Chapter 4 Outer Cape Cod and Nantucket Sound 193 N Hyannis, Massachusetts Image courtesy of Marblehead Power Squadron (2009) There are several submerged rocks in this area, which 70°17'21.1\"W., is the westernmost and marked close W extends in a general line running northwest and south- by Hyannis Harbor Lighted Buoy 4. east between Hallets Rock and Gazelle Rock to a private (141) Hyannis Harbor, protected by a breakwater, is used seasonal light 0.5 mile west of the point; the light marks as a harbor of refuge by coasting vessels and pleasure a fishtrap. In 1990, a sunken wreck was reported about craft of less than 14-foot draft. A light is on the end of the 0.2 mile southward of Hallets Rock in about 41°35.3'N., breakwater. The harbor is the approach to Hyannis Port, 70°15.7'W. on the west side of the harbor, Lewis Bay, and Hyannis (139) Bishop and Clerks, about 2.2 miles southward of at the head of the northwest arm of Lewis Bay. Point Gammon, is an extensive shoal area. The center (142) The most prominent objects when approaching the of the shoal is marked by a light. Several rocks awash at harbor are: the daybeacon on Great Rock, two red and low water are on the arm of the shoal that extends about white checkered standpipes, a light blue tank, the break- 0.9 mile south of the light. A rock, covered 5 feet, is 0.7 water light, the abandoned lighthouse tower on Point mile south-southeastward of the light. The rest of the Gammon, and the square gray stone church belfry on shoal is covered 8 to 18 feet. A lighted gong buoy, about the hill overlooking Hyannis Port to the westward. 1.15 miles southward; an unlighted buoy, about 0.75 (143) Depths of 13 to 16 feet are in the approach chan- mile westward; and a lighted bell buoy, about 0.7 mile nel, but it is somewhat obstructed by the flats extending northeastward of the light, mark the limits of the shoal westward from Point Gammon and an extensive shoal area. Caution should be exercised when in the vicinity with numerous rocks extending southeastward from of this shoal. Hyannis Point. In 2007, depths of 7 to 15 feet were avail- (140) Broken Ground, a shoal area westward of the south able in the protected basin northward of the breakwater end of Bishop and Clerks, has depths of 14 to 18 feet. light. West Southwest Ledge, 1.6 miles southwest of Point Gammon and northwest of Bishop and Clerks, has Routes depths of 13 to 18 feet. A lighted bell buoy is north- (144) Vessels approaching Hyannis Harbor from the east- ward of the ledge and marks the approach to Hyannis Harbor. A group of dangerous rocks and obstructions ward should shape a course to pass about 1,000 yards are on the edge of the flat that extends northwestward south of Hallets Rock, exercising caution to avoid the from Point Gammon and into the approach to Hyannis reported wreck mentioned earlier, thence about 317° Harbor. A rock, covered 11 feet in about 41°37'02.9\"N., to a point about 0.6 mile southwestward of Great Rock Daybeacon 4A, and thence about 012° to pass about 100
194 Outer Cape Cod and Nantucket Sound Volume 2 yards or more eastward of the breakwater light. Vessels of Harbor Bluff. (See the small-craft facilities tabula- may anchor inside the breakwater on the east edge of tion on chart 13229 for services and supplies available.) the mooring area in depths of 15 to 20 feet, soft bottom. Limited berths are also available at the town marina on Small craft can anchor in the northern portion of the the west side at the head of the arm. A dockmaster is harbor in depths of 4 to 8 feet, but care must be taken usually in attendance at this marina and can be reached to keep clear of a charted, submerged wreck, marked by telephone (508-790-6327) or on VHF-FM channel 16. by a buoy. (145) Approaching from the westward, from a position about midway between Horseshoe Shoal Buoy 7 and Wreck Shoal Bell Buoy 8 (chart 13237), steer about (153) For local information on moorings and berthings, 054° to pass about 1400 yards east of Hodges Rock the harbormaster can be contacted by telephone (508- Buoy 2, and thence about 012° to pass about 100 yards 790-6273), through the Barnstable police department eastward of the breakwater light in entering the harbor. (508-775-0387), or VHF-FM channels 16 and 9. A po- (146) Ice seldom interferes with the movement of ves- lice boat from the town of Barnstable and a Yarmouth sels in Hyannis Harbor during normal winters; the Harbor Patrol boat patrol Hyannis Harbor during the prevailing northerly winds keep the harbor clear. How- summer. A 6 mph speed limit is enforced in Lewis Bay ever, during severe winters or persistent southwesterly north of Harbor Bluff and in Hyannis Harbor in the winds, the harbor may be temporarily closed to naviga- channel leading to the yacht club. tion. During particularly severe winters, the harbor has been closed by ice for up to 3 months. (154) Ferries to Nantucket and Martha’s Vineyard berth (147) Hyannis Port is a summer resort with many promi- in the harbor at Hyannis. Barnstable Municipal Airport nent homes. A privately dredged channel, with reported is just north of the town. depths of 6 feet in 2005, leads to the Hyannis Port Yacht Club landing on the west shore of the harbor. (155) Westward of Hyannis Harbor breakwater the water (148) Lewis Bay, with depths of 2 to 11 feet, extends is shoal with numerous rocks extending well offshore. northeastward from Hyannis Harbor. In the northwest Eddie Woods Rock, covered 5 feet and unmarked, is 0.6 corner of the bay is the channel to the summer resort mile southwestward of the breakwater light. A fishtrap of Hyannis. The town has a hospital. Hyannis Yacht Club marked by a private light is about 0.4 mile south of the is on the west of the bay. A channel, marked by private rock. seasonal buoys, leads westward to Hyannis Yacht Club. The club can accommodate craft to 140 feet; a reported (156) Squaw Island, 1 mile westward of Hyannis Har- dockside depth of 8 feet is available. bor Breakwater Light H, is marked by a tower. Hyannis (149) A dredged channel leads from Hyannis Harbor Point, the southerly tip of the island, is on the eastern into Lewis Bay, thence to an anchorage basin north of side of Centerville Harbor. Harbor Bluff, thence to the town wharf at Hyannis, at the westernmost end. In 2007, the controlling depths (157) Southward of Hyannis Point and Centerville Har- were 5.8 feet (10.8 feet at midchannel) to the anchor- bor are numerous shoals and rocks. Southwest Ground, age basin, thence 9.4 to 13 feet in the basin, thence the area about 1.5 miles south of Hyannis Point, has 8.5 feet to the town wharf. The channel is well marked numerous rocks and shoal spots necessitating extreme but is subject to shoaling, especially in the vicinity of caution for vessels navigating the area. Southwest Rock, Lewis Bay Approach Channel Buoy 9. Heavy vessel traf- about 1.1 miles south of Hyannis Point, is marked by a fic should be expected during summer months. A riprap daybeacon. Unmarked rocks, some awash at low water jetty extends 1,000 feet southerly from Dunbar Point. and others covered 2 to 6 feet, are between the buoy and (150) Vessels entering Lewis Bay must be guided by the Hyannis Point. buoys marking the dredged channel and by the color of the water, deepest where it is darkest. (158) Hodges Rock, covered 5 feet and marked by a buoy, is 1 mile southward of Southwest Rock Daybeacon. Anchorages An unmarked rock covered 8 feet is 300 yards east of (151) Vessels with drafts up to 13 feet may anchor in the Hodges Rock. Bearse Rock, covered 5 feet and marked by a buoy, is 0.5 mile southwestward of Southwest Rock anchorage northeast of Hyannis Breakwater. Small craft Daybeacon. Channel Rock, covered 5 feet and marked can anchor in Lewis Bay west of the channel, off Hyannis by a buoy, is 0.4 mile west of Bearse Rock. Gallatin Yacht Club and north of Dunbar Point. Limited anchor- Rock, covered 4 feet and marked by a buoy, is 0.4 mile age is reported available in the basin north of Harbor southwestward of Bearse Rock. Collier Ledge, 1.5 miles Bluff. west-southwestward of Southwest Rock Daybeacon, is awash at low water. It is marked by a lighted buoy in the Small-craft facilities summer and an unlighted buoy in the winter. (152) Several small-craft facilities and launching ramps (159) Gannet Ledge, covered 5 feet and marked by a buoy, are along the northwestern arm of Lewis Bay northward is 1.1 miles southwest of Hyannis Point. Gannet Rocks, 0.3 mile north of Gannet Ledge, include two unmarked rocks 7 and 3 feet high and a rock covered 4 feet. Spindle Rock, awash at low water and marked by a buoy, is near the head of Centerville Harbor. A rock awash at low wa- ter and a rock covered 2 feet are 200 yards north of the
Chapter 4 Outer Cape Cod and Nantucket Sound 195 buoy. Two unmarked rocks covered 6 feet are 1.7 miles the approach. Private seasonal buoys mark the channel southwestward of Hyannis Point. through West Bay. In 1981-2001, a depth of 2.9 feet was (160) Centerville Harbor is a bight 2 miles wide in the available in the entrance channel, thence 6 feet to the north shore of Nantucket Sound westward of Hyannis highway bridge. The channel is subject to shoaling, and Point. A church spire and an elevated tank in Center- strangers should obtain local information before enter- ville, the village inland from the head of the harbor, ing the bay. are used as guides for entering the harbor. Craigville (165) Ice closes the bay for about 2 months each year. Beach, on the north side of the harbor, is a popular The wharves at Osterville have reported depths of 6 feet bathing beach. The approach to Centerville Harbor alongside. is obstructed by the previously mentioned rocks and shoals. The natural channel with depths of 9 to 10 feet Small-craft facilities leads to the anchorage. Anchorage with good holding (166) Small-craft facilities are on either side of the chan- ground may be had in depths of 15 to 21 feet; however, vessels seldom anchor here for shelter as the harbor is nel north of the highway bridge. Berths, moorings, elec- exposed to southerly winds. The shoals off the entrance tricity, gasoline, diesel fuel, water, ice, marine supplies, somewhat break the force of the seas from southward, a pump-out station and storage facilities are available. but not sufficiently to make it a safe anchorage. Strang- Marine railway to 40 feet, lifts to 70 tons, and hull and ers should not enter except in the daytime with clear motor repairs are available on the east side of the river weather. Ice may close the harbor in the winter. with an approach depth of 7 feet and alongside depth (161) East Bay, on the west side of Centerville Harbor, of 13 feet reported in 2009. Lifts to 75 tons and hull, has depths of 1 to 4 feet. Small pleasure boats enter the engine, and electronic repairs are available on the west bay en route to Centerville River. The entrance to East side with an approach depth of 5 feet and alongside Bay, protected by a jetty on the southwestern side, had a depth of 6 feet reported in 2009. reported controlling depth of about 5 feet in 1981, but is subject to shoaling. A private light marks the end of the jetty. Centerville River, which enters the northeast side of the bay, has been privately dredged to a depth of 5 feet (167) Little Island, about 1 mile northward of the en- for a width of 40 feet practically to the head of naviga- trance to West Bay, separates West Bay from North Bay tion. In 2005, a reported depth of about 3 feet could be to the northward. In 1981, a reported depth of 5 feet was taken over the bar into Centerville River. Small boats available in the narrow channel eastward of Little Island moor in the river off Centerville, or tie up to private into North Bay. Strangers should obtain local informa- piers. A 6 mph speed limit is enforced in East Bay and tion before navigating in North Bay, which has depths of Centerville River. about 6 to 17 feet. The harbormaster can be contacted (162) A conspicuous stone tower with a mushroom- for local information on moorings and berthings; tele- shaped top is on the north side of the river. A town land- phone 508-790-6273. A 6 mph speed limit is enforced ing is on the north side just above the tower. A launching in Cotuit, North, and West Bays by the Barnstable har- ramp is on the west shore of East Bay. A conspicuous bormaster and police. wooden tower with a balcony on top is 0.3 mile south- westward of the jetty. (168) The highway bridge across the channel between (163) Cotuit Anchorage, 6.5 miles west of Point Gam- Osterville and Little Island has a 31-foot bascule span mon, is an anchorage for small craft between the shoals with a clearance of 15 feet. (See 117.1 through 117.49 which make off the shore. The anchorage is exposed to and 117.622, chapter 2, for drawbridge regulations.) southerly winds and is seldom used except by local craft. Advance arrangements for bridge openings can be made The channel to the anchorage is marked by buoys, and through the Department of Public Works. vessels of less than 6-foot draft should experience no dif- ficulty in keeping in the best water. Lone Rock, covered (169) Cotuit Bay, northwestward of Cotuit Anchorage, 4 feet and marked by a buoy, is near the southern side of is separated from West Bay by Osterville Grand Island. the anchorage. A long shoal, covered 4 feet and marked Cotuit is a village on the west side of the bay. A church by a buoy at its southeast end, is 0.5 mile northeastward spire and two elevated water tanks are prominent. A of Lone Rock and about 0.7 mile south of the entrance town wharf, with a depth of about 5 feet at its face, and to West Bay. a small-craft launching ramp are at the village. In 1981- (164) West Bay, on the north side of Cotuit Anchorage 2001, a privately dredged channel, with a reported con- and 19 miles west of Stage Harbor, has a jettied entrance trolling depth of 4 feet, leads from Cotuit Anchorage to about 150 feet wide and is the approach to the village off Cotuit Highlands; thence in 2001, a winding chan- of Osterville, on the east side of the bay. A private light nel, with a depth of 6 feet, curves between Sampsons marks the end of the east jetty. A seasonal lighted bell Island and Bluff Point into Cotuit Bay. The channels buoy about 1 mile southeastward of the entrance marks into Cotuit Bay and North Bay are marked by private seasonal buoys. A reported depth of about 6 feet was in the channel from Cotuit Bay to North Bay in 2005. Seapuit River, south of Osterville Grand Island, con- nects Cotuit Bay and West Bay. The privately dredged channel in the river had a reported controlling depth of
196 Outer Cape Cod and Nantucket Sound Volume 2 6 feet in 2004. Cotuit Bay is usually closed by ice each a No-Discharge Zone (NDZ) in Waquoit Bay. The NDZ winter. includes Waquoit Bay and its tributaries and salt ponds (170) Popponesset Bay, west of Cotuit Anchorage, is (see chart 13229 for limits). shoal with depths of 1 to 4 feet in the greater part of (178) Within the NDZ, discharge of sewage, whether the bay. In 2001, a controlling depth of 3.3 feet was re- treated or untreated, from all vessels is prohibited. ported in the narrow entrance channel north-northwest Outside the NDZ, discharge of sewage is regulated by of Thatch Island. 40 CFR 140 (see chapter 2). (171) A small marina is on Daniels Island near the bridge to Popponesset Island. A launching ramp, a pump-out Small-craft facility station, gasoline, diesel fuel, water, ice, some marine (179) Great River and Little River empty into the south- supplies, and some services are available. A privately marked channel with a reported depth of about 3 feet easterly side of Waquoit Bay. A marina is on the west leads to a marina on Mashpee Neck. Gasoline, water, side of Little River, about 0.5 mile above its junction and engine repairs are available. A flatbed trailer at the with Great River. Gasoline, water, ice, a launching ramp, marina can haul out craft to 30 feet. limited marine supplies, and storage facilities are avail- (172) Wreck Shoal, about 3 miles south of Cotuit An- able. Hull, engine, and electrical repairs can be made; chorage, is about 1.4 miles long in an east-west direc- lift to 11 tons. A reported depth of about 3 feet can be tion and about 0.3 mile wide. Depths on the shoal range carried to the marina. from 4 to 13 feet. A lighted bell buoy marks the east end of the shoal and another lighted bell buoy southwest- ward of the shoal marks the channel between Wreck Shoal and Eldridge Shoal. An unmarked shoal covered (180) Between Waquoit Bay and Falmouth Inner Har- 8 to 15 feet is about 1.5 miles northeast of Wreck Shoal bor about 3.6 miles to the westward, are several ponds and southward of Cotuit Anchorage approach. Broken formed by the barrier beach, some of which have out- ground with a least known depth of 13 feet is between lets. Many jetties or groins are built out from the shore this shoal and Wreck Shoal. for beach erosion control. (173) Eldridge Shoal, about 0.9 mile south of Wreck Shoal, is about 1 mile long in a northeasterly direction (181) Eel Pond, about 0.8 mile westward of the entrance and about 0.2 mile wide. Depths on the shoal range from to Waquoit Bay, is entered through a narrow jettied en- 5 to 14 feet. A buoy marks the northern side. A channel trance. A private seasonal light on the west jetty and a between Eldridge and Wreck Shoals has depths of 23 midchannel buoy about 500 yards southeastward of the to 41 feet. A channel between Eldridge and Horseshoe light mark the approach. The privately marked channel Shoals has depths of 21 feet or more. into the pond had a reported controlling depth of 5.1 (174) Succonnesset Shoal extends about 2.4 miles west- feet in 2000. The channel is subject to shoaling; extreme ward from Wreck Shoal to the shoal area off the shore caution and local knowledge is advised. southwestward of Succonnesset Point. Depths of 1 to 5 feet are on the shoal. A lighted buoy is off the west (182) A boatyard is on the west side of the northeasterly end. Between Succonnesset and Wreck Shoals is a nar- arm of Eel Pond at the mouth of Childs River. In 2009, a row unmarked channel. Between Succonnesset and reported approach depth of 4 feet was available. Berths, L’Hommedieu Shoals, a shoal area with a least depth of electricity, gasoline, diesel fuel, water, ice, marine sup- 9 feet is marked by a buoy. plies, pump-out station, launching ramp, 40-foot ma- (175) Waquoit Bay, 5 miles southwestward of Cotuit An- rine railway, 50-ton marine lift, and storage facilities are chorage, has depths of 1 to 8 feet. The entrance, about available at the boatyard; hull and engine repairs can be 250 feet wide, is between two stone jetties. A private made. seasonal light marks the end of the easterly jetty. In 1971, the controlling depth in the entrance channel was (183) Seapit River, about 0.8 mile southward of the reported to be 4 feet. A seasonal lighted bell buoy, about mouth of Childs River, connects the northeasterly arm 0.6 mile west-southwestward of the jetties, marks the of Eel Pond with the upper part of Waquoit Bay. A re- approach, and buoys mark a 5-foot channel for about 0.8 ported depth of about 3 feet can be carried in Seapit mile through the bay. The Waquoit Yacht Club is on the River. The river is marked by private seasonal buoys. west side at the head of the bay. (176) The Waquoit Bay National Estuarine Research Re- (184) Menauhant is a summer resort on the west side of serve, a Marine Protected Area (MPA), includes Waquoit Eel Pond and the east side of Bournes Pond. Menauhant Bay and associated waters and protected wetlands. Yacht Club is on the west side of Eel Pond. A bridge, crossing the entrance to Bournes Pond, has a 45-foot No-Discharge Zone fixed span with a clearance 5 feet. (177) The State of Massachusetts, with the approval of (185) Green Pond, about 1 mile westward of Eel Pond the Environmental Protection Agency, has established and 4.2 miles eastward of Nobska Point, has a narrow jettied entrance which, in 2001, had a reported con- trolling depth of 3.5 feet. The entrance is reported to shoal rapidly after dredging; local knowledge is advised. A private seasonal light marks the west jetty. A seasonal lighted buoy marks the approach, and private seasonal buoys mark the channel above the jetties.
Chapter 4 Outer Cape Cod and Nantucket Sound 197 (186) The village of Davisville, on the east side of Green (197) The thorofare between the western point of Esther Pond, and the village of Acapesket, on the west side of Island and Tuckernuck Island is full of shifting un- the pond, are principally summer resorts. marked shoals. The passage is used only by small fish- ing vessels and a few pleasure craft. Private seasonal aids (187) Menauhant Road highway bridge crossing Green mark the channel. Pond about 0.3 mile inside the entrance has a 33-foot span with a clearance of 6 feet. In 2002, a reported depth (198) Tuckernuck Island, Esther Island, and Muskeget of 3 feet was in the approach to, and inside the marina Island are low sandy islands extending westward from on the west side of Green Pond just north of the bridge. Nantucket Island. They are separated by sandbars, some Berths, diesel fuel, water, ice, repairs, and marine sup- bare at low water, which are constantly shifting. plies are available at this facility. (199) Madaket Harbor and Hither Creek, immediately to (188) Chapter 5 describes other ports on the south side the southward, are on the western side of Nantucket of Cape Cod westward of Green Pond. Island. Madaket Harbor is shoal with depths of 2 to 10 feet. The northerly approach to the harbor and creek is Chart 13241 marked by a seasonal lighted bell buoy. The channel that leads southward from over the bar in Nantucket Sound (189) Nantucket Island, on the southeast side of Nan- is marked by private seasonal buoys, floats, and markers. tucket Sound, is about 13 miles long, hilly, partly wood- With local knowledge, a depth of about 3½ feet can be ed, and covered with vegetation that flourishes in sandy carried over the bar and channel to Hither Creek. Local soil. The highest part of the island, about 100 feet high, knowledge is also required to enter the harbor from the is in the eastern part; the eastern and southern sides southwest. A public boat landing and a boatyard are in have steep and sand bluffs. The northern shore is fringed Hither Creek. Gasoline, berths, a 10-ton mobile hoist, with shoals for a distance of about 1 mile. The island was a pump-out station, storage facilities, ice, provisions, for more than a century a principal seat of the whaling water, and marine supplies are available at the boatyard; industry and since has become a famous summer resort. hull and engine repairs can be made. (190) Great Point, the northeastern end of Nantucket North Atlantic Right Whales Island, is a long, low, sandy point marked by Nantucket (200) Endangered North Atlantic right whales have been (Great Point) Light (41°23'25\"N., 70°02'54\"W.), 71 feet above the water and shown from a white tower. reported off the southern coast of Nantucket Island (peak season: November through April). The Northeast (191) Point Rip is a shoal extending 3.8 miles east-north- Marine Pilots distribute educational material to mari- eastward of Great Point. For 2 miles from the point, the ners in an effort to reduce right whale ship strikes. (See shoal has little water over it; farther eastward the depths North Atlantic Right Whales, indexed as such, in chap- range from 12 to 18 feet. Buoys mark the northeasterly ter 3 for more information on right whales and recom- and easterly sides of the shoal. Shoal water with depths mended measures to avoid collisions.) of 16 to 22 feet extends about 1 mile northward from (201) All vessels 65 feet or greater in length overall these buoys; a lighted bell buoy marks the northern side (L.O.A.) and subject to the jurisdiction of the United of the shoal water. A rock, covered 11 feet, is 2.2 miles States are restricted to speeds of 10 knots or less in southeastward of Nantucket Light. the Block Island Sound Seasonal Management Area be- tween November 1 and April 30. The area is defined as (192) Squam Head is a summer resort on the east side of the waters bounded by: Nantucket Island, about 5 miles south of Great Point. (202) 40°51'53.7\"N., 70°36'44.9\"W.; Several large houses show prominently from seaward. (203) 41°20'14.1\"N., 70°49'44.1\"W.; (204) 41°04'16.7\"N., 71°51'21.0\"W.; (193) Sesachacha Pond, 6.3 miles southeastward of Great (205) 40°35'56.5\"N., 71°38'25.1\"W.; thence back to start- Point, has a nonnavigable cut into it through the shore. ing point. (See 50 CFR 224.105 in chapter 2 for regula- From seaward, breakers mark the cut. In the winter the tions, limitations, and exceptions.) entrance fills in, and each spring it is cut through for drainage purposes. No-Discharge Zone (206) The State of Massachusetts, with the approval of (194) Sankaty Head Light (41°17'04\"N., 69°57'58\"W.), 158 feet above the water, is shown from a 70-foot white the Environmental Protection Agency, has established tower, with a red band in the middle, on a high bluff on a No-Discharge Zone (NDZ) for all coastal waters of the the east side of the island. Town of Nantucket. The NDZ includes all coastal wa- ters that lie within a straight line between Great Point (195) Siasconset, a village on the southeast end of the on Nantucket Island and the western tip of Muskeget island, is marked by a prominent standpipe. The village Island, to the limits of the Territorial Sea, and within a has seasonal bus service with Nantucket. straight line between the southeast point of Muskeget Island and the southwest point of Tuckernuck Island, (196) The south shore of Nantucket Island has no har- and between the southwest point of Tuckernuck Island bors and is frequented only by local fishermen. A LORAN tower about 0.6 mile southward of Siasconset and a tank and several towers along the south coast are prominent from offshore.
198 Outer Cape Cod and Nantucket Sound Volume 2 N Nantucket Harbor, Massachusetts Image courtesy of Marblehead Power Squadron (2009) and Smith Point on Nantucket Island (see chart 13241 (210) Brant Point Light (41°17'24\"N., 70°05'25\"W.), 26 for limits). feet above the water, is shown from a white cylindrical (207) Within the NDZ, discharge of sewage, whether tower connected to the shore by a footbridge on the west treated or untreated, from all vessels is prohibited. side of the entrance near to the harbor. A sound signal Outside the NDZ, discharge of sewage is regulated by is at the light. Brant Point Coast Guard Station is on 40 CFR 140 (see chapter 2). the point. Chart 13242 Channels (211) A dredged channel leads from Nantucket Sound (208) Nantucket Harbor is near the middle of the north shore of Nantucket Island. A shallow lagoon about 5 to deep water in Nantucket Harbor off Brant Point. In miles long extends northeastward from the harbor. The 2005, the controlling depths were 15 feet to Buoy 9, harbor is the approach to the town of Nantucket on the thence 10.7 feet to Brant Point. western shore. The principal industry is fishing. Small (212) Shoal water extends about 1 mile offshore on both coastal tankers carry fuel to Nantucket. Year-round pas- sides of the entrance, which is protected by two break- senger, vehicle, and cargo ferry service is maintained waters. The breakwaters are partially submerged at half between Nantucket and the mainland, to either Woods tide. The east breakwater is submerged for almost all its Hole or Hyannis. A passenger ferry also operates from length. An opening for small craft is in the east breakwa- Falmouth and Oak Bluffs during the summer. ter about 300 yards off Coatue Point. A light and sound signal mark the outer end of the east breakwater, and a (209) Prominent from offshore are: a radio tower about buoy marks the outer end of the west breakwater. 1.2 miles east of Madaket Harbor; a standpipe (chart (213) A lighted bell buoy about 900 yards off the breakwa- 13241) about 1.5 miles west of Nantucket; a gilded ter light marks the approach, and the channel is marked cupola atop a church clock tower, and a church belfry by a 162° lighted range and buoys. about 500 yards northwestward of it; the spire of a large (214) A 6 mph speed limit is enforced in the harbor. white church in the town; and the navigational lights at the entrance to Nantucket Harbor. Anchorages (215) Anchorage in Nantucket Harbor may be had in depths of 6 to 17 feet off the south and southwest sides
Chapter 4 Outer Cape Cod and Nantucket Sound 199 of Brant Point or in depths of 12 to 17 feet in the gen- a temperature below 5°F (-15°C). Seldom do tempera- eral anchorage south of Brant Point. (See 110.1 and tures exceed 90°F (32.2°C), a fact which has occurred 110.142, chapter 2, for limits and regulations.) In gen- only during June, July, and August. eral, the bottom is sticky. Although shelter is afforded to (222) The average wind velocity is about 11 knots vessels it is advisable for small craft to use heavy tackle with the highest monthly averages during December as the harbor becomes choppy with easterly winds. through April. Gales have occurred during every month Caution should be exercised to avoid anchoring in the except June and July. Coast storms are frequent during fairway and maneuvering area to the ferry wharf or the the winter with winds of 40 knots or more. Hurricanes, cable area northeast of Brant Point. during the late summer and fall, may cause high winds. (216) The long sweep of strong northeast winds down the Since 1871, forty tropical storms or hurricanes have harbor makes anchorage for small craft off the wharves passed within 50 nautical miles of Nantucket. There dangerous and uncomfortable. Small craft may find have been ten direct hits. The latest was tropical storm more sheltered anchorage under these conditions in Esther in 1961. Esther had been a 125-knot hurricane Head of the Harbor (chart 13241) or, with local knowl- earlier, but was dissipating at the time it crossed the edge, in Polpis Harbor (chart 13241). island. (217) Launch service is available to craft at moorings or (223) Precipitation is fairly evenly distributed through- at anchor in the harbor. out the year averaging about 41 inches (1041 mm) in any given year. An average of 180 days each year re- Routes (chart 13237) cords precipitation with 28 days having greater than (218) Vessels approaching Nantucket Harbor from Pol- 0.50 inches (13 mm). The wettest month is December averaging 4.35 inches (111 mm) and the driest month lock Rip Channel can set a direct course from Hand- is June averaging only 2.2 inches (56 mm). Total snow- kerchief Shoal Buoy 14 (41°29.2'N., 70°05.1'W.) to the fall for the winter season averages about 30 inches (762 lighted bell buoy off the entrance. Approaching from the mm); however, melting is usually rapid and snow cover channel northward of Cross Rip Lighted Gong Buoy 21 rarely lasts more than a few days. The greatest snowfall (41°26.9'N., 70°17.5'W.), pass to the eastward of Tucker- in a 24-hour period was 14.9 inches (397) in Febru- nuck Shoal Lighted Bell Buoy 1, and then head for the ary 1952. February is the snowiest month averaging lighted bell buoy off the entrance to Nantucket Harbor. nearly nine inches (229 mm). Snow is absent from May through September. An average five days each year re- Currents cords greater than 1.5 inches (38 mm) of snowfall. An (219) The tidal current off the Nantucket Harbor en- average of 18 thunderstorms affect the island in a given year with the greatest frequency occurring during July trance has a velocity of 0.3 knot; the flood setting east- and August. Fog is present about 200 days each year. ward and the ebb westward. The tidal current in the (224) Except in severe winter, the harbor is seldom entrance channel sets into the harbor at a velocity of 1.2 closed by local formation of ice. However, the harbor knots and outward on the ebb at a velocity of 1.5 knots. is frequently closed by drift ice from the sound which packs and remains across the entrance during northerly Weather, Nantucket and vicinity winds. (220) The climate of Nantucket is influenced directly by (225) (See Appendix B for Nantucket climatological ta- ble.) the proximity of the ocean and is characterized by cool summers and comparatively mild winters. Extremes of either maximum or minimum temperatures are very rare. The mild temperatures of the winter season are (226) Nantucket Boat Basin, on the west side of Nan- neutralized to a degree by sustained periods of high tucket Harbor, is entered about 0.4 mile south-south- wind. The summers, though cool, are very humid. westward of Brant Point Light. The basin is enclosed Heavy fogs are frequent, particularly during the spring on the north and south sides by Straight Wharf and and summer. There is a marked lag in the seasons as Commercial Wharf, respectively, and its entrance is pro- compared with inland areas. tected by two long bulkheads on the east and southeast (221) July and August are relatively cool with average sides. Depths in the basin range from 3 to 10 feet. About maximum temperatures around 75°F (23.9°C) and 180 slips are available in the basin, and yachts 100 feet average minimums about 61°F (16.1°C). The average long and larger can be accommodated. The outer end temperature for the island is about 50°F (10°C). Janu- of the north side of Straight Wharf is used by excursion ary and February are the coldest months, having nor- boats. A private seasonal light is shown off the end of mal mean temperatures near freezing, that is, average the wharf and is operated only when tour boats are ap- maximum of 38°F (3.3°C) and average minimum of proaching the wharf in fog. Gasoline, diesel fuel, and 25°F (-3.9°C). The extreme maximum temperature for ice can be obtained on the south side of Commercial Nantucket is 100°F (37.8°C) recorded in August 1975 Wharf. Water and electricity are available at each slip. while the extreme minimum is -3°F (-19.4°C) recorded The basin’s dockmaster has his office on the outer end in December 1962. An average year sees 100 days with temperatures below 32°F (0°C) and only one day with
200 Outer Cape Cod and Nantucket Sound Volume 2 of Commercial Wharf. The dockmaster can be contacted (234) Mutton Shoal, 0.6 mile east of Wasque Shoal, has a on VHF-FM channel 16. least depth of 5 feet and is marked on its southwestern (227) The Woods Hole-Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket side by a lighted bell buoy. The best water in Muskeget Steamship Authority Wharf is about 0.1 mile northward Channel is between Mutton and Wasque Shoals. East- of the boat basin. A private light is shown from the roof ward of Mutton Shoal are numerous shoals covered 2 of a shed on the northeast end of the wharf, and is op- to 6 feet. erated only when Authority vessels are approaching the wharf in fog. The submerged ruins of a pier which (235) Between Muskeget Channel and the main channel uncover at low water are between the boat basin and north of Cross Rip Shoal are numerous shoals, some the Steamship Authority Wharf. A buoy marks the ru- of which are separated by unmarked channels. Tucker- ins. Unpainted pile dolphins mark the former pierhead. nuck Shoal, northeast of Muskeget Channel, has a least Mariners are advised to exercise caution in this area. depth of 2 feet; it is marked on the northeastern end by a (228) A boatyard, about 0.2 mile southward of Nantucket lighted bell buoy and a buoy on the northern side. Shov- Boat Basin, has moorings, gasoline, a 23-ton mobile elful Shoal, westward of Tuckernuck Shoal, is covered hoist, storage facilities, water, and marine supplies; hull 3 to 17 feet. Long Shoal, northwestward of Shovelful and engine repairs can be made. The channel leading to Shoal, is covered 3 to 16 feet. Edwards Shoal, south the boatyard, marked by private seasonal buoys, had a of Cross Rip Shoal, has a least known depth of 10 feet. reported controlling depth of 6 feet in 1981. Norton Shoal, southwestward of Cross Rip Shoal and (229) Nantucket maintains ferry service with the main- covered 8 feet, is marked by a buoy on its north side. land and daily airline service with New York and Boston. Hawes Shoal, westward of Norton Shoal, has a least Seasonal bus and taxi service is also available. depth of 1 foot; buoys mark its northwestern and south- western ends. Chart 13241 Charts 13238, 13233 (230) A narrow unmarked channel leads through the (236) Martha’s Vineyard and Chappaquiddick Island lagoon northeast of Nantucket Harbor to Head of the have a combined length of 18 miles; the two islands are Harbor. In 1981, a reported depth of about 3 feet could separated by Edgartown Harbor, Katama Bay, and the be carried with local knowledge as far as the village of narrow slough connecting them. The northern extrem- Wauwinet on the southeast shore of Head of the Harbor. ity of Martha’s Vineyard is about 3 miles southeastward Unmarked shoals and foul areas extend off the several of the western end of Cape Cod. Martha’s Vineyard is points. well settled, especially along its northern shore, and is popular as a summer resort. Along the northern shore (231) Polpis Harbor is at the east end of the harbor just the island presents a generally rugged appearance. The south of Head of the Harbor. The entrance channel, southern shore is low and fringed with ponds, none of marked by private seasonal buoys, had a reported con- which has navigable outlets to the sea. Approaching trolling depth of 6 feet in 1994. from the south, the principal landmarks are a standpipe at Edgartown, an aerolight near the center of the island, Charts 13238, 13233, 13241, 13237 a church spire near Chilmark in the western part, a tall radar tower north of Chilmark, and Gay Head on the (232) Muskeget Channel is an opening 6 miles wide on west side. the south side of Nantucket Sound between Muskeget and Chappaquiddick Islands. The opening is full of shift- (237) Communication with the mainland is by ferry, ing shoals. The best water is found close to the eastward airline, cable, and telephone. The principal towns are of Wasque Shoal and about 1.5 miles eastward of the Edgartown, Oak Bluffs, and Vineyard Haven. eastern shore of Chappaquiddick Island. Although this channel is partly buoyed, strangers should never at- (238) Cape Poge, the northeastern point of Chappaquid- tempt it as tidal currents with velocities of 2 to 5 knots dick Island, is a bare, bluff, precipitous head, which may make navigation dangerous. The currents through the appear from a distance to be a small island. Cape Poge channel are strong, having a velocity of 3.8 knots on the Light (41°25'10\"N., 70°27'08\"W.), 65 feet above the wa- flood and 3.3 knots on the ebb about 1.5 miles east of ter, is shown from a white conical tower on the cape. Wasque Point. The flood sets north-northeastward and ebbs south-southwestward. (239) Cape Poge Flats, extending about 1.5 miles north- eastward from Cape Poge, are marked at the northeast (233) Wasque Shoal extends southward of Wasque Point, end by a bell buoy. The southerly edge of the white the southeastern extremity of Chappaquiddick Island. sector of West Chop Light is about 0.9 mile north of The shoal, which dries about 2 miles south of Wasque the buoy. Shoal water extends about 0.4 mile offshore Point, rises abruptly from the deep water of Muskeget westward and northwestward of Cape Poge. A buoy, 1 Channel. mile west-northwestward of Cape Poge Light, marks the western side of the shoal water.
Chapter 4 Outer Cape Cod and Nantucket Sound 201 N Edgartown Harbor, Massachusetts Image courtesy of Marblehead Power Squadron (2009) (240) Cape Poge Bay, a lagoon of considerable size in west-southwestward of the light, a standpipe about 1 the northern part of Chappaquiddick Island, is entered mile southwestward of the light, and the numerous from Edgartown Harbor. The unmarked entrance is beach cabanas on Chappaquiddick Point. used mostly by local pleasure and fishing craft. In 1981, it was reported that 4 feet could be carried through the Channels entrance channel with local knowledge. (244) The buoyed channel through the outer harbor (241) Edgartown Harbor, on the eastern side of Martha’s has depths of 20 to 36 feet until nearly to Edgartown Vineyard and westward of Cape Poge, is divided into an Harbor Light. Near the light, the channel narrows and outer and an inner harbor. The outer harbor is used makes a sharp bend westward, leading to the wharves principally as a harbor of refuge in southerly and east- at the town. In 2007, a depth of 15 feet could be carried erly winds and as a night anchorage. At the head of the from the outer harbor to off the town. Abreast the town, outer harbor, a narrow arm makes southward into the channel narrows and has depths of 13 to 33 feet. Katama Bay, forming the inner harbor. The inner har- The channel, bordered on the eastern side by Middle bor affords good anchorage and is the approach to Ed- Ground, curves southward to Katama Bay with depths gartown, a fishing and resort town on the western shore. of 15 to 31 feet available to the bay. Katama Bay is sub- Many yachts and pleasure craft use the harbor during ject to frequent changes, as is the shoreline between the the summer. bay and the ocean; a breach in the shoreline occurred in 2007. (242) Katama Bay, used by local fishermen and small pleasure craft, is large and shallow. Extensive shoaling Anchorages has been reported in the southerly end of the bay. A 4 (245) Anchorage with good shelter from easterly gales is mph speed limit is enforced in the bay. found westward of Cape Poge on the eastern side of the Prominent features outer harbor. In westerly and southerly gales vessels (243) Edgartown Harbor Light (41°23'27\"N., find shelter in the southern end of the outer harbor about 0.4 mile eastward or east-southeastward from 70°30'11\"W.), 45 feet above the water, is shown from Edgartown Harbor Light. In northerly or northeasterly a white conical tower on the west side of the head of gales vessels usually go to Woods Hole or Tarpaulin Cove Edgartown outer harbor. Also prominent are: a church for sheltered anchorage. Vessels should not anchor in belfry in the town, a microwave tower 1 mile to the
202 Outer Cape Cod and Nantucket Sound Volume 2 the channel abreast the town where the bottom is hard breach had occurred on South Beach just southward sand, the channel narrow, and tidal currents strong. of Katama Bay. The breach has affected the published Southeast of the town, anchorage may be found south of tide and tidal current predictions so that mariners are Middle Ground in depths of 24 to 30 feet, sticky bottom. cautioned about the accuracy of the information. (246) Small craft usually anchor in the special anchor- age in the vicinity of Middle Ground. (See 110.1 and 110.38, chapter 2, for limits and regulations.) (253) Fogs are prevalent during the summer and at times Dangers appear without warning. Drift ice from the sound, driven (247) On the western side of the outer harbor is a shoal into the entrance by the wind, obstructs the entrance to sailing vessels during a part of the winter. It is reported area extending 2.8 miles northward of Edgartown that the harbor is normally closed by ice during Janu- Harbor Light. A bell buoy marks the northern edge of ary and February. The Chappaquiddick ferry channel the shoal; vessels entering or leaving the harbor pass is usually kept open. The tidal currents keep the inner eastward of this buoy. The depths over the remainder harbor open except for a few days at a time during severe of the shoal are irregular, and there are a rock awash winters. and several rocks covered 3 to 5 feet. Strangers should never attempt to pass across this shoal. The channel (254) There are no pilots for Edgartown Harbor. Tugs are into Edgartown Harbor is marked by a lighted buoy and seldom used and none are available. Fishing craft or the unlighted buoys. harbormaster’s vessel will act as tugs in an emergency. (248) Sturgeon Flats, covered 2 to 18 feet, extend about 600 yards off the southeastern shore of the outer har- Harbormaster bor between the narrow entrance to Cape Poge Bay and (255) The harbormaster has control of the anchorage of the entrance to the inner harbor. In 2004, an obstruc- tion covered 19 feet was reported in about 41°23'31\"N., vessels in the harbor. He will usually be found at the 70°29'27\"W. Edgartown Yacht Club and can be contacted on VHF-FM (249) A sandbar is making off eastward from Edgartown channel 16 or by telephone (508-627-4746). Copies of Harbor Light. A buoy is on the eastern end of the shoal. harbor regulations may be obtained from the harbor- Except for this shoal, the entrance to the inner harbor master. is not difficult to navigate. Middle Ground, in the inner harbor south of the town, has a least depth of 10 feet. Routes (chart 13237) (256) The depth at the Town Wharf is 25 feet. Depths at (250) Vessels approaching Edgartown Harbor from the the other wharves are about 11 feet. A marina, boatyard, and a yacht club are at Edgartown. The boatyard has a eastward, from a position about 400 yards north of Cross marine lift that can handle craft to 9 tons for hull and Rip Lighted Gong Buoy 21, can steer 267°, heading for engine repairs and dry open or covered storage. Gaso- the standpipe on Martha’s Vineyard southward of Oak line, diesel fuel, water, ice, marine supplies, and moor- Bluffs, passing northward of Nantucket Sound Channel ings are available. Launch service to moored craft is Lighted Bell Buoy 21A. When Cape Poge Light bears available. 155°, head south-southwestward into the harbor. (251) Vessels approaching from the westward and pass- (257) A small ferry operates between Edgartown and ing northward of Squash Meadow can head on a 180° Chappaquiddick Island. No schedule is maintained, but course from a position about 0.5 mile southward of the ferry runs on call. There is seasonal bus service to Hedge Fence Lighted Gong Buoy 22 to enter the har- Oak Bluffs, Vineyard Haven, and other island points. bor. In the daytime, the channel southward of Squash Ferries connect Oak Bluffs and Vineyard Haven with Meadow is sometimes used. Strangers in sailing vessels Woods Hole, Falmouth, Hyannis, and Nantucket. seldom enter the inner harbor, as a fair wind is necessary to keep in the channel. (258) Sengekontacket Pond, about midway between Ed- gartown and Oak Bluffs, has two entrances which are Currents subject to shoaling. The southerly entrance is the main (252) The tidal current in the narrow part of the chan- entrance and had a reported controlling depth of 10 feet in 1981. There are no public landings in the pond, nel inside Edgartown Harbor Light and off the town and it is used by local and fishing craft only. The south has a double flood and a double ebb, and in general entrance is crossed by a fixed highway bridge with a 13- follows the direction of the channel. Near the middle of foot span and a clearance of 5 feet. The fixed highway each flood or ebb period there is an approximate slack bridge over the north entrance also has a clearance of 5 preceded and followed by maximum of velocity. The av- feet. erage velocity is about 1 knot. (See the Tidal Current Tables for predictions.) In 2007, it was reported that a (259) Squash Meadow is a shoal south of the main chan- nel through Nantucket Sound and about 4 miles north- west of Cape Poge. The hard sand shoal has depths of 13 to 18 feet and is marked on its southeastern end by a bell buoy and on its western end by a buoy. (260) Harthaven is a small pond northward of Sen- gekontacket Pond. The entrance is through a privately
Chapter 4 Outer Cape Cod and Nantucket Sound 203 Oak Bluffs Harbor, Massachusetts N Image courtesy of Marblehead Power Squadron (2009) dredged channel between two short jetties. In 2000, a mariners transiting the area exercise extreme caution depth of 4 feet was reported in the entrance. The pond as other uncharted rocks may exist. has depths of 2 to 6 feet. There are no services or land- (265) East Chop Yacht Club is on the north side of the ings in the pond. harbor, and several private piers are on the west side. (261) Lone Rock, covered 4 feet and marked by a buoy, The town wharf extends along the bulkhead on the is 350 yards offshore about 750 yards southeastward of south and east sides of the harbor. The town maintains Oak Bluffs wharf. berths with electricity, a launching ramp, a pump-out (262) Rhode Island Rock, covered 14 feet, is about 700 station, and guest moorings. Gasoline, diesel fuel, wa- yards northward of the breakwater light. ter, ice and some marine supplies are available; hull and (263) Oak Bluffs Harbor, 4.8 miles northwestward of engine repairs can be made. Edgartown Harbor Light, is a landlocked basin fre- (266) Martha’s Vineyard hospital is on the beach road quented by pleasure craft and some fishing vessels. The close westward of the town. The harbormaster moni- entrance is protected by two breakwaters. A light is on tors VHF-FM channel 71; telephone 508-693-4355. the end of the north breakwater. Oak Bluffs is a summer (267) A no-wake speed limit is enforced in the harbor. resort and fishing village on the harbor. Prominent are (268) Oak Bluffs Wharf, about 0.2 mile southward of the a church dome and a cupola in the village and the bluff breakwater light, is reported to have a depth of 13 feet north of the entrance. at the head. Several obstructions with lesser depths (264) In 2005, the entrance channel had a reported con- have been reported about 400 yards northeast of the trolling depth of 10 feet, thence depths of 11 to 14 feet wharf face. A private seasonal light and sound signal were reported in the harbor. Numerous submerged are operated from the seaward end of the wharf when rocks, covered 10 to 15 feet, are in the harbor approach, ferry vessels are approaching the wharf in fog. There in an area within 0.4 mile of shore bounded on the north is seasonal ferry service from the wharf to Woods Hole by a line extending northeasterly from the breakwaters and Nantucket. Seasonal ferry service is also maintained and on the south by Lone Rock. A submerged obstruc- between Falmouth, Hyannis and New Bedford. Seasonal tion, covered 10 feet, is reported in this area in about fast ferry service is maintained from Quonset, RI, and 41°27'37\"N., 70°33'04\"W. A buoy is about 75 yards year-round fast ferry passenger service is maintained southwest of the obstruction. The chart is the best guide from New Bedford. Oak Bluffs is a port of call for cruise for approaching the harbor; however, it is advised that ships. The Vineyard Transit Authority provides island- wide transit service year-round. There is air service from
204 Outer Cape Cod and Nantucket Sound Volume 2 Martha’s Vineyard Airport about 4.5 miles southwest- (270) Other ports on the north side of Martha’s Vineyard, ward of the town. westward of Oak Bluffs Harbor, are described in chapter (269) A 530-foot groin, marked at its outer end by a day- 5. beacon and partially submerged at high water, is about 650 yards south of the ferry wharf; caution is advised.
Chapter 4 Outer Cape Cod and Nantucket Sound 205 TIDAL INFORMATION Chart Station LAT/LONG Mean Mean High Mean Low Higher High Water* Water* Water* 0.2 0.1 13229 Cape Cod Canal, east entrance, Sandwich Marina 41°46'N/70°30'W 9.4 9.0 0.2 0.1 13229 Dennisport, Herring River, Nantucket Sound 41°39'N/70°07'W 3.7 3.5 -- 0.1 13229 Hyannis Port, Nantucket Sound 41°38'N/70°18'W 3.8 3.5 0.1 0.1 13229 Cotuit Highlands, Nantucket Sound 41°36'N/70°26'W 2.7 2.6 0.2 0.2 13229 Falmouth Heights, Nantucket Sound 41°33'N/70°36'W 1.4 1.3 0.2 0.1 13229 Cedar Tree Neck, Martha's Vineyard 41°26'N/70°42'W 2.4 2.3 0.3 0.3 13229 Oak Bluff's, Martha's Vineyard 41°27'N/70°33'W 1.9 1.8 0.2 0.1 13229 Quicks Hole, Vineyard Sound 41°27'N/70°51'W 3.9 3.6 0.1 0.1 13229 Chappaquoit Point (West Falmouth Habor) 41°36'N/70°39'W 4.2 4.0 0.3 0.2 13229 Monument Beach, Buzzards Bay 41°43'N/70°37'W 4.4 4.2 0.2 0.2 13229 Great Hill, Buzzards Bay 41°43'N/70°43'W 4.4 4.1 0.3 0.3 13229 New Bedford, Buzzards Bay 41°38'N/70°55'W 4.1 3.8 0.2 0.1 13229 Sagamore, Cape Cod Canal 41°47'N/70°32'W 8.6 8.2 0.1 0.1 13229 Bournedale, Cape Cod Canal 41°46'N/70°34'W 6.8 6.5 0.1 0.1 13229 Marion, Sippican Harbor 41°42'N/70°46'W 4.4 4.1 0.1 -- 13229 Mattapoisett, Buzzard Bay 41°39'N/70°49'W 4.3 4.0 -- 0.1 13229 Clarks Point, Buzzards Bay 41°36'N/70°54'W 4.0 3.7 0.1 0.2 13229 Woods Hole, Oceanographic Institution 41°31'N/70°40'W 2.2 1.9 0.3 0.3 13229 Bourne Bridge, Cape Cod Canal 41°45'N/70°36'W 5.0 4.6 0.1 0.1 13229 Buzzards Bay, Cape Cod Canal Railroad Bridge 41°45'N/70°37'W 4.0 3.6 0.3 0.3 13229 Gray Gables, Buzzards Bay 41°44'N/70°37'W 4.1 3.8 13229 Piney Point, Buzzards Bay 41°42'N/70°43'W 4.4 4.1 13229 Saquatucket Harbor 41°40'N/70°03'W 4.3 4.0 13229 Chatham, Stage Harbor 42°40'N/69°58'W 4.6 4.2 13229 Onset Beach, Onset Bay, Buzzards Bay 41°45'N/70°40'W 4.1 3.7 13229 Round Hill Point, Buzzards Bay 41°32'N/70°56'W 3.8 3.6 13229 Cuttyhunk, Vineyard Sound 41°26'N/70°55'W 3.7 3.5 13233 Squibnocket Point, Martha's Vineyard 41°19'N/70°46'W 3.2 3.0 13233 Nomans Land, Off Martha's Vineyard 41°16'N/70°49'W 3.3 3.1 13233 Gay Head, Martha's Vineyard 41°21'N/70°50'W 3.2 3.0 13233 Edgartown, Martha's Vineyard 41°23'N/70°31'W 2.1 2.0 13238 Wasque Point, Chappaquiddick Island 41°22'N/70°27'W 1.2 1.1 13241 Siasconset, Nantucket Island 41°16'N/69°58'W 1.3 1.2 13241 Great Point, Nantucket Island 41°23'N/70°03'W 3.3 3.2 13241 Muskeget Island 41°20'N/70°18'W 2.2 2.1 13242 Nantucket, Nantucket Island 41°17'N/70°06'W 3.6 3.2 13246 Plymouth, Cape Cod Bay 41°58'N/70°40'W 10.5 10.1 13246 Barnstable Harbor, Beach Point, Cape Cod Bay 41°43'N/70°17'W 10.2 9.8 13248 Chatham Harbor, Aunt Lydias Cove, Cape Cod 41°42'N/69°57'W 5.1 4.8 13248 Pleasant Bay, Cape Cod 41°44'N/69°59'W 3.4 3.3 13249 Provincetown, Cape Cod, Cape Cod Bay 42°03'N/70°11'W 9.8 9.4 13249 Race Point, Cape Cod 42°04'N/70°15'W 9.7 9.3 * 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 August 2011
206 Vineyard Sound and Buzzards Bay Volume 2 71° 70°30' Index of Chart Coverage in Chapter 5 42° 42° MASSACHUSETTS 13230 13236 Onset CAPE COD CANAL New Bedford Marion Mattapoisett RMHASOSDAECISHLUASENTDTS BUZZARDS BAY 13229 Woods Hole Falmouth 41° 13232 13235 41° 30' Naushon Island VINEYARD SOUND 30' 13228 Pasque Island Vineyard Haven Cuttyhunk Island Nashawena Island Edgartown Gay Head Martha’s Vineyard 13229 13238 Nomans Island 13233 RHODE ISLAND SOUND 13237 13218 41° 41° 71° 70°30'
Chapter 5 Vineyard Sound and Buzzards Bay 207 Vineyard Sound and Buzzards Bay (1) This chapter describes Vineyard Sound and Buz- Currents zards Bay following the Massachusetts coast of Vineyard (7) The time of current becomes somewhat earlier Sound, the northwestern shore of Martha’s Vineyard, the eastern shore of Buzzards Bay, the Cape Cod Canal, from Hedge Fence westward through Vineyard Sound. and the western shore of Buzzards Bay. Also described The current velocity increases from 1.4 knots at Hedge are Woods Hole, Cuttyhunk, Onset, Wareham, and the Fence Lighted Gong Buoy 22 to about 3 knots off West port of New Bedford, as well as the numerous fishing Chop Light, and then gradually diminishes to 1.2 knots and yachting centers along the sound and bay. off Gay Head Light. (See “Current Diagram-Vineyard and Nantucket Sounds” in the Tidal Current Tables.) COLREGS Demarcation Lines (8) At the western entrance to Vineyard Sound, west- (2) The lines established for this part of the coast are northwestward of Gay Head Light, the tidal current is rotary, turning clockwise. The velocity is only 0.2 to described in 80.145, chapter 2. 0.5 knot. Since the tidal current is weak, winds greatly affect it and the current frequently sets approximately Charts 13230, 13237, 13218 with the winds. (3) Vineyard Sound and Buzzards Bay are deep and Weather: Vineyard Sound, Buzzards Bay and vicinity easily navigated day or night. Vineyard Sound, together (9) Buzzards Bay is open to winds out of the south and with Nantucket Sound, provides an inside route from New York to Boston which avoids Nantucket Shoals. southwest, which are common from spring through fall. Buzzards Bay, together with Cape Cod Canal and Cape Winds increase as they move from the surrounding land Cod Bay, provides the shortest deep-draft route between out over the Bay. Its northeast-southwest orientation New York and Boston. causes southwesterlies to strengthen as they funnel up from the mouth of the Bay to its head. The result is that (4) Vineyard Sound is bounded on the north by the speeds are often double those at nearby land stations southwestern part of Cape Cod and the Elizabeth Is- and southwesterlies may prevail even when land sta- lands, and on the south by part of Martha’s Vineyard, tions are reporting west or northwest winds. However, which presents a rugged and generally inaccessible as a general rule southwesterlies blow harder close to shoreline. To the west, it joins Rhode Island Sound on the Elizabeth Islands than in the middle of the Bay. The a line between Cuttyhunk Island and Gay Head. To the relatively shallow water of the Bay increases the steep- east, it joins Nantucket Sound on a line between Nobska ness of waves and their closeness to one another; this Point and West Chop and provides an inside passage can cause a stiff chop. With southerly or westerly gales clear of Nantucket Shoals. The navigational aids are there is a heavy sea in the westerly entrance to Vineyard colored and numbered for passing through the sound Sound and heavy seas occur at times off the entrance to from the eastward. The channel through the sound is Quicks Hole. well marked and generally free of dangers. Pilotage,Vineyard Sound and Buzzards Bay (5) Deep-draft vessels entering or leaving Vineyard (10) Pilotage is compulsory for foreign vessels of 350 Sound should stay at least 3.5 miles southward of the southwest end of Cuttyhunk Island and pass southeast gross tons or more, U.S. vessels under register of 350 of “NA” buoy. gross tons or more, and tank barge towing vessels carry- ing 6,000 barrels or more of petroleum cargoes. Pilotage Anchorages is available from Northeast Marine Pilots, Inc., Newport, (6) Woods Hole is the only anchorage providing shelter RI, 02840; telephone 401-847-9050 (24 hours), 800-274- 1216; FAX 401-847-9052; email: dispatch@nemarinepi- from all winds for vessels drawing more than 10 feet. In lots.com. northerly and westerly winds, good anchorage may be had in Tarpaulin Cove. In southerly winds, shelter can Charts 13238, 13233, 13229 be had in Menemsha Bight, although Vineyard Haven is generally used. Several general anchorages are in Vine- (11) East Chop and West Chop are prominent points yard Sound. (See 110.1 and 110.140 (c) (1), (c) (2), on the north side of Martha’s Vineyard and on the east and (d), chapter 2, for limits and regulations.) and west side of the entrance to Vineyard Haven. Both
208 Vineyard Sound and Buzzards Bay Volume 2 N Vineyard Haven Harbor, Massachusetts Image courtesy of Marblehead Power Squadron (2009) points terminate in high wooded bluffs which show by vessels at anchor in a northeast gale is from vessels prominently from the sounds; each is marked by a light. with poor ground tackle, which are likely to drift, foul (12) West Chop Light (41°28'51\"N., 70°35'59\"W.), 84 other vessels, and then go ashore. feet above the water, is shown from a white conical (17) The harbor is the approach to the village of Vineyard tower; a sound signal is at the light. Haven. A detached breakwater, marked on its southeast- (13) A lighted gong buoy, 0.5 mile northeastward of the ern end by a light, is on the flats on the western side of light, and a buoy, 0.5 mile eastward of the light, mark the harbor near the head. The natural channel is clear; shoal water and rocks awash to the eastward of West soundings are the best guide for finding anchorage. Chop. It has been reported that during strong tidal cur- When well inside the entrance, the water shoals gradu- rents, the buoy may be submerged. ally toward the western shore, but the eastern shore is (14) East Chop Light (41°28'13\"N., 70°34'03\"W.), 79 steep and should be given a berth of about 0.2 mile. feet above the water, is shown from a white tower on the east side of the entrance to Vineyard Haven. East Chop Anchorage Flats, covered 5 to 18 feet, extend 0.2 mile northward (18) Vessels anchor according to draft, anywhere from and 0.5 mile eastward of East Chop. A lighted bell buoy, about 0.5 mile east-northeastward, and a buoy, about the points at the entrance to the head of the harbor. 350 yards northward of the light, mark the flats. Shallow-draft vessels favor the western shore. (15) Vineyard Haven Harbor is a funnel-shaped bight in (19) Vessels entering the harbor with a head wind or the northern side of Martha’s Vineyard between East light breeze, at the end of a favorable current through Chop and West Chop, about 1.4 miles long in a south- the sound, should continue on in the channel until the west direction and about 1.3 miles wide at the entrance. harbor is well opened before standing in for the anchor- This haven, easy of access, is the most important harbor age. This will help clear the entrance points. Approach- of refuge for coasters between Provincetown and Nar- ing from the eastward, vessels will keep clear of Squash ragansett Bay. The depths range from 46 feet at the en- Meadow and East Chop Flats by keeping in the white trance to 15 feet near the head of the harbor. sector of West Chop Light. The anchorage basin behind the breakwater has depths of 5 to 12 feet and is usually (16) Although Vineyard Haven Harbor is exposed to filled to capacity during the summer. When anchoring northeasterly winds, vessels with good ground tackle can in the harbor, care must be taken to avoid obstructing ride out most blows. The greatest danger encountered the approach to the ferry slip and the approach to the oil wharves on the southerly side of the harbor.
Chapter 5 Vineyard Sound and Buzzards Bay 209 N Falmouth Harbor, Massachusetts Image courtesy of Marblehead Power Squadron (2009) Dangers breakwater. (See the small-craft facilities tabulation on (20) Flats, partly bare at low water and marked by a chart 13229 for services and supplies available.) (25) Guest moorings, maintained by the town, are avail- buoy, make off 300 yards from the eastern shore of the able off the municipal wharf, 200 yards northward of the harbor about 1 mile inside East Chop Light. A rock, ferry terminal; other moorings can be hired from the covered 9 feet, is 0.3 mile northward of the breakwater boatyard and marinas. light. (26) The Martha’s Vineyard Hospital is on the beach road near Oak Bluffs. Currents (27) The Woods Hole-Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket (21) The tidal currents have little velocity in the harbor; Steamship Authority maintains year-round ferry service from Woods Hole. Air service is available from Martha’s however, care should be taken on the ebb, which sets Vineyard Airport, about 4 miles south of the town. westward, not to approach too closely to West Chop as (28) Lagoon Pond, eastward of the town of Vineyard the current in that vicinity sets on the ledges eastward Haven, has its entrance about 0.5 mile northeastward and northward of the point. of Vineyard Haven Breakwater Light 10. A short jetty, marked by a light, extends from the northwestern end of the jutting point on the northerly side of the entrance. In 2004, the controlling depth through the entrance was (22) The harbormaster has control of the anchoring of 6.3 feet (7.9 feet at midchannel). The channel is marked vessels in the inner harbor; he will usually be found at by private buoys. The pond, used by local and fishing the town dock on the west side of the harbor and can craft, has depths of 5 to 25 feet with shoaler depths near be contacted on VHF-FM channel 16, or by telephone the shore. Robbins Rock is off the west shore, about 1 (508-693-1368). A 4 mph speed limit is enforced inside mile above the bridge. The highway bridge across the the breakwater and within 150 feet of moored craft. entrance has a 30-foot bascule span with a clearance of 15 feet. (See 117.1 through 117.49, chapter 2, for (23) Pilots are not available at Vineyard Haven. A twin- drawbridge regulations.) Advance arrangements for screw, 500-hp tug, also equipped for salvage work, is bridge openings can be made by contacting the harbor- based in the harbor. master or drawtender (telephone: 617-693-1212). (24) A ferry terminal, several wharves, two marinas and a boatyard are in the harbor. A yacht club is on the west side of the harbor, about 0.3 mile northward of the
210 Vineyard Sound and Buzzards Bay Volume 2 Charts 13230, 13229 Small-craft facilities (35) There are several small-craft facilities in Falmouth (29) Falmouth Harbor, the open roadstead off the south shore of Cape Cod eastward of Nobska Point Light, af- Inner Harbor. (See the small-craft facilities tabulation fords an anchorage for vessels in 24 to 36 feet about 0.8 on chart 13229 for services and supplies available.) mile from shore. Smaller vessels can anchor closer to the shore in 15 to 18 feet. The bottom is generally sticky and good holding ground; the depths shoal gradually to- ward the shore. The anchorage affords a lee in northerly (36) The harbormaster is at the town-operated Fal- winds; in southerly winds the sea is somewhat broken mouth Marina, on the west side halfway up the harbor; by L’Hommedieu Shoal and the shoals westward of it telephone 508-548-9796. The harbormaster monitors so that a vessel with good ground tackle can ride out a VHF-FM channels 16, 12, and 9. A ferry operates in the gale in comparative safety. (See 110.1 and 110.140 (c) summer to Oak Bluffs from the wharf at the head of the (5), and (d) chapter 2, for limits and regulations of the harbor. anchorage area.) (37) Nobska Point,about29mileswestwardofMonomoy (30) Falmouth Harbor is frequently used by vessels with Point, is a bluff with Nobska Point Light (41°30'57\"N., good ground tackle that prefer this anchorage to the 70°39'18\"W.), 87 feet above the water, shown from a anchorage in Vineyard Haven Harbor, which may be white tower, at the south end. A sound signal is at the crowded in bad weather. Vessels approaching the an- light. Nobska Point Ledges, partly bare at low water, chorage are cautioned to stay clear of the two shoal areas extends 150 yards eastward and southwestward from with depths of 10 to 16 feet marked by buoys which the point. extend westward of L’Hommedieu Shoal. Charts 13233, 13229 (31) Vessels can enter Falmouth Harbor from the south- ward on a course of 344° with West Chop Light astern, (38) Middle Ground, covered 6 to 18 feet, is the easterly and pass about 0.1 mile westward of Falmouth Harbor half of a narrow, somewhat shifting ridge that extends East Shoal Buoy 17. Vessels in the vicinity of Nobska for about 9 miles westward from a point about 0.5 mile Point Light can pass 0.4 mile eastward of the light on a northwestward of West Chop Light. A buoy is at the north-northeasterly course, and when Tarpaulin Cove northeast end, and a lighted bell buoy off the southwest- and Nobska Point Lights are nearly in range, stand east- ern end. ward to an anchorage. (39) Lucas Shoal, covered 17 to 30 feet, is the south- (32) Falmouth Heights, about 3 miles east-northeast of western end of the ridge. It is separated from the Middle Nobska Point Light and east of the town of Falmouth, Ground by a natural channel with a depth of 31 feet. A is a prominent yellow bluff on the summit of which are buoy marks the southwestern end of the shoal. numerous homes and a large hotel. (40) Lake Tashmoo, a landlocked pond on the northwest (33) Falmouth Inner Harbor, westward of Falmouth side of Martha’s Vineyard, is entered through a narrow Heights, is a dredged basin about 0.7 mile long and less jettied entrance which had a reported controlling depth than 0.1 mile wide, on the north side of Falmouth Har- of 2½ feet in 1981. The lake, only used by local craft, has bor. A tall green standpipe, about 1.5 miles westward of general depths of 3 to 10 feet. A private seasonal light Falmouth, is one of the most prominent landmarks in marks the east jetty and private seasonal buoys mark the this vicinity. The yacht club dock and flagpole, just in- channel through a shoal area just inside the entrance. side the entrance on the east side of the harbor, are conspicuous from close inshore. The harbor is entered (41) A 4 mph speed limit is enforced in the pond. An- through a dredged channel between two jetties; a light choring is prohibited in the entrance channel. marks the end of the west jetty. In 2004, the controlling depth was 7.1 feet in the entrance channel to the inner (42) A small boatyard is on the easterly side of the lake; a harbor; thence 6.2 feet in the inner harbor, except for flatbed trailer can handle craft up to 30 feet for hull and shoaling to 3.7 feet at the upper end of the harbor along engine repairs. Guest moorings and limited supplies are the NW side. available. Currents (43) Norton Point and Cape Higgon are prominent (34) The tidal current in the sound about 1.5 miles bluffs on the northwest side of Martha’s Vineyard about 3 and 8 miles, respectively, southwestward of West Chop south of the harbor sets east-northeastward on the flood Light. at a velocity of 2.3 knots, and west-southwestward on the ebb at 1.7 knots. (44) Menemsha Bight, on the northerly side of the western end of Martha’s Vineyard 2.5 miles east of Gay Head, affords shelter from southerly and easterly winds in depths of 25 to 60 feet, sticky bottom. (See 110.1 and 110.140 (c) (1) and (d), chapter 2, for limits and regu- lations for the anchorage area.) There are no dangers in the bight if the shore is given a berth of 0.3 mile. (45) Menemsha Creek, on the northwestern shore of Martha’s Vineyard and about 3 miles eastward of Gay
Chapter 5 Vineyard Sound and Buzzards Bay 211 Head Light, is entered from Menemsha Bight through (53) Devils Bridge is a reef making off 0.8 mile north- a dredged channel that leads southeastward to Menem- westward of Gay Head. The reef has a depth of 2 feet sha Basin, on the north shore just inside the entrance. about 0.4 mile offshore and 17 feet at its end. From the basin, the dredged channel continues south- ward through the creek to Menemsha Pond, about 1 (54) Nomans Land, about 5.5 miles southward of Gay mile above the entrance. The entrance to the creek is Head, is a prominent, high, and rocky island. Except protected by jetties. The east jetty is marked by a light. for a small section on its northwestern side, the shore A bell buoy, about 300 yards northwestward of the light, consists of clay and gravel cliffs 10 to 18 feet high with marks the channel approach, and buoys and daybeacons boulders lining the shores. In the interior of the island mark the channel. are many hills, the highest over 100 feet high, with con- (46) In 1991-1992, the controlling depth was 10 feet at siderable marshy area between the hills. A danger zone midchannel to Menemsha Basin, thence 1½ feet could surrounds Nomans Land. (See 334.70, chapter 2, for be carried to Menemsha Pond; thence 5½ to 10 feet was limits and regulations.) available in the larger northwestern part of Menemsha Basin and 3½ to 5 feet in the smaller southeastern part, (55) Several sunken rocks and ledges are in the passage except for shoaling to 1 foot in the southeastern corner. between Nomans Land and Martha’s Vineyard. Lone The channel south of Menemsha Basin is reported to Rock, covered 8 feet, and Old Man, a ledge covered 4 shoal rapidly after dredging; mariners are advised to feet, are marked by buoys. A buoyed channel about 0.7 seek local knowledge before attempting to go beyond mile wide between the islands may be used by small Menemsha Basin. vessels in the daytime. Shoal water extends 0.5 mile (47) Menemsha is a small fishing village on Menemsha southward of Squibnocket Point, the southernmost Basin. Menemsha Pond, a rectangular basin about 1 point of Martha’s Vineyard. mile long and 0.7 mile wide, has general depths of 2 to 18 feet, with the deepest water in the southern half of Charts 13230, 13229 the pond. (56) Elizabeth Islands, including Nonamesset, Uncate- Currents na, Weepecket, Naushon, Pasque, Nashawena, Penikese, (48) The tidal currents through the entrance have an es- and Cuttyhunk Islands, extend about 14 miles west- southwest from the southwest end of Cape Cod. The timated velocity of 3 knots or more. Slacks are reported islands, forming part of the northern shore of Vineyard to occur 45 minutes after local high and low waters. Sound, separate the sound from Buzzards Bay. They are hilly and partly wooded; the shores are, in general, low bluffs. Westward of Woods Hole are several buoyed channels between the islands, but Quicks Hole is the (49) Guest moorings are available in Menemsha Basin, only one recommended for strangers. and anchoring is permitted in the pond. Berths are also available at the public facilities at Dutcher Dock, on the Charts 13235, 13229 northeast side of the basin. Commercial fishing and charter boats berth at the dock or at the private piers (57) Woods Hole is that water area lying between the on the west side of the basin. Menemsha Coast Guard southwest tip of Cape Cod and Uncatena and Nonames- Station is on the south side of the basin. The harbor- set Island, the easternmost of the Elizabeth Islands, with master controls all berthing and mooring in the basin. Buzzards Bay on the northwest and Vineyard Sound on The harbormaster has an office at Dutcher Dock and can the southeast; it includes Great and Little Harbors in be contacted by radiotelephone on VHF-FM channel 16 the eastern part, and Hadley Harbor in the western part. or by telephone (508-645-2846). Woods Hole is also the approach to the town of Woods Hole on the northeastern shore of Great Harbor. The (50) A marina is on the east side of Menemsha Basin. town is a busy commercial center and a transshipping Repairs and hauling of craft to 45 feet can be arranged. point for passengers and freight to and from Nantucket Gasoline, diesel fuel, water, ice, a launching ramp, and and Martha’s Vineyard. During the summer it is an ac- marine supplies are available. tive resort and frequently a port of call by yachts passing through to Vineyard Sound or Buzzards Bay. There is (51) Seasonal bus service is available from Menemsha considerable waterborne commerce in seafood products to Vineyard Haven and other points on the island. and general cargo. (52) Gay Head, the westerly end of Martha’s Vineyard, is Prominent features a prominent high bluff. It is marked by Gay Head Light (58) The most prominent landmark approaching Woods (41°20'54\"N., 70°50'06\"W.), 170 feet above the water, shown from a 51-foot red brick tower on the head. A Hole is Nobska Point and light. A light marks the south lighted gong buoy is 1.6 miles northwestward of the end of Juniper Point, the finger of land separating Little light. Several rocks exist between Gay Head and the and Great Harbors. Also prominent is the house high lighted gong buoy.
212 Vineyard Sound and Buzzards Bay Volume 2 N Woods Hole, Massachusetts Image courtesy of Marblehead Power Squadron (2009) on Juniper Point, a standpipe 0.7 miles north-north- range leads into the harbor from Vineyard Sound to westward of Nobska Point, a water tower and stacks in the wharves at Woods Hole in Great Harbor. A lighted the town, the dome of the Woods Hole Oceanographic bell buoy marks the entrance and lighted and unlighted Institution, and the buildings of the National Marine buoys mark the channel. When entering on the range, Fisheries Service and the Marine Biological Laboratory. mariners should guard against the current from Buz- zards Bay, which has a tendency to set vessels eastward. Channels (62) These channels are marked by buoys and lights, but (59) Woods Hole Passage, a dredged section through the extreme caution and slack water are required to safely navigate them with drafts greater than 8 feet. Mariners northern part of Woods Hole, connects Vineyard Sound entering from Buzzards Bay should keep in mind that and Great Harbor with Buzzards Bay, and consists of the buoys are colored and marked for passage from Vine- The Strait and a spur channel known as the Branch yard Sound to Buzzards Bay. at the western end of The Strait, and Broadway, the southerly entrance to The Strait from Vineyard Sound. Anchorages A Federal project provides for channel depths of 13 feet. (63) (See 110.1 and 110.140 (c) and (d), chapter 2, (See Notice to Mariners and latest edition of charts for controlling depths.) The northerly entrance from Great for limits and regulations of the deepwater anchorages Harbor into The Strait is preferred over Broadway with in the vicinity of Woods Hole.) An anchorage about 0.2 its sharp turn, which is difficult in strong currents, es- mile square, with poor holding ground and irregular pecially for low-powered vessels and vessels under sail. depths ranging from 19 to 62 feet, is at the head of Great (60) The passage through Woods Hole, between numer- Harbor. Shoals covered 5 to 9 feet are northwest of the ous ledges and shoals, is marked by navigational aids. anchorage. Good anchorage in depths of 29 to 36 feet is However, tidal currents are so strong that the passage is also available about 200 yards northwest of the National difficult and dangerous without some local knowledge. Marine Fisheries Service’s wharf. Small craft can find Buoys in the narrowest part of the channel sometimes good anchorage in Little Harbor and Hadley Harbor. are towed under, and a stranger should attempt passage only at slack water. Dangers (61) The entrance to Great Harbor from Vineyard (64) Numerous ledges and shoals border the channel Sound, between Great Ledge and Nonamesset Shoal, has depths of over 20 feet. A 344° lighted entrance through Woods Hole. Great Ledge, an extensive rocky
Chapter 5 Vineyard Sound and Buzzards Bay 213 shoal awash at low water with a full northwest gale, lies in Vineyard Sound, give the south side of the Elizabeth between the entrances to Little and Great Harbors; it is Islands a berth of about 0.5 mile and steer for Nobska marked by a buoy. Coffin Rock, eastward of Great Ledge Point Light on any bearing between 045° and 051° until and covered 5 feet, is marked by a lighted buoy 120 yards on the entrance range. eastward of the rock. Nonamesset Shoal, covered 10 feet, extends about 0.2 mile eastward from Nonamesset Towage Island, at the entrance to Great Harbor. Parker Flats (70) Tug service is available at Woods Hole. extend as much as 200 yards off the eastern shore of Great Harbor northward of Juniper Point. Most of these Wharves dangers are marked by buoys. (71) The ferry pier of the Woods Hole-Martha’s Vineyard (65) Fringing the passage westward of Great Harbor are many other ledges and shoals. Red Ledge, grassy, and and Nantucket Steamship Authority is on the eastern Grassy Island, with its surrounding ledge marked by a side of Great Harbor. When a ferry is approaching in light, are on the western side of Great Harbor Channel. fog, a private sound signal is sounded, a private quick Middle Ledge, which uncovers 1 foot in places and is flashing white light is shown from the southwest cor- marked by buoys, is on the south side of The Strait. A ner of the pier, and a private quick flashing yellow light ledge, awash at low water and marked by a light, is about is shown from the southwest corner of the ferry slip. 250 yards westward of Middle Ledge. Hadley Rock, cov- The ferry to Naushon Island lands at the service wharf ered 5 feet, is some 500 yards west-southwestward of the about 60 yards north of the ferry pier. The buildings and light west of Middle Ledge. A rocky shoal area extends wharf of the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution are more than 0.3 mile westward of Penzance Point, the northwestward of the ferry pier. Northwestward of the southern extremity of Penzance, which is the curving Oceanographic Institution are the wharves of the Ma- peninsula sheltering the west and northwest sides of rine Biological Laboratory; the wharf, basin, and build- Great Harbor. Most of the dangers adjoining the passage ings of the National Marine Fisheries Service; the town channel are marked by navigational aids. pier; and several private buildings. (72) Depths at the principal piers vary from 11 to 30 feet. Currents A breakwater extends about 90 yards southwestward (66) The velocity of the current is about 3.5 knots in from the south end of the National Marine Fisheries Service wharf. The front entrance range light is near The Strait southward of Penzance Point. (See the Tidal the end of the breakwater. Foul ground extends about 50 Current Tables for predictions.) Both the velocity of the yards northwestward of the outer end of the breakwater. current and time of slack water are affected by strong winds. At the north entrance to Woods Hole in Buzzards Bay, the velocity of the tidal current is 0.8 knot, whereas at the eastern entrance to The Strait in Great Harbor, (73) Eel Pond, an extension of Great Harbor to the it is about 1.3 knots. In the upper part of Great Harbor, northeastward, is a basin with depths of 10 to 20 feet. near the National Marine Fisheries Service’s wharf, the In 2001, the narrow entrance to the pond had a report- currents are barely perceptible, and vessels at anchor lie ed controlling depth of 6 feet. A highway bridge over head to wind. the entrance channel has a 31-foot bascule span with (67) Drift ice is brought through from Buzzards Bay, a clearance of 5 feet. (See 117.1 through 117.59 and but seldom interferes with navigation except in unusu- 117.598, chapter 2, for drawbridge regulations.) The ally severe winters, when it may close the entrance from piers of the Marine Biological Laboratory are along the the bay. Small craft may experience difficulty in severe southwest side of the pond. A boatyard in Eel Pond has winters, but powered vessels usually proceed through water, some marine supplies, limited berths with elec- the ice. The strong tidal currents usually keep Great tricity, and can do engine repairs. The harbormaster has Harbor open. an office in Falmouth. Pilotage: Woods Hole (74) Seasonal ferry service is available from Woods Hole (68) Pilotage service is available for the harbor. (See to Nantucket and Oak Bluffs, Martha’s Vineyard. Year- round ferry service is available to Vineyard Haven, Mar- Pilotage, Vineyard Sound, this chapter.) tha’s Vineyard. Routes (75) Woods Hole Coast Guard Station is on the west (69) The following directions are good for medium-draft side of Little Harbor about 450 yards northward of Juniper Point. A dredged buoyed channel leads from vessels entering Woods Hole at slack water. Approach- Vineyard Sound to a turning basin off the Coast Guard ing from the eastward, pass about 0.3 mile southward wharf on the west shore. In 2007, the controlling depth of Nobska Point on a west-southwesterly course until was 17 feet in the channel except shoaling to 14.2 feet on Great Harbor Lighted Range, or from a point close along the eastern limits, with 15 feet available in the to Nobska Point Lighted Bell Buoy 26, steer 279° until basin except shoaling to 12.9 feet near the channel lim- on the entrance range. Approaching from the westward its. The east side of the harbor is used as a mooring area for local craft. Numerous rocks awash are in this
214 Vineyard Sound and Buzzards Bay Volume 2 part of the harbor; extreme caution is advised. A 6 mph ebb northwestward into Buzzards Bay. (See the Tidal speed limit is enforced in the harbor by the Falmouth Current Tables for predictions.) Harbormaster. (85) Quicks Hole, between Pasque Island and Nasha- (76) Hadley Harbor, in the western portion of Woods wena Island, is the only passage between Vineyard Hole at the northwest end of Nonamesset Island, is Sound and Buzzards Bay eastward of Cuttyhunk avail- suitable only for small craft. It is reached by a nar- able for vessels of over 10-foot draft. The clearly de- row, crooked channel. The deeper entrance, marked by fined entrance from Vineyard Sound, about 0.6 mile buoys, is between ledges on both sides; the northern wide, is about 4 miles southwestward of Tarpaulin Cove ledge is marked by a private daybeacon. The inner har- and about 5 miles north of Gay Head. The passage is bor forms a well-sheltered anchorage for small craft. used considerably by tows, especially during westerly (77) Two wharves, with depths of about 9 feet at their or southerly winds, to avoid the very heavy sea in the ends, are on the western side of Hadley Harbor. A private entrance to Vineyard Sound, and also because a secure wharf, with a depth of about 7 feet at its end, is at the anchorage from these winds can be had, if necessary, western end of Nonamesset Island. on the north side of Nashawena Island. The passage is considered unsafe for a long tow at night, but otherwise Charts 13233, 13230, 13229 it may be used by steamers either night or day. (86) Vessels should follow a midchannel course through (78) Naushon Island, the largest of the Elizabeth Is- the passage. The channel is nearly straight with a width lands, extends west-southwestward from Uncatena and of about 0.2 mile. General depths are 30 feet or more, Nonamesset Islands. but there are several shoaler spots. Rocks covered 27 to 37 feet are near the center of the channel. Because (79) Weepecket Islands, in Buzzards Bay off the north- of the broken nature of the bottom, the passage is not eastern part of Naushon Island, are bare and rocky. recommended for a stranger drawing more than 21 feet. Buoys mark the channel. (80) Weepecket Rock, on a rocky ledge about 0.7 mile (87) The aids in Quicks Hole are colored and numbered northeastward of the northernmost of the Weepecket for passage from Vineyard Sound to Buzzards Bay. Islands, is covered 8 feet, and is marked by a lighted (88) The eastern side of Quicks Hole is foul, and no at- gong buoy. tempt should be made to pass eastward of the lighted buoy. Felix Ledge, 0.2 mile off the eastern shore of (81) Lackeys Bay, between Nonamesset Island and Jobs Nashawena Island, is covered 15 feet and marked by a Neck, the southeastern extremity of Naushon Island, is buoy. shoal with numerous bare rocks. (89) A sunken wreck, covered 30 feet, is on the west side of the passage in about 41°26.6'N., 70°51.1'W. Note (90) Lone Rock, covered 8 feet and marked by a light- (82) In 1990, unexploded World War II ordnance was ed buoy, is off the northern entrance, about 0.7 mile northward of North Point, the northeastern extremity reported about 0.5 mile southeastward of Lackeys Bay of Nashawena Island. Tide rips have been observed be- in about 41°29'34.5\"N., 70°41'15.0\"W. tween North Point and Lone Rock during spring tides. Currents (91) The tidal currents have considerable velocity in (83) Tarpaulin Cove, about 5 miles west-southwest of Nobska Point, is a bight about 0.5 mile in diameter, in Quicks Hole, about 2 to 2.5 knots, and a sailing vessel the south shore of Naushon Island. The cove affords should not attempt to pass through unless with a strong shelter from northerly and westerly winds, and is fre- favorable wind on a favorable current. Deep-draft vessels quently used. A light is on the southwest side of the should be careful not to be set off their courses. With cove. Anchorage in depths of 14 to 18 feet, good holding a strong westward current through Vineyard Sound, ground, is in the cove with the light bearing between there is a northward current through Quicks Hole; 212° and 189°. Deep-draft vessels should anchor farther with a strong eastward current in Vineyard Sound, the out in depths of 36 feet or more. The eastern and north- current sets southward through Quicks Hole. Strong ern shores should be given a berth of 200 yards. Rocks winds affect the regularity of the currents. (See the Tidal are near the western shore and should be given a berth Current Tables for predictions.) of over 300 yards; buoys mark the dangers. (84) Robinsons Hole is a narrow buoyed passage from Vineyard Sound to Buzzards Bay between the western (92) Penikese Island, grassy and hilly, is about 1.3 end of Naushon Island and the eastern end of Pasque miles northwestward of Knox Point, the northwestern Island. It has numerous rocks and ledges, and strong extremity of Nashawena Island. Shoal water extends tidal currents. The buoys often tow under, and the from Penikese Island to Gull Island, a small islet 0.5 passage should never be attempted by strangers; it is mile southeastward. No attempt should be made to used occasionally by local fishermen. It has been re- ported that currents sometimes reach a velocity of 5 knots in the passage. The velocity in the narrow part is about 3 knots. The flood sets southeastward and the
Chapter 5 Vineyard Sound and Buzzards Bay 215 pass between them. Rocky ledges extend southward and low water. Middle Ground, covered 9 feet, is 0.5 mile westward from Gull Island; buoys are on the southern north of Copicut Neck in the northwestern approach to edge of this area. The channels to Cuttyhunk Harbor the harbor. Middle Ledge, covered 15 feet, is about 0.4 from Buzzards Bay are southward of the ledges. mile east of Middle Ground. Edwards Rock, covered 7 (93) Cuttyhunk Harbor is formed by the bight between feet, is 250 yards northeastward of Whale Rock. These Nashawena Island and Cuttyhunk Island, the western- dangers, except for Middle Ledge, are buoyed. An un- most of the Elizabeth Islands. Northward of the harbor marked rocky shoal, covered 12 feet, is in the middle of are Penikese and Gull Islands and several ledges, which the northwestern approach about 0.2 mile southeast- shelter the harbor from winds from that direction. The ward of Middle Ledge. Numerous other rocks and ledges harbor is exposed to winds from the northeastward. covered 4 to 12 feet are between Cuttyhunk Island and Weather-bound coasting vessels and fishermen some- the ledges southwestward of Penikese and Gull Islands. times use the anchorage in the harbor. The harbor is the The eastern point at the entrance and the eastern shore approach to the village of Cuttyhunk and to Cuttyhunk of the harbor should be given a berth of over 300 yards. Pond; the latter is entered through a dredged cut in the eastern end of Cuttyhunk Island. Copicut Neck forms Routes the northerly side of Cuttyhunk Pond. (100) In approaching Cuttyhunk Harbor from eastward (94) Prominent from offshore is a 50-foot-high monu- ment on an island in Westend Pond on the western end in Buzzards Bay, take care to avoid Lone Rock, 0.7 mile of Cuttyhunk Island. northward of the northeastern end of Nashawena Is- (95) Vessels bound for Cuttyhunk Harbor generally ap- land. Thence pass northwestward of Cuttyhunk East En- proach from Buzzards Bay. The principal dangers are trance Lighted Bell Buoy CH (41°26.6'N., 70°53.4'W), marked by buoys. Strangers should not enter except in and thence to anchorage according to draft in the har- the daytime with clear weather. If entering from the bor. northwestward, a greater draft than 10 feet should not (101) In approaching from westward, from a position be taken in. The approach from northeastward is deeper. about midway between Ribbon Reef and the Cuttyhunk (96) Canapitsit Channel, between the east end of Cut- Island monument (41°24.8'N., 70°56.8'W.), steer 051° tyhunk Island and Nashawena Island, is used by small until abeam of Middle Ground Buoy MG, distance 600 boats and is partially marked by buoys. In 2007, the yards. Pass midway between Middle Ground and Pe- channel had a controlling depth of 4 feet. The buoys nikese Island, passing northward of Middle Ledge and at this entrance are often dragged off station by strong the 12-foot spot southeastward of it, and then swinging currents and heavy seas. The channel should never southeasterly to the harbor anchorage, or southward to be used during a heavy ground swell. With southerly the entrance to Cuttyhunk Pond. winds, heavy seas will break across the entrance. Currents Channels (102) The current velocity in Canapitsit Channel is 2.6 (97) A dredged channel leads from Cuttyhunk Harbor knots on the flood which sets south-southeastward, and into Cuttyhunk Pond to a turning basin at the western 1.7 knots on the ebb which sets northwestward. In the terminal in the pond and an anchorage basin in the channel southward of Penikese Island, the flood sets eastern part of the pond north of the channel. In 2007, eastward and the ebb westward at about 0.8 knot. (See the entrance channel into the pond had a controlling Tide Tables and Tidal Current Tables for predictions.) depth of 2.1 feet (7.2 feet at midchannel), thence 9.2 feet (103) Drift ice is carried into Cuttyhunk Harbor with in the pond channel to the turning basin, with 8.3 to northerly winds and closes the harbor during severe 10 feet in the turning basin. The anchorage basin had winters. depths of 8.5 to 10 feet. The jettied entrance is marked by a light on the north jetty and by a buoy off the end Small-craft facilities of the submerged south jetty. A bell buoy marks the (104) There is a service wharf on the south side of the entrance to the channel. channel at the entrance to the pond and a marina on the Anchorage south side of the basin at the head of the channel in the (98) Limited anchorage with reported poor holding pond. A yacht club and a fishing club are on the island. Gasoline, diesel fuel, water, ice, berths with electricity, ground may be found in depths of 10 to 24 feet in Cut- and some marine supplies are available. Limited lodging tyhunk Harbor. The shores on both sides of the harbor in cottages is available on the island. The harbormaster are foul, and the anchorage is in the middle. can be reached by telephone (508-966-9295). There is daily launch service with New Bedford in the summer Dangers and twice weekly in the winter; seaplane service is also (99) Shoals extend 0.6 mile northeastward of Cutty- available. hunk Island. Whale Rock and Pease Ledge uncover at
216 Vineyard Sound and Buzzards Bay Volume 2 Charts 13218, 13228, 13230, 13229 both Buzzards Bay and Narragansett Bay. The Traffic Separation Scheme for the approach to Narragansett (105) Buzzards Bay is the approach to New Bedford, Bay is described in chapter 6.) many small towns and villages, and the entrance of (113) The separation zone is a 1-mile-wide zone centered Cape Cod Canal. The bay indents the south shore of in the following positions: Massachusetts, extending in a northeasterly direction (114) (i) 41°10'12\"N., 71°19'06\"W., from Rhode Island Sound. The bay is enclosed on the (115) (ii) 41°21'48\"N., 71°07'06\"W. south side, and separated from Vineyard Sound, by the (116) The inbound traffic lane is a 1-mile-wide lane with Elizabeth Islands. a length of about 14.8 miles. Entering the traffic lane at a point in about 41°09'36\"N., 71°18'00\"W., a course of (106) The shores are irregular, rocky in character, and 038° follows the centerline of the traffic lane to its end, broken by many bays and rivers. Large boulders are thence steer usual courses to destination. common, in places extending a considerable distance (117) The outbound traffic lane is a 1-mile-wide lane from shore, thus making close approach to the shore with a length of about 14.8 miles. Entering the traf- dangerous. fic lane at a point in about 41°22'25\"N., 71°08'06\"W., a course of 218° follows the centerline of the traffic lane (107) The bottom in the main part of the bay and ap- to a junction with the precautionary area. proach is very broken with boulder reefs in places. Ves- (118) The Traffic Separation Scheme is not buoyed. sels should proceed with caution when crossing shoal (119) Buzzards Bay has six entrances, but two of these are areas in the tributaries of the bay where the depths are so narrow and dangerous as to exclude their use except not more than about 6 feet greater than the draft. Cau- by small craft with local knowledge. The four major en- tion must also be exercised in the vicinity of the wrecks trances are the main channel, from westward, passing shown on the chart. Deep water prevails as far as Wings north of Cuttyhunk Island; Cape Cod Canal from north- Neck, above which the bay is full of shoals. eastward; and Quicks Hole and Woods Hole from the southward. The two hazardous entrances are Canapitsit (108) Cape Cod South Closure Area, a Marine Protected Channel, between Cuttyhunk and Nashawena Islands, Area (MPA), includes the inshore waters of Buzzards and Robinsons Hole, between Pasque and Naushon Is- Bay and offshore Federal waters of the south coast of lands. Massachusetts. (120) The western entrance has a clear width of 4.3 miles between Sow and Pigs Reef and Hen and Chickens. The (109) Traffic Separation Scheme (Buzzards Bay) has bottom in this entrance is irregular and rocky, and there been established in the approach to Buzzards Bay are spots with depths of 17 to 34 feet. Because these through Rhode Island Sound. (See charts 13218 and shoal areas are surrounded by deeper water, vessels 12300.) of 16-foot draft or more must exercise extra caution when entering the bay. In heavy southwest gales the sea (110) The Scheme is composed basically of directed traffic breaks over some of these spots. lanes, each with one-way inbound and outbound traffic (121) The best guides for entering the bay from westward lanes separated by a defined traffic separation zone and are Buzzards Bay Entrance Light and the lighted buoys a precautionary area. The Scheme is recommended for in the entrance. Gay Head Light and Buzzards Bay En- use by vessels approaching or departing from Buzzards trance Light are the guides for vessels approaching from Bay, but is not necessarily intended for tugs, tows, or the southward. other small vessels which traditionally operate outside (122) Buzzards Bay Entrance Light (41°23'49\"N., of the usual steamer lanes or close inshore. 71°02'05\"W.), 67 feet above the water, is shown from a tower on a red square superstructure on red piles about (111) The Traffic Separation Scheme has been designed 4 miles 255° from the southwest corner of Cuttyhunk to aid in the prevention of collisions at the approaches Island. The name BUZZARDS is painted in white on the to the major harbors, but is not intended in any way sides. A sound signal and racon are at the light. to supersede or alter the applicable Navigation Rules. (123) Recommended Vessel Route (Buzzards Bay) Separation zones are intended to separate inbound has been established in the approach to Buzzards Bay and outbound traffic lanes and be free of ship traffic, through Rhode Island Sound. and should not be used except for crossing purposes. (124) The U.S. Coast Guard Captain of the Port, Provi- Mariners should use extreme caution when crossing dence, in cooperation with the Southeastern Massachu- traffic lanes and separation zones. (See 167.1 through setts and Rhode Island Port Safety and Security Com- 167.15 and 167.100 through 167.103, chapter 2, for mittees, has established a Recommended Vessel Route limits and regulations and Traffic Separation Schemes, for deep draft vessels and tugs/barges transiting Rhode chapter 1, for additional information.) Island Sound, Narragansett Bay, and Buzzards Bay. Deep draft vessels and tugs/barges are requested to fol- (112) The precautionary area in the southwest part of low the designated routes. These routes were designed Rhode Island Sound has a radius of 5.4 miles centered on 41°06'00\"N., 71°23'18\"W., excluding those areas of the circle bounded by imaginary lines extended between the outer limits of the inbound and outbound traffic lanes. (Note that this precautionary area is common to the Traffic Separation Schemes for the approaches to
Chapter 5 Vineyard Sound and Buzzards Bay 217 to provide safe, established routes for these vessels, to Dangers reduce the potential for conflict with recreational boat- (145) Hen and Chickens, extending 1.4 miles southward ers, fishing gear, and other small craft, and to reduce the potential for grounding or collision. Vessels are respon- of Gooseberry Neck, is a reef consisting of many large sible for their own safety and are not required to remain boulders, most of them baring a foot or less. The reef is inside the route nor are fisherman required to keep fish- in two large groups; the southerly group is the larger. ing gear outside the route. Small vessels should exercise Numerous covered rocks are well away from the vis- caution in and around the Recommended Vessel Routes ible part of the danger. A narrow ledge covered 5 to 14 and monitor VHF channels 16 or 13 for information feet extends about 0.4 mile northward from the visible concerning deep draft vessels and tugs/barges transit- part of Hen and Chickens. A buoy is north of the ledge. ing these routes. Old Cock, a rock awash, and The Wildcat, covered 5 feet and unmarked, are in the southern shoal area. The Anchorages south edge of the shoal is marked by a buoy. Strangers (125) New Bedford Inner Harbor affords anchorage for are advised to stay outside the 5-fathom curve in this vicinity. vessels of 25-foot draft. Cuttyhunk Harbor affords an- (146) Sow and Pigs Reef, much of which is dry or awash, chorage in depths of 10 to 24 feet; except for the small- extends about 1.5 miles west-southwestward from Cut- craft inner harbor, it is exposed to northerly winds. A tyhunk Island. Its outer end is marked by a lighted bell good anchorage sheltered from all southerly winds may buoy. An unmarked rock strewn shoal, covered 20 feet, be had off the north shore of Nashawena Island eastward is 0.9 mile westward of Cuttyhunk Island. Numerous of Penikese and Gull Islands in depths of 40 to 48 feet. obstructions and rocks were reported to extend as much This anchorage, frequently used by tows, is available for as 3 miles southward of Sow and Pigs Reef. vessels of any draft; however, care must be taken to stay (147) Ribbon Reef, a detached ledge covered 18 feet, is clear of the fishtrap area in the vicinity. Two general about 1.5 miles northwestward of Cuttyhunk Island. anchorages are off the western entrance to Cape Cod Coxens Ledge, covered 28 feet and marked by a lighted Canal. (See 110.1 and 110.140 (b) (1), (b) (2), and bell buoy, is 1.2 miles northward of Ribbon Reef. (d), chapter 2, for limits and regulations.) (148) Mishaum Ledge, a group of several rocky spots with a least depth of 8 feet, extends about 1.7 miles southward No-Discharge Zone of Mishaum Point. It is marked by a lighted gong buoy (126) The State of Massachusetts, with the approval of off its southeast end. A lighted bell buoy marks a rocky shoal covered 22 feet about 1 mile north-northwestward the Environmental Protection Agency, has established of the north end of Penikese Island. An unmarked rocky a No-Discharge Zone (NDZ) in Buzzards Bay. The area shoal covered 18 feet is 0.5 mile north of the island. covered is bounded by the points (127) 41°29'48\"N., 71°07'13\"W. Currents (128) 41°25'05\"N., 71°05'46\"W. (149) The tidal currents in the passages between Buz- (129) 41°25'25\"N., 71°03'32\"W. (130) 41°22'30\"N., 70°59'52\"W. zards Bay and Vineyard Sound have considerable ve- (131) 41°24'33\"N., 70°56'57\"W. locity and require special attention. At Buzzards Bay (132) 41°25'17\"N., 70°54'30\"W. Lighted Gong Buoy 3, the tidal current is rotary, turning (133) 41°25'17\"N., 70°54'12\"W. clockwise. Tide rips occur when a sea is running against (134) 41°26'24\"N., 70°51'20\"W. the current. Maximum velocities are about 0.5 knot. (135) 41°26'45\"N., 70°50'23\"W. Minimum velocities average about 0.2 knot. (See the (136) 41°26'57\"N., 70°48'29\"W Tide Tables and Tidal Current Tables for predictions.) (137) 41°26'59\"N., 70°48'18\"W. (138) 41°30'35\"N., 70°42'06\"W. Ice (139) 41°30'38\"N., 70°41'58\"W. (150) The head of Buzzards Bay and the harbors in that (140) 41°30'55\"N., 70°40'52\"W. (141) 41°31'14\"N., 70°40'58\"W. vicinity are generally closed to navigation during the (142) 41°44'15\"N., 70°37'27\"W. (west canal entrance), winter. The approaches to the harbors on the eastern and shore are rendered dangerous by drift ice. In severe (143) 41°44'11\"N., 70°37'21\"W. (east canal entrance), winters the drift ice extends across the bay and joins and includes all waters of Buzzards Bay (see chart 13218 the local formations on the western shore, forming an for limits). impassable barrier for short periods. Ice forms more (144) Within the NDZ, discharge of sewage, whether rapidly in the bay with winds from north to west as the treated or untreated, from all vessels is prohibited. western shore forms a shelter from such winds. When Outside the NDZ, discharge of sewage is regulated by the field ice extends sufficiently out toward the channel 40 CFR 140 (see chapter 2). as to be affected by the winds from north to west, the outer edges are broken up and carried off to the eastern or southern shore where they form drift ice. Under or- dinary circumstances a northeast wind, if continued for
218 Vineyard Sound and Buzzards Bay Volume 2 48 hours, will clear the bay of ice. Southerly winds, es- that extend westward from both entrance points. Sea- pecially southeastern, diminish the extent and weaken sonal private buoys mark the channel in the harbor. the strength of the pack. Some of the lighted buoys are (157) In 1981, it was reported that 4 feet could be taken removed from station or replaced by unlighted buoys through the narrow, privately marked channel in the when endangered by ice. harbor to the anchorage basin off the town wharf at the village of West Falmouth on the east shore of the har- bor. Depths of 5 feet were reported alongside the wharf in 1981. The harbormaster has an office at the town (151) The southern side of Buzzards Bay from Cuttyhunk wharf. A 6 mph speed limit is enforced in the harbor. to Woods Hole has been discussed previously in this chapter. Charts 13230, 13229 Charts 13236, 13229 (152) Quissett Harbor, 1.7 miles northeastward of the (158) Wild Harbor (41°38.3'N., 70°38.9'W.), 7 miles western entrance to Woods Hole, is used by small plea- northward of Woods Hole, is a small cove on the south sure craft. The Knob, a small hillock on the north point side of Nyes Neck affording anchorage in northerly or of the entrance, and the homes on the eastern shore of easterly winds. A tower on Nyes Neck is prominent. The the harbor are prominent. A standpipe, 1.2 miles north- entrance is clear in midchannel, with depths of 13 to eastward of the entrance, is conspicuous. 20 feet inside. A seasonal lighted buoy marks the en- trance, and buoys mark the shoals extending from the (153) A seasonal lighted buoy marks the entrance, and entrance points. The shores are foul, and the easterly buoys mark the entrance channel, thence private sea- part of the harbor is shoal. The reported depth in the sonal aids mark the best water to the northeast end of privately dredged channel into Silver Beach Harbor to a the harbor. In 1981, a depth of about 8 feet was reported small basin is about 3 feet, but is subject to shoaling. A available in the channel. Mariners are advised to steer a stone jetty extends off the south side of the entrance to midchannel course through the entire entrance chan- the basin. The basin is a special anchorage. (See 110.1 nel to avoid numerous rocks on both sides of the chan- and 110.40, chapter 2, for limits and regulations.) nel. (159) A town wharf and surfaced ramp are in the basin. (154) Anchorage can be found in the middle of the harbor In 1981, depths of 4 feet to bare were reported alongside in depths of 11 to 18 feet, sticky bottom. Local craft the wharf. Ice and provisions are available. generally moor in the northeastern part of the harbor off the boatyard at the town of Quissett. The boatyard (160) Megansett Harbor, the approach to the towns of has an L-shaped pier and a float which was reported to North Falmouth, Megansett, and Cataumet, is entered have about 15 feet alongside. Water, ice, moorings, some between Nyes Neck on the south and Scraggy Neck marine supplies, storage facilities, and marine railways on the north. The natural channel is buoyed as far as up to 40 feet are available; hull and engine repairs can the rock breakwater at Megansett. The breakwater is be made. The harbormaster can be contacted through marked at the end by a light. A yacht club and a town the boatyard. wharf are just inside the breakwater. In 1981, depths of 4 to 5 feet were reported alongside the wharf; water is (155) Hamlin Point, 2 miles north-northeastward of available. The harbor has extensive shoals and ledges, Quissett Harbor, is marked by a prominent hotel with but by following the buoyed channel a draft of about 8 twin cupolas. A shoal, covered 10 feet near its outer feet can be carried to an anchorage in the outer har- end, extends about 1 mile westward of the point. Gifford bor in depths of 10 to 22 feet. Inside the breakwater, Ledge, covered 9 feet, is 1.4 miles north-northwestward anchorage is available in 6 to 12 feet, taking care to of Hamlin Point. Great Sippewisset Rock, awash and avoid the shoals on the north side of the harbor and the marked by a private seasonal daybeacon, is 0.4 mile off- rock awash near the center in 41°39'27\"N., 70°37'31\"W. shore about 1.1 miles northward of Hamlin Point. A Cataumet Rock, covered 6 feet and marked by a buoy, shoal area, foul with rocks awash and covered, extends is on the south side of the entrance; Seal Rocks are on 0.3 mile offshore eastward of the daybeacon. the north side and marked by a seasonal lighted buoy. (156) West Falmouth Harbor, 5 miles northward of (161) Fiddlers Cove (41°38.9'N., 70°38.2'W.) is a small- Woods Hole, has depths of 1 to 6 feet and bares in places craft harbor on the south shore of Megansett Harbor, at low water. The entrance is protected by a breakwater about 0.5 mile east-southeastward of Cataumet Rock. A extending about 700 feet southward of Little Island, the channel, privately dredged to a reported depth of 7 feet, north point of the entrance, and by a short jetty on the leads southward to a marina and boatyard in a dredged northwest end of Chappaquoit Point. A tower and the basin on the east side of the cove. A seasonal lighted summer homes on Chappaquoit Point are prominent. buoy marks the approach, and private buoys mark the The entrance is marked by a seasonal lighted bell buoy channel. Gasoline, diesel fuel, ice, a pump-out station and an unlighted buoy on the south side and by an un- and wet and dry storage are available; lift capacity, 35 lighted buoy on the north side; these buoys mark reefs tons. Hull, engine and electronic repairs can be made. In
Chapter 5 Vineyard Sound and Buzzards Bay 219 April 2002, the reported approach and alongside depth depths of 8 feet and 6 feet could be carried through was 7 feet. the north and south channels, respectively. Because of (162) Halftide Rock, awash at low water, is about 500 numerous submerged rocks in and near the edges of the yards southwestward of the end of the Megansett break- channel, local knowledge is advised. water. Rands Harbor, about 0.3 mile east of Fiddlers (169) A marina and boatyard are on the east shore of Cove, is a private boat basin with little or no water. Red Brook Harbor. These facilities can provide: berths, (163) Squeteague Harbor, northward of Megansett, is electricity, gasoline, diesel fuel, pump-out, water, ice, entered through a narrow channel from the head of marine supplies, boat storage and can make hull and Megansett Harbor. The privately marked channel had a engine repairs; electronic repairs can be made at the reported depth of about 2 feet in 1981; however, depths marina. Marine lifts to 60 tons and a 50-to marine rail- of 5 to 7 feet are reported to be available in the channel way are also available. to the harbor; local knowledge is advised. The village of (170) Wings Neck, 9 miles northward of Woods Hole, ex- Cataumet is on the northerly shore of the harbor. tends about 2 miles in a west-southwest direction into (164) Seal Rocks, about 0.3 mile southwestward of Buzzards Bay. The neck is a prominent peninsula, ir- Scraggy Neck, on the north side of Megansett Harbor regular, and hilly. The anchorage areas southwestward entrance, are partly bare at half tide and marked by a of the neck are discussed with the Cape Cod Canal. A buoy about 300 yards southwest of their southern end. yacht club and private piers are on the east shore of Part of an old concrete barge is aground on the rocks. the neck. Traffic signals for the Cape Cod Canal are Southwest Ledge, extending about 0.7 mile westward of displayed from a tower on Wings Neck. (See 207.20, Seal Rocks, consists of two patches of shoals covered by chapter 2, for details.) 2 to 18 feet and marked by buoys on its northern, west- (171) Pocasset River, between the northeastern end of ern, and southern sides. A rock awash is in the northerly Wings Neck and Bennets Neck, is entered from the shoal. north side of Wings Neck through a privately dredged (165) Pocasset Harbor and Red Brook Harbor share a channel that leads southward between two jetties to a common entrance between Scraggy Neck and Wings highway bridge about 0.4 mile above the entrance. In Neck. Bassetts Island separates Pocasset Harbor from 2001, a reported depth of 6 feet could be carried to the Red Brook Harbor. Broken ground with depths of 17 to bridge. The bridge has a fixed span with a clearance 19 feet in places extends across the entrance. Entering of 7 feet. Only very small boats go above the bridge. A about 250 yards north of buoys marking the north side boatyard is on the south side of the river at the bridge. of Southwest Ledge, vessels of about 14-foot draft can Water, berths with electricity, storage facilities, a 35- anchor westward of Eustis Rock Buoy in depths of 20 foot marine railway, and a 5-ton lift are available; hull to 30 feet. This anchorage is exposed to westerly winds. and engine repairs can be made. A town wharf and floats Eustis Rock, about 0.2 mile north of Scraggy Neck, is are on the north side of the river at the bridge. covered 5 feet and marked by a buoy. The area eastward (172) Tobys Island, just northward of the entrance of Po- of Eustis Rock to Bassetts Island is shoal. casset River and on the south side of Phinneys Harbor, (166) A narrow buoyed channel, with a reported depth is connected to the mainland by a causeway. of about 8 feet in 1981, leads north of Bassetts Island (173) Phinneys Harbor, between Tobys Island on the to Pocasset Harbor. Barlows Landing, at the northeast east and Mashnee Island on the west, is approached end of the harbor, has a depth of 1½ feet. A small-craft from Buzzards Bay through a buoyed channel that launching ramp is just south of the landing. leads along the northerly side of Wings Neck to another (167) Hospital Cove, about 0.2 mile southward of the buoyed channel into the harbor. A light is at the bend southern end of Bassetts Island, is entered through a of the approach channel. Depths of about 10 feet can natural buoyed channel that leads southeastward from a be carried in the inner channel, and greater depths are point about 0.4 mile east-southeastward of Eustis Rock available in the approach channel. The harbor is used as to a small anchorage in the cove. A depth of about 6 an anchorage by small boats. Mashnee Island, once an feet can be carried in the channel, and there are depths island, is now connected with the mainland by a landfill of 8 to 14 feet in the anchorage. In 1981, a shoal at the causeway. A group of rocks awash, marked by a buoy, south tip of Bassetts Island was reported to be shifting is 0.2 mile off the east shore of the harbor, and another westward in the vicinity of Buoy 3; caution is advised. A rock, covered 4 feet, and marked by a buoy, is 0.1 mile boulder reef extends northeastward from Scraggy Neck north of Tobys Island. in the approach to the cove. Several private piers with (174) The village of Monument Beach is on the east depths of 5 to 8 feet alongside are in the cove. shore. A marina is at the long town pier in the cove in (168) Red Brook Harbor, eastward of Bassetts Island, is the southeastern corner of the harbor. Berthage in 5 feet approached from the northward through the channel is available at the pier. Gasoline, water, ice, electricity, a that leads through Pocasset Harbor, and from the south- pump-out station, and a surfaced ramp are available. ward through the channel that leads through Hospital (175) Back River, a stream which is nearly bare except Cove. Hen Cove is immediately northward of Red Brook near its entrance, empties into the north side of Phin- Harbor. The channels are buoyed. In 1981, reported neys Harbor. Small craft sometimes anchor in the
220 Vineyard Sound and Buzzards Bay Volume 2 Cape Cod Canal (east entrance) N Image courtesy of Marblehead Power Squadron (2009) entrance. A railroad bridge and a highway bridge cross- over 65 feet in length that desire to transit the canal. ing the river about 0.2 mile above the mouth have fixed (See 207.20 (h), chapter 2, for detailed information on spans with a minimum clearance of 4 feet. A boatyard is signals.) on the south bank between the bridges. In 1981, a depth of about 1½ feet was reported available in the river to Prominent features the boatyard. A forklift is used to haul out boats up to 26 feet at the yard, while boats up to 37 feet in length (179) Cleveland East Ledge Light (41°37'51\"N., can be hauled out on a flatbed trailer at a paved ramp at Barlows Landing and then brought to the yard for 70°41'39\"W.), 74 feet above the water, is shown from hull and engine repairs or dry open or covered storage. A launching ramp and marine supplies are available at a white cylindrical tower and dwelling on a red caisson the yard. (176) Gray Gables is on the north side of the head of the on the east side of the entrance channel approaching Back River. (177) Cape Cod Canal is a deep-draft sea-level waterway Cape Cod Canal from Buzzards Bay. A racon and sound connecting Buzzards Bay and Cape Cod Bay. The water- way is 15 miles long from Cleveland East Ledge Light signal are at the light station. The railroad bridge over to deep water in Cape Cod Bay. The canal shortens the distance between points north and south of Cape Cod the canal at the village of Buzzards Bay, and the highway by 50 to 150 miles and provides an inside passage to avoid Nantucket Shoals. The canal is maintained by the bridge at Bourne are also prominent. Federal Government as a free waterway. (See 207.20, chapter 2, for the regulations governing the use, admin- (180) Cape Cod Canal Breakwater Light 6 (41°46'47\"N., istration, and navigation of the Cape Cod Canal.) (178) Traffic lights (red, green, and yellow) are located 70°29'23\"W.), 43 feet above the water, is shown from a at the easterly canal entrance at Sandwich; at the Canal Electric Terminal basin on the south side of the canal red cylindrical tower on the end of the north breakwater at Sandwich; and at the westerly entrance of Hog Island Channel at Wings Neck. These signals apply to all vessels at the east entrance to Cape Cod Canal from Cape Cod Bay. A sound signal is at the light. The most prominent landmark when approaching from Cape Cod Bay is the tall lighted stack of the powerplant about 1.1 miles west- southwestward of Cape Cod Canal Breakwater Light 6. The high-level highway bridge across the canal at Saga- more, 2.5 miles west of the breakwater light, is also prominent. The breakwaters at the east entrance to the canal should not be confused with the smaller jetties at Sandwich Harbor, 1 mile to the southeastward, nor should the two white church spires back of Sandwich Harbor be mistaken for the range structure marking the entrance to the canal.
Chapter 5 Vineyard Sound and Buzzards Bay 221 Cape Cod Canal (west entrance) N Image courtesy of Marblehead Power Squadron (2009) Channels in about 41°43'49\"N., 70°37'53\"W. was reported in 1979. (181) A Federal project provides for a channel 32 feet deep The other is just inside the eastern entrance to the ca- nal. A small boat basin is on the south side of the channel through the Cape Cod Canal. (See Notice to Mariners just inside the eastern entrance to the canal; depths of and latest editions of the chart for controlling depths.) 8 to 13 feet were available in the basin in 1969. Deep-draft vessels should obtain the latest informa- tion as to available depths so as to pass through the Bridges canal during maximum stages of high water if the draft (185) The Cape Cod Canal is crossed by three bridges. of the vessel is near the controlling depth. In 1981, it was reported that the east entrance was being privately The railroad bridge at the village of Buzzards Bay, 7.8 maintained to a depth of 40 feet to the New England miles above Cleveland East Ledge Light, has a vertical- Petroleum Company wharf about 1.2 miles west of Cape lift span with a clearance of 7 feet down and 135 feet Cod Canal Breakwater Light 6. up. The span is normally maintained in the raised posi- (182) The approach channels from both the west and the tion and lowered for the passage of trains. (See 117.1 east are marked with lighted ranges and other naviga- through 117.59, 117.589, and 207.20(i), chapter 2, tional aids. The canal itself is lighted at night on both for drawbridge regulations.) The State Route 25/28 banks by mercury vapor lights, generally 500 feet apart. highway bridge at Bourne, 9 miles above Cleveland East Ledge Light, has a fixed span with a clearance of 135 feet. Anchorages The U.S. 6/State Route 3 highway bridge at Sagamore, (183) General anchorages are on each side of Cleveland 11.8 miles above Cleveland East Ledge Light, has a fixed span with a clearance of 135 feet. Ledge Channel between Cleveland East Ledge Light and (186) The minimum clearance of the overhead power Wings Neck. (See 110.1 and 110.140 (b) and (d), chap- cables across the canal is 160 feet. ter 2, for limits and regulations.) In 1971, a dangerous submerged rock was reported just inside the easterly Currents edge of Anchorage D in about 41°40'05\"N., 70°40'17\"W. (187) Daily predictions for the tidal current in Cape Cod In 1984, an obstruction was reported in Anchorage C in about 41°40'00\"N., 70°41'35\"W. Canal at the railroad bridge are given in the Tidal Cur- (184) Mooring basins, with tieup dolphins, are at both rent Tables. Under ordinary conditions, the tidal cur- ends of the canal. One is on the east side of Hog Island rent has a velocity of 4.0 knots on the flood, which sets Channel abreast of Hog Island, where shoaling to bare
222 Vineyard Sound and Buzzards Bay Volume 2 eastward, and 4.5 knots on the ebb, which sets west- register of 350 gross tons or more and towing vessels ward. Large differences in range and timing of the tide in-tow with single hull tank barges carrying 5,000 between Buzzards Bay and Cape Cod Bay cause strong barrels or more of petroleum and hazardous cargoes. currents in the canal. Tides may lower the canal level 2 Federal and State pilots are available from Northeast feet below mean low water or even more if attended by Marine Pilots, Inc. and from Boston Coastwise Pilots. heavy offshore winds. Northeast Marine Pilots, Inc., Newport, RI 02840; http:// (188) Due to the strong tidal currents in the canal, espe- www.nemarinepilots.com; telephone 401-847-9050 (24 cially during spring tides, low-powered vessels should hours), 800-274-1216; FAX 401-841-9052; email: dis- await slack water or favorable current. Navigators are [email protected]. Boston Coastwise Pilots is warned to be on the alert for possible “bank suction” and in Winthrop, MA 02152; telephone 617-510-0082, 508- “bank cushion,” the effects of which may cause a vessel 801-4904; email: [email protected]. Twenty-four to take a sudden and decided sheer. hour advance notice and 3 hour updates are requested. (194) The Northeast Marine pilot boats which serve Weather: Buzzards Bay and vicinity the canal and Buzzards Bay are the NORTHEAST I (189) Fog is said to be less dense over Cape Cod Canal and NORTHEAST V. The NORTHEAST I is a 37-foot boat with a black hull and white superstructure. The than outside, but at times a water vapor rises from the NORTHEAST V is a 38-foot boat with a black hull and canal to such an extent that traffic has to be suspended. gray superstructure. Both boats have the word PILOT The canal proper never has been closed by ice, but oc- on both sides. casionally Buzzards Bay and Cape Cod Bay become so (195) The pilot boats NORTHEAST II and NORTH-EAST congested with ice that navigation through the canal is IV serve for boarding eastbound vessels. NORTHEAST II prevented. is a 47-foot boat and NORTHEAST IV is a 52 foot boat; both have unpainted aluminum hulls and superstruc- North Atlantic Right Whales tures with the word PILOT in red on both sides. All (190) Endangered North Atlantic right whales have been Northeast pilot boats monitor VHF-FM channels 16, 13 and 10, and work on 13 or 10. reported within the Cape Cod Canal and in the vicinity of (196) Pilots meet westbound vessels off the eastern en- the Canal's east entrance. The Cape Cod Marine Traffic trance to the Cape Cod Canal in Cape Cod Bay, ½ mile Controllers provide information regarding North Atlan- east of Lighted Bell Buoy CC, in approximate position tic right whale sightings and locations. The Northeast 41°48.6'N., 70°27.0'W. Marine Pilots distribute educational material to mari- (197) Pilots meet eastbound vessels at the Brenton Reef ners in an effort to reduce right whale ship strikes. When Pilots Station, about 1.5 miles eastward of Narragansett right whales are present in Cape Cod Bay (peak season: Bay Entrance Lighted Whistle Buoy NB within an area December through May), vessels transiting Cape Cod bounded by: Bay are urged to use Recommended Two-Way Whale (198) 41°23.6'N., 71°22.4'W., Avoidance Routes to reduce the likelihood of collisions (199) 41°22.6'N., 71°22.0'W., with right whales. (See North Atlantic Right Whales, (200) 41°24.2'N., 71°20.0'W., indexed as such, in chapter 3 for more information on (201) 41°22.6'N., 71°20.6'W. This pilot boarding area is right whales and recommended measures to avoid col- southward of a line extending from Point Judith to Sa- lisions with whales.) konnet Point. (191) All vessels 65 feet or greater in length overall (202) Pilots also meet vessels in the vicinity of Point (L.O.A.) and subject to the jurisdiction of the United Judith Lighted Whistle Buoy 2, within a 1-mile radius States are restricted to speeds of 10 knots or less in the circle centered in 41°17.2'N., 71°30.4'W. Cape Cod Bay Seasonal Management Area between Janu- (203) Eastbound vessels can also meet pilots in the pilot ary 1 and May 15. The area is defined as all waters of Cape boarding area located about 1 mile NW of Buzzards Bay Cod Bay with a northern boundary of 42°41'56.5\"N., Entrance Light in about 41°23'48\"N., 71°02'01\"W. 70°12'W., to 42°12'N., 70°12'W., thence due west back (204) Pilot services are generally arranged for in advance to shore. (See 50 CFR 224.105 in chapter 2 for regula- by ships’ agents or directly by shipping companies. tions, limitations, and exceptions.) Launch service Pilotage, Cape Cod Canal and Buzzards Bay (205) Launch service is also available; arrange through (192) At the canal, Canal Traffic Control “WUA21” or Boston Coastwise Pilots or Northeast Marine Pilots, Inc. “Cape Cod Canal Control” monitors VHF-FM channels 16, 13 and 14; usually works on 14. The Masters of all Towage vessels required by the Coast Guard to carry a pilot are (206) Tugs to 2,200 hp are based at the village of Buzzards required to notify Canal Traffic Control prior to enter- ing the waterway with information as specified in Sec. Bay; arrangements for their services are usually made 207.20 (k), Management of Vessels (see chapter 2). through ships’ agents. Tugs monitor VHF-FM channel (193) Pilotage is compulsory for Buzzards Bay for foreign vessels of 350 gross tons or more, U.S. vessels under
Chapter 5 Vineyard Sound and Buzzards Bay 223 13 when expecting a vessel, and use channel 18A as a (214) Buttermilk Bay, at the northeast end of Buzzards working frequency. Bay, has depths of about 1 to 7 feet. A dredged marked channel and Cohasset Narrows connect the bay with Coast Guard Cape Cod Canal. (See Notice to Mariners and the latest (207) Cape Cod Canal Coast Guard Station is on the east edition of the chart for controlling depths.) In 1992, a rock was reported near the railroad bridge crossing side of the entrance to the canal about 1 mile northeast- Cohasset Narrows in 41°44'46\"N., 70°37'22\"W. The rail- ward of Sandwich Harbor. road bridge has a bascule span with a clearance of 6 feet; the bridge is kept in a closed position. A highway Wharves bridge, just above the railroad bridge, has a fixed span (208) State Pier, site of the Massachusetts Maritime with a clearance of 9 feet. A marina is on the east side of Cohasset Narrows just south of the railroad bridge Academy, on the north side of Cape Cod Canal, 0.6 mile and can provide transient berths, gasoline, diesel fuel, below the railroad bridge at the village of Buzzards Bay, water, ice, marine supplies, pump-out and a launching is 600 feet long with about 25 feet alongside the berth- ramp. Several small piers for shallow-draft boats are in ing face. In 1981, shoaling to 10 feet was reported in Buttermilk Bay. the basin off the berthing face in about 41°44'15\"N., 70°37'35\"W. In 1981, the reported controlling depth on (215) Onset Bay, between Sias Point on the north and the channel side of the pier was 25 feet. Permission to Hog Neck on the south, is the approach to the village of berth at the pier must be obtained from the academy. Onset. A dredged marked channel leads westward from Vessels should not attempt to go alongside or leave the Cape Cod Canal along the southerly side of the bay to a pier except at periods of slack water. Passing vessels are turning basin off the village. Two anchorage areas, one requested to proceed slowly to avoid damage to lines and on each side of the channel, are at the head of the chan- other equipment at the pier. nel. In 1995, the midchannel controlling depth was 14 (209) The New England Petroleum Company mooring feet to the turning basin, thence depths of 13 to 15 feet platform, on the south side of Cape Cod Canal, 1.2 miles were available in the basin; depths of 6 to 8 feet were westward of Cape Cod Canal Breakwater Light 6, pro- available in the eastern anchorage basin with 7½ feet vides berthing for tank vessels up to 750 feet long with available in the western anchorage basin. drafts of 40 feet. Vessels over 50,000 tons or 32-foot draft moor at high water slack during daylight hours only. (216) Wickets Island is a high and wooded islet in the Vessels under 50,000 tons moor at high water slack, day middle of the bay. The buoys in the entrance channel are or night. Petroleum products are pumped to storage frequently towed under because of the strong currents. tanks ashore. A rock, covered 8 feet, is near the channel entrance about 75 yards northeast of Hog Island Channel Light Supplies 21. In 1981, two rocks, covered 4 to 5 feet, were reported (210) Gasoline, diesel fuel, water, ice, marine supplies, on the north edge of the channel between Buoys 2 and 4; caution is advised. and a paved ramp are available at the boat basin just in- side the Cape Cod Bay entrance to the canal. Temporary (217) A special anchorage is in the northern part of Onset berthage and anchorage are also available at the basin. Bay. (See 110.1 and 110.45, chapter 2, for limits and regulations.) Additional anchorages are available at the Communications head of the dredged channel. (211) Information on operating conditions, widths, (218) A 5 mph speed limit is enforced above Wickets Is- depths, or other data on the canal is available at all land. hours, day or night, by calling the canal office at Buz- zards Bay (508-759-4431). (219) The Onset town wharf, on the north side of the (212) Vessels which are to transit the Cape Cod Canal turning basin, has depths of about 14 feet at its face. The will monitor channel 16 continuously to establish con- harbormaster has an office at the wharf. The harbor- tact with traffic controllers. The vessels will be asked to master monitors VHF-FM channel 16 and uses channel switch to channel 12 or channel 14 as a working channel 9 as a working frequency; call sign KYQ-833. Several to pass information between the traffic controllers and small-craft facilities are on the north side of the bay the vessel. However, channel 13 may be used only when along the southwesterly side of Long Neck. (See the the above channels are not available. small-craft facilities tabulation on chart 13229 for ser- (213) The radiotelephone at the Cape Cod Canal Office, vices and supplies available.) Onset has bus service. Buzzards Bay, MA, is in continuous operation. Call let- ters are WUA-21, and the frequencies are channels 13, (220) East River empties into Onset Bay southeast of On- 16, 12, and 14. Vessels equipped for communication set. A draft of 3 feet can be taken to an anchorage just with the Cape Cod Canal Office are requested to keep above the highway bridge which connects Onset and their radiotelephone tuned to these frequencies. Long Neck. The bridge has a fixed span with a clearance of 11 feet. (221) Stony Point Dike, a sandspit breakwater about 5 feet high, extends about 1.8 miles south-southwesterly from Cedar Island Point to Abiels Ledge. The breakwater
224 Vineyard Sound and Buzzards Bay Volume 2 Sippican Harbor, Massachusetts N Image courtesy of Marblehead Power Squadron (2009) protects Hog Island Channel. Cleveland Ledge Channel sometimes anchor just north of Long Beach Point. Range Front Light is on the outer end of the breakwater. Highway and railroad bridges over the river above the Abiels Ledge, between the channel and the south end of wharves have 31-foot fixed spans with a clearance of 1 the dike, is covered 3 feet. Dry Ledge, 1 mile northwest- foot. ward of Abiels Ledge, bares at half tide; it is marked by (223) The velocity of the current at the entrance to Ware- a buoy. Little Bird Island, 0.8 mile northward, is sur- ham River is not great enough to materially interfere rounded by uneven bottom with depths of 2 to 19 feet with a sailing vessel having a good breeze. During the between it and the northerly shore of Buzzards Bay. first half of the ebb the current below the wharves of (222) Wareham River, which empties into the northern the town sets across the flats westward of the channel, end of Buzzards Bay, is the approach to the town of and during the whole of the ebb it sets across the flats Wareham on the west bank. Great Hill, wooded, 124 eastward of the channel below Long Beach Point. (See feet high, and about 1.5 miles southward of Long Beach the Tidal Current Tables for predictions.) The river ices Point, is prominent when approaching the river. A brick over for short periods during most winters. stack and a standpipe in Wareham are conspicuous. The (224) Vessels approaching Wareham River from Buz- buoyed channel to the town is crooked and twisting; in zards Bay pass 0.8 mile east of Bird Island Light and 1986, the controlling depth was about 4 feet from Ware- steer 351° to the buoyed channel. Strangers should ob- ham River Buoy 13 to the upstream limit of the project. tain local information regarding channel depths before In 1987, a sunken wreck was reported in the vicinity of navigating the river. Wareham River Entrance Buoy 10. A rock covered 6 feet (225) The depth at the Wareham town landing was is in the entrance about 350 yards south-southwest of reported to be about 4½ feet in 1981. The Wareham Dry Ledge in about 41°41'59.9\"N., 70°41'41.6\"W., and Harbor Patrol patrols the harbor during the summer several rocks and shoal spots covered 9 to 14 feet are boating season and enforces a speed limit of 5 knots. A within 0.75 mile west to southwest of the ledge. A shoal boatyard, on the western side of Wareham Neck about makes off southeasterly from Cromeset Point, 0.6 mile 0.3 mile below the bridges, has a marine railway that southward of Long Beach Point. In 1981, it was reported can handle craft up to 45 feet for hull and engine repairs that Long Beach Point covers at high water; caution is or storage. Gasoline, diesel fuel, water, marine supplies, advised. The section near Quahaug Bar, north of Long and a 25-ton mobile hoist are available. In 1981, depths Beach Point, is subject to shoaling. Depths shoal to of about 6 feet were reported alongside the boatyard 2 and 3 feet close to the buoyed channel. Small craft service float. Wareham has bus service.
Chapter 5 Vineyard Sound and Buzzards Bay 225 (226) Marks Cove, on the west side of the channel to lifts to 50 tons, boat storage and hull, engine and elec- Wareham River between Swifts Beach on the north and tronic repairs can be made. The harbormaster, who con- Cromeset Neck on the south, has depths of 2 to 5 feet. trols all mooring and anchoring in the harbor, monitors The cove is used by small boats. In 1961, a 6-foot chan- VHF-FM channel 68. nel was dredged by the State through the cove from the (234) Mendells Rock and Seal Rocks are shoal, rocky 6-foot contour to Cedar Island at the entrance to Cedar areas, northward of Converse Point extending up to 0.2 Island Creek. mile off the west shore of the harbor. Planting Island, a peninsula extending about 0.6 mile northwesterly from (227) Weweantic River, entered southward of Cromeset Sippican Neck, is on the eastern side of the harbor. At Neck, has a narrow and crooked channel partly ob- Ram Island, off Marion, the passage between the is- structed by rocks. A reported depth of about 3 feet can be land and the western shore is less than 275 yards wide. carried past the rocks and as far as the highway bridge, The currents in the narrow portion of the channel have with local knowledge. The channel is not marked. An considerable velocity at times. Little Island lies on the overhead power cable crossing the river about 1.4 miles western side of the channel about 0.2 mile northwest- above the mouth has a clearance of 51 feet. The high- ward of Ram Island. The buoyed channel has a reported way bridge, which is 1.7 miles above the mouth, has depth of about 12 feet from the entrance to Marion. two fixed spans with a clearance of 5 feet. The channel (235) Blankinship Cove and Planting Island Cove, on is through the northeasterly 45-foot span. The river is the eastern side of Sippican Harbor, have a common navigable for 2 miles above the highway bridge by small entrance northward of Ram Island. They have general craft drawing less than 2 feet. A small marina is just depths of 3 to 5 feet. Meadow Island separates the two above the bridge. Gasoline, water, ice, storage facilities, coves. Gibbs Rock, marked by a private seasonal day- marine supplies, and hull and engine repairs are avail- beacon, is 50 yards off the north point of Ram Island. A able. A flatbed trailer at the marina can haul out boats rock awash is charted 120 yards north of the daybeacon. to 25 feet. (236) Hammett Cove in the northeastern part of Sippican Harbor is shallow and used only by small local craft. (228) From Wareham River to New Bedford the shore is The approach to the cove is marked by private seasonal indented sharply by rocks and ledges extending offshore buoys. Charted obstructions are close westward of the nearly 2 miles in places. buoys. (237) Ice usually closes Sippican Harbor for about a (229) Wings Cove, between Great Hill Point southeast of month or more each winter. Great Hill and Piney Point on the eastern side of Sippi- (238) Aucoot Cove, about 0.8 mile southwestward of Sip- can Neck, has depths of 8 to 17 feet in its outer section. pican Harbor, has depths of 10 to 19 feet. A 4-foot spot The cove affords protection from westerly winds; it is is near the center of the cove in about 41°40'23.2\"N., used only by small local craft. 70°45'23\"W., and the head of the cove is foul. The har- bor is protected from all winds except southeast. An (230) Butler Point is at the southern tip of Sippican unmarked channel with depths of less than 1 foot leads Neck. Shoal water extends about 0.4 mile southward to a boatyard west of Haskell Island. Local knowledge from the point to Bird Island, a round, low flat island and a high tide are required to navigate to the boatyard, marked by a light. which can haul out craft up to 40 feet in length. The yard does general repairs and machine work. Gasoline, diesel (231) Southward and westward of Bird Island are several fuel by truck, and marine supplies are available. The buoyed dangers. Bird Island Reef, covered 15 to 18 feet, other coves between Sippican and Mattapoisett Harbors is about 0.4 mile east-southeastward. About 0.5 mile are foul and seldom entered. southwestward is Centerboard Shoal, covered 12 feet. The Bow Bells, isolated shoals covered 11 to 18 feet, are Chart 13229 about 0.6 to 1 mile southwest of Centerboard Shoal. An unlighted gong buoy is about 1.15 miles southward of (239) Mattapoisett Harbor, about 3.5 miles southwest Bird Island. of Sippican Harbor and 5 miles northeastward of New Bedford Harbor, is the approach to the town of Matta- (232) Sippican Harbor, scene of much pleasure-boat ac- poisett. The harbor is used by numerous yachts during tivity, makes into the north shore of Buzzards Bay about the summer. Although exposed to southeasterly winds, 3 miles southward of Wareham River. The harbor is the the ledges at the entrance somewhat break the sea from approach to Marion, a small town on the western shore. that direction. A light on Ned Point marks the approach. It is entered between Bird Island on the east and Con- A standpipe is in the town. Vessels anchor between Ned verse Point on the west. Prominent features include the Point and the wharves in 13 to 17 feet. lighthouse on Bird Island and the conspicuous house and flagpole on Converse Point. The standpipe on Sip- (240) The entrance between Angelica Point and Straw- pican Neck can also be seen for a considerable dis- berry Point on the east and Mattapoisett Neck on the tance. (233) The town dock at Marion, approached through a channel marked by private seasonal buoys, has reported depths of 4 to 5 feet alongside. Two boatyards at Marion provide limited guest moorings, electricity, gasoline, diesel fuel, water, ice, pump-out, launch ramp, marine
226 Vineyard Sound and Buzzards Bay Volume 2 west is about 1.5 miles wide. A buoyed natural channel West Island at the entrance. A causeway connects the leads through the numerous rocks and ledges in the en- western side of West Island with Long Island. A fixed trance to the anchorage area off the town. The channel span in the causeway has a clearance of 5 feet. The depth has a depth of about 14 feet but because of the broken at the bridge is 6 feet. The approach from southward to bottom, vessels should proceed with caution over ar- the west side of West Island runs among many sunken eas where the charted depths are not more than 6 feet rocks and shoals, and is very dangerous. The causeway greater than the draft. Strangers should not attempt to between Long Island and Sconticut Neck, the neck of enter at night. land forming the east side of New Bedford Harbor, com- (241) There are many shoals and rocks, most of them pletely blocks passage between the two. buoyed, off the points and in the entrance. Off the west (248) Bare rocks and shoaling extend about 1 mile south- side of the entrance, Mattapoisett Ledge extends about a erly of West Island, and from there to the New Bedford mile southeasterly from Mattapoisett Neck. Nye Ledge, Harbor entrance are numerous isolated rocks and ledg- covered 7 to 18 feet, about 0.4 mile southeastward of es, the most dangerous of which are buoyed. Mosher Mattapoisett Ledge, is marked by a seasonal lighted bell Ledge, about 1.1 miles south of Wilbur Point, has a least buoy. In or near the entrance channel are Gallatin Rock, depth of 6 feet. Strangers should stay south of the buoys covered 10 feet; Sunken Ledge, covered 3 feet; Snow marking these dangers. Rock, covered 5 feet; and Barstow Rock, covered 8 feet. Near the town wharf, a rock, covered 3 feet, is marked by a buoy. (242) A special anchorage is in Mattapoisett Harbor. (See (249) New Bedford Harbor, a tidal estuary at the mouth 110.1 and 110.45a, chapter 2, for limits and regula- of Acushnet River on the northwestern side of Buzzards tions.) Bay, is the approach to the city of New Bedford and the (243) The stone wharf at the town has a reported depth town of Fairhaven. The harbor is about 166 miles from of 6 feet alongside. Diesel fuel, gasoline, oil, water, ice, The Battery at New York via Long Island Sound, and marine supplies, and a surfaced ramp are available. A 83 miles from Boston via Cape Cod Canal. The harbor boatyard in town can handle craft to 60 feet long and 7 includes all the tidewater lying northerly of a line from feet in draft at the town ramp. A 5 mph speed limit is Clarks Point at the southern extremity of New Bedford enforced in the mooring areas. to Wilbur Point at the southern end of Fairhaven and (244) A boatyard in the harbor, just northwest of Ned extends to the head of navigation on Acushnet River at Point, has limited guest berths but can provide gasoline, Acushnet. The outer harbor consists of the area south diesel fuel, electricity, water, ice, pump-out, a 35-ton of the hurricane barrier at Palmer Island, and the inner marine lift, boat storage, and hull, engine and electronic harbor consists of the area north of the barrier to a short repairs. In 2011, a reported depth of 15 feet could be distance above the New Bedford-Fairhaven Bridge. carried to the boatyard with 5 feet alongside. (245) Ram Island, about 1.5 miles southwestward of Mat- (250) New Bedford is a manufacturing city on the west tapoisett Harbor, is a low, grassy island connected to side of the Acushnet River. Fairhaven is on the east side Mattapoisett Neck by a narrow shoal. Rocks and shoal of the river. Principal shipping includes receipt of gen- water surround the island. eral cargo and frozen fish; exports are general cargo. (246) Cormorant Rock, 0.9 mile southeastward of Ram Commercial fishing craft operate from the ports. The Island, bares at half tide and is marked by a daybeacon. deepest draft entering is about 30 feet at high water. Ledges with very little water over them surround the daybeacon at a distance of 150 yards. A rock, covered 12 (251) The approach from Buzzards Bay and the entrance feet, is about 0.2 mile northeastward of the daybeacon; to New Bedford Harbor are much obstructed by ledges depths of 18 to 21 feet extend 0.2 mile southward. The and shoals, between which are several channels leading channel between the rock and Ram Island has depths of to the dredged entrance. The bottom is very broken, about 15 feet. characterized by large boulders; vessels should proceed (247) Nasketucket Bay is entered between Cormorant with caution when crossing areas off the general track Rock on the east and West Island on the west. North- when the charted depths are not more than 6 to 8 feet ward and westward of West Island the bay is greatly ob- greater than the draft. structed by rocks and small islands. Because of these obstructions, only small craft proceed through the bay Prominent features to Little Bay, at the head, or up Nasketucket River. The (252) From the main channel numerous landmarks can edges of Little Bay are foul, but excellent anchorage in all but strong southerly winds is available in the center be seen on the westerly side. Dumpling Rocks Light 7 of the bay in 3 to 6 feet, sticky mud. The entrance is off Round Hill Point, about 3 miles west of the chan- made treacherous by obstructions and wind and should nel, is conspicuous. Clarks Point, on the west side of not be attempted without local knowledge. Numerous the channel, is marked by a granite fort. About 0.7 mile rocks, including Whale Rock, are on the east side of northeast of the point is Butler Flats Light near the edge of the shoal. A group of three stacks is on the west side of the inner harbor. Although there are no landmarks on Sconticut Neck, Fort Phoenix is a promontory fairly conspicuous just east of the channel, almost opposite
Chapter 5 Vineyard Sound and Buzzards Bay 227 Palmer Island. Several church spires are prominent in (259) There are several other passages with least depths Fairhaven. A tall radio tower is on Popes Island in the of about 21 feet that lead from Buzzards Bay to New Bed- inner harbor. A private light is on the northeast point of ford Harbor west of the main channel. However, they Palmer Island, about 0.2 mile inside the hurricane bar- are not as well marked as the main channel; unmarked rier. The lights marking the eastern and western sides shoals with depths of 9 to 18 feet are near the course of the hurricane barrier are also prominent. lines. (253) Butler Flats Light (41°36'12\"N., 70°53'40\"W.), a private aid 25 feet above the water, is shown from a white (260) From a position about 0.3 mile south of Buzzards conical tower on a black cylindrical pier about 0.7 mile Bay Lighted Gong Buoy 5 (chart 13230), a course can north-northeast of Clarks Point. be set to pass about 500 yards east of Dumpling Rocks Light 7 to about 500 yards northwest of Southwest Ap- COLREGS Demarcation Lines proach Buoy 12, thence on a 006° course to join the (254) The lines established for Buzzards Bay and Vine- main channel near Butler Flats Light. yard Sound are described in 80.145, chapter 2. (261) An alternate approach can be made from a posi- tion about 0.3 mile southeastward of Buzzards Bay Channels Lighted Buoy 7 on a course of 004° to join the main (255) A Federal project provides for a 30-foot deep chan- channel near Butler Flats Light. The high elevated tank at Fairhaven is a good leading mark for this leg. nel from Buzzards Bay to the turning basin just above the New Bedford-Fairhaven Bridge. (See Notice to Mari- (262) Strangers should not attempt to enter New Bedford ners and latest edition of charts for controlling depths.) Harbor except in clear weather when the aids are visible. The 350-foot-wide channel is constricted to 150 feet by Vessels should proceed with caution where the charted a hurricane barrier across the inner harbor, protecting depths are less than 6 to 8 feet greater than the draft, New Bedford Harbor, extending from the western shore because of the broken character of the bottom. over Palmer Island to Fort Phoenix on the east. The 150-foot gated opening will be kept in the open position Anchorages during fair weather, but is closed during periods of high (263) Before proceeding into New Bedford Harbor, ves- winds or high tides, or when a hurricane is expected. Lights marking the eastern and western sides of the sels occasionally anchor in depths of 20 to 30 feet about opening are shown from the top of each of the two gate 0.7 mile south of Clarks Point. Two general anchorages operations houses, 48 feet above the water. A sound sig- are in the outer harbor. (See 110.1 and 110.140 (a) and nal is sounded from the west barrier light. (d), chapter 2, for limits and regulations.) In the inner harbor vessels may anchor in the two dredged anchor- age areas on either side of the channel in depths of 25 to 30 feet. (256) Hurricane barrier traffic lights are displayed on the north side of the smaller, northerly house on the west Dangers side of the entrance and adjacent to the old fort at Clarks (264) The entrance to New Bedford Harbor is full of rocks Point. Green lights are displayed when the gate is open. Red lights are displayed from 20 minutes before the and ledges, some covered 3 feet or less. Obstructions start of closing the gate through reopening. In addition near the entrance passages are marked with buoys. The to the traffic lights, three flashing white strobe lights are chart is the best guide. shown; two from atop the west barrier operating house, (265) Dumpling Rocks, bare and covered, extend 0.4 one facing toward the harbor and one facing toward the mile southeastward from Round Hill Point. A light is bay, and a third light facing toward the bay adjacent to on the easterly rock and a gong buoy marks the south- the old fort at Clarks Point. These synchronized lights eastern portion of the shoal area around the rocks. flash every 20 seconds, but flash every 2 seconds from (266) Wilkes Ledge, 1.8 miles southeastward of Round 20 minutes before the start of closing the gate through Hill Point, is the southernmost danger at the entrance reopening. to the harbor. It is covered 9 feet with a wreck near the easterly part; a lighted buoy is close south-southwest- (257) The controlling depth above the turning basin to ward of the wreck. the Coggeshall Street Bridge is about 15 feet. Above that point in Acushnet River there is little traffic except by Regulated Navigation Area launches and small craft. (267) A regulated navigation area has been established Routes south of the western hurricane barrier. (See 33 CFR (258) The main channel to New Bedford Harbor is 165.1 through 165.13 and 165.125, chapter 2, for limits and regulations.) from Buzzards Bay Midchannel Lighted Bell Buoy BB (41°30'33\"N., 70°49'54\"W.) through the buoyed channel Bridges eastward of Negro Ledge. (268) Four bridges cross Acushnet River at New Bedford. The first, the US6/New Bedford-Fairhaven Bridge, has a swing span with a clearance of 6 feet. (See 117.1 through
228 Vineyard Sound and Buzzards Bay Volume 2 117.59 and 117.585, chapter 2, for drawbridge regula- Bay Entrance Lighted Whistle Buoy NB within an area tions.) The bridgetender monitors VHF-FM channel 16 bounded by and works on channel 13; call sign WHH-238. About (275) 41°23.6'N., 71°22.4'W., 1 mile above this drawbridge is the Coggeshall Street (276) 41°22.6'N., 71°22.0'W., Bridge, which has a fixed span with a clearance of 8 feet. (277) 41°24.2'N., 71°20.0'W., A highway bridge with a fixed span and a clearance of 8 (278) 41°22.6'N., 71°20.6'W. This pilot boarding area feet is just below the Coggeshall Street Bridge. About is southward of a line extending from Point Judith to 1.3 miles above the Coggeshall Street Bridge is a fixed Sakonnet Point. Should weather or other conditions bridge with a clearance of 6 feet. prevent pilot boarding in the above location, other ar- rangements may be made with the pilot office. Currents (279) The pilot boats NORTHEAST I and NORTHEAST III (269) Tidal currents are weak. From a series of current serve the canal and are owned and operated by North- east Marine Pilots, Inc. NORTHEAST I is a 38-foot boat observations, conducted by the Corps of Engineers over with black hull and white superstructure and the word a 2-day period in 1965 at the center of the navigation PILOT on the sides; NORTHEAST III is a 33-foot boat opening of the New Bedford Hurricane Barrier, it was re- with black hull and white superstructure. vealed that the maximum flooding and ebbing velocities (280) The pilot boats NORTHEAST II, NORTHEAST III were about 2.4 knots; average flood setting 344° and the and NORTHEAST IV serve for boarding eastbound ves- ebb 144°. During flooding or ebbing a slight set towards sels. NORTHEAST II is a 47-foot boat and NORTHEAST the east barrier abutment may be experienced. During IV is a 52 foot boat; both have unpainted aluminum this same period it was further revealed that the time of hulls and superstructures with the word PILOT in red slack water occurred about 30 minutes before the time on both sides. All Northeast pilot boats monitor VHF- of low or high water; that the maximum ebbing veloc- FM channels 16, 13 and 10, and work on 13 or 10. ity occurred about 2 hours after the time of high tide; (281) Pilot services are generally arranged for in advance that the maximum flooding velocity occurred about 4 by ships’ agents. hours after the time of low tide; and that, generally, the maximum current occurred at about the same time as Towage the most rapid change in the vertical height of the tide (282) Oceangoing vessels usually require tug assistance was taking place. when docking and undocking. Tugs up to 2,200 hp Weather, New Bedford Harbor and vicinity are based at New Bedford, and arrangements for their (270) The prevailing winds during the winter are from services are usually made through ships’ agents. Tugs monitor VHF-FM channel 13 when expecting a vessel north to west, and during the summer from south to and use channel 18A as a working frequency. southwest. Thick fog is reported to close in quickly with (283) New Bedford is a customs port of entry. little warning in New Bedford Harbor. Ice Quarantine, customs, immigration, and agricultural (271) The channels and anchorage area usually are navi- quarantine (284) (See chapter 3, Vessel Arrival Inspections, and Ap- gable throughout the year, although in prolonged peri- pendix A for addresses.) ods of extreme cold weather the harbor as well as all of (285) Quarantine is enforced in accordance with regu- Buzzards Bay may be closed to navigation because of ice. lations of the U.S. Public Health Service. (See Public Such conditions are infrequent and of short duration. Health Service, chapter 1.) Steamers generally can make their way through the ice (286) New Bedford has several hospitals. in the harbor. (287) Coast Guard vessels moor at the State Pier. Pilotage, New Bedford Harbor regulations (272) Pilotage is compulsory for foreign vessels of 350 (288) The New Bedford Harbor Development Commis- gross tons or more and U.S. vessels under register of 350 sion, through the harbormaster, enforces the harbor gross tons or more. Pilotage for New Bedford is available regulations. The State Pier Traffic Manager is the State from Northeast Marine Pilots, Inc., Newport, RI 02840; authority who directs anchoring, berthing, and move- telephone 401-847-9050 (24 hours), 800-274-1216; FAX ment of vessels, and discharging operations at the State 401-847-9052; email: [email protected]. Pier. Vessels are expected to proceed slowly in the vicin- (273) Pilots meet westbound vessels off the eastern en- ity of the piers. State laws forbid pollution and dumping trance to the Cape Cod Canal in Cape Cod Bay, ½ mile of refuse and rocks inside the harbor. The harbormaster east of Lighted Bell Buoy CC, in approximate position has an office just north of the State Pier. 41°48.6'N., 70°27.0'W. (274) Pilots meet eastbound vessels at the Brenton Reef Pilot Station, about 1.5 miles eastward of Narragansett
Chapter 5 Vineyard Sound and Buzzards Bay 229 Wharves Repairs (289) The New Bedford waterfront has many piers and (298) There are several boatyards at Fairhaven that can wharves. The fishing industry uses most of these fa- make hull, engine, and electronic repairs; storage fa- cilities. Only the deep-draft facilities are described, and cilities are also available. The largest marine railway in the alongside depths for these facilities are reported; for the area can handle vessels up to 210 feet. Lifts to 99 information on the latest depths contact the operator. tons are available. Several repair firms in New Bedford All of the facilities described have highway connections, are available for above-the-waterline repairs and engine and most have rail connections. Water is available at repairs. Derrick lighters, some with air compressors and most piers and wharves. Cargo in the port is usually diving equipment, are also available. handled by ship’s tackle. A 250-ton floating “A” frame derrick is available for heavy lifts by prior arrangement. Communications (290) New Bedford South Terminal Wharf: 500 yards (299) There is only rail freight service to Boston and fre- westward of Palmer Island; 1,600 feet long; 30 feet alongside; 250,000 cubic feet of refrigerated storage; quent bus service to Providence, Boston, and New York. receipt of seafood products; owned by several seafood A mail and passenger boat makes trips to Cuttyhunk companies. twice weekly in the winter and daily in the summer. Sea- (291) Commonwealth Edison Co. Pier: 300 yards north- sonal passenger ferry service is also available to Martha’s ward of South Terminal Wharf; north side 740 feet long, Vineyard. Air service is available to Boston, New York, with dolphins; 30 feet alongside; receipt of petroleum Martha’s Vineyard, Nantucket, and Cape Cod. products; vessels usually berth with bow inshore; owned by Commonwealth Electric and operated by New Eng- land Petroleum Corp. (292) State Pier: 500 yards northward of New Bedford Gas (300) The coast between New Bedford Harbor and the and Edison Light Co. Pier; face 450 feet long, north side entrance of Sakonnet River is fringed with extensive 600 feet long, south side 775 feet long; 30 feet alongside; shoals, many of them rocky and a considerable number 125,000 square feet covered storage; receipt and ship- of them well offshore. The entrances to several inlets ment of general cargo; owned and operated by the Com- are shoal and are used only by local fishing and pleasure monwealth of Massachusetts, Division of Waterways. boats. (293) Maritime Terminal Wharf: westward of Fish Island; 600 feet long; 31 feet alongside; 3 million cubic feet (301) Clarks Cove, between New Bedford Harbor and Ap- of refrigerated storage; receipt of frozen food, fish, and ponagansett Bay, affords anchorage in depths of 12 to chilled foodstuffs; shipment of general cargo; owned 22 feet. It is exposed to southerly weather and is seldom and operated by Maritime Terminal, Inc. used. Several small piers can accommodate small craft. (294) Bridge Terminal Wharf: northeast side of Fish Is- Several rocks are off Moshers Point on the west side of land; 450 feet long; 28 feet alongside; 500,000 cubic feet the cove. of refrigerated space; receipt of frozen and chilled food- stuffs; owned and operated by Bridge Terminal, Inc. (302) Apponagansett Bay, about 2 miles southwestward (295) Frionor Processing and Distribution Center Wharf: of Clarks Point, shelters numerous pleasure craft and a 200 yards northwest of Fish Island; 580 feet long; 25 few fishermen in the summer, but the bay is insecure in to 28 feet alongside; 63,400 square feet of refrigerated southeasterly gales. Nonquitt and Bayview are villages space, 57,500 square feet of freezer space, 34,700 square on the south side of the entrance and South Dartmouth feet of covered storage space; receipt of frozen fish; is on the northerly shore. Padanaram Breakwater is owned and operated by Frionor Norwegian Frozen Fish marked on the southern end by a light. The approach to Ltd. the bay is obstructed by numerous ledges and rocks, and (296) New Bedford North Terminal Wharf: 400 yards strangers should enter only in the daytime with clear northwest of Fish Island; 1,000 feet long; 30 feet along- weather. Inside the breakwater, the channel is marked side; 14 acres of open storage; owned by New Bedford by buoys. Dartmouth Rock, covered 4 feet, is on the Harbor Development Commission and operated by vari- northeast side of the channel. Private seasonal anchor- ous tenants. age buoys mark the area off South Dartmouth, which is usually very crowded in the summer. A highway bridge Supplies at the village has a swing span with a channel width of (297) Gasoline, diesel fuel, water, provisions, and marine 31 feet and a clearance of 8 feet. (See 117.1 through 117.59 and 117.587, chapter 2, for drawbridge regula- supplies of all kinds are available. Diesel oil and marine tions.) Above the bridge, small craft anchor in a narrow bunker fuels are available by truck. The water is excel- channel near the eastern shore. lent for drinking and boiler use; a water boat services craft at anchor. (303) The harbormaster controls anchoring and berth- ing in the harbor and can be contacted through the police department or VHF-FM channel 16. The speed limit in the harbor is 5 mph. (304) Southward of the bridge is a landing at a yacht club with reported depth of 10 feet alongside. Diesel fuel, gasoline, water, ice, and some marine supplies
230 Vineyard Sound and Buzzards Bay Volume 2 are available. Two nearby boatyards and a marina can Numerous rocks are in the channel below the bridge at provide limited guest berths, storage, complete marine Westport; caution is advised. supplies, and hull, engine, electronic, rigging, and sail (314) Boats should not try to enter during strong south- repairs. The largest marine railway can handle craft to erly winds as heavy seas break over the entrance bar. 55 feet; mobile hoists to 35 tons are also available. In About 1 mile above the entrance the river divides into 1981, depths of 3 to 11 feet were reported at the slips. two branches. The west branch is shallow, with a narrow (305) Round Hill Point, about 3.5 miles southwestward channel marked by private seasonal buoys, and is used of Clarks Point, is marked by a prominent round hill. by local craft to opposite Toms Point, about 1.6 miles (306) Between Round Hill Point and Salters Point, 1.1 above the entrance. Above the Westport Point bridge, miles southwestward, Hunts Rock Breakwater extends the east branch is marked by private seasonal buoys as 270 yards in a northeast-southwest direction. far as the Hix Bridge, 4.7 miles above Westport Point. (307) Mishaum Point, 1.9 miles southwestward of Round A reported depth of about 4 feet can be carried to this Hill Point, is the southern point of Smith Neck. Shoal bridge with local knowledge. water extends about 0.2 mile off the point. (315) A highway bridge with a 49-foot bascule span and a clearance of 21 feet at the center crosses the river at Chart 13228 Westport Point, about 2 miles above the mouth. (See 117.1 through 117.59 and 117.620, chapter 2, for (308) Slocums River, westward of Mishaum Point, has a drawbridge regulations.) Hix highway bridge, about 6 bar at the entrance nearly bare at low water. The channel miles above the mouth, has a 35-foot fixed span with inside is narrow, unmarked, and little used. Slocums a clearance of 3 feet. An overhead power cable on the Ledge, extending 0.6 mile westward of Mishaum Point, north side of Hix bridge has a clearance of 37 feet. covered 2 to 7 feet, is marked by a buoy. Pawn Rock (316) Approaching Westport River, boats must take care uncovers 3 feet and is 0.2 mile easterly of Barneys Joy to pass westward of the dangers off Gooseberry Neck Point, the point on the west side of the river entrance. and eastward of the dangers off the river entrance. Nu- merous rocks and ledges are southward of the entrance (309) Gooseberry Neck, about 4 miles southwestward of to the river. Twomile Rock, 1 mile southeastward of Mishaum Point, is marked by several prominent towers. Westport Harbor Entrance Light 7 on The Knubble, is The neck, irregular and elongated, extends about 1 mile marked by a daybeacon. Shoals with depths of 5 to 18 southward from Horseneck Beach to which it is joined feet are southeasterly of the rock. A buoy is 0.35 mile by a narrow roadway over rock fill. The water surround- south-southeast of the rock. Halfmile Rock, 3 feet high, ing the neck is very foul. is 325 yards southeast of the light on The Knubble. The shoal water surrounding the rock is marked by a buoy. (310) Hen and Chickens and the dangers southward of it The area south of The Knubble is very foul. Other un- have been previously discussed under the entrance to marked dangers include Twomile Ledge, extending 1 Buzzards Bay. mile south of The Knubble, and covered 2 to 12 feet; Joe Burris Ledge covered 14 feet, midway between Halfmile (311) In addition to Hen and Chickens, numerous rocks Rock and Twomile Rock, and Pinetree Ground, about 1 and reefs surround Gooseberry Neck. Shoal water ex- mile south of Twomile Rock, covered 25 to 30 feet. tends 0.6 mile southwestward of the neck to Lumber (317) The shore in this vicinity should be given a berth Rock, covered 4 feet and marked by a buoy, and over of about 1.3 miles to avoid numerous rocks and ledges 0.5 mile westward to Browing Ledge, covered 6 feet. extending about 1 mile offshore for 2.5 miles westward Little Southwest Rock is about 0.3 mile northeastward of Westport Harbor. of Lumber Rock. Currents (312) Westport River empties into the large bight be- (318) The tidal current in the entrance has a velocity of tween Gooseberry Neck and Sakonnet Point (chart 13221). The mouth of the river is between Horseneck 2.5 knots, and caution is recommended when navigat- Point, 2.7 miles northwest of Gooseberry Neck, and The ing the river. (See the Tidal Current tables for predic- Knubble, a protruding mound of granite marked by a tions.) light about 0.2 mile south of Horseneck Point. The river is the approach to Westport Harbor, the area just inside the entrance; the village of Westport Point, on the north shore of the east branch of the river; and the village of (319) Two piers, used by fishing and pleasure boats, are Acoaxet, westward of The Knubble. Fishing and plea- at Westport Point. These piers have reported depths of sure boats use the river as far as Westport Point. about 10 feet at their faces. Berthing at the piers is under the control of the harbormaster, who can be contacted (313) The entrance channel is narrow, crooked, and through the town hall or police department. marked by buoys. In 2009, the entrance channel had a controlling depth of 7.3 feet except shoaling to 5.7 (320) A 5 mph speed limit is enforced in the harbor. feet in the right half of the channel between Buoy 10 (321) A boatyard and a marina are in the harbor. The and Buoy 12. Depths near the entrance are continually changing; mariners are advised to seek local knowledge. boatyard is on Horseneck Point about 0.5 mile west of
Chapter 5 Vineyard Sound and Buzzards Bay 231 the highway bridge. The marina is on Westport Point (323) Within the NDZ, discharge of sewage, whether about 0.1 mile west of the highway bridge. Berths, treated or untreated, from all vessels is prohibited. moorings, gasoline, diesel fuel, water, ice, launching Outside the NDZ, discharge of sewage is regulated by ramps, and marine supplies are available. The largest 40 CFR 140 (see chapter 2). marine railway is at the boatyard and can handle craft up to 60 feet for hull and engine repairs and dry open or covered storage. (324) Quicksand Point is about 1.5 miles west of The No-Discharge Zone Knubble. The boundary line between Massachusetts and (322) The State of Massachusetts, with the approval of Rhode Island is near the point. Cutty Wow Rock, awash at low water, is 1 mile southwestward of the point. the Environmental Protection Agency, has established a No-Discharge Zone (NDZ) in the coastal waters of (325) Briggs Point, 2 miles southwestward of Quicksand Westport. The NDZ includes Westport Harbor and the Point, is surrounded by shoals and rocks. Halfway Rock, East and West Branches of the Westport River (see chart 2 feet high, is 0.4 mile southeastward of the point. 13228 for limits).
232 Vineyard Sound and Buzzards Bay Volume 2 TIDAL INFORMATION Chart Station LAT/LONG Mean Mean High Mean Low Higher High Water* Water* Water* 0.1 0.1 13218 Woods Hole, Little Harbor 41°31'N/70°40'W 1.6 1.5 0.1 0.1 13218 Point Judith, Harbor of Refuge 41°22'N/71°29'W 3.4 3.1 0.1 0.1 13218 Block Island, Old Harbor Basin 41°10'N/71°33'W 3.2 3.0 0.1 0.1 13218 Newport, Naval Training Station 41°30'N/71°20'W 3.9 3.6 0.2 0.1 13228 Westport Harbor (near Buzzards Bay) 41°30'N/71°06'W 3.3 3.1 -- 0.1 13228 Hix Bridge, East Branch, Westport River 41°34'N/71°04'W 3.0 2.8 0.1 0.1 13229 Chatham Harbor, Aunt Lydias Cove, Cape Cod 41°42'N/69°57'W 5.1 4.8 0.2 0.2 13229 Dennisport, Herring River, Nantucket Sound 41°39'N/70°07'W 3.7 3.5 0.2 0.1 13229 Hyannis Port, Nantucket Sound 41°38'N/70°18'W 3.8 3.5 0.3 0.3 13229 Cotuit Highlands, Nantucket Sound 41°36'N/70°26'W 2.7 2.6 0.2 0.1 13229 Falmouth Heights, Nantucket Sound 41°33'N/70°36'W 1.4 1.3 0.1 0.3 13229 Cedar Tree Neck, Martha's Vineyard 41°26'N/70°42'W 2.4 2.3 0.2 0.2 13229 Oak Bluff's, Martha's Vineyard 41°27'N/70°33'W 1.9 1.8 0.2 0.3 13229 Quicks Hole, Vineyard Sound 41°27'N/70°51'W 3.9 3.6 0.3 0.2 13229 Chappaquoit Point (West Falmouth Habor) 41°36'N/70°39'W 4.2 4.0 0.1 0.1 13229 Monument Beach, Buzzards Bay 41°43'N/70°37'W 4.4 4.2 0.2 0.1 13229 Great Hill, Buzzards Bay 41°43'N/70°43'W 4.4 4.1 0.1 0.1 13229 New Bedford, Buzzards Bay 41°38'N/70°55'W 4.1 3.8 0.1 0.1 13229 Sagamore, Cape Cod Canal 41°47'N/70°32'W 8.6 8.2 -- 0.2 13229 Bournedale, Cape Cod Canal 41°46'N/70°34'W 6.8 6.5 -- 0.2 13229 Marion, Sippican Harbor 41°42'N/70°46'W 4.4 4.1 -- 13229 Mattapoisett, Buzzard Bay 41°39'N/70°49'W 4.3 4.0 13229 Clarks Point, Buzzards Bay 41°36'N/70°54'W 4.0 3.7 13229 Bourne Bridge, Cape Cod Canal 41°45'N/70°36'W 5.0 4.6 13229 Buzzards Bay, Cape Cod Canal Railroad Bridge 41°45'N/70°37'W 4.0 3.6 13229 Gray Gables, Buzzards Bay 41°44'N/70°37'W 4.1 3.8 13229 Piney Point, Buzzards Bay 41°42'N/70°43'W 4.4 4.1 13229 Saquatucket Harbor 41°40'N/70°03'W 4.3 4.0 13229 Chatham, Stage Harbor 42°40'N/69°58'W 4.6 4.2 13229 Onset Beach, Onset Bay, Buzzards Bay 41°45'N/70°40'W 4.1 3.7 13229 Round Hill Point, Buzzards Bay 41°32'N/70°56'W 3.8 3.6 13229 Cuttyhunk, Vineyard Sound 41°26'N/70°55'W 3.7 3.5 13230 West Falmouth Harbor, Buzzards Bay 41°36'N/70°39'W 4.5 4.2 13233 Squibnocket Point, Martha's Vineyard 41°19'N/70°46'W 3.2 3.0 13233 Nomans Land, Off Martha's Vineyard 41°16'N/70°49'W 3.3 3.1 13233 Gay Head, Martha's Vineyard 41°21'N/70°50'W 3.2 3.0 13233 Edgartown, Martha's Vineyard 41°23'N/70°31'W 2.1 2.0 13235 Woods Hole, Oceanographic Institution 41°31'N/70°40'W 2.2 1.9 13236 Abiels Ledge, Buzzards Bay 41°42'N/70°40'W 4.4 4.1 13236 Cape Cod Canal, east entrance, Sandwich Marina 41°46'N/70°30'W 9.4 9.0 13237 Siasconset, Nantucket Island 41°16'N/69°58'W 1.3 1.2 13237 Nantucket, Nantucket Island 41°17'N/70°06'W 3.6 3.2 13238 Wasque Point, Chappaquiddick Island 41°22'N/70°27'W 1.2 1.1 * 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 August 2011
Chapter 5 Vineyard Sound and Buzzards Bay 233
234 Narragansett Bay Volume 2 71°20' 71°10' Index of Chart Coverage in Chapter 6 13224 MASSACHUSETTS 13221 Providence 13225 PROVIDENCE TAUNTON RIVER 41° 41° 13227 45' 45' RIV ER Fall River GREENWICH BAY MOUNT HOPE BAY Bristol Hope Island Prudence Island 13226 Quonset Point 13221 SAKONNET RMHASOSDAECISHLUASENTDTS Wickford PASSAGE EAST PASSAGE RHODE ISLAND 41° Newport RIVER WEST Conanicut Island 30' 41° 30' Sakonnet Point Beavertail Point 13223 RHODE ISLAND SOUND 71°20' 71°10'
Chapter 6 Narragansett Bay 235 Narragansett Bay (1) This chapter describes the Sakonnet River, Narra- traffic lanes and separation zones. The Scheme is rec- gansett Bay, Mount Hope Bay, and Taunton and Provi- ommended for use by vessels approaching or departing dence Rivers. Also discussed are the ports of Newport, from Narragansett Bay, but is not necessarily intended Fall River, and Providence, as well as the numerous for tugs, tows, or other small vessels which tradition- other yachting and fishing centers in this area. ally operate outside of the usual steamer lanes or close inshore. COLREGS Demarcation Lines (7) The Traffic Separation Scheme has been designed (2) The lines established for this part of the coast are to aid in the prevention of collisions at the approaches to major harbors, but is not intended in any way to described in 80.145, chapter 2. supersede or alter the applicable Navigation Rules. Separation zones are intended to separate inbound Charts 13221, 13218 and outbound traffic lanes and be free of ship traffic, and should not be used except for crossing purposes. (3) Narragansett Bay, opening into the north side of Mariners should use extreme caution when crossing Rhode Island Sound 17 miles westward of Buzzards traffic lanes and separation zones. (See 167.1 through Bay entrance, is the approach to the cities of Newport, 167.15 and 167.100 through 167.103, chapter 2, for Providence, Fall River, and Taunton, as well as numer- limits and regulations and Traffic Separation Schemes, ous towns and villages. Rhode Island (Aquidneck Is- chapter 1, for additional information.) land), the largest island in the bay, forms the eastern (8) The southern precautionary area in the southwest shore of the bay proper. The entrance is between Bren- part of Rhode Island Sound has a radius of 5.4 miles ton Point, the southwestern part of Rhode Island, on centered on 41°06'00\"N., 71°23'18\"W., excluding those the east, and Point Judith Neck on the west. The bay is areas of the circle bounded by imaginary lines extending about 18 miles long from the entrance to the mouth of between the outer limits of the inbound and outbound Providence River. Navigation of the bay is easy during traffic lanes. (Note that the southern precautionary area day or night in clear weather as it is marked by naviga- is common to the Traffic Separation Schemes for the tional aids. The large Conanicut Island and Prudence approaches to both Narragansett Bay and Buzzards Bay. Island, and several smaller islands, divide the bay into The Traffic Separation Scheme for the approach to Buz- two passages. Sakonnet River, although not a part of zards Bay is described in chapter 5.) Narragansett Bay, is included with it in the following (9) The separation zone is a 2-mile-wide zone centered discussion. upon the following positions: (10) (i) 41°22'42\"N., 71°23'18\"W., (4) East Passage is good for a least depth of about 60 (11) (ii) 41°11'06\"N., 71°23'18\"W. feet for about 11 miles up the marked channel to the (12) The inbound traffic lane is a 1-mile-wide lane with entrance of the dredged channel to Providence. West a length of about 11.5 miles. Entering the traffic lane Passage is the approach to Dutch Island Harbor, Wick- at a point in about 41°11'06\"N., 71°21'24\"W., a course ford, Greenwich Bay, and Providence River. Vessels of of 000° follows the centerline of the traffic lane to a over 16-foot draft rarely go above Dutch Island Harbor junction with the northern precautionary area. without a pilot, but vessels of 16-foot draft or less should (13) The outbound traffic lane is a 1-mile-wide lane with have no difficulty in going to the head of the bay and a length of about 11.5 miles. Entering the traffic lane at Providence River. Sakonnet River is good for a depth of a point in about 41°22'39\"N., 71°25'24\"W., a course of 18 feet from the mouth to Mount Hope Bay. 180° follows the centerline of the traffic lane to a junc- tion with the southern precautionary area. (14) The northern precautionary area has a 3.55- mile radius centered on a point in about 41°25'36\"N., (5) Traffic Separation Scheme Narragansett Bay has 71°23'18\"W., excluding those areas of the circle bounded been established in the approach to Narragansett Bay by imaginary lines extending between the outer limits of through Rhode Island Sound. (See charts 13223, 13221, the inbound and outbound traffic lanes. 13218, 12300.) (15) A 2-mile-wide restricted area extends from the northern limits of the Narragansett Bay Approach (6) The Scheme is composed basically of directed traf- fic lanes each with one-way inbound and outbound traffic lanes separated by a defined traffic separation zone, and two precautionary areas, one at the southern end and the other at the northern end of the directed
236 Narragansett Bay Volume 2 traffic separation zone to 41°24.7'N. This restricted area navigation, give each vessel information on all others within the precautionary area will only be closed to ves- in the immediate vicinity, and to do so at little cost and sel traffic by the Naval Undersea Warfare Center Divi- with as little radiotelephone traffic as possible. These sion, Newport, during periods of daylight and optimum recommendations do not relieve a master, pilot, or op- weather conditions for torpedo range use. The closing erator of any requirements of law or regulation. There of the restricted area will be indicated by the activation is no guarantee that every vessel will follow them. of red flashing lights on naval vessels supporting the (22) Inbound vessels should make Security calls when torpedo range activities. There would be no vessel re- abeam of Narragansett Bay Entrance Lighted Whistle strictions expected during inclement weather or when Buoy NB, when off Castle Hill Light, and when at the the torpedo range is not in use. south end of Prudence Island (state whether bound for (16) The Traffic Separation Scheme is not buoyed. A Providence or Fall River). The call at Castle Hill Light group of buoys within the separation zone and the pre- alerts outbound vessels so that they can pass East Pas- cautionary area mark the torpedo range; these buoys are sage Lighted Bell Buoy 11 close aboard, as during ebb not related to the Scheme. current they tend to be set toward the center of the (17) Narragansett Bay Entrance Lighted Whistle Buoy channel. Vessels bound for Providence should make NB (41°23'00\"N., 71°23'21\"W.) is at the north end of the additional Security calls when off Popasquash Neck separation zone and is equipped with a racon. and when approaching Bullock Point Light BP. Ves- (18) A safety zone has been established about 2 miles sels bound for Fall River should call Brightman Street northward of Buoy NB for Liquefied Petroleum Gas Bridge when they enter Mount Hope Bay to allow suf- (LPG) vessels. (See 165.20, 165.23, and 165.121, ficient time for opening of the bridge. chapter 2, for limits and regulations.) (23) Vessels outbound from Providence should make Security calls when leaving their dock and when off Popasquash Neck. Vessels outbound from Fall River should make calls when leaving their dock, when ap- (19) Recommended Vessel Route (Narragansett Bay) proaching Mount Hope Bridge, and when off Gould has been established in the approach to Narragansett Island. Bay through Rhode Island Sound. Anchorages (20) The U.S. Coast Guard Captain of the Port, Provi- (24) The principal anchorages for vessels seeking shel- dence, in cooperation with the Southeastern Massachu- setts and Rhode Island Port Safety and Security Com- ter are Newport Harbor in the East Passage and Dutch mittees, has established a Recommended Vessel Route Island Harbor in the West Passage. These harbors af- for deep draft vessels and tugs/barges transiting Rhode ford anchorage with good holding ground for deep-draft Island Sound, Narragansett Bay, and Buzzards Bay. vessels, and are sometimes used by coasting vessels on Deep draft vessels and tugs/barges are requested to fol- the passage between Vineyard Sound and Long Island low the designated routes. These routes were designed Sound. Good anchorage will be found almost anywhere to provide safe, established routes for these vessels, to in the bay under the lee of islands or the shore, where reduce the potential for conflict with recreational boat- vessels becalmed or at night frequently anchor. Point ers, fishing gear, and other small craft, and to reduce the Judith Harbor of Refuge is just west of Point Judith. potential for grounding or collision. Vessels are respon- General and explosives anchorages are in Narragansett sible for their own safety and are not required to remain Bay. (See 110.1 and 110.145, chapter 2, for limits and inside the route nor are fisherman required to keep fish- regulations.) ing gear outside the route. Small vessels should exercise caution in and around the Recommended Vessel Routes Routes and monitor VHF channels 16 or 13 for information (25) Vessels approaching from eastward should shape concerning deep draft vessels and tugs/barges transit- ing these routes. their approach to pass well south of Seal Ledge and Brenton Reef. Brenton Reef and other dangers on the Security Broadcast System, Narragansett Bay easterly side of the entrance will be avoided by keeping (21) In conjunction with various maritime interests, the Castle Hill Light bearing eastward of 003° and passing westward of the lighted whistle buoy and the gong buoy Coast Guard has developed a system of recommended off Brenton Reef and the bell buoy off Butter Ball Rock. radiotelephone procedures for Narragansett and Mount Approaching from westward, from a position with Point Hope Bays that is designed to supplement the Vessel Judith Light bearing 344° distant 2 miles, vessels may Bridge-to-Bridge Radiotelephone Regulations (33 CFR steer 028° for about 9 miles to a position 0.5 mile west of 26) (see chapter 2). These voluntary procedures consist Castle Hill Light, thence follow the navigational lights of Security calls to be made by vessel masters, pilots, in the bay. The recommended route, however, for deep- or operators on VHF-FM channel 13 (156.65 MHz) draft vessels is via the Narragansett Bay Approach Traffic at designated points. The procedures are designed to Separation Scheme, which is described earlier in this give notice of unseen vessels, give notice of intended chapter. movement, clear channel 13 of traffic unrelated to
Chapter 6 Narragansett Bay 237 Tides local wind conditions can cause the tide to turn earlier (26) The tidal movement in Narragansett Bay with its or later than predicted in the tables. vertical and horizontal constituents–tide and current, North Atlantic Right Whales respectively–is a continuation of the tide wave of the At- (30) Endangered North Atlantic right whales may oc- lantic Ocean. This wave sweeps into the three entrances between Sakonnet Point and Point Judith and continues cur in the Narragansett/Buzzards Bay Traffic Separation up the bay and into each of its tributaries until stopped Scheme (peak season: November though April). The by rapids or other obstructions. As is usual when oce- Northeast Marine Pilots distribute educational mate- anic tidal movements enter inland waterways, the na- rial to mariners in an effort to reduce right whale ship ture of the movement is modified by the hydrographic strikes. (See North Atlantic Right Whales, indexed as features encountered. In this area the local features are such, in chapter 3 for more information on right whales such that the current movement in particular is subject and recommended measures to avoid collisions.) to considerable distortion. (See the Tide Tables for pre- (31) All vessels 65 feet or greater in length overall dictions.) (L.O.A.) and subject to the jurisdiction of the United States are restricted to speeds of 10 knots or less in Currents the Block Island Sound Seasonal Management Area be- (27) The flood current in Narragansett Bay frequently tween November 1 and April 30. The area is defined as the waters bounded by: has two maximums of velocity separated by a minimum (32) 40°51'53.7\"N., 70°36'44.9\"W.; velocity which at times becomes an ebb flow. Over the (33) 41°20'14.1\"N., 70°49'44.1\"W.; greater part of the bay, the usual maximum flood or (34) 41°04'16.7\"N., 71°51'21.0\"W.; ebb velocity is from 0.2 knot in the broad portions of (35) 40°35'56.5\"N., 71°38'25.1\"W.; thence back to start- the waterways to 1.5 knots in the more constricted sec- ing point. (See 50 CFR 224.105 in chapter 2 for regula- tions. Velocities of about 1.4 knots occur at the bridges tions, limitations, and exceptions.) in Seekonk River, a velocity of about 1.7 knots in the narrows at the mouth of Kickamuit River, and a velocity of 2.3 to 2.7 knots at the bridges in Sakonnet River. In Sakonnet River, from the highway bridge to its mouth, (36) The Narragansett Bay National Estuarine Re- current velocities are small, being generally less than search Reserve, a Marine Protected Area (MPA), in- 0.5 knot. (See the Tidal Current Tables for predictions.) cludes the waters around Prudence, Patience, Dyer, and Hope Islands in Narragansett Bay. Cape Cod South Weather, Narragansett Bay and vicinity Closure Area includes inshore waters of Narragansett (28) In the entrance to the bay and its approaches, fogs Bay and offshore Federal waters of the south coasts of Massachusetts and Rhode Island. are more prevalent from April to October. The fogs are brought in by winds from east through south to south- Pilotage, Narragansett Bay and Other Rhode Island west and are cleared off by northerly and westerly winds. The usual duration of the fog is 4 to 12 hours, but pe- Waters riods of 4 to 6 days have been known with only short (37) Pilotage is compulsory for foreign vessels and U.S. clear intervals. The head of the bay will sometimes be free from fog while the entrance is completely shut in. vessels under register when entering and departing Nar- (29) Navigation of the bay and its tributaries is some- ragansett Bay and all ports of the waters of the State of times impeded by floating ice and in severe winters by Rhode Island. packs of field ice. The ice which breaks up in Providence (38) Federal and State pilots for Narragansett Bay are River and Mount Hope Bay is set by north and northeast available from Northeast Marine Pilots, Inc., Newport, winds down the bay through East Passage. If there is RI 02840; http://www.nemarinepilots.com; telephone much ice, a gorge is sometimes formed at Fort Adams, 401-847-9050 (24 hours), 800-274-1216; FAX 401-847- but it is of short duration. The passages are rarely closed 9052; email: [email protected]. for any length of time below Gould Island in the East (39) Pilots board vessels about 1.5 miles eastward of Passage and Dutch Island in the West Passage. During Narragansett Bay Entrance Lighted Whistle Buoy NB January and February, Mount Hope Bay, Bristol Harbor, within an area bounded by Warren, Providence River, Greenwich Bay, and Wickford (40) 41°23.6'N., 71°22.4'W., are usually closed to sailing vessels unaided by power. (41) 41°22.6'N., 71°22.0'W., The inner harbor of Newport is also sometimes closed (42) 41°24.2'N., 71°20.0'W., during these months with the exception of a channel (43) 41°22.6'N., 71°20.6'W. This pilot boarding area is kept open by vessels. It can get nasty at the mouth of southward of a line extending from Point Judith to Sa- Narragansett Bay when strong winds oppose the cur- konnet Point. Vessels arriving from sea should approach rents. Rounding Point Judith can be rough or inter- this boarding station via the Narragansett Bay Traffic minable, due to the confluence of tidal currents. Also Separation Scheme inbound traffic lane. (44) Vessels bound for Long Island Sound ports may board pilots at any point south or east of the Point Judith
238 Narragansett Bay Volume 2 Pilot Station, centered on 41°17.0'N., 071°30.5'W., and a heavy sea seldom reaches as far as this anchorage. In outside the waters of the State of Rhode Island. southeasterly gales the water is comparatively smooth (45) Pilots board from the Northeast Marine Pilots, inside the mouth of the river. Fishermen seeking shelter Inc. pilot boats NORTHEAST II, NORTHEAST III and frequently anchor on the flats in the bight northward of NORTHEAST IV. NORTHEAST II is a 47-foot boat and Fogland Point in depths of 10 to 14 feet. NORTHEAST IV is a 52-foot boat; both have unpainted (53) Sakonnet Point, at the eastern entrance to Sakon- aluminum hulls and superstructures with the word PI- net River, is surrounded by bare and submerged rocks. LOT in red on both sides. NORTHEAST III is a 33-foot Several islets and islands are south of the point. Schuy- boat with black hull and white superstructure. A vessel ler Ledge, with a least depth of 8 feet, is about 0.8 mile should confirm her ETA by VHF-FM radio at least 2 southward of the point, and is marked by a bell buoy. A hours before arrival. All Northeast pilot boats monitor seasonal fishtrap area marked by private buoys is about VHF-FM channels 16, 13 and 10, and work on 10. 0.7 mile southwest of the point. (46) Pilots for Narragansett Bay serving U.S. enrolled (54) Cormorant Rock, a bare dark rock off the west- vessels in coastwise trade are available from the North- ern side of the entrance to the river, is about 0.8 mile east Marine Pilots (see above for contact information) south of Sachuest Point, the southeastern extremity of and the Connecticut State Pilots (a division of Inter- Rhode Island. Vessels should not pass between Cormo- port Pilots Agency, Inc.), address: State Pier, New Lon- rant Rock and Cormorant Reef, 0.3 mile southward of don, CT, telephone 800-346-4877 or 908-787-5554 (24 the rock. The least depth on the reef is 4 feet; it is marked hours), cable PORTPILOTS Port Monmouth, NJ. by a bell buoy. (47) Connecticut State Pilots board vessels from the pi- (55) The two bridges and the remains of the abandoned lot boat CONNECTICUT PILOT, 65 feet long with blue highway bridge at the north end of Sakonnet River act as hull and white superstructure, and from pilot boat dams to maintain the water at different levels on either CONNECTICUT PILOT II, 47 feet long with blue hull side of them, causing dangerous currents through the and white superstructure. The boats monitor VHF-FM openings. The currents change with great rapidity both channels 16 and 13, 2 hours prior to the vessel’s sched- in velocity and in direction, and are characterized by a uled ETA, and work on channel 10. The pilots meet double flood. (See the Tidal Current Tables for predic- ships bound for Narragansett Bay at any point south tions.) Vessels usually pass through the draws near the or east of the Point Judith Pilot Station, centered on times of slack water. 41°17.0'N., 071°30.5'W., and outside the waters of the (56) The river north of Fogland Point is usually closed State of Rhode Island. by ice for short periods each winter. Ice packs occur at (48) Vessels to be boarded should provide a ladder 3 feet the railroad bridge. above the water on the lee side. (57) Vessels proceeding up Sakonnet River should fol- (49) Pilot services are generally arranged at least 24 low a midriver course to the constricted part of the river, hours in advance through ships’ agents or directly by thence follow the channel marked by buoys into Mount shipping companies. Hope Bay. (58) Sakonnet Harbor, a small-boat harbor on the Chart 13221 northerly side of Sakonnet Point, about 2 miles north- eastward of the entrance lighted whistle buoy, is pro- (50) Sakonnet River, on the easterly side of Narragan- tected by an 800-foot breakwater extending in a north- sett Bay, is between the mainland and the eastern shore erly and easterly direction from Breakwater Point. A of Rhode Island. The width of the river varies from 0.7 to light marks the outer end. In 2001, the harbor had a 2 miles except at its northern end where a least width of controlling depth of 6.7 feet except for shoaling to 4.8 0.3 mile is found. The river is little used except by fishing feet along the southern edge and 1.5 feet along the NW vessels and small craft. Sakonnet Light (41°27'11\"N., edge. The holding ground in the harbor is reported to 71°12'09\"W.) is on the eastern side of the southern en- be poor. A marina on the southwest side of the harbor trance and marks the western end of the foul ground provides berths, gasoline, diesel fuel, and electricity. west-southwest of Sakonnet Point. In 1981, depths of 6 feet were reported alongside the berths. (51) The channel of Sakonnet River is good for a depth (59) The western shore of Sakonnet River from the en- of 18 feet from the mouth to Mount Hope Bay. There are trance to Sandy Point should be given a berth of 0.4 numerous shoals and outlying rocks, but the dangers mile to avoid shoals with depths of 7 to 17 feet. Rocks are well marked by buoys. Except for the breakwater extend up to 500 yards offshore between Sachuest Point light off Sakonnet Harbor, no lighted aids are in the and Flint Point, about 1 mile northward. Flint Point river, and strangers should not attempt to navigate it at Ledge, about 0.5 mile north-northeast of Flint Point, night. has a least depth of 7 feet; a buoy marks the ledge. Black Point is a rocky bluff on the western side of the river, (52) Good anchorage for vessels drawing up to 17 feet 2.6 miles northward of Flint Point. Sandy Point and can be had in midriver just below High Hill Point in depths of 21 to 28 feet. Although open to the southward,
Chapter 6 Narragansett Bay 239 McCorrie Point, low and backed by high land, are 3.9 has a clearance of 65 feet. In 2009, a replacement fixed and 5.4 miles, respectively, northward of Flint Point. highway bridge with a design clearance of 63 feet was (60) The channel passes eastward of Gould Island, a under construction near the existing bridge. An over- high wooded island, 2.5 miles north-northeastward of head power cable at the railroad bridge has a clearance McCorrie Point. This Gould Island should not be con- of 81 feet. fused with one of the same name in East Passage. A rock with a depth of 1 foot is northwestward of the island and Chart 13223 is marked by a buoy. (61) The eastern side of Sakonnet River is bolder than (67) The southern shore of Rhode Island is rocky with the western side. The east shore should be given a berth numerous offlying rocks and ledges. Numerous promi- of 0.7 mile from Sakonnet Point to Church Point, a flat nent residences are on the eastern side of Newport Neck, point with bluffs at the water, about 2.8 miles north- the southwestern part of Rhode Island. A large brick res- ward of Sakonnet Point. Old Bull, with a depth of 1 idence with several towers is on the southeastern point foot, is about 0.5 mile southward of Church Point and of Newport Neck. Easton Point is about 1.3 miles east- marked by a buoy. A church spire at Little Compton, ward of Newport Neck. A stone tower with a short spire about 1.7 miles east of Church Point, is prominent. at each corner can be seen from offshore, about 0.7 mile High Hill Point, about 3 miles north of Church Point, is northward of Easton Point. Westward of Easton Point a prominent small hill with bluffs at the water. Fogland is a bathing beach with a prominent pavilion. Several Point, about 0.9 mile northward of High Hill Point, is a private landings are northward of Gooseberry Island, a projecting prominent point; the westerly and northerly small islet south of Newport Neck. Local knowledge is sides should be given a berth of over 200 yards. Almy required to proceed to the landings. Rock, bare at low water, is 0.3 mile southwest of Fogland Point. The broad bights between Fogland Point and the (68) East Passage, the principal passage in Narragan- bridge are shoal. sett Bay, extends between Rhode Island on the east and Conanicut and Prudence Islands on the west. It is the most direct route to Newport, Bristol, Providence, Mount Hope Bay, and Taunton River. (62) Nannaquaket Pond, on the east side of Sakonnet River eastward of Gould Island, has a narrow entrance (69) The Pell Bridge Newport, a fixed highway sus- 8 feet deep crossed by a fixed bridge with a clearance of pension bridge locally known as the Newport Bridge, 12 feet. The deeper water in the entrance is along the crosses East Passage about 3.6 miles above the entrance, northern shore; several rocks are off the southern shore. between Jamestown and Newport. Clearances through The currents have considerable velocity. The northern the 1,500-foot center span are 213 feet at the center, 205 part of the pond has depths up to 26 feet; the remainder for the mid 1,000 feet, and 194 feet for the remainder of has depths of about 3 feet. the center span. A racon is at the bridge. (63) The Cove, on the western side of the river south of (70) Brenton Point is the southwestern extremity of the bridges, has a depth of about 9 feet in the entrance; Rhode Island and the eastern entrance point of East the 31-foot-wide fixed highway bridge across the en- Passage. trance has a clearance of 25 feet. Depths are generally 3 to 4 feet in the cove. (71) Brenton Reef, bare in places, extends 0.5 mile south-southwestward of the point and is marked by a (64) Tiverton is a town on the eastern bank of Sakonnet gong buoy. Another reef extends 0.5 mile offshore just River north and south of the bridges. Oil tankers call at eastward of the point; Seal Rock is at the southeastern Tiverton. The oil piers northward of the bridges have end of the reef. reported depths of about 32 to 35 feet alongside. (72) Seal Ledge, about 0.5 mile south of Seal Rock, has (65) There are small-craft facilities at Tiverton, across depths of 12 to 30 feet and is marked by a bell buoy. the Sakonnet River at Almy Point, and at Cedar Island Haycock Ledge, 0.4 mile eastward of Seal Rock, has a Pond approximately 1.1 miles north of Almy Point. The least depth of 11 feet. facilities provide berths and mooring, electricity, gaso- line, diesel fuel, water, ice, pumpout facilities, a launch- (73) Beavertail Point is the southern extremity of ing ramp, a lift to 60 tons, storage, and full repairs. The Conanicut Island, on the western side of the en- facility at Tiverton has an approach depth of 35 feet with trance to East Passage. Beavertail Light (41°26'58\"N., 12 feet alongside, at Almy Point has an approach depth 71°23'58\"W.), 64 feet above the water, is shown from of 25 feet with 11 feet alongside, and at Cedar Island a square granite tower attached to a white dwelling at Pond has an approach depth of 12 feet with 8 feet along- Beavertail Point. A sound signal is at the light and a ra- side. dar tower is north of the light. Newton Rock, a covered rock, is about 0.1 mile southward of the point; a bell (66) The channel at the north end of Sakonnet River, 0.6 buoy is about 0.2 mile southwestward of the rock. mile above Gould Island, is restricted to a width of 100 feet between the abutments of a former highway bridge. (74) Hull Cove, about 1 mile northeastward of Bea- The fixed highway bridge, 0.8 mile to the northward, vertail Light, is rocky and exposed to southerly winds. Castle Hill, the westernmost point of Rhode Island, is
240 Narragansett Bay Volume 2 marked by Castle Hill Light; a sound signal is at the light. Castle Hill Coast Guard Station is close east of the light. Butter Ball Rock, about 0.2 mile south of the (82) The entrance to the outer harbor from the south- light and marked by a bell buoy, uncovers 1 foot. ward is unobstructed; the entrance from northward, (75) Mackerel Cove indents the southern shore of Co- passing either side of Gould Island, is clear, but the nanicut Island about 1.6 miles northeastward of Beaver- passage eastward of Rose Island is partly obstructed by tail Light. A house with a cupola is prominent on South- the rocks and ledges between Rose and Coasters Harbor west Point, the eastern entrance point of the cove. The Islands. cove is exposed to southerly weather and is seldom used. The Jamestown Bridge shows prominently over the bar (83) The inner harbor has two entrances north and at the head of the cove on entering East Passage. Kettle south of Goat Island. A fixed highway bridge with a 40- Bottom Rock, about 0.2 mile southeastward of South- foot span and a clearance of 14 feet connects the New- west Point, is bare and marked by a gong buoy. port mainland to the northern part of Goat Island. This (76) Bull Point, the southeastern point of Conanicut bridge limits the size of vessels that can enter the inner Island, is rugged and rocky, and fringed by shoals which harbor from the northern approach. are marked by buoys. Fort Wetherill is on the point. The Dumplings, northeast of Bull Point, are numerous bare (84) General anchorages are in the outer and inner har- and covered rocks and islets. The most southerly islet bor and, except in emergencies, vessels must anchor in has a tall house on it, covering almost the entire islet. these areas. (See 110.1 and 110.145, (a) (1), (a) (3) (77) Fort Adams is on a peninsula off the north side of through (a) (5), and (d), chapter 2, for limits and regu- Newport Neck. The buildings and masonry of the fort lations.) Special anchorages are in Brenton Cove and in are prominent on the western slope of the peninsula. A the inner harbor east and northeast of Goat Island. (See dock extending northward from the fort is marked by a 110.1, 110.1a, and 110.46, chapter 2, for limits and light and sound signal. regulations.) Vessels of more than 18-foot draft anchor (78) Newport Harbor, on the western shore of Rhode in the outer harbor in depths of 36 to 100 feet with good Island and the eastern side of East Passage, 3.5 miles holding ground. above Beavertail Light, is an important harbor of ref- uge for coasters, tows, and yachts. Its approach is well (85) Good anchorage is in Brenton Cove, the bight east- marked by navigational aids, and the harbor is of easy ward of Fort Adams, which is used frequently by yachts. access day and night. A State regulatory buoy in the When entering, the western shore should be given a entrance to the inner harbor marks a Goat Island, 0.6 berth of 200 yards. mile long in a north-south direction, is a major plea- sure boating center and divides Newport Harbor into an (86) In 1981, the harbormaster requested that transient outer and inner harbor. The outer harbor, on the west- craft anchor only in the northern part of the Brenton ern side of Goat Island, is northward of The Dumplings Cove anchorage and in the anchorage northeast of Goat and southward of Gould Island. The inner harbor is on Island. the eastern side of Goat Island and extends along the western front of Newport. (87) Shoals with little water over them make out nearly (79) A marina, hotel, recreational and service facilities, 300 yards from the southern shore of the inner harbor and marine supplies are available on Goat Island. to Ida Lewis Rock and Little Ida Lewis Rock; the latter (80) Newport, a city on the inner harbor, is one of the is marked by a daybeacon. principal summer resorts on the Atlantic Coast. Some coastwise traffic uses the port, but few foreign vessels (88) Goat Island is marked by a light at its northern end enter it. A Naval Education and Training Center is here, and a lighted bell buoy at its southern end. Buoys mark from which several Navy ships operate. the shoals along the southeasterly and southwesterly sides of the island. Prominent features (81) The following objects are prominent when ap- (89) Rose Island, privately owned, is surrounded by a shoal with little water over it. The shoal extends about proaching Newport Harbor either from the southward 0.4 mile northeastward of the island where it rises or northward: a hotel on Goat Island; a white building abruptly from deep water. A rocky area extends south- of the yacht club near Ida Lewis Rock in the southerly ward from Rose Island and is marked by a buoy. A private part of the harbor; church spires in the town; and the light marks the southwest point of the island. Mitchell buildings of the Naval Education and Training Center Rock, with a depth of 14 feet and marked by a gong buoy, and Naval War College on Coasters Harbor Island in the is about 0.1 mile southeast of the dock on the southeast north part of the harbor. To the westward on Conanicut side of the island. Citing Rock, 2 feet high, is 350 yards Island are several large hotels and a standpipe. Numer- east of the north end of the island and on the edge of the ous navigational aids mark the passages through the shoal surrounding Rose Island. Tracey Ledge, covered harbor. 10 feet, is about 0.3 mile eastward of Rose Island and marked by a buoy. (90) Gull Rocks are about midway between Rose Island and Coasters Harbor Island. Buoys mark the ends of the shoals and rocks that extend northward and southward of the rocks. There is deep water between Gull Rocks, Rose Island, and Coasters Harbor Island. A rock, covered
Chapter 6 Narragansett Bay 241 17 feet and marked by a buoy, is about 0.3 mile north- Pilotage, Newport northwestward of Gull Rocks. (100) See Pilotage, Narragansett Bay and Other Rhode (91) Off the northern and southern sides of Coasters Harbor Island are numerous rocks and ledges. A private Island Waters (indexed as such), early this chapter. light marks an obstruction in the channel south of the island. St. Patrick Rock, covered 5 feet, is about 0.3 mile Quarantine, customs, immigration, and agricultural southeastward of the island. The island has numerous quarantine buildings. Two highway bridges connecting the island (101) (See chapter 3, Vessel Arrival Inspections, and Ap- to Newport have 31-foot fixed spans with clearances of 3 pendix A for addresses.) feet. Overhead power cables of unknown clearance cross (102) Quarantine is enforced in accordance with regu- the harbor 0.1 mile north of the northern bridge. lations of the U.S. Public Health Service. (See Public (92) The western portion of the outer harbor is gener- Health Service, chapter 1.) ally free of dangers northward of The Dumplings. (103) Newport is a customs port of entry. (104) The Coast Guard vessel documentation office at Currents Providence serves Newport. (See Appendix A for ad- (93) In the entrance off Bull Point the flood current is dress.) often irregular. There may be a long period of slack wa- Harbor regulations ter preceding the flood, or there may be a double flood. (105) The harbormaster, under the supervision of the The flood reaches a strength of about 1.2 knots; the ebb is regular and averages 1.5 knots at strength. Recreation Department, is charged with the enforce- (94) Northward of Bull Point, tidal current velocities ment of harbor regulations, the movement of vessels, seldom exceed 1 knot. In the inner harbor they are usu- and assignment of moorings and anchoring. The har- ally less than 0.5 knot. (See the Tidal Current Tables for bormaster may be contacted through the Police Depart- predictions.) ment. The speed limit inside the harbor is 5 mph. Weather, Newport and vicinity Wharves (95) The prevailing winds are southwesterly in the sum- (106) Facilities include a city wharf and numerous pri- mer and northwesterly in the winter. The heaviest gales vate piers. The depths alongside the principal piers are usually from the northwest and northeast. range from about 7 to 18 feet. (96) The harbor and its approaches are navigable throughout the year, although in severe winters ice may Supplies interfere with navigation in the inner harbor for short (107) Gasoline, diesel oil, diesel fuel, water, provisions, periods. Vessels and tugs keep ice well broken up in the main channel through the inner harbor. and marine supplies may be obtained at Newport. (97) July is the warmest month with an average maxi- (108) Launch services are available in the harbor. mum of 79°F (26.1°C) and average minimum of 63°F (17.2°C). January is the coldest month, having normal Repairs mean temperatures near freezing, that is, average maxi- (109) Newport has a commercial shipyard specializing in mum of 38°F (3.3°C) and average minimum of 23°F (-5°C). The extreme maximum temperature for New- repair, construction, and conversion of steel and alumi- port is 98°F (36.7°C) recorded in August 1975 while the num vessels. The marine railway is at the shipyard in the extreme minimum is -9°F (-22.8°C) recorded in January inner harbor and can handle vessels to 330 feet long, 63 1982. feet wide, and 21.6 feet in draft. Cranes to 60 tons are (98) Precipitation is fairly evenly distributed through- available. out the year averaging about 45 inches (1143 mm) in any given year. The wettest month is November averag- Small-craft facilities ing 4.57 inches (116 mm) and the driest month is July (110) There are numerous facilities in Newport harbor. averaging only 2.94 inches (75 mm). Total snowfall for the winter season averages about 20 inches (508 mm); Mobile hoists up to 60 tons are available. Complete however, melting is usually rapid and snow cover rarely small-craft hull and engine repairs can be made. lasts more than a few days. The greatest snowfall in a 24-hour period was 20.0 inches (508 mm) in February Communications 1978. January is the snowiest month averaging over sev- (111) Newport has bus and rail transportation. In the en inches (178 mm). Snow is absent from May through September. An average of only five days each year has summer the ferry between Block Island and Providence snowfall amounts greater than 1.5 inches (38 mm). calls at Newport. (99) See Appendix B for the Newport climatological table. (112) Jamestown is a town on the east side of Conanicut Island in a bight on the west side of East Passage. A standpipe in the southern part of the town and a hotel near the waterfront are prominent. The bight is a popu- lar summer anchorage for local craft. A marina basin
242 Narragansett Bay Volume 2 protected by a detached breakwater is in the center of Rhode Island is a bar with depths of 9 to 18 feet over it. the bight. Jamestown has two boatyards. The largest North of Dyer Island is a reef with depths of 6 to 18 feet. marine railway can handle craft to 80 feet, and the larg- (122) Melville, a military fueling facility, is on the west est lift is 50 tons. Berths, electricity, gasoline, diesel fuel, shore of Rhode Island, east of Dyer Island. Depths along- water, ice, some marine supplies, and complete hull, side the fuel piers range from 30 to 35 feet. engine, and electronic repairs are available. (123) A small-craft facility is in a basin at Coggeshall (113) Potter Cove is about 1 mile above the marina basin Point, just north of Melville. Berths, gasoline, diesel just north of Taylor Point. This cove should not be con- fuel, electricity, water, ice, complete marine supplies, fused with the Potter Cove off Prudence Island. About and a 50-ton mobile hoist are available; engine, hull, 1 mile north of Taylor Point are the ruins of a pontoon and electronic repairs can be made. In 1981, depths of pier. 9 to 15 feet were reported in the basin. (114) Coddington Point is about 0.5 mile northward of (124) A lighted wind turbine is about 0.9 mile northeast Coasters Harbor Island on the east shore of East Pas- of Coggeshall Point. A boat ramp is about 1.6 miles sage. Bishop Rock Shoal, 0.6 mile southwestward of north-northeast of Coggeshall Point, south of Arnold the point, is covered 9 feet and marked by a lighted bell Point. buoy. The Sisters, rocks awash westward of the point, are marked by a buoy. Chart 13224 (115) Coddington Cove, eastward of Coddington Point, is protected on its north side by a curving breakwater (125) Hog Island, about 1 mile north of Arnold Point, 0.7 mile long, marked at its end by a light and sound lies in the entrance to Bristol Harbor, dividing the wa- signal. Two long finger piers are inside the cove; the ters into two channels. The island has a rolling wooded north side of the northerly pier is used by the Navy, and terrain on which are a few houses and cottages. Shoal the southerly pier is used by a shipyard. Depths of 30 water surrounds the island extending as much as 0.4 feet are reported alongside both piers. Navy buildings mile southward and 0.8 mile northward. The shoal area on shore and buildings at the shipyard are conspicuous. is marked by lights and buoys. Restricted Area (126) About 0.6 mile east-northeastward of Hog Island (116) Coddington Cove is within a naval restricted area. Shoal Light is Musselbed Shoals, marked on the outer end by a light. From the light structure a directional (See 334.81, chapter 2, for limits and regulations). light is shown to mark the channel to Mount Hope Bay. Danger Zone Charts 13221, 13227 (117) A prohibited area surrounds Gould Island and ex- (127) Mount Hope Bay, in the northeastern part of Nar- tends north to include waters between Conanicut Is- ragansett Bay, is the approach to the city of Fall River land and Prudence Island. (See 334.80, chapter 2, for and Taunton River. There are two approaches to the limits and regulations.) bay. The approach from the Sakonnet River, previously discussed, is little used. The approach from East Passage is well marked, and with care 34 feet can be carried in the channel into the bay. (118) Gould Island, a military reservation, is about 2 miles north of Rose Island and 0.8 mile east of Conani- (128) Fall River, on the eastern shore of the mouth of cut Island. A light is on the south end of the island. The Taunton River and head of Mount Hope Bay, is an im- island is sparsely wooded. portant manufacturing center as well as distribution point of petroleum products. Principal products han- (119) Halfway Rock and Fiske Rock are about 1.8 miles dled through the port are petroleum products, latex, northeastward of Gould Island, on a small ledge bare at shellac, cotton, and some lumber. its southern end. Halfway Rock is marked by a daybea- con and Fiske Rock by a buoy. Strangers should not pass (129) Somerset, about 5.3 miles, and Dighton, about 7.5 between these aids. miles above the Fall River, are towns on the west side of Taunton River. Taunton, a manufacturing city, is at the (120) A mussel farming area is about 1.3 miles northeast head of navigation about 12.5 miles above Fall River. of the breakwater at Coddington Cove in the vicinity of the pier at Lawtons. Submerged equipment and numer- (130) Mount Hope Bridge crosses the entrance to Mount ous buoys extend several hundred yards offshore and for Hope Bay between Bristol Point and Rhode Island. The about 0.5 mile north of the pier. Caution is advised in bridge has two lighted towers which are visible for many the area. miles in clear weather and a racon. It is a high-level suspension highway bridge with a clearance of 135 feet. (121) Dyer Island, about 0.8 mile eastward of the south- ern portion of Prudence Island, is low and brush cov- (131) Mount Hope is a prominent hill on the western ered. A reef, partly bare, extends 0.4 miles southward side of the bay 2 miles northeastward of the suspension and southwestward of the island, and is marked by a bridge. The eastern and western slopes are wooded. Spar buoy. Between the shoal area south of Dyer Island and
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