Chapter 6 Narragansett Bay 243 Island is a small, low island near the center of Mount from Dighton to Taunton. Buoys mark the channel to Hope Bay. about a mile beyond the Berkley Bridge, about 3.5 miles (132) Borden Flats, the shoal area northward of the chan- below Taunton. nel in Fall River Harbor, is marked by a light equipped with a sound signal. Anchorages (133) Three shallow streams that empty into the north- (139) Fall River Harbor has no designated anchorages. ern part of Mount Hope Bay are entered only by local small craft. Kickamuit River, the westerly one, has a Vessels may anchor on either side of the dredged ap- narrow buoyed entrance through which the currents proach channel in the outer harbor or at any locality in have considerable velocity. The buoyed channel has a Mount Hope Bay where depth and bottom are suitable; depth of about 6 feet. Cole River, the middle of the three, the chart is the best guide. is buoyed on the east side of the entrance. South Swan- sea, on the west shore of Gardners Neck, has a boatyard Bridges with a 25-ton mobile hoist and a marine railway that can (140) At Fall River, two highway bridges cross Taunton handle craft up to 50 feet for hull, engine, and electronic repairs or storage. Berths, electricity, gasoline, diesel River. The first, a fixed bridge at State Pier, has a clear- fuel, water, ice, and marine supplies are available. In ance of 135 feet; a privately maintained sound signal is 1981, a reported depth of 6 feet could be carried to the sounded from the bridge. The second, Brightman Street boatyard. A ramp is on the western side of the bay, ap- Bridge, about 1.1 miles above the fixed bridge at State proximately 0.7 mile south of the entrance to Kickamuit Pier, has a bascule span with a clearance of 27 feet. The River. bridgetender monitors VHF-FM channel 16 and works (134) A highway bridge, about 1.5 miles above the en- on channel 13; call sign WQA-833. In 2000, a replace- trance, has a 41-foot fixed span with a clearance of 7 feet. ment bascule bridge was under construction about 0.2 Lee River, the easterly stream, is navigable to a fixed mile above the existing Brightman Street Bridge with a bridge about 1.2 miles above the entrance. A shoal in design clearance of 60 feet. midchannel just north of the narrow opening through (141) Between Fall River and Taunton, the river is crossed the fill, 0.8 mile above Brayton Point, has a depth of 1 by three bridges. The highway bridge at Berkley, about foot. 5 miles above Fall River, has a swing span with a clear- ance of 7 feet. Weir Bridge, the fixed highway bridge at Channels Taunton, has a clearance of 10 feet; the fixed railroad (135) A Federal project provides for a channel 35 feet bridge, about 0.2 mile upstream from Weir Bridge, has a clearance of 9 feet. (See 117.1 through 117.59 and deep through Mount Hope Bay to about 0.9 mile above 117.619, chapter 2, for drawbridge regulations.) The the Brightman Street Bridge across Taunton River at overhead power cables crossing Taunton River have Fall River. (See Notice to Mariners and latest editions least clearances of 145 feet at Fall River and 65 feet near of the charts for controlling depths.) Taunton. (136) A dredged side channel, about 0.2 mile north of Common Fence Point (41°39.3'N., 71°13.3'W.) at the Caution north end of Rhode Island, leads eastward from the (142) The fender protection on the southeast side of the main channel into North and South Branch channels. In 2004, the side channel had a reported controlling Brightman Street bridge has been destroyed, and the depth of 33.1 feet, with 20.7 feet available in the North Captain of the Port, Providence, has ordered that out- Branch channel, along the North Tiverton waterfront, bound barges in excess of 1,000 gross tons pass through and 23.7 feet available in the South Branch channel. the bridge only on the flood tide. (137) A privately dredged side channel, about 3.3 miles northeastward of Common Fence Point and marked by Currents buoys and a 326° private lighted range, leads north- (143) In Taunton River the currents generally follow the westward from the main channel to a powerplant wharf on the east side of Brayton Point. In 1998, the channel direction of the channel and, except at bridges, do not had a reported controlling depth of 34 feet, except for hinder navigation. The ebb is usually stronger than the shoaling to 33 feet in the entrance widening and 24 feet flood. (See the Tidal Current Tables for predictions.) along the west edge of the widening. (138) A dredged channel in Taunton River leads from Weather, Narragansett Bay and vicinity Somerset to Peters Point, 6.7 miles above the Bright- (144) The prevailing winds are northeasterly for all but man Street Bridge, thence to Taunton, 12.5 miles above Fall River. In 2001, the channel had a controlling depth the summer months, when the direction is southwest- of 6.4 feet to Peters Point, thence 4 feet was reported erly. The heaviest gales are usually from the north- to be available to Taunton. Local knowledge is required west. The approach channel and harbor are generally free from ice and are navigable throughout the year. Taunton River is commonly closed from December to March. During severe winters the harbor and Mount Hope Bay are occasionally frozen over, but the channels
244 Narragansett Bay Volume 2 to the principal wharves are kept open by vessels and receipt of petroleum products; owned and operated by tugs operating in the harbor. Northeast Petroleum Corp. (157) Northeast Petroleum Corp., Pier 2: about 250 yards Pilotage, Fall River north of Northeast Petroleum Corp., Pier 1; 40-foot face, (145) See Pilotage, Narragansett Bay and Other Rhode 700 feet with dolphins; 34 feet alongside; deck height, 9 feet; receipt of petroleum products; owned and operated Island Waters (indexed as such), early this chapter. by Northeast Petroleum Corp. (158) Fuel Storage Co., Tiverton Terminal Pier: east side Towage of Mount Hope Bay, 1.5 miles northward of Northeast (146) Tugs to 2,200 hp are available at Fall River and tugs Petroleum Corp., Pier 2; 50-foot face, 795 feet with dol- phins; 35 feet alongside; deck height, 9 feet; receipt of to 3,300 hp are available from Providence for use at petroleum products; owned and operated by Fuel Stor- Fall River. Vessels are usually met 2 miles below their age Co. berth. Large vessels normally require tugs for docking (159) Facilities at Fall River, east side of Taunton River and undocking. Arrangements for tug service should (chart 13227): Borden and Remington Corp. Wharf: be made at least 6 hours in advance, usually through (41°42'10\"N., 71°10'09\"W.); 380-foot face, 28 feet along- ships’ agents or directly by shipping companies. Tugs side; deck height, 10 feet; receipt of latex and caustic are dispatched 24 hours a day. The tugs monitor VHF- soda; owned by Tillotson Co. and operated by Borden FM channels 10, 13, 16, and 18A, and use channel 7A as and Remington Corp. a working frequency. (160) State Pier: 0.2 mile northeast of Borden and Rem- ington Corp. Wharf; 398-foot face, 18 to 35 feet along- Quarantine, customs, immigration, and agricultural side; lower side 620 feet long, 35 feet alongside; deck quarantine heights, 17 feet; 85,000 square feet covered storage, (147) (See chapter 3, Vessel Arrival Inspections, and Ap- about 7 acres of open storage; receipt and shipment of pendix A for addresses.) general and roll-on/roll-off cargo; owned by the Com- (148) Fall River is a customs port of entry. monwealth of Massachusetts, operated by Fall River (149) Quarantine is enforced in accordance with regu- Line Pier, Inc. lations of the U.S. Public Health Service. (See Public (161) The battleship USS MASSACHUSETTS, World Health Service, chapter 1.) Fall River has several hospi- War II memorial, and three other U.S. Navy vessels are tals. berthed just northward of the State Pier. (150) The Coast Guard vessel documentation office at (162) Shell Oil Co. Wharf: about 2 miles above State Pier; New Bedford, MA, serves Fall River. (See Appendix A for 570-foot face, 700 feet with dolphins; 30 feet alongside; address.) deck height, 13 feet; receipt and shipment of petroleum (151) The harbormaster can be contacted through Fall products, receipt of naphtha; owned and operated by River City Hall. Shell Oil Co. (163) Facilities on west side of Taunton River (chart Wharves 13227): (152) The piers and wharves at Fall River are along the (164) Brayton Point Station Dock: (41°42'33\"N., 71°11'21\"W.); 1,017 feet long; 34 feet alongside; deck Taunton and Sakonnet Rivers and in Mount Hope Bay. height, 15 feet; coal unloading tower serves conveyor Only the deep-draft facilities are described. For a com- belt system, unloading rate 1,000 tons per hour; receipt plete description of the port facilities refer to Port Series of fuel oil and coal; owned and operated by New England No. 4, published and sold by the U.S. Army Corps of Power Co. Engineers. (See Appendix A for address.) The alongside (165) Montaup Electric Co. Wharf: about 2.5 miles above depths are reported; for information on the latest depths Brayton Station Dock; 645 feet long, 34 feet alongside; contact the operator. All the facilities described have deck height, 10 feet; two coal unloading towers serve highway connections. Fresh water is available at most conveyor belts, combined unloading rate 1,200 tons per of the piers and wharves. Cargo in the port is usually hour; receipt of coal and fuel oil; owned and operated by handled by ship’s tackle. Montaup Electric Co. (153) The speed limit is 5 knots in the channel off the piers and wharves. Supplies (154) Facilities at Tiverton, RI (chart 13221): (166) Provisions, marine supplies, gasoline, and water (155) Texaco Inc. Tiverton Terminal: (41°38'50\"N., 71°12'40\"W.); 50-foot face, 721 feet with dolphins; 35 can be obtained in Fall River. Water is available at most feet alongside; deck height, 11 feet; receipt of petroleum of the berths. products; owned by Texaco, Inc.; not being operated in 1983. (156) Northeast Petroleum Corp., Pier 1: about 250 yards north of Texaco Inc. Terminal; 120-foot face, 700 feet with dolphins; 32 feet alongside; deck height, 9 feet;
Chapter 6 Narragansett Bay 245 Repairs (176) A marina and yacht club are on the west side of the (167) Fall River has no drydocking or major repair facili- harbor. Guest moorings, electricity, water, ice, marine supplies, and hull and engine repairs are available. A ties for deep-draft vessels; the nearest such facilities are mobile hoist at the marina can handle craft to 42 feet at Boston, MA. long. Launching ramps are available on the east side (168) Fall River has two small shipyards, on the west side of the harbor. In 1993, a reported depth of about 8 feet of the harbor about 0.6 mile above the fixed bridge and could be carried to the marina. on the east side of the harbor about 0.9 mile below the fixed bridge. The northerly shipyard has a marine rail- (177) Potter Cove, on the northeast side of Prudence Is- way that can handle vessels to 100 feet long with drafts land, is a small nearly landlocked harbor. Buoys mark of 7 feet forward and 13 feet aft. The yard can make the entrance channel off Gull Point. The north and repairs to wooden, steel, and aluminum vessels at their south ends of Prudence Island are a State park. Ohio berths. The southerly yard specializes in the construc- Ledge, about 2.5 miles northward of Potter Cove, has a tion and conversion of steel vessels. Cranes to 250 tons least depth of 8 feet and is marked on its southeast side are available for hauling out vessels. In 1981, depths of by a bell buoy. 22 to 23 feet were reported alongside. (178) Warren River, emptying into the head of Narragan- Small-craft facilities sett Bay westward of Bristol Neck, is the approach to the (169) Small-craft facilities are at Fall River, Somerset towns of Warren and Barrington, and Barrington River, which joins Warren River at Warren. A church spire in opposite Fall River, Taunton, and at Dighton. Berths, Warren is prominent. electricity, gasoline, water, ice, pump-out facilities, launching ramps, marine supplies, storage, and hull, (179) From the bay, the channel to Warren passes be- engine, and electronic repairs are available. The largest tween numerous shoals and rocks and is crooked and marine railways, at Dighton, can handle craft to 55 feet. winding, but well marked. A depth of about 9 feet is in Mobile hoists and lifts to 35 tons are at Fall River, as is the channel to the lower wharves at Warren, and the a pumpout facility. same depth is in Barrington River to the fixed highway bridge about 0.5 mile above the entrance. Chart 13224 (180) In 2002, a sunken wreck in about 41°43.65'N., (170) Bristol Harbor, between Bristol Neck on the east 71°17.25'W. is on the west side of Warren River. end and Popasquash Neck on the west, is in a cove about 2 miles long and 1.3 miles wide at its southern end, nar- (181) A State regulatory buoy, about 0.9 mile above the rowing to 0.4 mile wide at its northern end. The harbor mouth of Warren River, marks a “Slow no wake” zone. proper, the northern part of the cove, has depths of 15 to 17 feet. (182) An excellent anchorage may be found at the mouth of the Warren River about 0.2 mile from the eastern (171) Bristol is a town on the eastern side of the harbor. shore in depths of 14 to 15 feet, soft bottom. There is not In approaching the harbor the most prominent mark is room for anchorage in the river for any but small craft. Mount Hope Bridge. Also prominent are the navigation Abreast the lower end of Warren the channel is about 0.1 lights, a stone tower, a stack, and an elevated tank on mile wide, with depths of 13 to 17 feet in midchannel, high ground back of the town. The town has bus service. and small vessels can anchor temporarily at this point. A ferry operates daily from Bristol to Prudence Island, and summer ferry service is available to Hog Island. (183) Vessels approaching the river must take care to avoid Rumstick Shoal, which extends nearly 0.6 mile (172) Hog Island is in the middle of the entrance to Bris- south of Rumstick Point, the southernmost point of tol Harbor. A natural channel with depths of 19 to 25 feet Rumstick Neck and the western entrance point of the extends on each side of the island. Excellent anchorage river. The shoal has depths of 2 to 12 feet and is marked may be found in the harbor abreast the town in depths by buoys. Rumstick Rock, 6 feet high, and Rumstick of 15 to 17 feet, soft bottom. A general anchorage is in Ledge, with rocks that uncover 1 to 5 feet, are on the Bristol Harbor. (See 110.1 and 110.145 (c) and (d), westerly side of the shoal. chapter 2, for limits and regulations.) (184) About 0.5 mile above the mouth of Barrington (173) Usher Rocks, about 0.7 mile northeastward of Po- River is a fixed highway bridge with a clearance of 9 pasquash Point, are bare at low water. A buoy is eastward feet. In 2004, the highway bridge was being demolished; of the rocks and a lighted bell buoy is on the western a new fixed highway bridge with a design clearance of 10 side of the western passage to the harbor. feet was under construction at the same location; upon completion it will replace the demolished bridge and (174) Depths alongside the piers and wharves range from a temporary highway bridge. The temporary highway 9 to 13 feet. bridge is in use just south of the demolished bridge, and has a clearance of 9 feet. About 100 yards upstream (175) A Coast Guard vessel is moored at Bristol. The from the highway bridge is a fixed bicycle bridge with a Coast Guard pier is marked by a light. 30-foot span on the east side of the river and a clearance of 5 feet. In 1978, rocks were reported under the bicycle bridge.
246 Narragansett Bay Volume 2 (185) The tidal current off the town of Warren has a ve- ice, marine supplies, and a 15-ton mobile hoist are avail- locity of about 1 knot. Strong currents may be encoun- able. A flatbed trailer can haul out craft to 50 feet long tered in Barrington River. for complete hull and engine repairs. (194) A yacht club is on the west side of Providence River (186) The harbormaster controls docking, mooring, and about 1 mile northward of the entrance to Pawtuxet anchoring, and can be contacted through the Warren Cove. Gasoline and guest berths are available. Police Department. (195) A privately dredged channel leads from the main channel in Providence River, eastward of Pawtuxet, to (187) A shipyard on the east side of the Warren River at a small-craft facility about 0.45 mile southwestward of Warren has a hydraulic lift that can handle vessels to Fields Point (41°47.2'N., 71°22.9'W.). The channel is 300 tons or 130 feet long. In 1981, a reported depth of marked by buoys and, in 1998, had a reported control- 7 feet could be carried to the shipyard. ling depth of 8 feet. The ruins of the piers of a former Naval Reserve facility are on the south side of Fields (188) Berths, electricity, gasoline, diesel fuel, water, ice, Point immediately eastward of the yacht club; this area and marine supplies are available in Warren. Depths re- should be avoided. ported alongside the major wharves range from 7 to 20 (196) Bullock Cove, on the east side of Providence River feet. Small craft facilities are also available on the point 2 miles north of Conimicut Point, is the scene of con- near the confluence of the two rivers. Several boatyards siderable pleasure boat activity. A dredged channel leads are in the vicinity; mobile hoists to 25 tons are avail- from the Providence River to a mooring basin on the able. Covered storage and complete engine, electronic, east side of Bullock Point, thence northward 0.5 mile to and hull repairs are available. Mariners are cautioned a mooring and turning basin. In 2010, the controlling of a reported rock, covered 2 feet, just off the gas dock depths were 8 feet in the entrance channel to the moor- of the Barrington Yacht Club in about 44°44’00”N., ing basin east of Bullock Point except shoaling to 6.8 71°17’37”W. feet within 10 feet of the channel limit, thence 5.7 feet in the basin, thence 6 feet to the upper basin and 5.9 feet Charts 13224, 13225 in the basin. The entrance channel is marked by buoys and daybeacons. In 1982, a sunken wreck was reported (189) Providence River, which empties into the head of on the west side of the channel at Bullock Point. There Narragansett Bay between Nayatt Point and Conimicut are numerous small-craft facilities in Bullock Cove. The Point, is the approach to the city of Providence, numer- largest marine railway, on Bullock Neck about 300 yards ous towns and villages, and to Seekonk River. northward of Bullock Point, can handle craft up to 60 feet; berths, electricity, gasoline, diesel fuel, water, ice, (190) Providence is at the head of navigation on the storage, launching ramps, marine supplies, a pump-out Providence River, about 7 miles above the entrance, facility, a 45-ton mobile crane, a 99-ton mobile hoist, at the junction of the Providence and Seekonk Rivers. and hull, engine and electronic repairs are available. The port area includes both sides of the upper navigable Sail repairs can be arranged nearby. channel of the river. The port’s chief waterborne com- (197) Seekonk River, which branches off northeasterly merce is in petroleum products, cement, lumber, steel from Providence River at Providence, is the approach to scrap metal, general cargo, and automobiles. Phillipsdale and Pawtucket. The head of navigation is at Pawtucket, 5 miles above the mouth. Commerce on (191) Occupessatuxet Cove, on the west side of the river the river is chiefly in petroleum products. A marina at north of Conimicut Point, is a shallow bight south of Pawtucket can provide berths, electricity, water, gaso- Gaspee Point. The cove is frequented only by small craft line, storage facilities, marine supplies, and hull and with local knowledge. engine repairs. A flatbed trailer at the marina can haul out craft to 40 feet long. In 1981, a reported depth of 12 (192) Pawtuxet Cove, used by pleasure and fishing craft, feet was available alongside the marina berths. on the west side of Providence River, is entered about 1 mile northward of Gaspee Point through a dredged Prominent features channel. The entrance channel leads westward to the (198) Conimicut Light (41°43'01\"N., 71°20'42\"W.), 58 cove, thence the channel turns northward and leads to a turning basin at the head of the cove. An anchorage feet above the water, is shown from a white conical basin extends southward from the entrance channel. tower on a brown cylindrical pier on the west side of the The entrance channel is marked by buoys. In 2011, the entrance to Providence River. A sound signal is sounded controlling depth was 6 feet in the entrance channel at the light station. An abandoned lighthouse on Nayatt and the turning basin; 5 to 6 feet was available in the Point is also prominent in the approach to the river. anchorage basin. A 12-foot-high protective dike along the east side of the anchorage basin extends southward Channels from Marsh Island, on the south side of the entrance (199) The Federal project for Providence River provides channel, to Rock Island. Pawtuxet is a village on the west side of the cove. for a channel 40 feet deep from just below Prudence (193) The harbormaster in the cove controls anchoring and berthing; he can be contacted through the Warwick City Hall. Berths, electricity, gasoline, diesel fuel, water,
Chapter 6 Narragansett Bay 247 Island Light to Fox Point near the junction of Provi- Bridges dence and Seekonk Rivers. (See Notice to Mariners and (205) There are no bridges over Providence River be- latest editions of the charts for controlling depths.) The channel is well marked with navigational aids. tween the mouth and the principal wharves. In 2003, a (200) A hurricane barrier crosses the Providence River fixed highway bridge with a design clearance of 35 feet about 200 yards above Fox Point. The barrier includes was under construction close south of the Fox Point three gates which normally will be kept in the opened Hurricane Barrier. Point Street Bridge, about 0.3 mile position until the approach of hurricane weather. The above Fox Point, has a fixed span with a clearance of 7 clearances at each of the three river gates are: horizon- feet. Two overhead power cables cross the river between tal, 20 feet; vertical (gate fully opened), 21 feet at mean this bridge and the Fox Point Hurricane Barrier; least high water; and depth over the gate sill, 12.9 feet at clearance is 60 feet. A fixed highway bridge about 300 mean low water. Red lights mark the channel ends of yards north of Point Street Bridge has a clearance of 26 each gate. feet. (201) Seekonk River empties into the easterly side of (206) In Seekonk River, an overhead power cable cross- Providence River at Fox Point. A marked dredged chan- ing at India Point, 0.5 mile above the mouth, has a clear- nel leads from Cold Spring Point, about 1.3 miles above ance of 130 feet. Just above India Point several bridges Fox Point, to a point about 150 yards southward of Divi- cross the river within 0.9 mile. The name of the bridge, sion Street Bridge at Pawtucket, about 2.9 miles above type, and clearance follows: Washington Bridge South, Cold Spring Point. The lower section of the river, from bascule span maintained in closed position, 40 feet; Fox Point to Cold Spring Point, is crooked and wind- Washington Bridge North, fixed span, 42 feet; Tunnel ing and marked by buoys. Local knowledge and use of Bridge, bascule span, 17 feet; and New Red Bridge, fixed the chart are required to carry the best water. Three span, 42 feet. Just below the State Pier at Pawtucket areas of submerged boulders with angle iron protru- are overhead power cables with clearances of 125 feet. sions, the remains of the approaches and pivot pier of (See 117.1 through 117.49, chapter 2, for drawbridge a former swing bridge, are in the river channel at Cold regulations.) Spring Point in about 41°49'36.5\"N., 71°22'48.5\"W. The shoreward areas have a least depth of 3½ feet, and the Currents area at about midchannel has a least depth of 12 feet. (207) Tidal currents are weak in the approach chan- In 2006, the controlling depths were 4.7 feet (7.7 feet at midchannel) to Buoy 27, thence 4.3 feet (5.5 feet at nel and the harbor, except in the constricted parts of midchannel) to the head of the project just below Divi- Seekonk River. At India Street Bridge the tidal currents sion Street Bridge. A 5 mph no wake zone, marked by have velocities of about 1.4 knots. In Seekonk River the State regulatory buoys, is in the entrance channel and double flood is very pronounced. The velocity near the above Cold Spring Point. middle of the flood period is generally less than 0.5 knot and is sometimes in an ebb direction. (See the Tidal Current Tables for predictions.) Anchorages Weather, Providence and vicinity (202) Vessels anchor as directed by the harbormaster on (208) The proximity of Narragansett Bay and the Atlan- the edge of the channel between Fields Point and Fox tic Ocean plays an important part in determining the Point. Eastward of Fox Point, a few vessels may anchor climate for Providence and vicinity. In winter, the tem- in the area where a portion of Green Jacket Shoal was peratures are modified considerably, and a good many removed. Preferred small-craft anchorages are in Bull- of the major storms drop their precipitation in the form ock Cove and Pawtuxet Cove. of rain, rather than snow. In summer, many days that would otherwise be uncomfortably warm are cooled by Dangers refreshing seabreezes. At other times of the year, sea fog (203) Numerous rocks and ledges border Providence may be advected over land by onshore winds. In fact, most cases of dense fog are produced in this way; but River Channel on either side. Navigational aids mark the number of such days is few, averaging 2 or 3 days the shoal areas off Bullock Point, about 1.5 miles above per month. the mouth; off Sabin Point, about 3 miles above the (209) The temperature for the entire year averages Mouth; off Pomham Rocks, about 3.5 miles above the around 51°F (10.6°C). January is the coldest month mouth; off Fuller Rock, about 5 miles above the mouth averaging 29°F (-1.7°C), and July the hottest month and Green Jacket Shoal, east of Fox Point about 7.4 averaging 73°F (22.8°C). Freezing temperatures occur miles above the mouth. on the average about 117 days per year and the days with minimums below 5°F (-15°C) average six each year. An average nine days each year record maximums in excess of 90°F (32.2°C). The all-time maximum for (204) Providence River channel, between Narragansett Providence is 104°F (40°C) recorded in August 1975 Bay Entrance Lighted Whistle Buoy NB and Fox Point, is a regulated navigation area. (See 165.1 through 165.13, and 165.122, chapter 2, for limits and regulations.)
248 Narragansett Bay Volume 2 and the all-time minimum is -13°F (-25°C) recorded in Towage January 1976. (218) Tugs up to 3,300 hp are available at Providence. (210) Measurable precipitation occurs on about 178 days each year. November is the wettest month averaging Large vessels normally require tugs for docking and un- 4.48 inches (114 mm) and June the driest averaging docking. Arrangements for tug service should be made 2.89 inches (74 mm). Average annual precipitation is 4 hours in advance, and usually through ships’ agents 45.12 inches (1144 mm). or directly by shipping companies. Tugs are dispatched (211) Thunderstorms are responsible for much of the 24 hours a day. Tugs monitor VHF-FM channels 10, 13, rainfall from May through August. They usually pro- 16, and 18, and use channel 7A as a working frequency. duce heavy, and sometimes even excessive, amounts of (219) Providence is a customs port of entry. rainfall but since the duration is relatively short, dam- age is ordinarily light. The summer thunderstorms Quarantine, customs, immigration, and agricultural are frequently accompanied by extremely gusty winds, quarantine which may cause some damage to property, especially (220) (See chapter 3, Vessel Arrival Inspections, and Ap- small pleasure and fishing craft. pendix A for addresses.) (212) The first measurable snowfall of winter usually (221) Quarantine is enforced in accordance with regu- comes in October. The month of greatest snowfall is lations of the U.S. Public Health Service. (See Public usually February which averages about ten inches (254 Health Service, chapter 1.) mm). It is unusual for the ground to remain well cov- (222) Providence has several hospitals. ered with snow for any long period of time. The average annual snowfall total is 45 inches (1143 mm). Snow Coast Guard has fallen in every month, October through May. About (223) A marine safety office is in Providence. (See Ap- seven days each year have snowfall greater than 1.5 inches (38 mm). pendix A for address.) (213) In early fall, severe coastal storms of tropical origin (224) Harbor regulations are enforced by the harbormas- sometimes bring destructive winds to this area. Even at other times of the year, it is usually coastal storms that ter/port director, whose headquarters are at the munici- produce the most severe weather. Between 1871 and pal wharf. The harbormaster regulates the movement 1996, twelve tropical storms have come within 25 miles and anchoring of vessels in the harbor. The speed limit of Providence. In August 1991, Hurricane Bob passed in the harbor is 5 knots. within 20 miles east of the city with 85-knot winds. Only twelve hours earlier, Bob was packing winds in excess of Wharves 100 knots. In September 1960, Hurricane Donna passed (225) The piers and wharves of the port of Providence about 20 miles west of the city. At the time, Donna had maximum winds of 90 knots. Coastal areas of Rhode are along both sides of the Providence River below Fox Island, Connecticut, and Long Island were raked with Point. Only the deep-draft facilities are described. For winds in excess of 100 knots compliments of Hurricane a complete description of the port facilities refer to Donna. Port Series No. 4, published and sold by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. (See Appendix A for address.) The Ice alongside depths are reported; for information on the (214) The approach channel and the harbor are generally latest depths contact the operator. All the facilities de- scribed have highway connections, and most have rail free of ice and navigable throughout the year. During connections. Water is available at most of the piers and severe winters, the harbor and several miles of Provi- wharves. Cargo in the port is usually handled by ship’s dence River and Upper Narragansett Bay are occasion- tackle. Cranes to 200 tons are available. ally broken over, but the ice is usually broken up in the (226) Facilities on the east side of Providence River: channels to the principal wharves by the traffic in the (227) Mobil Oil Corp. Wharf: (41°46'56\"N., 71°22'19\"W.); harbor. 1,225-foot face, 700 feet of berthing space; 20 to 38 feet (215) The National Weather Service maintains an office alongside; deck height, 8 feet; pipelines to storage tanks; at the T.F. Green State Airport; barometers may be com- receipt and shipment of petroleum products, bunkering pared here. (See Appendix A for address.) vessels; owned and operated by Mobil Oil Corp. (216) (See Appendix B for the Providence climatological (228) Amoco Oil Co. Wharf: at Kettle Point about 0.9 mile table.) above Mobil Oil Corp. Wharf; 500-foot face, 700 feet with dolphins; 36 feet alongside; deck height, 12 feet; receipt Pilotage, Providence and shipment of petroleum products, bunkering ves- (217) See Pilotage, Narragansett Bay and Other Rhode sels; owned by Amoco Oil Co., operated by Amoco Oil Co. and Atlantic Richfield Co. Island Waters (indexed as such), early this chapter. (229) Wilkes-Barre Pier: about 2 miles above Mobil Oil Corp. Wharf; 75-foot face, 700 feet of berthing space with dolphins; 40 feet alongside; deck height, 9 feet; receipt of petroleum products and naphtha; owned by Providence and Worcester Railroad Co., operated by
Chapter 6 Narragansett Bay 249 Union Oil Co. of California, Getty Refining and Market- (240) C. H. Sprague & Son Co. Pier: about 1.25 miles ing Co., and Astroline Corp. above Municipal Wharf; north side 500 feet long, 520 (230) Facilities on the west side of Providence River feet with platforms, 37 feet alongside; deck height, 12 (231) Municipal Wharf, Berths 5 and 6: (41°47'25\"N., feet; receipt and shipment of petroleum products; bun- 71°22'54\"W.); 1,283-foot face; 35 to 40 feet alongside; kering vessels; owned and operated by C. H. Sprague & deck height, 10½ feet; two 45-ton container cranes; 60 Son Co. acres open storage; electrical shore power connections; receipt and shipment of general and containerized car- (241) The principal wharves at Pawtucket have depths of go and heavy equipment; owned by city of Providence, 9 to 14 feet alongside. operated by Cranes Associates. (232) Municipal Wharf, Berths 1, 2, 3, and 4: immediately Supplies NW of Berths 5 and 6; 2,190-foot face, 35 to 40 feet (242) Gasoline, diesel fuel, diesel oil, bunker fuels, provi- alongside; deck height, 10½ feet; cranes to 200 tons; 47,000 square feet of covered storage; 12 acres open sions, and marine supplies of all kinds are available. Oil storage; electrical shore power connections; receipt bunkering facilities, for deep-draft vessels, are available and shipment of general cargo, lumber, paper products, at most of the petroleum companies facilities in Provi- automobiles, petroleum products, liquefied petroleum dence. Fuel tank barges are also available for bunkering gas, scrap metal, pig iron, and caustic soda; owned by vessels anywhere in the harbor. Water is available at city of Providence; various operators. most of the wharves and piers. (233) New England Bituminous Wharf: about 500 yards above Municipal Wharf; 384-foot face, 30 feet alongside; Repairs deck height, 10½ feet; receipt of asphalt; owned and (243) Providence has no facilities for drydocking deep- operated by New England Bituminous, Division of John J. Hudson, Inc. draft vessels; the nearest such facilities are at Boston, (234) Lehigh Portland Cement Co. Wharf: about 600 MA. Repairs to boilers, machinery, electrical equip- yards above Municipal Wharf; 350-foot face, 20 feet ment, and hull can be obtained in the port. Several well- alongside; deck height, 10½ feet; receipt of bulk ce- equipped machine and welding shops are also available. ment; owned by city of Providence, operated by Lehigh Some of these concerns also maintain portable equip- Portland Cement Co. ment for making above-waterline repairs to vessels at (235) Lone Star Industries Wharf: about 750 yards above their berths. Municipal Wharf; 210-foot face, 28 to 30 feet alongside; deck height, 12 feet; receipt of bulk cement; owned and Small-craft facilities operated by Lone Star Industries, Inc. (244) Small-craft facilities at Bullock Cove and Pawtuxet (236) Algonquin LNG Wharf: about 0.4 mile above Mu- nicipal Wharf; 450-foot face, 25 feet alongside; deck have been discussed earlier in this chapter. A marina height, 12 feet; receipt of liquefied natural gas; owned on the west side of Providence River between Pawtuxet by Providence Gas Co., operated by Algonquin LNG, Inc. and Fields Point can provide berths, electricity, gaso- (237) Texaco U.S.A., Harbor Junction Pier: about 0.7 mile line, diesel fuel, water, ice, storage, marine supplies, and above Municipal Wharf; 80-foot face, south side 1,040 hull and engine repairs; a flatbed trailer can haul out feet long, 720 feet usable, 32 feet alongside; north side craft to 60 feet long. In 1981, 10 feet was reported in the 1,040 feet long, 600 feet usable, 25 feet alongside; deck approach to the marina, with 3 to 6 feet alongside. height, 9 feet; receipt and shipment of petroleum prod- ucts, bunkering vessels; owned and operated by Texaco, Communications Inc. (245) Providence is served by rail, bus, and air. A ferry op- (238) Promet Marine Services Pier: about 1 mile above Municipal Wharf; 120-foot face, 37 to 31 feet alongside; erates daily in the summer to Newport and Block Island. south side 596 feet long, 22 feet alongside; north side 596 feet long, 37 feet alongside; deck height, 12 feet; Chart 13223 cranes to 100 tons; 11 acres of open storage; receipt and shipment of general cargo and dry bulk materials; re- (246) West Passage, between Conanicut and Prudence pairs to vessels; owned and operated by Promet Marine Islands on the east and Boston Neck on the west, is the Services Corp. approach to Dutch Island Harbor, Wickford, Quonset (239) Northeast Petroleum Corp. Pier: about 1.2 miles Point, and East Greenwich. Vessels may also go to Provi- above Municipal Wharf; south side 620 feet long, 600 dence by West Passage, although the route through East feet of berthing space; 30 feet alongside; deck height, 11 Passage is deeper and generally used. The following di- feet; receipt of petroleum products; owned and operated rections for West Passage to Providence River are good by Northeast Petroleum Corp. for a draft of 19 feet, but local knowledge is required for a draft greater than 12 feet. Approaching from the eastward, steer for the lighted gong buoy off Whale Rock until southwest of Beavertail Light, and thence lay down a northerly course in midchannel with Dutch Island ahead. On the southward approach from off Point Judith
250 Narragansett Bay Volume 2 Light, a north-northeasterly course will bring the vessel for hull and engine repairs. Berths, electricity, gasoline, to the lighted gong buoy off Whale Rock. (See also chart diesel fuel (by truck), water, ice, storage, a launching 13218). At night a careful study of the light character- ramp, some marine supplies, and a 20-ton lift are avail- istics is necessary as the lights marking East Passage able. will be seen on the starboard bow when approaching (255) Dutch Island, a State park about 3.2 miles north from Point Judith. of Beavertail Point, is surrounded by shoals and foul (247) The course should pass westward of, and 500 yards ground. A bell buoy is off the northern end of the is- off, Dutch Island; thence through the Jamestown-North land and a lighted gong buoy is off the southern end. A Kingston Bridge opening; and thence northerly until square white tower on the southern end of the island is about 0.8 mile westward of, and abeam, the south tan- prominent marked by a light. gent of Hope Island. From here a north-northeasterly (256) Dutch Island Harbor may be approached from course will make the buoys marking the entrance of the northward or southward. The southward entrance is natural channel westward of Pine Hill Point on Pru- good for a depth of about 28 feet; the northern entrance dence Island. Then a heading toward Warwick Light has an extensive shoal with depths of 15 to 18 feet. As the until abeam the lighted bell buoy off Northwest Point harbor is of easy access, it is frequently used as a harbor on Patience Island will bring the vessel in position to of refuge. Excellent anchorage may be had in depths of swing northeasterly and easterly to the dredged channel 12 to 48 feet, sticky bottom. A harbormaster controls to Providence. all mooring and berthing. Vessels of over 18-foot draft (248) Narragansett Pier, on the west side of West Passage seeking anchorage should give the eastern shore of the about 3 miles west-southwestward of Beavertail Point, harbor a berth of at least 0.4 mile. The eastern shore of is a summer resort. The large hotels and a square gran- Dutch Island should be given a berth of 100 yards. ite tower are prominent. A municipal bathing beach (257) General anchorages are in West Passage of Nar- and pavilion at the Upper Pier are prominent from an ragansett Bay. (See 110.1 and 110.145 (b) and (d), easterly direction. chapter 2, for limits and regulations.) (249) River Ledge, about 0.9 mile northeastward of Nar- (258) A bell buoy marks the shoal area off the northern ragansett Pier, has a least depth of 9 feet and is marked side of Dutch Island. The piers off the east side of the by a buoy. Whale Rock, on the western side of the pas- island are in ruins. A shoal extends about 200 yards sage about 0.8 mile northeast of River Ledge, is marked westward and 350 yards northward of Beaverhead. At by a lighted gong buoy to the eastward. Little Whale, its northern extremity this shoal rises abruptly from covered 4 feet, is about 200 yards north of Whale Rock. depths of about 40 feet to a depth of 8 feet; a buoy marks Strangers should pass eastward of the lighted gong buoy the shoal. The southeastern part of the harbor has a off Whale Rock. shallow cove. (250) Bonnet Shores Beach is on the north shore of the (259) Tidal currents of 1 to 1.5 knots may be encountered bight formed by Bonnet Point, the point about 1.5 miles in the vicinity of Dutch Island. Elsewhere in West Pas- north of Whale Rock. A bathing pavilion at the beach is sage velocities are usually less than 1 knot. (See the prominent from a southeasterly direction. Tidal Current Tables for predictions.) (251) The Bonnet, a prominent hill with the shoreward (260) Saunderstown is on the western shore of West Pas- face bold and rocky, is north of Bonnet Point. The shore sage abreast Dutch Island. A former ferry dock off the between Bonnet Point and South Ferry, 1.3 miles town is in ruins. A yacht club is at Saunderstown. northward, should be given a berth of 400 yards. Pilings (261) The Jamestown-North Kingstown Bridge cross- extend 130 yards eastward just south of the old pier at ing the passage from just north of Plum Beach has a South Ferry. A 200-foot L-shaped pier of the University fixed span with a clearance of 135 feet; a private sound of Rhode Island is about 150 yards southeastward of the signal is sounded from the west pier of the main chan- old pier. In 1981, depths of 20 feet were reported along nel opening. A replacement fixed highway bridge with the outer face with 10 feet reported along the inner face. a clearance of 135 feet is about 300 feet north of the The buildings of the university, a church spire, and a aforementioned highway bridge. The northerly fixed standpipe are prominent from southward to north of highway bridge will replace the current southerly fixed Dutch Island. highway bridge at an unspecified future date. (252) Fox Hill, on the southern side of the entrance (262) From the bridge northward, Great Ledge extends to Dutch Island Harbor, 2.5 miles north of Beavertail along the west shore of Conanicut Island for about 1.5 Point, is a point which terminates to the northward in miles. This ledge is from 175 to 500 yards offshore, cul- Beaverhead, a bluff rocky face. minating in America Ledge at its northern end. Nu- (253) Dutch Island Harbor is in the West Passage of Nar- merous rocks are on Great Ledge. Between Plum Beach ragansett Bay about 3 miles north of Beavertail Light. and Rome Point, on the west side of the passage, 1.2 The harbor is a semicircular indentation 0.5 by 1 mile miles north of the bridge, are several rocks, including in extent in the west side of Conanicut Island. Red Rock and Old Sergeant. Bare and covered rocks are (254) A boatyard in the southeastern part of the harbor northeastward and eastward of Rome Point. has a marine railway that can handle craft up to 50 feet
Chapter 6 Narragansett Bay 251 (263) Fox Island, 0.4 mile northeast of Rome Point and of Fox Island. A rock with a depth of 8 feet over it is southward of Wickford Harbor, is small and low. A shoal about 500 yards westward of General Rock. Brig Ledge, with numerous submerged rocks including Seal Rock about 0.5 mile north of General Rock, is covered 9 feet. extends southward of the island. A narrow channel, suit- The southern shore of the outer harbor is foul. Charles able only for small craft, is between this shoal and the Rock, with a depth of 4 feet, is just inside of the northern shoals extending northeastward of Rome Point. Halfway breakwater and marked by a buoy. Ledge with a depth of 18 feet is about 0.5 mile east of (270) Vessels approaching Wickford Harbor from the Fox Island. southward, after passing through the main span of the Jamestown-North Kingston Bridge, steer 340°. When (264) Wickford Harbor, on the western side of Narragan- northeastward of Fox Island, steer for Wickford Har- sett Bay 8 miles above Beavertail Light, comprises an bor Light 1 on any bearing between 313° and 290°, an- outer and an inner harbor. The outer harbor is a broad choring 0.2 mile or more southeastward of the light in bight between Quonset Point on the north and Wild depths of 13 to 15 feet, soft bottom. Goose Point, about 0.6 mile westward of Fox Island, on (271) In severe winters the inner harbor is closed by ice, the south. The entrance is about 2 miles wide. Depths but the outer harbor is usually open although drift ice in the middle and southern parts of the outer harbor is occasionally encountered. average 13 to 17 feet. The inner harbor entrance is be- (272) Wickford has several small-craft facilities and boat- tween Poplar Point, 1.3 miles northwest of Fox Island yards. The largest marine railway, on the east of Wick- on the south, and Sauga Point, about 0.4 mile north of ford Cove, can handle craft up to 60 feet. Berths, elec- Poplar Point, on the north. The harbor is used chiefly tricity, gasoline, diesel fuel, water, ice, marine supplies, by recreational craft, and by oyster and lobster boats. pumpout facilities, a launching ramp, mobile hoists to The town of Wickford is on the southwestern side of the 30 tons, lifts to 70 tons, and hull, engine, and electronic inner harbor. repairs are available; wet and dry storage is also avail- able. In 1981, a reported depth of about 7 feet could be (265) Several prominent landmarks are visible when carried to the marine railway at Wickford Cove. approaching Wickford Harbor. A standpipe at North (273) Quonset Point, on the north side of Wickford Har- Kingston (chart 13221), and a church spire in Wickford bor, is marked by elevated tanks. Near the eastern end of may be seen for many miles. An abandoned lighthouse the point are the conspicuous buildings of the Quonset on Poplar Point and the light off the point are promi- Point Industrial Park. The piers at Quonset Point, and nent. at Davisville, about 1.5 miles northward, are usually approached from East Passage until north of Conanicut (266) The channel to the inner harbor, marked by buoys, Island, thence through a buoyed dredged channel to a is restricted to a width of about 150 yards by the break- turning basin off the point from which a channel leads waters and the shoals off Sauga and Poplar Points. The to the piers at Davisville. A depth of about 33 feet can north breakwater is marked by a light. The channel be carried in the channel to the turning basin. With the leads to the junction of three coves, Fishing Cove to exception of 27- and 30-foot spots, depths of 32 to 35 the northward, Mill Cove to the northwestward, and feet are available throughout the basin; depths of 30 feet Wickford Cove to the southwestward. A State regulatory are reported alongside the pier. In 1965, the controlling buoy just inside the jetties marks a “Slow no wake” depth in the channel to Davisville was 31 feet, thence 27 zone. feet in the turning basin or 28 feet for a middle width of 800 feet through the basin to the piers; depths of 29 (267) Wickford Cove is the scene of considerable plea- feet were available on the southwest side of Pier 1 and sure-boat activity. A dredged channel in the cove extends in the slip between Piers 1 and 2. between flats, many of which are dry at low water, to a (274) Hope Island, about 1.6 miles north of Conanicut highway bridge about 0.9 mile above the breakwaters. Point, has low grassy hills with a few trees. The island Numerous piles, used as moorings, border the channel is a State estuarine sanctuary and is off limits to visitors for about 0.35 mile below the highway bridge. In 2001, during the bird nesting season. Bare and submerged the channel had a controlling depth of 5.3 feet. rocks surround the island for about 0.2 mile. Despair Island is on the outer end of a rocky ledge extending (268) A marked dredged channel in Mill Cove leads to an 0.2 mile northeastward of Hope Island; a buoy is off the anchorage basin about 0.7 mile above the breakwaters. northeast side of the ledge. Scup Rock and Round Rock In 2001, the channel had a controlling depth of 11.3 are off the eastern side of Hope Island, and Gooseberry feet to the dock off of Cedar Tree Point, thence 6.6 feet Island and Seal Rock are off the western side. A haz- to the head of the project except for gradual shoaling to ardous reef with piles and a boiler awash on it is about bare in the north half of the channel between Cornelius 0.4 mile southwestward of the southwest point of Hope Island and Point Wharf. The anchorage basin had depths Island; a lighted buoy marks the area. of 4½ to 6 feet. (275) Allen Harbor is 2 miles north of Quonset Point. The harbor is entered through a buoyed channel which has (269) Good anchorage may be had in the middle and southern parts of outer Wickford Harbor in depths of 14 to 17 feet. The northern part of the outer harbor has numerous rocks and ledges with a depth of 6 feet. General Rock, with a depth of 9 feet over it, is the south- erly limit of this shoal, 0.9 mile north-northeastward
252 Narragansett Bay Volume 2 a depth of about 8 feet. Depths of 8 to 10 feet are inside. the two anchorage basins, 0.7 mile above the entrance, A town launching ramp is on the southeast side of the had depths of 4.3 to 6.0 feet. The anchorage basin at harbor. the head of the cove had depths of 5.0 to 6.0 feet with (276) Calf Pasture Point is on the north side of the en- gradual shoaling to 1.6 feet towards theof 5.1 feet with trance to Allen Harbor. Abreast the point and for some gradual shoaling to 2.2 feet towards the northeast end. distance northward of it, a shoal extends 0.5 mile from The cove is the scene of considerable pleasure boat ac- shore. tivity. (284) The harbormaster in the cove controls berthing Chart 13224 and anchorage; contact can be made through the War- wick City Hall. The cove has several marinas and boat- (277) Potowomut River, entering the west side of West yards. Berths, electricity, gasoline, water, ice, storage, Passage, 1.7 miles north of Calf Pasture Point, is sepa- launching ramps, marine supplies, and hull and engine rated from Greenwich Bay on the north by Potowomut repairs are available. The largest lift, on the east side of Neck. A dredged channel leads through the entrance of the cove about 0.3 mile above the mouth, can handle the river. In 2004, the channel had a controlling depth of craft up to 70 tons. 2.7 feet. Caution is necessary to avoid rocks with depths (285) Brush Neck Cove, about 0.5 mile west of Warwick of 1 foot over them in the entrance. Strangers should Cove, is fronted by a flat with a general depth of about 2 not enter the river. feet. This channel is used by small local craft at high wa- ter as far as the pier at Oakland Beach. Oakland Beach, (278) Round Rock, about 0.7 mile eastward of Potowom- on Horse Neck, between Brush Neck and Warwick ut River entrance, uncovers 3 feet and is marked by Coves, is a summer resort with bus communication. a seasonal lighted buoy close eastward. Several other (286) Apponaug Cove, in the northwestern part of Green- rocks, awash and submerged, lie between Round Rock wich Bay, is entered through a marked dredged channel and the entrance to the river; caution is advised. that leads from the bay to an anchorage basin on the southwest side of the channel just below a fixed railroad (279) The natural channel of West Passage extends be- bridge about 0.7 mile above the channel entrance. A tween the shoal area eastward of Round Rock and the State regulatory buoy at the entrance to the cove marks shoal area westward of Patience Island. The channel a 5 mph speed zone. In 2005, the controlling depth was 6 has depths of 21 to 70 feet. Buoys mark the entrance feet to Buoy 8, thence 2.5 feet to the head of the channel, from the southward, and a lighted bell buoy marks the about 150 yards below the railroad bridge. The anchor- northwestward edge of the shoal off Patience Island. The age basin had depths of 5.2 to 6 feet. In 1979, depths channel is the approach from southward to Greenwich of less than 1 foot were above the bridge. Small-craft Bay, Warwick Point, and the channel from West Passage facilities can be found in the cove and at the west end to Providence River. of Greenwich Bay southwest of the entrance channel to the cove. (See small-craft facilities tabulation on chart (280) Patience Island, 0.2 mile west of the northern end 13221 for services and supplies available.) of Prudence Island, is surrounded by shoals and foul (287) Chepiwanoxet Point, on the western side of the bay ground. The island is a State park and estuarine sanctu- northward of the entrance to Greenwich Cove, is a small ary. neck of land with a yellow bluff facing eastward. From this island, shoals with little water over them extend (281) Warwick Point, the southernmost point of War- about 500 yards northward and 300 yards eastward and wick Neck, 0.7 mile northwest of Patience Island, is southeastward. Shoals extend about 300 yards north- marked by a light and sound signal. ward and westward of Long Point, the northwestern extremity of Potowomut Neck. (282) Greenwich Bay, at the northwestern end of Nar- (288) Greenwich Cove, in the southwest end of Green- ragansett Bay, is entered between Warwick Neck and wich Bay, is about 1.3 miles long and 300 to 600 yards Potowomut Neck. Shoal water borders the shore of the wide. Buoys mark the entrance channel into the cove. bay, but the general depths are 10 feet or more. State regulatory buoys at the entrance mark a “Slow no wake” zone. On the western shore is the town of East (283) Warwick Cove, between Warwick Neck and Horse Greenwich. Depths of about 7 to 11 feet are available in Neck, is in the northeastern part of Greenwich Bay. A the cove to about 0.5 mile from the head. Good anchor- marked dredged channel leads from the bay to an an- age may be had off some of the small-craft facilities on chorage basin at the head of the cove; other anchorage the west side of the cove in depths of 8 to 11 feet. basins in the cove are on the west side of the channel, 0.5 (289) The cove has several boatyards. Berths, electric- mile above the channel entrance, and on each side of the ity, gasoline, water, diesel fuel, ice, marine supplies, channel 0.7 mile above the channel entrance. A State wet and dry storage, launching ramps, lifts to 21 tons, regulatory buoy off Horse Neck marks a 5 mph speed and complete engine and hull repairs are available. limit. In 2007, the controlling depths were 4.5 feet (6.0 feet at midchannel) from the entrance to the anchor- age basin at the head of the cove, except for shoaling to 0.9 foot in the left outside quarter of the channel between Buoy 3 and Buoy 7. The anchorage basin, 0.5 mile above the entrance, had depths of 3.6 to 6.0 feet and
Chapter 6 Narragansett Bay 253 The harbormaster in the cove controls anchoring and Chart 13218 berthing; contact can be made through the Warwick City Hall. (292) The shoreline of Point Judith Neck between West (290) From Sandy Point, the eastern extremity of Poto- Passage and Point Judith should be given a berth of at womut Neck, shoals with depths of 2 to 9 feet extend least 0.6 mile. From Narragansett Pier to Black Point, northeasterly for about 0.6 mile. Extensive shoals ex- a rocky promontory 1.9 miles southward, the shoreline tend off the eastern side of Warwick Neck to Ohio Ledge. is a rugged rocky ledge with deep water close inshore. Rocky Point is on the eastern side of the neck, 1.7 miles The waters between Black Point and Point Judith are north-northeastward of Warwick Point. boulder-strewn and shoal up gradually. (291) The natural channel between the shoals off War- wick Neck and the shoals northward of Patience and (293) Three very prominent landmarks are Point Judith Prudence Islands has depths of 19 to 50 feet. A buoy Light, the elevated water tank 1.7 miles north of Point marks the shoal off Providence Point, the northernmost Judith, and Hazard’s Tower, a high, square stone tower point of Prudence Island. 0.5 mile south of Narragansett Pier. Closer inshore the stone bathing pavilion at the State-operated Scarbor- ough Beach, 0.5 mile south of Black Point, and an open stone tower on a house 0.4 mile north of Black Point are prominent.
254 Narragansett Bay Volume 2 TIDAL INFORMATION Chart Station LAT/LONG Mean Mean High Mean Low Higher High Water* Water* Water* 0.1 0.1 13218 Gay Head, Martha's Vineyard 41°21'N/70°50'W 3.2 3.0 0.1 0.1 13218 Woods Hole, Little Harbor 41°31'N/70°40'W 1.6 1.5 0.1 0.1 13218 New Bedford, Buzzards Bay 41°38'N/70°55'W 4.1 3.8 0.2 0.1 13218 Point Judith, Harbor of Refuge 41°22'N/71°29'W 3.4 3.1 0.2 0.1 13218 Block Island, Old Harbor Basin 41°10'N/71°33'W 3.2 3.0 0.2 0.2 13221 Narragansett Pier 41°25'N/71°27'W 3.6 3.3 0.2 0.2 13221 Bristol, Bristol Harbor 41°40'N/71°17'W 4.5 4.2 0.2 13223 Wickford 41°34'N/71°27'W 4.1 3.9 13223 Prudence Island 41°35'N/71°19'W 4.1 3.9 13223 Newport, Naval Training Station 41°30'N/71°20'W 3.9 3.6 13223 Beavertail Point, Conanicut Island 41°27'N/71°24'W 3.8 3.5 13224 East Greenwich, Greenwich Bay 41°40'N/71°27'W 4.5 4.2 13224 Bristol Ferry, Mount Hope Bay 41°38'N/71°15'W 4.5 4.2 13225 Providence, State Pier #1 41°48'N/71°24'W 4.8 4.6 13227 Fall River, Taunton River 41°44'N/71°08'W 4.9 4.6 * 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 6 Narragansett Bay 255
72°30' 72° 71°30' 256 Block Island Sound Volume 2 41° Index of Chart Coverage in Chapter 7 RHODE ISLAND 41° 13219 30' 30' CON CONNECTICUT 12358 LONG ISLAND SOUNDRIVER 13205 Groton Fall River Point Judith Harbor Point Judith NECTICUT Mystic Stonington Greenport New London Watch Hill Fishers Island 13217 13214 Block Island BLOCK ISLAND SOUND 13212 Montauk Point Gardiners Island GARDINERS BAY 41° 41° LITTLE PECONIC BAY 13209 13215 GREAT PECONIC BAY 12354 NORTH ATLANTIC OCEAN 72°30' 72° 71°30'
Chapter 7 Block Island Sound 257 Block Island Sound (1) This chapter describes Block Island Sound, Fishers (8) Recommended Vessel Route (Block Island Sound) Island Sound, Gardiners Bay, Little Peconic Bay, Great has been established for Block Island Sound. Peconic Bay, and the ports and harbors in the area, the more important of which are Point Judith Harbor, Great (9) The U.S. Coast Guard Captain of the Port, Provi- Salt Pond, Stonington, Mystic Harbor, and Greenport. dence, in cooperation with the Southeastern Massachu- setts and Rhode Island Port Safety and Security Com- COLREGS Demarcation Lines mittees, has established a Recommended Vessel Route (2) The lines established for this part of the coast are for deep draft vessels and tugs/barges transiting Rhode Island Sound, Narragansett Bay, and Buzzards Bay. described in 80.150 and 80.155, chapter 2. Deep draft vessels and tugs/barges are requested to fol- low the designated routes. These routes were designed Charts 13205, 13215 to provide safe, established routes for these vessels, to reduce the potential for conflict with recreational boat- (3) Block Island Sound is a deep navigable waterway ers, fishing gear, and other small craft, and to reduce the forming the eastern approach to Long Island Sound, potential for grounding or collision. Vessels are respon- Fishers Island Sound, and Gardiners Bay from the At- sible for their own safety and are not required to remain lantic Ocean. The sound is a link for waterborne com- inside the route nor are fisherman required to keep fish- merce between Cape Cod and Long Island Sound. It has ing gear outside the route. Small vessels should exercise two entrances from the Atlantic: an eastern entrance caution in and around the Recommended Vessel Routes from Rhode Island Sound between Block Island and and monitor VHF channels 16 or 13 for information Point Judith, and a southern entrance between Block concerning deep draft vessels and tugs/barges transiting Island and Montauk Point. The sound is connected with these routes. Long Island Sound by The Race and other passages to the southwestward, and with Fishers Island Sound by several passages between rocky reefs from Watch Hill Point to East Point, Fishers Island. (10) Block Island North Reef is a sand shoal with a least depth of 11 feet extending 1 mile northward from Sandy (4) The north shoreline of Block Island Sound and Point at the north end of Block Island. The shoal should Fishers Island Sound from Point Judith to New London be avoided by all vessels; its depths change frequently, is generally rocky and broken with short stretches of and its position is also subject to a slow change. It is sandy beach. Many inlets and harbors, especially in the practically steep-to on all sides, so that soundings alone vicinity of Fishers Island, afford harbors of refuge for cannot be depended on to clear it. A lighted bell buoy is vessels. Most of the rocks and shoals near the channels 1.5 miles northward of the point. are marked with navigational aids. (11) Southwest Ledge, 5.5 miles west-southwestward of (5) The southern part of Block Island Sound is bound- Block Island Southeast Light, has a least known depth of ed by Block Island on the east, the eastern extremity of 21 feet and is marked on its southwest side by Southwest Long Island, and Gardiners Island on the west. Plum Ledge Lighted Whistle Buoy 2. Rocky patches extend 1.5 Island and Fishers Island are at the western end of the miles northeastward from the ledge. The sea breaks on sound. the shoaler places on the ledge in heavy weather. (6) The deep water in the central part of Block Island (12) Several other dangers that must be guarded against Sound will accommodate vessels of the greatest draft. are northward and westward of Southwest Ledge Light- ed Whistle Buoy 2. These dangers are: 37-foot sounding, (7) Westward of Gardiners Island, enclosed between marked by a lighted buoy, about 2.2 mile 280° from the the northeastern and eastern ends of Long Island, are lighted whistle buoy and numerous rocks up to 1.1 miles Gardiners Bay, Shelter Island Sound, Little Peconic Bay, north of the lighted whistle buoy. and Great Peconic Bay. This area is well protected but generally shallow, and is not suited for deep-draft ves- (13) The deepest passage in the southern entrance to sels. The shoreline is marked by many indentations and Block Island Sound is just westward of Southwest Ledge shallow harbors. These waters are much used by com- and has a width of over 2 miles; this is the best pas- mercial fishing vessels and small pleasure craft because sage for deep draft vessels. The area between Southwest of the protection afforded and the many anchorages. Ledge Lighted Whistle Buoy 2 and Block Island Sound South Entrance Obstruction Lighted Buoy BIS is known locally as Montauk Channel. Mariners should keep in
258 Block Island Sound Volume 2 mind that vessels with a draft in excess of 38 feet will sometimes occur with northerly breezes, but are gener- not be allowed to transit this area. Further, pilots using ally burned off before midday. Montauk Channel shall consider draft, sea and swell, (22) The Race may be said to be the only locality where wind, visibility, current and vessel traffic. When these tidal currents have any decided influence on the move- conditions pose a threat to the safety of any person, ments of the ice. Large quantities of floe ice usually pass vessel, prudent navigation or safety of the environment, through The Race during the ebb, especially if the wind Montauk Channel shall not be used. is westerly, and in severe winters this ice causes some (14) Between the inner patch of rocks and the shoals, obstruction in Block Island Sound and around Mon- which extend 0.9 mile from Block Island, is a channel tauk Point. These obstructions are the most extensive 1.3 miles wide, with a depth of about 31 feet. Vessels around the middle of February. using this channel should round the southwest end of Block Island at a distance of 1.5 miles. It is not advisable Weather, Block Island Sound and vicinity to use this passage during heavy weather. (23) Land influences the weather only at the northern (15) The entrance between Point Judith and Block Is- land is used by vessels coming from the bays and sounds edge of the Sound, with a northerly wind. Otherwise eastward to Long Island Sound. The route generally the waters are open, similar to the nearby ocean. Winds used is through The Race. Tows of light barges and ves- from all other directions have ample time to increase in sels of 14 feet or less draft sometimes go through Fishers strength and the Sound can be as turbulent as any water Island Sound, especially during daylight with a smooth off the coast. Wind speeds can be double those found on sea. This entrance is clear with the exception of Block the coast, especially in winter, when average speeds of Island North Reef and the numerous large boulders 16 to 17 knots are common. Gales occur up to 5 percent extending about 4 miles south-southeastward of Point of the time in winter and are most likely from the west Judith. The coast from Point Judith nearly to Watch and northwest. Seas built by winds from the southeast Hill should be given a berth of over 1 mile, avoiding the through southwest are usually highest since there is no broken ground with depths less than 30 feet. land to interfere with the fetch. Seas of 10 feet (3 m) or more are likely 5 to 7 percent of the time in winter. Tides and currents (24) Because of relatively cold water, summer fog oc- (16) The effect of strong winds, in combination with curs two to three times more often in these waters than in either Narragansett or Buzzard Bays. For example, in the regular tidal action, may at times cause the water June visibilities drop below ½ mile nearly 9 percent of to fall several feet below or rise the same amount above the time. the plane of reference of the chart. (17) Tidal current data for a number of locations in North Atlantic Right Whales Block Island Sound are given in the Tidal Current Ta- (25) Endangered North Atlantic right whales may occur bles. (18) The tidal currents throughout Block Island Sound in Block Island Sound, in particular in the Narragansett/ have considerable velocity; the greatest velocities occur Buzzards Bay Traffic Separation Scheme. They may also in the vicinity of The Race and in the entrances between occur 30 miles south of Block Island Sound (peak sea- Montauk Point, Block Island, and Point Judith. Sound- son: November through April). The Northeast Marine ings alone cannot be depended upon to locate the posi- Pilots distribute educational material to mariners in tion; the shoaling is generally abrupt in approaching the an effort to reduce right whale ship strikes. (See North shores or dangers. Atlantic Right Whales, indexed as such, in chapter 3 for more information on right whales and recommended measures to avoid collisions.) (26) All vessels 65 feet or greater in length overall (19) In the middle of the passage between Point Judith (L.O.A.) and subject to the jurisdiction of the United and Block Island, the velocity is 0.7 knot. The flood sets States are restricted to speeds of 10 knots or less in westward, and the ebb eastward. the Block Island Sound Seasonal Management Area be- tween November 1 and April 30. The area is defined as (20) In the passage between Block Island and Montauk the waters bounded by: Point, the flood sets generally northwestward and the (27) 40°51'53.7\"N., 70°36'44.9\"W.; ebb southeastward. In the middle of the passage the ve- (28) 41°20'14.1\"N., 70°49'44.1\"W.; locity is 1.5 knots on the flood and 1.9 knots on the ebb. (29) 41°04'16.7\"N., 71°51'21.0\"W.; About 1.2 miles eastward of Montauk Point, the flood (30) 40°35'56.5\"N., 71°38'25.1\"W.; thence back to start- sets 346°, ebb 162°, with a velocity of 2.8 knots. ing point. (See 50 CFR 224.105 in chapter 2 for regula- tions, limitations, and exceptions.) (21) In Block Island Sound and in the eastern part of Long Island Sound, fogs are generally heaviest with Pilotage, Block Island Sound and Long Island Sound southeast winds. In these waters the usual duration of (31) Pilotage is compulsory for foreign flag vessels and a fog is from 4 to 12 hours, but periods of from 4 to 6 days have been known with very short clear intervals. U.S. vessels which are under register (i.e. engaged in In the autumn, land fogs, as they are termed locally,
Chapter 7 Block Island Sound 259 foreign trade) in Block Island Sound and Long Island mainland in winter. The wind velocity averages 15 knots Sound. Vessels should not enter Block Island Sound or for the year, but the mean is 17 knots in the winter, Long Island Sound without a state licensed pilot. See when gales are frequent. In the early fall most of the Pilotage, Long Island Sound (indexed as such), chapter tropical storms moving up the coast affect the island 8. The Point Judith Pilot Station is the primary pilot to some extent. Since 1871 and 1996, 13 storms have boarding location for entry into Block Island Sound come within 25 miles of Block Island. In August 1991, and Long Island Sound. Vessels bound for Long Island the center of Hurricane Bob passed about ten miles to Sound ports may board pilots at the Point Judith Pilot the west of the island with 85-knot winds. Station, centered on 41°17.0'N., 71°30.5'W. There is a (38) (See Appendix B for Block Island climatological secondary pilot station which may be used with special table.) arrangement at any point south of the Montauk Point Pilot Station, centered on 41°02.0'N., 71°42.0'W. Communications (39) A ferry operates daily from Galilee to Great Salt Chart 13217 Pond or Old Harbor, carrying mail, passengers, freight, (32) Block Island, 5 miles long, is hilly with elevations and vehicles. There is summer ferry service from Old up to about 200 feet. The shore of the island is fringed in Harbor to Providence, via Newport, and to New London. most places by boulders and should be given a berth of The island has telephone service to the mainland. Air over 0.5 mile even by small craft; the shoaling is gener- service is also available. ally abrupt in approaching the island. Weather, Block Island and vicinity (33) Block Island, formed by glaciers, consists of nearly (40) Block Island Southeast Light (41°09'10\"N., 71°33'04\"W.), 67 feet above the water, is shown from 7,000 acres (2,830 hectares) and lies in the Atlantic a red-brick octagonal, pyramidal tower attached to a Ocean about 12 miles east-northeast of Long Island dwelling to Mohegan Bluffs on the southeast point of the and about the same distance south of Charlestown, RI. island. The wreck of the large tanker SS LIGHTBURNE Hence, the climate is typically maritime, but under con- is southeast of the light at 41°08'57\"N., 71°32'52\"W. ditions of extreme cold or heat the effect is felt on the island as well as on the mainland. Temperatures of -10°F (41) Block Island North Light (41°13'39\"N., (-23.3°C, February 1992) and 95°F (35°C, August 1948) 71°34'33\"W.), 58 feet above the water, is shown from a have been recorded. brown tower on a gray granite dwelling on Sandy Point (34) Summers are usually dry. Recorded rainfall for any at the north end of the island. At Clay Head, on the one month ranges from a trace to 11.51 inches (292 northeast side of Block Island, is a lone white house on mm). November is the wettest month averaging 4.08 top of the bluff. inches (104 mm) and June is the driest averaging 2.46 inches (64 mm). (42) Old Harbor, frequently used as a harbor of refuge, (35) The warmest month is July with an average high of is an artificial harbor formed by two breakwaters on the 76.5°F (24.7°C) and an average low of 63.7°F (17.6°C). east side of Block Island, 1.4 miles northward of Block The coolest months are January and February. Each Island Southeast Light. A Federal project provides for a average 32°F (0°C). The island is too small to build up channel 15 feet deep entering the harbor and leading to cumulonimbus clouds, and local thunderstorms do not a basin with a project depth of 15 feet; the inner harbor occur. Fog occurs on one out of four days in the early anchorage area also has a project depth of 15 feet. (See summer, when the ocean is relatively cold and foggy Notice to Mariners and latest editions of the charts for days average about 22 each year. controlling depths.) The harbor is occupied by pleasure (36) Winters are distinguished for their comparative craft during the summer. The eastern part of the inner mildness; maximums average 36°F to 42°F (2.2°C to harbor is left clear for the passage of the ferry to the 5.6°C) and minimums average 26°F (-3.3°C) in January wharf. The basin in the southeast corner of the inner and February. Since the surface winds are usually east- harbor is usually occupied by fishing boats and local erly when snow begins it soon changes to rain or melts craft which tie up along the sides. Gasoline, diesel fuel, rapidly after it piles up. The ocean temperatures are al- and berths are available. The harbormaster has an office ways somewhat above freezing and not far off shore are at the Old Harbor town dock. relatively high. (37) The ocean has a dampening effect on hot winds (43) The east breakwater extends about 300 yards north- in summer and an accelerating effect on cold winds ward of the entrance of the inner harbor, and is marked from the mainland in the winter. Katabatic winds from at its end by a light and sound signal. A bell buoy is 0.55 Narrangansett Bay and Long Island reach as high as mile northward of the breakwater. A light marks the end 35 knots when anticyclonic conditions prevail on the of the breakwater on the west side at the entrance to the inner harbor. (44) Great Salt Pond (New Harbor), on the west side of Block Island, is the best harbor in Block Island Sound for vessels of 15-foot draft or less. In easterly gales when the sea is too heavy to enter Old Harbor, a landing can
260 Block Island Sound Volume 2 be made at Great Salt Pond. The entrance, about 2 miles and two shorearm breakwaters extending to the shore. south-southwestward of Block Island North Light, is a The harbor is easy of access for most vessels except with dredged cut through the narrow beach. The southwest- a heavy southerly sea. It is little used by tows. The only ern side of the entrance is protected by a jetty, which is soft bottom in the harbor is found in the southern part marked by a light and a sound signal at its outer end. of the deeper water enclosed by the main breakwater. On (45) A Federal project provides for a channel 18 feet the north side the shoaling is gradual; the 18-foot curve deep entering Great Salt Pond. (See Notice to Mariners is about 0.3 to 0.5 mile offshore. and latest editions of the charts for controlling depths.) (54) Near the central part of the harbor are two shoals; Local knowledge is advised before entering. the northernmost one has depths of 14 to 18 feet, and (46) The usual anchorage in Great Salt Pond is near the the southernmost one has depths of 14 to 16 feet and is southeast end, off the ferry landing, taking care to leave marked by a buoy. a fairway to the landing. A channel with a reported depth (55) The area within the V-shaped breakwater affords of about 8 feet in 1981 leads to Trim Pond, where local protected anchorage for small craft. The breakwater fishing craft are moored. should be given a berth of 200 yards to avoid broken and (47) Small-craft facilities in Great Salt Pond can provide hard bottom; a rocky shoal area about 100 yards wide, berths, electricity, gasoline, diesel fuel, water, ice, and paralleling the west side of the main breakwater north- marine supplies. The marina about 0.3 mile westward ward from the angle should be avoided. A good berth of the ferry landing had a reported depth of 16 feet at for a vessel is on a line between Point Judith Harbor of the face of the dock in 1981. Sail and engine repairs are Refuge East Entrance Light 3 and Point Judith Harbor available nearby. of Refuge West Entrance Light 2, midway between them in 22 to 30 feet. This position falls on the edge of the Currents east-west thorofare used by pleasure craft and fishing (48) Tidal currents in the entrance to Great Salt Pond boats. (56) In 1984, a submerged obstruction was reported have a velocity of 0.3 knot. (See Tidal Current Tables for about 270 yards southeast of Point Judith Harbor of predictions.) Refuge West Entrance Light 2 in about 41°21'37\"N., 71°30'40\"W. A dangerous wreck, covered 4½ feet, is No-Discharge Zone marked by a lighted buoy about 450 yards westward of (49) The State of Rhode Island, with the approval of Point Judith Harbor of Refuge East Entrance Light 3 in 41°21'34\"N., 71°30'11\"W. the Environmental Protection Agency, has established (57) The southern entrance to the Harbor of Refuge, a No-Discharge Zone (NDZ) in Great Salt Pond. The known locally as the East Gap, is 400 yards wide; in NDZ includes all waters east of a line from the landward 1981, it had a reported controlling depth of about 24 feet end of the jetty located at the northwestern channel with deeper water in the western half of the channel. entrance to the red marker located approximately 600 (58) The western entrance to the Harbor of Refuge, feet northwest of the United States Coast Guard facility known locally as the West Gap, is 500 yards wide; in dock (see chart 13217 for limits). 1981, it had a reported controlling depth of about 18 (50) Within the NDZ, discharge of sewage, whether feet, with lesser depths on the north side of the entrance. treated or untreated, from all vessels is prohibited. A rock, covered 12 feet, is near the north side of the Outside the NDZ, discharge of sewage is regulated by entrance at 41°21'48.7\"N., 71°31'07.4\"W. 40 CFR 140 (see chapter 2). Currents Chart 13219 (59) The tidal currents have a velocity of about 0.7 knot (51) Point Judith Light (41°21'40\"N., 71°28'53\"W.), at the south entrance. The currents off the west en- 65 feet above the water, is shown from an octagonal trance are rotary, with a velocity at strength of 0.5 knot. tower, 51 feet high, with the lower half white, upper half (See Tidal Current Tables for predictions.) brown. The station has a sound signal. About 100 yards (60) Considerably stronger currents have been reported north of the light is Point Judith Coast Guard Station. to develop especially when the tide is ebbing. A lighted whistle buoy is about 3.2 miles southward of the light. (See chart 13218.) (52) The area around Point Judith, including the ap- (61) Point Judith Pond is a saltwater tidal pond entered proaches to Point Judith Harbor of Refuge, is irregular between two rock jetties at The Breachway in the north- with rocky bottom and indications of boulders. Caution western part of Point Judith Harbor of Refuge. The east is advised to avoid the shoal spots, even with a smooth jetty is marked near its seaward end by a light. The pond sea, and to exercise extra care where the depths are not extends 3.3 miles northerly to the town of Wakefield. more than 6 feet greater than the draft. It is used extensively by small fishing vessels and plea- sure craft, and numerous fish wharves are inside the (53) Point Judith Harbor of Refuge, on the west side of entrance. The north end of Point Judith Pond affords Point Judith, is formed by a main V-shaped breakwater
Chapter 7 Block Island Sound 261 good anchorage for boats of 4 feet draft or less during Chart 13215 a heavy blow. (62) The village of Galilee on the east side of the en- (68) From Point Judith to Watch Hill the shore is low trance and Jerusalem on the west side at Succotash and for the most part consists of sandy beaches which Point have State piers and numerous small piers chiefly are broken by several projecting rocky points. Back used by fishermen. A State fisheries laboratory is just from the immediate shore are areas of cultivation in- above the State pier at Jerusalem. A State pier superin- terspersed with rolling grass-covered or wooded hills. tendent controls the State piers at Galilee and Jerusa- Except for Point Judith Pond, most pond outlets are lem; his office is at the head of the Galilee State Pier. used only by small local craft. The coast is fringed by (63) A Federal project provides for a depth of 15 feet broken ground and boulders in places, which should be from Point Judith Harbor of Refuge to the State Pier at avoided by deep-draft vessels where the depths are less Jerusalem along the west side of Point Judith Pond with than 36 to 42 feet. a branch channel on the east side extending northeast- erly from the entrance of the pond to the State Pier at (69) Matunuck is a summer resort about 3 miles west of Galilee, and a 10-foot anchorage basin just inside the Point Judith. Southwest of Matunuck Point is Nebraska pond entrance. The western channel extends north the Shoal, a patch of boulders covered 18 feet and marked by turning basin at Wakefield; portions of the channel are a buoy. The shoal is at the south end of broken ground, federally maintained to 6 feet. (See Notice to Mariners with depths less than 30 feet offshore; the water deepens and latest editions of charts for controlling depths.) abruptly around the patch. Tides and Currents (70) Charlestown Breachway, 4.5 miles westward of Ma- (64) The mean range of tide in the pond is 2.8 feet and tunuck Point, is a narrow inlet which leads to Ninigret Pond, also known as Charlestown Pond, to the west- occurs later than in the Harbor of Refuge by about 10 ward, and the village of Charlestown to the northward. minutes just inside the entrance and 30 minutes at the In 1994, a reported depth of about 1½ feet could be taken north end. The tidal currents in the entrance have a in the inlet, with depths of about 3 to 6 feet inside. The velocity of 1.8 knots on the flood and 1.5 knots on the southern part of Ninigret Pond is mostly mud flats. Lo- ebb, and cause slight rips and overfalls at changes of cal knowledge is required in entering and moving about tide. Higher current velocities are reported to occur. inside. A small-craft facility is at Charlestown, and one (See Tidal Current Tables for predictions.) is at the western end of Ninigret Pond; berths, gasoline, electricity, marine supplies, and launching ramps are at both facilities. (65) Several boatyards and marinas are at Galilee, Jeru- (71) Quonochontaug, 10.8 miles westward of Point Ju- salem, Wakefield, and at Snug Harbor, on the west side dith, is a summer settlement at the outlet of Quono- of the pond about 0.8 mile above the entrance. Berths, chontaug Pond. In 1981, a reported depth of about 3 feet electricity, gasoline, diesel fuel, water, ice, marine sup- could be carried in Quonochontaug Breachway, with plies, storage, launching ramps, and hull and engine depths of 15 to 20 feet reported in the pond. Vessels repairs are available. The largest marine railway in the favor the west side of the entrance to avoid rocks in the area, at the southern end of the waterfront at Snug Har- easterly half of the entrance. bor, can handle craft up to 150 feet long or 400 tons. In 1981, a reported depth of 12 feet could be carried to the (72) Weekapaug Point, 12.5 miles west of Point Judith, railway. is bold, rocky, and prominent from the southwest and southeast. Two stone jetties, 1,500 feet long, protect the (66) Daily ferry service is available to Block Island from entrance to Winnapaug Pond just westward of the point. Galilee. Daily bus service is operated to Providence. In 1981, a reported depth of about 5 feet could be carried in Weekapaug Breachway to the pond; vessels favor the (67) Potter Pond, shallow and landlocked, is joined with west side of the breachway above the bridge. Reported Point Judith by a narrow channel near Snug Harbor. depths in Winnapaug Pond vary from bare to 10 feet. Local knowledge should be obtained before using this There are numerous shoals and sandbars. Southerly channel, which has depths of 2 to 4 feet and is crossed by winds cause breakers at the ends of the jetties; extreme overhead power and telephone cables with a clearance of caution is advised. The fixed bridge over the entrance 30 feet at the channel entrance and by a fixed highway has a clearance of 6 feet. bridge with a clearance of 5 feet about 0.4 mile above the entrance. A current of more than 3 knots develops (73) Old Reef, with a depth of 5 feet over it, is about through the channel on the ebb. The mean range of tide 1.5 miles west of Weekapaug Point and about 0.5 mile in the pond is about 1 foot, and it occurs about 2.5 hours offshore. later than in the Harbor of Refuge.
262 Block Island Sound Volume 2 Chart 13214 Coast Guard station at East Harbor, about 1 mile from East Point of Fishers Island, is prominent; numerous (74) Watch Hill, about 17.5 miles west of Point Judith, buildings on the western part of Fishers Island and a is a high bare bluff on its easterly side with several large large yellow hotel building are conspicuous. The radar hotels and summer houses. antenna on Mount Prospect, near the west end of the island, south shore, is the most prominent landmark (75) Watch Hill Light (41°18'14\"N., 71°51'30\"W.), 61 on Fishers Island from seaward. The south side of the feet above the water, is shown from a square gray granite island is fringed with foul ground which rises abruptly tower, 45 feet high, attached to a white building with a from depths of 42 to 48 feet, but by giving the shore a red roof, on Watch Hill Point. berth of 0.5 mile, all dangers will be avoided. (87) Race Point Ledge, partly bare at low water, extends (76) Gangway Rock, awash at low water, is part of a about 0.2 mile southwestward from Race Point, the boulder reef extending about 0.2 mile southward from southwest extremity of Fishers Island, and is marked at Watch Hill Light. A lighted bell buoy marks the south its end by a buoy. Inside the buoy are boulders with 2 to 9 end of the reef. A submerged rock is about 50 yards feet over them. The passage between the buoy and Race northward of the buoy. Rock Light has very irregular bottom; the least depth is about 18 feet. It is suitable only for small vessels with a (77) Watch Hill Passage is the principal entrance to comparatively smooth sea. Fishers Island Sound from eastward, and the only one (88) Race Rock, on the northeast side of The Race, is used by strangers. It has a least depth of about 17 feet. nearly 200 yards in diameter, with a depth of 8 feet. A A spot with 12 feet over it in the passage is marked by a ridge with a least depth of 28 feet extends about 120 buoy; the best channel is northward of this buoy, giving yards SSW of Race Rock. Another ridge, extending in it a berth of about 150 yards. a north-south direction with a least depth of 38 feet is about 320 yards east of Race Rock. (78) Watch Hill Reef, on the southwest side of Watch (89) Race Rock Light (41°14'37\"N., 72°02'50\"W.), 67 Hill Passage, has rocks that bare and is marked by a gong feet above the water, is shown from a granite tower at- buoy. tached to a dwelling on a granite pier on the rock. A sound signal is sounded at the station. The sound signal (79) Sugar Reef Passage, between Watch Hill Reef and is reported at times to be inaudible when a vessel is Sugar Reef, has a width of 0.3 mile; the least depths are approaching from eastward and is close southward of about 22 feet. Fishers Island. (80) Sugar Reef, some 500 to 600 yards in extent, is Charts 13209, 13212 covered 2 to 12 feet and should be avoided; it is marked by a buoy off its north side. (90) The Race, the main entrance to Long Island Sound from eastward, extends between Fishers Island and Lit- (81) Catumb Passage, between Sugar Reef and Catumb tle Gull Island, between which is a width of about 3.5 Rocks, has a width of 150 yards; its least depth is 13 feet. miles. The only dangers are Valiant Rock, nearly in the middle, and Little Gull Island with its reefs. (82) Catumb Rocks, the highest of which are awash, are marked by buoys on the north, southeast, and south- Current west sides. Rocks covered 1 to 18 feet extend 0.8 mile (91) In the middle of The Race, the flood sets 295° and westward of Catumb Rocks to the buoy that marks the east side of Lords Passage. This passage, about 0.3 mile the ebb 100°, with average velocities of 2.9 knots and wide, has a least depth of 16 feet. 3.5 knots, respectively. There are always strong rips and swirls in the wake of all broken ground in The Race, (83) Wicopesset Rock, on the northwesterly side of except for about one-half hour at slack water. The rips Lords Passage, is the easterly part of foul ground ex- are exceptionally heavy during heavy weather, and es- tending about 0.3 mile to Wicopesset Island, which is pecially when a strong wind opposes the current, or low and rocky. the current sets through against a heavy sea. (Predicted times of slack water and times and velocities of strength (84) Wicopesset Passage, between Wicopesset Island of current are given in the Tidal Current Tables.) and East Point, is narrow and is obstructed by a rock (92) During the flood stage of the tide, a significant eddy in the middle marked by a buoy; it is suitable only for exists on the northwest side of Valiant Rock. small craft and should not be used by strangers. A bell buoy marks the southern entrance. Extreme caution is recommended when using the passage as the ebb cur- rent is apt to set boats on the foul ground. (93) Little Gull Reef, with little depth and foul ground, extends 0.3 mile east-northeastward from Little Gull (85) Information about the tidal currents in the passag- Island and is marked at the northeast end by a buoy. es is given with the discussion of Fishers Island Sound. Charts 13214, 13212 (86) Fishers Island, 6 miles long, is hilly and sparsely wooded. Chocomount, 136 feet high, is the highest point on the island. East Point, at the east end of the island, is marked by several large houses. The former
Chapter 7 Block Island Sound 263 Mariners are advised that the buoy is sometimes sub- about 0.5 mile from shore; depths of 24 feet and less merged by the strong current and deep-draft vessels extend 0.8 mile off the northeast side of the point. should avoid this locality. Little Gull Island Light (101) Montauk Point Light (41°04'15\"N., 71°51'26\"W.), (41°12'23\"N., 72°06'25\"W.), 91 feet above the water, is 168 feet above the water, is shown from a white conical shown from a gray granite tower, 81 feet high, attached tower with a red band midway of its height and a covered to a red dwelling on a pier. A sound signal is at the light. way to a gray dwelling. A sound signal is at the light. The light and Race Rock Light are the guides, as sound- (102) Surrounding Montauk Point for about 4 miles is a ings cannot be depended upon. shoal area that has been closely surveyed (see also chart (94) In passing north of Valiant Rock, vessels should 13215); the bottom is very broken, and extra caution keep from 0.5 to 0.8 mile southwestward of Race Rock should be observed where the depths are less than 10 Light, and craft passing southward of Valiant Rock feet greater than the draft. In general, the shoals are a should hold to a course about 1 mile northeastward of series of long narrow ridges, in places only a few yards Little Gull Island Light. wide, and their positions are indicated by the rips over (95) Cerberus Shoal, 6 miles southeast of Race Rock them at the strength of the tidal currents. Light, is about 0.4 mile in diameter, with a least depth (103) Montauk Shoal, about 2.5 miles south-south- of 19 feet on a small rocky patch near its north end. eastward of the light, has least depths of 30 feet. Great The seas break on this shoal during heavy swells. It is Eastern Rock, 1.5 miles east-northeast of the light, has marked by a lighted gong buoy. Near the shoal, tide rips a least depth of 25 feet. Phelps Ledge, just northerly are unusually strong. of Great Eastern Rock, is covered by 24 feet. Endeavor (96) Great Gull Island, 0.6 mile southwest of Little Gull Shoals, about 2.3 miles northeast of the light, are cov- Island, was formerly a military reservation, but is now ered by 19 to 24 feet on a narrow ridge about 0.4 mile privately owned. The pier on the north side is in ruins. long. A lighted gong buoy is off the eastern end of the A lookout tower on the island is conspicuous. ridge. (97) Valiant Rock, with a least depth of 20 feet, is sur- (104) Vessels drawing up to 20 feet can avoid the dan- rounded by shoal area, and the 10-fathom curve sur- gers eastward and northeastward of Montauk Point in rounding the rock marks the area which should be smooth weather by giving the point a berth of over 1 avoided by deep-draft vessels and preferably all vessels, mile and avoiding Great Eastern Rock. on account of the heavy swirls and rips. A lighted whistle (105) Broken ground with rocky bottom and boulders ex- buoy is northward of the rock. tends about 2 miles off the north coast west of Montauk (98) The Sluiceway, the passage between Great Gull Is- Point. Shagwong Reef, with a least depth of 8 feet and land and Plum Island, has several known dangers and marked by a lighted bell buoy, is the northern limit of very irregular bottom with boulders, and should be this area. Shagwong Rock, with a least depth of 7½ feet avoided. The velocity of the tidal current in the passage and marked by a lighted buoy, and Washington Shoal, is 2.6 knots on the flood, and 3.2 knots on the ebb; flood with a least depth of 15 feet, are between the shore and sets 299°, and ebb 133°. Considerably higher veloci- Shagwong Reef. The principal danger outside Shag- ties occur at times, and tide rips are very bad in heavy wong Reef is a shoal with a depth of 30 feet, 5.3 miles weather. Boulders covered 3 to 10 feet are between Old northwestward of Montauk Point. Silas Rock and Plum Island. Old Silas Rock, marked by a buoy, is awash at high water. Middle Shoal Rock, 0.3 Pilotage Pickup Locations Off Montauk Point mile northeastward of Old Silas Rock, has a depth of 8 (106) Pilots, by special arrangement during favorable feet. (99) Bedford Reef is broken ground, on which the least weather conditions, may meet a ship with less than found depths are 14 to 16 feet, extending about 1.5 miles 38-foot draft off Montauk Point bound for Long Island southward from broken ground lying between Great Sound. Foreign flag vessels and U.S. vessels which are Gull and Plum Islands. It should be avoided. Constella- under register can arrange for a state licensed pilot by tion Rock, on the southeasterly extension on this bro- contacting the joint rotation administrator, Block Is- ken ground, has 17 feet over it, is marked by a buoy, and land Pilots at 243 Spring Street, Newport, RI 02840; lies 1.9 miles southward of Little Gull Island Light. telephone 401-847-9050 (24 hours), 800-274-1216; FAX 401-847-9052. U.S. vessels engaged in coastwise trade Chart 13209 (enrolled work) in need of pilotage services can contact the various pilot organizations directly. For telephone (100) Montauk Point, the easterly extremity of Long Is- number, FAX number, cable address, description of the land, is a high sandy bluff, on the summit of which is boat, frequencies, etc., consult the name of the associa- the light. The land is grass covered, with a height of 165 tion under Pilotage, Narraganset Bay and Other Rhode feet at Prospect Hill, 2 miles westward of the point. The Island Waters (indexed as such), chapter 6; Pilotage, south side of the point is bold, the 10-fathom curve is Long Island Sound (indexed as such), chapter 8; and Pilotage, New York Harbor and Approaches (indexed as such), chapter 11
264 Block Island Sound Volume 2 (107) Mariners are also reminded that vessels with a draft of Montauk Point. The bay is free of dangers, but flats in excess of 38 feet are advised to not transit the Mon- with 8 to 12 feet over them make out 0.2 mile from its tauk Channel (as defined by the area between South- eastern shore. The bay affords anchorage in 40 to 50 feet, west Ledge Lighted Whistle Buoy 2 and Block Island soft bottom, but is exposed to northerly and northwest- Sound South Entrance Obstruction Lighted Buoy BIS). erly winds; the shoaling is abrupt on its east and south Further, pilots using Montauk Channel shall consider: sides. draft, sea and swell, wind, visibility, current and vessel (115) Montauk, a summer resort at the southeast end of traffic. When these conditions pose a threat to the safety the bay, is the terminus of a Class II railroad. A depth of of any person, vessel, prudent navigation or safety of the 10 feet was reported alongside the commercial pier on environment, Montauk Channel shall not be used. the east side of the bay. There are no public piers avail- able. (116) Napeague Bay, 8 miles westward of Montauk Point, is shallow in the western and southwestern part. Prom- (108) Montauk Harbor, in the northern part of Lake ised Land Channel, the buoyed passage southward of Montauk, is entered through a dredged channel on the Gardiners and Cartwright Islands, has a least centerline northern shore about 3 miles west of Montauk Point; depth of about 14 feet; however, the depth is continually a Federal project provides for a depth of 12 feet in the changing due to the shifting shoals. channel and 10 feet in the boat basin northwestward of (117) The tidal currents have a velocity of about 1.5 knots Star Island. (See Notice to Mariners and latest editions through all the channels between the shoals. It is not of charts for controlling depths.) The entrance is pro- advisable for vessels drawing more than 10 feet to at- tected by jetties, each of which is marked by a light. A tempt the passage without local knowledge, and then lighted bell buoy, about 0.3 mile north of the entrance, only when the buoys can be seen. marks the approach to the harbor. (118) Napeague Harbor, a small-craft refuge in the southwest part of Napeague Bay, can be entered through (109) Star Island, just inside Montauk Harbor, is con- privately dredged channels northward and southward of nected to the mainland by a causeway. A private light is Hicks Island. In 1981, the reported controlling depths shown from the eastern side of the island. A privately were 4 feet in the northerly and southerly entrances. marked channel, with a reported controlling depth of Depths in the central part of the harbor range from 7 feet in 1999, leads from beyond the end of the federal 1½ to 7 feet; the chart is the best guide. The harbor channel to the southern part of Lake Montauk where is especially useful in northeasterly weather when the there are depths of 6 to 8 feet in the center. adjoining bays are unsafe. There are no landings in the harbor. COLREGS Demarcation Lines (119) Promised Land is a former fishing village on the (110) The lines established for Montauk Harbor are de- southwest side of Napeague Bay. A depth of about 4 feet can be carried to the landing at the yacht club, 1.3 miles scribed in 80.155, chapter 2. westward of Promised Land. (120) Gardiners Island, 11 miles westward of Montauk Currents Point, is partly wooded and has an elevation of 130 feet (111) Tidal currents at the entrance to Montauk Harbor near its middle. Cartwright Island is narrow, low, and sandy, and extends 1 mile in a southerly direction off have a velocity of 1.2 knots on the flood and about 0.5 the south tip of Gardiners Island. Its size and shape are knot on the ebb. They are reported to decrease rapidly subject to considerable change by storms. after entering the harbor and are practically negligible (121) Crow Head is the high bluff at the western end near the yacht club landing on the east side of Star Is- of Gardiners Island. Shoal water with depths of 9 to land. (See Tidal Current Tables for predictions.) 16 feet extends 1.8 miles southwestward from Cherry Hill Point, the westerly end of Gardiners Island, and terminates at Crow Shoal. The shoal has depths of 3 to 11 feet and is marked by a buoy. An obstruction covered (112) Montauk Coast Guard Station is at the northern 12 feet is 200 yards eastward of the buoy. end of Star Island. (122) The bight between the southern part of Gardiners Island and Crow Shoal is Cherry Harbor. It has depths of Small-craft facilities 24 to 27 feet with mud bottom and affords shelter from (113) There are several small-craft facilities on both sides northeasterly winds. Bostwick Bay is the bight on the northwest side of Gardiners Island. It affords excellent of the entrance to Montauk Harbor, and a yacht club anchorage in easterly winds in depths of about 25 feet, and several marinas are on the east side of Star Island. but is exposed to all westerly winds. Gasoline, diesel fuel, water, ice, marine supplies, and (123) Gardiners Point, a low spit, is at the north- space for transients are available. Lifts to 80 tons can erly end of a very shoal bar which extends 1.5 miles handle craft for complete engine and hull repairs. Gro- ceries and other supplies may be obtained at the village of Montauk. The yacht club can be contacted at 631-668- 7732. (114) Fort Pond Bay is a semicircular bight about 1 mile wide on the north side of Long Island, 5 miles westward
Chapter 7 Block Island Sound 265 north-northwestward from Gardiners Island. This shoal abreast of the middle of the island, has 1 foot over it and is steep-to on its north and west sides and is marked by a is marked by a buoy. lighted gong buoy. A rock with a depth of 2 feet over it is (133) Plum Gut Harbor, on the southwest side of Plum about 0.8 mile eastward of the north point of Gardiners Island, has an entrance between jetties with private sea- Island and is marked by a buoy. sonal lights on dolphins off the outer ends. The lights (124) The Ruins, a concrete structure on Gardiners are shown daily from sundown to 0130. A private sound Point, is Government property and formerly a naval signal at the west jetty light is sounded occasionally aircraft bombing target; it is prohibited to the public. when Department of Agriculture vessels are navigating The Ruins and the area within 300 yards radius of it is in the area. A depth of about 14 feet is in the entrance. dangerous due to the possible existence of undetonated Small yachts seeking shelter in an emergency lie along- explosives. side the wharves. The harbor is under the supervision (125) A restricted anchorage for U.S. Navy submarines is of the Department of Agriculture and the Coast Guard, about 3 miles eastward of Gardiners Island. (See 110.1 and may be used only with permission. and 110.150, chapter 2, for limits and regulations.) (126) Gardiners Bay is at the western end of Block Island COLREGS Demarcation Lines Sound from which it is separated by Gardiners Island. (134) The lines established for Plum Gut Harbor are de- The bay is an excellent anchorage easily entered day or night, and is the approach to Shelter Island Sound scribed in 80.155, chapter 2. and the Peconic Bays. The principal entrance is north- ward of Gardiners Point. The entrance from Long Island Sound is through Plum Gut. The entrance southward of Gardiners Island is used by fishing vessels. (135) Plum Gut, the entrance to Gardiners Bay from (127) The principal guides for the entrance to Gardiners Long Island Sound, is nearly 0.6 mile wide and has suf- Bay from Block Island Sound are the lighted gong buoy ficient water for vessels of the deepest draft; in the pas- north of Gardiners Point, Little Gull Light, and Orient sage are several rocks with depths of 15 to 22 feet over Point Light. When past the lighted gong buoy north them. A wreck with a least depth of 57 feet is in about of Gardiners Point, vessels can select the anchorage in 41°10'06\"N., 72°12'59\"W. Tidal currents set through the Gardiners Bay which affords the best lee in the prevail- passage with great velocity. Steamers, or sailing vessels ing winds. with a strong favorable wind, should have no difficulty (128) The principal dangers in approaching Gardiners in passing through. Bay from the northward are the broken ground between Constellation Rock and Plum Island, and the shoal (136) Velocities of the current on flood and ebb are 3.5 making out to Gardiners Point. In the bay, Crow Shoal and 4.3 knots, respectively. The flood sets northwest- should be avoided. In general, the shoaling is rather ward and the ebb southeastward. Heavy tide rips occur. abrupt in approaching these dangers and gradual in ap- In 1983, NOAA Ships RUDE and HECK reported that proaching the shoals on the western side of the bay. during the flood a countercurrent normally develops along the north shore of Plum Island. This counter- No-Discharge Zone current is most prevalent within 0.5 mile of the island. (129) The State of New York, with the approval of the Caution is recommended when using this passage. Environmental Protection Agency, has established a (137) Oyster Pond Reef, extending about 0.5 mile east- No-Discharge Zone (NDZ) in the Peconic Estuary. The northeastward from Orient Point, is marked by a light NDZ includes all open waters, harbors and creeks of and sound signal. Caution is recommended regarding the Peconic Estuary west of a line from Orient Point to the sound signal, as it may be difficult to hear at times, Montauk Point (see chart 13209 for limits). particularly with an easterly wind. Numerous boulders (130) Within the NDZ, discharge of sewage, whether and little depth are between the light and Orient Point. treated or untreated, from all vessels is prohibited. Midway Shoal, about 0.5 mile east of the light, has 17 Outside the NDZ, discharge of sewage is regulated by feet over it and is marked by a lighted buoy. 40 CFR 140 (see chapter 2). (138) When using Plum Gut it is well to give Plum Island and Orient Point Light a berth of 0.2 mile. The best water in the passage will be found on a 295° course, (131) Plum Island, about 2 miles westward of Great Gull passing Pine Point and the buoy marking Midway Shoal Island, is 2.5 miles long, hilly, and bare of trees except at a distance of 350 yards and passing midway between near the southwest end and has several large buildings Orient Point Light and Plum Gut Light on the western and a prominent tank; it is marked on its western point end of Plum Island. by Plum Gut Light. The island is a Government reserva- tion and closed to the public. (139) A channel, with a reported controlling depth of 7 feet in 1999, leads to a research basin operated by the (132) The bight in the southeast side of Plum Island is U.S. Department of Agriculture on the south side of Ori- foul to Plum Island Rock, which is 0.5 mile from shore ent Point, about 1 mile southwest of Orient Point Light. A ferry operates between here, Plum Island and New London.
266 Block Island Sound Volume 2 Small-craft facility Chart 12358 (140) A small-craft facility is about 0.1 mile westward of (149) Shelter Island Sound and Peconic Bays extend the wharf. Berths, electricity, gasoline, diesel fuel, wa- westward from Gardiners Bay about 22 miles to River- ter, ice, and a launching ramp are available. In 1981, a head, the head of navigation on Peconic River. They are reported depth of about 6 feet could be carried to the much frequented by yachts and other small craft in the facility. summer. Fishtraps and oyster stakes are on many of the shoals. (150) A depth of about 26 feet can be carried through (141) Acabonack Harbor, at the southeast end of Gardin- the channel north of Shelter Island and through Little ers Bay, is entered through a privately maintained and Peconic Bay as far as Robins Island, and about 13 feet marked channel with a reported controlling depth of 8 through the channel south of Shelter Island. Across the feet in the entrance in 1996. bar between Little and Great Peconic Bays about 13 feet can be carried. With local knowledge greater depths can (142) Hog Creek Point, on the southerly side of Gardin- be carried in the channels and across the bar. A depth ers Bay, is generally flat, with bluffs approximately 25 of about 6 feet can be taken to South Jamesport and feet in height. Lionhead Rock, off the point and marked Riverhead. by a buoy, is awash at high water. Fishtraps are westward of the point. Currents (151) The tidal currents have considerable velocity wher- (143) Threemile Harbor, on the south side of Gardin- ers Bay 1.7 miles southwestward of Hog Creek Point, is ever the channel is narrowed. The velocity in the nar- entered through a channel with two privately dredged rower places is about 1.8 knots. sections. In 1980, a portion of the wooden bulkhead on the west side of the entrance collapsed into the channel. Ice In 1981, it was reported that by favoring the east side of (152) Ice obstructs navigation in the coves and shallow the entrance channel a depth of 8 feet could be carried to a point opposite Maidstone Park, thence in 1996, a harbors during January and February. In severe win- reported depth of 6 feet could be carried to the basin at ters, drift ice is reported to interfere with navigation the head of the harbor. The approach to the harbor is for short periods of time. In the south arm of Shelter marked by a seasonal lighted bell buoy, and the channel Island Sound, the ice is heavy enough at times to destroy is marked by lighted and unlighted buoys. The jetties structures exposed to it. at the harbor entrance are marked on the outer ends by private lights. A public commercial landing with re- Small-craft facilities ported depths of 8 feet is on the east side of the channel (153) Diesel fuel, gasoline, ice, water, marine supplies, about 0.6 mile above the entrance. A 5 mph speed limit is enforced in the harbor. and other provisions can best be obtained at Greenport and Sag Harbor. Several boatyards, shipyards, marine Anchorage railways, and enclosed basins with excellent repair fa- (144) Anchorage is available in Threemile Harbor in cilities are at Greenport. depths of 9 to 14 feet with soft bottom and good holding ground; this is a good anchorage during strong winds. (154) Ram Head is a prominent sandy bluff on the west- Currents ern shore of Gardiners Bay. A lower bluff is nearly 1.5 (145) The tidal current has a velocity of about 3 knots miles westward of Ram Head with numerous houses along the top. A shoal with 7 to 17 feet over it extends through the entrance. about 2.4 miles southeastward from Ram Head. Small-craft facilities (155) A boulder with 1 foot over it is 230 yards from shore (146) Small-craft facilities on the east and south sides of about 0.3 mile northeastward of the northern point of the entrance to Coecles Harbor. Other boulders with Threemile Harbor can provide berths, electricity, gaso- little depth are between this boulder and Ram Head. line, diesel fuel, water, ice, launching ramps, storage, lifts to 40 tons, and hull and engine repair. Provisions (156) The entrance to Coecles Harbor is at the south end can be obtained at the town of East Hampton, 3.5 miles of Ram Head; the channel is marked by private seasonal south of Threemile Harbor. buoys and a private seasonal light. In 1996, the reported (147) In 1989, the public pier maintained by the town of controlling depth in the privately maintained entrance East Hampton at the head of the harbor had reported channel was 8 feet. The speed limit is 5 mph. A marina depths of 7 feet at its face and 4 feet on its west side. and boatyard are in the harbor. A mobile hoist at the boatyard can haul out craft up to 35 tons; gasoline, wa- COLREGS Demarcation Lines ter, ice, diesel fuel, marine supplies, sewage pumpout, (148) The lines established for Threemile Harbor are de- berths, guest moorings, storage facilities, and complete engine and hull repairs are available. In 1981, a reported scribed in 80.155, chapter 2.
Chapter 7 Block Island Sound 267 depth of 5½ feet could be carried to the marina and boat- (166) Greenport is an important town and the terminus yard. In 2003, a dangerous rock was reported about 250 of a branch of a Class II railroad. The white church yards south of Buoy 10 at 41°04'11.5\"N., 72°18'22.5\"W. spires, near the northern end of town, and a tank and Care should be taken to avoid this hazard. TV radio tower in the center of town are prominent. (157) A special anchorage is in Coecles Harbor. (See 110.1 and 110.60(y), chapter 2, for limits and regula- (167) Greenport Harbor is formed on the northeast by a tions.) 5-foot-high breakwater, which extends 0.2 mile south- eastward from Youngs Point, nearly to the 18-foot curve, COLREGS Demarcation Lines and is marked at its outer end by a light. The depths at (158) The lines established for Coecles Harbor are de- the wharves range from 5 to 20 feet. The railroad wharf on the south side of the waterfront can accommodate a scribed in 80.155, chapter 2. vessel up to 100 feet. (168) Stirling Basin, on the northeast side of Greenport, is a part of Greenport Harbor. In 2009, Sandy Beach had (159) Extensive flats make off from Ram Head and the migrated into the entrance channel, but 6.7 feet could shore between it and Hay Beach Point, the northern- be carried in the left outside quarter. The anchorage most point of Shelter Island, which is a low flat with a areas had depths of 5 to 8 feet. The entrance channel is clump of scrub at its end and backed by wooded high- marked by private seasonal buoys. Two smaller privately land. Long Beach Point is a low spit eastward of Hay dredged channels with depths of about 9 feet reported Beach Point. A bar with little depth extends southwest- are in the northeastern part of the basin. erly from Long Beach Point to the ruins of a former lighthouse of which only the 10-foot concrete founda- (169) The harbormaster for Greenport Harbor controls tion remains. A private light marks the ruins. mooring and berthing in the basin. The speed limit is 5 mph. (160) Shoals with depths of 10 to 12 feet extend 0.5 mile eastward from Long Beach Point. The south and west Small-craft facilities sides of this shoal have depths of 12 to 15 feet, and rise (170) Small-craft facilities at Greenport can provide abruptly from the channel. The limits of the shoal south of the point are marked by buoys. The bar has extended berths, electricity, gasoline, diesel fuel, water, ice, stor- southward enough to be a real danger to small craft. age, marine supplies, a pump-out facility, and hull and engine repairs. The largest marine railway, at a ship- COLREGS Demarcation Lines building company at the southeast end of the water- (161) The lines established for the Long Island bays are front, can handle craft up to 500 tons and 15 feet in draft. Mobile hoists to 50 tons are available. A well-equipped described in 80.155, chapter 2. machine shop is also in the town. (162) Orient Harbor, about 4 miles northwestward of (171) A ferry operates between Greenport and Shelter Is- Ram Head, is an excellent anchorage; the depths range land. During the summer, bus service is available from from over 20 feet in its southern part to 16 feet at its Greenport to Orient Point where there is ferry service northern end. Orient is a village at the northeast end of to New London. Orient Harbor. At the end of the main wharf the depth is 8½ feet. The eastern part of Orient Harbor has depths (172) Dering Harbor, southward of Greenport and at the of 7 to 9 feet. Fish traps are on the shoals. northwest end of Shelter Island, is a favorite anchorage for yachts and motorboats. The entrance to the harbor, (163) About 0.4 mile northeastward of Cleaves Point, at marked by private buoys, is partially constricted by a the southwest end of Orient Harbor, the shore has been disposal area in about mid-entrance and shoal area with cut through to a small pond which is used as a private a reported depth of 4 feet in 1981 that extends from the basin for small craft. The entrance, between two jetties, southwestern entrance point to near the disposal area; has a depth of about 3 feet over the bar, with about 6 feet caution is advised. In 1989, it was reported that about 10 in the basin. Permission is required before anchoring in feet could be carried into the harbor with local knowl- the basin. Rocks are 0.2 mile south of the entrance. edge. Depths of 10 to 14 feet are available in the central part of the harbor, with much lesser depths around the (164) Hallock Bay makes eastward from Orient Har- edges. Moorings and float landings for small craft are in bor on the north side of Long Beach Point. A channel, the bight at the southwest end of the harbor. Vessels too marked by uncharted private daybeacons, leads into the large to enter can anchor outside the harbor in depths bay. The bay is shallow and dangers and shoaling have of 14 to 30 feet. The speed limit is 5 mph. been reported. Local knowledge is advised prior to en- tering. Small-craft facilities (173) Small-craft facilities, on the west side of the har- (165) Gull Pond is 0.3 mile westward of Cleaves Point at the southwest end of Orient Harbor. In 1981, a reported bor, can provide berths, electricity, gasoline, diesel fuel, depth of 4 feet could be carried through the entrance, water, ice, marine supplies, sewage pumpout, and hull with depths of 10 to 15 feet reported in the pond. A State launching ramp is available in the pond.
268 Block Island Sound Volume 2 and outboard engine repairs. A launching ramp is also (182) On the shore south of Southold entrance jetty is a available. prominent white tower. Small-craft facilities (183) There are several small-craft facilities on the creeks (174) Shelter Island Heights is on the southwestern side of Dering Harbor. and along the west shore of Southold Bay from Paradise Point to Conkling Point. Berths, electricity, gasoline, (175) Fanning Point is on the north shore at the south- water, ice, marine supplies, launching ramps, storage, west end of Greenport. A shoal extends 300 yards off the lifts, and cranes are available. Provisions can be ob- point and is marked by a seasonal lighted buoy. Four tained at Southold. dolphins, part of a former oil facility, are northward of the point. Currents of 2 knots, running fair with the channel, have been reported in the vicinity of Fanning Point. (184) Paradise Point, on the west side of Shelter Island Sound, is low and wooded, and from the point a sloping (176) Conkling Point, on the north shore 1 mile south- sandspit extends about 0.3 mile eastward and is marked westward of Fanning Point, is low and sandy at the end by a lighted buoy. Southward of Paradise Point, shoals and has deep water as close as 150 yards. A marina on with depths of 10 to 15 feet extend from the west shore the southwest side of the point had a reported depth to midsound; the southeast point of the shoals is marked of 6 feet in the approach in 2006. Berths and moor- by a buoy. ings, electricity, diesel fuel, water, ice, marine supplies, a pump-out, a launching ramp, a 30-ton mobile hoist (185) The channel south of Shelter Island has numer- and winter storage are available. Hull and engine repairs ous shoals, but is easily followed by vessels of 13 feet or can be made. less draft when the buoys can be seen. The channel is used by vessels going to Sag Harbor. Vessels operating (177) Mill Creek is the entrance to Hashamomuck Pond, between Greenport and Sag Harbor prefer the inside about 1.1 miles westward of Conkling Point. In 1981, route around the western end of Shelter Island. The the privately dredged entrance channel into the creek tidal current in the channel between Shelter Island and had a controlling depth of 4 feet, thence 3½ feet was North Haven Peninsula has a velocity of about 2.4 knots. reported in the channel along the northwest shore of The approach from Gardiners Bay is across a shoal or bar Mill Creek. The entrance channel is marked by private which extends in a southeasterly direction from Ram seasonal buoys. About 400 yards eastward of the creek is Head to the south shore, the depths on which vary from a small bight entered through a channel with a depth of 7 to 11 feet about 1.6 miles from Ram Head, and thence about 4 feet and marked by private seasonal lights and 13 to 17 feet to the buoys which mark the entrance. buoys. In 1992, severe shoaling was reported across the entrance. (186) Dangerous Rock, awash at low water in surround- ing depths of about 12 feet, is 0.2 mile south of the (178) Jennings Point, the western end of Shelter Island, channel. is high and wooded. Rocks are off the point close-to, and it should be given a berth of over 150 yards. A lighted (187) A shoal extends 0.3 to 0.4 mile north of the shore of buoy is off the point. A gazebo on the point is prominent. Cedar Point which is marked by a light. The shoal has boulders, and its edge is marked by buoys. (179) The town of Southold is at the head of Southold Bay, which is the bight at the western end of Shelter (188) Shoals with boulders and little water over them in Island Sound westward of Jennings Point. For about a places extend nearly 0.5 mile southeastward from Nicoll mile northeastward of the entrance jetty, shoals with Point. Buoys mark the limit of the channel in this area. 12 feet or less extend nearly 0.4 mile from shore and are generally steep-to. The southwest part of the bay is (189) Northwest Harbor, between Cedar Island Light and shoal for about 0.3 mile from shore. Anchorage can be Barcelona Point, is strewn with boulders covered by 4 selected east-southeast of the jetty at a distance of from to 6 feet. 0.2 to 0.4 mile, in 12 to 18 feet. (190) Sand Spit, an extensive shoal partly bare at half- (180) A small jettied basin is about 0.5 mile northeast of tide, is between Mashomack Point, the southeastern Southold entrance. The overhead power cable crossing extremity of Shelter Island, and Sag Harbor. The spit is the entrance has a clearance of 31 feet. There are no marked by buoys and a light. public landings in the basin. (191) A group of rocks locally known as Gull Island, (181) In 1989, the reported controlling depth was about showing bare at half-tide, is nearly 0.4 mile northeast- 3 feet in the privately maintained channels in Town ward of the breakwater at Sag Harbor. Creek, Jockey Creek, and Goose Creek. The common entrance to Town Creek and Jockey Creek is marked (192) Sag Harbor, about 2.5 miles southwestward of by private seasonal buoys. The highway bridge at the the light on Cedar Point, is protected on the northeast mouth of Goose Creek has a clearance of 9 feet and the by a breakwater marked at the outer end by a light. A bridge that crosses Jockey Creek has a 45-foot fixed span spherical tank, a radio tower, and several flagpoles are with a vertical clearance of 6½ feet. prominent landmarks. (193) In entering Sag Harbor, do not round the breakwa- ter too closely, as a depth of about 6 feet is found near
Chapter 7 Block Island Sound 269 its end. Anchor eastward or northeastward of the end of Small-craft facilities the former ferry wharf, locally known as Long Wharf. A (200) Small-craft facilities in the creek can provide berths, 5 mph speed limit is enforced. (194) In 1974, the dredged channel into Sag Harbor had electricity, gasoline, water, ice, storage, a launching a controlling depth of 8 feet (10 feet at midchannel) ramp, marine supplies, and hull and engine repairs; a through the entrance to the turning basin, 9 feet in the 25-ton mobile hoist is available. turning basin, 5 feet in the southerly anchorage area, and 7 feet in the main anchorage area. In 1991, the channel was no longer being maintained. The channel to Sag Harbor Cove is about 8 feet deep; this channel (201) Jessup Neck is a long narrow strip, partly high and and the cove are marked by private seasonal lights and wooded, separating Noyack Bay from Little Peconic Bay. buoys. A fixed bridge at the entrance has a clearance of The north end of the neck is a sandspit from which a 21 feet. Berths, electricity, gasoline, diesel fuel, storage, shoal with 4 to 12 feet over it extends nearly 0.4 mile marine supplies, water, ice, launching ramps, and com- north-northwestward. A lighted buoy marks the outer plete engine, hull, rigging, and sail repairs are available end of the shoal area. at Sag Harbor; a 30-ton mobile hoist, near the inner end of the breakwater, can haul out craft up to about 60 feet. (202) A shoal with depths of 5 to 7 feet extends 1.5 miles (195) Smith Cove, a small bight on the south side of southwestward from Great Hog Neck, on the northwest Shelter Island, is a good anchorage for small craft in side at the entrance to Little Peconic Bay; this shoal is northerly weather. Depths range from 11 to 30 feet. A marked by a seasonal lighted buoy. marina on the west side of the cove can provide moor- ings, limited berths, gasoline, electricity, water, and (203) Heavy tide rips occur southeast of Great Hog Neck some marine supplies. In 1981, a depth of 6 feet was during the flood with a southwesterly wind. At such reported alongside the pier at the marina. A ferry oper- times, small craft can avoid the worst of them by favor- ates between South Ferry on the southwest side of the ing the shore on the northwest side of the passage. cove to North Haven Peninsula. (196) West Neck Harbor and West Neck Bay are shallow (204) Richmond Creek and Corey Creek are at the head bodies of water on the southwest side of Shelter Island. of Hog Neck Bay. A depth of about 7 feet can be taken In 1989, it was reported that a depth of 2 feet could be in the privately dredged channel leading to a basin in carried over the bar and into the harbor from Shelter Richmond Creek; the channel is marked by private sea- Island Sound. The entrance is close eastward of the sea- sonal buoys. In 1999, the dredged channel leading into ward end of a peninsula, marked by a private lighted and connecting with small boat channels in Corey Creek buoy, that separates the harbor from the sound, and the had a controlling depth of 4 feet. In 1964, controlling channel follows along the north side of this peninsula. depths in the small-boat channels inside Corey Creek The channel is marked by private buoys. The harbor has were 5½ to 6 feet. The entrance channel is marked by numerous private landings. A boatyard with a marine private buoys. railway can handle craft up to 40 feet for hull and engine repairs. Berths, gasoline, water, ice, a launching ramp, (205) Little Peconic Bay is about 5 miles long. The south- and some marine supplies are available. erly shore of the bay is clear if given a berth of 0.4 mile, but shoals extend 0.6 mile from the south end of the bay. Anchorage (197) A special anchorage is in West Neck Harbor. (See (206) An aquaculture site, marked by private seasonal buoys, is at the south end of Little Peconic Bay about 110.1 and 110.60 (y-1), chapter 2, for limits and regu- 1 mile north-northwest of the entrance to North Sea lations.) Harbor. (207) A prominent sandy bluff, known locally as Holmes Hill, is just west of the entrance to North Sea Harbor. (198) Noyack (Noyac) Bay is between North Haven Pen- In 2008, the reported controlling depth through the insula and Jessup Neck and southward of the western dredged channel and into the harbor was 7 feet. The end of Shelter Island. No dangers will be encountered channel is marked by private seasonal buoys and by a if the shores are given a berth of 0.4 mile. private seasonal light at the entrance. This is an ex- cellent harbor of refuge for small craft with drafts not (199) Mill Creek, in the southern part of Noyack Bay, is exceeding 3½ feet. The bottom is soft with good holding entered through a privately dredged channel that leads ground. to a basin. The channel is marked by private seasonal lights and buoys. In 1991, the reported controlling (208) A marina in the harbor has gasoline, ice, water, depth was 8 feet in the channel; thence in 1981, 6 feet in some marine supplies, and a lift that can handle craft the basin. A clubhouse on the west side of the entrance to 10 tons; hull and engine repairs can be made. is prominent. (209) Wooley Pond, 1 mile northeastward of North Sea Harbor, is entered through a dredged channel which, in 2000, had a reported depth of 8 feet. The channel is marked by private seasonal buoys and by a private seasonal light on the north side of the entrance. (210) A marina in the pond can provide berths, electric- ity, gasoline, water, ice, storage, marine supplies, and hull and engine repairs; a 45-foot marine railway and
270 Block Island Sound Volume 2 a 12-ton forklift are available. In 1981, depths of 5 to 6 Island, has a controlling depth of about 13 feet and is feet were reported available at the marina. marked by buoys. (211) Nassau Point, the long neck on the northwest side (219) An aquaculture site, marked by private buoys, is 0.6 of Little Peconic Bay, has high bluffs on the eastern mile southwest of the south end of Robins Island. side. A shoal with little depth over it extends 0.5 mile (220) Tide rips occur between the mainland and the southward from Nassau Point and is marked by a lighted south end of Robins Island when the tidal current sets buoy. against the wind. (212) Cutchogue Harbor, between Nassau Point and New (221) Great Peconic Bay, about 5 miles in diameter, is Suffolk, is used by local boats drawing 6 to 10 feet. On used mostly by local motorboats from Shinnecock Ca- the east shore of the harbor, northwestward of Nassau nal and by yachts. The bay is generally clear, but exten- Point, three channels leading into the ponds have been sive shoals make off from the shores, except on its south dredged by private interests. At the middle of the three side. Shinnecock Canal, the entrance from the south, is channels, 0.9 mile northwest of the extremity of Nassau described in chapter 10. Point, are several private wharves. The channel leads (222) Rodgers Rock, about 1.3 miles west-southwestward between two jetties, and a depth of about 3 feet can be of Cow Neck and about 1.2 miles south-southwest of carried into the pond and 1 foot to some of the wharves. Robins Island, has a depth of 6 feet over it and is marked (213) Haywater Cove, Broadwater Cove, Mud Creek, on the northeast side by a buoy. Robins Island Rock, and East Creek, used by local interests and sharing a 0.8 mile westward of the south end of Robins Island, is common entrance, are at the head of Cutchogue Har- awash at low water. It is marked by a buoy. Caution is bor. The entrance channel and the channels through recommended in this vicinity. these waterways have been privately dredged. In 1999, (223) Sebonac Creek, on the southeast side of Great a reported depth of 6 feet was available in the entrance Peconic Bay, is used extensively by yachts, and serves as channel; thence in 1966, 6 feet in East Creek and 7 feet a yacht harbor for the town of Southampton. A privately in Haywater Cove and Broadwater Cove; thence in 1976, dredged channel, marked by private seasonal lights and 6 feet in Mud Creek. Shoaling is reported to occur in buoys, leads into the creek and had a reported control- these areas; caution is advised. ling depth of 8 feet in 1981. The landings are at West (214) A depth of 8 feet can be taken within 100 feet of the Neck, a small settlement northeastward of Ram Island wharves at New Suffolk by passing eastward and about in Bullhead Bay. An obstruction buoy is locally main- 200 yards northward of the buoy westward of Nassau tained during the summer to mark a rock, covered 1½ Point and steering westward for the wharves. A small feet, about 100 feet westward of the town landing. In basin, with a depth of about 8 feet reported in 1981, 1981, a reported depth of 5 feet could be carried to the is northward of the wharf. In 1981, shoaling to 2 feet town landing. A 5 mph speed limit is enforced. was reported in the southern part of Cutchogue Harbor, (224) Cold Spring Pond, about 1.6 miles southwestward about 0.4 mile east of New Suffolk. of Sebonac Creek and 1.1 miles eastward of Shinnecock (215) A larger basin at the north end of New Suffolk, Canal entrance, is entered through a privately dredged locally known as School House Creek, extends to the channel which had a reported depth of 6 feet in 2001. highway. The entrance channel is protected by a short In 1992, severe shoaling was reported in the entrance. rock jetty, covered at high water, on the south. The The entrance channel to the pond is marked by a private depth to the boatyard at the head of the basin was re- seasonal light and buoy. An overhead power cable at the ported to be 6 feet in 2008. Berths, gasoline, storage, entrance to the pond has a clearance of 34 feet. marine supplies, hull and engine repairs, and a 30-ton (225) James Creek, on the north shore of Great Peconic mobile hoist are available at the boatyard. Bay opposite the entrance to Shinnecock Canal, is en- (216) Wickham Creek, locally known as Boatmens Har- tered through a privately dredged channel that had a bor, 0.7 mile north of New Suffolk, is entered through a reported controlling depth of 6 feet in 2008. The en- privately dredged entrance channel with a reported con- trance is marked by private seasonal buoys. Small-craft trolling depth of 8 feet in 2002. The channel is marked facilities on the creek can provide berths, electricity, by private seasonal buoys and bush stakes. Gasoline, gasoline, water, ice, some marine supplies, a pump-out water, ice, storage, a launching ramp, and some marine station, launching ramps, storage, and hull and engine supplies are available in the basin. A flatbed trailer can repairs. A flatbed trailer can haul out craft to 30 feet. haul out craft to 32 feet. (226) South Jamesport is a village on Miamogue Point, (217) In southeast gales, local craft of less than 6-foot 3.4 miles southwestward of James Creek. Local knowl- draft seek shelter in the small cove, locally known as edge is necessary to avoid the shoals in this area, and Horseshoe Cove, in the northeast part of Cutchogue strangers should take soundings frequently to keep in Harbor. the best water. (218) The through channel in North Race, northward of Robins Island, is marked and used only by light-draft Small-craft facility boats. South Race, the channel southward of Robins (227) A small-craft facility at South Jamesport can pro- vide berths, electricity, gasoline, water, ice, launching
Chapter 7 Block Island Sound 271 ramps, storage, marine supplies, and hull and engine changes of depth are indications of boulders and should repairs; a 25-ton mobile hoist is available. In 1999, a be avoided as anchorages. reported depth of 6 feet could be taken to the facility. The town has railroad passenger and bus service. Currents (233) In Watch Hill Passage the tidal currents are strong and necessitate caution in navigating. Buoys may be (228) Peconic River empties into the western end of Flan- towed under. The flood current sets nearly in the direc- ders Bay, about 1.5 miles westward of South Jamesport. tion of the channel, but has a tendency to northward The river is entered through a dredged channel marked and the ebb a tendency to southward. The northerly and by private seasonal lights that leads from Flanders Bay southerly set is more marked between Napatree Point to the head of navigation at Riverhead, about 2.4 miles and Latimer Reef Light. above the channel entrance. The dredged channel is ap- (234) In Sugar Reef and Catumb Passages the tidal cur- proached from deep water in Great Peconic Bay through rents set obliquely across the axis of the channel. The a marked channel. In 2001, the controlling depth was flood sets northwestward and the ebb southeastward. 4.3 feet (5.7 feet at midchannel) in the dredged channel. The tidal currents in Sugar Reef Passage are about the A fixed highway bridge with a clearance of 25 feet crosses same velocity as in Watch Hill Passage, but are stronger the river about 0.9 mile above the mouth. in Catumb Passage. (235) In Lords Passage the tidal currents set diagonally (229) Flanders Bay is the scene of considerable small across the channel and have a velocity of nearly 2 knots, boat activity. Small-craft facilities are at Riverhead; lim- the ebb being greater than the flood. ited berths, electricity, gasoline, water and a pump-out (236) In the main channel of Fishers Island Sound, the station are available. flood sets westward and the ebb eastward. In the main channel between Napatree Point and Wicopesset Island, (230) Meetinghouse Creek, Terrys Creek, and Reeves the velocity of flood is 1.7 knots and ebb 2.2 knots. The Creek, which empty into the northwestern part of Flan- flood sets 284° and the ebb 113°. ders Bay, are entered through privately dredged chan- (237) In the channel south of Ram Island Reef, the veloci- nels. In 1981, the channels had reported controlling ties of flood and ebb are 1.3 and 1.6 knots, respectively. depths of 5 feet. The entrance channel leading to, and The flood sets 255° and the ebb 088°. The direction and connecting with, Terrys Creek and Meetinghouse Creek velocity of the current are affected by strong winds that is marked by private seasonal buoys and a private sea- may change the duration of flood or ebb. sonal light. A marina is on Meetinghouse Creek. Berths, (238) The strong tidal currents prevent the formation of electricity, gasoline, diesel fuel, water, ice, marine sup- heavy local ice, except in shoal tributaries. The only ice plies, launching ramp, a 6-ton forklift, 55-ton mobile to give trouble is that set in from Long Island Sound hoist, storage facilities, and hull and engine repairs are by wind and current. The ice formations in Little Nar- available. In 2008, a reported depth of 8 feet was avail- ragansett Bay are sufficiently heavy to be destructive to able alongside. The marina monitors VHF-FM channel structures exposed to them. 69. (231) Reeves Bay, on the southwest side of Flanders Bay, is entered through a privately dredged channel that (239) On the south side of Fishers Island Sound, off the leads to the town of Flanders on the south side of the north side of East Point on Fishers Island, are Seal bay. In 1999, the channel had a reported controlling Rocks, partly bare at low water and marked by a buoy. depth of 2 feet. Other dredged channels lead from the A rocky patch covered 11 feet and marked by a buoy is entrance channel into several arms of the bay. A boat- about 500 yards northeastward of Seal Rocks. Youngs yard at Flanders has gasoline, storage facilities, marine Rock, about 0.4 mile westward of Seal Rocks, has about supplies, and a 10-ton marine railway; hull and engine 1 foot over it and is marked by a buoy. A rocky patch repairs can be made. extends about 400 yards to the east-northeastward. Chart 13214 (240) East Harbor and Chocomount Cove, in the north shore of Fishers Island, are sometimes used as anchor- (232) Fishers Island Sound extends between the main- ages by small craft. There is considerable foul ground in land of Connecticut and Fishers Island, and forms one East Harbor and in the approach to Chocomount Cove. of the entrances into Long Island Sound that is used to The harbor and cove are exposed to northerly winds. A some extent by light tows and other vessels up to 14-foot former Coast Guard Station with a boathouse and dock draft. The sound has numerous shoals and lobster trap is prominent near the south side of East Harbor. Several buoys, and the entire area is exceedingly treacherous, small private piers with about 6 feet at their ends are in characterized by boulder patches that rise abruptly from East Harbor. deep water. Vessels should follow the deeper channels between the shoals and proceed with caution if obliged (241) The north shore of Fishers Island from East Harbor to cross shoal areas. In general, all shoal spots or abrupt around into West Harbor has several private landings.
272 Block Island Sound Volume 2 (242) East Clump is a cluster of rocks partly bare at high (249) Napatree Point Ledge, a boulder reef with little water and marked by a buoy about 0.8 mile north of depth, extends nearly 0.4 mile southward of the point. Fishers Island. From East Clump for some 2.8 miles It is marked by a lighted bell buoy. A sunken wreck is westward to North Dumpling, there are rocky islets and about 0.3 mile eastward of the ledge in about 41°18'N., dangers which must be avoided. These are 0.5 to 0.8 71°53'W. mile off the Fishers Island shore, and most are buoyed. North Dumpling, an islet marked by a light and sound (250) The west side of Napatree Point should not be ap- signal, is surrounded by rocks awash and foul ground. proached closer than 175 yards to avoid a stone jetty Seaflower Reef, marked by a light, is near the middle which is covered at high water. Between Napatree Point of the western entrance of Fishers Island Sound and 0.8 and the Stonington outer breakwater is an extensive mile northwestward of North Dumpling Light. flat on which the depths are 3 to 10 feet, rocky bottom. Middle Ground, the western part of the flat, is marked (243) West Harbor, on the north side of Fishers Island by the outer breakwater, which has a light at its western southeastward of North Dumpling Light, affords shel- end. A sound signal is at the light. ter from southerly winds. In 2002, the dredged channel leading into the harbor along the west shore had a con- (251) A depth of 17 feet can be taken to an anchorage trolling depth of 10.2 feet. Foul ground extends across inside this breakwater, giving the light on the break- the entrance of West Harbor to near the eastern edge water a berth of more than 250 yards. In anchoring, of the dredged channel; the northern limits of the foul give the inside of the breakwater a berth of over 300 ground are buoyed. yards to avoid shoals and fishweirs. This anchorage pro- vides good shelter except in southwesterly and westerly (244) A yacht club wharf and another small-craft facility winds, although it is seldom used. are on the southwest side of the harbor. Gasoline, diesel fuel, water, ice, and hull and engine repairs are available. (252) Little Narragansett Bay, at the eastern end of A marine railway can handle craft up to 40 feet. The Fishers Island Sound, is entered at its extreme west- head of the harbor is used by boats drawing less than ern end southward of Stonington Point. The channel, 5 feet which enter by the narrow unmarked channel with dredged sections, extends generally southeasterly southward of Goose Island. across the bay into Pawcatuck River to Westerly. In 2007, the controlling depth was 7.5 feet from the en- (245) Hay Harbor, at the west end of Fishers Island, is trance to a point just southwest of Little Narragansett used by small craft. Bay Entrance Lighted Buoy 5 where the channel has been encroached upon by the shoaling off Sand Point. (246) Silver Eel Cove (Silver Eel Pond) is on the west Deep water is available, with local knowledge, north of side of Fishers Island, 0.6 mile northeastward of Race the channel opposite the shoal. The channel continues Point. The entrance, about 75 feet wide and jettied, is eastward of Little Narragansett Bay Entrance Lighted marked by a private light and has a depth of about 11 Buoy 5 to Little Narragansett Bay Entrance Buoy 9 with feet, with similar depths inside. Submerged fender pil- a controlling depth of 5.8 feet, thence 7.4 feet to the ings are reported on both sides of the entrance. Dol- entrance of Pawcatuck River. phins are on the northeast side of the cove, and the channel is clear between them and the wharves on the (253) Caution should be exercised in entering Little southwest side. Vessels must go to the wharves as there Narragansett Bay. Shoal water extends for about 200 is no room for anchorage. There is very little dockage yards off Stonington Point, and the shoal area north of available. The entrance is difficult with northwesterly or Sandy Point is subject to continual change. Strangers westerly winds. A lighted whistle buoy is about 450 yards are advised to obtain local information before entering off the entrance. A ferry which operates between Fishers because of rocks and shoal water near the edges of the Island and New London lands here. During the summer, channel. a Coast Guard unit is stationed inside the entrance to the cove. Currents (254) In the dredged channel northward of Sandy Point, (247) On the north side of Fishers Island Sound are: Little Narragansett Bay, and Pawcatuck River leading the currents have a velocity of 1.3 knots. The flood sets to the towns of Westerly and Pawcatuck; Stonington eastward and the ebb westward. (See the Tidal Current Harbor and the town of Stonington; and Mystic Harbor Tables for predictions.) leading to the towns of Noank and Mystic. (248) Napatree Beach, 1.3 miles long between Watch Hill Point and Napatree Point, is bare. Sandy Point, about (255) Watch Hill Cove, in the southeastern part of Lit- 1.4 miles north-northwestward of Napatree Point, is at tle Narragansett Bay, is used by small craft. In 2007, the northwestern end of a long and narrow sand island the buoyed dredged channel leading to the cove had a in Little Narragansett Bay. An extensive sandspit makes controlling depth of 4.5 feet (5.8 feet at midchannel). off from the northeasterly and southwesterly sides of Depths of 3.8 to 9.4 feet are inside the cove and at the the island; give these areas a good berth. The island is wharves. subject to continual change; caution is advised.
Chapter 7 Block Island Sound 273 Anchorage depth of about 4 feet can be taken as far as Goat Island, (256) A special anchorage is in the cove. (See 110.1 and about a mile above Sandy Point. A fixed railroad bridge with a clearance of 6 feet crosses the cove about 0.2 110.47, chapter 2, for limits and regulations.) mile above Goat Island. A small-craft facility is on the west side of the cove near the head. Water, ice, berths, gasoline, storage facilities, launching ramp, 4-ton fork- lift, marine supplies, and hull and engine repairs are (257) A yacht club and town dock are in Watch Hill Cove; available. In 1981, a reported depth of 2 feet could be berths, guest moorings, electricity, diesel fuel, and wa- carried to the facility. ter are available. In 1981, a depth of 10 feet was reported (266) Stonington Harbor, 3 miles northwestward of at the face of the town dock. Watch Hill Point, is protected by breakwaters on each side. Each of the breakwaters is marked at its seaward (258) Pawcatuck River, entered just south of Pawcatuck end by a light. The controlling depth to the inner harbor Point, extends about 4 miles to Westerly. A Federal proj- is about 11 feet. Anchorage can be selected inside the ect provides for a depth of 10 feet for nearly 4 miles west breakwater in depths of 15 to 18 feet, taking care thence 7 feet to the end of the channel. (See Notice to to keep the south end of Wamphassuc Point bearing Mariners and latest editions of charts for controlling northward of 270°. Vessels drawing up to 8 feet can find depths.) The channel is well marked. anchorage in the inner harbor. A rock that bares at low water is about 50 yards southward of the fishing wharf Currents and is marked by a private buoy. (259) About 1 mile above the entrance to Pawcatuck Anchorages River the tidal current has a velocity of 0.6 knot on the (267) Special anchorages are in Stonington Harbor. (See flood, and 0.5 knot on the ebb. 110.1 and 110.50, chapter 2, for limits and regula- Ice tions.) (260) The river is generally closed by ice from January to March. (268) Stonington Harbor is approached from south- eastward and westward. Vessels with local knowledge sometimes cross Noyes Shoal from southwestward. The (261) Colonel Willie Cove, 0.5 mile above Pawcatuck southeastern approach is best, with fewer dangers, and Point, has a boatyard with a marine railway that can the navigational aids serve as excellent guides to avoid handle craft up to 50 feet for hull and engine repairs. them. In daytime with clear weather, no difficulty should Berths with electricity, gasoline, diesel fuel, water, ice, be experienced in entering any of the approaches. storage facilities, a pump-out station, marine supplies, and a 30-ton lift are also available. Mariners enroute to (269) From southeastward, the course from south of the boatyard should use the chart as a guide. Napatree Point Ledge should be west-northwestward until off the buoy at the southwest end of Middle Anchorage Ground, from which a northerly course can be shaped (262) A special anchorage is in Thompson Cove, 2 miles past the breakwater lights and into the harbor. above Pawcatuck Point. (See 110.1 and 110.48, chap- (270) From southwestward, a northeasterly course can ter 2, for limits and regulations.) A yacht club pier is in be shaped from the lighted bell buoy south of Ram Is- the cove. Private seasonal buoys mark the approach to land Reef to south of White Rock, and thence eastward the pier. past the north side of Noyes Rock to the harbor. (271) The inner breakwater, about 400 yards northward of Stonington Point on the east side of the entrance, (263) Westerly, 4 miles above Pawcatuck Point, is an im- extends westward about 250 yards and is marked by a portant manufacturing town. light. Small-craft facilities (272) Stonington is on the east side of the harbor. Traffic (264) There are numerous small-craft facilities along is mostly fishing and recreational craft. The wharves have depths of 7 to 12 feet alongside. Following south- both sides of the Pawcatuck River and at the head at erly weather, a surge is felt by vessels tied to the south- Westerly and Pawcatuck, just across the river. The larg- ern side of the seaward pier. est marine railway in the area is at Avondale and it can handle craft to 55 feet. Berths, electricity, gasoline, die- (273) A boatyard is in the northeast part of the harbor. sel fuel, water, ice, storage facilities, launching ramps, Berths, electricity, gasoline, diesel fuel, water, ice, stor- lifts, some repairs and marine supplies are available. age, 40-ton lift, marine supplies, and hull, engine, and Depths of 7 to 9 feet are reported at the town dock at electronic repairs are available. In 1981, a reported Pawcatuck. depth of 7 feet could be carried to the yard. (274) A harbormaster is at Stonington. (265) Wequetequock Cove is a shallow cove at the north- ern end of Little Narrangansett Bay. A narrow unmarked channel leads eastward of Elihu Island into the cove. A
274 Block Island Sound Volume 2 (275) A railroad causeway, with two fixed spans each hav- and local knowledge are required to use this anchorage ing a clearance of 4 feet, crosses Stonington Harbor because of the boulders in the area. A dangerous rock is 0.4 mile above Stonington. In 2009, construction was off the east side of Mason Point, the southern extremity underway to replace both fixed spans. Overhead power of Mason Island, in 41°19'21.6\"N., 71°58'05.0\"W. cables at the openings have clearances of 41 feet. (284) Enders Island, 0.3 mile eastward of the southern end of Mason Island, is connected to it by a fixed bridge (276) Noyes Rock, 0.4 mile southward of Wamphassuc with a 15-foot span and a clearance of 6 feet. Point, has a least depth of 7 feet. Noyes Shoal, with (285) Ram Island Reef, 1.8 miles westward of Latimer 10 to 18 feet over it, is nearly 1.5 miles long in a west- Reef Light, has two detached parts: the southerly sec- northwesterly direction; it is marked by a gong buoy tion is covered 8 feet and marked by a lighted bell buoy, near its eastern end. and the northerly section, covered by 6 feet, is marked by a daybeacon. Passage between the reef and island is No-Discharge Zone unsafe because of shoals. (277) The State of Connecticut, with the approval of the (286) Ram Island, about 0.4 mile southwest of Mason Is- land, is wooded and grass-fringed. A shoal, on which are Environmental Protection Agency, has established a No- two rocky islets, extends about 0.2 mile northeastward Discharge Zone (NDZ) in the Connecticut portion of the from Ram Island. Ram Island Shoal, extending nearly Pawcatuck River, Little Narragansett Bay, portions of 0.5 mile westward from Ram Island, has little water over Fishers Island Sound and Stonington Harbor. The area it and many rocks bare at low water. Whaleback Rock covered extends from Wamphassuc Point due south past and the islet 300 yards northwestward of it are bare. Noyes Shoal to the boundary between Connecticut and (287) The narrow but deep channel along the north side New York, easterly following the state boundary to the of Ram Island Shoal is the easterly entrance to Mystic intersection of the Connecticut, New York and Rhode Harbor. Between the shoal and Groton Long Point is an Island State lines, and following the boundary between area of foul ground and several dangerous rocks, includ- Connecticut and Rhode Island to U.S. Route 1 over the ing Whale Rock, which bares at low water, at the north- Pawcatuck River and including all Connecticut waters westerly end of Ram Island Shoal. This rock is marked seaward of U.S. Route 1 (see chart 13214 for limits). by a seasonal lighted buoy. Leading across the shoal is (278) Within the NDZ, discharge of sewage, whether the buoyed channel, good for about 11 feet, which is treated or untreated, from all vessels is prohibited. used by vessels entering Mystic Harbor from westward. Outside the NDZ, discharge of sewage is regulated by (288) A rock covered 6 feet is about 0.5 mile SW of Whale 40 CFR 140 (see chapter 2). Rock; about 0.65 mile SW of that rock is Intrepid Rock, with 19 feet over it and marked by a buoy, which should be avoided. Mouse Island, marked by several dwellings, is 150 yards southwestward of Morgan Point. (279) Latimer Reef, about 0.6 mile south of Noyes Shoal, (289) In 1983, a rock, covered about 2 feet, was reported is a very broken and rocky area 0.4 mile long. It is 0.2 mile west of Mouse Island in about 41°18'52\"N., marked by a light at its west end and a buoy at its east 71°59'50\"W. end. The eastern end of the reef has a least found depth (290) Morgan Point is located on the west side at the of 6 feet. entrance of Mystic Harbor. A privately maintained and marked channel leading to the piers in West Cove at (280) Latimer Reef Light (41°18'16\"N., 71°56'00\"W.), Noank westward of the point had a least depth of 4 feet 55 feet above the water, is shown from a white conical reported in 1981. tower, brown midway of its height, on a brown cylindri- (291) Groton Long Point, on which is a summer settle- cal foundation. A sound signal is at the light. ment, is about 0.9 mile southwestward of Morgan Point. A reef extends nearly 300 yards southwestward from the (281) A detached 11-foot spot, marked by a buoy, is about point and is marked by a buoy. About 0.3 mile to the west 0.4 mile northeast of Latimer Reef Light. a rock awash at low water is 175 yards off the southwest end of Groton Long Point. It is marked by a buoy. (282) Eel Grass Ground, about 0.8 mile northwestward (292) Mystic Harbor, about 6 miles westward of Watch of Latimer Reef Light, is a shoal with a least depth of Hill Point, is the approach to the towns of Noank and 6 feet, marked by buoys. White Rock, about 0.8 mile Mystic. A dredged channel leads from Fishers Island northeastward of Eel Grass Ground, is bare and promi- Sound through Mystic Harbor and into Mystic River to nent. Red Reef, covered 2 feet, is 0.2 mile north of White Mystic Seaport Museum Wharf, about 0.6 mile above Rock and marked by a buoy. Ellis Reef, 0.4 mile north- the bascule bridge. An anchorage basin is on the east westward of Eel Grass Ground, is marked on its east side side of the river opposite Willow Point. In 2006, the by a daybeacon. controlling depth was 7.3 feet to the head of the project except shoaling to 5.7 feet on the northwest edge; the (283) Mason Island, 2.5 miles west of Stonington Harbor, is joined to the mainland by a fixed bridge with an 18- foot span and a clearance of 3 feet; the sound end of the island is strewn with boulders. A special anchorage is on the east side of Mason Island. (See 110.1 and 110.50a, chapter 2, for limits and regulations.) An anchorage for small craft is on the west side of the south end of Mason Island where depths range from 8 to 11 feet; caution
Chapter 7 Block Island Sound 275 Mystic Harbor and Noank, Connecticut N Image courtesy of U.S. Power Squadron, District 1 anchorage basin had depths of 4 of 9 feet with lesser launching ramps, a pump-out station, 30- and 60-ton depths along the east edge. lifts, and marine supplies are available; hull, engine, sail, and electronic repairs can be made. A harbormaster Anchorages is at Noank. (293) Special anchorages are in Mystic Harbor. (See (297) Mystic River flows into Mystic Harbor from north- ward just below Mystic. The river is used by recreational 110.1, 110.50b, and 110.50d, chapter 2, for limits and craft, the local fishing fleet, and by transient craft visit- regulations.) ing Mystic Seaport. An anchorage area with depths of 3½ to 7 feet is in the lower part of the river between Routes Willow Point and Murphy Point. Ice usually closes the (294) To enter from eastward, lay a west-northwesterly river during January and February. (298) Willow Point, 0.6 mile below Mystic, has several course from south of the lighted bell buoy marking small-craft facilities that can provide berths, electricity, Napatree Point Ledge for a little over 3 miles to about water, ice, some engine parts, and marine supplies. A 400 yards south of the buoy marking the south end of 12-ton crane and 30-ton mobile hoist are available; hull Cormorant Reef. From here steer 261° for 0.8 mile and engine repairs can be made. until Mason Point is abeam. Then follow the buoyed (299) A channel, privately marked by daybeacons, leads channel. from the vicinity of Willow Point for 0.3 mile in an east- (295) From westward, proceed cautiously from about erly direction, thence about 0.4 mile northeastward to 100 yards or more southward of the buoy southward a marina on the west side of the mouth of Pequotsepos of Groton Long Point on an easterly course for about Brook, just below a railroad bridge. Berths, electricity, 0.5 mile to Mystic Harbor Channel Buoy 1, then steer water, ice, storage, marine supplies, a 12-ton mobile a northerly course through the buoyed channel into hoist, and hull and engine repairs are available. In 1981, Mystic Harbor, rounding Noank Light 5 at a distance of a reported depth of 4 feet could be carried in the channel about 75 yards. to the marina. Small-craft facilities (300) Several small-craft facilities are on the northern (296) Noank is a town on the west side of the channel through Mystic Harbor. There are several small-craft end of Mason Island. Berths with electricity, gasoline, facilities at Noank and in West Cove. Berths, electricity, gasoline, diesel fuel, water, ice, storage facilities,
276 Block Island Sound Volume 2 diesel fuel, water, ice, storage facilities, marine supplies, daybeacons. In 1981, the channels had a reported con- a pump-out station, 35-ton lift, and hull and engine re- trolling depth of 2 feet. pairs are available. In 1993, a reported depth of 4 feet (307) Special anchorages are in the cove. (See 33 CFR could be carried to the facilities. 110.1 and 110.50c, chapter 2, for limits and regula- tions.) (308) Venetian Harbor is a yacht basin on the east side of the entrance to Mumford Cove. A channel 75 feet (301) The railroad bridge over Mystic River below Mystic wide leads through stone breakwaters into a basin with has a swing span with a clearance of 8 feet. The U.S. depths of about 3 to 7 feet. A submerged jetty extends Route 1 highway bridge at Mystic has a bascule span along the channel from the outer end of the east break- with a clearance of 4 feet. (See 117.1 through 117.59 water. The entrance to the harbor is marked by a light and 117.211, chapter 2, for drawbridge regulations.) on the outer end of the west breakwater. The bridgetenders monitor VHF-FM channel 13; call (309) Horseshoe Reef, 0.5 mile southward of Mumford signs KJA–842 and KXR–912, respectively. Cove entrance, is awash at low water, and is marked by a buoy. Broken and rocky grounds extend from the reef (302) Mystic, a town about 2 miles above Noank, has sev- to the shore eastward of Mumford Point. eral small-craft facilities. Berths, electricity, gasoline, (310) Vixen Ledge, with a depth of 10 feet and marked diesel fuel, water, ice, marine supplies, storage facilities, by a buoy, is about 1 mile west of Horseshoe Reef. mobile hoists, a 60-ton lift, and marine railways up to Pine Island is bluff and grassy, about 1.3 miles west 110 feet are available; hull and engine repairs can be of Mumford Point. It is surrounded by shoal water and made. rocky bottom, and is marked off the southwest side by a lighted bell buoy. A rock, covered 6 feet, in 41°18'35\"N., (303) A harbormaster is at Mystic. 72°03'16\"W., is about 0.3 mile northwestward of Vixen (304) The Mystic Seaport Museum is about 0.6 mile above Ledge. (311) A special anchorage is on the north side of Pine the highway bridge at Mystic. The whaler CHARLES W. Island. (See 33 CFR 110.1 and 110.51, chapter 2, for MORGAN, full-rigged training ship JOSEPH CONRAD, limits and regulations.) and Grand Banks fishing schooner L. A. DUNTON are (312) Avery Point Light (41°18′55″N., 72°03′49″W.) is permanently moored at the museum and open to the shown from a white octagonal concrete tower at Avery public. Along the waterfront of the museum property, Point. An unmarked rock awash is 0.3 mile south of a mid-19th Century coastal village has been recreated the light. A cove indents the mainland north of Pine with shops and lofts of that period. Collections of mari- Island and east of Avery Point; the entrance is marked time relics are on exhibit in several formal museum by two buoys eastward of Avery Point. Depths shoal from buildings. about 10 feet in the entrance to 1 foot at the head of the (305) Above the Mystic Seaport Museum, the channel is cove. A breakwater, marked by a private light, extends very narrow and is marked by privately maintained sea- southeasterly from the east end of Avery Point. A 5 mph sonal buoys; boats of about 5-foot drafts can be taken speed limit is enforced in the cove. to the Narrows, and thence depths are 1 and 2 feet to (313) A yacht club, marina, and launching ramp are in Old Mystic. Twin fixed highway bridges crossing the the cove. Berths, guest moorings, gasoline, electricity, Narrows have clearances of 25 feet. The stream follows water, ice, marine supplies, and a 14-ton mobile hoist the east bank to the next narrows and the west bank to are available at the marina; hull and engine repairs can a marina in the bight about 0.3 mile below Old Mystic. be made. In 2000, a reported depth of 7.5 feet could be carried to the marina. Charts 13213, 13212, 13214 (314) A special anchorage is in the cove. (See 33 CFR 110.1 and 110.51, chapter 2, for limits and regula- (306) Mumford Cove is entered about 2 miles west of tions.) Mystic Harbor. A privately dredged channel leads north- ward from the entrance to the head of the cove; two spur channels lead eastward from the main channel, about 0.3 mile and 0.6 mile, respectively, above the entrance. The channels are marked by private seasonal buoys and
Chapter 7 Block Island Sound 277 TIDAL INFORMATION Chart Station LAT/LONG Mean Mean High Mean Low Higher High Water* Water* Water* 0.2 0.2 12358 Mattituck Inlet, Long Island Sound 41°01'N/72°34'W 5.7 5.4 0.2 0.2 12358 Plum Gut Harbor, Plum Island, Long Island Sound 41°10'N/72°12'W 3.1 2.8 0.2 0.1 12358 Greenport, Shelter Island Sound, Long Island 41°06'N/72°22'W 2.9 2.6 0.2 0.2 12358 Sag Harbor, Shelter Island Sound 41°00'N/72°18'W 3.0 2.7 0.2 0.1 12358 South Jamesport, Peconic Bay, Long Island 40°56'N/72°35'W 3.3 3.0 0.1 0.2 13205 Montauk Point, Long Island 41°04'N/71°52'W 2.9 2.6 0.2 0.2 13209 Little Gull Island 41°12'N/72°06'W 2.6 2.4 0.2 0.2 13209 Cedar Point, Shelter Island Sound, Long Island 41°02'N/72°16'W 3.0 2.7 0.2 0.1 13209 Promised Land, Napeague Bay, Long Island 41°00'N/72°9'W 2.8 2.5 0.2 0.1 13209 Montauk Harbor entrance, Long Island 41°04'N/71°56'W 2.3 2.0 0.1 0.1 13209 Montauk Point, Long Island 41°04'N/71°52'W 2.9 2.6 13209 Montauk, Fort Pond Bay, Long Island 41°03'N/71°58'W 2.5 2.2 13212 West Harbor, Fishers Island 41°16'N/72°00'W 3.0 2.7 13212 Millstone Point 41°18'N/72°10'W 3.2 2.9 13212 Little Gull Island 41°12'N/72°06'W 2.6 2.4 13213 Smith Cove Entrance, Thames River 41°24'N/72°06'W 3.0 2.7 13213 New London, Thames River 41°22'N/72°06'W 3.0 2.8 13214 Watch Hill Point, Westerly, Pawcatuck 41°18'N/71°52'W 2.9 2.7 13214 Silver Eel Pond, Fishers Island 41°15'N/72°02'W 2.8 2.5 13217 Block Island (Great Salt Pond) 41°11'N/71°35'W 2.9 2.7 13217 Block Island, Old Harbor Basin 41°10'N/71°33'W 3.2 3.0 13219 Point Judith, Harbor of Refuge 41°22'N/71°29'W 3.4 3.1 * 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
73° 72°30' 72° 278 Eastern Long Island Sound Volume 2 Index of Chart Coverage in Chapter 8 Hartford CONNECTICUT 12378 Norwich 41° CONNECTICUT 12377 THAMES RIVER 41° 30' RI 30' VER 12375 New London 13213 12372 12354 New Haven Essex HOUSATONIC RIVER 12374 12372 NIANTIC BAY 12373 Guilford Harbor Westbrook Harbor 13211 Branford Harbor 12371 BLOCK ISLAND SOUND Orient Point 12370 LONG ISLAND SOUND 41° 12362 12358 41° Port Je erson L O N G I S L A N D 72°30' NORTH ATLANTIC OCEAN 73° 72°
Chapter 8 Eastern Long Island Sound 279 Eastern Long Island Sound (1) This chapter describes the eastern portion of Long can select anchorage eastward or westward of Kelsey Island Sound following the north shore from Thames Point Breakwater, also in Duck Island Roads. Off Madi- River to and including the Housatonic River, and then son there is anchorage sheltered from northerly winds. the south shore from Orient Point to and including Port New Haven Harbor is an important harbor of refuge. Jefferson. Also described are the Connecticut River; the (7) Several general anchorages are in Long Island ports of New London, New Haven, and Northville; and Sound. (See 110.1 and 110.146, chapter 2, for limits the more important fishing and yachting centers on Ni- and regulations.) antic River and Bay, Westbrook Harbor, Guilford Har- bor, Branford Harbor, and Mattituck Inlet. No-Discharge Zone (8) The State of Connecticut, with the approval of the COLREGS Demarcation Lines (2) The lines established for Long Island Sound are Environmental Protection Agency, has established a No- Discharge Zone (NDZ) in Eastern Long Island Sound. described in 80.155 chapter 2. The area covered extends from the western border of Greenwich at Byram Point, southeastward following Chart 12354 the boundary between Connecticut and New York to a point in Long Island Sound, thence easterly following (3) Long Island Sound is a deep navigable waterway the boundary between Connecticut and New York to a lying between the shores of Connecticut and New York point due south of Hoadley Point at the eastern border and the northern coast of Long Island. of Branford, thence due north to Hoadley Point at the eastern border of Branford. This portion of Long Island (4) In this region are boulders and broken ground, but Sound includes: Greenwich Harbor, Captain Harbor, little or no natural change in the shoals. The waters Stamford Harbor, Norwalk Harbor, Bridgeport Harbor, are well marked by navigational aids so that strangers Black Rock Harbor, Housatonic River, New Haven Har- should experience no difficulty in navigating them. As bor and Branford Harbor. (See charts 12363 and 12354 all broken ground is liable to be strewn with boulders, for limits). vessels should proceed with caution in the broken areas (9) Within the NDZ, discharge of sewage, whether where the charted depths are not more than 6 to 8 feet treated or untreated, from all vessels is prohibited. greater than the draft. All of the more important places Outside the NDZ, discharge of sewage is regulated by are entered by dredged channels; during fog, vessels 40 CFR 140 (see chapter 2). are advised to anchor until the weather clears before attempting to enter. The numerous oyster grounds in Tides this region are usually marked by stakes and flags. These (10) The time of tide is nearly simultaneous throughout stakes may become broken off and form obstructions dangerous to small craft. Mariners should proceed with Long Island Sound, but the range of tide increases from caution especially at night. about 2.5 feet at the east end to about 7.3 feet at the west end. Daily predictions of the times and heights of high Caution and low waters are given in the Tide Tables. (5) Submarine operating areas are in the approaches (11) The effect of strong winds, in combination with the regular tidal action, may at times cause the water to fall to New London Harbor, Connecticut River, and off the several feet below the plane of reference of the charts. northern shore of Long Island. As submarines may be operating submerged in these areas, vessels should pro- Currents ceed with caution. (12) In the eastern portion of Long Island Sound the Anchorages current turns from ½ to 1½ hours earlier along the (6) New London Harbor is the most important of the north shore than in the middle of the sound. (13) Proceeding westward from The Race in the middle anchorages sought for shelter in the eastern part of Long of the sound, the velocity of current is 1.8 knots off Island Sound. Niantic Bay and the approach between Cornfield Point, about 1 knot off New Haven, 1 knot Bartlett Reef and Hatchett Reef are used to some extent off Eatons Neck, 0.4 knot between Peningo Neck and by small vessels when meeting unfavorable weather or Matinecock Point, and 0.5 knot eastward of Hart Island. reaching the eastern part of the sound. Small vessels
280 Eastern Long Island Sound Volume 2 (14) About 1.5 miles east-southeastward of Bartlett description until the ice is removed by westerly winds. Reef, the velocity of flood is 1.2 knots and ebb 1.6 knots. These winds carry the ice eastward and, if of long dura- The flood current sets 285° and the ebb 062°. tion, drive it through The Race into Block Island Sound, thence it goes to sea and disappears. (15) At a point about 3 miles southward of Cornfield (22) In New Haven Harbor, the influence of the north- Point, the flood current sets 256° with a velocity of 2 erly winds clear the harbor and its approaches unless knots and the ebb sets 094° with a velocity of 1.7 knots. the local formation is too heavy to be moved. Southerly winds force the drift ice in from the sound and pre- (16) About 1 mile north of Stratford Shoal (Middle vent the local formations from leaving the harbor. Tides Ground) Light, the velocity is 1 knot, the flood setting have little effect upon the ice. Additional information westward and the ebb eastward. (See Tidal Current Ta- concerning ice conditions in the waters adjoining Long bles for predictions.) Island Sound is given under the local descriptions. (23) Vessel Traffic Service, New York, operated by the Weather, Long Island Sound and vicinity U.S. Coast Guard, serves New York Harbor. (See 161.1 (17) Weather is most favorable from mid-May to mid- through 161.25, chapter 2, for regulations.) October, when the most common hazards are thunder- Pilotage, Long Island Sound storms and fog. There is also a rare threat of a tropical (24) Pilotage by a state licensed pilot is compulsory in cyclone. During June, July and August on the average, there are 20 to 25 days per month with conditions gen- Long Island Sound for foreign flag vessels and U.S. ves- erally considered ideal even for small boaters. Fog is sels which are under register (i.e. engaged in foreign most likely in spring and early summer. Fog, or the lack trade). Such vessels can arrange for a state licensed pilot of it, at inland locations is not a guide to conditions in by contacting the joint rotation administrator, Block the Sound or its approaches. Areas along the coast, at Island Pilots at 243 Spring Street, Newport, RI 02840; the heads of bays and within rivers may be relatively telephone 401-847-9050 (24 hours), 800-274-1216; clear, while offshore the fog is thick. For example, on FAX 401-847-9052. Enrolled vessels (i.e. U.S. vessels exposed Block Island heavy fog is encountered about engaged in coastwise trade) may be required to have 10 to 12 percent of the time from April though August a U.S. Coast Guard Federally licensed pilot unless the compared to 1 to 3 percent at Westhampton. Thunder- master has recency for the intended area. storms on the other hand are more likely over land, (25) The pilot boat sets radio guard at least 1 hour before but can be viscous in the Sound, especially in a squall a vessel’s ETA. line preceding a cold front in spring and early sum- (26) Vessels to be boarded should provide a ladder 3 feet mer. Winter winds are mostly out of the west through above the water on the lee side. north, but gales blow less than 5 percent of the time in (27) Pilot services must be arranged at least 24 hours in these somewhat sheltered waters. Waves are restricted advance through ships’ agents or directly by shipping by limited fetch except to the east. However, choppy companies. conditions can create problems. (28) Pilotage, in the waters of Long Island Sound for enrolled vessels (i.e. U.S. vessels engaged in coastwise Ice trade), is available from, but not limited to: (18) In ordinary winters the floating and pack ice in (29) Northeast Marine Pilots, Inc., 243 Spring Street, Newport, RI 02840; http://www.nemarinepilots.com; Long Island Sound, while impeding navigation, does telephone 401-847-9050 (24 hours), 800-274-1216; not render it absolutely unsafe, but in exceptionally FAX 401-847-9052. Pilot boats are NORTHEAST IV, severe winters the reverse is true; none but powerful 52-foot, gray hull and superstructure, word PILOT on steamers can make their way. both sides and NORTHEAST II, 47-foot, gray hull and (19) Drift ice, which is formed principally along the superstructure, word PILOT on both sides. The boats northern shore of the sound under the influence of the monitor VHF-FM channels 16, 10, 13, 14; work on 10. prevailing northerly winds, drifts across to the southern (30) Interport Pilots Agency, Inc./Connecticut State Pi- side and accumulates there, massing into large fields, lots, P.O. Box 236, Port Monmouth, NJ 07758; http:// and remains until removed by southerly winds, which www.interportpilots.com; telephone 732-787-5554 drive it back to the northerly shore. (24 hours); email: [email protected]. Pilot boats (20) In ordinary winters ice generally forms in the west- are CONNECTICUT PILOT, 65-foot with blue hull and ern end of the sound as far as Eatons Neck; in exception- white superstructure and KEN JOHNSON, 48-foot with ally severe winters ice may extend to Falkner Island and blue hull and white superstructure. These boats moni- farther eastward. tor VHF-FM channels 16 and 13, work on 11, and are equipped with AIS. Effects of winds on ice (31) Constitution State Pilots Association, 9 Notting- (21) In Long Island Sound northerly winds drive the ham Drive, Old Lyme, CT 06371, telephone 203-627- 5057. Pilot boat is CONSTITUTION, 65-foot with black ice to the southern shore of the sound and southerly winds carry it back to the northern shore. Northeast- erly winds force the ice westward and cause formations heavy enough to prevent the passage of vessels of every
Chapter 8 Eastern Long Island Sound 281 Thames River and New London, Connecticut N Image courtesy of Airphoto/Jim Wark (2004) hull and white superstructure displaying the word PI- Sound, and the Connecticut River within state bound- LOT on both sides. The boat monitors VHF-FM chan- aries (see chart 12354 for limits). nels 16, 13, and 9A; works on 13 or 9A. (35) Within the NDZ, discharge of sewage, whether (32) Connecticut River Pilots Association (CRPA), P.O. treated or untreated, from all vessels is prohibited. Box 107, Old Saybrook, CT 06475; telephone 860-388- Outside the NDZ, discharge of sewage is regulated by 4167. Pilot boat TRUDEE II is 36-foot, with black hull, 40 CFR 140 (see chapter 2). white superstructure, and with the word PILOT on the house, forward. The boat monitors VHF-FM channels Charts 13213, 13212, 12372 16 and 13; works on 13. (33) See Pilotage, New London-Groton (indexed as (36) New London Harbor, near the east end of Long such), this chapter; Pilotage, New Haven (indexed as Island Sound at the mouth of the Thames River, is an such), this chapter; Pilotage, Bridgeport (indexed as important harbor of refuge. Vessels of deep draft can such), chapter 9; Pilotage, Offshore Terminal, North- find anchorage here in any weather and at all seasons. ville-Riverhead (indexed as such), this chapter; and Pi- lotage, Offshore Terminal, Northport (indexed as such), chapter 9. (37) Waterborne commerce in New London Harbor and on the Thames River is chiefly in petroleum products, No-Discharge Zone chemicals, coal, copper, lumber, seafood products and (34) The State of Connecticut, with the approval of the general cargo. Environmental Protection Agency, has established a (38) Security Zones have been established in New No-Discharge Zone (NDZ) in the waters between East- London Harbor. (See 165.1 through 165.7, 165.30, ern Point in Groton to Hoadley Point in Guilford. The 165.33, and 165.140, chapter 2, for limits and regula- area covered extends from Groton Point due south to tions.) the border between Connecticut and New York, then west following the state border to a point on that line (39) New London is a city on the west bank of Thames due south of Hoadley Point, then due north to Hoad- River about 2.5 miles above the mouth. The town of ley Point, and includes the navigable reaches of the Groton on the east bank is connected to New London by Hammonasset River, Menunketesuck River, Niantic a highway bridge and a railroad bridge. The main harbor River and Thames River that drain into Long Island comprises the lower 3 miles of Thames River from Long Island Sound to the bridges, and includes Shaw Cove,
282 Eastern Long Island Sound Volume 2 Greens Harbor, and Winthrop Cove. It is approached but should be avoided by any vessel drawing more than through the main entrance channel extending from 10 feet. deep water in Long Island Sound to deep water in the upper harbor. The harbor is generally used by vessels Anchorages drawing 9 to 30 feet; the deepest draft entering is about (48) General and naval anchorages are in the approach- 36 feet. Petroleum products, seafood products, copper, lumber and other forest products are the principal wa- es to, and in, New London Harbor. (See 110.1 and terborne commodities handled at the port. 110.147, chapter 2, for limits and regulations.) Special (40) Greens Harbor, a small-craft shelter just north of anchorages are in Greens Harbor and in the vicinity of the entrance, has general depths of 6 to 17 feet. Special the U.S. Coast Guard Academy. (See 110.1 and 110.52, anchorages are in the harbor. (See 110.1 and 110.52, chapter 2, for limits and regulations.) chapter 2, for limits and regulations.) (41) New London Coast Guard Station and Fort Trum- Dangers bull State Park are on the west side of the main channel (49) On the west side of the approach to New London northward of Greens Harbor. (42) Shaw Cove is a dredged basin about 0.8 mile north- Harbor, foul ground extends about 1 mile from shore in ward of Greens Harbor. In 1986, the controlling depth the vicinity of Goshen Point (chart 13211). The south- was 15 feet in the entrance channel through the south erly and southeasterly limits of this area are marked by draw of the bridge, thence depths of 11 to 15 feet were buoys. The area has numerous rocky patches and boul- available in the basin. The railroad bridge over the ders, some showing above water, and should be avoided entrance has a swing span with clearances of 6½ feet. by small craft. Rapid Rock, marked by a buoy on its (See 117.1 through 117.59 and 117.223, chapter 2, southeast side, is about 1.6 miles southwestward of New for drawbridge regulations.) London Ledge Light; it has a least depth of 10 feet. An (43) Winthrop Cove, northward of Shaw Cove, is part of unmarked ledge covered 35 feet is about 100 yards south the main waterfront channel. The fixed railroad bridge by eastward of Rapid Rock and is the outermost shoal to near the head of this cove has a clearance of 4 feet. the southward. Sarah Ledge, 0.7 mile northeastward of Rapid Rock and marked by a buoy, has a least depth of Prominent features 14 feet and is the easternmost shoal on the west side of (44) New London Ledge Light (41°18'21\"N., the main channel approach. (50) On the east side of the main channel foul ground 72°04'39\"W.), 58 feet above the water, is shown from a extends about 1 mile offshore. New London Ledge, red brick building on a square white pier on the west marked by New London Ledge Light, has a least depth side of New London Ledge; a sound signal is sounded at of 7 feet. Black Ledge, just to the northeastward of the station. New London Ledge, has a rocky islet, 2 feet high, on it. (45) Other prominent features in approaching New Depths are 5 to 18 feet on the ledge. Buoys mark the London Harbor are: New London Harbor Light, on the shoal area. west side of the entrance channel; the monument at (51) Broken ground fringes the shore southwestward Fort Griswold; the microwave tower atop a building in of New London Harbor Light. A rock with 3 feet over it downtown New London; the large sheds at the shipyard is located about 0.1 mile from shore in the bight just on the east side of the river opposite Fort Trumbull State southward of the light and shoal soundings extend as Park and the highway bridge at New London. far as 0.2 mile from shore where an 8-foot sounding is located. Channels (52) White Rock, an islet in Greens Harbor, is 250 yards (46) A U.S. Navy project for New London Harbor pro- from the 18-foot curve on the western edge of the chan- nel. Hog Back, a small ledge awash at low water, is 150 vides for a channel 40 feet deep to Fort Trumbull, thence yards southwestward of White Rock and about 0.3 mile 38 feet to State Pier No. 1, thence 36 feet to the U.S. from the western shore, and is marked by a buoy. Rocks, Navy Submarine Base. A Federal project provides for a covered 2 to 6 feet, are in the middle of the northern part channel 23 feet deep in the waterfront channels north of Greens Harbor. Melton Ledge, northward of White of Fort Trumbull and in Winthrop Cove. (See Notice to Rock, with one-half foot over it, is 125 yards eastward Mariners and latest editions of the charts for control- of Powder Island and is marked by a buoy; a rock awash ling depths.) Lighted and unlighted buoys and a 354° is close westward of Melton Ledge. lighted range mark the channel. The range does not mark the center of the lower end of the channel. Bridges (47) Pine Island Channel, northeastward of New Lon- (53) Four bridges cross the Thames River below Nor- don Ledge Light, between Pine Island and Black Ledge, has a rocky and very broken bottom on which the least wich: three near Winthrop Point and one about 0.2 found depth is 9 feet. It is used some by local vessels miles southward of Fort Point. The first is the railroad between New London Harbor and Fishers Island Sound, bridge, which has a vertical lift span with authorized clearances of 29 feet down and 135 feet up. (See 117.1 through 117.59 and 117.224, chapter 2, for drawbridge
Chapter 8 Eastern Long Island Sound 283 regulations.) The bridgetender of the railroad bridge Towage monitors VHF-FM channel 13; call sign KT-5473. In (60) Tugs to 3,200 hp are available at New London. Ves- 1998, it was reported that cross currents of 1 to 2 knots can be encountered in the vicinity of this bridge. Just sels usually proceed to the upper harbor without assis- above it are two high-level fixed bridges with clearances tance, although a tug may be required when entering of 135 feet, and 7.9 miles farther up the Thames is a fixed with a head wind and contrary current. Large vessels highway bridge with a clearance of 75 feet. A RACON is normally require tugs for docking and undocking. in the center of the main channel span on the south- (61) New London is a customs port of entry. ernmost of two high-level fixed bridges. (54) Overhead power cables with a clearance of 160 feet Quarantine, customs, immigration, and agricultural cross the river about 5.5 miles below Norwich. quarantine Currents (62) (See chapter 3, Vessel Arrival Inspections, and Ap- (55) The tidal currents follow the general direction of pendix A for addresses.) the channel and usually are not strong. At Winthrop (63) Quarantine is enforced in accordance with regu- Point, on the west side of the river at New London, the velocity is 0.4 knot, and at Stoddard Hill, about 6.5 miles lations of the U.S. Public Health Service. (See Public above New London, 0.7 knot on the flood and 0.4 knot Health Service, chapter 1.) New London has several on the ebb. During freshets or when the river is high hospitals. and the wind is from the north, the current can have (64) Harbor regulations are in force for New London considerable southerly set even on the flood. Harbor. The harbormaster has authority to berth ves- (56) Ice obstructs navigation about 2 months each year sels, shifting them if necessary, but occasion for doing above the naval station, which is some 5 miles above so seldom arises. New London Ledge Light, but seldom forms below the station. In extremely severe winters, however, heavy ice Wharves from the sound, driven in by winds, has been known (65) New London Harbor has more than 30 wharves and to extend about 1.8 miles above the entrance. Between New London and the mouth of the river small vessels piers. Most of these facilities are used as repair berths, may navigate with comparative safety in ordinary win- and for mooring recreational craft, fishing vessels, ters; and even in severe weather it is rare that navigation barges, ferries, and government vessels. Depths along- for small vessels stops for more than a week. Steamers side these facilities range from 10 to 40 feet. Only the can nearly always enter and leave with safety. Drift ice deep-draft facilities are described. For a complete de- sometimes forms a decidedly dangerous obstruction in scription of the port facilities refer to Port Series No. 4, the approaches through Long Island Sound during se- published and sold by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. vere winters, especially during February and March; and (See Appendix A for address.) The alongside depths are small vessels are much hindered in their movements reported; for information on the latest depths contact during January, February, and March. the private operator. (57) Freshets usually occur in the river in the spring. (66) Amerada Hess Corp. Wharf (41°20'09\"N., It is reported that they seldom exceed 2 feet above high 72°04'58\"W.): on the east side of the river opposite water at Norwich. Greens Harbor; T-head pier with 55-foot face, 960 feet (58) New London Harbor and Thames River are easy of of berthing space with dolphins; 40 feet alongside; deck access by day or night, but local knowledge is required height, 8 feet; pipelines to storage tanks; fresh water to take drafts greater than 20 feet above the submarine connection; railroad and highway connections; receipt base. and shipment of petroleum products and receipt of mo- lasses; bunkering vessels; owned and operated by Hess Pilotage, New London-Groton Oil and Chemical Division, Amerada Hess Corp. (59) Pilotage by a state licensed pilot is compulsory in (67) Admiral Shear State Pier: the more easterly of the two long piers southwestward of the Thames River Long Island Sound for foreign flag vessels and U.S. ves- bridges, about 1.3 miles northward of Amerada Hess sels which are under register (i.e. engaged in foreign Corp. Wharf; 200-foot face, 26 feet alongside; west side trade). Such vessels can arrange for a state licensed pilot 1,000 feet, 23 to 27 feet alongside; east side 1,020 feet, 34 by contacting the joint rotation administrator, Block to 38 feet alongside; deck height, 10 feet; 90,000 square Island Pilots at 243 Spring Street, Newport, RI 02840; feet of covered storage, 20 acres of open storage; elec- telephone 401-847-9050 (24 hours), 800-274-1216; tricity, potable and feed water connections on pier; rail- FAX 401-847-9052. Enrolled vessels (i.e. U.S. vessels road and highway connections; receipt and shipment of engaged in coastwise trade) may be required to have general cargo, copper, zinc, steel and wood products; a U.S. Coast Guard Federally licensed pilot unless the owned by the State of Connecticut and operated by Lo- master has recency for the intended area. See Pilotage, gistec U.S.A. Inc., a division of Logistec Stevedoring of Long Island Sound (indexed as such), chapter 8. Montreal. (68) Supplies of all kinds are available. Gasoline and die- sel oil can be obtained from oil companies on 48 hours’
284 Eastern Long Island Sound Volume 2 notice by tank truck. Water is available at most of the feet along the south side, and 30 to 34 feet on the north piers, wharves, and marinas. side. (78) The U.S. Naval Submarine Base is on the east side Repairs of the Thames River about 2.5 miles above New London. (69) A shipbuilding company at New London can per- USS Nautilus is permanently moored just south of the base as part of the Submarine Force Library and Mu- form all kinds of repairs on steel-hulled vessels. The seum. company has floating drydocks with lifting capacities (79) A restricted area is off the U.S. Naval Submarine from 1,000 to 10,000 tons. The company’s largest dry- Base. (See 334.75, chapter 2, for limits and regula- dock is on the west side of the river, and has a maximum tions.) pontoon length of 300 feet, a width between wingwalls (80) Just below Gales Ferry, on the east side about 4 of 110 feet, and is about 0.9 mile north of the Thames miles above the bridges, are the crew training quarters River bridges. and boathouses of Harvard and Yale Universities. Oppo- (70) Cranes to 70 tons and floating derricks to 25 tons site Gales Ferry is the town of Bartlett, site of a promi- are available at New London. nent power plant with two tall and conspicuous stacks. (71) Several companies in New London are in the busi- A privately dredged channel with depths of about 20 feet ness of wrecking, salvage, and marine contracting work. leads to the dock and coal tipple. They are equipped with pumps, divers’ outfits, floating (81) At Montville Station, just above Bartlett, is a dock equipment, and other gear. with a depth of 23 feet at the face. The northeast end of the dock is in ruins. Overhead power cables with a Small-craft facilities clearance of 160 feet cross the river 0.5 mile above the (72) There are numerous small-craft facilities in Greens station near Kitemaug. (82) Allyn Point, on the east side about 5 miles above Harbor and Shaw Cove. (See the small-craft facilities New London, is the site of a large private pier for receiv- tabulation on chart 12372 for services and supplies ing liquid chemicals, with a reported depth of about 30 available.) feet alongside. It is marked by an elevated water sphere and several small tanks on the pier. Communications (83) Fort Point, on the east side 8 miles above New Lon- (73) New London has good railroad and bus communi- don, has a long fuel pier marked by privately maintained red lights, and on shore is a building with several stacks. cations. Automobile-passenger ferry service is available Numerous piles are in the water southward of the pier. to Block Island, Fishers Island, and to Orient Point, The fixed highway bridge crossing the river about 0.2 Long Island. miles south of Fort Point has a clearance of 75 feet. (84) The red brick buildings of the Norwich State Hos- pital are on a bluff just north of Fort Point and are a conspicuous landmark. (74) Thames River above New London has a dredged (85) At Thamesville, on the west side of the river about channel to Norwich, the head of navigation. In 2006, the 1 mile below Norwich, are two finger piers each with controlling depth was 25 feet from the bridges at New breasting dolphins used to receive petroleum products London to the north end of the turning basin opposite from barges. Depths of 20 to 25 feet are reported along- Smith Cove, thence 7.1 feet (14.9 feet at midchannel) side the face of the piers. to Stoddard Hill, thence 15 feet to the turning basin at (86) Norwich, a city at the head of navigation on Thames Norwich with 12 feet in the turning basin except for River at its junction with Shetucket River and Yantic shoaling to lesser depths near the upper limits of the River, is about 11 miles above New London. In 1981, wa- basin. The channel is well marked by navigational aids. terborne commerce to Norwich consisted of petroleum products. Small boats generally anchor in Shetucket Caution River just above the fixed bridges at Norwich, which (75) The dikes along the Thames River from Easter Point have a minimum clearance of 11 feet. (41°28.2'N., 72°04.5'W.) to Norwich are submerged at Charts 13211, 13212, 12372 half tide. (87) Bartlett Reef Light (41°16'28\"N., 72°08'14\"W.), 35 Pilotage,Thames River feet above the water and shown from a skeleton tower (76) For Pilotage for the river see Pilotage, New Lon- with a red and white diamond-shaped dayboard, is about 3.3 miles southwestward of New London Ledge Light don-Groton (indexed as such) earlier this chapter. and marks the south end of Bartlett Reef. A sound signal is at the light. The reef, about 1.3 miles long in a general (77) The U.S. Coast Guard Academy is on the west side of Thames River about 1 mile north of the center of New London. The administration building, with its white tower and clock, and the lighted chapel spire are very prominent, but are not visible until almost abeam of the academy. Depths alongside the 410-foot-long academy pier were reported in 2005, to be 30 feet at the face, 30
Chapter 8 Eastern Long Island Sound 285 north-south direction and about 0.3 mile wide, is cov- miles wide, and the dangers are marked by buoys or ered 2 to 18 feet and has rocks awash near its northern show above water. end. The north end of the reef is marked by a buoy. A (95) Niantic and Crescent Beach are summer resorts lighted bell buoy and an unlighted buoy are about 0.9 with railroad communication at the north end and mile southward and about 0.3 mile eastward of the light, northwest side of the bay. respectively. (96) The Niantic Bay Yacht Club basin at Crescent (88) A general anchorage is about 0.8 mile northeast- Beach is protected on the south, east, and partially on ward of Bartlett Reef Light. (See 110.1 and 110.147 (a) the north side by a U-shaped breakwater; a private sea- (4), and (b), chapter 2, for limits and regulations.) sonal light is near the outer end of the breakwater. (89) Twotree Island, small and bare, about 1.4 miles (97) A special anchorage is on the west side of Niantic northwestward of Bartlett Reef Light, is surrounded by Bay off Crescent Beach. (See 110.1 and 110.53, chapter shoals. A buoy marks rocks awash that extend off the 2, for limits and regulations.) northern end of the island. (98) Niantic River empties into the northeast end of (90) Twotree Island Channel leads northward of Bartlett Niantic Bay and is entered through a dredged chan- Reef and Twotree Island. With an adverse current in the nel that leads from the bay, thence through a narrow sound, this channel is used to some extent by light tows passage at the entrance, and thence to a point about and sailboats with a leading wind in the daytime, as the 300 yards northward of the entrance to Smith Cove. tidal currents turn about 1 hour earlier along the north In 2004-2006, the controlling depths were 4.6 feet (7.9 shore than in the middle of the sound. About 0.3 mile feet at midchannel) to the highway bascule bridge about southwestward of Seaside, the tidal currents have a ve- 0.4 mile above the channel entrance, thence 5.4 feet at locity of 1.2 knots, and ebb 1.6 knots. Flood sets westerly midchannel to the head of the channel. The channel is and the ebb easterly. The channel is buoyed, but strang- marked by daybeacons and seasonal buoys. Two bridges ers are advised to use it with caution and should never cross the narrow passage at the entrance. The more attempt to beat through. southerly is the Amtrak bridge, with a 45-foot bascule (91) From Goshen Point (41°18.0'N., 72°06.8'W.) span and a clearance of 11 feet; in 2010, a replacement westward, there are scattered boulders which extend bascule bridge was under construction with a design offshore as much as 0.2 mile in places. Jordan Cove, clearance of 16 feet just south of the existing bridge. 1.5 miles west of Goshen Point, is foul in its northerly The State Route 156 highway bridge, about 0.1 north- half, and the southerly part is obstructed by Flat Rock, ward, has a bascule span with a clearance of 32 feet. bare at low water and marked by a buoy, and High Rock, (See 117.1 through 117.59 and 117.215, chapter 2, which shows at high water and is marked by a buoy. for drawbridge regulations.) The bridgetender at each (92) Millstone Point, on the east side at the entrance of bridge monitors VHF-FM channel 13; call signs KGA- Niantic Bay, is occupied by the buildings of the Millstone 511 and KXR-911, respectively. Nuclear Power Station. A 389-foot red and white stack at (99) Strangers attempting to enter Niantic River are the station and a radio tower on the point are the most cautioned to pass through the bridges either at slack conspicuous landmarks in the area. A cove with depths water or against the current. of 2 to 17 feet is on the west side of the point. A rock (100) Above the head of the dredged channel, small craft with 1 foot over it lies 60 feet off the mouth of the cove. can navigate for about another 1.5 miles to Golden Spur The station maintains channel markers and a range for (East Lyme) with local knowledge. The river from west- occasional barge traffic. A dredged area for the power ward of Sandy Point to the stone bulkhead at Golden station’s water intakes is 0.2 mile northwest of the cove. Spur is deep and clear; vessels generally follow the west bank. Pine Grove, Sandy Point, and Saunders Point are Charts 13211, 12372 summer resorts on Niantic River. (93) White Rock is an islet on the east side of the en- Currents trance to Niantic Bay 0.5 mile westward of Millstone (101) The tidal currents through the bridges set fair with Point. Little Rock, two rocks partly bare at low water, is 150 yards east of White Rock. Rocks with a least depth of the channel; the flood velocity is 1.6 knots and the ebb 8 feet extend 0.25 mile northwest from Millstone Point. velocity, 0.8 knot. It has been reported that much great- A rock, covered 11 feet, is about 300 yards south-south- er velocities may be expected under storm and freshet east of White Rock and is marked by a lighted bell buoy. conditions. (See Tidal Current Tables for predictions.) (94) Niantic Bay, 4.5 miles westward of New London Ice Harbor, is a good anchorage sheltered from easterly, (102) Ice generally closes the river to navigation for northerly, and westerly winds. It is a harbor of refuge in northerly gales and can be used by small vessels and about 3 months during the winter. tows. The general depth of the bay is about 19 feet; the (103) Smith Cove is on the west side of Niantic River water shoals gradually northward. The entrance is 1.5 about 1.5 miles above the channel entrance. A channel, marked by private daybeacons, leads westward from the
286 Eastern Long Island Sound Volume 2 river channel into the cove. In 1999, the channel had a (112) The river water is fresh at and above Deep River. reported depth of 5 feet. Each year after the spring freshets, shoals with least depths of 10 feet are found in places on bars in the upper Small-craft facilities river; dredging to remove such shoals is begun as soon (104) There are several small-craft facilities just above as the water subsides. the entrance at Niantic and Waterford, on the west side (113) Between the entrance and Middletown the river and east side of Niantic River, respectively, and in Smith banks are hard and in some places rocky, but between Cove. (See the small-craft facilities tabulation on chart Middletown and Hartford the river flows through allu- 12372 for services and supplies available.) vial bottom land, where freshets and ice jams may cause shoaling. Channels (105) Harbormasters are at Niantic and Waterford. A 6 (114) A Federal project for Connecticut River provides for mph speed limit is enforced on the river. a 15-foot jettied entrance channel and 15-foot dredged (106) Black Point, on the west side at the entrance to Ni- cuts across the bars to Hartford, 45 miles above the antic Bay, is flat with bluffs at the water and is occupied entrance. (See Notice to Mariners and the latest editions by many summer cottages. Broken ground extends 0.6 of the charts for controlling depths.) mile south of the southwest side of the point. (115) The channel above the jettied entrance channel usually follows the banks on the outside of the curves (107) Strangers entering the bight between Black Point of the river, except through the dredged cuts across the and Hatchet Point should proceed with caution as there bars which are marked by navigational aids. is broken ground with several rocks and ledges. An area (116) Saybrook Breakwater Light (41°15'48\"N., with covered rocks and shallow ledges extends about 72°20'34\"W.), 58 feet above the water, is shown from a 0.6 mile south of Griswold Island. A rock with a least white conical tower on a brown cylindrical pier on the depth of 3 feet is at the outer end of this area; buoys south end of the west jetty at the entrance to Connecti- mark the west side of the rocky area and the south cut River. A sound signal is at the light. side of the outer rock. North Brother, in the northwest part of the bight and South Brother, in the center, are Anchorages prominent bare rocks. Johns Rock, covered 6 feet, is in (117) Secure anchorage can be had eastward or north- 41°17’12”N., 72°14’57”W., about 0.5 mile southwest of South Brother. eastward of Lynde Point Light. Farther up anchorage can be selected in the wider parts of the channel. Special Anchorage anchorages are at Old Saybrook, Essex, Chester, Lord (108) A special anchorage is east of Giants Neck. (See Island, Eddy Rock Shoal in the vicinity of Connecti- cut River Light 45, and Mouse Island Bar vicinity. (See 110.1 and 110.54, chapter 2, for limits and regula- 110.1 and 110.55, chapter 2, for limits and regula- tions.) An unmarked rock is within the anchorage area, tions.) about 0.1 mile south of Giants Neck; depth over the rock is not known. Dangers (118) Saybrook Outer Bar, which obstructs the mouth of the Connecticut River, is shifting, with depths of 2 to 12 (109) Hatchett Point has several large dwellings. A reef feet extending nearly 2 miles off the mouth; it is marked extends about 0.2 mile off the southwest side of the off its southeastern end by a lighted bell buoy. point. (119) In 1976, obstructions were reported in the channel at the railroad bascule bridge 3 miles above the mouth of (110) Hatchett Reef, 0.6 to 1 mile south-southwestward the Connecticut River; a least depth of 13 feet is reported of Hatchett Point, has a least depth of 5 feet and is in the channel in area 40 to 50 feet from the east abut- marked by buoys. Close to the southeast side of the reef ment of the bridge. Mariners requiring greater depths the depths are greater than 30 feet. A bar extends west- are advised to avoid this area of the channel during pas- ward from Hatchett Reef to Saybrook Bar. sages. Charts 12375, 12377, 12378, 12372 Bridges (120) Several drawbridges and fixed bridges cross Con- (111) Connecticut River rises in the extreme northern part of New Hampshire, near the Canadian border, and necticut River between the entrance and Hartford. The flows southerly between the States of Vermont and New distance above the mouth, type, and clearance of each Hampshire and across Massachusetts and Connecticut bridge follows: 3 miles, railroad with bascule span, 19 to Long Island Sound. It is approximately 375 miles long feet; 3.5 miles, Raymond E. Baldwin (IS 95) Bridge, fixed and is one of the largest and most important rivers in highway, 81 feet; 14.6 miles, State Route 82 highway New England. The head of commercial navigation is at with swing span at East Haddam, 22 feet; 27.8 miles, Hartford, about 45 miles from the mouth. Waterborne commerce on the river is mostly in petroleum products and chemicals.
Chapter 8 Eastern Long Island Sound 287 railroad with swing span at Middletown, 25 feet; 32.2 more above mean low water averages nearly 2 months miles, Arrigoni Bridge (State Route 66), fixed highway, of each year. Below Middletown the height of the crest 89 feet; 41.2 miles, Wm. H. Putnam Bridge (State Route of a freshet decreases rapidly. At the mouth the variation 3), fixed highway near Wethersfield, 80 feet over main in water level is due to the tides. channel; 44 miles, Charter Oak Bridge (U.S. 5/State (126) Ice closes the river to navigation a part of every Route 15), a fixed highway bridge at Hartford, 69 feet winter for wooden hull boats. The duration of closing for a width of 215 feet; 44.9 miles, Founders Bridge, is about 2 months. fixed highway, 49 feet; 45.2 miles, Bulkeley Bridge (I- 84), fixed highway, 39 feet; and 46 miles, fixed railroad, Weather, Hartford and vicinity 28 feet. (See 117.1 through 117.59 and 117.205, chap- (127) Hartford is well inside the northern temperate ter 2, for drawbridge regulations.) The bridgetender of the bascule railroad bridge at mile 3 monitors VHF-FM climatic zone in a prevailing west to east movement channel 13; call sign KT-5414. Vessels requesting the of air carrying the majority of weather systems into opening of this bridge are cautioned to confirm by ra- Connecticut from the west. The average wintertime diotelephone that the bascule span is safely raised and position of the “Polar Front” boundary between cold stabilized before making passage. The bridgetender of dry polar air and warm moist tropical air is just south the highway swing bridge at East Haddam at mile 14.6 of New England, which helps to explain the extensive monitors VHF-FM channel 13; call sign KXR-913. winter storm activity and the day-to-day variability of (121) Overhead power cables across the Connecticut local weather. In the summer, the “Polar Front” has an River have a least clearance of 100 feet, except for the average position along the New England-Canada border one at Laurel, 24.2 miles above the mouth, which has a and Hartford has a warm and pleasant climate. clearance of 65 feet. (128) The location of Hartford, relative to the continent and ocean, is also significant. Rapid weather changes Tides result when storms move northward along the Mid-At- (122) The time of tide becomes later and the range di- lantic Coast, frequently producing strong and persistent northeast winds associated with storms known locally minishes in progressing up the river. High water and as “coastals” or “northeasters”. Seasonally, weather low water at Hartford occur about 4.5 and 6 hours later, characteristics vary from the cold and dry continental- respectively, than at the entrance. polar air of winter to the warm, maritimes air of sum- mer, the one from Canada, the other from the Gulf of Currents Mexico, Caribbean Sea, or Atlantic Ocean. (123) At the entrance the currents have considerable ve- (129) Summer thunderstorms develop in the Berkshire Mountains to the west and northwest, and move over the locity at times and always require careful attention, as Connecticut Valley and, when accompanied by wind and the tidal current of the sound often sets directly across hail, sometimes cause considerable damage to crops. the direction of the current setting out or in between Thunderstorm days average 20 each year. June, July, jetties. This condition is reported to be especially dan- and August are the most favored months. During the gerous during the first 3 hours of ebb tide. (Consult the winter, rain often falls through cold air trapped in the Tidal Current Tables for times and velocities of currents valley and creates extremely hazardous ice conditions. at a number of locations in Connecticut River.) On clear nights in the late summer or early autumn, (124) During the ebb, a strong current runs from the cool air drainage into the valley and the moisture from Lyme Landing toward the center of the railroad bridge. the Connecticut River produce steam and/or ground fog Towboats with vessels in tow should steer for the east which becomes quite dense throughout the valley and pier of the draw and should not swing out for the draw temporarily hampers transportation. An average 162 until almost in it, to avoid being set to the west side of days each year report fog. the channel. Because of river discharge, the ebb current (130) The average annual temperature for Hartford is usually will be considerably stronger than the flood. Ebb 50°F (10°C). The warmest month is July with an av- current velocities of 1 knot or more have been observed erage temperature of 74°F (23.3°C) and the coolest is under normal conditions on the bars in Connecticut January with an average temperature of 26°F (-3.3°C). River between Higganum and Hartford; the velocities The warmest temperature on record is 102°F (38.9°C) of the flood currents are much less. recorded in July 1966 and the coolest temperature on record is -26°F (-3.3°C) recorded in January 1961. Each month, except June, July, and August has recorded tem- peratures below freezing. Each month, June through (125) Freshets occur principally in the spring, when September, has recorded temperatures in excess of the snow is melting, although occasional floods have 100°F (37.8°C). An average of 18 days each year records occurred in every month of the year except July and temperatures in excess of 90°F (32.2°C) and an average September. At Hartford the usual rise due to spring of 134 days each year has a temperature of 32°F (0°C) freshets is between 16 and 24 feet. The highest freshets are generally of short duration, but the period during which the river at Hartford is at the level of 8 feet or
288 Eastern Long Island Sound Volume 2 or cooler. An average of eleven days each year has tem- above Rocky Hill are finger-type piers with breasting peratures of 5°F (-15°C) or lower. dolphins. Depths of 11 to 15 feet are reported alongside (131) The average annual precipitation for Hartford is these facilities. 44.20 inches (1123 mm). Precipitation is fairly uni- form with the difference between the wettest and driest Supplies and repairs month being less than one inch (25.4 mm). The wettest (140) Gasoline, diesel fuel, water, ice, and marine sup- month is November, averaging 4.07 inches (104 mm) and the driest month is February averaging 3.13 inches plies are available at the principal towns and landings (80 mm). Average snowfall, on an annual basis, totals along the Connecticut River. Boatyards along the river 44 inches (1118). February 1961 holds the record of the can make engine, hull, and electronic repairs. greatest snowfall in a 24-hour period with 14.3 inches (363 mm). Charts 12375, 12372 (132) The National Weather Service office is at Bradley International Airport, northwest of Hartford. (See Ap- (141) Old Saybrook is a village on the west side of Con- pendix B for Hartford climatological table.) necticut River, about 1.4 miles northward of Saybrook Breakwater Light. There are several small-craft facilities Routes along the west side of the river from Saybrook Point (133) To enter Connecticut River from eastward, pass to Ferry Point, about 2 miles to the northward. (See the small-craft facilities tabulation on chart 12372 for southward of Hatchett Reef and Saybrook Bar, until Say- services and supplies available.) brook Breakwater Light bears 315°. Steer for Saybrook Breakwater Light on this course through the buoyed (142) A “Slow no-wake” speed limit is enforced at Old opening between the south end of Saybrook Bar and the Saybrook between the railroad bridge and Buoy 20, 0.25 east end of Long Sand Shoal to the entrance channel mile above the Connecticut Turnpike Bridge. between the jetties. (134) To enter from westward, pass 1 mile southward (143) North Cove, a dredged small-boat basin that af- of Falkner Island Light on course 076°. This will lead fords excellent anchorage, is entered through a dredged about 0.4 mile northward of the lighted bell buoy on channel that leads westward from the main channel the western end of Long Sand Shoal and about 0.2 about 0.4 mile northward of Saybrook Point. In 2009, mile southward of the lighted bell buoy southward of the controlling depth was 6.7 feet (8.0 feet at midchan- Cornfield Point. Then steer about 067°, with Saybrook nel) in the entrance channel to the basin, thence 5.6 feet Breakwater Light a little on the port bow to the entrance in the basin, with shoaling to 4.3 feet within 10 feet of channel between the jetties. the channel limits. The entrance channel is marked by (135) Boating regulations for waters within the State of private buoys. Connecticut can be found at http://www.dep.state.ct.us /rec/boating/guide.htm. (144) From Saybrook Point to Hartford local knowledge is required to carry the best water. Small craft should Pilotage, Connecticut River have no difficulty in following the channel. (136) Pilotage by a state licensed pilot is compulsory in (145) Lieutenant River, leading to Old Lyme, enters the Long Island Sound for foreign flag vessels and U.S. ves- east side of Connecticut River about 1.4 miles north- sels which are under register (i.e. engaged in foreign ward of Saybrook Point. Pipe stakes mark the south trade). Such vessels can arrange for a state licensed pilot side of the channel across the bar at the entrance. A by contacting the joint rotation administrator, Block midchannel depth of about 3 feet can be carried over Island Pilots at 243 Spring Street, Newport, RI 02840; the bar to about 0.2 mile above the second bridge. A telephone 401-847-9050 (24 hours), 800-274-1216; railroad bridge with a 33-foot fixed span and a clearance Fax 401-847-9052. Enrolled vessels (i.e. U.S. vessels of 11 feet crosses the river 0.4 mile above the entrance. engaged in coastwise trade) see Pilotage, Long Island An overhead power cable with a reported clearance of Sound (indexed as such), chapter 8. about 10 feet is on the north side of the bridge. About 0.3 (137) Pilot services are arranged in advance through mile above that bridge is a highway bridge with a 24-foot ships’ agents or directly by shipping companies. A 24- fixed span and a clearance of 6 feet. A harbormaster is hour advance notice is requested. at Old Lyme. (138) Hartford is a customs port of entry. (146) The passage to the east and north of Calves Island, Wharves about 1 mile above the railroad bridge crossing Con- (139) The Connecticut River has more than 20 commer- necticut River, is used extensively for mooring small craft in the summer. This passage is subject to shoaling, cial piers and wharves, most of which handle petroleum particularly on the north side of Calves Island; caution products from barges or coastal tankers. Most of the is advised. A small-craft facility is on the east side of facilities below Rocky Hill, about 34 miles above Say- the passage just above the entrance. Berths, electricity, brook Point, are marginal-type wharves, while those water, ice, marine supplies, storage facilities, a 25-ton lift, and some repairs are available. In 2002, depths of 18 feet were reported at the facility.
Chapter 8 Eastern Long Island Sound 289 (147) Lord Cove has its entrance about 300 yards north- and daybeacons mark the remainder of the channel to ward of Calves Island. In 1981, a depth of 3½ feet was Hamburg. The center of the turning basin has piles used available through the unmarked entrance. The marsh- for moorings. lands surrounding Lord Cove and the other coves be- tween Essex and the river mouth at Saybrook are fre- Small-craft facility quented by duck hunters in October and November. (154) A small-craft facility, on the east side of the basin, Because of danger of gunfire, mariners are cautioned not to stray too close to the numerous duck blinds that has sewage pump-out, water, ice, and some marine sup- exist in this area. plies. A 35-ton travel lift is available for hull and engine repairs. (148) The dredged section of the main channel in Con- necticut River westward of Calves Island has numer- Charts 12377, 12378 ous obstructions and sunken rocks close to its edges; mariners are advised to exercise caution and to avoid (155) Eustasia Island, 8.5 miles above Saybrook Point, the edges of the channel. divides the Connecticut River into two channels. A light off the southeast end of the island marks the junction of (149) Haydens Point, about 4.6 miles above Saybrook the two channels. The eastern channel crossing Potash Point, is marked by a light. Foul ground is between the Bar through a dredged cut is better marked and easier light and the shore. to follow. The western channel leads to Pratt Creek, westward of the southerly end of Eustasia Island, and to (150) Essex, a town on the west bank about 5 miles above the landing at Deep River and thence crosses Chester Saybrook Point, is the scene of considerable small-boat Creek Bar through a swash channel to Chester Creek. activity. Depths alongside the town landing are about A sand shoal and a rocky reef, both bare at low water, 6 feet. Essex Cove is the area off the main river chan- are north of Eustasia Island, between the main channel nel skirting the waterfront at Essex. A dredged channel, east of the island and Chester Creek. marked by private buoys, leads from the main channel through the cove, and thence rejoins the main channel (156) A rock, covered 3 feet, is on the south side of the to the northward. In 2007, the controlling depth was entrance to Chester Creek in about 41°24'24.1\"N., 5.5 feet in the buoyed channel. A 5 mph speed limit is 72°25'46.6\"W. enforced. A privately marked small-boat channel leads westward from the dredged buoyed channel in Essex Small-craft facilities Cove to a yacht basin in Middle Cove, northward of (157) There are several small-craft facilities on Pratt Thatchbed Island. In 2008, the small-boat channel had a reported midchannel controlling depth of 4½ feet to Creek and Chester Creek. Berths and moorings, elec- the marina at the north end of the cove. tricity, gasoline, diesel fuel, ice, marine supplies, a pump-out, storage and a launching ramp are available Small-craft facilities in the area. Lifts to 55 tons are available for complete (151) There are several small-craft facilities at Essex. hull, engine, and electronic repairs. The facilities provide berths and mooring, electricity, Anchorages gasoline, diesel fuel, water, ice, marine supplies, sew- (158) Special anchorages are off Chester Creek. (See age pumpout, storage, and full repairs. The marina just north of the entrance to Middle Cove has an approach 110.1 and 110.55 (e–1) and (e–2), chapter 2, for lim- depth of 8 feet and an alongside depth of 11 feet. its and regulations.) (159) The Chester-Hadlyme vehicular ferry crosses the Anchorages river near Fort Hill, 2 miles above Eustasia Island. The (152) Special anchorages are at Essex. (See 110.1 and ferry operates from April through November. (160) Special anchorages are northeastward of Connect- 110.55 (a), (a-1), (b), and (c), chapter 2, for limits and icut River Light 45 (41°26.2'N., 72°27.6'W.), about 12.8 regulations.) miles above Saybrook Point. (See 110.1 and 110.55 (d) and (e), chapter 2, for limits and regulations.) (153) Hamburg Cove and Eightmile River, which emp- ties into the north end of the cove, indent the east side (161) On the east side of the river, the turret of the op- of Connecticut River, 6 miles above Saybrook Point. era house at East Haddam, 13.3 miles above Saybrook A dredged channel leads from Connecticut River to a Point, is prominent. A marina is on the west side of the turning basin at Hamburg, a village at the head of navi- river just above the swing bridge between East Had- gation. In 2002, the controlling depth was 4.5 feet in dam and Tylerville. Limited guest berths, limited ma- the channel with 1.9 feet in the basin except for shoal- rine supplies, electricity, water, and ice are available. ing at the north end and along the east edge. There are In 1990, a reported depth of 5 feet was available in the boulders in places outside the dredged channel, and the marina basin. entrance channel is outlined by grassy flats on each side. Buoys mark the entrance, and private seasonal buoys
290 Eastern Long Island Sound Volume 2 (162) The shoal off the west side of the river, just north of East Haddam, is reported to be increasing. (175) Portland, 26.3 miles above Saybrook Point, has sev- (163) Salmon Cove, on the east side of the river, 1 mile eral boatyards with marine railways; the largest railway above East Haddam, is reported to be navigable only can handle craft to 60 feet for engine and hull repairs. by small craft at high tide. The entrance to the cove is Gasoline, water, berths with electricity, ice, storage fa- subject to shoaling. Considerable grass in the channel cilities, marine supplies, a pump-out station, launching and cove makes boat operation difficult. ramps, and lifts to 50 tons are available at Portland. In 1990, depths of 7 to 9 feet were reported available. (164) Overhead power cables with a least clearance of 86 feet cross the cove about 1.2 miles above the mouth. (176) Berthing and water are available at Harbor Park in Middletown, across the river from Portland. Depths of Small-craft facility 18 feet are reported to be available along the wharves. (165) A small-craft facility is on the west side of the river (177) Two small-craft facilities are on the east side of the about 1.1 miles above East Haddam. Berths, electricity, river at Gildersleeve, about 2.5 miles above Portland. water, ice, a 10-ton mobile hoist, and a launching ramp Gasoline, diesel fuel, berths with electricity, water, ice, are available; hull and engine repairs can be made. In storage facilities, marine supplies, a launching ramp, 1990, a depth of 6 feet was reported at the facility. and 15- and 35-ton lifts are available, and hull and en- gine repairs can be made. (178) From Belamose, 6.5 miles above Portland, north- (166) Haddam Island divides the Connecticut River ward to Hartford, the land is much lower, and the about 3.2 miles above East Haddam. The main river Connecticut River narrows, its curves become more channel leads eastward of the island through a dredged pronounced, and both of its shores have numerous cut known as Haddam Island Bar Channel. A pinnacle wood-stake-and-rock groins. rock, covered 13 feet, is in the approach to Haddam Island Bar Channel in 41°29'31\"N., 72°30'49\"W. (179) A marina on the east side of the river opposite Bela- mose has gasoline, berths, electricity, water, ice, marine (167) The passage westward of Haddam Island is closed supplies, and a 15-ton lift; engine and hull repairs can by a bare sand shoal lying between the island’s southerly be made. In 1983, the privately marked channel into the tip and the westerly shore of the river. marina basin had a reported controlling depth of 7 feet. (168) The shoal off the east side of the river opposite Hig- (180) At Rocky Hill, 1 mile above Belamose, a seasonal ganum Creek, 5.5 miles above East Haddam, is extend- vehicular ferry crosses the river to South Glastonbury. A ing westward. small-craft launching ramp is just above the ferry land- ing. (169) A rock breakwater extends southward from the east side of the river, 1 mile above Higganum Creek. In 1969, (181) The cove at Crow Point, on the west side of the the shoal, about 200 yards southward of the breakwater, river about 5.7 miles above Belamose, is used to obtain was found to be extending southward. land fill. Dredging in the cove is uneven, but the bottom is soft ooze. In 1981, it was reported that the entrance (170) A boatyard is on the north side of the river at Cobalt, had shoaled to bare and could be used only by small about 3.5 miles above Higganum Creek. Storage facili- outboards. ties and a 15-ton hoist are available. In 1990, a reported depth of 7 feet could be carried to the facility. (182) A rock, covered 5 feet, is on the south side of the dredged channel about 0.8 mile above Crow Point in (171) After passing through the channel in Paper Rock about 41°42'43.0\"N., 72°37'46.5\"W.; and a shoal that Shoal, 9.7 miles above East Haddam, favor the south bares is in 41°43'11\"N., 72°38'52\"W., on the west side side of the river to about 300 yards southeastward of of Connecticut River, about 1.9 miles above Crow Point. Bodkin Rock, then cross to the north side and pass it close-to. (183) Wethersfield Cove, on the west side of the river 14 miles above Portland, is entered through a narrow (172) About 0.5 mile westward of Bodkin Rock, a dredged dredged channel that leads to a dredged anchorage ba- section of the channel leads along the southerly shore of sin about 0.3 mile above the entrance. (See Notice to Connecticut River and southward of Mouse Island Bar. Mariners and the latest editions of the charts for con- trolling depths.) The channel is marked by daybeacons. Anchorages The Interstate 91 highway bridge over the entrance has (173) Special anchorages are along the north and east a fixed span with a clearance of 38 feet. The speed limit in the channel and cove is 5 knots. Ice, transient berthing, sides of the river, between Bodkin Rock and Portland. and some supplies can be obtained at the yacht club on (See 110.1 and 110.55 (f) and (g), chapter 2, for limits the south side of the cove. A town marina is on the east and regulations.) side of the cove; a launching ramp is available at the fa- cility. The Wethersfield harbormaster can be contacted Caution through the local police department or town hall. (174) Caution is recommended when rounding the point (184) The only remaining commercial docks at Hart- on the south side of the river, about 1.5 miles above ford are the bulk fuel handling facility of the Hartford Bodkin Rock, to avoid a submerged crib that extends northward from the point.
Chapter 8 Eastern Long Island Sound 291 Electric Light Company’s powerplant on the west side of ground with a least depth of 3 feet. These dangers are the river, about 0.2 mile below the Charter Oak Bridge, buoyed. About 0.5 mile westward of the point is Halft- and the Hartford Gas Company’s barge unloading facili- ide Rock, surrounded by foul ground and marked by a ties on the west side of the river, about 0.5 mile above the private daybeacon. Charter Oak Bridge. A public facility with floating docks is on the west side of the river just below the Founders Charts 12374, 12372 Bridge. A flood control dike is along the west side of the river from just north of the Charter Oak Bridge to the (192) Westbrook Harbor is the western part of the open Bulkeley Bridge. bight between Cornfield Point and Menunketesuck Is- (185) Connecticut River above Hartford is practically un- land. It has many unmarked submerged rocks and is improved, but is navigable about 30 miles to Holyoke seldom used as an anchorage; the anchorage in Duck for boats not exceeding 3-foot draft, when the river is Island Roads is better. The bight is characterized by not low. The channel is constantly shifting. boulders. Chart 12354 (193) Westbrook, a town on the north side of Westbrook Harbor, is marked on its east side by an elevated tank. (186) Long Sand Shoal extends 6 miles westward from A harbormaster is at Westbrook and can be contacted off the entrance of Connecticut River and has a greatest through the town hall. width of nearly 0.3 mile. The general depths on the shoal are 4 to 15 feet; bottom is hard and lumpy. Shoaling is (194) Menunketesuck Island is the outermost of several abrupt on both sides, but especially on the south side, low narrow islands connected to the mainland at low where the 5-fathom curve is only 100 yards from it in water on the west side of Westbrook Harbor. It has boul- places. The shoal is marked at its eastern end by a buoy, ders at the south end. A boulder reef extends nearly 0.5 and on the south side and west end by lighted sound mile south-southeastward from the point to the 18-foot buoys. curve. Tide rips frequently occur on this reef. A pri- vate seasonal buoy is about 0.3 mile southeastward of (187) A fairway lighted whistle buoy is 4.5 miles south of Menunketesuck Island. Cornfield Point. (195) Between Menunketesuck Island and Hammonasset (188) At the western end of Long Sand Shoal and 1 mile Point, about 4 miles westward, broken ground extends southward is an area about 0.6 mile long with rocky and about 1.5 miles offshore. A boulder reef extends 0.5 mile broken bottom, and with a least found depth of 21 feet. southward from Duck Island to the 18-foot curve and is marked by a buoy. A rock with 1 foot over it is on this (189) Sixmile Reef, about 3 miles southwestward of reef about 300 yards south of Duck Island. Tide rips Long Sand Shoal, is an area of migrating sandwaves have been reported to extend from the vicinity of these about 2.5 miles long in a west-northwesterly direc- rocks to the buoy. During strong flood currents and a tion with depths of 22 to 32 feet. Shoaling is abrupt in southwest wind, tide rips extend from the shoal water places. A lighted bell buoy is off the southerly edge of southwest of Duck Island to the vicinity of Southwest this reef. With extreme low tides, due to northerly and Reef over 1 mile southwestward. Caution is advised westerly winds, this shoal may be dangerous to vessels when navigating small boats in this vicinity during with 15-foot draft. Tide rips occur on the reef whenever these conditions. the direction of the tidal currents is opposed to that of the wind. This is especially true during spring tides and (196) Duck Island Roads, between Menunketesuck Is- a southwest wind. land and Kelsey Point, is a harbor of refuge protected by breakwaters 1,100 feet northward and nearly 0.5 mile (190) A ridge with depths of 29 to 37 feet is near the mid- westward from Duck Island, with the added protection dle of Long Island Sound southward of Sixmile Reef and of Kelsey Point Breakwater on Stone Island Reef. A 5 miles north-northwestward of Horton Point Light. It prominent landmark on Duck Island is a stone chim- is marked by a lighted whistle buoy equipped with a ney. Both breakwaters extending from Duck Island are racon. marked by lights. Charts 12375, 12372 (197) The dredged anchorage enclosed by the breakwa- ters extending northward and westward from Duck Is- (191) Cornfield Point, 2 miles westward of Saybrook land is subject to shoaling. General depths of 3 to 8 feet Breakwater Light, is marked by a large red-roofed stone are in the protected area, and 4 to 16 feet in the western building. Rocky shoals and foul ground extend about 0.5 end. In addition to the area inside the breakwaters, a mile southerly from this point and for about 1.9 miles small area northward and northeastward of Duck Island westerly. Cornfield Point Shoal, a small rocky patch North Breakwater Light can be used as an anchorage in covered 3 feet, is about 0.4 mile south of the point. southwesterly weather. Westward of this shoal are Hen and Chickens, bare in spots at low water, and Crane Reef, an area of broken (198) The western entrance of Duck Island Roads is easy of access and should be used by vessels with greater draft than 8 feet.
292 Eastern Long Island Sound Volume 2 Routes (206) Kelsey Point Breakwater extends south-southeast- (199) Pass southward of Duck Island and keep the light ward from Stone Island and is marked by a light on the outer end. The rocky, broken ground southwestward of on the end of Kelsey Point Breakwater bearing north- the light has a least depth of 16 feet; the outer shoal is ward of 264° until Duck Island West Breakwater Light marked by a buoy. Tide rips occur frequently between 2DI bears 010°, then steer northward. Approaching the end of the breakwater and the buoy. Stone Island, from westward, the main dangers are the two 16-foot at the north end of the breakwater, is mostly covered at spots south-southwestward of Kelsey Point Breakwater high water. There are several rocks of unknown depth Light, the southerly of which is marked by a buoy. between Stone Island and Kelsey Point. Anchoring (200) The eastern entrance of Duck Island Roads is ob- should be avoided in the area surrounding the break- structed by a sand shoal with a least depth of 8 feet water as the bottom is broken and rocky. about 0.3 mile eastward of Duck Island, and by boulder reefs which extend about 0.2 mile off the western side (207) The bight at the entrance of Clinton Harbor and of Menunketesuck Island. This entrance is easy of access westward of Kelsey Point Breakwater affords anchor- for vessels drawing up to 8 feet. age, but is exposed to southeasterly and southwesterly (201) Anchorage, bottom generally sticky, can be had winds. between the Duck Island West Breakwater Light 2DI and the 17-foot rocky patches southeastward of Kelsey (208) Clinton Harbor, the bight westward of Kelsey Point Point. This anchorage is exposed to winds southward of Breakwater, is the entrance to Hammonasset River, a east and west. stream used chiefly by fishing and recreational craft. Wheeler Rock, with 1 foot over it, just outside the bar, is marked by a lighted buoy. The channel is marked by buoys to Cedar Island and thence by seasonal pri- (202) Patchogue River, used chiefly by fishing and recre- vate buoys to the anchorage basin at Clinton. Buoys ational craft, empties into Duck Island Roads just west are shifted often due to changing channel conditions. of Menunketesuck Island. A channel leads from deep Local knowledge is advised. In 2010, depths of 4.5 to 8 water in Duck Island Roads to the first fixed highway feet were available in the anchorage basin on the north- bridge, about 0.6 mile above the mouth. The approach east side of the channel east of the wharves at Clinton. channel is marked by buoys, and the river channel is From opposite the basin to the upstream limit of the marked by private aids. A light is on the outer end of the Federal project, the southwest and south side of the breakwater on the west side of the river mouth. In 2010, channel is obstructed by a series of pilings. Boats may be the controlling depth was 4.1 feet (5.4 feet at midchan- moored between the pilings, caution is advised. Above nel) to the head of the project about 40 yards below the the dredged channel, the midchannel controlling depth first fixed highway bridge, except for shoaling to bare is about 2 feet in the Hammonasset River to the over- well into midchannel from the eastern side of the chan- head pipeline and bridge crossing about 2 miles above nel near Buoy 6. The anchorage basin had a controlling Clinton. Private daybeacons mark this section of the depth of 5.6 feet. channel. Small-craft facilities (209) Several boatyards and marinas are in the harbor. (203) Several small-craft facilities are on the river. (See (See the small-craft facilities tabulation on chart 12372 for services and supplies available.) Mooring facilities the small-craft facilities tabulation on chart 12372 for are available by arrangement with the town dockmaster services and supplies available.) who can be contacted through the town hall or police department. A 6 mph speed limit is enforced in the har- bor. The town maintains a fireboat at Clinton Harbor. The vessel can be contacted through the Clinton Police (204) Menunketesuck River, sharing the same entrance Department or the Coast Guard. channel as Patchogue River, is a shallow stream west- ward of Patchogue River. In 1981, a depth of about 8 (210) Northeastward of Cedar Island in Clinton Har- feet was reported to the first fixed highway bridge cross- bor are two narrow crooked channels close together, ing the river above which depths of less than 1 foot are with depths of about 1 foot. The eastern one is usually reported. A shoal was reported extending south from marked by bush stakes; it leads to a marina and boatyard shore at the junction of Patchogue and Menunketesuck just inside the mouth of Hammock River. The western Rivers; caution is advised. The junction is marked by a channel, marked by a private range, leads to a boatyard private seasonal buoy. Small-craft facilities on the river on Indian River. can provide berths, electricity, gasoline, diesel fuel, wa- ter, ice, storage, marine supplies, a pump-out station, (211) Hammonasset Point, on the southwest side of and engine, hull and electronic repairs; a 12-ton mobile Clinton Harbor, is a low marshy area with many wooded hoist and a 75-ton lift are available. The privately main- knolls. The end of the point is a rocky knoll. Hammonas- tained channel in the river is reported to be marked by set State Park is marked by a conspicuous flagstaff and seasonal private aids; local knowledge is advised. the buildings at the recreational center. In the sum- mer it is an active resort. Broken ground with rocky (205) A 6 mph speed limit is enforced on both rivers.
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