason Island, is connected to it by a fixed bridge (331) Latimer Reef Light (41°18'16\"N., 71°56'00\"W.), with a 15-foot span and a clearance of 6 feet. 55 feet above the water, is shown from a white conical (336) Ram Island Reef, 1.8 miles westward of Latimer tower, brown midway of its height, on a brown cylindrical Reef Light, has two detached parts: the southerly section foundation. A sound signal is at the light. is covered 8 feet and marked by a lighted bell buoy, and the northerly section, covered by 6 feet, is marked by a (332) A detached 11-foot spot, marked by a buoy, is about daybeacon. Passage between the reef and island is unsafe 0.4 mile northeast of Latimer Reef Light. because of shoals. (337) Ram Island, about 0.4 mile southwest of Mason (333) Eel Grass Ground, about 0.8 mile northwestward Island, is wooded and grass-fringed. A shoal, on which of Latimer Reef Light, is a shoal with a least depth are two rocky islets, extends about 0.2 mile northeastward of 6 feet, marked by buoys. White Rock, about 0.8 from Ram Island. Ram Island Shoal, extending nearly mile northeastward of Eel Grass Ground, is bare and 0.5 mile westward from Ram Island, has little water over prominent. Red Reef, covered 2 feet, is 0.2 mile north it and many rocks bare at low water. Whaleback Rock of White Rock and marked by a buoy. Ellis Reef, 0.4 mile and the islet 300 yards northwestward of it are bare. northwestward of Eel Grass Ground, is marked on its east (338) The narrow but deep channel along the north side side by a daybeacon. of Ram Island Shoal is the easterly entrance to Mystic Harbor. Between the shoal and Groton Long Point is (334) Mason Island, 2.5 miles west of Stonington Harbor, an area of foul ground and several dangerous rocks, is joined to the mainland by a fixed bridge with an 18- including Whale Rock, which bares at low water, at foot span and a clearance of 3 feet; the sound end of the the northwesterly end of Ram Island Shoal. This rock is island is strewn with boulders. A special anchorage is marked by a seasonal lighted buoy. Leading across the on the east side of Mason Island. (See 33 CFR 110.1 shoal is the buoyed channel, good for about 11 feet, which and 110.50a, chapter 2, for limits and regulations.) An is used by vessels entering Mystic Harbor from westward. anchorage for small craft is on the west side of the south end of Mason Island where depths range from 8 to 11 feet; caution and local knowledge are required to use this anchorage because of the boulders in the area. A
U.S. Coast Pilot 2, Chapter 7 ¢ 269 (339) A rock covered 6 feet is about 0.5 mile SW of Whale electronic repairs can be made. A harbormaster is at Rock; about 0.65 mile SW of that rock is Intrepid Rock, Noank. with 19 feet over it and marked by a buoy, which should (351) Mystic River flows into Mystic Harbor from be avoided. Mouse Island, marked by several dwellings, northward just below Mystic. The river is used by is 150 yards southwestward of Morgan Point. recreational craft, the local fishing fleet, and by transient craft visiting Mystic Seaport. An anchorage area with (340) In 1983, a rock, covered about 2 feet, was reported depths of 3½ to 7 feet is in the lower part of the river 0.2 mile west of Mouse Island in about 41°18'52\"N., between Willow Point and Murphy Point. Ice usually 71°59'50\"W. closes the river during January and February. (352) Willow Point, 0.6 mile below Mystic, has several (341) Morgan Point is located on the west side at the small-craft facilities that can provide berths, electricity, entrance of Mystic Harbor. A privately maintained and water, ice, some engine parts, and marine supplies. A 12- marked channel leading to the piers in West Cove at ton crane and 30-ton mobile hoist are available; hull and Noank westward of the point had a least depth of 4 feet engine repairs can be made. reported in 1981. (353) A channel, privately marked by daybeacons, leads from the vicinity of Willow Point for 0.3 mile in an (342) Groton Long Point, on which is a summer easterly direction, thence about 0.4 mile northeastward settlement, is about 0.9 mile southwestward of Morgan to a marina on the west side of the mouth of Pequotsepos Point. A reef extends nearly 300 yards southwestward Brook, just below a railroad bridge. Berths, electricity, from the point and is marked by a buoy. About 0.3 mile water, ice, storage, marine supplies, a 12-ton mobile to the west a rock awash at low water is 175 yards off hoist, and hull and engine repairs are available. In 1981, the southwest end of Groton Long Point. It is marked by a reported depth of 4 feet could be carried in the channel a buoy. to the marina. (343) Mystic Harbor, about 6 miles westward of Watch (354) Hill Point, is the approach to the towns of Noank and Mystic. A Federal project provides for a 15-foot channel Small-craft facilities from Morgan Point through Mystic Harbor and into (355) Several small-craft facilities are on the northern end Mystic River to the bascule bridge thence a 12-foot channel to Mystic Seaport Museum Wharf, about 0.6 of Mason Island. Berths with electricity, gasoline, diesel mile above the bascule bridge. An anchorage basin with fuel, water, ice, storage facilities, marine supplies, a a project depth of 9 feet is on the east side of the river pump-out station, 35-ton lift, and hull and engine repairs opposite Willow Point. (See Notice to Mariners and the are available. In 1993, a reported depth of 4 feet could be latest editions of the charts for controlling depths.) carried to the facilities. (344) Anchorages (356) The railroad bridge over Mystic River below Mystic (345) Special anchorages are in Mystic Harbor. (See 33 has a swing span with a clearance of 8 feet. The U.S. Route 1 highway bridge at Mystic has a bascule span with CFR 110.1, 110.50b, and 110.50d, chapter 2, for limits a clearance of 4 feet. (See 33 CFR 117.1 through 117.59 and regulations.) and 117.211, chapter 2, for drawbridge regulations.) The bridgetenders monitor VHF-FM channel 13; call signs (346) KJA–842 and KXR–912, respectively. Routes (357) Mystic, a town about 2 miles above Noank, has (347) To enter from eastward, lay a west-northwesterly several small-craft facilities. Berths, electricity, gasoline, diesel fuel, water, ice, marine supplies, storage facilities, course from south of the lighted bell buoy marking mobile hoists, a 60-ton lift, and marine railways up to 110 Napatree Point Ledge for a little over 3 miles to about feet are available; hull and engine repairs can be made. 400 yards south of the buoy marking the south end of Cormorant Reef. From here steer 261° for 0.8 mile until (358) A harbormaster is at Mystic. Mason Point is abeam. Then follow the buoyed channel. (359) TheMysticSeaportMuseumisabout0.6mileabove (348) From westward, proceed cautiously from about 100 yards or more southward of the buoy southward the highway bridge at Mystic. The whaler CHARLES W. of Groton Long Point on an easterly course for about MORGAN, full-rigged training ship JOSEPH CONRAD, 0.5 mile to Mystic Harbor Channel Buoy 1, then steer a and Grand Banks fishing schooner L. A. DUNTON are northerly course through the buoyed channel into Mystic permanently moored at the museum and open to the Harbor, rounding Noank Light 5 at a distance of about 75 public. Along the waterfront of the museum property, a yards. mid-19th Century coastal village has been recreated with shops and lofts of that period. Collections of maritime relics are on exhibit in several formal museum buildings. (360) Above the Mystic Seaport Museum, the channel (349) Noank is a town on the west side of the channel is very narrow and is marked by privately maintained through Mystic Harbor. There are several small-craft seasonal buoys; boats of about 5-foot drafts can be taken facilities at Noank and in West Cove. Berths, electricity, gasoline, diesel fuel, water, ice, storage facilities, launching ramps, a pump-out station, 30- and 60-ton lifts, and marine supplies are available; hull, engine, sail, and
270 ¢ U.S. Coast Pilot 2, Chapter 7 to the Narrows, and thence depths are 1 and 2 feet to (366) Vixen Ledge, with a depth of 10 feet and marked Old Mystic. Twin fixed highway bridges crossing the by a buoy, is about 1 mile west of Horseshoe Reef. Narrows have clearances of 25 feet. The stream follows Pine Island is bluff and grassy, about 1.3 miles west the east bank to the next narrows and the west bank to of Mumford Point. It is surrounded by shoal water and a marina in the bight about 0.3 mile below Old Mystic. rocky bottom, and is marked off the southwest side by a lighted bell buoy. A rock, covered 6 feet, in 41°18'35\"N., (361) 72°03'16\"W., is about 0.3 mile northwestward of Vixen Ledge. Charts 13213, 13212, 13214 (367) A special anchorage is on the north side of Pine (362) Mumford Cove is entered about 2 miles west Island. (See 33 CFR 110.1 and 110.51, chapter 2, for of Mystic Harbor. A privately dredged channel leads limits and regulations.) northward from the entrance to the head of the cove; two spur channels lead eastward from the main channel, about (368) Avery Point Light (41°18′55″N., 72°03′49″W.) is 0.3 mile and 0.6 mile, respectively, above the entrance. shown from a white octagonal concrete tower at Avery The channels are marked by private seasonal buoys Point. An unmarked rock awash is 0.3 mile south of the and daybeacons. In 1981, the channels had a reported light. A cove indents the mainland north of Pine Island controlling depth of 2 feet. and east of Avery Point; the entrance is marked by two buoys eastward of Avery Point. Depths shoal from (363) Special anchorages are in the cove. (See 33 CFR about 10 feet in the entrance to 1 foot at the head of the 110.1 and 110.50c, chapter 2, for limits and regulations.) cove. A breakwater, marked by a private light, extends southeasterly from the east end of Avery Point. A 5 mph (364) Venetian Harbor is a yacht basin on the east side of speed limit is enforced in the cove. the entrance to Mumford Cove. A channel 75 feet wide leads through stone breakwaters into a basin with depths (369) A yacht club, marina, and launching ramp are in of about 3 to 7 feet. A submerged jetty extends along the the cove. Berths, guest moorings, gasoline, electricity, channel from the outer end of the east breakwater. The water, ice, marine supplies, and a 14-ton mobile hoist entrance to the harbor is marked by a light on the outer are available at the marina; hull and engine repairs can end of the west breakwater. be made. In 2000, a reported depth of 7.5 feet could be carried to the marina. (365) Horseshoe Reef, 0.5 mile southward of Mumford Cove entrance, is awash at low water, and is marked by (370) A special anchorage is in the cove. (See 33 CFR a buoy. Broken and rocky grounds extend from the reef 110.1 and 110.51, chapter 2, for limits and regulations.) to the shore eastward of Mumford Point.
U.S. Coast Pilot 2, Chapter 7 ¢ 271 (371) Tidal Information Chart Station Latitude/Longitude Mean Higher Mean High Mean Low High Water* Water* Water* 12358 Plum Gut Harbor, Plum Island, Long Island Sound 41°10'N/72°12'W 2.8 0.2 12358 Greenport, Shelter Island Sound, Long Island 41°06'N/72°22'W 3.1 2.6 0.2 12358 Sag Harbor, Shelter Island Sound 41°00'N/72°18'W 2.9 2.7 0.2 12358 South Jamesport, Peconic Bay, Long Island 40°56'N/72°35'W 3.0 3.0 0.2 13205 Montauk Point, Long Island 41°04'N/71°52'W 3.3 2.6 0.1 13209 Little Gull Island 41°12'N/72°06'W 2.9 2.4 0.2 13209 Cedar Point, Shelter Island Sound, Long Island 41°02'N/72°16'W 2.6 2.7 0.2 13209 Promised Land, Napeague Bay, Long Island 41°00'N/72°9'W 3.0 2.5 0.2 13209 Montauk Harbor entrance, Long Island 41°04'N/71°56'W 2.8 2.0 0.1 13209 Montauk Point, Long Island 41°04'N/71°52'W 2.3 2.6 0.1 13209 Montauk, Fort Pond Bay, Long Island 41°03'N/71°58'W 2.9 2.2 0.2 13212 West Harbor, Fishers Island 41°16'N/72°00'W 2.5 2.7 0.2 13212 Millstone Point 41°18'N/72°10'W 3.0 2.9 0.2 13212 Little Gull Island 41°12'N/72°06'W 3.2 2.4 0.2 13213 Smith Cove Entrance, Thames River 41°24'N/72°06'W 2.6 2.7 0.2 13213 New London, Thames River 41°22'N/72°06'W 3.0 2.8 0.2 13214 Watch Hill Point, Westerly, Pawcatuck 41°18'N/71°52'W 3.0 2.7 0.1 13214 Silver Eel Pond, Fishers Island 41°15'N/72°02'W 2.9 2.5 0.2 13217 Block Island (Great Salt Pond) 41°11'N/71°35'W 2.8 2.7 0.1 13217 Block Island, Old Harbor Basin 41°10'N/71°33'W 2.9 3.0 0.1 13219 Point Judith, Harbor of Refuge 41°22'N/71°29'W 3.2 3.1 0.1 3.4 * Heights in feet referred to datum of sounding MLLW. Real-time water levels, tide predictions, and tidal current predictions are available at http://tidesandcurrents.noaa.gov To determine mean tide range subtract Mean Low Water from Mean High Water. Data as of September 2014
73° 72°30' 72° 272 ¢ U.S. Coast Pilot 2, Chapter 8 Index of Chart Coverage in Chapter 8 Hartford CONNECTICUT 12378 Norwich 41° CONNECTICUT 12377 THAMES RIVER 41° 30' RI 30' VER 12375 New London 13213 12372 12354 New Haven Essex HOUSATONIC RIVER 12374 12372 NIANTIC BAY 12373 Guilford Harbor Westbrook Harbor 13211 Branford Harbor 12371 BLOCK ISLAND SOUND Orient Point 12370 LONG ISLAND SOUND 41° 12362 12358 41° Port Je erson L O N G I S L A N D 72°30' NORTH ATLANTIC OCEAN 73° 72°
U.S. Coast Pilot 2, Chapter 8 ¢ 273 Eastern Long Island Sound (1) This chapter describes the eastern portion of Long reaching the eastern part of the sound. Small vessels can Island Sound following the north shore from Thames select anchorage eastward or westward of Kelsey Point River to and including the Housatonic River, and then Breakwater, also in Duck Island Roads. Off Madison the south shore from Orient Point to and including Port there is anchorage sheltered from northerly winds. New Jefferson. Also described are the Connecticut River; Haven Harbor is an important harbor of refuge. the ports of New London, New Haven, and Northville; (11) Several general anchorages are in Long Island and the more important fishing and yachting centers Sound. (See 33 CFR 110.1 and 110.146, chapter 2, for on Niantic River and Bay, Westbrook Harbor, Guilford limits and regulations.) Harbor, Branford Harbor, and Mattituck Inlet. (12) (2) No-Discharge Zone COLREGS Demarcation Lines (13) The States of New York and Connecticut, with the (3) The lines established for Long Island Sound are approval of the Environmental Protection Agency, have described in 33 CFR 80.155 chapter 2. established a No-Discharge Zone (NDZ) in Long Island Sound and a portion of the East River, extending from the (4) Hell Gate Bridge in the west to Block Island Sound in the east (see charts 12339 and 13205 for limits). Chart 12354 (14) Within the NDZ, discharge of sewage, whether treated or untreated, from all vessels is prohibited. (5) Long Island Sound is a deep navigable waterway Outside the NDZ, discharge of sewage is regulated by lying between the shores of Connecticut and New York 40 CFR 140(see chapter 2). and the northern coast of Long Island. (15) (6) In this region are boulders and broken ground, but little or no natural change in the shoals. The waters are Tides well marked by navigational aids so that strangers should (16) The time of tide is nearly simultaneous throughout experience no difficulty in navigating them. As all broken ground is liable to be strewn with boulders, vessels Long Island Sound, but the range of tide increases from should proceed with caution in the broken areas where about 2.5 feet at the east end to about 7.3 feet at the west the charted depths are not more than 6 to 8 feet greater end. Daily predictions of the times and heights of high than the draft.All of the more important places are entered and low waters are given in the Tide Tables. by dredged channels; during fog, vessels are advised to (17) The effect of strong winds, in combination with the anchor until the weather clears before attempting to enter. regular tidal action, may at times cause the water to fall The numerous oyster grounds in this region are usually several feet below the plane of reference of the charts. marked by stakes and flags. These stakes may become broken off and form obstructions dangerous to small (18) craft. Mariners should proceed with caution especially at night. Currents (19) In the eastern portion of Long Island Sound the (7) current turns from ½ to 1½ hours earlier along the north Caution shore than in the middle of the sound. (8) Submarine operating areas are in the approaches (20) Proceeding westward from The Race in the middle of the sound, the velocity of current is 1.8 knots off Cornfield to New London Harbor, Connecticut River, and off Point, about 1 knot off New Haven, 1 knot off Eatons the northern shore of Long Island. As submarines may Neck, 0.4 knot between Peningo Neck and Matinecock be operating submerged in these areas, vessels should Point, and 0.5 knot eastward of Hart Island. proceed with caution. (21) About 1.5 miles east-southeastward of Bartlett Reef, the velocity of flood is 1.2 knots and ebb 1.6 knots. The (9) flood current sets 285° and the ebb 062°. (22) At a point about 3 miles southward of Cornfield Anchorages Point, the flood current sets 256° with a velocity of 2 (10) New London Harbor is the most important of the knots and the ebb sets 094° with a velocity of 1.7 knots. (23) About 1 mile north of Stratford Shoal (Middle anchorages sought for shelter in the eastern part of Long Ground) Light, the velocity is 1 knot, the flood setting Island Sound. Niantic Bay and the approach between Bartlett Reef and Hatchett Reef are used to some extent by small vessels when meeting unfavorable weather or
274 ¢ U.S. Coast Pilot 2, Chapter 8 westward and the ebb eastward. (See Tidal Current Tables formations from leaving the harbor. Tides have little for predictions.) effect upon the ice. Additional information concerning ice conditions in the waters adjoining Long Island Sound (24) is given under the local descriptions. (33) Vessel Traffic Service, New York, operated by the Weather, Long Island Sound and vicinity U.S. Coast Guard, serves New York Harbor. (See 33 CFR (25) Weather is most favorable from mid-May to 161.1 through 161.25, chapter 2, for regulations.) mid-October, when the most common hazards are (34) thunderstorms and fog. There is also a rare threat of a tropical cyclone. During June, July and August on the Pilotage, Long Island Sound average, there are 20 to 25 days per month with conditions (35) Pilotage by a state licensed pilot is compulsory in generally considered ideal even for small boaters. Fog is most likely in spring and early summer. Fog, or the lack Long Island Sound for foreign flag vessels and U.S. of it, at inland locations is not a guide to conditions in vessels which are under register (i.e. engaged in foreign the Sound or its approaches. Areas along the coast, at the trade). Such vessels can arrange for a state licensed pilot heads of bays and within rivers may be relatively clear, by contacting the joint rotation administrator, Block while offshore the fog is thick. For example, on exposed Island Pilots at 243 Spring Street, Newport, RI 02840; Block Island heavy fog is encountered about 10 to 12 telephone 401–847–9050 (24 hours), 800–274–1216; percent of the time from April though August compared FAX 401–847–9052. Enrolled vessels (i.e. U.S. vessels to 1 to 3 percent at Westhampton. Thunderstorms on the engaged in coastwise trade) may be required to have a other hand are more likely over land, but can be viscous U.S. Coast Guard Federally licensed pilot unless the in the Sound, especially in a squall line preceding a master has recency for the intended area. cold front in spring and early summer. Winter winds are (36) The pilot boat sets radio guard at least 1 hour before mostly out of the west through north, but gales blow less a vessel’s ETA. than 5 percent of the time in these somewhat sheltered (37) Vessels to be boarded should provide a ladder 3 feet waters. Waves are restricted by limited fetch except to the above the water on the lee side. east. However, choppy conditions can create problems. (38) Pilot services must be arranged at least 24 hours in advance through ships’ agents or directly by shipping (26) companies. (39) Pilotage, in the waters of Long Island Sound for Ice enrolled vessels (i.e. U.S. vessels engaged in coastwise (27) In ordinary winters the floating and pack ice in Long trade), is available from, but not limited to: (40) Northeast Marine Pilots, Inc., 243 Spring Street, Island Sound, while impeding navigation, does not render Newport, RI 02840; http://www.nemarinepilots.com; it absolutely unsafe, but in exceptionally severe winters telephone 401–847–9050 (24 hours), 800–274–1216; the reverse is true; none but powerful steamers can make FAX 401–847–9052. Pilot boats are NORTHEAST IV, their way. 52-foot, gray hull and superstructure, word PILOT on (28) Drift ice, which is formed principally along the both sides and NORTHEAST II, 47-foot, gray hull and northern shore of the sound under the influence of the superstructure, word PILOT on both sides. The boats prevailing northerly winds, drifts across to the southern monitor VHF-FM channels 16, 10, 13, 14; work on 10. side and accumulates there, massing into large fields, and (41) Interport Pilots Agency, Inc./Connecticut State remains until removed by southerly winds, which drive it Pilots, P.O. Box 236, Port Monmouth, NJ 07758; http:// back to the northerly shore. www.interportpilots.com; telephone 732–787–5554 (24 (29) In ordinary winters ice generally forms in the western hours); email: [email protected]. Pilot boats are end of the sound as far as Eatons Neck; in exceptionally CONNECTICUT PILOT, 65-foot with blue hull and severe winters ice may extend to Falkner Island and white superstructure and KEN JOHNSON, 48-foot with farther eastward. blue hull and white superstructure. These boats monitor VHF-FM channels 16 and 13, work on 11, and are (30) equipped with AIS. (42) Constitution State Pilots Association, 9 Nottingham Effects of winds on ice Drive, Old Lyme, CT 06371, telephone 203–627–5057. (31) In Long Island Sound northerly winds drive the ice to Pilot boat is CONSTITUTION, 65-foot with black hull and white superstructure displaying the word PILOT on the southern shore of the sound and southerly winds carry both sides. The boat monitors VHF-FM channels 16, 13, it back to the northern shore. Northeasterly winds force and 9A; works on 13 or 9A. the ice westward and cause formations heavy enough to (43) Connecticut River Pilots Association (CRPA), P.O. prevent the passage of vessels of every description until Box 107, Old Saybrook, CT 06475; telephone 860–388– the ice is removed by westerly winds. These winds carry 4167. Pilot boat TRUDEE II is 36-foot, with black hull, the ice eastward and, if of long duration, drive it through white superstructure, and with the word PILOT on the The Race into Block Island Sound, thence it goes to sea and disappears. (32) In New Haven Harbor, the influence of the northerly winds clear the harbor and its approaches unless the local formation is too heavy to be moved. Southerly winds force the drift ice in from the sound and prevent the local
U.S. Coast Pilot 2, Chapter 8 ¢ 275 (47) Thames River and New London, Connecticut N Image courtesy of Airphoto/Jim Wark (2004) house, forward. The boat monitors VHF-FM channels 16 a highway bridge and a railroad bridge. The main harbor and 13; works on 13. comprises the lower 3 miles of Thames River from Long (44) See Pilotage, New London-Groton (indexed as such), Island Sound to the bridges, and includes Shaw Cove, this chapter; Pilotage, New Haven (indexed as such), this Greens Harbor, and Winthrop Cove. It is approached chapter; Pilotage, Bridgeport (indexed as such), chapter through the main entrance channel extending from deep 9; Pilotage, Offshore Terminal, Northville-Riverhead water in Long Island Sound to deep water in the upper (indexed as such), this chapter; and Pilotage, Offshore harbor. The harbor is generally used by vessels drawing Terminal, Northport (indexed as such), chapter 9. 9 to 30 feet; the deepest draft entering is about 36 feet. Petroleum products, seafood products, copper, lumber (45) and other forest products are the principal waterborne commodities handled at the port. Charts 13213, 13212, 12372 (51) Greens Harbor, a small-craft shelter just north of the entrance, has general depths of 6 to 17 feet. Special (46) New London Harbor, near the east end of Long anchorages are in the harbor. (See 33 CFR 110.1and Island Sound at the mouth of the Thames River, is an 110.52, chapter 2, for limits and regulations.) important harbor of refuge. Vessels of deep draft can find (52) New London Coast Guard Station and Fort anchorage here in any weather and at all seasons. Trumbull State Park are on the west side of the main channel northward of Greens Harbor. (48) Waterborne commerce in New London Harbor and (53) Shaw Cove is a dredged basin about 0.8 mile on the Thames River is chiefly in petroleum products, northward of Greens Harbor. In 1986, the controlling chemicals, coal, copper, lumber, seafood products and depth was 15 feet in the entrance channel through the general cargo. south draw of the bridge, thence depths of 11 to 15 feet were available in the basin. The railroad bridge over the (49) Security zones have been established in New entrance has a swing span with clearances of 6½ feet. (See London Harbor. (See 33 CFR 165.1 through 165.7, 33 CFR 117.1 through 117.59 and 117.223, chapter 2, 165.30, 165.33, and 165.140, chapter 2, for limits and for drawbridge regulations.) regulations.) (50) New London is a city on the west bank of Thames River about 2.5 miles above the mouth. The town of Groton on the east bank is connected to New London by
276 ¢ U.S. Coast Pilot 2, Chapter 8 (54) Winthrop Cove, northward of Shaw Cove, is part Sarah Ledge, 0.7 mile northeastward of Rapid Rock and of the main waterfront channel. The fixed railroad bridge marked by a buoy, has a least depth of 14 feet and is the near the head of this cove has a clearance of 4 feet. easternmost shoal on the west side of the main channel approach. (55) (65) On the east side of the main channel foul ground extends about 1 mile offshore. New London Ledge, Prominent features marked by New London Ledge Light, has a least depth (56) New London Ledge Light (41°18'21\"N., of 7 feet. Black Ledge, just to the northeastward of New London Ledge, has a rocky islet, 2 feet high, on it. Depths 72°04'39\"W.), 58 feet above the water, is shown from a are 5 to 18 feet on the ledge. Buoys mark the shoal area. red brick building on a square white pier on the west side (66) Broken ground fringes the shore southwestward of New London Ledge; a sound signal is sounded at the of New London Harbor Light. A rock with 3 feet over station. it is located about 0.1 mile from shore in the bight just (57) Other prominent features in approaching New southward of the light and shoal soundings extend as London Harbor are: New London Harbor Light, on far as 0.2 mile from shore where an 8-foot sounding is the west side of the entrance channel; the monument at located. Fort Griswold; the microwave tower atop a building in (67) White Rock, an islet in Greens Harbor, is 250 yards downtown New London; the large sheds at the shipyard from the 18-foot curve on the western edge of the channel. on the east side of the river opposite Fort Trumbull State Hog Back, a small ledge awash at low water, is 150 Park and the highway bridge at New London. yards southwestward of White Rock and about 0.3 mile from the western shore, and is marked by a buoy. Rocks, (58) covered 2 to 6 feet, are in the middle of the northern part of Greens Harbor. Melton Ledge, northward of White Channels Rock, with one-half foot over it, is 125 yards eastward of (59) AU.S.NavyprojectforNewLondonHarborprovides Powder Island and is marked by a buoy; a rock awash is close westward of Melton Ledge. for a channel 40 feet deep to Fort Trumbull, thence 38 feet to the Submarine Force Library and Museum, thence 36 (68) feet to the U.S. Navy Submarine Base. A Federal project provides for a channel 23 feet deep in the waterfront Bridges channels north of Fort Trumbull and in Winthrop Cove. (69) Four bridges cross the Thames River below (See Notice to Mariners and latest editions of the charts for controlling depths.) Lighted and unlighted buoys and Norwich: three near Winthrop Point and one about 0.2 a 354° lighted range mark the channel. The range does miles southward of Fort Point. The first is the railroad not mark the center of the lower end of the channel. bridge, which has a vertical lift span with authorized (60) Pine Island Channel, northeastward of New clearances of 29 feet down and 133 feet up. (See 33 London Ledge Light, between Pine Island and Black CFR 117.1 through 117.59 and 117.224, chapter 2, for Ledge, has a rocky and very broken bottom on which the drawbridge regulations.) The bridgetender of the railroad least found depth is 9 feet. It is used some by local vessels bridge monitors VHF-FM channel 13; call sign KT-5473. between New London Harbor and Fishers Island Sound, In 1998, it was reported that cross currents of 1 to 2 knots but should be avoided by any vessel drawing more than can be encountered in the vicinity of this bridge. Just 10 feet. above it are two high-level fixed bridges with clearances of 135 feet, and 7.9 miles farther up the Thames is a fixed (61) highway bridge with a clearance of 75 feet. A racon is in the center of the main channel span on the southernmost Anchorages of two high-level fixed bridges. (62) General and naval anchorages are in the approaches (70) Overhead power cables with a clearance of 160 feet cross the river about 5.5 miles below Norwich. to, and in, New London Harbor. (See 33 CFR110.1 and 110.147, chapter 2, for limits and regulations.) Special (71) anchorages are in Greens Harbor and in the vicinity of the U.S. Coast Guard Academy. (See 33 CFR 110.1 and Currents 110.52, chapter 2, for limits and regulations.) (72) The tidal currents follow the general direction of the (63) channel and usually are not strong. At Winthrop Point, on the west side of the river at New London, the velocity Dangers is 0.4 knot, and at Stoddard Hill, about 6.5 miles above (64) On the west side of the approach to New London New London, 0.7 knot on the flood and 0.4 knot on the ebb. During freshets or when the river is high and the Harbor, foul ground extends about 1 mile from shore in wind is from the north, the current can have considerable the vicinity of Goshen Point (chart 13211). The southerly southerly set even on the flood. and southeasterly limits of this area are marked by buoys. (73) Ice obstructs navigation about 2 months each year The area has numerous rocky patches and boulders, some above the naval station, which is some 5 miles above showing above water, and should be avoided by small craft. Rapid Rock, marked by a buoy on its southeast side, is about 1.6 miles southwestward of New London Ledge Light; it has a least depth of 10 feet. An unmarked ledge covered 35 feet is about 100 yards south by eastward of Rapid Rock and is the outermost shoal to the southward.
U.S. Coast Pilot 2, Chapter 8 ¢ 277 New London Ledge Light, but seldom forms below the (85) station. In extremely severe winters, however, heavy ice from the sound, driven in by winds, has been known to Wharves extend about 1.8 miles above the entrance. Between New (86) New London Harbor has more than 30 wharves and London and the mouth of the river small vessels may navigate with comparative safety in ordinary winters; piers. Most of these facilities are used as repair berths, and even in severe weather, it is rare that navigation for for mooring recreational craft, fishing vessels, barges, small vessels stops for more than a week. Steamers ferries, and government vessels. Depths alongside these can nearly always enter and leave with safety. Drift ice facilities range from 10 to 40 feet. Only the deep-draft sometimes forms a decidedly dangerous obstruction in facilities are described. For a complete description of the approaches through Long Island Sound during severe the port facilities refer to Port Series No. 4, published winters, especially during February and March, and small and sold by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. (See vessels are much hindered in their movements during Appendix A for address.) The alongside depths are January, February, and March. reported; for information on the latest depths contact the (74) Freshets usually occur in the river in the spring. It is private operator. reported that they seldom exceed 2 feet above high water (87) Amerada Hess Corp. Wharf (41°20'09\"N., at Norwich. 72°04'58\"W.): on the east side of the river opposite Greens (75) New London Harbor and Thames River are easy of Harbor; T-head pier with 55-foot face, 960 feet of berthing access by day or night, but local knowledge is required to space with dolphins; 40 feet alongside; deck height, 8 take drafts greater than 20 feet above the submarine base. feet; pipelines to storage tanks; fresh water connection; railroad and highway connections; receipt and shipment (76) of petroleum products and receipt of molasses; bunkering vessels; owned and operated by Hess Oil and Chemical Pilotage, New London-Groton Division, Amerada Hess Corp. (77) Pilotage by a state licensed pilot is compulsory in (88) Admiral Shear State Pier: the more easterly of the two long piers southwestward of the Thames River bridges, Long Island Sound for foreign flag vessels and U.S. about 1.3 miles northward of Amerada Hess Corp. Wharf; vessels which are under register (i.e. engaged in foreign 200-foot face, 26 feet alongside; west side 1,000 feet, trade). Such vessels can arrange for a state licensed pilot 23 to 27 feet alongside; east side 1,020 feet, 34 to 38 by contacting the joint rotation administrator, Block feet alongside; deck height, 10 feet; 90,000 square feet Island Pilots at 243 Spring Street, Newport, RI 02840; of covered storage, 20 acres of open storage; electricity, telephone 401–847–9050 (24 hours), 800–274–1216; potable and feed water connections on pier; railroad and FAX 401–847–9052. Enrolled vessels (i.e. U.S. vessels highway connections; receipt and shipment of general engaged in coastwise trade) may be required to have a cargo, copper, zinc, steel and wood products; owned by U.S. Coast Guard Federally licensed pilot unless the the State of Connecticut and operated by Logistec U.S.A. master has recency for the intended area. See Pilotage, Inc., a division of Logistec Stevedoring of Montreal. Long Island Sound (indexed as such), chapter 8. (89) Supplies of all kinds are available. Gasoline and diesel oil can be obtained from oil companies on 48 hours’ (78) notice by tank truck. Water is available at most of the piers, wharves, and marinas. Towage (79) Tugs to 3,200 hp are available at New London. (90) Vessels usually proceed to the upper harbor without Repairs assistance, although a tug may be required when entering (91) Ashipbuilding company at New London can perform with a head wind and contrary current. Large vessels normally require tugs for docking and undocking. all kinds of repairs on steel-hulled vessels. The company (80) New London is a customs port of entry. has floating drydocks with lifting capacities from 1,000 to 10,000 tons. The company’s largest drydock is on the (81) west side of the river, and has a maximum pontoon length of 300 feet, a width between wingwalls of 110 feet, and Quarantine, customs, immigration, and agricultural is about 0.9 mile north of the Thames River bridges. quarantine (92) Cranes to 70 tons and floating derricks to 25 tons are (82) (See chapter 3, Vessel Arrival Inspections, and available at New London. Appendix A for addresses.) (93) Several companies in New London are in the (83) Quarantine is enforced in accordance with business of wrecking, salvage, and marine contracting regulations of the U.S. Public Health Service. (See Public work. They are equipped with pumps, divers’ outfits, Health Service, chapter 1.) New London has several floating equipment, and other gear. hospitals. (84) Harbor regulations are in force for New London (94) Harbor. The harbormaster has authority to berth vessels, shifting them if necessary, but occasion for doing so Small-craft facilities seldom arises. (95) There are numerous small-craft facilities in Greens Harbor and Shaw Cove. (See the small-craft facilities
278 ¢ U.S. Coast Pilot 2, Chapter 8 tabulation on chart 12372 for services and supplies (108) Allyn Point, on the east side about 5 miles above available.) New London, is the site of a large private pier for receiving liquid chemicals, with a reported depth of about 30 feet (96) alongside. It is marked by an elevated water sphere and several small tanks on the pier. Communications (97) New London has good railroad and bus (109) Fort Point, on the east side 8 miles above New London, has a long fuel pier marked by privately communications. Automobile-passenger ferry service is maintained red lights, and on shore is a building with available to Block Island, Fishers Island, and to Orient several stacks. Numerous piles are in the water southward Point, Long Island. of the pier. The fixed highway bridge crossing the river about 0.2 miles south of Fort Point has a clearance of 75 feet. (98) Thames River above New London has a dredged (110) The red brick buildings of the Norwich State channel to Norwich, the head of navigation. In 2006, the Hospital are on a bluff just north of Fort Point and are a controlling depth was 25 feet from the bridges at New conspicuous landmark. London to the north end of the turning basin opposite Smith Cove, thence 7.1 feet (14.9 feet at midchannel) (111) At Thamesville, on the west side of the river about to Stoddard Hill, thence 15 feet to the turning basin at 1 mile below Norwich, are two finger piers each with Norwich with 12 feet in the turning basin except for breasting dolphins used to receive petroleum products shoaling to lesser depths near the upper limits of the from barges. Depths of 20 to 25 feet are reported alongside basin. The channel is well marked by navigational aids. the face of the piers. (99) (112) Norwich, a city at the head of navigation on Thames River at its junction with Shetucket River and Yantic Caution River, is about 11 miles above New London. In 1981, (100) The dikes along the Thames River from Easter Point waterborne commerce to Norwich consisted of petroleum products. Small boats generally anchor in Shetucket (41°28.2'N., 72°04.5'W.) to Norwich are submerged at River just above the fixed bridges at Norwich, which have half tide. a minimum clearance of 11 feet. (101) (113) Pilotage,Thames River Charts 13211, 13212, 12372 (102) For Pilotage for the river see Pilotage, New London- (114) Bartlett Reef Light (41°16'28\"N., 72°08'14\"W.), Groton (indexed as such) earlier this chapter. 35 feet above the water and shown from a skeleton tower with a red and white diamond-shaped dayboard, is about 3.3 miles southwestward of New London Ledge Light and marks the south end of Bartlett Reef. A sound signal (103) The U.S.Coast Guard Academy is on the west is at the light. The reef, about 1.3 miles long in a general side of Thames River about 1 mile north of the center of north-south direction and about 0.3 mile wide, is covered New London. The administration building, with its white 2 to 18 feet and has rocks awash near its northern end. The tower and clock, and the lighted chapel spire are very north end of the reef is marked by a buoy. A lighted bell prominent, but are not visible until almost abeam of the buoy and an unlighted buoy are about 0.9 mile southward academy. Depths alongside the 410-foot-long academy and about 0.3 mile eastward of the light, respectively. pier were reported in 2005, to be 30 feet at the face, 30 feet along the south side, and 30 to 34 feet on the north (115) Ageneralanchorageisabout0.8milenortheastward side. of Bartlett Reef Light. (See 33 CFR 110.1 and 110.147(a) (4), and (b), chapter 2, for limits and regulations.) (104) The U.S. Naval Submarine Base is on the east side of the Thames River about 2.5 miles above New London. (116) Twotree Island, small and bare, about 1.4 miles USS Nautilus is permanently moored just south of the northwestward of Bartlett Reef Light, is surrounded by base as part of the Submarine Force Library and Museum. shoals. A buoy marks rocks awash that extend off the northern end of the island. (105) A restricted area is off the U.S. Naval Submarine Base. (See 33 CFR 334.75, chapter 2, for limits and (117) Twotree Island Channel leads northward of regulations.) Bartlett Reef and Twotree Island. With an adverse current in the sound, this channel is used to some extent by light (106) Just below Gales Ferry, on the east side about 4 tows and sailboats with a leading wind in the daytime, miles above the bridges, are the crew training quarters as the tidal currents turn about 1 hour earlier along the and boathouses of Harvard and Yale Universities. north shore than in the middle of the sound. About 0.3 Opposite Gales Ferry is the town of Bartlett, site of a mile southwestward of Seaside, the tidal currents have prominent power plant with two tall and conspicuous a velocity of 1.2 knots, and ebb 1.6 knots. Flood sets stacks. A privately dredged channel with depths of about westerly and the ebb easterly. The channel is buoyed, but 20 feet leads to the dock and coal tipple. (107) At Montville Station, just above Bartlett, is a dock with a depth of 23 feet at the face. The northeast end of the dock is in ruins. Overhead power cables with a clearance of 160 feet cross the river 0.5 mile above the station near Kitemaug.
U.S. Coast Pilot 2, Chapter 8 ¢ 279 strangers are advised to use it with caution and should narrow passage at the entrance. The more southerly is never attempt to beat through. the Amtrak bridge, with a 45-foot bascule span and a (118) From Goshen Point (41°18.0'N., 72°06.8'W.) clearance of 11 feet; in 2010, a replacement bascule westward, there are scattered boulders which extend bridge was under construction with a design clearance of offshore as much as 0.2 mile in places. Jordan Cove, 16 feet just south of the existing bridge. The State Route 1.5 miles west of Goshen Point, is foul in its northerly 156 highway bridge, about 0.1 northward, has a bascule half, and the southerly part is obstructed by Flat Rock, span with a clearance of 32 feet. (See 33 CFR 117.1 bare at low water and marked by a buoy, and High Rock, through 117.59 and 117.215, chapter 2, for drawbridge which shows at high water and is marked by a buoy. regulations.) The bridgetender at each bridge monitors (119) Millstone Point, on the east side at the entrance of VHF-FM channel 13; call signs KGA-511 and KXR-911, Niantic Bay, is occupied by the buildings of the Millstone respectively. Nuclear Power Station. A 389-foot red and white stack (127) Strangers attempting to enter Niantic River are at the station and a radio tower on the point are the most cautioned to pass through the bridges either at slack water conspicuous landmarks in the area. A cove with depths or against the current. of 2 to 17 feet is on the west side of the point. A rock (128) Above the head of the dredged channel, small craft with 1 foot over it lies 60 feet off the mouth of the cove. can navigate for about another 1.5 miles to Golden The station maintains channel markers and a range for Spur (East Lyme) with local knowledge. The river from occasional barge traffic. A dredged area for the power westward of Sandy Point to the stone bulkhead at Golden station’s water intakes is 0.2 mile northwest of the cove. Spur is deep and clear; vessels generally follow the west bank. Pine Grove,Sandy Point, and Saunders Point are (120) summer resorts on Niantic River. Charts 13211, 12372 (129) (121) White Rock is an islet on the east side of the Currents entrance to Niantic Bay 0.5 mile westward of Millstone (130) The tidal currents through the bridges set fair with Point. Little Rock, two rocks partly bare at low water, is 150 yards east of White Rock. Rocks with a least depth of the channel; the flood velocity is 1.6 knots and the ebb 8 feet extend 0.25 mile northwest from Millstone Point. A velocity, 0.8 knot. It has been reported that much greater rock, covered 11 feet, is about 300 yards south-southeast velocities may be expected under storm and freshet of White Rock and is marked by a lighted bell buoy. conditions. (See Tidal Current Tables for predictions.) (122) Niantic Bay, 4.5 miles westward of New London (131) Harbor, is a good anchorage sheltered from easterly, northerly, and westerly winds. It is a harbor of refuge Ice in northerly gales and can be used by small vessels and (132) Ice generally closes the river to navigation for about tows. The general depth of the bay is about 19 feet; the water shoals gradually northward. The entrance is 1.5 3 months during the winter. miles wide, and the dangers are marked by buoys or show above water. (123) Niantic and Crescent Beach are summer resorts (133) Smith Cove is on the west side of Niantic River with railroad communication at the north end and about 1.5 miles above the channel entrance. A channel, northwest side of the bay. marked by private daybeacons, leads westward from the river channel into the cove. In 1999, the channel had a (124) The Niantic Bay Yacht Club basin at Crescent Beach reported depth of 5 feet. is protected on the south, east, and partially on the north side by a U-shaped breakwater; a private seasonal light (134) is near the outer end of the breakwater. Small-craft facilities (125) A special anchorage is on the west side of Niantic (135) There are several small-craft facilities just above Bay off Crescent Beach. (See 33 CFR 110.1and 110.53, chapter 2, for limits and regulations.) the entrance at Niantic and Waterford, on the west side and east side of Niantic River, respectively, and in Smith (126) Niantic River empties into the northeast end of Cove. (See the small-craft facilities tabulation on chart Niantic Bay and is entered through a dredged channel 12372 for services and supplies available.) that leads from the bay, thence through a narrow passage at the entrance, and thence to a point about 300 yards northward of the entrance to Smith Cove. In 2004- 2006, the controlling depths were 4.6 feet (7.9 feet at (136) Harbormasters are at Niantic and Waterford. A 6 midchannel) to the highway bascule bridge about 0.4 mile mph speed limit is enforced on the river. above the channel entrance, thence 5.4 feet at midchannel to the head of the channel. The channel is marked by (137) Black Point, on the west side at the entrance to daybeacons and seasonal buoys. Two bridges cross the Niantic Bay, is flat with bluffs at the water and is occupied by many summer cottages. Broken ground extends 0.6 mile south of the southwest side of the point. (138) Strangers entering the bight between Black Point and Hatchet Point should proceed with caution as there is broken ground with several rocks and ledges. An area with covered rocks and shallow ledges extends about 0.6
280 ¢ U.S. Coast Pilot 2, Chapter 8 mile south of Griswold Island. A rock with a least depth (150) Saybrook Breakwater Light (41°15'48\"N., of 3 feet is at the outer end of this area; buoys mark the 72°20'34\"W.), 58 feet above the water, is shown from west side of the rocky area and the south side of the outer a white conical tower on a brown cylindrical pier on the rock. North Brother, in the northwest part of the bight south end of the west jetty at the entrance to Connecticut and South Brother, in the center, are prominent bare River. A sound signal is at the light. rocks. Johns Rock, covered 6 feet, is in 41°17’12”N., 72°14’57”W., about 0.5 mile southwest of South Brother. (151) (139) Anchorages (152) Secure anchorage can be had eastward or Anchorage (140) A special anchorage is east of Giants Neck. (See northeastward of Lynde Point Light. Farther up anchorage can be selected in the wider parts of the channel. Special 33 CFR 110.1and 110.54, chapter 2, for limits and anchorages are at Old Saybrook, Essex, Chester, Lord regulations.) An unmarked rock is within the anchorage Island, Eddy Rock Shoal in the vicinity of Connecticut area, about 0.1 mile south of Giants Neck; depth over the River Light 45, and Mouse Island Bar vicinity. (See rock is not known. 33 CFR 110.1 and 110.55, chapter 2, for limits and regulations.) (153) (141) Hatchett Point has several large dwellings. A reef extends about 0.2 mile off the southwest side of the point. Dangers (154) Saybrook Outer Bar, which obstructs the mouth of (142) Hatchett Reef, 0.6 to 1 mile south-southwestward of Hatchett Point, has a least depth of 5 feet and is marked the Connecticut River, is shifting, with depths of 2 to 12 by buoys. Close to the southeast side of the reef the depths feet extending nearly 2 miles off the mouth; it is marked are greater than 30 feet. A bar extends westward from off its southeastern end by a lighted bell buoy. Hatchett Reef to Saybrook Bar. (155) In 1976, obstructions were reported in the channel at the railroad bascule bridge 3 miles above the mouth of the (143) Connecticut River; a least depth of 13 feet is reported in the channel in area 40 to 50 feet from the east abutment of Charts 12375, 12377, 12378, 12372 the bridge. Mariners requiring greater depths are advised to avoid this area of the channel during passages. (144) Connecticut River rises in the extreme northern part of New Hampshire, near the Canadian border, and (156) flows southerly between the States of Vermont and New Hampshire and across Massachusetts and Connecticut to Bridges Long Island Sound. It is approximately 375 miles long (157) Several drawbridges and fixed bridges cross and is one of the largest and most important rivers in New England. The head of commercial navigation is at Connecticut River between the entrance and Hartford. Hartford, about 45 miles from the mouth. Waterborne The distance above the mouth, type, and clearance of commerce on the river is mostly in petroleum products each bridge follows: 3 miles, railroad with bascule and chemicals. span, 19 feet; 3.5 miles, Raymond E. Baldwin (IS 95) Bridge, fixed highway, 81 feet; 14.6 miles, State Route (145) The river water is fresh at and above Deep River. 82 highway with swing span at East Haddam, 22 feet; Each year after the spring freshets, shoals with least 27.8 miles, railroad with swing span at Middletown, 25 depths of 10 feet are found in places on bars in the upper feet; 32.2 miles, Arrigoni Bridge (State Route 66), fixed river; dredging to remove such shoals is begun as soon highway, 89 feet; 41.2 miles, Wm. H. Putnam Bridge as the water subsides. (State Route 3), fixed highway near Wethersfield, 80 feet over main channel; 44 miles, Charter Oak Bridge (U.S. (146) Between the entrance and Middletown the river 5/State Route 15), a fixed highway bridge at Hartford, 69 banks are hard and in some places rocky, but between feet for a width of 215 feet; 44.9 miles, Founders Bridge, Middletown and Hartford the river flows through alluvial fixed highway, 49 feet; 45.2 miles, Bulkeley Bridge (I- bottom land, where freshets and ice jams may cause 84), fixed highway, 39 feet; and 46 miles, fixed railroad, shoaling. 28 feet. (See 33 CFR 117.1 through 117.59 and 117.205, chapter 2, for drawbridge regulations.) The bridgetender (147) of the bascule railroad bridge at mile 3 monitors VHF- FM channel 13; call sign KT-5414. Vessels requesting Channels the opening of this bridge are cautioned to confirm by (148) A Federal project for Connecticut River provides for radiotelephone that the bascule span is safely raised and stabilized before making passage. The bridgetender of a 15-foot jettied entrance channel and 15-foot dredged the highway swing bridge at East Haddam at mile 14.6 cuts across the bars to Hartford, 45 miles above the monitors VHF-FM channel 13; call sign KXR-913. entrance. (See Notice to Mariners and the latest editions (158) Overhead power cables across the Connecticut of the charts for controlling depths.) River have a least clearance of 100 feet, except for the (149) The channel above the jettied entrance channel usually follows the banks on the outside of the curves of the river, except through the dredged cuts across the bars which are marked by navigational aids.
U.S. Coast Pilot 2, Chapter 8 ¢ 281 one at Laurel, 24.2 miles above the mouth, which has a (168) The location of Hartford, relative to the continent clearance of 65 feet. and ocean, is also significant. Rapid weather changes result when storms move northward along the Mid- (159) Atlantic Coast, frequently producing strong and persistent northeast winds associated with storms known locally Tides as “coastals” or “northeasters”. Seasonally, weather (160) The time of tide becomes later and the range characteristics vary from the cold and dry continental- polar air of winter to the warm, maritimes air of summer, diminishes in progressing up the river. High water and the one from Canada, the other from the Gulf of Mexico, low water at Hartford occur about 4.5 and 6 hours later, Caribbean Sea, or Atlantic Ocean. respectively, than at the entrance. (169) Summer thunderstorms develop in the Berkshire (161) Mountains to the west and northwest, and move over the Connecticut Valley and, when accompanied by Currents wind and hail, sometimes cause considerable damage to (162) At the entrance the currents have considerable crops. Thunderstorm days average 20 each year. June, July, and August are the most favored months. During velocity at times and always require careful attention, as the winter, rain often falls through cold air trapped in the the tidal current of the sound often sets directly across the valley and creates extremely hazardous ice conditions. direction of the current setting out or in between jetties. On clear nights in the late summer or early autumn, cool This condition is reported to be especially dangerous air drainage into the valley and the moisture from the during the first 3 hours of ebb tide. (Consult the Tidal Connecticut River produce steam and/or ground fog Current Tables for times and velocities of currents at a which becomes quite dense throughout the valley and number of locations in Connecticut River.) temporarily hampers transportation. An average 162 days (163) During the ebb, a strong current runs from the each year report fog. Lyme Landing toward the center of the railroad bridge. Towboats with vessels in tow should steer for the east (170) The average annual temperature for Hartford is pier of the draw and should not swing out for the draw 50°F (10°C). The warmest month is July with an average until almost in it, to avoid being set to the west side of temperature of 74°F (23.3°C) and the coolest is January the channel. Because of river discharge, the ebb current with an average temperature of 26°F (-3.3°C). The usually will be considerably stronger than the flood. Ebb warmest temperature on record is 102°F (38.9°C) recorded current velocities of 1 knot or more have been observed in July 1966 and the coolest temperature on record is under normal conditions on the bars in Connecticut River -26°F (-3.3°C) recorded in January 1961. Each month, between Higganum and Hartford; the velocities of the except June, July, and August has recorded temperatures flood currents are much less. below freezing. Each month, June through September, has recorded temperatures in excess of 100°F (37.8°C). An average of 18 days each year records temperatures in excess of 90°F (32.2°C) and an average of 134 days (164) Freshets occur principally in the spring, when the each year has a temperature of 32°F (0°C) or cooler. An snow is melting, although occasional floods have occurred average of eleven days each year has temperatures of 5°F in every month of the year except July and September. At (-15°C) or lower. Hartford the usual rise due to spring freshets is between 16 and 24 feet. The highest freshets are generally of (171) The average annual precipitation for Hartford is short duration, but the period during which the river at 44.20 inches (1123 mm). Precipitation is fairly uniform Hartford is at the level of 8 feet or more above mean with the difference between the wettest and driest month low water averages nearly 2 months of each year. Below being less than one inch (25.4 mm). The wettest month Middletown the height of the crest of a freshet decreases is November, averaging 4.07 inches (104 mm) and the rapidly. At the mouth the variation in water level is due driest month is February averaging 3.13 inches (80 mm). to the tides. Average snowfall, on an annual basis, totals 44 inches (1118). February 1961 holds the record of the greatest (165) Ice closes the river to navigation a part of every snowfall in a 24-hour period with 14.3 inches (363 mm). winter for wooden hull boats. The duration of closing is about 2 months. (172) The National Weather Service office is at Bradley International Airport, northwest of Hartford. (See (166) Appendix B for Hartford climatological table.) Weather, Hartford and vicinity (173) (167) Hartford is well inside the northern temperate Routes climatic zone in a prevailing west to east movement of air (174) To enter Connecticut River from eastward, pass carrying the majority of weather systems into Connecticut from the west. The average wintertime position of the southward of Hatchett Reef and Saybrook Bar, until “Polar Front” boundary between cold dry polar air and Saybrook Breakwater Light bears 315°. Steer for warm moist tropical air is just south of New England, Saybrook Breakwater Light on this course through the which helps to explain the extensive winter storm activity and the day-to-day variability of local weather. In the summer, the “Polar Front” has an average position along the New England-Canada border and Hartford has a warm and pleasant climate.
282 ¢ U.S. Coast Pilot 2, Chapter 8 buoyed opening between the south end of Saybrook Bar (187) A “Slow no-wake” speed limit is enforced at Old and the east end of Long Sand Shoal to the entrance Saybrook between the railroad bridge and Buoy 20, 0.25 channel between the jetties. mile above the Connecticut Turnpike Bridge. (175) To enter from westward, pass 1 mile southward of Falkner Island Light on course 076°. This will lead about (188) North Cove, a dredged small-boat basin that affords 0.4 mile northward of the lighted bell buoy on the western excellent anchorage, is entered through a dredged channel end of Long Sand Shoal and about 0.2 mile southward that leads westward from the main channel about 0.4 mile of the lighted bell buoy southward of Cornfield Point. northward of Saybrook Point. In 2009, the controlling Then steer about 067°, with Saybrook Breakwater Light depth was 6.7 feet (8.0 feet at midchannel) in the entrance a little on the port bow to the entrance channel between channel to the basin, thence 5.6 feet in the basin, with the jetties. shoaling to 4.3 feet within 10 feet of the channel limits. (176) Boating regulations for waters within the State of The entrance channel is marked by private buoys. Connecticut can be found at http://www.dep.state.ct.us / rec/boating/guide.htm. (189) From Saybrook Point to Hartford local knowledge is required to carry the best water. Small craft should have (177) no difficulty in following the channel. Pilotage, Connecticut River (190) Lieutenant River, leading to Old Lyme, enters the (178) Pilotage by a state licensed pilot is compulsory in east side of Connecticut River about 1.4 miles northward of Saybrook Point. Pipe stakes mark the south side of Long Island Sound for foreign flag vessels and U.S. the channel across the bar at the entrance. A midchannel vessels which are under register (i.e. engaged in foreign depth of about 3 feet can be carried over the bar to about trade). Such vessels can arrange for a state licensed pilot 0.2 mile above the second bridge. A railroad bridge with by contacting the joint rotation administrator, Block a 33-foot fixed span and a clearance of 11 feet crosses Island Pilots at 243 Spring Street, Newport, RI 02840; the river 0.4 mile above the entrance. An overhead power telephone 401–847–9050 (24 hours), 800–274–1216; cable with a reported clearance of about 10 feet is on Fax 401–847–9052. Enrolled vessels (i.e. U.S. vessels the north side of the bridge. About 0.3 mile above that engaged in coastwise trade) see Pilotage, Long Island bridge is a highway bridge with a 24-foot fixed span and Sound (indexed as such), chapter 8. a clearance of 6 feet. A harbormaster is at Old Lyme. (179) Pilot services are arranged in advance through ships’ agents or directly by shipping companies. A 24-hour (191) The passage to the east and north of Calves advance notice is requested. Island, about 1 mile above the railroad bridge crossing (180) Hartford is a customs port of entry. Connecticut River, is used extensively for mooring small craft in the summer. This passage is subject to shoaling, (181) particularly on the north side of Calves Island; caution is advised. A small-craft facility is on the east side of the Wharves passage just above the entrance. Berths, electricity, water, (182) The Connecticut River has more than 20 commercial ice, marine supplies, storage facilities, a 25-ton lift, and some repairs are available. In 2002, depths of 18 feet were piers and wharves, most of which handle petroleum reported at the facility. products from barges or coastal tankers. Most of the facilities below Rocky Hill, about 34 miles above (192) Lord Cove has its entrance about 300 yards Saybrook Point, are marginal-type wharves, while those northward of Calves Island. In 1981, a depth of 3½ above Rocky Hill are finger-type piers with breasting feet was available through the unmarked entrance. The dolphins. Depths of 11 to 15 feet are reported alongside marshlands surrounding Lord Cove and the other coves these facilities. between Essex and the river mouth at Saybrook are frequented by duck hunters in October and November. (183) Because of danger of gunfire, mariners are cautioned not to stray too close to the numerous duck blinds that exist Supplies and repairs in this area. (184) Gasoline, diesel fuel, water, ice, and marine supplies (193) The dredged section of the main channel in are available at the principal towns and landings along the Connecticut River westward of Calves Island has Connecticut River. Boatyards along the river can make numerous obstructions and sunken rocks close to its engine, hull, and electronic repairs. edges; mariners are advised to exercise caution and to avoid the edges of the channel. (185) (194) Haydens Point, about 4.6 miles above Saybrook Charts 12375, 12372 Point, is marked by a light. Foul ground is between the light and the shore. (186) Old Saybrook is a village on the west side of Connecticut River, about 1.4 miles northward of Saybrook (195) Essex, a town on the west bank about 5 miles above Breakwater Light. There are several small-craft facilities Saybrook Point, is the scene of considerable small-boat along the west side of the river from Saybrook Point activity. Depths alongside the town landing are about 6 to Ferry Point, about 2 miles to the northward. (See feet. Essex Cove is the area off the main river channel the small-craft facilities tabulation on chart 12372 for skirting the waterfront at Essex. A dredged channel, services and supplies available.)
U.S. Coast Pilot 2, Chapter 8 ¢ 283 marked by private buoys, leads from the main channel north of Eustasia Island, between the main channel east through the cove, and thence rejoins the main channel to of the island and Chester Creek. the northward. In 2007, the controlling depth was 5.5 feet (205) A rock, covered 3 feet, is on the south side of the in the buoyed channel. A 5 mph speed limit is enforced. entrance to Chester Creek in about 41°24'24.1\"N., A privately marked small-boat channel leads westward 72°25'46.6\"W. from the dredged buoyed channel in Essex Cove to a yacht basin in Middle Cove, northward of Thatchbed (206) Island. In 2008, the small-boat channel had a reported midchannel controlling depth of 4½ feet to the marina at Small-craft facilities the north end of the cove. (207) There are several small-craft facilities on Pratt Creek (196) and Chester Creek. Berths and moorings, electricity, gasoline, diesel fuel, ice, marine supplies, a pump-out, Small-craft facilities storage and a launching ramp are available in the area. (197) There are several small-craft facilities at Essex. Lifts to 55 tons are available for complete hull, engine, and electronic repairs. The facilities provide berths and mooring, electricity, gasoline, diesel fuel, water, ice, marine supplies, pump- (208) out facilities, storage, and full repairs. The marina just north of the entrance to Middle Cove has an approach Anchorages depth of 8 feet and an alongside depth of 11 feet. (209) Special anchorages are off Chester Creek. (See 33 (198) CFR 110.1 and 110.55(e–1) and (e–2), chapter 2, for limits and regulations.) Anchorages (210) The Chester-Hadlyme vehicular ferry crosses the (199) Special anchorages are at Essex. (See 33 CFR river near Fort Hill, 2 miles above Eustasia Island. The ferry operates from April through November. 110.1and 110.55(a), (a-1), (b), and (c), chapter 2, for (211) Special anchorages are northeastward of limits and regulations.) Connecticut River Light 45 (41°26.2'N., 72°27.6'W.), about 12.8 miles above Saybrook Point. (See 33 CFR 110.1and 110.55(d) and (e), chapter 2, for limits and regulations.) (200) Hamburg Cove and Eightmile River, which empties into the north end of the cove, indent the east side of Connecticut River, 6 miles above Saybrook Point. A dredged channel leads from Connecticut River to a turning (212) On the east side of the river, the turret of the opera basin at Hamburg, a village at the head of navigation. In house at East Haddam, 13.3 miles above Saybrook 2002, the controlling depth was 4.5 feet in the channel Point, is prominent. A marina is on the west side of the with 1.9 feet in the basin except for shoaling at the north river just above the swing bridge between East Haddam end and along the east edge. There are boulders in places and Tylerville. Limited guest berths, limited marine outside the dredged channel, and the entrance channel supplies, electricity, water, and ice are available. In 1990, is outlined by grassy flats on each side. Buoys mark the a reported depth of 5 feet was available in the marina entrance, and private seasonal buoys and daybeacons basin. mark the remainder of the channel to Hamburg. The center of the turning basin has piles used for moorings. (213) The shoal off the west side of the river, just north of East Haddam, is reported to be increasing. (201) (214) Salmon Cove, on the east side of the river, 1 mile Small-craft facility above East Haddam, is reported to be navigable only by (202) Asmall-craft facility, on the east side of the basin, has small craft at high tide. The entrance to the cove is subject to shoaling. Considerable grass in the channel and cove sewage pump-out, water, ice, and some marine supplies. makes boat operation difficult. A 35-ton travel lift is available for hull and engine repairs. (215) Overhead power cables with a least clearance of 86 (203) feet cross the cove about 1.2 miles above the mouth. Charts 12377, 12378 (216) (204) Eustasia Island, 8.5 miles above Saybrook Point, Small-craft facility divides the Connecticut River into two channels. A light (217) A small-craft facility is on the west side of the river off the southeast end of the island marks the junction of the two channels. The eastern channel crossing Potash about 1.1 miles above East Haddam. Berths, electricity, Bar through a dredged cut is better marked and easier water, ice, a 10-ton mobile hoist, and a launching ramp to follow. The western channel leads to Pratt Creek, are available; hull and engine repairs can be made. In westward of the southerly end of Eustasia Island, and to 1990, a depth of 6 feet was reported at the facility. the landing at Deep River and thence crosses Chester Creek Bar through a swash channel to Chester Creek. A sand shoal and a rocky reef, both bare at low water, are (218) Haddam Island divides the Connecticut River about 3.2 miles above East Haddam. The main river channel leads eastward of the island through a dredged cut known as Haddam Island Bar Channel. A pinnacle
284 ¢ U.S. Coast Pilot 2, Chapter 8 rock, covered 13 feet, is in the approach to Haddam Island both of its shores have numerous wood-stake-and-rock Bar Channel in 41°29'31\"N., 72°30'49\"W. groins. (219) The passage westward of Haddam Island is closed (233) A marina on the east side of the river opposite by a bare sand shoal lying between the island’s southerly Belamose has gasoline, berths, electricity, water, ice, tip and the westerly shore of the river. marine supplies, and a 15-ton lift; engine and hull repairs (220) The shoal off the east side of the river opposite can be made. In 1983, the privately marked channel into Higganum Creek, 5.5 miles above East Haddam, is the marina basin had a reported controlling depth of 7 extending westward. feet. (221) A rock breakwater extends southward from the east (234) At Rocky Hill, 1 mile above Belamose, a seasonal side of the river, 1 mile above Higganum Creek. In 1969, vehicular ferry crosses the river to South Glastonbury. A the shoal, about 200 yards southward of the breakwater, small-craft launching ramp is just above the ferry landing. was found to be extending southward. (235) The cove at Crow Point, on the west side of the (222) A boatyard is on the north side of the river at Cobalt, river about 5.7 miles above Belamose, is used to obtain about 3.5 miles above Higganum Creek. Storage facilities land fill. Dredging in the cove is uneven, but the bottom and a 15-ton hoist are available. In 1990, a reported depth is soft ooze. In 1981, it was reported that the entrance of 7 feet could be carried to the facility. had shoaled to bare and could be used only by small (223) After passing through the channel in Paper Rock outboards. Shoal, 9.7 miles above East Haddam, favor the south side (236) A rock, covered 5 feet, is on the south side of the of the river to about 300 yards southeastward of Bodkin dredged channel about 0.8 mile above Crow Point in Rock, then cross to the north side and pass it close-to. about 41°42'43.0\"N., 72°37'46.5\"W.; and a shoal that (224) About 0.5 mile westward of Bodkin Rock, a dredged bares is in 41°43'11\"N., 72°38'52\"W., on the west side section of the channel leads along the southerly shore of of Connecticut River, about 1.9 miles above Crow Point. Connecticut River and southward of Mouse Island Bar. (237) Wethersfield Cove, on the west side of the river 14 miles above Portland, is entered through a narrow dredged (225) channel that leads to a dredged anchorage basin about 0.3 mile above the entrance. (See Notice to Mariners and Anchorages the latest editions of the charts for controlling depths.) (226) Special anchorages are along the north and east The channel is marked by daybeacons. The Interstate 91 highway bridge over the entrance has a fixed span with sides of the river, between Bodkin Rock and Portland. a clearance of 38 feet. The speed limit in the channel (See 33 CFR 110.1and 110.55(f) and (g), chapter 2, for and cove is 5 knots. Ice, transient berthing, and some limits and regulations.) supplies can be obtained at the yacht club on the south side of the cove. A town marina is on the east side of the (227) cove; a launching ramp is available at the facility. The Wethersfield harbormaster can be contacted through the Caution local police department or town hall. (228) Caution is recommended when rounding the point on (238) The only remaining commercial docks at Hartford are the bulk fuel handling facility of the Hartford Electric the south side of the river, about 1.5 miles above Bodkin Light Company’s powerplant on the west side of the river, Rock, to avoid a submerged crib that extends northward about 0.2 mile below the Charter Oak Bridge, and the from the point. Hartford Gas Company’s barge unloading facilities on the west side of the river, about 0.5 mile above the Charter Oak Bridge. A public facility with floating docks is on the west side of the river just below the Founders Bridge. (229) Portland, 26.3 miles above Saybrook Point, has A flood control dike is along the west side of the river several boatyards with marine railways; the largest from just north of the Charter Oak Bridge to the Bulkeley railway can handle craft to 60 feet for engine and hull Bridge. repairs. Gasoline, water, berths with electricity, ice, (239) Connecticut River above Hartford is practically storage facilities, marine supplies, a pump-out station, unimproved, but is navigable about 30 miles to Holyoke launching ramps, and lifts to 50 tons are available at for boats not exceeding 3-foot draft, when the river is not Portland. In 1990, depths of 7 to 9 feet were reported low. The channel is constantly shifting. available. (240) (230) Berthing and water are available at Harbor Park in Middletown, across the river from Portland. Depths of Chart 12354 18 feet are reported to be available along the wharves. (241) Long Sand Shoal extends 6 miles westward from (231) Two small-craft facilities are on the east side of the off the entrance of Connecticut River and has a greatest river at Gildersleeve, about 2.5 miles above Portland. width of nearly 0.3 mile; the shoal is constantly shifting. Gasoline, diesel fuel, berths with electricity, water, ice, storage facilities, marine supplies, a launching ramp, and 15- and 35-ton lifts are available, and hull and engine repairs can be made. (232) FromBelamose,6.5milesabovePortland,northward to Hartford, the land is much lower, and the Connecticut River narrows, its curves become more pronounced, and
U.S. Coast Pilot 2, Chapter 8 ¢ 285 The general depths on the shoal are 4 to 15 feet; bottom buoy is about 0.3 mile southeastward of Menunketesuck is hard and lumpy. Shoaling is abrupt on both sides, but Island. especially on the south side, where the 30-foot curve is (251) Between Menunketesuck Island and Hammonasset only 100 yards from it in places. The shoal is marked at Point, about 4 miles westward, broken ground extends its eastern end by a buoy, and on the south side and west about 1.5 miles offshore. A boulder reef extends 0.5 mile end by a bell buoy and gong buoy, respectively. southward from Duck Island to the 18-foot curve and is (242) At the western end of Long Sand Shoal and 1 mile marked by a buoy. A rock with 1 foot over it is on this southward is an area about 0.6 mile long with rocky and reef about 300 yards south of Duck Island. Tide rips have broken bottom, and with a least found depth of 21 feet. been reported to extend from the vicinity of these rocks (243) Sixmile Reef, about 3 miles southwestward of Long to the buoy. During strong flood currents and a southwest Sand Shoal, is an area of migrating sandwaves about 2.5 wind, tide rips extend from the shoal water southwest of miles long in a west-northwesterly direction with depths Duck Island to the vicinity of Southwest Reef over 1 of 22 to 32 feet. Shoaling is abrupt in places. A lighted bell mile southwestward. Caution is advised when navigating buoy is off the southerly edge of this reef. With extreme small boats in this vicinity during these conditions. low tides, due to northerly and westerly winds, this shoal (252) Duck Island Roads, between Menunketesuck may be dangerous to vessels with 15-foot draft. Tide rips Island and Kelsey Point, is a harbor of refuge protected occur on the reef whenever the direction of the tidal by breakwaters 1,100 feet northward and nearly 0.5 mile currents is opposed to that of the wind. This is especially westward from Duck Island, with the added protection true during spring tides and a southwest wind. of Kelsey Point Breakwater on Stone Island Reef. A (244) A ridge with depths of 29 to 37 feet is near the middle prominent landmark on Duck Island is a stone chimney. of Long Island Sound southward of Sixmile Reef and 5 Both breakwaters extending from Duck Island are marked miles north-northwestward of Horton Point Light. It is by lights. marked by a lighted whistle buoy equipped with a racon. (253) The dredged anchorage enclosed by the breakwaters extending northward and westward from Duck Island is (245) subject to shoaling. General depths of 3 to 8 feet are in the protected area, and 4 to 16 feet in the western end. Charts 12375, 12372 In addition to the area inside the breakwaters, a small area northward and northeastward of Duck Island (246) Cornfield Point, 2 miles westward of Saybrook North Breakwater Light can be used as an anchorage in Breakwater Light, is marked by a large red-roofed stone southwesterly weather. building. Rocky shoals and foul ground extend about 0.5 (254) The western entrance of Duck Island Roads is easy mile southerly from this point and for about 1.9 miles of access and should be used by vessels with greater draft westerly. Cornfield Point Shoal, a small rocky patch than 8 feet. covered 3 feet, is about 0.4 mile south of the point. Westward of this shoal are Hen and Chickens, bare in (255) spots at low water, and Crane Reef, an area of broken ground with a least depth of 3 feet. These dangers are Routes buoyed. About 0.5 mile westward of the point is Halftide (256) Pass southward of Duck Island and keep the light on Rock, surrounded by foul ground and marked by a private daybeacon. the end of Kelsey Point Breakwater bearing northward of 264° until Duck Island West Breakwater Light 2DI (247) bears 010°, then steer northward. Approaching from westward, the main dangers are the two 16-foot spots Charts 12374, 12372 south-southwestward of Kelsey Point Breakwater Light, the southerly of which is marked by a buoy. (248) Westbrook Harbor is the western part of the open (257) The eastern entrance of Duck Island Roads is bight between Cornfield Point and Menunketesuck obstructed by a sand shoal with a least depth of 8 feet Island. It has many unmarked submerged rocks and is about 0.3 mile eastward of Duck Island, and by boulder seldom used as an anchorage; the anchorage in Duck reefs which extend about 0.2 mile off the western side of Island Roads is better. The bight is characterized by Menunketesuck Island. This entrance is easy of access boulders. for vessels drawing up to 8 feet. (258) Anchorage, bottom generally sticky, can be had (249) Westbrook, a town on the north side of Westbrook between the Duck Island West Breakwater Light 2DI and Harbor, is marked on its east side by an elevated tank. the 17-foot rocky patches southeastward of Kelsey Point. A harbormaster is at Westbrook and can be contacted This anchorage is exposed to winds southward of east and through the town hall. west. (250) Menunketesuck Island is the outermost of several low narrow islands connected to the mainland at low water on the west side of Westbrook Harbor. It has boulders at (259) Patchogue River, used chiefly by fishing and the south end. A boulder reef extends nearly 0.5 mile recreational craft, empties into Duck Island Roads just south-southeastward from the point to the 18-foot curve. west of Menunketesuck Island.AFederal project provides Tide rips frequently occur on this reef. A private seasonal
286 ¢ U.S. Coast Pilot 2, Chapter 8 for a depth of 8 feet from deep water in Duck Island Roads southwest and south side of the channel is obstructed by to about 40 yards below the first fixed highway bridge, a series of pilings. Boats may be moored between the about 0.6 mile above the mouth; an anchorage basin is pilings, caution is advised. Above the dredged channel, adjacent to the east channel limit between buoys 8 and 10. the midchannel controlling depth is about 2 feet in the (See Notice to Mariners and latest edition of the chart for Hammonasset River to the overhead pipeline and bridge controlling depths.) The approach channel is marked by crossing about 2 miles above Clinton. Private daybeacons buoys, and the river channel is marked by private aids. mark this section of the channel. A light is on the outer end of the breakwater on the west (267) Several boatyards and marinas are in the harbor. side of the river mouth. (See the small-craft facilities tabulation on chart 12372 for services and supplies available.) Mooring facilities (260) are available by arrangement with the town dockmaster who can be contacted through the town hall or police Small-craft facilities department. A 6 mph speed limit is enforced in the (261) Several small-craft facilities are on the river. (See harbor. The town maintains a fireboat at Clinton Harbor. The vessel can be contacted through the Clinton Police the small-craft facilities tabulation on chart 12372 for Department or the Coast Guard. services and supplies available.) (268) Northeastward of Cedar Island in Clinton Harbor are two narrow crooked channels close together, with depths of about 1 foot. The eastern one is usually marked by bush stakes; it leads to a marina and boatyard just (262) Menunketesuck River, sharing the same entrance inside the mouth of Hammock River. The western channel as Patchogue River, is a shallow stream channel, marked by a private range, leads to a boatyard westward of Patchogue River. A shoal was reported on Indian River. extending south from shore at the junction of Patchogue (269) Hammonasset Point, on the southwest side and Menunketesuck Rivers; caution is advised. The of Clinton Harbor, is a low marshy area with many junction is marked by a private seasonal buoy. Small- wooded knolls. The end of the point is a rocky knoll. craft facilities on the river can provide berths, electricity, Hammonasset State Park is marked by a conspicuous gasoline, diesel fuel, water, ice, storage, marine supplies, a flagstaff and the buildings at the recreational center. In the pump-out station, and engine, hull and electronic repairs; summer it is an active resort. Broken ground with rocky a 12-ton mobile hoist and an 80-ton lift are available. The irregular bottom and least depths of 10 to 11 feet extends privately maintained channel in the river is reported to 0.5 mile southward of Hammonasset Point. be marked by seasonal private aids; local knowledge is (270) West Rock is the outermost of the bare rocks which advised. extend a short distance off the east end of Hammonasset Point. A reef, with two bare rocks and a groin on its inner (263) A 6 mph speed limit is enforced on both rivers. part, extends 0.3 mile southwestward from the point (264) Kelsey Point Breakwater extends south- and is marked by a buoy, northeastward of which tide rips frequently occur. When rounding the point, vessels southeastward from Stone Island and is marked by a light should not pass between the buoy and Hammonasset on the outer end.The rocky, broken ground southwestward Point. of the light has a least depth of 16 feet; the outer shoal (271) Madison Reef, over 2 miles westward of is marked by a buoy. Tide rips occur frequently between Hammonasset Point, extends over a mile east and west. the end of the breakwater and the buoy. Stone Island, at This reef consists of several rocky patches with depths the north end of the breakwater, is mostly covered at high of 4 to 17 feet, with deeper water between them. Charles water. There are several rocks of unknown depth between Reef, with a least depth of 7 feet, is about 0.5 mile Stone Island and Kelsey Point. Anchoring should be southwest of Madison Reef and marked by a buoy. avoided in the area surrounding the breakwater as the (272) Kimberly Reef, about 1.9 miles southward of bottom is broken and rocky. Charles Reef, is an area of broken ground with a least (265) The bight at the entrance of Clinton Harbor and depth of 12 feet. Rocks with a least depth of 20 feet, westward of Kelsey Point Breakwater affords anchorage, marked by a lighted bell buoy, are about 0.2 mile south but is exposed to southeasterly and southwesterly winds. of the shoal. A bank with depths of 14 to 28 feet extends (266) Clinton Harbor, the bight westward of Kelsey about 1.5 miles west of Kimberly Reef to Falkner Island. Point Breakwater, is the entrance to Hammonasset (273) Vessels of 10-foot draft can anchor northward of River, a stream used chiefly by fishing and recreational Madison Reef, but should proceed with caution to avoid craft. Wheeler Rock, with 1 foot over it, just outside the rocky patches at lesser depths. the bar, is marked by a lighted buoy. A Federal project (274) Tuxis Island, northward of Madison Reef and 0.2 provides for a depth of 8 feet from Clinton Harbor to mile south of Middle Beach, is high and rocky. Between the town dock at Clinton; two anchorage basins are the island and the shore the water is shallow and the near the end of the channel. (See Notice to Mariners and ground foul. Rocks awash are 200 to 600 yards eastward latest edition of the chart for controlling depths.) The channel is marked by buoys to Cedar Island and thence by seasonal private buoys to the anchorage basin at Clinton. Buoys are shifted often due to changing channel conditions. Local knowledge is advised. From opposite the basin to the upstream limit of the Federal project, the
U.S. Coast Pilot 2, Chapter 8 ¢ 287 of the island, and an islet is 100 yards westward of the (280) At high water and with local knowledge, small boats island. A steel bulkhead in ruins, the top of which is awash can go above the anchorage basin in East River to the at high water, extends from shore to Gull Rock, a high fixed railway bridge, about 1.3 miles above the basin. bare ledge about 300 yards east-northeastward of Tuxis The bridge has a clearance of 4 feet. An overhead power Island. cable with a clearance of 45 feet is about 0.3 miles below (275) Madison, a town on the railroad, has one landing the bridge. A town marina, just above the entrance to which bares alongside at low water and is in disrepair. A Sluice Creek, has berths with electricity, water, ice and few small craft moor in the cove on its north side. Rocks, a launching ramp. In 1993, depths of 1½ to 6 feet were bare at low water, are 100 yards eastward of the landing. reported alongside the marina. A beach club building, with a small stone landing, is northward of Tuxis Island. A church with a prominent (281) A 5 mph speed limit is enforced in the harbor. tower and gilded dome is 0.8 mile northward of Tuxis (282) West River empties into the western side of Guilford Island. Harbor 0.2 mile westward of Guilford Point. A railroad (276) bridge about 0.7 mile above the mouth has a clearance of 6 feet. Guilford is the town above the railroad bridge. Charts 12373, 12372 In 1988-1989, a depth of 4½ feet was reported in West River entrance channel; the channel is marked by buoys (277) Guilford Harbor, a bight 5.5 miles westward of and a 321° lighted range. Hammonasset Point, is used only by small craft. East (283) There are two boatyards with several marinas and River and Sluice Creek empty into Guilford Harbor from marine railways on West River. The largest marine railway the northward. The approach to the harbor is obstructed by can handle craft up to 40 feet; berths with electricity, rocks and foul ground. The outermost dangers are: Half water, ice, gasoline, diesel fuel, limited supplies, a 12- Acre Rock, about 0.8 mile southeastward of the entrance ton mobile crane, a 25-ton lift, and complete engine and channel, which shows at high water; scattered rocks, hull repairs are available. some bare at low water and others with 3 to 16 feet over (284) Falkner Island and Goose Islands, with Stony them, extending about a mile eastward from Half Acre Island to the southward, are about 3 miles south of Rock; Outer White Top, about 0.6 mile southwestward Guilford Harbor. Each is surrounded by reefs and rocks of Half Acre Rock, and several rocks northward of it bare that bare at low water. A depth of about 16 feet can be at low water; and Indian Reef, extending about 1 mile carried between Goose Islands and Falkner Island by southwestward of Outer White Top, the highest part of staying in the middle of the passage and avoiding the which is covered at high water. Indian Reef is marked on 8-foot and 11-foot spots, about 0.35 mile 244° and 0.4 mile its south and southwestern sides by buoys. Stakes and 300° from the light on Falkner Island, respectively, and fish traps may exist northward of Riding Rock, 0.6 mile the shoals and reefs extending from the islands. Falkner northwestward of Half Acre Rock. Island Light (41°12'43\"N., 72°39'13\"W.), 94 feet above the water, is shown from a 46-foot white octagonal tower (278) The approach channel to Guilford Harbor, marked near the center of Falkner Island. A lighted gong buoy by buoys, leads along the southeasterly side of Indian marks the shoal off the northern end of Falkner Island, Reef, thence westward of Half Acre Rock to a dredged and a lighted bell buoy is off the southern end of Stony channel about 0.5 mile northwestward of Half Acre Island. Rock. The dredged channel leads northward through the (285) From Indian Reef westward are rocky shoals and harbor and eastward of Guilford Point to a junction with islets extending from 0.2 to 0.7 mile off Vineyard Point Sluice Creek and East River, about 0.6 mile above the and Sachem Head.Chimney Corner Reef, about 0.3 channel entrance. At the junction, the dredged channel mile south of Sachem Head and marked by a buoy, is leads northwesterly into Sluice Creek for about 0.1 mile a rocky broken area on which the least depth is 9 feet. and northeasterly into East River for about 0.4 mile to Westward of it are Goose Rocks Shoals, on which are an anchorage basin. Buoys and a private range mark the Goose Rocks, the northerly of which is bare and the dredged channel to the junction. In 2010, the controlling southerly one covered at high water. The outer limit of depths in the dredged channel were 3 feet to the junction Goose Rocks Shoals is marked by a lighted bell buoy. To of East River and Sluice Creek, thence 1 foot in Sluice ensure clearing the westerly end of Goose Rocks Shoals, Creek, thence 6 feet in the left half of the channel and care must be taken not to round the buoy too closely. shoaling to bare in the right half, to the anchorage basin (286) Sachem Head Harbor, an anchorage for small craft with 1 to 6 feet in the basin except for shoaling to bare on the southwest side of Sachem Head, is 0.3 mile long toward the northeast limit and in the south half of the and 0.1 mile wide, and has depths of 3 to 8 feet at the entrance into the basin. Deeper water is available with floats and in the moorings; it is sheltered except from local knowledge. westerly winds. The island forming the south point at the entrance is connected with the shore by a bridge. A yacht (279) In 1988, a submerged obstruction was reported clubhouse is on the island. From the north point of the about 0.3 mile southwest of Half Acre Rock in about island a breakwater extends 100 yards in a northwesterly 41°15'06\"N., 72°39'36\"W. direction; a rock awash, marked by a private seasonal
288 ¢ U.S. Coast Pilot 2, Chapter 8 light, is off the end of the breakwater. A rock covered at dredged channel west of Flying Point leads north to a half tide is 50 yards off the southeast side of the harbor, turning basin at Stony Creek. The channel is marked by about 350 yards eastward of the end of the breakwater. buoys. Rocks were reported in the northwest corner of (287) The approach to Sachem Head Harbor for small craft the basin. Gasoline, marine supplies, inside storage, and from eastward is along the south side of the rocks making a small-craft launching ramp are available at marinas off from the south side of Sachem Head. Approaching eastward of the turning basin; small craft can be hauled eastward of Goose Rocks, give the rocks a berth of over out on a flatbed trailer for hull and engine repairs. The 300 yards. The approach from westward is clear between village dock is on the southeast side of the turning basin. Goose Rocks and Leetes Rocks. (296) Between the rocks westward of Rogers Island and (288) Uncas Point, the western extremity of Sachem Blackstone Rocks, a privately dredged channel, about Head, is marked by a rocky islet on its west side and 0.9 mile westward of Flying Point, leads northeastward a privately maintained seasonal light. Just northward of to a quarry wharf on the west side of a dredged basin. In the islet a stone jetty with a bulkhead on its north side 1995, the reported controlling depths were 14 feet from extends about 100 yards in a northwesterly direction from the channel entrance to the basin, thence a depth of 14 the shore. Vessels can anchor in the angle near the shore feet was available in the basin except for lesser depths where the depth is about 4½ feet. along the north and west edges. The entrance channel is (289) Joshua Cove, northwestward of Sachem Head, is marked by a private 028° range consisting of a front and little used, but affords good anchorage in its entrance for middle light and a rear daybeacon. small vessels in northerly or easterly winds in 6 to 10 feet, (297) Thimble Island Harbor, in the western part of The soft bottom. The approach from southwestward is clear Thimbles, affords good shelter for small craft between between Goose Rocks and Leetes Rocks. Pot Island and Money Island on the east and High (290) Leetes Rocks, midway between Sachem Head Island and West Crib on the west. Although open and the north end of The Thimbles, are two rocks bare southwestward, the sea from that direction loses much at low water, with an area of broken ground around of its force before reaching the inner harbor. A rock with them. A 9-foot spot is about 200 yards southward of the 3 feet over it and marked by a buoy is 80 yards off the southerly rock, and a 3-foot spot is 0.3 mile northeast of east side of High Island, just above its south end. Vessels the southerly rock. sometimes anchor near midchannel, between this rock (291) Leetes Island Quarry is a prominent feature on the and the north end of Pot Island in depths of 13 to 18 feet, south side of Hoadley Point; on the north side of the cove soft bottom, but care should be taken to avoid the cables eastward of the point are the ruins of an old dock. in the area. The harbor is easy of access between Outer (292) The Thimbles, about 1.6 miles west of Sachem Island and Inner Reef. Head, comprise many islands, islets, and rocks that bare. (298) Pine Orchard, about 3 miles westward of Sachem All of the area, extending over 2 miles from Hoadley Head, is a summer resort extending northward and Point southwestward to East Reef, is foul with rocky westward of Brown Point. A breakwater extending about bottom and many shoals. To lesser extent, the area from 300 yards southeastward from Brown Point protects a East Reef for 2 miles westward and northwestward to yacht basin entered through a privately dredged channel Branford Harbor entrance is dotted with islets and rocks. that leads from southward of St. Helena Island north- The whole area is suitable only for small pleasure craft, northwestward to the basin. In 1994, the entrance channel which are very active here in summer. Many oyster stakes and basin had reported depths of 5 feet.The basin approach are encountered; these do not mark channels and caution northward of St. Helena Island has depths of 3 to 5 feet. should be used to avoid fouling them. Caution also is Gasoline, diesel fuel, ice, and water may be obtained at advised to avoid fouling the pipelines and cables in the the yacht club landing. area. (299) From Brown Point to Branford Harbor, 2.5 miles (293) The outermost of The Thimbles proper is Outer westward, bare rocks and shoals extend up to about 2 Island, marked by a house chimney. A boat landing miles offshore. A seawall extends westward from Brown protected by a stone jetty is on the northeast side of this Point, and the shore is thickly settled. A rock bare at half island, and an unmarked rock, bare at lowest tides, is 200 tide is 600 yards westward of Brown Point and 300 yards yards eastward. The reefs southwestward of Outer Island, from shore. to and including East Reef and Browns Reef, are buoyed. (300) Rocks bare at low water are eastward of Haycock (294) From eastward a buoyed channel leads through The Point, and rocks that bare at half tide are off the southeast Thimbles. The channel passes between Wayland Island side and southwest end of Green Island. The foul ground and a buoy marking the foul area southward of Cat Island. extends about 0.6 mile south-southwestward from The channel extends between Davis Island and Dogfish Haycock Point, including Foot Rocks which are partly Island, thence north of East Crib and West Crib into the above water. more open water westward of The Thimbles; it is good (301) Branford Reef, about 1.8 miles southward of Indian for about 13 feet. Neck and 5 miles eastward of New Haven entrance, is (295) Stony Creek, a village on the railroad, extends marked by a light. This reef is surrounded by shoal water southward to Flying Point (41°15.5'N., 72°45.1'W.). A for a distance of 150 to 450 yards from the light.
U.S. Coast Pilot 2, Chapter 8 ¢ 289 (302) Deep water is between Branford Reef and Negro (310) Local craft pass northwestward of Cow and Calf Heads, a reef bare in one place at low water about 0.9 Shoal and midway between Johnson Point and Blyn mile northward. Shoreward of Negro Heads are Spectacle Rock. Island, Sumac Island, and Clam Island, together with numerous rocks bare and covered. (303) A private boat landing is on the northwest side of (311) Branford River, narrow and crooked, extends Clam Island. Small craft can enter Maltby Cove between northeasterly from Branford Harbor. In 2009, the the bare rocks off the southwest end of Clam Island and midchannel controlling depth in the dredged channel was Jeffrey Rock, favoring the northwest side of Clam 4.0 feet from Branford Harbor to the upstream limit of Island. Private markers are sometimes at the entrance. the dredged channel. The northwest side of the cove is foul, the principal danger being a rock bare at low water near the middle, (312) At low water the channel above Branford Point is northwestward of Clam Island; the rock is sometimes defined by bare shoals on each side. During the summer marked by a seasonal private spindle. numerous stakes used as moorings mark both sides of the channel. A privately dredged channel and basin at (304) Jeffrey Point, the eastern point at the entrance of a marina 0.5 mile east of Branford Point had reported Branford Harbor, has a bare rock close to its western end. depths of 9 feet in 1999. (305) Branford Harbor is a shallow cove between (313) The principal waterborne commerce at Branford Jeffrey Point and Johnson Point. Vessels up to 10-foot is in petroleum products. There are several marinas and draft can select anchorage in the harbor southward of boatyards on the river. (See the small-craft facilities the Mermaids in 10 to 14 feet, protected against all but tabulation on chart 12372 for services and supplies southerly and southwesterly winds. Boats up to 5-foot available.) draft can select a well-sheltered anchorage in the upper part of the harbor above the Mermaids. The harbor is used (314) A 5 mph speed limit is enforced on the river. chiefly for recreational boating and by the small local (315) The harbormaster at Branford controls all moorings lobster fishing fleet. and anchoring; he can be contacted through the small- (306) The dangers in the approach and entrance to craft facilities. Branford Harbor either show above water or are marked (316) Johnson Point is the western entrance point to by buoys. Cow and Calf, 1.3 miles southwestward of Branford Harbor; a rock covered 2 feet is about 100 yards Jeffrey Point, are two boulders close together bare at low off its south side. A small privately dredged basin on the water. Boulders, reported covered 10 feet, are about 0.2 southwest side of the point is well protected in all but mile northward of Cow and Calf. Five Foot Rock, 0.5 southerly winds. In 1971, it was reported that 4 feet could mile northeastward of Cow and Calf, has 5 feet over it. be carried to and in the basin. Taunton Rock, 0.9 mile northeastward of Cow and Calf (317) Gull Rocks, about 0.3 mile westward of Johnson near the middle of the entrance to Branford Harbor, is Point, consist of small islets and submerged rocks that large but low and bare. Blyn Rock, midway between extend about 0.5 mile southwestward from shore on the Johnson Point and Taunton Rock, is covered at extreme easterly side of the entrance to a large cove. A rock, bare high tide. Bird Rock, 0.2 mile northward of Blyn Rock, at half tide, is in the northwestern part of the cove about has 5 feet over it. 350 yards southward of Short Beach. The northwest end of the cove has a yacht club landing with a reported depth (307) Little Mermaid, showing a little above high water, of 2 feet alongside. and Big Mermaid, a high rock marked by a light, are (318) Farm River Gut, a small bight on the west side near the middle of Branford Harbor. Two bare rocks are of the cove, is a good anchorage for small craft. Depths near the head of the harbor. A rock, bare at low water range from 4 to 5 feet in the eastern part of the gut with and usually marked by stakes, is about 100 feet north- shoaling to bare in the northern and western parts. Two northeastward of the north end of Lovers Island. rocks awash are on the north side of the gut about 125 yards inside the entrance. The gut offers good protection (308) from all but easterly winds, mud bottom.Amarine railway at a boatyard on the north side of the gut can handle boats Routes to 36 feet for hull repairs; storage facilities are available. (309) To enter Branford Harbor from eastward, pass The yard can be reached only at high tide. Old Clump is a bare rock about 400 yards south of the bight. southward of the lighted buoy marking Negro Heads, (319) Farm River, locally known as East Haven River, steer about 306° heading for Taunton Rock, and enter about 1.5 miles westward of Branford Harbor, is used between Taunton and Jeffrey Rocks; or a 333° course by local craft. In 1981, it was reported that depths of with Branford Reef Light astern will lead into the harbor 3 feet could be carried in the river to the fixed bridge between Jeffrey and Taunton Rocks. From westward, pass with a clearance of 4 feet about 1 mile above the mouth. southward and over 100 yards eastward of the lighted Several boatyards on the river provide gasoline, berths, bell buoy marking Cow and Calf, thence westward of the electricity, water, storage, and limited marine supplies; buoys marking Blyn Rock and Bird Rock to the buoyed diesel fuel can be delivered by truck. A 10-ton mobile channel in the harbor.
290 ¢ U.S. Coast Pilot 2, Chapter 8 hoist and a 12-ton crane can handle vessels for complete (328) engine and hull repairs. (320) East Indies Rocks, about 0.4 mile south of the Channels entrance to Farm River, cover at half tide and are marked (329) A Federal project for New Haven Harbor provides by a buoy to the eastward; a rocky shoal with a least depth of 5 feet is 0.2 mile to the eastward. A small ledge, bare for an entrance channel 35 feet deep to a point just below at low water, is midway between East Indies Rocks and the junction of Mill River and Quinnipiac River. The the south side of Mansfield Point, the western entrance channel is well marked. (See Notice to Mariners and point to Farm River. Darrow Rocks, a group of bare latest editions of the charts for controlling depths.) rocks, are on the east side of the entrance to the river. (330) West River, marked by buoys, is located on the west The westernmost rocky knoll is marked by a flagstaff. A side of the main channel about 3 miles above Southwest ledge, bare at low water, with a buoy off its southern end, Ledge Light. A Federal project provides for a depth of 12 is 200 yards south of the flagstaff. feet to a point about 100 feet south of the first highway (321) Mansfield Point and the shore westward of bridge (Kimberly Avenue Bridge), thence 8 feet to about the entrance to Farm River are thickly settled. Bus 0.1 mile above the bridge; an anchorage area on the south communication is available to New Haven. side of the channel about 0.9 mile above the entrance has a project depth of 6 feet. (See Notice to Mariners and (322) latest editions of charts for controlling depths.) Principal waterfront facilities are at City Point. Charts 12371, 12372 (331) Mill River, on the west side of Fair Haven about 4 miles above Southwest Ledge Light, is entered from (323) New Haven Harbor, an important harbor of refuge, the main channel through a dredged entrance channel is about 68 miles from New York, 179 miles from Boston that branches into an east and west fork to the Grand via Cape Cod Canal, and 171 miles from Nantucket Avenue Bridge, 0.6 mile above the mouth. In 2000, the Shoals. It comprises all the tidewater northward of the controlling depths were 6.2 feet (8.2 feet at midchannel) breakwaters constructed across the mouth of the bay, to the Chapel Street Bridge about 0.25 mile above the including the navigable portions of the West, Mill, and entrance, thence 9 feet through the east bridge opening Quinnipiac Rivers. It is about 2 miles wide. The inner and 6.3 feet through the west bridge opening, thence 6.5 harbor, northward of Sandy Point and Fort Hale, is feet to the junction with the east and west forks, thence shallow for the most part, except where the depths have 1.4 feet at midchannel in the east fork for about 320 yards been increased by dredging. The main entrance channel, and 4.9 feet at midchannel in the west fork for about 480 between Middle Breakwater and the East Breakwater, yards, thence in 1980, 1 foot at midchannel in the east fork leads northward to Tomlinson Bridge at New Haven. and 1.5 feet at midchannel in the west fork to the head of Anchorage basins for medium draft vessels are on the the channel. west side of the channel north of Sandy Point. Waterborne (332) Quinnipiac River, on the east side of Fair Haven commerce in the harbor consists of petroleum products, about 4 miles above Southwest Ledge Light, has a scrap metal, lumber, automobiles, gypsum, paper and dredged channel to Grand Avenue Bridge, about 1 mile pulp products, steel products, chemicals, rock salt, and above the mouth. In 2000, the controlling depth was 15.7 general cargo. feet at midchannel to the Ferry Street Bridge about 0.5 mile above the mouth, thence 8.4 feet at midchannel to (324) New Haven, at the head of the harbor, is an important the Grand Avenue Bridge. manufacturing city. (333) (325) Anchorages Prominent features (334) Inside West Breakwater and the southwest part of (326) On the approach from well offshore in clear weather, Middle Breakwater, anchorage is available for vessels the prominent landmarks are: on East Rock (41°19.7'N., up to a 19-foot draft. Caution should be exercised to 72°54.4'W.), the Soldiers and Sailors Monument; in avoid the fish stakes in this area. Vessels anchoring in New Haven, the Knights of Columbus Building, a tall the area should also be aware that water levels may drop rectangular structure with circular pillars at its corners; significantly following a long continuous northwesterly the lighted stack of the powerplant on the east side of the wind. harbor opposite City Point. The lights on the ends of the (335) Vessels may anchor northward of Southwest Ledge breakwaters, the aerolight at Tweed-New Haven Airport, Light in depths of 18 to 20 feet, soft bottom in places. and the abandoned tower on Lighthouse Point are also Care should be taken to avoid the ledges northward of the prominent. East Breakwater. Deep-draft vessels awaiting berthing (327) Southwest Ledge Light (41°14'04\"N., assignments can anchor about 1 mile southward of the 72°54'44\"W.), 57 feet above the water, is shown from sea buoy; holding ground is excellent. a white octagonal house on a brown cylindrical pier at (336) Morris Cove, on the east side of the main channel the westerly end of East Breakwater. A sound signal is just above Lighthouse Point, affords good anchorage and sounded at the light. is used by yachts, but is rough in westerly and southerly
U.S. Coast Pilot 2, Chapter 8 ¢ 291 winds. In 1981, isolated, uncharted 40-foot spots were bridge under construction (2013). The bridgetender of reported in the cove. Caution is advised when anchoring. the Tomlinson Bridge monitors VHF-FM channel 13; New Haven Coast Guard Station is on the north side of call sign KXJ-688. An overhead power cable with a the jutting point, about 1.5 miles northward of Lighthouse clearance of 91 feet crosses the channel just above the Point. fixed highway bridge. (337) An anchorage basin on the west side of the main (348) Aregulated navigation area is at Tomlinson Bridge. channel southward of New Haven Long Wharf is (See 33 CFR 165.1 through 165.13, and 165.150, sometimes used, but considerable shoaling is gradually chapter 2, for limits and regulations.) extending into the anchorage from westward. A sunken (349) Over Mill River, about 0.3 mile above the entrance, barge with 5 feet over it is in this anchorage about 550 is the Chapel Street Bridge with a swing span having a yards southward of New Haven Long Wharf. In 1985, clearance of 7½ feet. The fixed highway bridge at Grand depths of 10 to 5 feet were available in the anchorage Avenue has a clearance of 6 feet over the east fork and a basin with lesser depths along the edges. clearance of 2 feet over the west fork. Bridges above this (338) Small craft and scows may anchor northward of the point have minimum clearance of 2 feet. Small unmasted New Haven Long Wharf (Naval Reserve Pier), northwest boats go as far as the bridge at State Street, 0.5 mile above of the main channel where depths range from about 5 to Grand Avenue. Overhead power cables crossing the west 6 feet. fork have a minimum clearance of 80 feet. (339) No special regulations prescribe the limits within (350) The Ferry Street Bridge over Quinnipiac River, 0.6 which vessels must anchor, except that the dredged mile above the Tomlinson Bridge, has a bascule span with channels must be kept clear. a clearance of 25 feet. The Grand Avenue Bridge, 0.5 mile farther upstream, has a center-pier swing span with (340) a clearance of 9 feet. Above this are several fixed bridges and trestles. Dangers (351) Kimberly Avenue Bridge over West River has a fixed (341) Townshend Ledge, 2.7 miles southeastward of span with a clearance of 23 feet. (352) (See 33 CFR 117.1 through 117.59 and 117.213, Southwest Ledge Light, has a least depth of 18 feet and chapter 2, for drawbridge regulations.) is marked by a lighted bell buoy. (342) Stony Islet, 2.2 miles eastward of Southwest Ledge (353) Light, is low, bare, and surrounded by ledges bare at low water to a distance of about 100 yards. A partly bare ledge Currents is about 0.2 mile north-northwestward of Stony Islet. (354) In the entrance between the breakwaters, the tidal From this ledge and Stony Islet westward to the entrance of New Haven Harbor, an area of foul ground with many current has a velocity on flood of 1.4 knots, and ebb 0.9 rocks bare at low water extends about 0.5 mile offshore. knot. The flood sets 319° and the ebb 152°. In the draw of This area should be avoided. Tomlinson Bridge, the velocity is 0.4 knot. The flood sets (343) Shoals with 16 to 18 feet over them extend over 0.5 015° and the ebb 215°. Ebb velocities are increased by mile southeastward from the breakwaters on both sides of freshets. (Consult the Tidal Current Tables for predicted the dredged entrance channel. A spoil area with reported times and velocities of currents.) depths of 15 feet is on the eastern side of the entrance channel. An 18-foot spot is on the east side of the main (355) channel, at the first turn westward of Southwest Ledge Light. Ice (344) The bights on the west shore of New Haven Harbor (356) Ice generally obstructs navigation to some extent from Pond Point northward are shoal with bare rocks and foul ground in most of them. The shore is rocky at for low-powered vessels from December to March and Woodmont, about 2 miles northeastward of Pond Point. sometimes extends to the mouth of the harbor. During (345) Black Rock, bare at low water and marked by a severe winters the accumulation of ice is local. Except seasonal buoy, is 0.2 mile off the north end of Morris in severe weather, powered vessels can always enter and Cove. Opposite, on the west side, is a breakwater, partly leave the harbor without much difficulty. In New Haven covered, extending from Sandy Point and marked by Harbor northerly winds tend to clear the harbor of ice if a light. Shag Bank, a flat extending about 0.5 mile the formation is light; southerly winds are apt to force in northward from Sandy Point, has a sand tip about 0.1 drift ice from the sound. mile long. (357) (346) Weather, New Haven and vicinity Bridges (358) New Haven’s climate is typical of coastal areas (347) Tomlinson Bridge, at the head of the main harbor of southern New England. It is vigorous without being at the confluence of Mill and Quinnipiac Rivers, has a overly severe. New Haven is located at the widest part of vertical lift span with a clearance of 13 feet down and Long Island Sound, and the tempering effect of the water 61 feet up. Just above this bridge is a fixed highway is most pronounced in this vicinity. During the summer season, the sea breeze holds temperatures 5 to 15°F (3 to 8°C) lower in the afternoon; during the winter season, minimum temperatures in the southern section of the
292 ¢ U.S. Coast Pilot 2, Chapter 8 city are usually 5 to 10°F (3 to 6°C) higher than those (363) reported from northern sections. The highest summertime temperatures occur with a moderate northerly wind. Routes The lowest winter readings also occur with a northerly (364) To enter New Haven Harbor from eastward, it is wind. The average temperature for New Haven is 51.7°F (10.9°C). July is the warmest month with average safer for large vessels to pass southward of Branford extremes of 81°F (27.2°C) and 64°F (17.8°C). January is Reef and Townshend Ledge to the entrance channel. To the coldest month with average extremes of 37°F (2.8°C) enter from westward, pass northward of Stratford Shoal and 22°F (-5.6°C). The warmest temperature on record Light at a distance of 1.8 miles and head for the entrance is 100°F (37.8°C) recorded in August 1948 and again channel. in July 1957. The coldest temperature on record is -7°F (365) The passage eastward of East Breakwater has boulder (-21.7°C) recorded in January 1961. patches and is very broken, but can be used by small (359) Precipitation is quite evenly distributed throughout craft drawing less than 6 feet, taking care to avoid the the year with only a 1.25 inch (32 mm) spread between foul ground along the northeast side of the passage. This the wettest and driest months. The annual average passage is buoyed, and local vessels of 10- to 12-foot draft precipitation is 42 inches (1067 mm). The wettest use it at high water. Avoid Quixes Ledge, which extends month, December, averages 4.24 inches (108 mm) and about 200 yards southeastward from the eastern end of the driest month, June, averages 2.93 inches (74 mm). the breakwater, and pass about 100 yards eastward of the The elevation of the land increases northward from breakwater. The principal danger inside the breakwater the station and results in somewhat higher amounts of is the reef, marked by a buoy, that extends 300 yards precipitation in the northern suburbs as well as a few more southwestward from Lighthouse Point. Adams Fall, a thunderstorms each year. During the winter, a variety of rock with 5 feet over it and marked by a buoy, is 0.4 mile precipitation is found in most storms. It is common to southwestward of Lighthouse Point. have rain along the shore, freezing rain and sleet a short distance inland, and snow in the northern parts of the city. (366) Heavy snow is rather uncommon in the immediate coastal area and usually melts in a few days. Farther inland, the Pilotage, New Haven snow becomes progressively heavier and a layer of snow (367) Pilotage by state licensed pilot is compulsory in covers the ground most of the winter. Annual average snowfall totals 34 inches (864 mm). February is the Long Island Sound for foreign flag vessels and U.S. snowiest month averaging over nine inches (229 mm). vessels which are under register (i.e. engaged in foreign Snow has fallen in each month, October through May. trade). Such vessels can arrange for a state licensed pilot The 24-hour record snowfall is 17.1 inches (434 mm) by contacting the joint rotation administrator, Block recorded in April 1957. Island Pilots at 243 Spring Street, Newport, RI 02840; (360) Prevailing wind direction varies with the seasons. telephone 401–487–9050 (24 hours), 800–274–1216; From late spring until fall, winds are predominantly south FAX 401–847–9052. Enrolled vessels (i.e. U.S. vessels to southwest due to the effect of the sea breeze. During engaged in coastwise trade) may be required to have a the winter, the prevailing winds are northerly. Strong U.S. Coast Guard Federally licensed pilot unless the southeast winds cause unusually high tides and some master has recency for the intended area. See Pilotage, local flooding in low-lying coastal areas two or three Long Island Sound (indexed as such), chapter 8. times a year. (368) Pilot services are arranged in advance through ships’ (361) Since 1871, 17 tropical systems have passed within agents or directly by shipping companies. 50 miles of New Haven, Connecticut. The most infamous perhaps, was the hurricane of 1938. This storm passed (369) with 15 miles west of the city on September 21 raking the city with 85-knot winds while moving at a forward Towage speed in excess of 40 knots. Most recently, hurricane (370) Tugs up to 1,800 hp are available at New Haven, and Gloria passed within 20 miles to the west on September 27, 1985. Highest winds at time of landfall were barely tugs to 4,000 hp can be obtained by prior arrangement. hurricane strength but two days prior, Gloria had Vessels usually proceed to the harbor without assistance. been supporting winds in excess of 125 knots. Due to Large vessels normally require tugs for docking and geographical orientation, all tropical systems approach undocking. Arrangements for tug service should be made the coastline from the south or southwest. 24 hours in advance, usually through ships’ agents or (362) The National Weather Service maintains an office at directly by shipping companies. The tugs monitor VHF- the Tweed-New HavenAirport, about 3 miles southeast of FM channels 13 and 16 and use channel 19A as a working the city. (See Appendix B for New Haven climatological frequency; call sign KEE-234. table.) (371) Launch service to ships at anchor is available. Launches monitor VHF-FM channel 16 and use channel 19A as a working frequency. (372) New Haven is a customs port of entry. (373) Quarantine, customs, immigration, and agricultural quarantine (374) (See chapter 3, Vessel Arrival Inspections, and Appendix A for addresses.)
U.S. Coast Pilot 2, Chapter 8 ¢ 293 (375) Quarantine is enforced in accordance with north side 400 feet, 25 feet alongside; south side 380 regulations of the U.S. Public Health Service. (See Public feet, 25 feet alongside; deck height, 10 feet; receipt and Health Service, chapter 1.) shipment of petroleum products; owned and operated by Gulf Refining and Marketing Co. (376) New Haven has many public and private hospitals. (388) ARCO Petroleum Products Co. Wharf: 300 yards southwestward of Gulf Refining and Marketing Co. Pier; (377) 110-foot face, 760 feet with dolphins; 35 feet alongside; deck height, 15 feet; vessels normally moor starboardside- Coast Guard to; receipt and shipment of petroleum products; owned (378) The Captain of the Port maintains an office in New and operated by ARCO Petroleum Products Co. (389) New Haven Terminal, Scrap Metal Dock: 275 yards Haven. The nearest vessel documentation office is in southward of ARCO Petroleum Products Co. Wharf; Bridgeport, CT. (See Appendix A for addresses.) 640-foot face; 35 feet alongside; deck height, 14 feet; (379) The harbormaster at New Haven has charge of the two 30-ton traveling gantry cranes, crawler cranes to 250 anchoring of vessels; he can be contacted through the tons; receipt and shipment of general and containerized local police department. cargo and steel products, shipment of scrap metal, receipt (380) The city police maintain a harbor patrol during the of copper, zinc, and lumber; owned and operated by New summer. Haven Terminal, Inc. (390) New Haven Terminal Pier: 50 yards southward (381) of Scrap Metal Dock; north and south sides, 650 feet usable, can accommodate tankers up to 700 feet; 35 and Wharves 39 feet alongside, north and south sides, respectively; (382) The deep-draft facilities at the Port of New Haven deck height, 13 feet; cranes up to 50 tons; 36,000 square feet covered storage; receipt and shipment of general are along the north and east sides of the inner portion cargo, receipt of petroleum products, petrochemicals, of New Haven Harbor. Facilities for smaller vessels chemicals, copper, zinc, lumber, and steel products; and barges are along the sides of the harbor and in Mill, owned and operated by New Haven Terminal, Inc. Quinnipiac, and West Rivers. Depths alongside the (391) Exxon Co. Terminal Wharf: 175 yards southward facilities in Quinnipiac River range from about 5 to 15 of New Haven Terminal Pier; 80-foot face, 700 feet with feet; Mill River, 12 to 13 feet; and West River about 12 dolphins; 35 feet alongside; deck height, 13 feet; vessels to 18 feet. Only the deep-draft facilities are described. normally moor starboardside-to; receipt and shipment of For a complete description of the port facilities refer to petroleum products; owned and operated by Exxon Co., Port Series No. 4, published and sold by the U.S. Army U.S.A. Corps of Engineers. (See Appendix A for address.) The alongside depths for the facilities described are (392) reported; for information on the latest depths contact the private operator. All the facilities have direct highway Supplies connections, and most have railroad connections. Water (393) OilbunkeringterminalsatNewHavenaremaintained and electrical shore power connections are available at most piers and wharves. by the major oil companies. Fuel oil and diesel oil in (383) General cargo at the port is usually handled by the usual commercial grades are obtainable. Barges are ship’s tackle; special handling equipment, if available, available for bunkering in the anchorages outside the is mentioned in the description of the particular facility. breakwaters or at the piers; 24-hour advance notice is Cranes up to 250 tons and warehouses and cold storage required, and arrangements should be made through facilities adjacent to the waterfront are available. ships’ agents. Water, provisions, and marine supplies can (384) Wyatt Light Oil Pier: north end of harbor 0.35 mile be procured. northeastward of New Haven Long Wharf; 150-foot face, 715 feet of berthing space with dolphins, 38 feet (394) alongside; deck height, 11 feet; receipt and shipment of petroleum products; owned and operated by Wyatt, Inc. Repairs (385) Wyatt Heavy Oil Wharf: 50 yards east of Wyatt (395) New Haven has no facilities for making major repairs Light Oil Pier; west side 210 feet, 480 feet of berthing space with dolphins; 30 feet alongside; deck height, 11 or for drydocking deep-draft vessels; the nearest such feet; receipt and shipment of petroleum products, receipt facilities are at Boston, MA, and New York. Machine of asphalt; owned and operated by Wyatt, Inc. shops in the area can make limited repairs to machinery (386) Gulf Refining and Marketing Co. Wharf: on each and boilers, and fabricate shafts and other pieces of side of harbor, 200 yards south of Tomlinson Bridge; 60- equipment. foot face, 735 feet of berthing space with dolphins; 35 feet alongside; deck height, 13 feet; vessels normally moor (396) starboardside-to; receipt and shipment of petroleum products; owned and operated by Gulf Oil Refining and Small-craft facilities Marketing Co. (397) There are excellent facilities on the east and west (387) Gulf Refining and Marketing Co. Pier: 100 yards southward of Gulf Refining and Marketing Co. Wharf; sides of the harbor and on West and Quinnipiac Rivers. (See the small-craft facilities tabulation on chart 12372 for services and supplies available.)
294 ¢ U.S. Coast Pilot 2, Chapter 8 (398) of Charles Island is a good anchorage in 10 to 16 feet, sheltered from southerly to southwesterly winds. Charts 12370, 12364 (408) Between Charles Island and Stratford Point, about 3 miles southwestward, several summer resorts are along (399) Pond Point, about 5 miles southwestward of the the shore and the Housatonic River empties into Long New Haven Harbor entrance, has a rocky shoal with little Island Sound just above the point. The shoals which depth over the greater part of it that extends about 0.3 mile extend southward from Stratford Point toward Stratford southward. It is marked by a buoy. A prominent white Shoal Light (see chart 12354) consist of narrow ridges mast is on the point. of hard sand with deeper water between, and have oyster beds marked with stakes. Depths of 12 feet or less extend (400) Welches Point, 0.8 mile westward of Pond Point, 1 mile offshore. forms the east side of the entrance of the Gulf. A reef (409) Stratford Point Light (41°09'07\"N., 73°06'12\"W.), extends 0.2 mile southward from the point and is marked 52 feet above the water, is shown from a white conical by a buoy. Several scattered rocks extend a southeasterly tower, with brown band midway of its height, from the direction for about 0.5 mile from the buoy. southerly part of the point. (401) The Gulf, a bight betweenWelches Point and Charles (410) Island, about 6.5 miles westward of New Haven Harbor entrance, affords anchorage in 6 to 15 feet and is sheltered Chart 12370 in all but southerly and southeasterly winds. The entrance is clear. The shoaling is gradual, and soundings are the (411) Housatonic River rises in the Berkshire Hills of best guide on the northwest side of the bight; the western western Massachusetts and Connecticut, and empties side of Welches Point and the reefs around Charles Island into Long Island Sound about 10 miles southwestward extending to the mainland should be approached with of the New Haven Harbor entrance. The river is joined caution, as the shoaling is abrupt. by the nonnavigable Naugatuck River in the vicinity of Derby, CT. Housatonic River is navigable to a point about (402) Milford Harbor, comprising the lower portion of 1 mile above Shelton, CT, where it is closed by a power the Wepawaug River, is entered at the mouth of the dam. The head of navigation for all practical purposes is river between two jetties at the head of The Gulf. The at the towns of Derby and Shelton, 11.5 miles above the westerly jetty extends southward from Burns Point, and entrance. Small vessels can anchor in the river abreast of the easterly jetty is marked by Milford Harbor Light 10. Stratford, where the channel has an available width of The harbor is used chiefly for recreational boating, and about 500 feet. The waterborne commerce on the river occasionally for the receipt of shellfish and fish. The is principally in barge shipments of aggregate, fuel oil National Marine Fisheries Service, U.S. Department of to the power plant at Devon, and seasonal commercial Commerce, maintains a laboratory and research vessel shellfishing. Navigation above Devon is limited to base on the west side of the harbor, about 0.2 mile recreational boating. northward of Burns Point. (412) On the east side of the entrance to Housatonic River, (403) A dredged channel leads from The Gulf through the a breakwater extends out from Milford Point across the jettied entrance to a point about 400 feet above the town bar and is marked at its south end by Housatonic River wharf, 0.6 mile above Burns Point. In 2010-2012, the Breakwater Light 2A. The inner section of the breakwater controlling depths were 6 feet to the Town Dock with is awash at high water. shoaling to 1 foot along the right side of the channel at 41°12'37\"N., 73°02'56\"W. The anchorage basin along the (413) west side of the channel had a controlling depth of 6.5 feet. The channel is marked lighted and unlighted buoys Channels and a light. (414) A Federal project provides for an 18-foot dredged (404) channel from Long Island Sound between the breakwater on the east and Stratford Point on the west upriver for Small-craft facilities about 4.3 miles to the lower end of Culver Bar. (See (405) Milford Harbor has several small-craft facilities. Notice to Mariners and the latest editions of the charts for controlling depths.) Above the lower end of Culver (See the small-craft facilities tabulation on chart 12364 Bar, the river channel extends through several dredged for services and supplies available.) sections across river bars to the towns of Derby and Shelton about 11.5 miles above the river entrance. In 2005, the controlling depths were 2.2 feet in the buoyed channel from the lower end of Culver Bar and across (406) A 5 mph speed limit is enforced in the harbor. Mill Bar to the naturally deep river channel, thence 5.7 (407) Charles Island, on the southwest side at the feet in the dredged channels across lower Oronoque Bar and 3.0 feet across upper Oronoque Bar, thence 5.5 feet entrance to The Gulf, is low and partly covered with trees. across Camp Meeting Bar, thence 6.2 feet across Drews The island is connected to the mainland by The Bar, a Bar except for shoaling to 3.9 feet in the lower part of narrow neck about 0.5 mile long and surrounded by rocks awash and shoals. A buoy marks the end of a shoal that extends 250 yards east-northeastward from the island, and a lighted bell buoy marks the end of a rocky area that extends 0.4 mile southward from the island. Northward
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