United States Coast Pilot 2 Atlantic Coast - Cape Cod, MA to Sandy Hook, NJ 2012

Chapter 8      Eastern Long Island Sound      293 irregular bottom and least depths of 10 to 11 feet ex- extending about 1 mile southwestward of Outer White tends 0.5 mile southward of Hammonasset Point. Top, the highest part of which is covered at high water. (212) West Rock is the outermost of the bare rocks which Indian Reef is marked on its south and southwestern extend a short distance off the east end of Hammonasset sides by buoys. Stakes and fish traps may exist north- Point. A reef, with two bare rocks and a groin on its in- ward of Riding Rock, 0.6 mile northwestward of Half ner part, extends 0.3 mile southwestward from the point Acre Rock. and is marked by a buoy, northeastward of which tide (219) The approach channel to Guilford Harbor, marked rips frequently occur. When rounding the point, vessels by buoys, leads along the southeasterly side of Indian should not pass between the buoy and Hammonasset Reef, thence westward of Half Acre Rock to a dredged Point. channel about 0.5 mile northwestward of Half Acre (213) Madison Reef, over 2 miles westward of Hammonas- Rock. The dredged channel leads northward through set Point, extends over a mile east and west. This reef the harbor and eastward of Guilford Point to a junction consists of several rocky patches with depths of 4 to 17 with Sluice Creek and East River, about 0.6 mile above feet, with deeper water between them. Charles Reef, the channel entrance. At the junction, the dredged with a least depth of 7 feet, is about 0.5 mile southwest channel leads northwesterly into Sluice Creek for about of Madison Reef and marked by a buoy. 0.1 mile and northeasterly into East River for about 0.4 (214) Kimberly Reef, about 1.9 miles southward of mile to an anchorage basin. Buoys and a private range Charles Reef, is an area of broken ground with a least mark the dredged channel to the junction. In 2004, the depth of 12 feet. Rocks with a least depth of 20 feet, controlling depths in the dredged channel were 3.2 feet marked by a lighted bell buoy, are about 0.2 mile south to the junction of East River and Sluice Creek, thence of the shoal. A bank with depths of 14 to 28 feet extends 1.5 feet in Sluice Creek, thence 6 feet in the left half of about 1.5 miles west of Kimberly Reef to Falkner Island. the channel and 2.2 feet in the right half, to the anchor- (215) Vessels of 10-foot draft can anchor northward of age basin with 1 to 6 feet in the basin except for shoaling Madison Reef, but should proceed with caution to avoid to bare toward the northeast limit and in the south half the rocky patches at lesser depths. of the entrance into the basin. Deeper water is available (216) Tuxis Island, northward of Madison Reef and 0.2 with local knowledge. mile south of Middle Beach, is high and rocky. Between (220) In 1988, a submerged obstruction was reported the island and the shore the water is shallow and the about 0.3 mile southwest of Half Acre Rock in about ground foul. Rocks awash are 200 to 600 yards eastward 41°15'06\"N., 72°39'36\"W. of the island, and an islet is 100 yards westward of the (221) At high water and with local knowledge, small island. A steel bulkhead in ruins, the top of which is boats can go above the anchorage basin in East River to awash at high water, extends from shore to Gull Rock, the fixed railway bridge, about 1.3 miles above the basin. a high bare ledge about 300 yards east-northeastward The bridge has a clearance of 4 feet. An overhead power of Tuxis Island. cable with a clearance of 45 feet is about 0.3 miles below (217) Madison, a town on the railroad, has one landing the bridge. A town marina, just above the entrance to which bares alongside at low water and is in disrepair. A Sluice Creek, has berths with electricity, water, ice and few small craft moor in the cove on its north side. Rocks, a launching ramp. In 1993, depths of 1½ to 6 feet were bare at low water, are 100 yards eastward of the landing. reported alongside the marina. A beach club building, with a small stone landing, is (222) A 5 mph speed limit is enforced in the harbor. northward of Tuxis Island. A church with a prominent (223) West River empties into the western side of Guil- tower and gilded dome is 0.8 mile northward of Tuxis ford Harbor 0.2 mile westward of Guilford Point. A rail- Island. road bridge about 0.7 mile above the mouth has a clear- ance of 6 feet. Guilford is the town above the railroad Charts 12373, 12372 bridge. In 1988-1989, a depth of 4½ feet was reported in West River entrance channel; the channel is marked (218) Guilford Harbor, a bight 5.5 miles westward of by buoys and a 321° lighted range. Hammonasset Point, is used only by small craft. East (224) There are two boatyards with several marinas and River and Sluice Creek empty into Guilford Harbor marine railways on West River. The largest marine rail- from the northward. The approach to the harbor is way can handle craft up to 40 feet; berths with electric- obstructed by rocks and foul ground. The outermost ity, water, ice, gasoline, diesel fuel, limited supplies, a dangers are: Half Acre Rock, about 0.8 mile southeast- 12-ton mobile crane, a 25-ton lift, and complete engine ward of the entrance channel, which shows at high wa- and hull repairs are available. ter; scattered rocks, some bare at low water and others (225) Falkner Island and Goose Islands, with Stony Is- with 7 to 16 feet over them, extending about a mile land to the southward, are about 3 miles south of Guil- eastward from Half Acre Rock; Outer White Top, about ford Harbor. Each is surrounded by reefs and rocks that 0.6 mile southwestward of Half Acre Rock, and several bare at low water. A depth of about 16 feet can be carried rocks northward of it bare at low water; and Indian Reef, between Goose Islands and Falkner Island by staying in the middle of the passage and avoiding the 8-foot and

294      Eastern Long Island Sound      Volume 2  11-foot spots, about 0.35 mile 244° and 0.4 mile 300° (232) Leetes Island Quarry is a prominent feature on the from the light on Falkner Island, respectively, and the south side of Hoadley Point; on the north side of the shoals and reefs extending from the islands. Falkner Is- cove eastward of the point are the ruins of an old dock. land Light (41°12'43\"N., 72°39'13\"W.), 94 feet above the water, is shown from a 46-foot white octagonal tower (233) The Thimbles, about 1.6 miles west of Sachem near the center of Falkner Island. A lighted gong buoy Head, comprise many islands, islets, and rocks that marks the shoal off the northern end of Falkner Island, bare. All of the area, extending over 2 miles from Hoad- and a lighted bell buoy is off the southern end of Stony ley Point southwestward to East Reef, is foul with rocky Island. bottom and many shoals. To lesser extent, the area from (226) From Indian Reef westward are rocky shoals and East Reef for 2 miles westward and northwestward to islets extending from 0.2 to 0.7 mile off Vineyard Point Branford Harbor entrance is dotted with islets and and Sachem Head. Chimney Corner Reef, about 0.3 rocks. The whole area is suitable only for small pleasure mile south of Sachem Head and marked by a buoy, is craft, which are very active here in summer. Many oyster a rocky broken area on which the least depth is 9 feet. stakes are encountered; these do not mark channels and Westward of it are Goose Rocks Shoals, on which are caution should be used to avoid fouling them. Caution Goose Rocks, the northerly of which is bare and the also is advised to avoid fouling the pipelines and cables southerly one covered at high water. The outer limit of in the area. Goose Rocks Shoals is marked by a lighted bell buoy. To ensure clearing the westerly end of Goose Rocks Shoals, (234) The outermost of The Thimbles proper is Outer care must be taken not to round the buoy too closely. Island, marked by a house chimney. A boat landing pro- (227) Sachem Head Harbor, an anchorage for small craft tected by a stone jetty is on the northeast side of this on the southwest side of Sachem Head, is 0.3 mile long island, and an unmarked rock, bare at lowest tides, is and 0.1 mile wide, and has depths of 3 to 8 feet at the 200 yards eastward. The reefs southwestward of Outer floats and in the moorings; it is sheltered except from Island, to and including East Reef and Browns Reef, are westerly winds. The island forming the south point at buoyed. the entrance is connected with the shore by a bridge. A yacht clubhouse is on the island. From the north point (235) From eastward a buoyed channel leads through of the island a breakwater extends 100 yards in a north- The Thimbles. The channel passes between Wayland Is- westerly direction; a rock awash, marked by a private land and a buoy marking the foul area southward of Cat seasonal light, is off the end of the breakwater. A rock Island. The channel extends between Davis Island and covered at half tide is 50 yards off the southeast side of Dogfish Island, thence north of East Crib and West Crib the harbor, about 350 yards eastward of the end of the into the more open water westward of The Thimbles; it breakwater. is good for about 13 feet. (228) The approach to Sachem Head Harbor for small craft from eastward is along the south side of the rocks (236) Stony Creek, a village on the railroad, extends making off from the south side of Sachem Head. Ap- southward to Flying Point (41°15.5'N., 72°45.1'W.). A proaching eastward of Goose Rocks, give the rocks a dredged channel west of Flying Point leads north to a berth of over 300 yards. The approach from westward is turning basin at Stony Creek. The channel is marked clear between Goose Rocks and Leetes Rocks. by private buoys. In 2009, the controlling depth was 3.7 (229) Uncas Point, the western extremity of Sachem feet in the entrance channel to the town wharf, thence Head, is marked by a rocky islet on its west side and a 2.0 feet to the head of the project with 1.8 to 5.0 feet in privately maintained seasonal light. Just northward of the basin. Rocks were reported in the northwest corner the islet a stone jetty with a bulkhead on its north side of the basin. Gasoline, marine supplies, inside storage, extends about 100 yards in a northwesterly direction and a small-craft launching ramp are available at ma- from the shore. Vessels can anchor in the angle near rinas eastward of the turning basin; small craft can be the shore where the depth is about 4½ feet. hauled out on a flatbed trailer for hull and engine re- (230) Joshua Cove, northwestward of Sachem Head, is pairs. The village dock is on the southeast side of the little used, but affords good anchorage in its entrance turning basin. for small vessels in northerly or easterly winds in 6 to 10 feet, soft bottom. The approach from southwestward (237) Between the rocks westward of Rogers Island and is clear between Goose Rocks and Leetes Rocks. Blackstone Rocks, a privately dredged channel, about (231) Leetes Rocks, midway between Sachem Head and 0.9 mile westward of Flying Point, leads northeastward the north end of The Thimbles, are two rocks bare at to a quarry wharf on the west side of a dredged basin. In low water, with an area of broken ground around them. 1995, the reported controlling depths were 14 feet from A 9-foot spot is about 200 yards southward of the south- the channel entrance to the basin, thence a depth of 14 erly rock, and a 3-foot spot is 0.3 mile northeast of the feet was available in the basin except for lesser depths southerly rock. along the north and west edges. The entrance channel is marked by a private 028° range consisting of a front and middle light and a rear daybeacon. (238) Thimble Island Harbor, in the western part of The Thimbles, affords good shelter for small craft be- tween Pot Island and Money Island on the east and High Island and West Crib on the west. Although open

Chapter 8      Eastern Long Island Sound      295 southwestward, the sea from that direction loses much southerly and southwesterly winds. Boats up to 5-foot of its force before reaching the inner harbor. A rock with draft can select a well-sheltered anchorage in the upper 3 feet over it and marked by a buoy is 80 yards off the part of the harbor above the Mermaids. The harbor is east side of High Island, just above its south end. Vessels used chiefly for recreational boating and by the small sometimes anchor near midchannel, between this rock local lobster fishing fleet. and the north end of Pot Island in depths of 13 to 18 (247) The dangers in the approach and entrance to Bran- feet, soft bottom, but care should be taken to avoid the ford Harbor either show above water or are marked by cables in the area. The harbor is easy of access between buoys. Cow and Calf, 1.3 miles southwestward of Jef- Outer Island and Inner Reef. frey Point, are two boulders close together bare at low (239) Pine Orchard, about 3 miles westward of Sachem water. Boulders, reported covered 10 feet, are about 0.2 Head, is a summer resort extending northward and mile northward of Cow and Calf. Five Foot Rock, 0.5 westward of Brown Point. A breakwater extending mile northeastward of Cow and Calf, has 5 feet over it. about 300 yards southeastward from Brown Point pro- Taunton Rock, 0.9 mile northeastward of Cow and Calf tects a yacht basin entered through a privately dredged near the middle of the entrance to Branford Harbor, is channel that leads from southward of St. Helena Is- large but low and bare. Blyn Rock, midway between land north-northwestward to the basin. In 1994, the Johnson Point and Taunton Rock, is covered at extreme entrance channel and basin had reported depths of 5 high tide. Bird Rock, 0.2 mile northward of Blyn Rock, feet. The basin approach northward of St. Helena Island has 5 feet over it. has depths of 3 to 5 feet. Gasoline, diesel fuel, ice, and (248) Little Mermaid, showing a little above high water, water may be obtained at the yacht club landing. and Big Mermaid, a high rock marked by a light, are (240) From Brown Point to Branford Harbor, 2.5 miles near the middle of Branford Harbor. Two bare rocks are westward, bare rocks and shoals extend up to about 2 near the head of the harbor. A rock, bare at low water miles offshore. A seawall extends westward from Brown and usually marked by stakes, is about 100 feet north- Point, and the shore is thickly settled. A rock bare at half northeastward of the north end of Lovers Island. tide is 600 yards westward of Brown Point and 300 yards from shore. Routes (241) Rocks bare at low water are eastward of Haycock (249) To enter Branford Harbor from eastward, pass Point, and rocks that bare at half tide are off the south- east side and southwest end of Green Island. The foul southward of the lighted buoy marking Negro Heads, ground extends about 0.6 mile south-southwestward steer about 306° heading for Taunton Rock, and enter from Haycock Point, including Foot Rocks which are between Taunton and Jeffrey Rocks; or a 333° course partly above water. with Branford Reef Light astern will lead into the harbor (242) Branford Reef, about 1.8 miles southward of In- between Jeffrey and Taunton Rocks. From westward, dian Neck and 5 miles eastward of New Haven entrance, pass southward and over 100 yards eastward of the is marked by a light. This reef is surrounded by shoal lighted bell buoy marking Cow and Calf, thence west- water for a distance of 150 to 450 yards from the light. ward of the buoys marking Blyn Rock and Bird Rock to (243) Deep water is between Branford Reef and Negro the buoyed channel in the harbor. Heads, a reef bare in one place at low water about 0.9 (250) Local craft pass northwestward of Cow and Calf mile northward. Shoreward of Negro Heads are Spec- Shoal and midway between Johnson Point and Blyn tacle Island, Sumac Island, and Clam Island, together Rock. with numerous rocks bare and covered. (244) A private boat landing is on the northwest side of Clam Island. Small craft can enter Maltby Cove between the bare rocks off the southwest end of Clam Island and (251) Branford River, narrow and crooked, extends Jeffrey Rock, favoring the northwest side of Clam Is- northeasterly from Branford Harbor. In 2009, the mid- land. Private markers are sometimes at the entrance. channel controlling depth in the dredged channel was The northwest side of the cove is foul, the principal 4.0 feet from Branford Harbor to the upstream limit of danger being a rock bare at low water near the middle, the dredged channel. northwestward of Clam Island; the rock is sometimes marked by a seasonal private spindle. (252) At low water the channel above Branford Point is (245) Jeffrey Point, the eastern point at the entrance of defined by bare shoals on each side. During the summer Branford Harbor, has a bare rock close to its western numerous stakes used as moorings mark both sides of end. the channel. A privately dredged channel and basin at (246) Branford Harbor is a shallow cove between Jeffrey a marina 0.5 mile east of Branford Point had reported Point and Johnson Point. Vessels up to 10-foot draft depths of 9 feet in 1999. can select anchorage in the harbor southward of the Mermaids in 10 to 14 feet, protected against all but (253) The principal waterborne commerce at Branford is in petroleum products. There are several marinas and boatyards on the river. (See the small-craft facili- ties tabulation on chart 12372 for services and supplies available.) (254) A 5 mph speed limit is enforced on the river.

296      Eastern Long Island Sound      Volume 2  (255) The harbormaster at Branford controls all moor- Charts 12371, 12372 ings and anchoring; he can be contacted through the small-craft facilities. (262) New Haven Harbor, an important harbor of refuge, is about 68 miles from New York, 179 miles from Bos- (256) Johnson Point is the western entrance point to ton via Cape Cod Canal, and 171 miles from Nantucket Branford Harbor; a rock covered 2 feet is about 100 Shoals. It comprises all the tidewater northward of the yards off its south side. A small privately dredged basin breakwaters constructed across the mouth of the bay, on the southwest side of the point is well protected in including the navigable portions of the West, Mill, and all but southerly winds. In 1971, it was reported that 4 Quinnipiac Rivers. It is about 2 miles wide. The inner feet could be carried to and in the basin. harbor, northward of Sandy Point and Fort Hale, is shal- low for the most part, except where the depths have been (257) Gull Rocks, about 0.3 mile westward of Johnson increased by dredging. The main entrance channel, be- Point, consist of small islets and submerged rocks that tween Middle Breakwater and the East Breakwater, leads extend about 0.5 mile southwestward from shore on the northward to Tomlinson Bridge at New Haven. Anchor- easterly side of the entrance to a large cove. A rock, bare age basins for medium draft vessels are on the west side at half tide, is in the northwestern part of the cove about of the channel north of Sandy Point. Waterborne com- 350 yards southward of Short Beach. The northwest merce in the harbor consists of petroleum products, end of the cove has a yacht club landing with a reported scrap metal, lumber, automobiles, gypsum, paper and depth of 2 feet alongside. pulp products, steel products, chemicals, rock salt, and general cargo. (258) Farm River Gut, a small bight on the west side of the cove, is a good anchorage for small craft. Depths (263) New Haven, at the head of the harbor, is an impor- range from 4 to 5 feet in the eastern part of the gut with tant manufacturing city. shoaling to bare in the northern and western parts. Two rocks awash are on the north side of the gut about 125 Prominent features yards inside the entrance. The gut offers good protec- (264) On the approach from well offshore in clear weather, tion from all but easterly winds, mud bottom. A marine railway at a boatyard on the north side of the gut can the prominent landmarks are: on East Rock (41°19.7'N., handle boats to 36 feet for hull repairs; storage facilities 72°54.4'W.), the Soldiers and Sailors Monument; in New are available. The yard can be reached only at high tide. Haven, the Knights of Columbus Building, a tall rectan- Old Clump is a bare rock about 400 yards south of the gular structure with circular pillars at its corners; the bight. lighted stack of the powerplant on the east side of the harbor opposite City Point. The lights on the ends of the (259) Farm River, locally known as East Haven River, breakwaters, the aerolight at Tweed-New Haven Airport, about 1.5 miles westward of Branford Harbor, is used and the abandoned tower on Lighthouse Point are also by local craft. In 1981, it was reported that depths of prominent. 3 feet could be carried in the river to the fixed bridge (265) Southwest Ledge Light (41°14'04\"N., 72°54'44\"W.), with a clearance of 4 feet about 1 mile above the mouth. 57 feet above the water, is shown from a white octagonal Several boatyards on the river provide gasoline, berths, house on a brown cylindrical pier at the westerly end of electricity, water, storage, and limited marine supplies; East Breakwater. A sound signal is sounded at the light. diesel fuel can be delivered by truck. A 10-ton mobile hoist and a 12-ton crane can handle vessels for complete Channels engine and hull repairs. (266) A Federal project for New Haven Harbor provides (260) East Indies Rocks, about 0.4 mile south of the en- for an entrance channel 35 feet deep to a point just be- trance to Farm River, cover at half tide and are marked low the junction of Mill River and Quinnipiac River. The by a buoy to the eastward; a rocky shoal with a least channel is well marked. (See Notice to Mariners and depth of 5 feet is 0.2 mile to the eastward. A small ledge, latest editions of the charts for controlling depths.) bare at low water, is midway between East Indies Rocks (267) West River, marked by buoys, is located on the west and the south side of Mansfield Point, the western en- side of the main channel about 3 miles above Southwest trance point to Farm River. Darrow Rocks, a group Ledge Light. A Federal project provides for a depth of of bare rocks, are on the east side of the entrance to 12 feet to a point about 100 feet south of the first high- the river. The westernmost rocky knoll is marked by a way bridge (Kimberly Avenue Bridge), thence 8 feet to flagstaff. A ledge, bare at low water, with a buoy off its about 0.1 mile above the bridge; an anchorage area on southern end, is 200 yards south of the flagstaff. the south side of the channel about 0.9 mile above the entrance has a project depth of 6 feet. (See Notice to (261) Mansfield Point and the shore westward of the Mariners and latest editions of charts for controlling entrance to Farm River are thickly settled. Bus com- depths.) Principal waterfront facilities are at City Point. munication is available to New Haven. (268) Mill River, on the west side of Fair Haven about 4 miles above Southwest Ledge Light, is entered from

Chapter 8      Eastern Long Island Sound      297 the main channel through a dredged entrance channel Dangers that branches into an east and west fork to the Grand (276) Townshend Ledge, 2.7 miles southeastward of Avenue Bridge, 0.6 mile above the mouth. In 2000, the controlling depths were 6.2 feet (8.2 feet at midchannel) Southwest Ledge Light, has a least depth of 18 feet and to the Chapel Street Bridge about 0.25 mile above the is marked by a lighted bell buoy. entrance, thence 9 feet through the east bridge opening (277) Stony Islet, 2.2 miles eastward of Southwest Ledge and 6.3 feet through the west bridge opening, thence Light, is low, bare, and surrounded by ledges bare at 6.5 feet to the junction with the east and west forks, low water to a distance of about 100 yards. A partly bare thence 1.4 feet at midchannel in the east fork for about ledge is about 0.2 mile north-northwestward of Stony 320 yards and 4.9 feet at midchannel in the west fork for Islet. From this ledge and Stony Islet westward to the about 480 yards, thence in 1980, 1 foot at midchannel entrance of New Haven Harbor, an area of foul ground in the east fork and 1.5 feet at midchannel in the west with many rocks bare at low water extends about 0.5 fork to the head of the channel. mile offshore. This area should be avoided. (269) Quinnipiac River, on the east side of Fair Haven (278) Shoals with 16 to 18 feet over them extend over about 4 miles above Southwest Ledge Light, has a 0.5 mile southeastward from the breakwaters on both dredged channel to Grand Avenue Bridge, about 1 mile sides of the dredged entrance channel. A spoil area with above the mouth. In 2000, the controlling depth was reported depths of 15 feet is on the eastern side of the 15.7 feet at midchannel to the Ferry Street Bridge about entrance channel. An 18-foot spot is on the east side of 0.5 mile above the mouth, thence 8.4 feet at midchannel the main channel, at the first turn westward of South- to the Grand Avenue Bridge. west Ledge Light. (279) The bights on the west shore of New Haven Harbor Anchorages from Pond Point northward are shoal with bare rocks (270) Inside West Breakwater and the southwest part of and foul ground in most of them. The shore is rocky at Woodmont, about 2 miles northeastward of Pond Point. Middle Breakwater, anchorage is available for vessels up (280) Black Rock, bare at low water and marked by a to a 19-foot draft. Caution should be exercised to avoid seasonal buoy, is 0.2 mile off the north end of Morris the fish stakes in this area. Vessels anchoring in the Cove. Opposite, on the west side, is a breakwater, partly area should also be aware that water levels may drop covered, extending from Sandy Point and marked by a significantly following a long continuous northwesterly light. Shag Bank, a flat extending about 0.5 mile north- wind. ward from Sandy Point, has a sand tip about 0.1 mile (271) Vessels may anchor northward of Southwest Ledge long. Light in depths of 18 to 20 feet, soft bottom in places. Care should be taken to avoid the ledges northward of Bridges the East Breakwater. Deep-draft vessels awaiting berth- (281) Tomlinson Bridge, at the head of the main harbor ing assignments can anchor about 1 mile southward of the sea buoy; holding ground is excellent. at the confluence of Mill and Quinnipiac Rivers, has a (272) Morris Cove, on the east side of the main chan- vertical lift span with a clearance of 13 feet down and 61 nel just above Lighthouse Point, affords good anchor- feet up. Just above this bridge is a fixed highway bridge age and is used by yachts, but is rough in westerly and with a clearance of 60 feet. The bridgetender of the Tom- southerly winds. In 1981, isolated, uncharted 40-foot linson Bridge monitors VHF-FM channel 13; call sign spots were reported in the cove. Caution is advised when KXJ-688. An overhead power cable with a clearance of anchoring. New Haven Coast Guard Station is on the 91 feet crosses the channel just above the fixed highway north side of the jutting point, about 1.5 miles north- bridge. ward of Lighthouse Point. (282) A regulated navigation area is at Tomlinson Bridge. (273) An anchorage basin on the west side of the main (See 165.1 through 165.13, and 165.150, chapter 2, channel southward of New Haven Long Wharf is some- for limits and regulations.) times used, but considerable shoaling is gradually ex- (283) Over Mill River, about 0.3 mile above the entrance, tending into the anchorage from westward. A sunken is the Chapel Street Bridge with a swing span having a barge with 5 feet over it is in this anchorage about 550 clearance of 7½ feet. The fixed highway bridge at Grand yards southward of New Haven Long Wharf. In 1985, Avenue has a clearance of 6 feet over the east fork and depths of 10 to 5 feet were available in the anchorage a clearance of 2 feet over the west fork. Bridges above basin with lesser depths along the edges. this point have minimum clearance of 2 feet. Small un- (274) Small craft and scows may anchor northward of the masted boats go as far as the bridge at State Street, 0.5 New Haven Long Wharf (Naval Reserve Pier), northwest mile above Grand Avenue. Overhead power cables cross- of the main channel where depths range from about 5 ing the west fork have a minimum clearance of 80 feet. to 6 feet. (284) The Ferry Street Bridge over Quinnipiac River, 0.6 (275) No special regulations prescribe the limits within mile above the Tomlinson Bridge, has a bascule span which vessels must anchor, except that the dredged with a clearance of 25 feet. The Grand Avenue Bridge, channels must be kept clear. 0.5 mile farther upstream, has a center-pier swing span

298      Eastern Long Island Sound      Volume 2  with a clearance of 9 feet. Above this are several fixed of precipitation in the northern suburbs as well as a bridges and trestles. few more thunderstorms each year. During the winter, (285) Kimberly Avenue Bridge over West River has a fixed a variety of precipitation is found in most storms. It is span with a clearance of 23 feet. common to have rain along the shore, freezing rain and (286) (See 117.1 through 117.59 and 117.213, chapter sleet a short distance inland, and snow in the northern 2, for drawbridge regulations.) parts of the city. Heavy snow is rather uncommon in the immediate coastal area and usually melts in a few days. Currents Farther inland, the snow becomes progressively heavi- (287) In the entrance between the breakwaters, the tidal er and a layer of snow covers the ground most of the winter. Annual average snowfall totals 34 inches (864 current has a velocity on flood of 1.4 knots, and ebb 0.9 mm). February is the snowiest month averaging over knot. The flood sets 319° and the ebb 152°. In the draw of nine inches (229 mm). Snow has fallen in each month, Tomlinson Bridge, the velocity is 0.4 knot. The flood sets October through May. The 24-hour record snowfall is 015° and the ebb 215°. Ebb velocities are increased by 17.1 inches (434 mm) recorded in April 1957. freshets. (Consult the Tidal Current Tables for predicted (291) Prevailing wind direction varies with the seasons. times and velocities of currents.) From late spring until fall, winds are predominantly south to southwest due to the effect of the sea breeze. Ice During the winter, the prevailing winds are northerly. (288) Ice generally obstructs navigation to some extent Strong southeast winds cause unusually high tides and some local flooding in low-lying coastal areas two or for low-powered vessels from December to March and three times a year. sometimes extends to the mouth of the harbor. During (292) Since 1871, 17 tropical systems have passed within severe winters the accumulation of ice is local. Except 50 miles of New Haven, Connecticut. The most infa- in severe weather, powered vessels can always enter and mous perhaps, was the hurricane of 1938. This storm leave the harbor without much difficulty. In New Haven passed with 15 miles west of the city on September 21 Harbor northerly winds tend to clear the harbor of ice if raking the city with 85-knot winds while moving at a the formation is light; southerly winds are apt to force forward speed in excess of 40 knots. Most recently, hur- in drift ice from the sound. ricane Gloria passed within 20 miles to the west on Sep- tember 27, 1985. Highest winds at time of landfall were Weather, New Haven and vicinity barely hurricane strength but two days prior, Gloria had (289) New Haven’s climate is typical of coastal areas of been supporting winds in excess of 125 knots. Due to geographical orientation, all tropical systems approach southern New England. It is vigorous without being the coastline from the south or southwest. overly severe. New Haven is located at the widest part (293) The National Weather Service maintains an office of Long Island Sound, and the tempering effect of the at the Tweed-New Haven Airport, about 3 miles south- water is most pronounced in this vicinity. During the east of the city. (See Appendix B for New Haven clima- summer season, the sea breeze holds temperatures 5 tological table.) to 15°F (3 to 8°C) lower in the afternoon; during the winter season, minimum temperatures in the south- Routes ern section of the city are usually 5 to 10°F (3 to 6°C) (294) To enter New Haven Harbor from eastward, it is higher than those reported from northern sections. The highest summertime temperatures occur with a mod- safer for large vessels to pass southward of Branford erate northerly wind. The lowest winter readings also Reef and Townshend Ledge to the entrance channel. To occur with a northerly wind. The average temperature enter from westward, pass northward of Stratford Shoal for New Haven is 51.7°F (10.9°C). July is the warmest Light at a distance of 1.8 miles and head for the entrance month with average extremes of 81°F (27.2°C) and 64°F channel. (17.8°C). January is the coldest month with average ex- (295) The passage eastward of East Breakwater has boul- tremes of 37°F (2.8°C) and 22°F (-5.6°C). The warmest der patches and is very broken, but can be used by small temperature on record is 100°F (37.8°C) recorded in craft drawing less than 6 feet, taking care to avoid the August 1948 and again in July 1957. The coldest tem- foul ground along the northeast side of the passage. This perature on record is -7°F (-21.7°C) recorded in January passage is buoyed, and local vessels of 10- to 12-foot 1961. draft use it at high water. Avoid Quixes Ledge, which (290) Precipitation is quite evenly distributed through- extends about 200 yards southeastward from the eastern out the year with only a 1.25 inch (32 mm) spread be- end of the breakwater, and pass about 100 yards east- tween the wettest and driest months. The annual aver- ward of the breakwater. The principal danger inside the age precipitation is 42 inches (1067 mm). The wettest breakwater is the reef, marked by a buoy, that extends month, December, averages 4.24 inches (108 mm) and 300 yards southwestward from Lighthouse Point. Ad- the driest month, June, averages 2.93 inches (74 mm). ams Fall, a rock with 5 feet over it and marked by a buoy, The elevation of the land increases northward from is 0.4 mile southwestward of Lighthouse Point. the station and results in somewhat higher amounts

Chapter 8      Eastern Long Island Sound      299 Pilotage, New Haven 18 feet. Only the deep-draft facilities are described. For (296) Pilotage by state licensed pilot is compulsory in a complete description of the port facilities refer to Port Series No. 4, published and sold by the U.S. Army Corps Long Island Sound for foreign flag vessels and U.S. ves- of Engineers. (See Appendix A for address.) The along- sels which are under register (i.e. engaged in foreign side depths for the facilities described are reported; for trade). Such vessels can arrange for a state licensed pilot information on the latest depths contact the private by contacting the joint rotation administrator, Block operator. All the facilities have direct highway connec- Island Pilots at 243 Spring Street, Newport, RI 02840; tions, and most have railroad connections. Water and telephone 401-487-9050 (24 hours), 800-274-1216; electrical shore power connections are available at most FAX 401-847-9052. Enrolled vessels (i.e. U.S. vessels piers and wharves. engaged in coastwise trade) may be required to have (308) General cargo at the port is usually handled by a U.S. Coast Guard Federally licensed pilot unless the ship’s tackle; special handling equipment, if available, master has recency for the intended area. See Pilotage, is mentioned in the description of the particular facility. Long Island Sound (indexed as such), chapter 8. Cranes up to 250 tons and warehouses and cold storage (297) Pilot services are arranged in advance through facilities adjacent to the waterfront are available. ships’ agents or directly by shipping companies. (309) Wyatt Light Oil Pier: north end of harbor 0.35 mile northeastward of New Haven Long Wharf; 150-foot face, Towage 715 feet of berthing space with dolphins, 38 feet along- (298) Tugs up to 1,800 hp are available at New Haven, and side; deck height, 11 feet; receipt and shipment of pe- troleum products; owned and operated by Wyatt, Inc. tugs to 4,000 hp can be obtained by prior arrangement. (310) Wyatt Heavy Oil Wharf: 50 yards east of Wyatt Light Vessels usually proceed to the harbor without assis- Oil Pier; west side 210 feet, 480 feet of berthing space tance. Large vessels normally require tugs for docking with dolphins; 30 feet alongside; deck height, 11 feet; and undocking. Arrangements for tug service should receipt and shipment of petroleum products, receipt of be made 24 hours in advance, usually through ships’ asphalt; owned and operated by Wyatt, Inc. agents or directly by shipping companies. The tugs (311) Gulf Refining and Marketing Co. Wharf: on each monitor VHF-FM channels 13 and 16 and use channel side of harbor, 200 yards south of Tomlinson Bridge; 19A as a working frequency; call sign KEE-234. 60-foot face, 735 feet of berthing space with dolphins; (299) Launch service to ships at anchor is available. 35 feet alongside; deck height, 13 feet; vessels normally Launches monitor VHF-FM channel 16 and use chan- moor starboardside-to; receipt and shipment of petro- nel 19A as a working frequency. leum products; owned and operated by Gulf Oil Refining (300) New Haven is a customs port of entry. and Marketing Co. (312) Gulf Refining and Marketing Co. Pier: 100 yards Quarantine, customs, immigration, and agricultural southward of Gulf Refining and Marketing Co. Wharf; quarantine north side 400 feet, 25 feet alongside; south side 380 (301) (See chapter 3, Vessel Arrival Inspections, and Ap- feet, 25 feet alongside; deck height, 10 feet; receipt and pendix A for addresses.) shipment of petroleum products; owned and operated (302) Quarantine is enforced in accordance with regu- by Gulf Refining and Marketing Co. lations of the U.S. Public Health Service. (See Public (313) ARCO Petroleum Products Co. Wharf: 300 yards Health Service, chapter 1.) southwestward of Gulf Refining and Marketing Co. Pier; (303) New Haven has many public and private hospitals. 110-foot face, 760 feet with dolphins; 35 feet alongside; deck height, 15 feet; vessels normally moor starboard- Coast Guard side-to; receipt and shipment of petroleum products; (304) The Captain of the Port maintains an office in New owned and operated by ARCO Petroleum Products Co. (314) New Haven Terminal, Scrap Metal Dock: 275 yards Haven. The nearest vessel documentation office is in southward of ARCO Petroleum Products Co. Wharf; Bridgeport, CT. (See Appendix A for addresses.) 640-foot face; 35 feet alongside; deck height, 14 feet; two (305) The harbormaster at New Haven has charge of the 30-ton traveling gantry cranes, crawler cranes to 250 anchoring of vessels; he can be contacted through the tons; receipt and shipment of general and container- local police department. ized cargo and steel products, shipment of scrap metal, (306) The city police maintain a harbor patrol during the receipt of copper, zinc, and lumber; owned and operated summer. by New Haven Terminal, Inc. (315) New Haven Terminal Pier: 50 yards southward of Wharves Scrap Metal Dock; north and south sides, 650 feet us- (307) The deep-draft facilities at the Port of New Haven able, can accommodate tankers up to 700 feet; 35 and 39 feet alongside, north and south sides, respectively; deck are along the north and east sides of the inner portion height, 13 feet; cranes up to 50 tons; 36,000 square feet of New Haven Harbor. Facilities for smaller vessels and covered storage; receipt and shipment of general cargo, barges are along the sides of the harbor and in Mill, Quinnipiac, and West Rivers. Depths alongside the fa- cilities in Quinnipiac River range from about 5 to 15 feet; Mill River, 12 to 13 feet; and West River about 12 to

300      Eastern Long Island Sound      Volume 2  receipt of petroleum products, petrochemicals, chemi- (323) Milford Harbor, comprising the lower portion of cals, copper, zinc, lumber, and steel products; owned the Wepawaug River, is entered at the mouth of the and operated by New Haven Terminal, Inc. river between two jetties at the head of The Gulf. The (316) Exxon Co. Terminal Wharf: 175 yards southward westerly jetty extends southward from Burns Point, and of New Haven Terminal Pier; 80-foot face, 700 feet with the easterly jetty is marked by Milford Harbor Light 10. dolphins; 35 feet alongside; deck height, 13 feet; vessels The harbor is used chiefly for recreational boating, and normally moor starboardside-to; receipt and shipment occasionally for the receipt of shellfish and fish. The of petroleum products; owned and operated by Exxon National Marine Fisheries Service, U.S. Department of Co., U.S.A. Commerce, maintains a laboratory and research ves- sel base on the west side of the harbor, about 0.2 mile Supplies northward of Burns Point. (317) Oil bunkering terminals at New Haven are main- (324) A dredged channel leads from The Gulf through the tained by the major oil companies. Fuel oil and diesel oil jettied entrance to a point about 400 feet above the town in the usual commercial grades are obtainable. Barges wharf, 0.6 mile above Burns Point. In 2008, the control- are available for bunkering in the anchorages outside ling depths were 5.6 feet (6.7 feet at midchannel) to the the breakwaters or at the piers; 24-hour advance notice Town Dock and 6.5 feet in the anchorage basin along is required, and arrangements should be made through the west side of the channel. The channel is marked by ships’ agents. Water, provisions, and marine supplies a light and lighted and unlighted buoys. can be procured. Small-craft facilities Repairs (325) Milford Harbor has several small-craft facilities. (318) New Haven has no facilities for making major re- (See the small-craft facilities tabulation on chart 12364 pairs or for drydocking deep-draft vessels; the nearest for services and supplies available.) such facilities are at Boston, MA, and New York. Machine shops in the area can make limited repairs to machin- ery and boilers, and fabricate shafts and other pieces of equipment. (326) A 5 mph speed limit is enforced in the harbor. (327) Charles Island, on the southwest side at the en- Small-craft facilities (319) There are excellent facilities on the east and west trance to The Gulf, is low and partly covered with trees. The island is connected to the mainland by The Bar, a sides of the harbor and on West and Quinnipiac Rivers. narrow neck about 0.5 mile long and surrounded by (See the small-craft facilities tabulation on chart 12372 rocks awash and shoals. A buoy marks the end of a shoal for services and supplies available.) that extends 250 yards east-northeastward from the is- land, and a lighted bell buoy marks the end of a rocky Charts 12370, 12364 area that extends 0.4 mile southward from the island. Northward of Charles Island is a good anchorage in 10 (320) Pond Point, about 5 miles southwestward of the to 16 feet, sheltered from southerly to southwesterly New Haven Harbor entrance, has a rocky shoal with winds. little depth over the greater part of it that extends about (328) Between Charles Island and Stratford Point, 0.3 mile southward. It is marked by a buoy. A prominent about 3 miles southwestward, several summer resorts white mast is on the point. are along the shore and the Housatonic River empties into Long Island Sound just above the point. The shoals (321) Welches Point, 0.8 mile westward of Pond Point, which extend southward from Stratford Point toward forms the east side of the entrance of the Gulf. A reef ex- Stratford Shoal Light (see chart 12354) consist of nar- tends 0.2 mile southward from the point and is marked row ridges of hard sand with deeper water between, and by a buoy. Several scattered rocks extend a southeasterly have oyster beds marked with stakes. Depths of 12 feet direction for about 0.5 mile from the buoy. or less extend 1 mile offshore. (329) Stratford Point Light (41°09'07\"N., 73°06'12\"W.), (322) The Gulf, a bight between Welches Point and 52 feet above the water, is shown from a white conical Charles Island, about 6.5 miles westward of New Ha- tower, with brown band midway of its height, from the ven Harbor entrance, affords anchorage in 6 to 15 feet southerly part of the point. and is sheltered in all but southerly and southeasterly winds. The entrance is clear. The shoaling is gradual, Chart 12370 and soundings are the best guide on the northwest side of the bight; the western side of Welches Point and the (330) Housatonic River rises in the Berkshire Hills of reefs around Charles Island extending to the mainland western Massachusetts and Connecticut, and empties should be approached with caution, as the shoaling is into Long Island Sound about 10 miles southwestward abrupt. of the New Haven Harbor entrance. The river is joined by the nonnavigable Naugatuck River in the vicinity

Chapter 8      Eastern Long Island Sound      301 of Derby, CT. Housatonic River is navigable to a point at Devon can haul out craft for engine and hull repairs; about 1 mile above Shelton, CT, where it is closed by gasoline, water, ice, marine supplies, and storage are a power dam. The head of navigation for all practical available. In 1981, depths of 4 feet were reported along- purposes is at the towns of Derby and Shelton, 11.5 side the facility. miles above the entrance. Small vessels can anchor in (336) Shelton, a town on the west side of the river about the river abreast of Stratford, where the channel has an 11.5 miles above the entrance is connected to Derby by available width of about 500 feet. The waterborne com- two bridges; the town has several important factories. merce on the river is principally in barge shipments of In 1971, the wharves at Derby and Shelton were in ruins aggregate, fuel oil to the power plant at Devon, and sea- and unsuitable for craft of any size. sonal commercial shellfishing. Navigation above Devon is limited to recreational boating. Bridges (331) On the east side of the entrance to Housatonic Riv- (337) About 1 mile above Stratford is U.S. Route 1 high- er, a breakwater extends out from Milford Point across the bar and is marked at its south end by Housatonic way bridge with a bascule span having a clearance of 32 River Breakwater Light 2A. The inner section of the feet. Two bridges cross the river about 0.3 mile farther breakwater is awash at high water. up: the first, Interstate Route 95 fixed highway bridge, has a clearance of 65 feet, and the second, a railroad Channels bridge with a bascule span, has a clearance of 19 feet. (332) A Federal project provides for an 18-foot dredged The bridgetenders of the U.S. Route 1 bridge and the railroad bridge monitor VHF-FM channel 13; call signs channel from Long Island Sound between the breakwa- KXJ-695 and KU-6035, respectively. An overhead power ter on the east and Stratford Point on the west upriver cable with a clearance of 135 feet crosses at the railroad for about 4.3 miles to the lower end of Culver Bar. (See bridge. Other cables, near Pecks Mill, 1.5 miles above, Notice to Mariners and the latest editions of the charts have minimum clearance of 79 feet. for controlling depths.) Above the lower end of Culver (338) The fixed highway bridge about 3.7 miles above Bar, the river channel extends through several dredged Stratford has a clearance of 79 feet. At Shelton, two fixed sections across river bars to the towns of Derby and highway bridges and a fixed railroad bridge have a least Shelton about 11.5 miles above the river entrance. In clearance of 17 feet. In 1983, the railroad bridge suffered 2005, the controlling depths were 2.2 feet in the buoyed severe structural damage. The area should be avoided, channel from the lower end of Culver Bar and across but if transit is necessary, extreme caution should be Mill Bar to the naturally deep river channel, thence 5.7 exercised. feet in the dredged channels across lower Oronoque Bar (339) (See 117.1 through 117.59 and 117.207, chapter and 3.0 feet across upper Oronoque Bar, thence 5.5 feet 2, for drawbridge regulations.) across Camp Meeting Bar, thence 6.2 feet across Drews Bar except for shoaling to 3.9 feet in the lower part of Tides the dredged channel along the left edge, thence 7 feet (340) The mean range of tide is 5.5 feet at Stratford and across Mouthrops Bar and Hidelom Rock Bar, thence 7 feet in the left outside quarter of the dredged channel 5 feet at Shelton. The time of the tide becomes later across Twomile Island Bar with shoaling to bare in the and the range diminishes in progressing up the river. remainder of the channel, thence 7 feet in the dredged At Stratford the tide is about 0.8 hour later than at the channel near Sow and Pigs Jetty. The channel is marked entrance whereas at Shelton high water is about 1.8 to a point about 2.5 miles below Derby and Shelton. hours later and low water about 2.8 hours later than at the entrance. The river water is fresh about 6 miles above the entrance. (333) Stratford is a town on the west side of the river Currents 2.3 miles above the entrance. The principal wharf has (341) At the entrance near the end of the breakwater the a depth of about 9 feet at its end. The harbormaster at Stratford controls anchorages and moorings, and has flood has a strong westerly set. Between Milford Point jurisdiction from the entrance of the river to the Shel- and Crimbo Point, flood and ebb have a velocity of about ton town line. Harbor regulations may be obtained from 1.2 knots. The flood sets about 330° and the ebb 135°. the harbormaster who may be contacted through the Just north of the draw of the railroad bridge above Strat- Stratford police or at the Town Hall. ford, the velocity of flood is 1.1 knots and of ebb, 1.3 knots. In the openings of the bridge the flood current (334) Stratford has several small-craft facilities. (See the has some easterly set, but the ebb sets fair with the open- small-craft facilities tabulation on chart 12364 for ser- ings. Between that bridge and Shelton the tidal current vices and supplies available.) has a velocity of about 1 knot. Because of the drainage flow of the river, the ebb is usually greater and the flood (335) Devon is on the east side about 1 mile above Strat- less than 1 knot. (Consult the Tidal Current Tables for ford. Local small craft anchor near the east bank of the current predictions and further details.) river, just north of the highway bridge, in depths up to 10 feet. A 40-foot marine railway at a small–craft facility

302      Eastern Long Island Sound      Volume 2  (352) Several rocks can be found out to 0.6 mile offshore between Orient Point and Inlet Point. A wreck with a (342) Spring freshets at Shelton rise 10 feet or more least depth of 29 feet is 0.4 mile north of Inlet Point. above mean high tide. (353) Horton Point Light (41°05'06\"N., 72°26'44\"W.), (343) Ice closes the river above Stratford during the win- 103 feet above the water, is shown from a white square ter and sometimes extends to the entrance. tower attached to a dwelling on the northwest part of the point. The former lighthouse tower is close by, south- Routes westward of the present light. (344) The channel in Housatonic River is narrow and (354) A rocky shoal with a least found depth of 29 feet crooked, with little depth on either side, and across the is 1.6 miles northward of Horton Point. The shoal is bars in the channel are dredged cuts 100 feet wide. The a ridge having a northeast-southwest direction, with tidal currents are strong, especially in the lower part of abrupt shoaling on its northwest and southeast sides. the river, and strangers are advised to take a pilot. Small craft, without a pilot, should proceed with caution and (355) From Horton Point for about 32 miles to Old Field preferably on a rising tide. Point, the shore is fringed with shoals that extend off a (345) When entering the river during a flood current, greatest distance of 1.5 miles and rise abruptly from the care must be taken to avoid being set on the shoals on deep water of Long Island Sound. Boulders are found the west side by strong westerly currents. In the vicin- near the shore on the shoals which extend off 0.5 mile ity of Milford Point care should be exercised to avoid a in places. A sand shoal, about 0.5 mile in extent with a shoal that reportedly extends from Milford Point to the least depth of 22 feet, is about 1.1 miles northwestward eastern edge of the channel. Care should also be exer- of Duck Pond Point. cised off the extreme northern end of Nells Island as a shoal is reported to have encroached into the channel. (356) The bluffs begin about 1 mile westward of Gold- By steering a midchannel course no difficulty should be smith Inlet and reach their greatest elevation just east- encountered. ward of Duck Pond Point. A valley, formed by a break in the bluffs, is just westward of the point; a bathing pavilion is on the beach. Boulders that bare at low water are on the shoals that fringe the shore between Duck (346) Pilots and tugs can be obtained at New Haven. Pond Point and Mattituck Inlet. (347) A 5 mph speed limit is enforced on the river near Chart 12358 anchorage and mooring areas and near boat slips. (357) Mattituck Inlet, 6.7 miles southwestward of Hor- Chart 12354 ton Point Light, is entered between two short jetties. The inlet is marked by a long break in the bluffs. The (348) Stratford Shoal Middle Ground, 5.4 miles south of outer end of the west jetty is marked by a light. A gong Stratford Point and covered 9 to 18 feet, is marked by buoy about 1 mile north of the jetty light marks the Stratford Shoal (Middle Ground) Light (41°03'35\"N., entrance of the inlet. The sides of the channel are sandy, 73°06'05\"W.), 60 feet above the water and shown from and, although shoaling is liable to occur at the entrance, a gray granite octagonal tower projecting from a house strangers can enter the inlet without great danger. In on a pier, and by buoys that mark the outer ends of shoal 2010, the midchannel controlling depth was 5.9 feet areas extending 1 mile north, 0.9 mile northeast, and from the entrance to about 0.3 mile above the mouth of 0.5 mile south of the light. A sound signal is at the light. Mattituck Creek, thence 4.8 feet for about 1.8 miles to the turning basin at Mattituck with 4.7 to 7 feet available North Shore of Long Island in the basin. The channel is marked by buoys and private (349) From Orient Point (41°09.6'N., 72°14.0'W.), for markers. The overhead power cable about 1 mile above the entrance has a clearance of 78 feet. about 11 miles to Horton Point, the south shore of Long Island Sound is generally bluff and rocky. The 10-fath- Currents om curve is from 0.3 to 0.8 mile from shore, and the (358) The tidal currents have an estimated velocity of shoaling is generally abrupt. The outlying dangers are Orient Shoal and the rocky patch northward of Horton about 3 knots in the narrow parts of the entrance of Point. Mattituck Inlet. Slack waters occur possibly 1 hour af- (350) The prominent features are Browns Hills, a tower ter the time of high and low water. With northerly and at Rocky Point, a tank and television tower at Greenport, westerly winds, the sea is rough in the entrance. The and Horton Point Light. inlet is sometimes closed by ice during portions of cold (351) Several rocky shoals, including Orient Shoal with winters. a least depth of 6 feet, are offshore in the vicinity of Rocky Point, about 5 miles westward of Orient Point. The north end of Orient Shoal is marked by a buoy. (359) Several marinas and a boatyard are inside the in- let. A 70-ton mobile hoist at the boatyard can haul out

Chapter 8      Eastern Long Island Sound      303 craft for engine, hull, and radio repairs. Marine supplies, (371) New Bedford 26 gasoline, diesel fuel, water, and covered and wet stor- (372) New London 26 age can be obtained. A transient dock, operated by the (373) Bridgeport 24. Mattituck Park Commission, is at the head of the inlet; (374) Upon the approach of an incoming vessel, the depths of about 6 feet are at the dock. A dockmaster is at the dock; water is available. platform, voice call “TOSCO Corporation Offshore Plat- (360) Mattituck is a village on the railroad at the head of form”, or “Riverhead Platform”, or “TOSCO’s Riverhead the inlet. Provisions can be obtained. Terminal”, monitors VHF-FM channels 16, 13 and 19A; (361) Jacobs Point is about 11 miles southwestward of works channel 19A. Horton Point Light. Offshore Terminal, Riverhead (362) An offshore platform for the delivery and receipt of (375) Vessels calling at the platform are moored at any time, weather conditions permitting. The tidal cur- petroleum products is in open roadstead, off Northville, rent periods are substantially the same as at The Race. NY (and Riverhead, NY), about 1.2 miles northward of Strong winds from the north and northwest are expe- Jacobs Point. It is owned and operated by TOSCO Cor- rienced during the winter and spring. Tidal currents poration, Riverhead, NY. during maximum ebb and flood may reach 3 knots. (363) A safety zone surrounds the offshore facility. (See 165.155, chapter 2, for limits and regulations.) (376) Vessels awaiting berth at the platform will normally (364) The facility consists of a 45- by 100-foot steel plat- anchor north of the platform. A vessel drawing more form structure with breasting dolphins and mooring than 50 feet of water may wish to anchor in deeper water dolphins providing two berths; one on the northeast northwest of the platform. Pilots are familiar with the side and one on the southwest side. The deck height is best anchorages. Holding ground is good and a scope of 24.5 feet. The northeast berth has depths alongside of 64 8 shots (120 feet) is considered adequate. feet, and can accommodate tankers up to 225,000 DWT and up to 1,150-foot length, of 62-foot maximum draft. Pilotage, Offshore Terminal, Northville-Riverhead (365) The southwest berth has depths alongside of 50 (377) Pilotage by a state licensed pilot is compulsory in feet, and can accommodate tankers of up to 42,000 DWT and up to 600-foot length, of 42-foot maximum draft. Long Island Sound for foreign flag vessels and U.S. ves- Barges mooring in this berth must be at least 220 feet sels which are under register (i.e.) engaged in foreign long. trade). Such vessels can arrange for a state licensed pilot (366) A private sound signal is on the platform. Private by contacting the joint rotation administrator, Block lights are on the northeast and northwest corners, and Island Pilots at 243 Spring Street, Newport, RI 02840; two lights mark the center of the platform. Lights are telephone 401-847-9050 (24 hours), 800-274-1216; also on each of the dolphins. FAX 401-847-9052. Enrolled vessels (i.e. U.S. vessels engaged in coastwise trade) may be required to have Wharf a U.S. Coast Guard Federally licensed pilot unless the (367) An 800-foot barge pier is just east of Jacobs Point master has recency for the intended area. See Pilotage, Long Island Sound (indexed as such), chapter 8 and and southward of the platform. The pier is used for re- Pilotage, New York Harbor and Approaches, (indexed ceipt and shipment of petroleum products and has tank as such), chapter 11. storage for 5¼ million barrels. Depth alongside is 13 (378) The pilot serves as docking master and remains on feet. Lesser depths surround the area and a shoal with board on standby while the vessel is moored at the plat- depths of 10 feet is in the recommended southwest ap- form. Pilot services are arranged in advance through proach to the west pier berth. Vessels with draft greater ships’ agents or directly by shipping companies. than 12 feet should exercise caution when approaching the pier and should endeavor to arrive or depart at high Tugs water. (379) Tug service is available from New Haven, Provi- dence, Brooklyn, or Staten Island on advance notice. Normally two or three tugs are used for docking and one or two tugs for undocking. Prominent feature Launch service (368) The numerous light green oil storage tanks on Ja- (380) J & H Launch Service, Port Jefferson (516-331- cobs Point are prominent. 5336), provides transfer service for vessels at anchor or alongside the platform. Communications (369) Vessels transiting Long Island Sound or approach- Supplies (381) Fueling of a ship alongside the platform is not per- ing the facility may do so through a VHF-FM marine operator. Available marine operator stations’ name and mitted. A ship may fuel while at anchor from a barge. channel are: Water is not available from this facility. Stores may be (370) Riverhead 28

304      Eastern Long Island Sound      Volume 2  brought on board via launch while alongside or at an- ice, marine supplies, pumpout facilities, a lift to 10 tons, chor. storage, and hull and engine repairs. The minimum ap- proach and alongside depths to the facilities are 13 feet. (382) New York City is the quarantine, customs, im- migration, and agricultural quarantine port of entry (389) A speed limit of 6 mph is enforced in the harbor by for Northville. Officials are stationed in New York City. the Suffolk County Police. (See Appendix A for addresses.) Arrangements for such inspections must be made by ships’ agents in advance, (390) Mount Misery, 180 feet high, between Mount Sinai usually not less than 24 hours Monday through Friday Harbor and Port Jefferson, slopes off gradually toward and 48 hours on Saturday and Sunday. Officials will the sound where the bluffs are about 60 feet high and board vessels in the anchorage prior to arrival within very prominent. Sand banks dug out by sand and gravel the vicinity of the offshore mooring facility. companies are very conspicuous. Chart 12354 (391) Port Jefferson Harbor, on the south shore of Long Island Sound eastward of Old Field Point, is entered (383) Between Mattituck Inlet and Port Jefferson the through a dredged channel that leads between two jet- shore is fringed with rock shoals extending in places 1.5 ties which are in ruins to a docking area near the south- miles offshore. The outer ends of the shoals are marked western end of the harbor; the jetties are each marked by buoys. by a light. The approach is marked by a lighted whistle buoy, about 1.1 miles northwest of the entrance. Two (384) Horse in Bank, 7.3 miles westward of Mattituck stacks on the west side near the head of the harbor are Inlet, is an area of white patches in the brush-covered conspicuous landmarks. A 12 mph speed limit is en- bluff at Friars Head. The feature is at the western end of forced in the main entrance channel, and a 5 mph speed Roanoke Point Shoal and 14 miles westward of Horton limit is enforced at the head of the harbor in the vicinity Point Light. of the mooring areas and wharves. (385) The valley of Wading River, about 20 miles west- (392) A 121°-301° measured nautical mile is westward ward of Horton Point Light, forms a broad break in the of the entrance to Port Jefferson Harbor on Old Field high bluffs. The entrance to Wading River is protected Beach. The front markers are orange posts about 8 feet by a short jetty on the west side. In 1981, a reported high; the rear markers are rectangles mounted on legs depth of about 3 feet could be carried in the river to a about 12 feet high, painted red with a 6-inch black verti- town launching ramp 0.1 mile above the entrance. A cal stripe in the middle. small canal, about 350 yards westward of the entrance to Wading River, leads southward to the site of a nuclear (393) The approach to Port Jefferson Harbor is clear, tak- power station. The canal, closed to general navigation, ing care to avoid Mount Misery Shoal with depths of 7 had a reported depth of about 12 feet in 1989. to 12 feet, about 0.8 mile north-northeast of the east jetty light. (386) Tuttles White Bank is a high white bluff 0.6 mile westward of Wading River. (394) A Federal project provides for a channel 26 feet deep from Long Island Sound to the south end of Port Charts 12362, 12364 Jefferson Harbor. (See Notice to Mariners and latest editions of charts for controlling depths.) The channel (387) Mount Sinai Harbor, 22.5 miles westward of Mat- is marked by lighted and unlighted buoys and a 146° tituck Inlet, is marked by a low break in the beach nearly lighted range. In 1982, it was reported that due to the 1 mile long. The approach to the harbor is marked by closeness of the range lights it may be difficult to deter- a buoy. The entrance is protected by two jetties which mine when they are in line. It was further reported that are in ruins. Caution should be exercised when round- the range may be obscured by vessels tied up at the oil ing them. The jetties are each marked on the outer end wharf on the west side of the harbor. by a private light. In 1981, a depth of about 8 feet was reported available through the entrance. The northern (395) Shoals with little depth are on both sides of the part of the harbor has general depths of 10 to 20 feet. A channel from the entrance to Port Jefferson to Lighted channel marked by private buoys leads eastward from Bell Buoy 5 inside the entrance. The ground from the the entrance to small-craft facilities on the north shore east jetty to the lighted bell buoy is broken, with shoals of the harbor. The southern part of the harbor is shoal; covered 4 to 11 feet. The lighted bell buoy cannot be the chart is the guide. seen over the breakwater at low tide by small vessels approaching the harbor. Small-craft facilities (388) Small-craft facilities in the harbor provide berths Currents (396) In the channel between the jetties the velocity of and moorings, electricity, gasoline, diesel fuel, water, the tidal currents is 2.6 knots on flood and 1.9 on ebb; flood sets 151° and the ebb 323°. It is reported that on the ebb there is a current with a velocity of 1 to 2 knots across the entrance to the harbor.

Chapter 8      Eastern Long Island Sound      305 Ice Wharves (397) Ice forms over the entire harbor and interrupts (403) Depths ranging from 2 to 29 feet are reported navigation in very cold weather, but does not endanger alongside the commercial wharves and piers at the head shipping in the harbor. of the harbor. The oil wharf on the west side of the har- bor, about 400 yards from the head, has depths of 29 feet Pilotage, Port Jefferson alongside the face and 20 feet along the north side. The (398) Pilotage by a state licensed pilot is compulsory in power plant wharf, about 150 yards northwestward, has depths of 29 feet alongside. Long Island Sound for foreign flag vessels and U.S. ves- sels which are under register (i.e. engaged in foreign Communications trade). Such vessels can arrange for a state licensed pilot (404) Port Jefferson is served by railroad and bus. A ferry by contacting the joint rotation administrator, Block Island Pilots at 243 Spring Street, Newport, RI 02840; operates to Bridgeport, CT. telephone 401-847-9050 (24 hours), 800-274-1216; Fax 401-847-9052.Enrolled vessels (i.e. U.S. vessels engaged in coastwise trade) may be required to have a U.S. Coast Guard Federally licensed pilot unless the master has (405) Conscience Bay is entered through a long, narrow recency for the intended area. See Pilotage, Long Island channel at the northwest end of Port Jefferson Harbor. Sound (indexed as such), chapter 8 and Pilotage, New The bay and entrance have depths of 1 to 2 feet. Strang- York Harbor and Approaches, (indexed as such), chapter ers should not attempt to enter as there are many rocks 11. at the entrance. (399) Pilot services are arranged in advance through ships’ agents or directly by shipping companies. (406) Setauket Harbor, on the western side of Port Jef- ferson Harbor, has a narrow crooked channel. In 1981, Tugs a reported depth of about 2½ feet was available in the (400) Tug service is available from New Haven, Provi- channel to the boatyard at Setauket. The entrance from Port Jefferson is marked by private seasonal buoys. Gas- dence, Brooklyn, or Staten Island on advance notice. oline, moorings, and limited marine supplies are avail- Normally, two tugs are used for docking and one for able at the boatyard; a flatbed trailer can haul out craft undocking. to 32 feet long. (407) Setauket is a village on the south shore of Setauket Harbor about 1 mile above the entrance. (401) Port Jefferson is a town at the southern end of the harbor. The principal industries of the port are the No-Discharge Zone shipping of sand and gravel and the distribution of pe- (408) The State of New York, with the approval of the troleum products. Environmental Protection Agency, has established a Small-craft facilities No-Discharge Zone (NDZ) in the Port Jefferson Harbor (402) There are small-craft facilities at the head of the Complex. The NDZ includes Port Jefferson Harbor, Se- tauket Harbor, Little Bay, the Narrows and Conscience harbor. (See the small-craft facilities tabulation on chart Bay. The boundary line extends from the easternmost 12364 for services and supplies available.) A launching point at Old Field Beach northerly to the westernmost ramp is at the head of the harbor. point at White Beach (see chart 12362 for limits). (409) Within the NDZ, discharge of sewage, whether treated or untreated, from all vessels is prohibited. Out- side the NDZ, discharge of sewage is regulated by 40 CFR 140 (see chapter 2).

306      Eastern Long Island Sound      Volume 2  TIDAL INFORMATION Chart Station LAT/LONG Mean Mean High Mean Low Higher High Water* Water* Water* 0.2 0.2 12354 Stratford Shoal, Long Island Sound 41°04'N/73°06'W 7.1 6.8 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 0.2 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 0.2 12358 South Jamesport, Peconic Bay, Long Island 40°56'N/72°35'W 3.3 3.0 0.2 0.2 12362 Port Jefferson Harbor entrance 40°58'N/73°05'W 7.1 6.8 0.2 0.2 12362 Mt. Sinai Harbor, Long Island 40°58'N/73°02'W 6.5 6.2 0.2 0.3 12370 Milford Harbor 41°13'N/73°03'W 6.9 6.6 0.2 0.2 12370 Shelton, Housatonic River 41°18'N/73°04'W 7.6 7.2 0.2 0.2 12371 New Haven Harbor, New Haven Reach 41°17'N/72°55'W 6.7 6.4 0.2 0.2 12373 Falkner Island 41°13'N/72°39'W 5.9 5.6 12373 Sachem Head, Long Island Sound 41°15'N/72°43'W 5.9 5.6 12373 Money Island, The Thimbles 41°15'N/72°45'W 6.1 5.8 12373 Branford, Branford River 41°16'N/72°49'W 6.4 6.1 12374 Duck Island 41°15'N/72°29'W 4.9 4.7 12374 Madison, Long Island Sound 41°16'N/72°36'W 5.3 5.1 12375 Saybrook Jetty, Connecticut River 41°16'N/72°21'W 4.2 3.8 12375 Essex, Connecticut River 41°21'N/72°23'W -- 3.2 13211 Millstone Point 41°18'N/72°10'W 3.2 2.9 13212 West Harbor, Fishers Island 41°16'N/72°00'W 3.0 2.7 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 * 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 8      Eastern Long Island Sound      307

74° 73°30' 308      Western Long Island Sound      Volume 2 Index of Chart Coverage in Chapter 9 12363 12369 Bridgeport HUDSON CNOENWN Y O R K U T E C T IC 12368 Stamford Norwalk N NE W Y O RIVER 12367 Greenwich LONG ISLAND SOUND EW JE R S RK Old Field Point EY SMITHTOWN BAY 41° 41° 12364 HUNTINGTON BAY New Rochelle MAMARONECK HARBOR OYSTER BAY 12342 12364 Port Washington 12365 HEMPSTEAD HARBOR EAST RIVER 12366 LONG ISLAND 12335 Manhattan 12339 12338 12363 New York City Brooklyn  74° 73°30'

Chapter 9      Western Long Island Sound      309 Western Long Island Sound (1) This chapter describes the western part of Long affords good shelter, but is rarely used except by local Island Sound along the north shore from Bridgeport vessels. On the south shore, Huntington Bay and Hemp- to Throgs Neck, the south shore from Old Field Point stead Harbor are available for large vessels; Oyster Bay is to Willets Point, and the East and Harlem Rivers. Also also used, and Manhasset Bay is available for light-draft described are the many bays and their tributaries that vessels. City Island Harbor is a fine resort for coasters. make into this part of the sound including Bridgeport (6) Several general anchorages are in Long Island Harbor, Stamford Harbor, Captain Harbor, Mamaroneck Sound. (See 110.1 and 110.146, chapter 2, for limits Harbor, Norwalk Harbor, Eastchester Bay, Huntington and regulations.) Bay, Oyster Bay, Hempstead Harbor, Manhasset Bay, Flushing Bay, and New Rochelle Harbor, and the com- No-Discharge Zone mercial and small-craft facilities found in these waters. (7) The State of Connecticut, with the approval of the COLREGS Demarcation Lines EPA, has established a No-Discharge Zone (NDZ) in (2) The lines established for Long Island Sound are Western Long Island Sound. The area covered extends from the western border of Greenwich at Byram Point, described in 80.155, chapter 2. southeastward following the boundary between Con- necticut and New York to a point in Long Island Sound, Chart 12363 thence easterly following the boundary between Con- necticut and New York to a point south of Hoadley Point (3) Western Long Island Sound is that portion of the at the eastern border of Branford, thence due north to deep navigable waterway between the shores of Con- Hoadley Point at the eastern border of Branford. This necticut and New York and the northern coast of Long portion of Long Island Sound includes: Greenwich Har- Island westward of the line between Bridgeport and Old bor, Captain Harbor, Stamford Harbor, Norwalk Harbor, Field Point. Bridgeport Harbor, Black Rock Harbor, Housatonic Riv- er, New Haven Harbor and Branford Harbor. (See charts (4) This region has boulders and broken ground, with 12363 and 12354 for limits). little or no natural change in the shoals. The waters (8) Within the NDZ, discharge of sewage, whether are well marked by navigational aids so that strangers treated or untreated, from all vessels is prohibited. should experience no difficulty in navigating them. As Outside the NDZ, discharge of sewage is regulated by all broken ground is liable to be strewn with boulders, 40 CFR 140 (see chapter 2). vessels should proceed with caution when in the vicinity of broken areas where the charted depths are within 8 Tides feet of the draft. All of the more frequented places are (9) The time of tide is nearly simultaneous throughout entered through dredged channels. During fog, vessels are advised to anchor until the weather clears before Long Island Sound, but the range of tide increases from attempting to enter. The numerous oyster grounds in about 2.5 feet at the east end to about 7.3 feet at the west this region are usually marked by stakes and flags. These end. Daily predictions of the times and heights of high stakes may become broken off and form obstructions and low waters are given in the Tide Tables. dangerous to small craft which, especially at night, (10) The effect of strong winds, in combination with the should proceed with caution when crossing oyster ar- regular tidal action, may at times cause the water to fall eas. several feet below the plane of reference of the charts. Anchorages Currents (5) There is anchorage for large vessels in the bight (11) About 1.3 miles northward of Eatons Neck Light outside Bridgeport Harbor Light 13A. Cockenoe Har- the ebb runs about 5 hours longer than the flood. The bor is sometimes used by small vessels, but Sheffield current has a velocity of 1.4 knots; the flood sets 283° Island Harbor is preferred and is sometimes used by and the ebb sets 075°. tows. Westward of Norwalk Islands, seagoing vessels can (12) The direction and velocity of the currents are af- anchor toward the north shore and, with good ground fected by strong winds which may increase or diminish tackle, hold on in northerly winds. Captain Harbor the periods of flood or ebb. Currents in East River are described in the latter part of this chapter.

310      Western Long Island Sound      Volume 2  Weather,Western Long Island Sound and vicinity (13) These waters are more protected than the eastern (22) Vessel Traffic Service, New York, operated by the Sound resulting in fewer gales. However, winters are U.S. Coast Guard, serves New York Harbor. (See 161.1 colder and summers warmer due to this sheltering ef- through 161.25, chapter 2, for regulations). fect. Fog is not so frequent either and tends to burn off quicker than farther east. Winter winds of 16 knots or Pilotage,Western Long Island Sound more are likely about 12 to 15 percent of the time and (23) Pilotage by a state licensed pilot is compulsory in are predominantly from the west through northwest. Harbors such as Cold Spring, Oyster Bay, Hempstead Long Island Sound for foreign flag vessels and U.S. ves- and Manhasset offer additional shelter. In summer sels which are under register (i.e. engaged in foreign thunderstorms may develop on 4 to 5 days per month. trade), Enrolled vessels (i.e. U.S. vessels engaged in These are most likely during the afternoon or evening. coastwise trade) may be required to have a U.S. Coast (14) In Long Island Sound the north and south shores Guard Federally licensed pilot unless the master has are equally subject to fog, except that on spring and recency for the intended area. For vessels entering summer mornings, when there is little or no wind, fog Long Island Sound from the east (from sea via Block will often hang along the Connecticut shore while it is Island Sound) see Pilotage, Long Island Sound (indexed clear offshore and southward. as such), chapter 8. For vessels entering Long Island (15) In the western end of Long Island Sound, although Sound from the west (East River) see Pilotage, New York fogs are liable to occur at any time, they are not en- and Approaches to New York (indexed as such), chapter countered so often nor do they generally last so long as 11. farther eastward. Charts 12369, 12364 Ice (24) Bridgeport Harbor, on the north side of Long Is- (16) In ordinary winters the floating and pack ice in land Sound north-northwestward of Stratford Shoal (Middle Ground) Light and about 52 miles from New Long Island Sound, while impeding navigation, does York, consists of two widely separated units. The main not render it absolutely unsafe. In exceptionally severe harbor and its branches serve the east and central por- winters, waterways may become impassable for some tions of the city of Bridgeport, and Black Rock Harbor vessels. and its tributaries serve the western part. Black Rock (17) Drift ice, which is formed principally along the Harbor and Cedar Creek are described under separate northern shore of the sound under the influence of the headings. Waterborne commerce at Bridgeport consists prevailing northerly winds, drifts across to the southern mostly of petroleum products, lumber, sand and gravel, side and accumulates there, massing into large fields, building materials, and scrap iron. and remains until removed by southerly winds which drive it back to the northerly shore. Prominent features (18) In ordinary winters ice generally forms in the west- (25) The large red and white horizontally banded stack ern end of the sound as far as Eatons Neck; in exception- ally severe winters ice may extend to Falkner Island and of a powerplant on Tongue Point is the most prominent farther eastward. landmark in this area. Other prominent landmarks in- clude several church spires, the radio towers at Pleasure Effects of winds on ice Beach, and Bridgeport Harbor Light 13A. An aerolight (19) In Long Island Sound northerly winds drive the about 1.3 miles northwestward of Stratford Point can be seen from offshore. 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 (26) Bridgeport Harbor Channel Approach Lighted description until the ice is removed by westerly winds. Whistle Buoy BH (41°06'14\"N., 73°11'44\"W.), is 3.3 These winds carry the ice eastward and, if of long enough miles south-southwest of Bridgeport Harbor Light 13A duration, drive it through The Race into Block Island and marks the entrance to the channel. Sound, from where it goes to sea and disappears. (20) In Bridgeport Harbor winds from north to north- (27) Bridgeport Harbor Light 13A (41°09'24\"N., west clear the harbor of drift ice, and those from south- 73°10'47\"W.), 50 feet above the water, is shown from a east through south to southwest force the ice into the black skeleton tower with small white house, on a black harbor from the sound. The outer buoys may be carried base, on the west side of the entrance channel near the out of position by heavy ice during severe winters. end of the west breakwater. (21) Additional information concerning ice conditions in the waters adjoining Long Island Sound is given un- Channels der the local descriptions. (28) From deep water in Long Island Sound the dredged channel extends north-northeastward between two con- verging breakwaters into the main harbor, and thence

Chapter 9      Western Long Island Sound      311 into the three tributaries, Johnsons Creek, Yellow Mill Anchorages Channel, and Pequonnock River. Federal project depth (34) Bridgeport Harbor has three anchorage areas in- is 35 feet in the main channel to just below the Con- necticut Turnpike bridge. (See Notice to Mariners and side the breakwaters. An anchorage is on the east side latest edition of the chart for controlling depths.) of the main channel northwestward of Pleasure Beach. (29) A powerplant is at Tongue Point. A privately A second is on the west side of the channel south of dredged channel leads from the main channel to the Tongue Point and a third runs parallel to the west side powerplant’s offshore oil wharf on the south side of the of the main channel from Tongue Point to Steel Point. point. In 1980, the channel, except for a 17-foot depth The rest of the harbor area consists of broad and shallow on the southwesterly side of the widener, had a reported sand flats. Vessels seeking shelter from strong northerly controlling depth of about 26 feet; depths of 31 to 37 winds sometimes anchor off the entrance; the holding feet are reported alongside the wharf. Another privately ground is good. dredged channel, used by barges, leads from the main (35) A general anchorage is in Johnsons Creek. (See channel to the powerplant’s facilities on the east side of 110.1 and 110.148, chapter 2, for limits and regula- the point. In 2009, the controlling depth in the channel tions.) was 13.5 feet. (30) Johnsons Creek, northward of Pleasure Beach, is Dangers entered eastward of Tongue Point through a marked (36) The entrance is clear, and the only dangers are the dredged channel leading to anchorage basins; two on the west side, and one at the head of the creek. The high- previously discussed shoals on the east, south of Strat- way bridge 0.2 mile above the entrance has a swing span ford Point, and on the west, the Penfield Reef shoals. with a clearance of 7 feet. (See 117.1 through 117.49, chapter 2, for drawbridge regulations.) Private yacht Currents clubs and two oil-receiving piers are on the creek. (37) The velocity of flood or ebb is about 0.7 knot in (31) Yellow Mill Channel is entered through a dredged channel that leads for about 0.8 mile north-northeast- the entrance between the breakwaters. (See the Tidal ward from just above the first bend in the main channel Current Tables for predictions.) Inside the harbor the to the head of the creek. Flats, largely bare at low water, currents are generally weak. are on both sides of the channel. The Stratford Avenue highway bridge about 0.3 mile above the entrance has Ice a bascule span with a clearance of 11 feet. (See 117.1 (38) Ice does not interfere seriously with navigation in through 117.59 and 117.225, chapter 2, for draw- bridge regulations.) About 0.1 mile above the bascule Bridgeport Harbor, although its tributaries are closed at bridge is a fixed turnpike bridge with a clearance of 39 times. The winds from the north and northwest clear feet. Depths at the wharves are 8 to 15 feet. the harbor of drift ice, and those from the southeast (32) Pequonnock River, the most westerly of the tribu- through the southwest force the ice into the harbor taries, is easily followed by small craft, but larger vessels from the sound. The outer buoys may be carried out of may need the assistance of a tug to get around the sharp position by heavy ice during severe winters. bends. The river is entered through a dredged channel that leads northward from the main channel just below Weather, Bridgeport and vicinity Connecticut Turnpike bridge to the head of navigation (39) The terrain of the mainland is of glacial origin and just below the Berkshire Avenue Dam, about 1.1 miles above the entrance. Depths at some of the wharves are rises in a rolling, mostly wooded, manner to the foot- 10 to 15 feet. hills of the Berkshires, 30 miles to the north, and the Catskills, about 60 to 70 miles to the northwest. There Bridges is some foehn effect (chinook) with north and northwest (33) Type, distance above Steel Point, and clearance of winds, and the upslope effect with the approach of a coastal low is quite pronounced. The most pronounced the bridges over Pequonnock River follow: Connecticut topographical effect, however, is that of the land-sea Turnpike, fixed, 300 yards, 60 feet; Stratford Avenue, breeze which is most pronounced in the spring, sum- vertical-lift, 500 yards, 8 feet down and 68 feet up, Peck mer, and early autumn. The land-sea breeze effect dur- Railroad bridge, bascule, 0.5 mile, 26 feet; highway ing this period will inevitably cause a shift in the wind bridge, bascule, 0.7 mile, 4 feet. (See 117.1 through direction, even with a moderately strong isobaric flow. 117.59 and 117.219, chapter 2 for drawbridge regula- (40) As a result of the sea breeze, mean monthly tem- tions.) The bridgetender at the railroad bridge monitors peratures during the summer average 3 to 5 degrees VHF-FM channel 13; call sign KU-6033. The draw spans (2 to 3°C) lower than nearby inland stations. Likewise, at the Congress Street bridge, 0.6 mile, have been re- temperatures during the fall and winter are moderated moved due to deterioration but the approach spans have several degrees owing to the proximity of Long Island been retained. Sound. The average annual temperature at Bridgeport is 52°F (11.1°C). The average high is 60°F (15.6°C) and the average low is 44°F (6.7°C). July is the warmest month with average extremes of 82°F (27.8°C) and 66°F (18.9°C). January is the coolest with average extremes

312      Western Long Island Sound      Volume 2  of 37°F (2.8°C) and 23°F (-5°C). The record high tem- Towage perature is 103°F (39.4°C) set in July 1957 while the (46) Tug service is available from New Haven, Provi- all-time low temperature is -7°F (-21.7°C) recorded in January 1984. dence, Brooklyn, or Staten Island on advance notice. (41) Precipitation is slightly heavier than at nearby in- Deep-draft vessels usually require tugs for mooring in land stations the year around since coastal low-pres- Bridgeport Harbor. sure systems move quite consistently on a track to the (47) Launch service is available to vessels at anchor. south of Bridgeport. One of the greater hazards along (48) Bridgeport is a customs port of entry. the coastal areas in the vicinity of Bridgeport is the ac- cumulation of water (especially during periods of high Quarantine, customs, immigration, and agricultural tide) with the approach of a slowly moving, deepening, quarantine low-pressure system from the south. Severe storms oc- (49) (See chapter 3, Vessel Arrival Inspections, and Ap- casionally cause inundation of 4 to 5 feet (1.2 to 1.5 pendix A for addresses.) m). The average annual precipitation is 41 inches (1041 (50) Quarantine is enforced in accordance with the reg- mm). Precipitation is evenly distributed throughout the ulations of the U.S. Public Health Service. (See Public year with the difference between the wettest (March) Health Service, chapter 1.) and driest month (February) averaging only 0.89 inches (51) Bridgeport has several hospitals. (23 mm). Snowfall averages 26 inches (660 mm) per year and has fallen from October through May. The Harbormaster greatest 24-hour snowfall on record was 16 inches (406 (52) The control of the port is vested in the harbormas- mm) recorded in February 1969. (42) Bridgeport has been directly affected by many ter, who maintains an office at the Bridgeport City Hall tropical storms since 1871. Tropical storm Belle passed and can also be contacted through the Bridgeport Police over the site in August 1976. Highest winds were only Department. 60 knots. One day earlier, Belle was packing winds of 105 knots. In September 1985, Hurricane Gloria passed Wharves about five miles west of the Bridgeport weather station (53) Bridgeport has three principal privately owned and placing the site in the roughest sector of the storm. Highest gusts approached 75 knots and highest sus- operated deep-draft facilities; one is on the south side of tained winds were 64 knots. Two days earlier, Gloria Tongue Point and the other two are on the east side of had supported winds of 125 knots. the harbor opposite Tongue Point. Facilities for smaller (43) The National Weather Service maintains an office vessels and barges are along the sides of the harbor, and at the Bridgeport Municipal Airport; barometers may on Johnsons Creek, Yellow Mill Channel, and Pequon- be compared here. (See Appendix A for address.) (See nock River. Most of the facilities at Bridgeport are of Appendix B for the Bridgeport climatological table.) the marginal-type wharf, particularly those in the con- stricted tributaries. Only the deep-draft facilities are de- Pilotage, Bridgeport scribed. For a complete description of the port facilities (44) Pilotage by a state licensed pilot is compulsory in refer to Port Series No. 4, published and sold by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. (See Appendix A for address.) Long Island Sound for foreign flag vessels and U.S. ves- The alongside depths for the facilities described are re- sels which are under register (i.e. engaged in foreign ported; for information on the latest depths contact the trade). Such vessels can arrange for a state licensed pilot private operators. All of these facilities have highway by contacting the joint rotation administrator, Block connections, and most have water connections. Island Pilots at 243 Spring Street, Newport, RI 02840; (54) Cargo in the port is usually handled by ship’s tackle; telephone 401-847-9050 (24 hours), 800-274-1216; special handling equipment, if available, is mentioned FAX 401-847-9052. Enrolled vessels (i.e. U.S. vessels in the description of the particular facility. engaged in coastwise trade) may be required to have (55) United Illuminating Co. Fuel Oil Dock: on the a U.S. Coast Guard Federally licensed pilot unless the south side of Tongue Point; an offshore wharf with 345- master has recency for the intended area. See Pilotage, foot breasting face, 900 feet with dolphins; 31 to 37 feet Long Island Sound (indexed as such), chapter 8. See alongside; deck height, 20 feet; receipt of fuel oil; owned also Pilotage, Narragansett Bay and Other Rhode Island and operated by United Illuminating Co. Waters (indexed as such), chapter 6, and Pilotage Pickup (56) Shell Oil Co. Dock: on the east side of the harbor Locations Off Montauk Point (indexed as such), chapter opposite Tongue Point; 190-foot face, 700 feet with 7. shore moorings; 35 feet alongside; deck height, 13 feet; (45) Pilot services are generally arranged in advance vessels usually moor portside-to; receipt and shipment through ships’ agents or directly by shipping compa- of petroleum products; owned by Shell Oil Co. and oper- nies. ated by Shell Oil Co. and International Petroleum Ter- minals Co. (57) Cilco Terminal Co. Wharf: 0.3 mile northwestward of Shell Oil Co. Dock; 930-foot face; 33 feet alongside; deck height, 13 feet; 90,000 square feet covered storage,

Chapter 9      Western Long Island Sound      313 16 acres of open storage; receipt and shipment of gen- enter East Branch, pass about 100 feet off the wharf on eral cargo; receipt of lumber, steel products, and pum- the southeast side below the entrance, and head up the ice, and shipment of scrap metal; owned and operated middle. To enter the West Branch, pass 100 feet off the by Cilco Terminal Co., Inc. wharves on the southeast side of the branch. (58) The city-owned recreational pier, seldom used for (67) Fayerweather Island, on the eastern side of the mooring vessels, is on the northwest end of Pleasure entrance of Black Rock Harbor, is marked at its south Beach; the end of the pier has depths of about 20 feet. end by the white tower of an abandoned lighthouse. A (59) The municipal dock, a marginal-type wharf, is on breakwater and a seawall connect its northern part with the west side of Pequonnock River, just below the Con- the shore eastward. necticut Turnpike Bridge. A ferry to Port Jefferson ties (68) Burr Creek, northward of the town of Black Rock, up at the dock. on the west side of the channel, is the site of a large marina. Berths, gasoline, diesel fuel, electricity, water, Supplies ice, a lift, and repair facilities are available. In 1986, (60) Diesel oil, diesel fuel, gasoline, lubricants, water, depths of about 4 to 5 feet were reported at the face of the gasoline dock and alongside the boat slips. Burr provisions, and marine supplies can be obtained at Creek has many shoals; mariners are advised to seek Bridgeport. local knowledge before entering. (69) Several small-craft facilities are in Black Rock Har- Repairs bor. (See the small-craft facilities tabulation on chart (61) Bridgeport has no facilities for making major re- 12364 for services and supplies available.) (70) Ash Creek, about 0.7 mile westward of Fayer- pairs or for drydocking deep-draft vessels; the nearest weather Island, is entered through a privately dredged facilities are at the ports of Boston, MA and New York, channel protected on its southwest side by a jetty. The NY. Bridgeport, however, does have facilities for making entrance channel is marked by private buoys and a pri- above- and below-the-waterline repairs to fishing boats, vate seasonal 314° lighted range. The channel leads tugs, and recreational craft, and hull and engine repair northwestward to the Fairfield Municipal Marina. Gaso- facilities for small craft. The largest marine railway in line, water, and ice are available. In 1986, depths of 10 the area can handle vessels to 120 feet and 400 tons. A feet were reported in the entrance channel, with 4 feet 10-ton crane is available. reported alongside the boat slips. A 5 mph speed limit is enforced in the creek. Communications (71) Penfield Reef, on which there are rocks bare at low (62) Bridgeport is served by air, rail, and bus. Ferry ser- water, is about 1.4 miles south of Black Rock Harbor and 1.3 miles eastward of Shoal Point, to which it is joined vice to Port Jefferson is available year round. by a bar that bares at low water. Black Rock, marked by a daybeacon, is the outermost danger of this reef. A dangerous submerged rock, reported covered 1 foot, is about 40 yards southward of the daybeacon. The Little (63) Black Rock Harbor, part of Bridgeport Harbor, al- Cows, about 0.2 mile northward of Black Rock, consist though not connected with it other than by Long Island of rocks awash, and is marked by a buoy. Sound, is entered through a dredged channel about 2 (72) Penfield Reef Light (41°07'02\"N., 73°13'20\"W.), 51 miles westward of the main harbor entrance to Bridge- feet above the water, is shown from a white tower on a port. The channel leads northward through Black Rock granite dwelling on a pier, on the south side of the reef, Harbor, and thence to the head of Cedar Creek where south of the entrance to Black Rock Harbor. A sound it divides into East Branch and West Branch. Black signal is at the light. Rock Harbor and Cedar Creek are the approach by water (73) A reef, partly bare at low water and with little depth to the large factories of the western part of the city of over any part of it, extends over 0.5 mile southward from Bridgeport. The Federal project depth in the dredged Pine Creek Point, 1.1 miles southwest of Shoal Point. A channel is 18 feet from the entrance to the head of the lighted bell buoy is off the south end of the shoal. project. (See Notice to Mariners and latest edition of the (74) Southport Harbor, about 1 mile westward of Pine chart for controlling depths.) The channel is marked by Creek Point, comprises the lower portion of Mill River buoys and lights for about 1.7 miles above the entrance. and is used primarily for recreational boating. A break- water, marked at its end by a light, is off the east side (64) Anchorage in depths of 18 to 22 feet and exposed of the entrance to the harbor. The harbor is entered to southeasterly and northeasterly winds can be found through a dredged channel that leads from Long Island off the entrance, northeast of the bar that makes out Sound to a harbor basin and anchorage, about 1.1 miles from Shoal Point to Black Rock. Small craft drawing above the channel entrance. In 2004-2005, the control- less than 6 feet can select anchorage on either side of ling depth in the entrance channel was 7.5 feet (8.9 feet the dredged channel as far as the yacht club on the east at midchannel) to the anchorage basin, thence 8.8 feet side of Grover Hill. (65) Depths of 8 to 18 feet are reported alongside some of the wharves in Black Rock Harbor. (66) To avoid a shoal off the point separating East Branch and West Branch at the head of Cedar Creek,

314      Western Long Island Sound      Volume 2  in the anchorage basin except for shoaling to 5 feet near (82) A yacht club in a privately dredged basin on the the southwestern edge. The channel is marked on its west side of Bluff Point has berths with electricity, gaso- west side by a light, and by buoys up to the breakwa- line, and ice. In 1982, depths of 7 feet were reported in ter. Caution is advised to avoid oyster stakes in the area the approach with 10 feet alongside the berths. southeastward of the harbor entrance. A 5 mph speed limit is enforced in the harbor. (83) Duck Creek, on the west side of the river about (75) Southport is a village on the west side of the harbor. 0.6 mile above Bluff Point, is the site of a private yacht A yacht club landing and the town dock are on the west club. The reported controlling depth in the creek was side of the harbor; depths of about 6 feet are along- about 7 feet in 1981. The entrance and basin are pri- side the town dock, and about 6 to 8 feet alongside the vately marked. yacht club landing. Gasoline, diesel fuel, ice, water, and some marine supplies can be obtained. Minor engine re- (84) Bermuda Lagoon, southward of Duck Creek, is a pairs can be made. The harbormaster can be contacted large privately owned and maintained basin for the use through the Fairfield Police Department. of the residents in the immediate area. (76) Frost Point, 1 mile westward of Southport en- trance, is marked by many residences and several pri- (85) Saugatuck, a village in the town of Westport, is 2.5 vate piers in disrepair on its southeast side. A reef partly miles above the entrance. Commercial traffic consists bare at low water extends about 0.4 mile southward mostly of barges that call at a sand and gravel company from the point. at Saugatuck; depths at the wharf are about 5 feet. (77) Sherwood Point, a mile westward of Frost Point, is marked by a bare boulder on the reef which extends (86) At Saugatuck the river is crossed by a railroad about 250 yards off the point. A rocky patch, on which bridge having a bascule span with a clearance of 13 feet. the least depth found is 11 feet, is about 0.8 mile south- Overhead power cables at the bridge have a clearance ward of the point. of 192 feet. The Connecticut Turnpike Bridge, 0.1 mile above, has a fixed span with a clearance of 59 feet. About Charts 12368, 12364 0.1 mile farther up is a highway swing bridge with a clearance of 7 feet. (See 117.1 through 117.59 and (78) Saugatuck River, 6 miles westward of Penfield 117.221, chapter 2, for drawbridge regulations.) Reef Light and northward of Cockenoe Island, has its entrance between Cedar Point on the east and Bluff (87) Westport is a town at the head of navigation on the Point on the west. The river is shallow, full of ledges and Saugatuck River, about 1.4 miles above Saugatuck. boulders, and is used chiefly for receipt of petroleum products, sand and gravel, and for recreational boating. (88) There are several small-craft facilities on the river Freshets do not appreciably affect the height of the wa- in the vicinity of the bridges. Gasoline, water, marine ter in the navigable part of the river. During the winter, supplies, and a 3-ton lift are available; hull and engine ice usually covers the entire river to its mouth. repairs can be made. Depths of 6 feet are reported along- side the facilities. (79) Anchorage exposed to southeasterly winds can be had in the entrance to Saugatuck River in 12 to 22 feet, (89) Norwalk Islands, privately owned with the excep- about 0.4 mile southward of Cedar Point. tion of Shea and Grassy Islands, which are owned by the city of Norwalk, and Cockenoe Island, which is owned (80) The channel in Saugatuck River is narrow and by the town of Westport, are 1 to nearly 2 miles off the crooked; vessels should proceed with caution, prefer- north shore of Long Island Sound and extend from ably on a rising tide. In 2001, a reported depth of about Georges Rock to Greens Ledge Light, a distance of 6 4 feet could be carried in the river from the entrance to miles. Cockenoe Harbor and Sheffield Island Harbor, about 0.7 mile above the Connecticut Turnpike Bridge the two approaches to Norwalk River, are good anchor- at Saugatuck. The 4-foot channel to Westport had a con- ages for drafts of 9 to 12 feet and are easily made. The trolling depth of 1 foot, with shoaling to bare in the east bottom is very irregular around the islands and rocks branch. The channel is buoyed to Stony Point, about in the group; vessels should proceed with caution when 1.9 miles above the entrance. A 5 mph speed limit is crossing shoal areas and avoid all broken ground. In enforced on the river. the vicinity are some oyster stakes and spars, which occasionally are towed under or broken off; caution is (81) Compo Yacht Basin is in the bight about 0.3 mile recommended, especially at night, for small craft. northwestward of Cedar Point. In 1995, the privately dredged channel that leads to the basin had a reported (90) Cockenoe Island, at the eastern end of Norwalk depth of 8 feet with 7 feet reported in the basin. The Islands, is marked on its south side by two knolls; the channel is marked by private buoys and a private lighted remainder of the island is low and level. A bar, dry in entrance range. A yacht club with landing and mooring places at low water but with general depths of 1 to 2 facilities is in the basin. Gasoline, berths, electricity, and feet, connects the island with the mainland at Seymour water are available at the landing. Point. (91) Cockenoe Shoal is an extensive and dangerous area which extends 1.3 miles eastward and east-southeast- ward from Cockenoe Island. The entire area is exceed- ingly broken and should be avoided by strangers, even in small craft. Cockenoe Reef extends about 0.5 mile eastward from the northern end of Cockenoe Island;

Chapter 9      Western Long Island Sound      315 rocks that uncover about 3 feet are near the outer end (101) Cable and Anchor Reef covers an area about 0.4 of the reef. Georges Rock, awash at lowest tides, is at mile in diameter about 2 miles southeastward of Greens the eastern end of the shoal; a lighted buoy is off the Ledge Light. The least found depth is 25 feet. A lighted northeast side of the rock. A lighted bell buoy marks bell buoy marks the southern side. the southeast end of the shoal. (92) Channel Rock, covered 1½ feet, is about 0.2 mile (102) Sheffield Island Harbor, entered between Greens southwestward of Cockenoe Island and is marked by a Ledge and the mainland, is the main approach to Nor- buoy to the southward. Peck Ledge, on the western side walk Harbor and Norwalk River. Anchorage in depths of of Cockenoe Harbor entrance, is marked by Peck Ledge 12 to 20 feet can be found northwestward of Sheffield Light and Norwalk East Approach Buoy 5. Island. The shoal flats on the north side of the harbor (93) Cockenoe Harbor, westward of Cockenoe Island, is have rocks and boulders in places. marked by Peck Ledge Light. The best anchorage is in depths of 12 to 25 feet, northward and northwestward (103) Norwalk River empties through Norwalk Harbor of the light. into the north side of Long Island Sound, northward of the Norwalk Islands and about 40 miles east of New York. Routes Channels (94) To enter Cockenoe Harbor from the eastward, pass (104) Norwalk Harbor and River are entered through southward of Cockenoe Island Shoal Lighted Bell Buoy a dredged channel that extends 3 miles northeasterly 24, steer 254° until Peck Ledge Light bears northward from Sheffield Island Harbor between Manresa Island of 285°, then steer for the light until up with Norwalk on the west and White Rock and numerous islets and East Approach Buoy 4 that marks Channel Rock, and foul ground on the east, to the first highway bridge at then pass eastward and northward of the light at a dis- South Norwalk, and thence northerly for another 1.3 tance of 200 to 300 yards. miles to the basin at the head of navigation at Norwalk. (95) To enter Cockenoe Harbor from the westward, give The tall stack on Manresa Island, marked on top by red the edge of the shoals southward of the Norwalk Islands lights, is very prominent and can be seen for many miles a good berth until Peck Ledge Light bears westward of from sea. 348°, and then steer north and pass 400 yards eastward (105) A Federal project provides for a depth of 12 feet of the light and midway between Norwalk East Approach from Sheffield Island Harbor to the State Route 136 Buoy 4 that marks Channel Rock and Norwalk East Ap- bridge, thence 10 feet to a 10-foot basin at the head proach Buoy 5. of navigation at Norwalk; an anchorage basin opposite Fitch Point has a project depth of 10 feet. (See Notice to Mariners and latest editions of charts for controlling depths.) The channel is marked by buoys and lights to (96) The islands and rocks on the west side of Cockenoe the South Anchorage Basin. Harbor include Calf Pasture Island, with several houses and a few trees; Sheep Rocks, which uncover 2 feet; Caution East White Rock, high and white; and Grassy Ham- (106) Chemically contaminated material has been buried mock Rocks, which uncover and are marked by a light. in the navigation channel off Oyster Shell Point about (97) The larger islands southwestward are in general 140 yards below Interstate Route 95 bridge. The mate- hilly and partly settled. Chimon Island is marked by sev- rial is covered with a layer of noncontaminated dredged eral houses; Copps Island by large boulders that extend material not less than 3 feet thick. east from it; and Sheffield Island, the westernmost of the group, by an abandoned lighthouse tower. Bridges (107) Three bridges cross Norwalk River between South (98) Rocks that uncover extend nearly 0.3 mile south- westward of Sheffield Island. Norwalk and Norwalk. The first, State Route 136 high- way bascule bridge at South Norwalk, has a clearance of (99) Greens Ledge is a rock and sand ridge that extends 8 feet. The second, a railroad swing bridge just above the 1.1 miles southwestward from Sheffield Island. Depths highway bridge, has a clearance of 16 feet; an overhead of 10 to 15 feet extend about 400 yards westward and power cable with a clearance of 203 feet crosses the river southwestward from Green Ledge Light. A rocky ledge, near the railroad bridge. The third, a turnpike highway on which the least found depth is 21 feet, extends 0.8 fixed bridge, about 0.6 mile above the railroad bridge, mile west-southwestward from the light. Another rocky has a clearance of 60 feet. (See 117.1 through 117.59 ledge, with a least depth of 20 feet, is about 0.4 mile and 117.217, chapter 2, for drawbridge regulations.) south-southeastward from the light. The bridgetenders at the State Route 136 bridge and the railroad bridge monitor VHF-FM channel 13; call signs (100) Greens Ledge Light (41°02'30\"N., 73°26'38\"W.), KXJ-707 and KU–6035, respectively. 62 feet above the water, is shown from a conical tower, the upper half white and lower half brown, on a black cylindrical pier on the north side of the west end of the ledge. A sound signal is sounded at the light.

316      Western Long Island Sound      Volume 2  (108) Tavern Island, with several houses and foul ground Pilotage, Norwalk on all sides, is just northwestward of the dredged chan- (117) Pilotage by a state licensed pilot is compulsory in nel entrance to Norwalk Harbor. Long Island Sound for foreign flag vessels and U.S. ves- (109) Gregory Point, marked by a clubhouse and wharf, sels which are under register (i.e. engaged in foreign is on the east side of Norwalk Harbor 1.9 miles above trade). Such vessels can arrange for a state licensed pilot the channel entrance. The boat basin immediately east- by contacting the joint rotation administrator, Block ward of Gregory Point, locally known as Norwalk Cove, Island Pilots at 243 Spring Street, Newport, RI 02840; is entered through a privately maintained channel. In telephone 401-847-9050 (24 hours), 800-274-1216; 1987, the controlling depth was 8 feet in the channel, FAX 401-847-9052. Enrolled vessels (i.e. U.S. vessels thence in 1981, 6 feet in the eastern part of the basin. engaged in coastwise trade) see Pilotage, Long Island A 220-yard-long detached timber breakwater is on the Sound (indexed as such), chapter 8. north side of channel entrance. Small-craft facilities (110) East Norwalk Harbor, at the town of East Norwalk, (118) There are excellent small-craft facilities at South is on the east side of the river about 2 miles above the main channel entrance. The harbor is entered through Norwalk, East Norwalk, and in Norwalk Cove. (See the a dredged channel that leads westward of Fitch Point to small-craft facilities tabulation on chart 12364 for ser- the head and to North Anchorage Basin on the westerly vices and supplies available.) side of the harbor. A Federal project provides for a depth of 6 feet from Fitch Point Light 1 to and in an anchorage Communications basin at East Norwalk. (See Notice to Mariners and latest (119) Rail and bus lines serve the city and area. editions of charts for controlling depths.) The channel is marked to near the southern end of the basin. (111) South Norwalk is an important commercial and (120) Wilson Cove, on the north side of Sheffield Island manufacturing city on the west side of Norwalk River, Harbor, is entered about 0.6 mile northwestward of the about 3 miles above the channel entrance. The depths dredged channel entrance to Norwalk Harbor between at the wharves below the bridges range from 5 to 10 Wilson Point on the north and Bell Island on the south- feet. Commercial traffic is mainly in building materials, west. The ruins of a former oil-receiving pier are on the petroleum products, and shell fishing. southwestern extremity of Wilson Point. A yacht club is on the east side of the cove, about 150 yards northward (112) Norwalk, 1.3 miles above South Norwalk, is a city of the wharf ruins, and a marina is at the head of the on both sides of the river at the head of navigation. The cove. Gasoline, limited marine supplies, ice, an 18-ton wharves have depths of about 7 feet alongside. The chan- crane, a 20-ton mobile hoist, and engine and hull re- nel from South Norwalk to Norwalk is winding, with ex- pair facilities are available at the marina. In 1989, the tensive flats on both sides, and requires local knowledge privately dredged channel leading to the marina had a to follow it even at high water. reported controlling depth of 2½ feet (5 feet at midchan- nel). (113) Local regulations provide penalties for exceeding the posted 5 mph speed limit or for dumping refuse in (121) Noroton Point, at the southern end of Bell Island, the harbor. These regulations are enforced by the Ma- is marked by a flagpole and a prominent house with a rine Division of the Norwalk Police Department. Police cupola. Rocks, bare at low water, are about 300 yards patrol boats operate the year round and are equipped northward of the point. Pine Point, just westward of to handle radio traffic on VHF-FM channel 16 (156.80 Noroton Point, has a wharf in ruins at its southern end. MHz). A shoal with depths of 8 to 12 feet extends about 0.3 mile from the shore westward of Noroton Point. The (114) The harbormaster at Norwalk can be reached bottom is broken with boulders in places, and small through the police department. vessels crossing the shoal should proceed with caution. Ballast Reef, about 0.2 mile westward of Pine Point and Currents off the southeast side of the entrance to Fivemile River, (115) The tidal currents in Long Island Sound off Nor- is almost bare at low water and extends 300 yards off Roton Point; a buoy marks the outer end of the reef. walk have a velocity of about 1 knot. In Norwalk River, off Gregory Point, the velocity of current is about 0.6 (122) Fivemile River is a narrow inlet about 0.6 mile knot. The currents in the harbor follow the direction of westward of Noroton Point and about 0.9 mile north- the channel, the ebb current being somewhat stronger ward of Greens Ledge Light. A Federal project provides than the flood. (See the Tidal Current Tables for predic- for a depth of 8 feet to a point about 1 mile up the river. tions.) (See Notice to Mariners and latest edition of charts for (116) The channel up to South Norwalk is navigable controlling depths.) The river is shallow except in the throughout the year. The harbor and river above South dredged channel and rocks exposed 2 feet at low water Norwalk are covered with ice during a part of the winter. have been reported on the east side of the channel near A channel is ordinarily kept open to the highway bridge, but the East Norwalk Channel and the channel in the river are usually closed for about 6 weeks each winter.

Chapter 9      Western Long Island Sound      317 the channel edge in about 41°03'37\"N., 73°26'47\"W. The which is a seasonal speed limit buoy, mark the approach. channel is marked by buoys. A municipal marina is in the basin. (123) In 1981, depths of 2 to 5 feet were reported along- (132) Westcott Cove, just westward of Cove Harbor, has side the small-craft facility wharves on the east side of a dredged channel marked by buoys that leads along the river. The river is used chiefly by pleasure craft. its westerly side to a basin 0.5 mile above the channel (124) A special anchorage is in Fivemile River. (See 110.1 entrance, thence for 0.2 mile through the south arm and 110.55a, chapter 2, for limits and regulations.) of the basin. The east side of the entrance to the basin (125) Rowayton is a village at the head of Fivemile River. is protected by a jetty marked on the outer end by a Several small-craft facilities are on the east side of the private light. In 1985, the channel had a midchannel river. (See the small-craft facilities tabulation on chart controlling depth of 4 feet. A yacht club is in the north- 12364 for services and supplies available.) westerly arm of the basin, and a municipal marina is in (126) Scott Cove, about 0.8 mile westward of Fivemile the southeasterly arm. Gasoline, diesel fuel, and water River and about a mile northwest of Greens Ledge Light, are available at a marina on the west side of the south is a rocky shelter with a channel good for about 6 feet to arm of the basin. the shallow area northward. There are rocks and broken (133) Stamford Harbor, on the north side of Long Is- ground in the entrance. The channel into Zieglers Cove, land Sound about 33 miles east of New York, comprises just west of Scott Cove and south of Great Island, is good the bay north of a line from Shippan Point on the east for about 9 feet. A rock, covered 4 feet, lies almost in through Stamford Harbor Ledge Obstruction Light to mid-entrance to this cove. Local knowledge is required the west shore north of Greenwich Point. The harbor is to navigate both coves. shoal, and the approach is obstructed to a large extent (127) Long Neck Point, about 2 miles southwestward of by ledges and rocks. Shippan Point, the eastern point Fivemile River, has many summer residences and boat at the entrance, is surrounded by rocks which show at landings on both of its sides. Shoals extend about 0.3 low water. Barges and small coastal tankers constitute mile off the point. Numerous obstructions exist up to the main waterborne traffic in the harbor. Petroleum 1.2 miles west-southwest of Long Neck Point. products, scrap metal, sand and gravel, and crushed (128) From Long Neck Point to Shippan Point, about 2.6 rock are the principal products handled in the harbor. miles to the southwestward, there are many reefs and (134) Stamford is a manufacturing city on the peninsula boulders, and the bottom is very broken, necessitating at the head of the harbor. caution. This area is the approach to several shallow coves, none of which is commercially important. Prominent features (129) Goodwives (Darien) River is a small and shal- (135) Stamford Harbor Ledge Obstruction Light low stream on the west side of Long Neck Point. Foul ground with rocks bare at low water extends nearly 200 (41°00'49\"N., 73°32'34\"W.), 80 feet above the water, yards off the west side of Long Neck Point, about 0.3 shown from a white conical tower on a red cylindrical mile above the south end of the point. A private seasonal, pier, is a private light visible from a considerable dis- 342° lighted range and buoys mark the best water to a tance offshore. Also prominent are a microwave tower yacht club and basin on the southeast side of Noroton westward of the city and the large brown office buildings Neck. In 2002, a depth of 4.5 feet could be carried to the locally known as Harbor Plaza on Ware Island. Stam- yacht club landing thence in 1981, 3 feet through The ford Harbor West Breakwater Light 3 (41°00'54\"N., Gut to the boat club landing just above Peartree Point. 73°32'17\"W.), 37 feet above the water, is shown from a Above the boat club landing, the river is practically dry tower with a square green dayboard at the east end of at low water. Goodwives River and its entrance is a spe- the west breakwater. Stamford Harbor East Breakwater cial anchorage. (See 110.1 and 110.56, chapter 2, for Light 4 (41°00'54\"N., 73°32'06\"W.), 21 feet above the limits and regulations.) A 5 mph speed limit is enforced water, is shown from a skeleton tower with a triangular on the river. red dayboard at the west end of the east breakwater. (130) Smith Reef, about 0.9 mile southwestward of Long Neck Point, consists of two rocks that uncover 2 feet. Channels The south end of the reef is marked by a lighted buoy. (136) Stamford Harbor is entered through a dredged Bold Rock, which uncovers 4 feet, is on the east edge of the rocky ridge extending northward from the reef. entrance channel that leads northward from Long Is- Many oyster stakes are on the ridge. land Sound between two detached breakwaters to a (131) Cove Harbor, northward of Smith Reef and about 1 point about 1 mile above the entrance to a junction mile westward of Long Neck Point, has depths of about 5 with the dredged channels leading into East Branch to 10 feet. Local knowledge is necessary to avoid several and West Branch. A Federal project provides for depths rocky areas in the approach to the harbor and to the of 18 feet to a point about 0.5 mile below the junction basin at the northwestern end of the harbor at Cove of the branches, thence 15 feet to the junction, thence Mills. A depth of about 1 foot can be carried across the in the West Branch 15 feet to and in the turning basin; bar at the entrance to the basin; private buoys, one of thence in the East Branch, 15 feet to Light 1, thence 12 feet to the head of the project about 0.6 mile above the hurricane barrier. (See Notice to Mariners and latest

318      Western Long Island Sound      Volume 2  edition of charts for controlling depths.) The 100-foot- (143) The harbormaster at Stamford can be contacted wide channel in East Branch is constricted to 90 feet through the Stamford Police Department. A police boat by a hurricane barrier that crosses the channel about makes routine patrols of the harbor during the boating 300 yards northward of Ware Island. The 90-foot gated season. A 6 mph speed limit is enforced in the harbor. opening in the barrier will be kept in the open position during fair weather, but will be closed on the approach Wharves of a storm or unusually high tides. A red light marks the (144) The commercial wharves along East Branch and channel end of each breakwater. A lighted sign on either side of the barrier is used to indicate whether the barrier West Branch are of the bulkhead and apron type, all is in the open or closed position. A flashing red light is are privately owned, and some are open to the public. shown from the control tower when the gate is about to Spur tracks from the railroad serve the facilities in East be closed. The channels are well marked by navigational Branch. aids, and, in addition, the entrance channel is marked by a 358° lighted range. Small-craft facilities (145) There are excellent facilities for small craft in both Anchorages (137) A dredged anchorage area with depths of 10 to 18 East and West Branches. (See the small-craft facilities tabulation on chart 12364 for services and supplies feet is north of the breakwaters and just westward of available.) the line of the range lights, about 0.1 mile eastward of Highwater Rock. Small craft can anchor off the yacht club and southward or southeastward of Rhode Island Rocks in depths of 5 to 7 feet. All anchorages in the (146) Dolphin Cove, 0.6 mile west of the entrance chan- outer harbor are exposed to southerly and southwest- nel to Stamford Harbor, is a privately owned Lagoon and erly winds. marine facility. No anchoring is allowed. Charts 12367, 12364 Dangers (147) Captain Harbor, on the north shore of Long Island (138) The Cows comprise a cluster of rocks, almost bare Sound westward of Greenwich Point and northward of Great and Little Captain Islands, affords shelter from all at low water, about 0.8 mile south-southeast of Shippan winds for vessels drawing 12 feet or less. The depths at Point. Between them and the point is an area of foul the anchorage in the deeper part of the harbor, about ground and rocks bare and awash that extends 0.4 mile 0.5 mile northward of Great and Little Captain Islands, southward of Shippan Point. A lighted bell buoy is about are 15 to 30 feet. Vessels of less than 7-foot draft anchor 0.2 mile south of The Cows. Harbor Ledge, about 200 on the flats. The bottom is soft, but the entire harbor yards south of the west breakwater, consists of rocks and and entrances are characterized by boulders. Strangers a ledge marked by a private light. should proceed with caution, especially on the flats and other shoal areas. The eastern entrance to Captain Har- Currents bor, between Flat Neck Point and Little Captain Island, (139) The flood current at the entrance to the harbor has is the clearer and better one for strangers. The western entrance, northwestward of Great Captain Island, is easy a velocity of 0.4 knot and sets 329°; the ebb has a velocity of access, but the broken ground there requires caution. of 0.8 knot and sets 134°. Inside the harbor the currents have little velocity and usually set fair with the channel. (148) Greenwich Point, 1.7 miles southwestward of Stamford Harbor West Breakwater Light 3, is charac- Ice terized by a low grassy hill. Reefs extend 0.3 mile south- (140) The channel in West Branch is usually navigable eastward from Greenwich Point. Woolsey Rock near the easterly end of the reefs is covered 2 feet. A buoy marks throughout the year, but in East Branch it is closed by these dangers. ice for several weeks during severe winters. Ice forms in the harbor during most winters and usually extends to a (149) Flat Neck Point, the western end of Greenwich point just northward of the breakwaters. The channels Point, is wooded. A reef with bare and submerged rocks are kept open as far as practicable by passing traffic. extends nearly 0.3 mile southwestward and westward (141) Prevailing winds are from the south and southwest from Flat Neck Point. About 0.2 mile northwestward in the summer and from northeast during the winter of the point, the boiler of a wreck, marked by a private season. seasonal buoy, shows above high water. (142) No particular directions are required. The range favors the west side of the channel and does not show (150) Greenwich Cove opens into Captain Harbor from plainly until eastward of Stamford Harbor West Break- eastward, north of Flat Neck Point. The cove is used for water Light 3. In East Branch, caution is advised when mooring local craft. Depths decrease from 8 feet in the making the turn abreast Ware Island to avoid a rock outer cove to less than 3 feet in the eastern part of the nearly awash at high water, eastward of the channel line. cove. Old Greenwich is on Greenwich Cove.

Chapter 9      Western Long Island Sound      319 N Greenwich Harbor, Connecticut Image courtesy of Airphoto/Jim Wark (2004) (151) Cos Cob Harbor, on the northeast side of Captain (154) The Riverside Yacht Club, on the east side of Cos Harbor, has a dredged channel through it which extends Cob Harbor and about 0.5 mile below the first bridge, 1.3 miles northward through the Mianus River to the is prominent. head of navigation at Mianus. In 2003, the controlling depth was 6 feet at midchannel to the bascule railroad (155) Mianus River is crossed by a railroad bascule bridge bridge, thence 2.8 feet (4.8 feet at midchannel) to the with a clearance of 20 feet, and by a highway fixed bridge fixed highway bridge, thence 4.8 feet at midchannel (ex- with a clearance of 45 feet, about 0.4 mile to the north- cept for shoaling to 1.1 feet in the last 300 feet of the ward. (See 117.1 through 117.59 and 117.209, chap- dredged channel) to the head of navigation at Mianus. ter 2, for drawbridge regulations.) Shoaling is reported to be abrupt along both edges of the channel. The channel is buoyed to the first bridge; (156) Several marinas and boatyards are along the west above this point the channel may be followed by steering side of the river from above the railroad bridge to the a midchannel course between the marsh banks. head of navigation. (See the small-craft facilities tabula- tion on chart 12364 for services and supplies available.) Anchorages (152) Special anchorages are in Cos Cob Harbor. (See (157) Mianus, at the head of navigation on the river, is the site of an abandoned sand and gravel wharf. 110.1 and 110.58, chapter 2, for limits and regula- tions.) (158) Indian Harbor is a narrow inlet on the north side of Captain Harbor, about 1 mile west of Cos Cob Harbor. A channel with a depth of about 7 feet passes about 200 feet westward of Tweed Island and follows the west bank (153) There are several dangers off the entrance of Cos to the bulkhead on the west side of the cove 300 yards Cob Harbor that must be avoided; most are buoyed. above the entrance. Small craft can anchor in the chan- These include Newfoundland Reef, covered 4 feet, a nel just above this point, favoring the bulkhead. A large mile northeastward of Little Captain Island; Red Rock, prominent white residence with red roof and adjacent which uncovers 7 feet, 0.5 mile west of Newfoundland white clock tower is on the point separating Smith Cove Reef; Hitchcock Rock, awash at low water, 0.3 mile and Indian Harbor. A 5 mph speed limit is enforced in northwestward of Newfoundland Reef; and Pecks Rock, the harbor. bare at low water, 0.2 mile north of Hitchcock Rock. (159) Depths of 6 feet or less extend 250 yards southward from the point separating Smith Cove and Greenwich Harbor. Bare ledges extend 200 feet southward of the point. The yacht club on the point usually maintains

320      Western Long Island Sound      Volume 2  lights on a flagstaff during the summer. The depth is (168) Cormorant Reef, northward of Great Captain Is- about 7 feet at the landing of the Indian Harbor Yacht land, partly bare at high water, has a rock 4 feet high Club. on the eastern end. A buoy is off the southern end of the (160) Greenwich Harbor, on the north side of Captain reef. Harbor and northeastward of Field Point, is entered through a dredged channel that leads northward 1.2 (169) Great Captain Island, 2.6 miles southwestward of miles to the head. The channel is buoyed for about 0.8 Greenwich Point, is 0.4 mile long, fringed with reefs, mile. In 2007, the controlling depth in the channel was and marked near its southeast end by a light. A munici- 7.2 feet, with shoaling to 5.7 feet at the head of the pal bathing beach and ferry landing are on the island. channel. Depths of 1.1 to 5.7 feet were available in the The landing has reported depths of about 3 feet. A buoy northerly basin, except for shoaling to bare in the north- marks the reef making off 0.3 mile from the southwest- west corner, and depths of 3.1 to 7.0 feet were available ern end. The passage between Great and Little Captain in the southerly basin, except for shoaling to bare along Islands is foul and not recommended. the west edge. (161) A 5 mph speed limit is enforced in the harbor. (170) Great Captain Island Light (40°58'57\"N., (162) Greenwich is a city on the railroad at the head of 73°37'23\"W.), 62 feet above the water, is shown from the harbor. The wharves are along the point on the east a skeleton tower with a red and white diamond-shaped side of Greenwich Harbor. The harbormaster at Green- dayboard on the southeast part of the island. A sound wich can be contacted through the Greenwich Police signal is at the light. Department. A police boat patrols the harbor during the summer season. (171) Little Captain Island, a summer resort about 0.6 (163) Several private yacht and boat clubs are in Green- mile northeast of Great Captain Island, has a municipal wich Harbor. Gasoline and diesel fuel are available at a bathing beach and ferry landing. The landing has re- small-craft facility on the west side of the harbor at ported depths of about 8 feet. A reef extends about 250 Grass Island. During the summer, a ferry operates from yards northeasterly to Wee Captain Island. An area of the town landing at the head of the harbor to Little boulders and broken ground extends 0.4 mile eastward Captain Island, Great Captain Island, and Calf Islands. and northeastward from the island and is marked by a lighted gong buoy. Hen and Chickens, a group of rocks (164) Byram Harbor, a bight used by small craft, is at the and boulders about 0.4 mile northeastward of Little northwest end of Captain Harbor, just northward of Calf Captain Island, is marked by a buoy on the north side. Islands. Wilson Head, 2 feet high, on a reef that uncov- ers, is in the middle of the entrance of the bight and is Currents marked by a buoy off the eastern end. The entrance to (172) The tidal current in the entrance between Little Byram Harbor from eastward lies between Otter Rocks and Bowers Island. Otter Rocks, which uncover 3 feet, Captain Island and Flat Neck Point has a velocity of are marked by a lighted buoy about 150 yards to the about 0.7 knot. Between Jones Rocks and Cormorant southward; a submerged rock is close northward of the Reef the estimated velocity is 1 knot. buoy. Bowers Island, just eastward of Calf Islands, is marked by a clump of trees and surrounded by a drying Ice reef; a buoy marks the north end of the reef. A rocky (173) Ice forms in the winter in all the coves and over the ledge makes out from the point 300 yards northwest- ward of Otter Rocks, and is marked by a buoy. Private greater part of Captain Harbor. It sometimes extends small-craft facilities are on the west side of the harbor. out of the line of Little and Great Captain Islands. (165) The southeastward approach to Byram Harbor is buoyed. A narrow channel also leads to the harbor from Routes southwestward, passing southward of Huckleberry Is- (174) From eastward, a course of about 298° midway lands and between the northwest one of the Calf Islands and the two nearest rocks, which are sometimes marked between the buoys marking the shoals off Flat Neck by a private daybeacon. The rocks 90 yards off the south- Point on the east and Wee Captain Island on the west west end of Huckleberry Islands are bare at low water. will bring a vessel to a point 0.2 mile north of Hen and (166) Grassy Rocks, 0.3 mile westward of the southerly Chickens Buoy 1A. From here a heading of 250°, with tip of Calf Islands, uncover 7 feet. The four large ledges the southerly tip of Calf Islands ahead, will lead to an- northwestward and westward of Grassy Rocks generally chorage off the entrance of Greenwich Harbor. show at low water. (175) From westward, a course of 014° for Jones Rocks (167) Jones Rocks, partly bare at high water, are at the Light 3 will lead into the Captain Harbor anchorage. southeast end of the foul ground that extends over 0.2 Proceed with caution when crossing the broken rocky mile southeastward from the south end of Calf Islands. area on which the least found depth is 12 feet, extending The rocks are marked by a light. 0.4 mile westward from the western end of Great Cap- tain Island. Vessels should pass 100 yards southeastward of Jones Rocks Light 3, and over 100 yards northward of the buoy northwestward of Cormorant Reef, and steer 070° in the harbor. (176) Port Chester Harbor, about 1.2 miles westward of Great Captain Island, is the entrance to Byram River

Chapter 9      Western Long Island Sound      321 which leads to the city of Port Chester and the town An opening suitable for small craft leads to Rye Beach; of Byram (East Port Chester). The harbor entrance is it is buoyed. between the breakwater that extends southward from (183) Playland, a recreational center at Rye Beach, about Byram Point on the north and North Manursing Island 2.4 miles southwest of Great Captain Island, has promi- on the south; a light is on the outer end of the breakwa- nent twin towers at the entrance which are conspicuous ter. The lower section of the river forms the boundary from a southeasterly direction. Westward and close to between New York and Connecticut. the north breakwater is a former ferry landing in disre- (177) The harbor is entered from Long Island Sound pair. A breakwater extends eastward from the south end through a dredged channel that leads northward for 1.2 of Rye Beach. The area between the former ferry landing miles to a turning basin in Byram River, and thence and the south breakwater is reserved for swimming. for another 0.15 mile to just below the Mill Street fixed (184) Forbes Rocks, about 0.4 mile south of the Rye bridge, the head of practical navigation on the river. A Beach breakwater, are partly bare at low water, on a Federal project provides for a depth of 12 feet in the an- reef with depths of 4 to 11 feet that extends 250 yards chorage area and 12 feet in the channel to just landward to the southward and eastward. A buoy marks the east of the Yacht Club, thence 10 feet to the basin, thence end of the reef. A channel good for a depth of 9 feet leads 3 feet to the head of the project about 30 yards below southward of buoyed Forlies Rocks to the ruins of a the second fixed bridge (Mill Street fixed bridge). (See wharf at Oakland Beach. Another channel with a least Notice to Mariners and latest edition of chart 12367 for depth of 8 feet leads southward from Oakland Beach to controlling depths.) The channel is marked to a point the sound. about 0.3 mile above the entrance. (185) Porgy Shoal, about 0.8 mile south of the Rye Beach (178) The New England Thruway fixed bridge, with a breakwater, has a least found depth of 5 feet; it is marked clearance of 60 feet, crosses the river about 0.8 mile by a lighted buoy. above the channel entrance. (186) Scotch Caps are three rocky islets 1.4 miles south- westward from Porgy Shoal and on the northwest side of Routes the extensive reefs which make out 0.9 mile southwest- (179) The approach to Port Chester is obstructed by ward of Milton Point. The southerly end of the reefs is marked by a lighted bell buoy about 0.6 mile southward rocks, but is not difficult with the aid of the chart. From of Scotch Caps. The entire area of the reef northward southward it is safer to pass eastward of Bluefish Shoal. and northeastward of the lighted bell buoy is very bro- Fourfoot Rocks may be passed on either side, remem- ken and should be avoided even by small craft in the bering that the buoy is at the south end of the rocks. absence of local knowledge. Entering the harbor, pass westward of Great Captain (187) West Rock, just south of the south end of Scotch Rocks, eastward of Manursing Island Reef, and 150 feet Caps, is marked by a buoy. southward of Port Chester Light 4 on the end of the (188) Milton Harbor, between Peningo Neck and Hen breakwater. The channel in Byram River is fairly well Island, is used as a summer anchorage by small plea- defined at low water, but requires local knowledge for sure craft. It is protected from all but southwesterly the best water; strangers should take it on a rising tide winds. The harbor depths decrease from 8 feet between and proceed with caution. Scotch Caps and the southwest end of Hen Island to 6 feet abreast Milton Point. (189) Foul ground is on the northwest side near Hen Island; otherwise the principal danger in the harbor (180) Principal commerce is in building materials, fuel is a rock bare at low water and marked by a buoy a oil, and petroleum products, carried in vessels drawing little northward of midway between Milton Point and 5 to 14 feet. Barges discharge oil cargoes at a terminal the northeast end of Hen Island. The best entrance is with reported depths of 12 feet alongside. between the buoys 0.4 mile southwestward of Scotch Caps. Small-craft facilities (190) A yacht club and landing are near the southwest (181) There are several small-craft facilities in Port Ches- end of Milton Point. Near the clubhouse is a prominent white flagstaff from which lights are exhibited from sun- ter Harbor, and on the Byram River at Port Chester and set to sunrise during the summer. Byram. (See the small-craft facilities tabulation on (191) A dredged channel, marked by buoys, leads through chart 12364 for services and supplies available.) the harbor from about 400 yards northward of Milton Point to the city boat basin and marina below Mill Pond. In 2010, the midchannel controlling depth was 2.4 feet to the boat basin, thence 0.7 foot at midchannel in the (182) The area from Great Captain Island southwest- basin’s north channel and 3.0 feet at midchannel in the ward is fringed with rocks, bare and submerged, and basin’s south channel; in 1980-1981, depths of 2 to 6 feet foul ground. Great Captain Rocks, part of a reef 0.3 were available in the center of the basin. Two boatyards mile southeastward of Port Chester Light 4, uncover 5 to 6 feet; a buoy marks the southern end of the reef. Transport Rock, about 0.3 mile south-southwestward of Manursing Island, is part of several ledges generally bare at high water which extend some 0.3 mile offshore.

322      Western Long Island Sound      Volume 2  N Larchmont Harbor, New York Image courtesy of Airphoto/Jim Wark (2004) are in the harbor. The largest marine railway can handle by lighted and unlighted buoys. The basins are usually craft up to 40 feet in length; gasoline, water, ice, marine filled with moorings of local craft. supplies, and complete engine and hull repairs are avail- able. The city harbormaster is at the boat basin. Caution (192) Mamaroneck Harbor, an open bight between Hen (195) A pipeline covered about 6 feet crosses the western Island and Delancey Point, is exposed to southerly winds, but affords shelter against northerly weather. branch channel about 50 yards above the junction. Mar- Depths in the outer harbor range from 7 to 12 feet. iners are advised to exercise caution and reduce speed Important dangers are buoyed; these include Outer while transiting this area. Steamboat Rock, near the dredged channel entrance, and Ship Rock, about 0.5 mile southeastward of Outer Steamboat Rock. (193) About 1 mile northwest of Outer Steamboat Rock is (196) The harbormaster has an office on the south side of the incinerator tower, a red brick building with a large Harbor Island. The harbormaster controls all moorings glass tower, which is a prominent landmark. and can be contacted on VHF-FM channel 16; call sign WZX-8038. A speed limit of 5 mph is enforced in the Channels harbor. A village police boat patrols the harbor during (194) A Federal project provides for a 10-foot channel the summer season. entering the harbor and leading about 0.5 mile west- (197) The town of Mamaroneck extends from both sides northwestward to the intersection with two dredged of the harbor. Petroleum products, carried by barges, branch channels leading to basins northward and west- are the main commerce in the harbor. ward of the junction. The channel leading northward to the east basin has a project depth of 10 feet, thence 6 feet No-Discharge Zone in the main anchorage area; to the west of the junction, (198) The State of New York, with the approval of the the channel and anchorage area have a project depth of 6 feet. (See Notice to Mariners and the latest edition of the Environmental Protection Agency, has established a chart for controlling depths.) The entrance channel and No-Discharge Zone (NDZ) in Mamaroneck Harbor. The the branch channel to the northern basin are marked NDZ includes waters north of a line drawn in a north- easterly direction from the southern tip of the sea wall at Orienta Point to a point on the mainland immediately north of Spike Island (see chart 12364 for limits).

Chapter 9      Western Long Island Sound      323 (199) Within the NDZ, discharge of sewage, whether off the west side of the shoal and marked by a buoy. A treated or untreated, from all vessels is prohibited. buoy marks the north end of the shoal. Outside the NDZ, discharge of sewage is regulated by (208) Bailey Rock, which uncovers 4 feet, is near the end 40 CFR 140 (see chapter 2). of a reef that extends about 200 yards off the point of Davenport Neck. The rock is marked by a lighted buoy. Supplies and repairs (209) The bay is an anchorage for small craft and gener- (200) There are numerous boatyards and marinas in Ma- ally is fully occupied during the summer. Depths range from 4 to 15 feet. Small craft can anchor in the shal- maroneck Harbor. (See the small-craft facilities tabula- low cove on the northeast side of the harbor, entering tion on chart 12364 for services and supplies available.) between Harrison Island and the rocky, grassy islet off the northwest side of Echo Island. Vessels can anchor in the general anchorages on either side of the entrance, in depths of 20 to 24 feet. (See 110.1 and 110.155 (a) (2), (201) Foul ground extends southwesterly from eastward (a) (3), and (1), chapter 2, for limits and regulations.) of Delancey Point to the Larchmont Harbor breakwater Vessels should not anchor near the sewer outlet in the off Edgewater Point, on the east side of the harbor en- middle of the bay. A special anchorage is in Echo Bay. trance; a light is on the end of the breakwater. Hen and (See 110.1 and 110.60 (b-1), chapter 2, for limits and Chickens, a reef bare at low water in places, lies off the regulations.) harbor entrance; surrounding depths are 8 to 17 feet on (210) A 4 mph speed limit is enforced in Echo Bay. the outer parts of the reef. About 0.3 mile westward of (211) A dredged channel, on the northwest side of Echo the breakwater light is Dauntless Rock, covered 8 feet, Bay, leads to a municipal wharf and turning basin at and surrounded by depths of 14 to 16 feet. These dangers Beaufort Point. The channel is marked by buoys to the are buoyed. turning basin. In 1985, the controlling depth was 8½ feet at midchannel to the basin, with 6½ to 7 feet in the (202) Larchmont Harbor is between Edgewater Point basin. and Umbrella Point and about 2.5 miles northward of (212) The area northward of the turning basin, locally Execution Rocks Light. The harbor is the headquarters known as Ferris Creek, is shoal with extensive mud flats of the Larchmont Yacht Club. Anchorage depths range that bare at low water. Southwesterly of the turning from about 12 feet in the entrance to 5 feet near Great basin, the depth varies from 9 feet to bare at the head Knob, an islet in the north central part of the harbor. In of the harbor. summer the harbor is full of mooring buoys for small (213) New Rochelle is a city on the western shore of Echo yachts. The rocks on the west side are marked, whereas Bay. unmarked shoals extend 200 yards from the eastern (214) The municipal wharf is on the northeast side of shore. The anchorage for larger vessels is westward of Beaufort Point. The city police patrol boats usually the breakwater. moor alongside the wharf. A small-craft facility and a municipal marina are in the northern part of Echo Bay. (203) Umbrella Rock, marked by a buoy, is 250 yards east- Berths, electricity, gasoline, diesel fuel, water, ice, and ward of Umbrella Point. A few rocks of a breakwater, lifts to 25 tons are available; hull and engine repairs which was started on Umbrella Rock, are awash at high can be made. The municipal marina monitors VHF-FM water. North Ledge, bare at half tide, is near the west- channel 16. ern shore southeastward of the yacht club; it is marked (215) Pine Island, between Davenport Neck and Middle by a private daybeacon. The principal landing, with a Ground, is rocky, covered with brush, and occupied by reported depth of about 6 feet alongside, is on the south- several cottages. A small private landing is on the west east side of the yacht club and is lighted from sunset to side of the island. Two bare rocks and a long bare ledge sunrise. are southwestward of the island. (204) Larchmont Harbor may be entered on either side Charts 12366, 12364 of Hen and Chickens. The easterly entrance, about 100 yards southwestward of the end of the breakwater, is (216) Davids Island, southward of Davenport Neck, is about 300 yards wide and has a depth of about 15 feet. owned by the city of New Rochelle. Reefs, partly bare at low water and marked by a lighted buoy, extend about (205) Horseshoe Harbor is a small cove just westward of 0.2 mile northward of the island. Davids Island is sur- Larchmont Harbor. A prominent gray building is at the rounded on its east and south sides by a foul area of is- head. The cove is used as a small-boat anchorage. lands and rocks, the passages between which should not be used by strangers, even in small craft. Huckleberry (206) Echo Bay, about 1 mile southwestward of Umbrella Island, at the eastern end of the group, is wooded. Pea Point and 2 miles northwestward of Execution Rocks Island, about 0.3 mile southeastward of Davids Island, Light, is the principal approach to New Rochelle. The bay is entered between Premium Point on the northeast and Davenport Neck on the southwest. Hicks Ledge, about 0.5 mile off the entrance, is covered 6 feet and marked on the south side by a buoy. (207) Middle Ground, an extensive shoal with a reef that uncovers 6 feet, lies about 0.5 mile south-southwest- ward of Hicks Ledge. Emerald Rock, covered 9 feet, is

324      Western Long Island Sound      Volume 2  is grass covered, and rocks bare at low water are south- depth of about 13 feet, leads from south-southwest of eastward of it. Columbia Island has been improved by Davids Island northward to a point abreast the former a seawall, making it about 150 feet square, with a pier ferry wharf on the island, thence through deeper natu- 150 feet long on the west side. ral water between Aunt Phebe Rock and Corning Rock (217) An obstruction, covered 17 feet, has been reported northward to the entrance to the harbor. A reef, bare in about 40°52.4'N., 073°45.4'W. about 0.3 mile south- at low water, makes off the west side of Davids Island southeastward of Pea Island. Mariners are advised to opposite the buoy marking Corning Rock. Another ap- exercise caution while navigating in this area. proach channel, through deeper water, leads from the (218) Execution Rocks, about 1.4 miles eastward of Da- northeast between Davids Island and Davenport Neck to vids Island, consist of many boulders and shoals of con- the entrance. Both channels are well marked. In 1990, siderable extent, marked by a light and buoys. Broken the narrow dredged channel in the harbor had a control- bottom, covered 5 to 19 feet, extends about 0.7 mile ling depth of 6 feet at midchannel to within 100 yards northward from the light. of the dam at the head. (219) Execution Rocks Light (40°52'41\"N., 73°44'16\"W.), 62 feet above the water, is shown from a white stone Anchorage tower with a brown band midway of its height, attached (226) Anchorage is not recommended in the harbor be- to a granite dwelling. (220) Middle Reef, 0.5 mile southward of Davids Island, cause of its congestion. General and special anchorages has some boulders which show at high water. East Non- are in adjacent waters southerly, extending as far as City ations and South Nonations are rocks that uncover 4 Island and Locust Point. (See 110.1, 110.60 (b), (c), feet between Middle Reef and Hart Island. South Non- (c-1), and (d) through (f), and 110.155 (a) (1), (a) ations is marked on its south side by a lighted bell buoy. (4), and (1), chapter 2, for limits and regulations.) (221) Aunt Phebe Rock, 300 yards west of Davids Island, is bare at half tide and marked by a light. In 1976, an obstruction covered 4 feet was reported about 400 yards northwestward of the light. Mariners are advised to ex- (227) Several yacht clubs, marinas, and boatyards are ercise caution while navigating in this area. in New Rochelle Harbor. (See the small-craft facilities (222) Goose Island, between Davids Island and Glen Is- tabulation on chart 12364 for services and supplies land, is almost completely surrounded by a rock break- available.) water, and has several bare rocks to the westward and southward. A house on pilings is prominent on the is- (228) A bascule bridge connecting Glen Island with land. Neptune Island has a clearance of 13 feet. (See 117.1 (223) Glen Island, 0.4 mile west of Davids Island, is a through 117.49, chapter 2, for drawbridge regula- public park used as a pleasure resort. Special permits tions.) Just south of the bridge is a yacht club on the are required prior to using the launching ramp on the east side of Neptune Island. island. A light is on the north end of the island. A beach protected by two jetties is on the southeast end of the (229) Orchard Beach, about 1 mile southwestward of island. The channel on the northwest side of Glen Island Davids Island, is a park developed by the State of New is much used as an anchorage by small craft, particu- York on the filled-in area between Hunter Island, to the larly those bound to the club on Travers Island to the north, and Rodman Neck, to the south. The inshore westward. The channel has a depth of about 7 feet. A water areas off the crescent beach are a swimming area no wake speed limit is enforced. Glen Island Channel, and are closed to general navigation. The swimming marked by buoys, is on the south-southwest side of the area is marked by private buoys. A bathing pavilion and island. The channel entrance is between Hog Island and a flagstaff are prominent. Chimney Sweeps, two promi- Glen Island and runs along the southwest edge of Glen nent bare rocks, are about 0.4 mile east of the beach. Island to the channel between Travers Islands and Glen Island. In 1990, the controlling depth in the channel (230) Hart Island, about 1.8 miles southwest of Execu- was 6½ feet except for a 2½ foot shoal spot in the west tion Rocks Light, is the site of a New York Department side of the channel about 100 yards northwest of Glen of Correction facility. A stack on the southern part of the Island Channel Buoy 6. island and the buildings on the island are prominent. (224) New Rochelle Harbor lies between the mainland, A reef extends about 200 yards southeastward from the and westward of Davenport Neck, and Glen Island; it is south end of the island and is marked by a light. Caution off the southerly part of the city of New Rochelle. How- is advised to avoid the 9-foot obstruction and the wreck ever, the main access of New Rochelle is through Echo with 13 feet over it which are 0.3 mile west of the light. Bay, previously discussed. (225) New Rochelle Harbor is entered between Glen Is- (231) Rat Island is a high bare rock about 0.4 mile west land and Davenport Neck. An approach channel, with a of Hart Island. The Blauzes, 13 feet high, are a part of the reef which extends 0.3 mile northwestward from the north end of Hart Island. (232) City Island, on the northeast side of Eastchester Bay, is narrow and over 1 mile in length. It is thickly settled and has a commercialized appearance. The west side is residential and the east side is industrialized with several shipyards and other marine-related facilities.

Chapter 9      Western Long Island Sound      325 Pilotage, City Island Ice (233) A pilot boat of United New York New Jersey Sandy (241) Ice seldom interferes with navigation of powered Hook Pilot Association moors at City Island. See Pilot- vessels. age, New York Harbor from Long Island Sound (indexed as such), chapter 11. Supplies (234) High Island is 200 yards northeastward of the (242) Gasoline, lubricants, and marine supplies of all north end of City Island to which it is connected by a fixed footbridge with a clearance of 11 feet. The ground kinds are available at City Island. Water is piped to some under the bridge is reported to bare about 1 foot at low of the wharves; ice, electrical connections, guest moor- water. A 528-foot-high radio tower, marked on top by ings, and dry and wet storage are readily available. red lights, is prominent on High Island. Communications Anchorages (243) Buses serve the subway system of New York City. (235) The usual anchorage for deep-draft vessels is south- eastward of City Island, southward of a line joining the south ends of Hart and City Islands. When anchoring, (244) Eastchester Bay, between City Island and Throgs avoid Deep Reef, a small rocky patch covered 29 feet. Neck, has general depths of 7 to 10 feet in the lower part Other general and special anchorages are in the vicinity. and 3 to 5 feet in the upper part. The shores of the bay are (See 110.1, 110.60, and 110.155, chapter 2, for limits fringed with boulders, and there are many shoals and and regulations.) several wrecks. Caution is essential, especially where the depths are not more than 3 feet greater than the drafts. (236) A long pier in ruins and a wide stone pier, the top of (245) Hutchinson River empties into the north end of which is used as a parking area, are at the south end of Eastchester Bay. A dredged channel marked by buoys City Island at Belden Point. The western shore of Hart leads from the river mouth for about 2.5 miles to the Island and the wharves on City Island should be given a head of navigation at the city of Pelham. In 2009-2010, berth of about 150 yards. the controlling depth in the middle half of the channel was 4 feet from the mouth of the river to the head of (237) The channel between City Island and Rodman Neck navigation just above the Fulton Avenue Bridge. Mari- is used extensively as an anchorage by small pleasure ners are cautioned that depths along the sides of the craft during the summer. A no wake speed limit is en- channel are considerably less than the middle half of forced. Boat clubs and railways for small craft are on the the channel. northwest side of City Island. The shores are generally fringed with boulders and should be approached with (246) Special anchorages are in Eastchester Bay. (See caution. The north shores of High Island and City Is- 110.1 and 110.60 (d), (e), and (f), chapter 2, for limits land northeastward of the bridge are very foul, and boats and regulations.) should avoid the shoals with depths less than 12 feet on that side. (247) A safety and security zone has been established in Eastchester Bay surrounding much of the shoreline of (238) City Island is connected with Rodman Neck by a Rodman Neck. (See 33 CFR 165.169, chapter 2, for highway swing bridge, kept in the closed position, with limits and regulations.) a clearance of 12 feet. (See 117.779, chapter 2, for draw- bridge regulations.) Currents at the bridge are variable (248) The dangers in Eastchester Bay include Big Tom and at times exceed 1.5 knots. (See the Tidal Current on the east side near the entrance, covered 2 feet and Tables.) marked by a buoy on the east end, and Cuban Ledge, covered at half tide and marked by a daybeacon and (239) City Island Harbor, also called Hart Island Roads, Cuban Ledge Lighted Buoy 2 close southwestward. Nu- is between Hart Island and City Island. It is well shel- merous rocks and shoals are on both sides of the chan- tered from easterly and westerly winds and is an im- nel near the entrance to Hutchinson River. portant anchorage for coasting vessels in the western end of Long Island Sound. Besides serving as a harbor (249) Bridges and overhead cables crossing Hutchinson of refuge, it is often used by vessels desiring pilots or River are listed by type, distance above the dredged towboats, or awaiting orders. A spire in the center of City channel entrance, and clearance as follows: bascule, Island and a steeple in the northerly part of the island 0.35 mile, 13 feet; rolling lift, 0.5 mile, 8 feet; overhead are conspicuous objects. power cable at bridge, 130 feet; bascule, 0.9 mile, 30 feet; fixed, 1.9 miles, 50 feet; fixed, 2.1 miles, 50 feet; over- Currents head pipeline, 2.5 miles, 130 feet; bascule, 2.6 miles, 6 (240) The tidal current has a velocity of about 0.3 knot. feet. (See 117.1 through 117.59 and 117.793, chapter 2, for drawbridge regulations.) (250) The Pelham Parkway bascule bridge, 0.35 mile above the entrance and the Amtrak lift bridge, 0.5 mile above the entrance, are equipped with radiotelephones.

326      Western Long Island Sound      Volume 2  The bridgetenders monitor VHF-FM channel 13; call leads southwestward to a steel bulkheaded yacht club signs KU–9758, KU–6095, and KXS–298, respectively. wharf and pavilion at the village of Stony Brook, 0.5 (251) Eastchester is a village on the west side of the mile inside the entrance, and the other, Porpoise Chan- Hutchinson River about 1.5 miles above Pelham High- nel, leads westward to a yacht club at the northwestern way Bridge. Commerce on the river to Eastchester is end of the harbor; gasoline is available at both clubs. In in building materials, fuel oil, and petroleum products. 1994, a depth of 6 feet was reported in both the south- Pelham is on the east side of the river above Eastchester. westerly channel and Porpoise Channel. The channels (252) Weir Creek is a bight on the west side of the bay are marked by private seasonal lighted and unlighted near the entrance. buoys. The buoys are periodically moved to mark the (253) Locust Point is about 0.8 mile southeastward of best water. Weir Creek. A cove just southwestward of the point pro- (260) A speed limit of 5 mph is enforced in Stony Brook vides small-boat shelter. Rocks, bare at low water, are on Harbor and Porpoise Channel. the north side of the approach. The entrance has a depth of about 5 feet. Inside the cove, depths range from 20 Small-craft facilities feet at the south end to about 4 feet at the north end. A (261) Small-craft facilities are in the harbor. (See the yacht club and marina are in the cove. A marina at the head of the cove has a mobile hoist that can handle craft small-craft facilities tabulation on chart 12364 for ser- to 30 tons for engine and hull repairs. Gasoline, water, vices and supplies available.) ice, and marine supplies are available at the marina; depths of about 7 to 10 feet are reported at the wharf. (254) The northern approach viaduct of the Throgs Neck Bridge crosses the cove from Locust Point to Throgs (262) The railroad station is about 1 mile from the wharf Neck. The fixed spans of the viaduct have a minimum at Stony Brook. clearance of 123 feet. (263) A high bluff is between Stony Brook Harbor and Currents Nissequogue River, another between Nissequogue River (255) Tidal currents have a velocity of 0.4 knot in the and Sunken Meadow Creek, and bluffs in places between Sunken Meadow Creek and Northport Bay. vicinity of Big Tom, and 0.8 knot at Pelham Bridge. (264) Nissequogue River, a shallow crooked stream Charts 12363, 12364 about 4 miles westward of the entrance to Stony Brook Harbor, is entered through a privately dredged channel (256) Old Field Point, about 5 miles southward of Strat- that leads southward from Smithtown Bay for about 1.4 ford Shoal (Middle Ground) Light, is a low bluff with miles into the river. In 1995, the channel had a reported a light and an abandoned tower on its summit. Boul- controlling depth of 8 feet. Rocks and shoals, bare at ders extend a short distance off the point, and the light low water, are on the bar outside the entrance. Private should be given a berth of about 0.3 mile, even by small seasonal lighted buoys mark the channel. Strong tidal craft. A gong buoy is 0.6 mile northward of the point. currents are reported in the channel. A speed limit of Depths of 14 to 18 feet are found about 0.4 mile north- 5 mph is enforced on the river. Guest moorings, gaso- ward of the light. line, water, and limited supplies are available at a marina on the west side of the river, about 0.9 mile above the (257) Crane Neck Point, 2 miles westward of Old Field channel entrance. In 1995, a depth of 3 feet was re- Point, is a bare conspicuous bluff about 90 feet high and ported alongside the marina. A State hospital, a group covered on top with brush. of buildings with green roofs, and two large red brick chimneys are prominent about 0.5 mile southwestward (258) Smithtown Bay, a broad open bight on the south of the river entrance. Farther westward, a brick building side of the sound, extends 7 miles westward from Crane and a stack are also prominent. The railroad station is Neck Point. Rocky shoals extend 1 mile in places from at Kings Park. the shore, the water shoaling abruptly from 51 feet in places. A good summer anchorage in 30 to 50 feet shel- Charts 12365, 12364 tered from easterly winds is found about 1 mile south- ward of Crane Neck Point. (265) Northport Basin, about 10.5 miles westward of Old Field Point Light and 2.7 miles southeastward of Eatons (259) Stony Brook Harbor is a narrow shallow bay in Neck Point, is a small privately maintained basin with the southeastern part of Smithtown Bay. The approach general depths of 7 to 20 feet, and formed by gravel to the harbor from the bay is over a bar which extends dredges working into the high bank; greater depths are 0.8 mile off the entrance; the outer end of the bar is available. In 1977, the privately dredged entrance chan- marked by a seasonal lighted buoy and the approach nel had a controlling depth of 12 feet. The channel is to the harbor is marked by private lighted buoys. In marked by a private lighted buoy and unlighted buoys; 1981, 3½ feet was reported over the bar. Two branch submerged jetties extend northward from the east and channels lead from the entrance into the harbor; one west sides of the entrance. A dangerous rock is close northward of the seaward end of the west jetty. The four

Chapter 9      Western Long Island Sound      327 stacks of a power and light company on the east side of are buoys farther inside the basin. The basin is subject the basin are prominent. A town launching ramp is in to frequent changes and the buoys in the basin are not the basin. charted because they are frequently shifted in position. (266) An aquaculture site, marked by a private buoy, In 1994, depths of 10 feet could be carried through the is about 1.2 miles northwestward of the entrance to entrance. In 1987, shoaling to an unknown depth was Northport Basin. reported in the entrance channel. Offshore Terminal, Northport Caution (267) An offshore platform for the receipt of oil, is off (274) Eatons Neck Basin Channel is maintained expressly Northport. The terminal is owned and operated by Long to enhance the Eatons Neck Coast Guard Station’s res- Island Lighting Company (LILCO), Northport, NY. The cue response. Further, Eatons Neck Basin has become platform, with off-lying mooring buoys, is about 1.6 one of the most congested small-boat anchorages in the miles northward of the entrance to Northport Basin and area in the summer. Mariners are cautioned that heavy about 2.4 miles eastward of Eatons Neck Light. Sub- wakes from rescue craft departing the station may be merged pipelines extend from the shore to the platform. experienced by small craft anchoring in this area. The platform is marked at its eastern end by a private (275) Shoals with depths of 4 to 18 feet extend about light, and at the western end by a private light and sound 0.9 mile northward of Eatons Neck, and broken ridges signal. extend northward for another 1.8 miles. The northern (268) Upon the scheduled approach of an incoming ves- end of each area is marked by a buoy. sel, the platform, voice call “LILCO Northport Power Station” or “LILCO Dock at Northport”, monitors VHF- FM channel 19. (276) Huntington Bay, just westward of Eatons Neck, is Pilotage, Offshore Terminal, Northport the approach to Northport Bay and Harbor, Centerport (269) Pilotage by a state licensed pilot is compulsory in Harbor, Huntington Harbor, and Lloyd Harbor. The bay, protected against all but northerly winds, is an excellent Long Island Sound for foreign flag vessels and U.S. ves- anchorage for large vessels. Depths range from 25 to 36 sels which are under register (i.e. engaged in foreign feet, fairly close to its southern end, and anchorage can trade). Such vessels can arrange for a state licensed pilot be selected according to draft and wind direction. by contacting the joint rotation administrator, Block Island Pilots at 243 Spring Street, Newport, RI 02840; (277) An obstruction covered by 23 feet is about 0.8 mile telephone 401-487-9050 (24 hours), 800-274-1216; southwestward of Eatons Neck Light. FAX 401-847-9052. Enrolled vessels (i.e. U.S. vessels engaged in coastwise trade) may be required to have (278) A 017°56'–197°56' measured half nautical mile a U.S. Coast Guard Federally Licensed pilot unless the is on the west side of Eatons Neck. Triangular orange master has recency for the intended area. See Pilotage, shore ranges mark the ends of the course. Long Island Sound (indexed as such), chapter 8 and Pilotage, New York Harbor and Approaches (indexed as (279) Anchorage with shelter from northwesterly winds such), chapter 11. can be had for small vessels at the southwesterly end of Huntington Bay, 0.4 mile northeastward of Huntington Harbor Light, in 18 to 36 feet. The arms of the bay pro- vide secure harbors; Northport Bay is used generally by the larger vessels. Tugs Currents (270) Tug service is available from New Haven, Provi- (280) In Huntington Bay the velocity of the tidal current dence, Brooklyn, or Staten Island on advance notice. is 0.5 knot off East Fort Point and 0.4 knot in the en- trance to Northport Bay. (See the Tidal Current Tables for predictions.) (281) Duck Island Harbor is a shallow cove on the north (271) Eatons Neck is a prominent wooded headland with side of Northport Bay westward of Duck Island Bluff. elevations of 100 feet or more, and marked at its north Depths range from 6 to 9 feet in the entrance. The south end by a light and tower of Eatons Neck Coast Guard side of Duck Island Bluff and the southeast side of Win- Station. kle Point should be given berths of 300 and 400 yards, respectively, to avoid shoal water and inshore rocks. (272) Eatons Neck Light (40°57'14\"N., 73°23'43\"W.), 144 (282) A 5 mph speed limit is enforced in Duck Island feet above the water, is shown from a 73-foot white stone Harbor. tower; a sound signal is at the light. (283) Northport Bay, which opens off the southeast end of Huntington Bay, provides good anchorage in 20 to 50 (273) The northwest end of the neck is a spit in the form feet in its western part, and in 8 to 11 feet in the eastern of a hook which encloses Eatons Neck Basin. Eatons half. The entrance to the bay is marked by a lighted buoy, Neck Coast Guard Station is at the head of the basin. The basin is entered through a privately dredged cut between two small riprap jetties about 0.5 mile south- westward of the light; the jetties are covered at half tide. The channel between the jetties is buoyed, and there

328      Western Long Island Sound      Volume 2  and the entrance channel, privately dredged to about The harbor serves the small-boat interests of the village 12 feet, is buoyed. of Centerport. In 1981, a reported depth of about 7 feet (284) An amber light, maintained at the public landing by could be taken through the privately dredged channel the town of Northport, is a conspicuous mark at night to the spit extending southwesterly from Little Neck, for vessels making the wharves at Northport. thence about 3 feet to a boatyard on the west side of the (285) A privately dredged channel at the eastern end of harbor just below the bridge. The channel is marked Northport Bay leads to a dredge basin formerly used by by private seasonal buoys. Berths, moorings, electricity, a sand and gravel company on the north side of Bluff water, storage, marine supplies, and a launching ramp Point. Several private landings and moorings are in the are available. A flatbed trailer can haul out craft to 32 basin. In 2008, the channel had a reported controlling feet; hull and engine repairs can be made. depth of 4.2 feet with shoaling to 1.8 feet along the chan- nel limits. Anchorage (286) Northport Harbor is at the southeastern end of (294) A special anchorage is in Centerport Harbor. (See Northport Bay and is entered by a dredged channel that leads along the waterfront of Northport and an anchor- 110.1 and 110.60 (a-1), chapter 2, for limits and regu- age basin west of the village. The channel is marked by lations.) private seasonal buoys. In 1994, the controlling depth was 5 feet in the channel with 5 to 6 feet available in the anchorage basin. A channel leads from the town landing to a boatyard and marina at the southeast end (295) Huntington Harbor, at the southwest end of Hun- of the harbor and is marked by private seasonal buoys. tington Bay, is entered through a marked channel that In 1995, reported depths of 5 feet were available in the leads to an anchorage off Huntington Town Dock, about channel. The boatyard channel is marked by buoys and 2 miles above the channel entrance. A depth of about 8 by a lighted buoy at the entrance; these aids are seasonal feet can be carried in the channel. Huntington Harbor and privately maintained. An alternate channel, marked Light (40°54'39\"N., 73°25'52\"W.), 42 feet above the wa- by private buoys, with a reported controlling depth of ter and shown from a square concrete tower attached 2 feet in 1990, leads from opposite the public landing to a dwelling on a rectangular pier, is on the west side along the west side of the harbor to the head. A 5 mph of the entrance to Huntington Harbor and on the south speed limit marker is in the entrance to the harbor. side of the entrance to Lloyd Harbor. A sound signal is (287) Bird Island, a bird sanctuary in the southern part at the light. of the harbor, is a low, grass-covered, man-made island. (296) The channel is marked by a light and by lighted, Ice unlighted, and private unlighted buoys. Some of the (288) During severe winters, ice may close the harbor for private buoys are seasonal. about 2 months. (297) The wharf just southward of Huntington Town Dock South is used by sand and gravel barges. The bay Anchorage constable has an office at the head of the harbor im- (289) Vessels select anchorage according to draft in the mediately southward of Huntington Town Dock North. harbor; bottom is soft. (298) A boulder reef, on the west side of the entrance, (290) A special anchorage is in Northport Harbor. (See extends out to Huntington Harbor Light. An obstruc- tion, reported covered 4½ feet, is 0.35 mile eastward of 110.1 and 110.60 (a-2), chapter 2, for limits and regu- the light. lations.) (299) In 1991, a dangerous wreck was reported between Buoys 9 and 11 in about 40°53'54.9\"N., 73°25'46.1\"W. (291) Northport is a village with bus communications Currents on the eastern shore of Northport Harbor. Depths at (300) The tidal currents in the entrance channel have an the principal wharves are about 6 to 8 feet. The greatest depth that can be taken to Northport is about 14 feet at estimated velocity of 2 knots. high water. Anchorage Small-craft facilities (301) A special anchorage is in Huntington Harbor. (See (292) Several small-craft facilities are on the east side and 110.1 and 110.60 (a), chapter 2, for limits and regula- the head of the harbor, and a yacht club is on the west tions.) side. (See the small-craft facilities tabulation on chart 12364 for services and supplies available.) No-Discharge Zone (302) The State of New York, with the approval of the Environmental Protection Agency, has established a (293) Centerport Harbor is a shoal bight on the south No-Discharge Zone (NDZ) in the Greater Huntington- shore of Northport Bay just eastward of the entrance. Northport Bay Complex. The water bodies included are Lower Huntington Bay, Northport Bay, Centerport Harbor, Northport Harbor, Duck Island Harbor and

Chapter 9      Western Long Island Sound      329 Price Bend. The northern boundary line extends from about 1 mile northward of Lloyd Point marks the north- the southernmost point at East Beach (Lloyd Harbor) ern limit of the 30-foot curve in this vicinity. easterly to the southernmost point at West Beach (Sand (312) Morris Rock, about 0.5 mile eastward of Lloyd City Beach) (see chart 12365). Point, is covered by a least depth of 2 feet. The rock is (303) Within the NDZ, discharge of sewage, whether marked by a buoy. treated or untreated, from all vessels is prohibited. (313) The long jetty, about 0.6 mile southwestward of Outside the NDZ, discharge of sewage is regulated by Lloyd Point, forms the southern entrance point to The 40 CFR 140 (see chapter 2). Sand Hole, a pond that has been dredged into the spit by a sand and gravel company. The pond is State controlled and may be entered by steering a midchannel course through the entrance. It is used considerably by local (304) A 5-mph speed limit is enforced in the harbor. boats as an anchorage and harbor of refuge. The holding (305) Huntington and Halesite are villages at the head ground is good. (314) In 1981, reported depths of about 12 feet were in of the harbor. The yacht club landing on the east side the entrance channel and about 4 to 22 feet in the basin. of the harbor has a depth of about 10 feet alongside. (315) Rocky Point, the northern promontory of Cen- Gasoline, diesel fuel, berths, electricity, water, and ice tre Island, is a small bluff on whose summit is a large can be obtained here. Yachts may anchor off the landing, prominent house. An extensive foul area with depths of but must keep clear of the channel. 2 to 17 feet extends about 1 mile northward of Rocky (306) Coindre Hall, a large brick building with a red roof Point. A bell buoy marks the northern end of this foul and numerous chimneys at the entrance to the harbor, area. This area is dangerous and should be avoided. and Huntington Hospital, well lighted at night, at the (316) A shoal area with depths of 4 to 11 feet extends head of the harbor are prominent. eastward from Rocky Point nearly across Oyster Bay and is marked near its eastern end by Cold Spring Harbor Small-craft facilities Light. Small craft with local knowledge cross the shoal (307) There are several marinas, boatyards, and private at a distance of about 0.4 mile westward of the light, but strangers should not attempt it. boat clubs in Huntington Harbor. (See the small-craft facilities tabulation on chart 12364 for services and sup- Currents plies available.) (317) About 0.4 mile northwest of Cold Spring Harbor Light the velocity is about 0.5 knot; about 0.2 mile north of Cove Point, 1.2 miles southwestward, it is about 0.8 (308) Lloyd Harbor extends westward from Huntington knot. For predictions, the Tidal Current Tables should Bay nearly to Oyster Bay, from which it is separated by be consulted. a narrow strip of land. Vessels can anchor just inside the entrance, in depths of 7 to 11 feet. The entrance to Ice the harbor is marked by buoys. A speed limit of 5 mph (318) During severe winters ice has been known to ex- is enforced in the harbor. tend the full length of the bay during part of January (309) Oyster Bay, on the south side of Long Island and February. Sound about 5 miles westward of Eatons Neck Light, lies between Lloyd Neck and Rocky Point and is the ap- proach to Cold Spring Harbor and Oyster Bay Harbor. The harbor is marked by Cold Spring Harbor Light (319) Plum Point, the easternmost point of Centre Is- (40°54'51\"N., 73°29'35\"W.), 37 feet above the water, and land, is marked at its south end by a small stone tower; shown from a skeleton tower on a caisson with a red and boat landings are on the southwest side of the point. A white diamond-shaped dayboard. The entrance and har- yacht club with a prominent flagstaff is about 0.3 mile bor are characterized by extensive shoals, boulder reefs, west of Plum Point. The yacht club landing has reported and broken ground making off from the shores. Vessels depths of about 9½ feet. should proceed with caution if obliged to approach or cross shoal areas. The bay south of Cold Spring Harbor (320) Cooper Bluff, at the northeast end of Cove Neck Light is a secure harbor, available for vessels of less than is prominent. A boulder reef extends nearly 0.3 mile 18-foot draft. northward from Cove Point at the northwest end of Cove Neck, and is marked by a seasonal lighted buoy. (310) Lloyd Neck, between Huntington and Oyster Bays, is high and wooded, and has a high, yellow bluff on (321) Cold Spring Harbor, the southeasterly end of Oys- its north side 0.8 miles eastward of Lloyd Point. Many ter Bay, extends about 2.3 miles southward of Cooper patches of boulders having least depths of 2 to 8 feet Bluff. The tower on top of a dome of a seminary on extend 0.2 to 0.5 mile offshore from East Fort Point to the hill of West Neck, on the east side of the harbor, is Lloyd Point. Small craft skirting this shore should keep prominent. A depth of about 14 feet can be carried to well outside the line of buoys. near the head of the harbor by giving the shores a berth of about 0.3 mile. (311) Lloyd Point, the north end of Lloyd Neck, is a low spit. A rocky shoal extends 0.5 mile north-northeast- ward from Lloyd Point. A seasonal lighted gong buoy

330      Western Long Island Sound      Volume 2  (322) The village of Cold Spring Harbor is on the eastern shore near the head of the harbor. An oil company pier at the village has a depth of about 13 feet alongside. A (332) Brickyard Point, about 0.5 mile westward of Mo- small-craft facility is on the east side of the cove at the ses Point, should be given a berth of at least 0.2 mile head of Cold Spring Harbor. Gasoline, diesel fuel, wa- off its westerly side to avoid several dangerous rocks to ter, ice, marine supplies, berthings, and dry storage are the northwestward of the point. None of these rocks is available. A reported depth of about 3 feet is available marked. Extensive privately owned oyster beds, marked alongside the facility. A town launching ramp is avail- by stakes, are in this area. able in the harbor. (333) Mill Neck Creek, at the northwest end of Oyster Bay (323) A speed limit of 5 mph is enforced in the harbor. Harbor, is crossed by a highway bridge having a bascule span with a clearance of 9 feet. The area westward of the Anchorages bridge has depths of 2 to 13 feet. (See 117.1 through (324) Special anchorages are in Cold Spring Harbor and 117.59 and 117.800, chapter 2, for drawbridge regula- tions.) Oyster Bay Harbor. (See 110.1 and 110.60 (t), (u), (u- 2) and (u-3), chapter 2, for limits and regulations.) (334) Oak Neck Creek, northwest of Mill Neck Creek, is entered at high water as the creek is practically bare at No-Discharge Zone low water. (325) The State of New York, with the approval of the En- Charts 12367, 12364 vironmental Protection Agency, has established a No- Discharge Zone (NDZ) in the Oyster Bay/Cold Spring (335) Oak Neck Point (40°54.9'N., 73°34.1'W.), 4 miles Harbor Complex (see chart 12365). west-southwestward of Lloyd Point, is marked by many (326) Within the NDZ, discharge of sewage, whether large residences. Several stone jetties extend a short dis- treated or untreated, from all vessels is prohibited. tance from the shore just westward of the point. A shoal, Outside the NDZ, discharge of sewage is regulated by strewn with boulders and marked by a buoy, extends 0.3 40 CFR 140 (see chapter 2). mile from the shore for part of the distance between Oak Neck Point and Matinecock Point to the westward. (336) Frost Creek, locally known as Guthries Creek, 2 (327) Oyster Bay Harbor, a long, crooked arm in the miles westward of Oak Neck Point, has a channel at the western side of Oyster Bay, has a channel with a depth entrance which is well defined when the water is below over 30 feet leading into the area westward of Moses half tide. The creek is protected by a stone jetty that Point. Good anchorage is available southward of Moses extends a short distance from the shore about 50 yards Point. West of this point, the channel is narrow and suit- eastward of the channel. The channel has a reported able only for vessels drawing less than 10 feet. Vessels of depth of about 1 foot near the entrance. The creek is less than 7-foot draft can anchor in the bight between not recommended without local knowledge. Cove Neck and the wharf at Oyster Bay, and also in West Harbor, the large bight on the northwest side of Centre (337) Peacock Point is just west of Frost Creek. A stone Island. jetty to protect a private boat landing extends a short distance from the west side of the point. (328) A speed limit of 5 m.p.h. is enforced in the harbor. (329) The village of Oyster Bay, on the shore south of (338) Matinecock Point, 1.1 miles westward of Frost Creek, is marked on its western side by a stone pier in Oyster Bay Harbor, has rail communication. A channel, ruins. A shoal extends about 600 yards off the point and marked by private seasonal buoys, leads southwestward is marked at its end by a lighted gong buoy which is from deep water in Oyster Bay Harbor to an oyster wharf removed if endangered by ice. in about 40°52'37\"N., 73°31'32\"W., thence west to a boat basin. The oyster wharf has reported depths of about 10 Charts 12366, 12364 feet along the face and southeast side. Parallel to and about 200 feet off the northwest side of the wharf is a (339) Hempstead Harbor, 4 miles wide at the entrance row of sunken barges. An oil receiving wharf is about between Matinecock Point and Prospect Point, is free 125 yards southward of the oyster wharf. from dangers if the shores, between the entrance and (330) Oyster Bay National Wildlife Refuge, a Marine Pro- Mosquito Cove, are given a berth of 0.3 mile. It is tected Area (MPA), includes the waters of Oyster Bay and much used by vessels seeking shelter in any but strong Mill Neck Creek. northerly winds and affords excellent anchorage with good holding ground. Vessels can anchor in any part Small-craft facility of the harbor according to draft and direction of wind. (331) Two small-craft facilities are close eastward of the A good anchorage for vessels drawing less than 20 feet is just inside a line from Mott Point to the breakwater entrance to the boat basin. Berths and moorings, elec- at Glen Cove Landing. Small vessels can anchor be- tricity, gasoline, diesel fuel, water, ice, a pump-out facili- hind the breakwater. Vessels should avoid anchoring in ties, a launching ramp, lifts to 15-tons, storage, and full repairs are available.

Chapter 9      Western Long Island Sound      331 the pipeline area between Glenwood Landing and Bar flats for about 0.5 mile with a depth of about 5 feet. Local Beach. On the western shore above and below Bar Beach knowledge is advised. are large sand and gravel plants. On the eastern shore (350) Sea Cliff is a village on the steep hill on the south are several villages. side of Glen Cove Creek. From Sea Cliff southerly to (340) A 5 mph speed limit is enforced in the harbor. the northerly wharves at Glenwood Landing, a shoal (341) Waterborne commerce in the harbor is in sand, extends 300 yards from the east side of the harbor and gravel, petroleum products, and building material. Ves- is marked by a buoy at the north end and a light at sels engaged in this commerce usually draw from 3 to the south end. A dredged entrance channel, marked by 12 feet. two private lights, leads from deep water in the har- bor northeastward to a municipal marina just north of Anchorage Glenwood Landing. In 1999, the reported controlling (342) A special anchorage is in Hempstead Harbor. (See depths were 8 feet in the entrance channel, thence 7 feet in the marina basin. 110.1 and 110.60 (u-1), chapter 2, for limits and regu- (351) Glenwood Landing is a village on the eastern shore lations.) abreast Bar Beach. The stacks of a powerplant are prom- inent. A private light is shown from the outer end of No-Discharge Zone an unloading boom when the boom is in operation. An (343) The State of New York, with the approval of the overhead power cable crossing from the powerplant to Bar Beach has a clearance of 90 feet. Depths of about 8 to Environmental Protection Agency, has established, a 10 feet are available at the Glenwood Landing wharves. No-Discharge Zone (NDZ) in Hempstead Harbor south (352) A boatyard, reached only at high water, is at South of Mott Point (see chart 12366). Glenwood Landing. Craft to 30 tons can be hauled out (344) Within the NDZ, discharge of sewage, whether for minor hull repairs. treated or untreated, from all vessels is prohibited. Outside the NDZ, discharge of sewage is regulated by Currents 40 CFR 140 (see chapter 2). (353) In the channel west of the breakwater the tidal currents are weak and variable. At Bar Beach the tidal currents have a velocity of about 0.8 knot through the (345) Weeks Point, on the eastern side near the entrance, narrow channel. (See the Tidal Current Tables for pre- is marked by a breakwater which protects a private boat dictions.) landing. Nearly 0.5 mile southward of Weeks Point is the entrance to a basin protecting a private wharf which has Ice a reported depth of 8 feet at the end. The basin shoals (354) In severe winters ice has been known to close navi- to the head, and there are rocks bare at low water near the northern end. gation for about 6 weeks during January and February. (346) Glen Cove is a city with rail and bus communica- tion on Glen Cove Creek, about 1 mile back from the eastern shore of the bay. The breakwater extends 500 (355) The shore between Prospect Point and Mott yards west-southwestward from Glen Cove Landing and Point (40°51.4'N., 73°40.6'W.), to the southeastward, is marked at its end by a light. The anchorage behind the is marked by prominent bluffs. A shoal with boulders breakwater is known as Glen Cove Harbor, the depths extends 0.2 mile from shore between the points and for ranging from 18 to 22 feet behind its outer half and 7 a short distance south of Mott Point. Buoys mark the to 9 feet near shore. limits of the shoal eastward and northeastward of Mott Point. Picket Rock, with 2 feet over it, is 350 yards off- (347) Glen Cove Creek, 0.6 mile southward of the break- shore northward of Mott Point. An obstruction covered water, has a dredged channel from Mosquito Cove to the 16 feet is about 0.7 mile north-northwestward of the head. In 2010, the midchannel controlling depth was point in 40°52'05.5\"N., 73°40'59.1\"W. 7.5 feet with shoaling to 0.5 foot in the last 0.25 mile. An overhead power cable near the head has a clearance (356) Prospect Point, marked by prominent houses on of 65 feet. The entrance is buoyed. the bluff, has a rocky shoal making out nearly 0.4 mile northward from it. The shoal rises abruptly from a depth Small-craft facilities of 60 feet. The north end of the shoal is marked by a (348) There are several small-craft facilities in Glen Cove lighted gong buoy that is 0.8 mile eastward of Execution Rocks Light. About 0.2 mile eastward of the buoy are Creek. (See the small-craft facilities tabulation on chart rocky patches with depths of 17 to 18 feet. An obstruc- 12364 for services and supplies available.) tion with 23 feet over it is east-northeastward from the buoy. (357) Sands Point, 0.7 mile west of Prospect Point, is (349) A dredged channel, entered between Bar Beach and marked by a daybeacon. A boulder reef extends about 0.3 Glenwood Landing, leads alongside Glenwood Landing mile off the point and is marked by a lighted buoy. The to South Glenwood Landing at Motts Cove. In 1991, the controlling depth in the dredged channel was 7 feet. A natural channel continues south through extensive

332      Western Long Island Sound      Volume 2  boulders show at low water for a distance of about 300 Point at Manorhaven. (See the small-craft facilities tab- yards from shore. A stone tower is a prominent object ulation on chart 12364 for services and supplies avail- on this point. able.) (358) Barker Point, about 1 mile south-southwest of Sands Point, is a high bluff on the northeast side of the entrance of Manhasset Bay. Gangway Rock, marked by a light and gong buoy, is at the northwesterly end of a (366) Hewlett Point (40°50.3'N., 73°45.2'W.) is on the broken line of rocks and shoal water which extends 0.6 west side of the entrance to Manhasset Bay. A boulder mile northwestward from Barker Point. Success Rock, reef, mostly bare at low water and marked by a lighted awash at low water and marked by a buoy, is about 0.2 buoy at its northern end, extends about 0.2 mile north- mile southeastward of the light. ward from the point. (359) Manhasset Bay, between Barker Point and Hewlett Point, affords excellent shelter for vessels of about 12 Anchorages feet or less draft, and is much frequented by yachts in (367) General and special anchorages are between the summer. The depths in the outer part of the bay range from 12 to 17 feet, and 7 to 12 feet in the inner part Hewlett Point and Elm Point, about 1.3 miles south- inside Plum Point. The extreme south end of the bay is eastward of Stepping Stones Light. (See 110.1, 110.60 shallow with extensive mudflats. Depths of about 6 to 2 (j)(1), and 110.155 (a)(6) and (l), chapter 2, for limits feet can be taken through a natural channel almost to and regulations.) the head of the bay. A 5 mph speed limit is enforced. (360) Waterborne commerce is in petroleum products, carried in vessels drawing 6 to 10 feet. (368) Stepping Stones Light (40°49'28\"N., 73°46'29\"W.), Anchorages 46 feet above the water, is shown from a red brick struc- (361) General and special anchorages are in Manhasset ture on a granite pier, with a white horizontal band on the southwest face, 1.3 miles southwest of Hewlett Bay. (See 110.1, 110.60 (g) through (j), and 110.155 Point. The Stepping Stones, a dangerous boulder reef (a) (6) and (l), chapter 2, for limits and regulations.) which dries in places, extend 0.8 mile southeastward The bottom is soft and affords good holding ground. from the light to the Long Island shore. In 1976, a sub- merged rock, covered 18 feet, was reported 100 yards west-northwestward of Stepping Stones Light. (362) A seaplane restricted area is off Manorhaven. (See (369) Kings Point Coast Guard Station is located at the 162.15, chapter 2, for limits and regulations.) northern end of the Kings Point boat basin. (363) Plum Point is a low spit extending southward from (370) Kings Point, marked by a private light, is 1.6 miles the eastern shore about 0.6 mile southward of Barker south-southwestward of Hewlett Point and is the site Point. A seasonal lighted entrance buoy is about 150 of the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy. The 172-foot yards southward of Plum Point. The bight eastward of unguyed steel flagpole at the academy is said to be the Plum Point is shoal. country’s tallest; the top of the pole is 216 feet above the water. A boat basin, partially enclosed by an L-shaped (364) Port Washington is a village with rail commu- pier, is at the point. In 1991, the basin had reported nication on the south side of a shoal bight about 1.2 depths of 12 to 14 feet. miles southeastward of Plum Point. An apartment complex on Toms Point, 0.9 mile east of Plum Point, (371) Little Neck Bay is entered between Kings Point and is prominent. Depths of about 8 feet can be carried in Willets Point, 1.2 miles to the south-southwestward. the buoyed approach from the lighted buoy off Plum Depths are 10 to 12 feet in the entrance, decreasing Point to the docks at Port Washington, thence through gradually to the head, about 2 miles inland, where the the unmarked channel along the east side of the bight bay divides into two branches which almost dry; there to its north end northeastward of Toms Point. In 1979, are boulders in places close to the shores. shoaling to 1½ feet was reported in the approach to the wharves east of Toms Point in about 40°50'04\"N., (372) The shores of Little Neck Bay are thickly settled, 73°42'17\"W. In 1981, depths of 5 feet were reported on and there are many private boat landings. A much used the north side of the town dock with 2 and 4 feet on anchorage, in depths of 2½ to 7 feet, is in the cove mid- the west and south sides, respectively. Depths at the way along the east side of the bay. other wharves are reported to range from 4 to 9 feet. The town’s Bay Constable monitors VHF-FM channels Small-craft facility 9 and 16 from the town dock. (373) A small-craft facility is on the west side of the bay. Water, ice, and limited marine supplies are available. In 1981, the facility had a reported depth of 4 feet along- side. Small-craft facilities Anchorages (365) There are extensive small-craft facilities at Port (374) General and special anchorages are in Little Neck Washington and to the eastward and westward of Toms Bay. (See 110.1, and 110.60 (k), and 110.155 (a)(7) and (l), chapter 2, for limits and regulations.)

Chapter 9      Western Long Island Sound      333 Charts 12366, 12339, 12335 of conditions in Long Island Sound where the flood is generally westward and the ebb eastward. (375) East River is a 14-mile-long tidal strait that con- (382) The velocity of current is 0.7 knot at Throgs Neck, nects Long Island Sound with New York Upper Bay and 1.6 knots at Port Morris, 4 knots in Hell Gate, 3 knots separates the western end of Long Island from the New at Brooklyn Bridge, and 1.5 knots north of Governors York mainland. The Sound entrance is between Throgs Island. In Hell Gate (off Mill Rock) the velocity is 3.4 Neck and Willets Point; the Upper Bay entrance is be- knots for the eastward current and 4.6 knots for the tween The Battery and Governors Island. Hell Gate, westward current. about halfway between Throgs Neck and The Battery, is (383) The direction and velocity of the currents are af- noted for its strong tidal currents. Harlem River extends fected by strong winds which may increase or diminish northward from Hell Gate to the Hudson River. Both the periods of flood or ebb. The currents generally set sides of the East River, from The Battery to Port Mor- with the channel, but heavy swirls are found in Hell ris, a distance of 9 miles, present an almost continuous Gate. line of wharves except where shoals or currents prevent access. Currents (384) See the Tidal Current Tables for the daily predic- Channels (376) A Federal project provides for main-channel depths tions of slack water and times and velocities of strengths of currents in Hell Gate and at other places on the East of 35 feet from Throgs Neck to the inactive New York Na- River. Mariners should exercise caution and discretion val Shipyard, about 2 miles from the western entrance, in the use of published tidal current predictions. and thence 40 feet to deep water in New York Upper Bay. (See Notice to Mariners and the latest edition of Pilotage, East River the chart for controlling depths.) (385) See Pilotage, New York Harbor from Long Island Caution Sound (indexed as such), chapter 11. (377) Mariners transiting East River in the vicinity of Towage Rikers Island and/or South Brother Island Channel are (386) Vessels intending to employ a tug should arrange advised of the following: (378) East River Main Channel Lighted Buoy 5 has been to do so before proceeding westward of Rikers Island. established northeast of Rikers Island in 40°47'47\"N., 73°51'59\"W. to assure that no vessel penetration of air Charts 12366, 12364 space exists over that portion of the East River which coincides with the glide path of the northeast-southwest (387) Throgs Neck, on the northwest side of the entrance runway of La Guardia Airport. Vessels with mast heights to East River, is marked by a light. Throgs Neck Light in excess of 125 feet shall pass 100 yards to the north of (40°48'16\"N., 73°47'26\"W.), 60 feet above the water, is this buoy so as to avoid interference with the glide path. shown from a skeleton tower with a black and white (379) Vessels transiting South Brother Island Channel diamond-shaped dayboard on the outer end of the neck. and using the turning basin at its southern terminus The shoal ground which extends 0.1 mile southward shall ballast prior to entry, and are cautioned that mast and eastward from the light is marked by a lighted bell heights in excess of 125 feet may penetrate the glide buoy. path to the northwest-southeast runway to La Guar- dia Airport. If mast heights cannot be lowered below (388) Fort Schuyler, on the outer end of Throgs Neck, is 125 feet, La Guardia Air Traffic Control Tower shall be used as a base for the New York Maritime College. The notified by telephone (212-779-0242) prior to terminal 550-foot-long wharf, on the southwest side of the fort, is departure or channel entry. used to moor the school’s training ship. Depths of about 25 feet are reported alongside the face. Anchorages (380) Several general and special anchorages are in East (389) Throgs Neck Bridge, a highway suspension bridge with a channel clearance of 138 feet and 152 feet at the River. (See 110.1, 110.60, and 110.155, chapter 2, for center, crosses East River from Throgs Neck to the Long limits and regulations.) Island Shore. Currents (390) Willets Point, 0.7 mile southeastward across the (381) In East River the flood current sets eastward and entrance to East River from Throgs Neck, is marked by Fort Totten, the granite walls of which are prominent. the ebb sets westward. Note: this is the direct opposite Little Bay, westward of Willets Point, has general depths of 6 to 10 feet and is used by local small craft. Depths of about 9 feet can be taken in the buoyed channel to the piers on the Little Bay side of Willets Point.

334      Western Long Island Sound      Volume 2  East River and Bronx-Whitestone Bridge N Image courtesy of Airphoto/Jim Wark (2004) Anchorage (396) Old Ferry Point is on the north side of East River (391) A general anchorage is in Little Bay. (See 110.1 2 miles westward of Throgs Neck. The bight between Throgs Neck and Old Ferry Point affords anchorage, and 110.155 (b)(2) and (1), chapter 2, for limits and with good holding ground, in depths of 15 to 35 feet; the regulations.) water shoals abruptly from 18 feet, 0.3 mile from shore, to depths of 4 to 5 feet. Several private landings are on the north side of this bight. Tug and barge companies maintain unlit commercial mooring buoys in Anchor- (392) The southern approach viaduct of the Throgs Neck age Ground 6 for their own vessels. Bridge crosses the west part of Little Bay. The fixed spans of the viaduct have a minimum clearance of 30 (397) Numerous obstructions exist in East River between feet. Throgs Neck and the entrance to Westchester Creek. Mariners are advised to use the chart as a guide. (393) Whitestone Point, 2 miles westward of Willets Point, is a small bluff marked by a light. The town of (398) Westchester Creek, on the north side of East River, Whitestone is between Little Bay and Whitestone Point. is entered through a dredged channel that leads north- Several private boat clubs are at Whitestone. In 1981, ward through a shallow bight between Old Ferry Point reported depths alongside the boat club docks ranged and Clason Point (chart 12339), 0.7 mile to the west- from ½ to 6 feet. ward, to the head of navigation at Westchester, about 2.3 miles above the channel entrance. (See Notice to (394) The Bronx-Whitestone Bridge is a suspension Mariners and the latest edition of the chart for control- structure that crosses East River from Old Ferry Point ling depths.) The channel is buoyed to a point about 1 on the Bronx side to a Long Island landing 0.4 mile mile above the entrance. Waterborne traffic on the creek southwestward of Whitestone Point; the channel clear- consists chiefly of petroleum products, sand and gravel, ance is 135 feet. and crushed rock. (395) Powell Cove, between the Long Island end of the (399) Several highway bridges, three fixed and one bas- Bronx-Whitestone Bridge and Tallman Island, 0.6 mile cule, cross Westchester Creek at Unionport, 1.5 miles to the westward, has general depths of 2 to 5 feet. Pier above the channel entrance. The Bruckner Expressway ruins are on the east side of the cove entrance. Tallman bascule bridge has a clearance of 14 feet, and the fixed Island, now joined to the Long Island shore, is marked bridges have a least clearance of 52 feet. (See 117.1 by the prominent tanks of the NYC DEP Water Pollution through 117.59 and 117.815, chapter 2, for drawbridge Control Plant.

Chapter 9      Western Long Island Sound      335 regulations.) The bridgetender at the Bruckner Ex- (406) Depths of 8 to 14 feet are between the east side of pressway bridge monitors VHF-FM channel 13; call the channel and the town of College Point. Small craft sign KX-8289. anchor south of College Point in depths of 4 to 8 feet. Small-craft facilities Anchorages (400) There is a small-craft facility on the west side of the (407) General and special anchorages are in Flush- creek at Unionport. Water, limited supplies and storage ing Bay. (See 110.1, 110.60 (1) through (1–2), (m) facilities are available. through (m–2), and 110.155 (b–5), chapter 2, for lim- its and regulations.) Chart 12339 (408) A restricted area is in a portion of the southern part of the channel through Flushing Bay. (See 162.20, (401) Clason Point (40°48.3'N., 73°50.9'W.) is on the chapter 2, for limits and regulations.) north side of East River about 3 miles west of Throgs (409) A 0.6-mile-long dike, covered at high water and Neck. Pugsley Creek, which empties into Westchester marked at either end by a light, runs close along the Creek and East River along the east side of Clason Point, west side of the channel to within 0.3 mile of the head is very shallow and should not be entered without local of the bay. knowledge. Small boats anchor on the flats west of Cla- (410) The L-shaped pier at the head of Flushing Bay par- son Point. A flagstaff at the yacht club on Clason Point tially encloses a small-boat basin. In 2004, depths of 9 is prominent. to 12 feet, with shoaling near the western edge, were available in the turning basin just west of the small-boat (402) College Point is on the Long Island side of East basin. Inside the small-boat basin, depths of about 7 feet River opposite Clason Point. College Point Reef, cov- were reported in 1981. The marina to the westward has ered 6 feet and marked by a light, is 0.2 mile north- a reported depth of about 5 feet inside. Gasoline, diesel northeastward of the point. fuel, berths, electricity, water, ice, storage, and a 30-ton hoist are available; limited electronic and engine repairs (403) The town of College Point is south of the point can be made. and on the east side of the entrance to Flushing Bay. The wharves on the west side of the town have depths Ice alongside ranging from ½ to 10 feet. The shallow bight (411) Ice generally obstructs navigation in Flushing Bay north of the town has depths of 2 to 5 feet and is used as a small-boat anchorage. and Flushing Creek during a part of January and Febru- ary. Small-craft facilities (404) Several small-craft facilities are at College Point. Marine railways to 45 feet, mobile cranes to 35 tons, (412) The twin fixed Whitestone Expressway highway water, ice, marine supplies, storage, and hull and engine bridges over Flushing Creek, 0.2 mile above the mouth, repairs are available. have a clearance of 34 feet. The Northern Boulevard Bridge, 0.4 mile above the mouth, has a fixed span with a clearance of 35 feet. (405) Flushing Bay extends southeast between the town (413) Flushing is on the east side of Flushing Creek. Wa- of College Point and La Guardia Airport, 0.6 mile to the terborne traffic consists chiefly of sand, gravel, crushed southwest. Flushing Creek flows into the east side of rock, and petroleum products. Drafts of inbound and the head of the bay. A dredged channel, marked by buoys outbound vessels seldom exceed 12 feet. Vessels must and lights, extends from East River through the bay to go directly to the marginal wharves because the creek the mouth of the creek and thence upstream for about has no room for anchorage. 0.8 mile to the railroad bridge. A turning basin is on the west side of the dredged channel west of the entrance (414) The east entrance to Rikers Island Channel, be- to Flushing Creek. A small-craft anchorage area extends tween Rikers Island and the mainland, is obstructed by northwest from the turning basin. In 2009, the con- a lighted runway approach to La Guardia Airport. The trolling depths were 8.7 feet (14.1 feet at midchannel) approach to Bowery Bay is from westward of Rikers Is- through the bay channel to the turning basin, thence land. 7.5 to 15 feet in the turning basin and 3.2 to 6 feet in the anchorage area except shoaling to 1.4 feet within 75 (415) Bronx River, on the north side of East River, has feet of the limits, thence 10.3 feet at midchannel to the a project depth of 10 feet and is subject to shoaling Northern Boulevard bridge, thence shoaling to bare to throughout. It is entered through a dredged channel the railroad bridge. There is shoaling northwest of Buoy that leads north-northwestward through a shallow 2, in the eastern part of the anchorage area. Flushing bight between Clason Point and Hunts Point, 1.1 miles Bay is mostly shallow, with depths of less than 6 feet to the westward, to the head of river navigation at East outside the channel. 172nd Street, about 2.3 miles above the channel en- trance. (See Notice to Mariners and latest editions of charts for controlling depths.)

336      Western Long Island Sound      Volume 2  (416) Waterborne traffic on the Bronx River consists should not be used by vessels of limited maneuverabil- chiefly of sand, gravel, and crushed rock. ity. (424) A ledge, partly bare at low water, extends 0.2 mile (417) Bronx River is crossed by four bridges to East 172nd southward from South Brother Island; the outer part of Street. Bruckner Expressway Bridge, 1.7 miles above the ledge is marked by a light. the entrance, has a bascule span with a clearance of 27 (425) Port Morris, 0.2 mile westward across East River feet. (See 117.1 through 117.59 and 117.771, chap- main channel from North Brother Island, has rail ter- ter 2, for drawbridge regulations.) Westchester Avenue minals to and from which car floats are taken through Bridge, 2 miles above the entrance, has a fixed span with East River. a clearance of 18 feet. The elevated railway structure (426) South Brother Island Channel, project depth 35 over Westchester Avenue Bridge has a fixed span with a feet, leads from deep water east of North Brother Island clearance of 61 feet. The railroad bridge, 2.1 miles above and along the west side of Rikers Island to a turning the entrance, has a rolling-lift span with a clearance of 8 basin on the west side of Bowery Bay. The channel is feet, but the draw is no longer opened. (See 117.771(b), marked by lighted and unlighted buoys. (See Notice to chapter 2, for drawbridge regulations.) The Bruckner Mariners and the latest editions of charts for controlling Expressway Bridge is equipped with radiotelephone. depths.) The bridgetender can be contacted on VHF-FM chan- nel 13; call sign KX–8189. Caution (427) Vessels transiting South Brother Island Channel (418) Hunts Point is on the north side of East River about 4 miles west of Throgs Neck. A marginal wharf extends and using the turning basin at its southern terminus 0.3 mile northeastward from the point; depths of 17 to shall ballast prior to entry, and are cautioned that mast 24 feet are reported alongside. Small craft anchor in heights in excess of 125 feet may penetrate the glide depths of 9 to 17 feet on the flats east of the wharf. path of the northwest-southeast runway of La Guardia Airport. If mast heights cannot be lowered below 125 (419) Rikers Island, in the middle of East River between feet, La Guardia Air Traffic Control Tower shall be noti- Hunts Point and La Guardia Airport, is partly occupied fied by telephone (212-779-0242) prior to terminal de- by buildings of the Department of Correction of New parture or channel entry. York. The island is about a mile long, southeast to north- west, and 0.6 mile wide. The larger part of the island, southeast of the buildings, is used as a trash dump. (428) Bowery Bay, across Rikers Island Channel from (420) East River main channel leads northward of Rikers Rikers Island, has depths of about 10 feet. A special Island. A much-used general anchorage, with depths of anchorage is in the west part of the bay. (See 110.1, 21 to 30 feet, is between the south side of the channel 110.60 (n) and 110.155 (b) (5) and (1), chapter 2, for and the flats off the north side of the island. (See 110.1 limits and regulations.) A pipeline area is in the south- and 110.155 (b) (6) and (1), chapter 2, for limits and east part of the anchorage area. A fixed highway bridge regulations.) crosses Rikers Island Channel and Bowery Bay and con- nects Rikers Island with the Borough of Queens, New Caution York; clearance over the channel is 52 feet for a width (421) East River Main Channel Lighted Buoy 5 has been of 125 feet. established northeast of Rikers Island in 40°47'47\"N., (429) Bowery Bay may be approached from the East Riv- 73°51'59\"W. to assure that no vessel penetration of air er main channel from the northward through South space exists over that portion of the East River which Brother Island Channel and from the northwestward coincides with the glide path of the northeast-southwest through a 100-yard-wide channel which leads between runway of La Guardia Airport. Vessels with mast heights the ledges that make off from Lawrence Point on the in excess of 125 feet shall pass 100 yards to the north of southwest and South Brother Island on the northeast. this buoy so as to avoid interference with the glide path. The controlling depth in the 100-yard-wide channel is about 19 feet. Caution is advised in the northwestern approach as the channel is narrow, the bottom is rocky and uneven, and tidal currents are strong. (422) North Brother Island, 0.3 mile northwest of Rik- ers Island, is occupied by the ruins of former municipal (430) Lawrence Point, on the southeast side of East River buildings. East River main channel leads northward and 0.7 mile westward of Rikers Island, is occupied by an westward of the island; a light marks the main channel extensive gas and electric plant. A light marks the outer side of the island. part of the ledge, partly bare at low water, which extends 0.3 mile northeastward from the point. (423) The buoyed channel between North Brother Island and South Brother Island, 0.1 mile to the southward, (431) Randalls Island and Wards Island are on the north- has a controlling depth of about 25 feet. Shoaling to western side of East River between Port Morris and Hell 16 feet exists on the south side of the channel in about Gate, separating that river from Harlem River, which is 40°47'54\"N., 73°53'47\"W. The channel is marked by a light off the north side of South Brother Island. The channel is narrow and subject to strong currents and

Chapter 9      Western Long Island Sound      337 described later. The islands provide recreational facili- River through Spuyten Duyvil Creek. The channel ties for the residents of the city of New York. through Harlem River is narrow, tortuous, and navi- (432) Bronx Kill, which separates Randalls Island from gable only for powered vessels. By taking care to avoid Port Morris, is a narrow passage that extends westward several isolated 11- to 13-foot spots, a depth of about 14 from the East River to the Harlem River. A fixed railroad feet can be carried to the Hudson River; the chart is the bridge with a clearance of 68 feet and a fixed highway guide. bridge with a clearance of 51 feet cross the passage. (442) Traffic is heavy in Harlem River. Vessels with Bronx Kill is navigable but not recommended as a route heights too great to pass under the closed drawbridges of travel. It is shoal and obstructed throughout. should make the passage against the current. (433) Sunken Meadow is the reclaimed area now joined to the northeast end of Wards Island and southeast end Bridges of Randalls Island. (443) There are more than a dozen draw and fixed bridg- (434) Little Hell Gate, which formerly separated Wards Island from Randalls Island and formed a passage from es over Harlem River. The minimum clearance under East River to Harlem River, has been mostly filled in and closed drawspans is 24 feet except at the railroad bridge together with Sunken Meadow joins Wards Island with over the entrance from Hudson River where it is only Randalls Island. 5 feet. Clearance under raised vertical-lift spans exceed (435) Hell Gate Bridge, which crosses East River from 100 feet. (See 117.1 through 117.59 and 117.789, Wards Island to Long Island 7.1 miles from The Battery, chapter 2, for drawbridge regulations.) Minimum clear- has a fixed railroad span with a clearance of 134 feet. ances under fixed bridges exceeds 100 feet at the center (436) Negro Point is the southernmost point of Wards Is- of the spans. land. Triborough Bridge, which crosses East River from (444) Four bridges over the Harlem River, the 103rd Negro Point to Long Island 6.8 miles from The Battery, Street lift bridge, the Triborough lift bridge, the Park has a highway suspension span with a clearance of 138 Avenue lift bridge, and the railroad swing bridge at feet. Spuyten Duyvil, at 0.1 mile, 1 mile, and 1.7 miles, and (437) Holmes Rock and Hog Back are two bare rocks, 6.7 miles, respectively, above the entrance, are equipped which are on the eastern and northern parts, respec- with radiotelephones. The bridgetenders monitor VHF- tively, of a reef in the bight on the south side of Wards FM channel 13; call signs KIL-820, KGW-326, and KA- Island westward of Negro Point. The western extremity 5059, and KU-9797, respectively. The railroad bridge is of this reef is marked by a light. maintained in the open position except for the passage (438) Hallets Point, on the Long Island side of East River of trains or for maintenance. about 0.3 mile southwestward of Negro Point, is marked by a light. There are main-channel depths close to the Currents point. (445) The tidal currents in Harlem River run southward (439) Hell Gate is the part of East River between Wards Island and Roosevelt Island, 0.7 mile to the southwest. from Hudson River to East River while the east-going The crooked channel, the strong tidal currents, and the current is running in Hell Gate; and the reverse. The heavy traffic in Hell Gate require extra caution on the south-going current in Harlem River is considered the part of the navigator to avoid accident or collision. Ves- flood. The times of slack water are subject to variations sels navigating Hell Gate on a rising tide sometimes find depending upon freshet conditions in Hudson River. it necessary to pass starboard-to-starboard because of The velocity of the current is 2 knots or more in the the strong currents between Negro Point and Hallets narrower parts of the channel. (See the Tidal Current Point. This situation may arise when one of the vessels Tables for predictions.) does not maneuver readily or is handling a tow. North- eastward of Negro Point and southwestward of Hallets Chart 12339 Point, the customary port passings are made. (440) Mill Rock, on the northwestern side of the main (446) Roosevelt Island (Welfare Island), 1.6 miles long channel through Hell Gate, is 0.2 mile southwest of and 0.1 mile wide, is in the middle of East River south- Wards Island and the same distance northwest of Hal- west of Hell Gate. A gray stone tower is on the north end lets Point. The islet is marked by lights on its north and of the island. south ends. (447) The currents on both sides of Roosevelt Island are Charts 12339, 12342 strong, and caution is advised while navigating in these areas. (441) Harlem River, which joins East River in Hell Gate between Wards Island and Manhattan Island, extends (448) The 36th Avenue highway bridge which crosses northward about 7 miles and connects with Hudson the eastern channel from Roosevelt Island to Long Is- land 5.6 miles from The Battery has a vertical-lift span with clearances of 40 feet down and 99 feet up. (See 117.1 through 117.59 and 117.781, chapter 2, for

338      Western Long Island Sound      Volume 2  drawbridge regulations.) The bridgetender monitors (See 117.1 through 117.59 and 117.801, chapter 2, VHF-FM channel 13; call sign KX–8184. for drawbridge regulations.) In 2002, the railroad bridge (449) Queensboro Bridge, which crosses from Manhat- was reported inoperable as a swing bridge and closed to tan Island to Roosevelt Island and thence to Long Island vessel traffic. Clearance under the fixed bridge is 83 feet. 5.0 miles from The Battery, has fixed spans with clear- (457) Greenpoint Avenue Bridge, 1.1 miles above the ances of 131 feet over the main channel and 133 feet mouth of Newton Creek, has a bascule span with a clear- over the eastern channel. An overhead cable car with ance of 24 feet at the fenders and 30 feet at the center. overhead power cables crosses the main channel im- Kosciusko Memorial Bridge, 1.8 miles from the mouth, mediately north of the bridge. The low point of travel has a fixed span with a clearance of 125 feet. Metro- of the cabin is not less than 135 feet. politan Avenue Bridge, which crosses English Kills 3 miles from the mouth of Newtown Creek, has a bascule Chart 12335 span with a clearance of 10 feet at the center. Montrose Avenue Bridge, at the head of English Kills, has a swing (450) Roosevelt Island Reef (Welfare Island Reef), with span with a clearance of 4 feet. The bridgetenders at the bare islets, rocks awash, and submerged rocks, extends Greenpoint Avenue and Metropolitan Avenue bridges 0.3 mile southwestward from the island. Belmont Is- monitor channel 13; call signs KX–8182 and KX–8179, land, near the southwest end of the reef, is marked by a respectively. (See 117.1 through 117.59 and 117.801, light. chapter 2, for drawbridge regulations.) (458) Grand Avenue Bridge, which crosses East Branch, Chart 12338 has a swing span with a clearance of 8 feet. (See 117.1 through 117.59 and 117.801, chapter 2, for draw- (451) Newtown Creek is entered on the eastern side of bridge regulations.) The bridgetender can be contacted East River 3.6 miles from The Battery. The creek extends on VHF-FM channel 13; call sign KX–8187. 3.3 miles eastward and southward and has several short tributaries or basins. Traffic is fairly heavy and consists Chart 12335 chiefly of petroleum products, sand, gravel, and crushed rock; drafts of vessels navigating the creek seldom ex- (459) From abreast the entrance to Newtown Creek, the ceed 15 feet. 35-foot-project main channel of the East River crosses from the west side of the river to the east side. Poor- (452) Tributary basins are Dutch Kills, on the north house Flats Lighted Range (Front Light; 40°43'28\"N., side of Newtown Creek 0.8 mile from East River; Whale 73°57'46\"W.), bearing 161°, is on the Brooklyn side of Creek, on the south side opposite Dutch Kills; Maspeth the river and marks the best water in the crossover. Creek, on the east side 2.2 miles from East River; East Branch, on the east side 2.5 miles from the river; and (460) Williamsburg Bridge, which crosses East River 2 English Kills, which extends westward and southward miles northeast of The Battery, has a suspension span from the East Branch entrance and forms the last 0.8 with a clearance of 133 feet. mile of Newtown Creek. (461) The site of the inactive New York Naval Shipyard Channels is in Wallabout Bay, on the Brooklyn side of East River (453) A Federal project provides for a 23-foot channel in 1.7 miles northeast of The Battery. Newtown Creek from the East River to and in a turning (462) Manhattan Bridge, which crosses East River 1 mile basin about 240 yards above the Kosciusko Memorial northeast of The Battery, has a suspension span with a Bridge, thence 20 feet in East Branch and in English clearance of 134 feet. The clearance under the mainte- Kills to the Metropolitan Avenue bridge, and thence 12 nance platform installed at the west channel edge is 115 feet in English Kills to the head of the project at Mon- feet. trose Avenue. (See Notice to Mariners and latest edition of chart for controlling depths.) (463) Brooklyn Bridge, which crosses East River 0.7 mile northeast of The Battery, has a suspension span with a clearance of 127 feet. (454) The tidal current is weak and variable. (464) East River Deepwater Lighted Range (Front (455) Pulaski Bridge, which crosses Newtown Creek 0.5 Light; 40°41'58\"N., 73°59'59\"W.), bearing 078°, is on the Brooklyn side of the river and marks the best water mile above the mouth, has a bascule span with a clear- in the 40-foot-project main channel which leads from ance of 39 feet at the fenders and 46 feet at the center. deep water in New York Upper Bay to the East River. The The bridgetender monitors VHF-FM channel 13; call range line passes about midway between The Battery sign KX–8178. and Governors Island, 0.5 mile to the southward. (456) Dutch Kills, which is about 0.5 mile long, is crossed by the following drawbridges: railroad bridge, Borden (465) The channel between The Battery and Governors Avenue bridge, and Hunters Point Avenue bridge. Mini- Island is very congested and subject to strong currents. mum clearance under the closed drawspans is 2 feet. Caution should be exercised while navigating in the area.

Chapter 9      Western Long Island Sound      339 TIDAL INFORMATION Chart Station LAT/LONG Mean Mean High Mean Low Higher High Water* Water* Water* 0.2 0.2 12335 East 27th St., Bellevue Hospital 40°44'N/73°58'W 4.7 4.4 0.2 0.2 12335 Governors Island, New York Harbor 40°42'N/74°01'W 4.9 4.6 0.2 0.2 12335 Wallabout Bay, Brooklyn Navy yard 40°42'N/73°59'W 4.8 4.5 0.2 0.3 12335 East 41st street Pier, East River 40°45'N/73°58'W 4.9 4.5 0.2 0.2 12335 New York (The Battery) 40°42'N/74°01'W 5.1 4.7 0.3 0.8 12338 Hunters Point, Newtown Creek, East River 40°44'N/73°57'W 4.6 4.3 0.2 0.2 12338 English Kills entrance, Newtown Creek, East R. 40°43'N/73°55'W 4.8 4.5 0.3 0.3 12339 North Brother Island, East River 40°48'N/73°54'W 7.2 6.9 0.2 0.3 12342 Spuyten Duyvil Creek entrance, Harlem River 40°53'N/73°56'W 4.3 4.0 0.3 0.3 12363 Lawrence Point, East River 40°47'N/73°55'W 7.0 6.7 0.3 0.3 12365 Oyster Bay, Harbor, Long Island 40°53'N/73°32'W 7.9 7.6 0.3 0.3 12365 Eatons Neck Point 40°57'N/73°24'W 7.7 7.4 0.3 0.3 12365 Lloyd Harbor, Huntington Bay, Long Island 40°55'N/73°26'W 7.6 7.2 0.3 0.2 12365 Northport, Northport Bay 40°54'N/73°21'W 7.8 7.5 0.2 12366 City Island 40°51'N/73°47'W 7.8 7.5 12366 Execution Rocks Light 40°53'N/73°44'W 8.0 7.6 12366 Glen Cove, Hempstead Harbor 40°52'N/73°39'W 7.9 7.5 12366 Willets Point (Fort Totten), Long Island 40°48'N/73°47'W 7.8 7.4 12366 Whitestone, East River 40°48'N/73°49'W 7.8 7.4 12367 Stamford 41°02'N/73°33'W 7.8 7.5 12367 Cos Cob Harbor 41°01'N/73°36'W 7.8 7.5 12367 Great Captain Island 40°59'N/73°37'W 7.9 7.6 12367 New Rochelle (Fort Slocum Ferry Landing) 40°54'N/73°47'W 7.9 7.5 12368 Saugatuck, river entrance 41°06'N/73°22'W 7.6 7.3 12368 South Norwalk 41°06'N/73°25'W 7.7 7.4 12368 Greens Ledge 41°03'N/73°27'W 7.8 7.5 12369 Black Rock Harbor entrance 41°09'N/73°13'W 7.5 7.2 12369 Stratford Shoal 41°04'N/73°06'W 7.1 6.8 12369 Bridgeport 41°10'N/73°11'W 7.3 7.0 * 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°30' 73° 72°30' 340      South Coast of Long Island      Volume 2 Index of Chart Coverage in Chapter 10 LONG ISLAND SOUND 41° 41° GREAT PECONIC BAY LONG ISLAND Hampton Bays Westhampton Bay Shore Patchogue Lindenhurst GREAT SOUTH BAY SHINNECOCK INLET MORICHES INLET Freeport 12352 EAST ROCKAWAY INLET FIRE ISLAND INLET JONES INLET 40° 40° 30' 30' 12353 NORTH ATLANTIC OCEAN 12326  73°30' 73°30' 72°30'

Chapter 10      South Coast of Long Island      341 South Coast of Long Island (1) This chapter describes the south coast of Long information on right whales and recommended mea- Island from Shinnecock Inlet to and including East sures to avoid collisions.) Rockaway Inlet; several other inlets making into the (8) All vessels 65 feet or greater in length overall beach along this part of the coast; and the canals, bays, (L.O.A.) and subject to the jurisdiction of the United and tributaries inside the beach. Also described are the States are restricted to speeds of 10 knots or less in a towns of Patchogue and Oceanside, including Oceans- Seasonal Management Area existing around the Ports ide oil terminals; Bay Shore, a large fishing center; and of New York/New Jersey between November 1 and April the many smaller communities which support a large 30. The area is defined as the waters within a 20-nm small-craft activity. radius of 40°29'42.2\"N., 73°55'57.6\"W. (See 50 CFR 224.105 in chapter 2 for regulations, limitations, and Caution exceptions.) (2) Eelgrass is found in most of the waters described Chart 12300 in this chapter. Eelgrass nets are often placed at the entrances to canals and are sometimes difficult to see. (9) The south coast of Long Island has a general trend (3) Fishtrap areas are in Moriches, Shinnecock, Tiana, of 247° for 68 miles from Montauk Point to Fire Island Quantuck, and Great South Bays. Inlet, and thence trends 263° for 36 miles to the west- (4) South shore inlets and bays are prone to extreme ern end of Coney Island in the Lower Bay of New York shoaling and depths as low as 1 to 2 feet at low tide. Harbor. It is a clear shore and may be safely approached The location of marked channels is subject to change as close as 1 mile with not less than 30 feet anywhere in order to mark best water. between Montauk Point and Rockaway Inlet, except off Fire Island Inlet and the inlet’s westward side where the COLREGS Demarcation Lines shore should be given a berth of at least 1.5 miles. When (5) The lines established for this part of the coast are viewed from seaward it presents only a few prominent features. It is composed of a series of sand dunes backed described in 80.160, chapter 2. by low dark woods. Weather, South Coast of Long Island and vicinity (10) Shinnecock, Moriches, Great South, and Hemp- (6) The south coast of Long Island is open to weather stead Bays are inside the beach along the south coast of Long Island and form an inside route for boats of from the south and southeast, but somewhat sheltered about 3-foot draft. The three main inlets from the sea to the west through north. Waves of 8 feet (&gt_1;2.5 to these bays are Fire Island Inlet, Jones Inlet, and East m) or more are most likely in winter when they may Rockaway Inlet. These inlets and all auxiliary channels be encountered about 6 to 10 percent of the time near within the south coast of Long Island have numerous the coast. During this period gales are encountered less wrecks, obstructions, frequent and extensive changes, than 5 percent of the time but are more likely a few and, although marked in many areas, should not be used hundred miles out to sea. Fogs are more apt to occur without local knowledge. in late spring and early summer with a June maximum. Visibilities of less than 2 miles are observed about 5 to (11) Two small inlets, Shinnecock Inlet and Moriches 10 percent of the time from May through July. These Inlet, which broke through in 1938 and 1931, respec- frequencies are higher at the eastern end in May and tively, are also used by small boats for entrance to these June and between Westhampton and Ambrose in July. bays, but their use is not advisable without local knowl- Locally, Shinnecock Inlet is particularly rough when edge. southerly winds climb to 15 knots or more during ebb tide; breakers fill the entrance. No-Discharge Zone (12) The State of New York, with approval of the En- North Atlantic Right Whales (7) Endangered North Atlantic right whales may oc- vironmental Protection Agency, has established a No- Discharge Zone (NDZ) in the South Shore Estuary cur within 30 miles of the south coast of Long Island, Reserve (SSER) and its harbors, bays and creeks (see including the approaches to New York Harbor (peak chart 12352). The waterbodies included in the SSER season: November through April). (See North Atlantic are Shinnecock Bay (East and West), Quantuck Bay, Right Whales, indexed as such in chapter 3, for more

342      South Coast of Long Island      Volume 2  Moriches Bay (East and West), Bellport Bay, Patchogue (20) Hampton Bays, a station on a Class II railroad just Bay, Nicoll Bay, Great South Bay (West, west of Shinnecock Canal, is the nearest post office. Ca- (13) East and Great Cove), South Oyster Bay, East Bay noe Place, the settlement at the canal, has gasoline and Complex, Middle Bay Complex and Western South some supplies. Small craft and fishing vessels berth in Shore Bay. the basins along both sides of the canal. (14) Within the NDZ, discharge of sewage, whether treated or untreated, from all vessels is prohibited. (21) Long Island Intracoastal Waterway.–A Federal Outside the NDZ, discharge of sewage is regulated by project provides for a 6-foot channel from Shinnecock 40 CFR 140 (see chapter 2). Canal to Great South Bay. The cuts provide an inland waterway along the south side of Long Island. This wa- Chart 12352 terway, from the south end of Shinnecock Canal to a point in Great South Bay opposite Patchogue, a distance (15) Shinnecock Canal, 31.5 miles southwestward of of about 29.2 miles, is subject to frequent shoaling; mar- Montauk Point, is about 1 mile long and connects Great iners are advised to obtain local knowledge. Peconic Bay with Shinnecock Bay. The canal is owned and maintained by Suffolk County of New York. It is (22) Shinnecock Inlet, 31 miles westward from Mon- a partly dredged cut and is protected at the north en- tauk Point along the south coast of Long Island, is the trance by two jetties marked by lights. In 1985, the east easternmost entrance from the Atlantic to Shinnecock timber jetty was reported to be deteriorating. Protrud- Bay and the inland water route along the south shore ing timbers and floating debris may be encountered; of Long Island. The approach to the inlet is marked by a caution is advised. A lock about midway in the canal is lighted whistle buoy. The inlet should not be attempted 250 feet long, 41 feet wide, with a depth of 12 feet over without local knowledge because of the frequent chang- the sills. Tide gates are parallel to and westward of the es in channel depths. lock. The lock gates and tide gates are constructed so that tidal action opens them to allow the current to set Currents south through the canal and closes them to prevent (23) Tidal currents through the inlet can be dangerous; water from Shinnecock Bay to flow back into Great Peconic Bay. The lock gates are tended 24 hours and caution is advised. are opened mechanically when the tidal current is flow- ing northward to allow the passage of boats. Red and COLREGS Demarcation Lines green traffic lights are at each end of the lock. Vessels (24) The lines established for Shinnecock Inlet are de- are allowed to enter the lock only on the green signal. scribed in 80.160, chapter 2. (16) The fixed bridges and overhead power cables across the canal have a least clearance of 22 feet. Mast-stepping cranes are available at both ends of the canal. (25) Shinnecock Light (40°50'31\"N., 72°28'42\"W.), 75 Currents feet above the water, is shown from a red skeleton tower (17) The maximum recorded current is 4.3 knots, on the west side of the inlet. Lights mark the jetties at the entrance to the inlet, and uncharted buoys mark the southerly, through the lock and tide gates at peak flow channel. when the gates are open. At the railroad bridge, the cur- rent has an average speed of 1.5 knots, but it has been (26) The jetties extend about 120 yards beyond the reported that greater speeds may be experienced. (See lights marking them. A fish haven is about 2.4 miles Tidal Current Tables for predictions.) At times of high south of Shinnecock Inlet entrance. southerly current i.e., when the gates are open, there ex- ists a dangerous eddy system extending from the south (27) Ponquogue Point, low and sandy, is 1.2 miles end of the lock southerly for approximately 200 yards. northwestward of Shinnecock Light. The west channel Tidal currents throughout the entire canal can be dan- from inside Shinnecock Inlet enters the Long Island gerous; caution is advised. Intracoastal Waterway southeast of the point. The Pon- quogue Bridge, a highway bridge crossing Shinnecock Bay at Ponquogue Point, has a fixed span with a clear- ance of 55 feet. (18) A 5 mph speed limit is enforced in the canal. (19) On the east side of Shinnecock Canal just south (28) Shinnecock Coast Guard Station is on Ponquogue Point. An antenna tower, 229 feet above the water and of the jetties is a boat basin in which the depth ranges marked by red lights, is also on the point. from 7 to 10 feet. There are several small-craft facilities on both sides of the canal. (See the small-craft facili- (29) Pine Neck, 2.3 miles westward of Ponquogue Point ties tabulation on chart 12352 for services and supplies and on the west side of Tiana Bay, is low, flat, and sandy. available.) A shoal extends southward from Pine Neck Point and is marked on the south end by a lighted buoy. About 0.5 mile east of Pine Neck, a privately dredged channel marked by private buoys leads to a basin at Tiana Beach, a small summer resort on the south side of Shinnecock Bay.