4. OUTER CAPE COD AND NANTUCKET SOUND 93 limits and regulations.) ly, southeastward of Halfmoon Shoal. _ Routes.-Because of the numerous shoals, The North Channel through Nantucket Sound strong tidal currents, thick fog at certain seasons, has broken ground with depths of 16 to 17 feet in and vessels which may be encountered in the nar- some places. Strangers should not attempt this row parts of the channel through Nantucket channel at night. Sound, the navigator must use more than ordinary care when in these waters. Currents.-The Tidal Current Tables and the In clear weather, day or night, the aids are readi- Narraganset Bay to Nantucket Sound Tidal Cur- ly distinguished and sufficiently numerous to ena- rent Charts contain detailed current information ble a stranger to follow the channel without dif- for many locations in this area. ficulty. The strongest currents will be encountered in Pollock Rip Channel, between Pollock Rip At the eastern entrance to Pollock Rip Channel Channel Lighted Horn Buoy 8 and Handkerchief Shoal Buoy 14, and off East and West Chops. In the flood current sets about 055° and the ebb 225° or at an angle of approximately 20° to the axis of some places the current sets directly on the shoals and in a calm, sailing vessels are sometimes the channel. obliged to anchor to prevent going aground. Most Daily predictions for Butlers Hole at the western of the shoals rise abruptly from deep water and the bottom is very irregular, so soundings alone cannot end of Pollock Rip Channel are published in the be depended upon to keep clear of danger. Sailing Tidal Current Tables. vessels with a favorable current and with some local knowledge beat through the sound against a In the vicinity of Great Round Shoal Channel head wind in clear weather. If they find they are losing ground, they come to anchor within the Lighted Whistle Buoy GRC, off the south end of prescribed anchorages under the lee of one of the Great Round Shoal, the tidal current is rotary, shoals, or in one of the harbors until the wind or current changes. turning clockwise. The strength of flood sets 065° In thick weather or fog when the aids cannot be with a velocity of about 1.5 knots. The strength of seen, vessels in the vicinity of Pollock Rip Channel ebb sets 250° with a velocity of about 1.5 knots. are cautioned against anchoring in the channel or There is no true slack since the current is rotary. Minimum velocities before flood and ebb average near any of the aids. Steamers and tows passing about 0.5 knot and set approximately 315° before through the channel in thick weather depend al- flood and 160° before ebb. most entirely on the sound signals of the aids, From the eastern entrance of Nantucket Sound ~aking it necessary for them to pass close to the aids. to the lighted gong buoy off Hedge Fence, the time of current becomes gradually later; the average Vessels off Pollock Rip Channel entrance desir- velocity at strength varies from about l to 2 knots, ing to anchor, wind and sea permitting, should the flood setting eastward and the ebb westward. stand westward and anchor west of a line joining Weather.-Fogs may occur at any time but are Pollock Rip Channel Buoy 2 and Chatham Bar Lighted Gong Buoy 1. Anchorage may also be had more frequent from April to October than during in depths of 5 to 7 fathoms about 3 miles south- the remainder of the year. The fogs come more frequently with easterly and southerly winds; soutbwestward of Pollock Rip Entrance Lighted northerly winds clear them away. Southwesterly Hom Buoy PR and northeastward of Broken Part winds are usually accompanied by haze. In mild winters ice does not usually interfere of Pollock Rip. In Great Round Shoal Channel the danger of col- with the movement of vessels in Nantucket Sound. In severe winters drift ice accumulates and renders lision is not as great as in Pollock Rip Channel. In the movement of sailing vessels hazardous and thick weather a vessel may anchor, wind and sea sometimes almost completely obstructs their permitting anywhere in the channel and wait for clear weather. The bottom is generally sand, progress for periods of as much as 6 weeks. Powered vessels force their way through the ice. gravel, or pebble. The tidal currents are no! as strong as in Pollock Rip Channel. Easterly wmds During northerly winds which prevail in winter make high tides and strong westerly currents. Westerly winds make low tides and strong easterly the passage along the north shore will be clear currents. when other parts of the sound are unsafe. Sailing Pollock Rip Channel and Great Round Shoal vessels if caught in a floe while entering Pollock Rip Ch~nnel are almost certain to be carried on Channel are subject to change; vessels of deep the shoals. Vessels should keep in mind that the draft should wait for a favorable tide. floating aids to navigation are liable to be moved The Main Channel through Nantucket Sound is out of their positions by drift i7e. . ~e~ marked, and strangers should experience little Storm warning display locations are listed on the diff1culty in navigating it. Vessels must take care to avoid the 24-foot shoal extending 1.2 miles east- NOS charts and shown on the Marine Weather ward of the buoy marking Cross Rip Shoal and the Services Charts published by the National Weather 17- to 22-foot shoals 2.5 and 1.5 miles, respective- Service. . Pilotage is not compulsory for vessels passing through Nantucket Sound; it is only. compuls<?ry for foreign and U.S. vessels under register entenng or clearing ports. Pilots for the sound or Mooomoy and Nantucket Shoals may be obtained at Boston by vessels coming from northward, or at New y ork by vessels coming from westward.
94 4. OUTER CAPE COD AND NANTUCKET SOUND Vessels requiring a tow usually take a tug from from the southward should pass westward of the port of their departure. Handkerchief Shoal and the extensive shoals west- Monomoy Island, on the northeastern side of ward of Monomoy Island. Approaching from the westward pass either side of Bishop and Clerks Nantucket Sound, is a low, narrow spit covered and thence southward of the lighted whistle buoy with sand dunes. Vessels sometimes anchor off the off Kill Pond Bar, a shoal covered 4 to 11 feet off east shore of the island in depths of 4 to 6 fathoms to await a favorable current for entering the sound. the northwest entrance to Chatham Roads. When Off Monomoy Point, the south end of the island, shoals make off up to 5 miles eastward. off the entrance to Chatham Roads, steer 063° with Tidal currents average about 2 knots at strength Stage Harbor and Chatham Lights in range. This course will lead about 500 yards southeastward of in the channel 0.2 mile west of Monomoy Point. The flood current sets 170° and the ebb 345°. Chatham Roads Bell Buoy 1 and north of the buoy marking Common Flat, the shoal on the eastern The large bight formed by Monomoy Island and side of the roads, to the Stage Harbor approach the north shore of Nantucket Sound, eastward of Point Gammon, has extensive shoals scattered buoy about 0.8 mile west-southwestward of Stage throughout and bordering the shores. Not all of the shoals are marked by buoys. Harbor Light. An anchorage may be had northward of the approach buoy in depths of about 28 feet. Boats continuing to Stage Harbor will pick up the channel entrance buoys about 800 yards southwestward of Stage Harbor Light. The chan- Charts 257, 114-SC.-Chatham Roads, at the nel is well marked. northeast end of Nantucket Sound, is between the The harbor is closed by ice for short periods extensive shoals which extend northwestward each winter. Local fishermen will act as pilots for from the northern end of Monomoy Island and the craft desiring one. The commercial fish piers in Stage Harbor are shoals extending 1.6 miles from the shore of Cape Cod at Harwich Port. The roads is the approach to on The Neck at the head of the dredged channel opposite Stage Island and on the west bank of Stage Harbor and the prominent summer resort of Chatham on the hilly ground at the northeast shore Oyster Pond River just above the first bend about of Nantucket Sound. 0.7 mile above the entrance to the river. Stage Harbor Light (41°39.5' N., 69°59.l' W), 48 There are a marina and boatyard on the north feet above the water, is shown from a white side of Stage Harbor adjacent to the fish piers, and skeleton tower with a small white house on the a marina on Mitchell River just west of the bridge. northeast side of Chatham Roads and on the north The marine railway at the boatyard can haul out craft up to 50 feet for hull and engine repairs or side of the entrance to Stage Harbor. Among the conspicuous landmarks approaching dry open or covered storage. Storage is also availa· Chatham Roads and Stage Harbor are the domes ble at the bridge. Graamsoplsi,neb, edritehsaeglef,uealn,dwmaoteor~inicges, marine _supplies, of the National Weather Service's installation on the eastern side of Morris Island, a radio tower at are available at Stage Harbor and at the bridge. South Chatham, church spires, Chatham Light Launching ramps are at the bridge and on Sears Point. and Stage Harbor Light and an old abandoned lighthouse tower near it. The U.S. Public Health Service maintains a con· A dredged channel, marked by buoys and pro- tract physician's office in Chatham. (See appendix for address.) tected on its northwesterly side by a 500-foot jetty, 150 yards southward of Stage Harbor Light, leads Oyster Pond River extends from Stage Harbor from Chatham Roads for 1.1 miles into Stage Har- for about 0.7 mile in a northwesterly direction, thence for 0.8 mile in a northeasterly direction into bor. In August 1971, shoaling to 6 feet was re- ported in the channel; greater depths can be car- Oyster Pond. On the west bank at the bend there is ried with local knowledge. a town w~arf, a launching ramp, and a fish wharf. A narrow channel, marked by private seasonal At 0.3 mile and 0.5 mile above the bend on the buoys, leads northerly from Stage Harbor through west bank are two boatyards and marinas. The lar- Mitchell River ~o Mill Po1_1d, and has a depth of about 6 feet. This channel is crossed by a highway gest marine railway at the yards can haul out craft bridge that has a 14-foot hand-operated bascule up to 44 feet for hull and engine repairs or dry owpaetenr,oricceo, vemreardinsetorsaugpep.lieGsa, sollainune~hidniegserlamfupesl,, span with a clearance of 8 feet. In the summer the bridge is opened upon reasonable advance n~tice berthage, and moorings are available. to the town highway department· telephone (617- Bucks Creek, 1.6 miles northwestward of Stage 945-0757). ' Harbor Light, is used only at high water by small Good anchorage for vessels up to 18-foot draft local craft. The entrance between the jetties w~s can be had in Chatham Roads in depths of 21 to 30 reported to have l lh feet in 1964. The tall radio .feet, good holding ground. This anchorage is in- towe~ of Chatham Radio Station wee is secure for small craft in heavy southwesterly prominent about 0.4 mile west of the jetties. gales. Sm!ill craft can find a well~sheltered anchorage m Stage Harbor. Cockle Cove has been entered by small boats through one of the breakthroughs in the sandbar. Routes.-Vessels approaching Chatham Roads Saquatucket Harbor, is entered about 3.5 miles
4. OUTER CAPE COD AND NANTUCKET SOUND 95 westward of Stage Harbor Light. A dredged chan- railway that can haul out craft up to 30 feet for hull - nel leads from Chatham Roads to an anchorage and engine repairs and dry open and covered storage. Gasoline, diesel fuel, water, ice, marine basin at the head of the harbor. A jetty, marked at supplies, and berthage in 6 feet of water are availa- its seaward end by a light, extends southward from ble. The barbormaster who supervises Allens Har- the easterly entrance point to the harbor. In Oc- bor has his office at Saquatucket Harbor. He can tober 1971, the controlling depth was 3 feet over be reached by telephone (617-432-2562) for local the bar to the dredged channel, thence 6 feet on information. the centerline in the dredged channel to the anchorage basin, with 5 feet in the basin except for Herring River, 6 miles west of Stage Harbor shoaling near the edges. Buoys mark the approach over the bar and the channel. A marina is on the Light, has a large prominent hotel on the west side north side of the anchorage basin. Berthage and a and windmill on the east side of the entrance. The launching ramp are available. The harbormaster entrance, between two small jetties, is subject to here also supervises Wychmere Harbor, Allens shoaling. A reported depth of about 2 feet can be carried through the entrance. A basin dredged in Harbor, Herring River, and Round Cove in the river just below the bridge has moorings for Pleasant Bay. He can be reached by telephone craft drawing up to 3 feet. The fixed bridge, about (617-432-2562). 0.3 mile above the mouth, has a 14-foot fixed span with a clearance of 10 feet. State Route 28 highway Storm warning signals are displayed. (See chart.) bridge about 0.8 mile above the mouth has a 20- foot fixed span with a clearance of 7 feet. Limited Wychmere Harbor, 3.7 miles westward of Stage supplies may be obtained at Dennis Port about 0.7 Harbor Light, is a circular basin with a bulkheaded mile westward of the river. entrance protected by two jetties. The west jetty is Swan Pond River, about 1.9 miles west of Her- hook-shaped and marked on the end by a light. The ring River, is a narrow shallow creek bordered by east jetty is short. The harbor is used by fishing marsh, which drains Swan Pond. Fishermen and and pleasure craft. The village of Harwich Port is pleasure craft enter at high water. Fish wharves west of the harbor. A church spire about 0.5 mile are on the east bank at the bridge about 0.3 mile westward of the harbor and a hotel on the west above the mouth. No services were available on bank of the entrance are conspicuous. the river in October 1971. In October 1971, the controlling depth over the Charts 258, 114-SC.-Bass River, 9.6 miles west- bar was 3 feet. Inside the jetties, the channel has a depth of 6 feet to the harbor. The channel is sub- ward of Stage Harbor Light, is entered between ject to shoaling. The outer anchorage basin, known two jetties. A light is on the west jetty. A gong locally as Harwich Port Harbor, has a depth of buoy, 1.1 miles southward of the jetty light, marks the approach. A private buoyed channel leads over about 8 feet with good holding ground. the bar from about 0.4 mile southward of the jetty There is a large summer club-hotel and wharf on light through the jetties to an anchorage basin in the lower part of the river, ~nd then.ce to the the west side of the jettied entrance. A town wharf highway bridge at South Denms, 3.1 miles above and natural ramp are on the east side. A boatyard the mouth. The bridge has a 25-foot fixed span with a clearance of 10 feet. The entrance to the is at the inner end of the channel. Gasoline, diesel fuel by truck, a 45-foot marine railway, water, ice, anchorage basin and the channel over the bar are marine supplies, berths, launching ramps, lifts, ~nd subject to shoaling. In 1971, it was reported that storage facilities are available; hull and engme the entrance channel between Buoys 4 and 10 had repairs can be made. A radio-equipped patrol boat shoaled to a depth of 2 feet and that a depth of 4 enforces a speed limit of 5 m.p.h. The harbor- feet could be carried from Buoy IO to a point about 300 yards southward of the bridge at South master who supervises Wychmere Harbor has his Yarmouth. Above this point, a depth of about 2 feet is reported to the bridge at South Dennis. office at Saquatucket Harbor. He can be reached by telephone (617-432-2562) for advice on Private seasonal buoys mark the channel to the fixed bridge at Sou~ Den~. State Route 28 moorings or local conditions. highway bridge crossmg the nver bet~een West Allens Harbor, about 4.8 miles west of Stage Dennis and South Yarmouth, about 1.5 miles above the mouth, has a 30-foot fixed span with a ~arbor Light, has a narrow entrance between two Jetties into Doanes Creek. Allens Harbor is at the clearance of 15 feet. he~d of the creek. The west jetty is marked by a About 0.8 mile above the mouth, a channel leads pnvate seasonal light. An elevated water tank north of the harbor is a good landmark. eastward to a lagoon~ a dredged depth of 10 feet was reported in t~e channel and lagoon. West In October 1971, the controlling depth in the en- Dennis Yacht Club is at th~ head of the la~oon. trance channel was reported to be about 6 feet. Bass River Yacht Club is on the west side about Private seasonal buoys mark the channel. The har- 0.5 mile below the first highway bridge. A mar!na and boatyard adjacent to the club has a manne bor affords good shelter for small craft. railway that can haul out craft up to 40 feel for hull Allens Harbor Yacht Club is at the head of the h?rbor at the east end of the highway bridge. The P.1er and float were reported to have 6 feet along- side. A town landing and launching ramp at the West end of the bridge were reported to have about 6 feet alongside. A marina and boatyard on !he West side at the head of the harbor bas a manne
96 4. OUTER CAPE COD AND NANTUCKET SOUND and engine repairs or dry open and covered south-southeastward of the point. Senator Shoal, stora~e. Gasoline, diesel fuel, water, ice, covered 11 feet and unmarked, is about a mile moonngs, berthage in 31h feet of water, and a southeastward of the point. Ballets Rock, covered launching ramp are available. Town landings and 15 feet and marked by a buoy, is about a mile launching ramps are on both sides of the river at south of the point. and below the bridge. Bishop and Clerks, about 2.2 miles southward of Rental boats, gasoline, bait, and tackle can be Point Gammon, is an extensive shoal area. The obtained at a fishing pier just north of the east end center of the shoal is marked by a daybeacon on a of the bridge. A marina, above the pier, has group of rocks where a lighthouse tower was for- gasoline, launching ramp, a 9-ton hoist, berths, merly located. Several rocks awash at low water water, and storage facilities; hull and engine are on the arm of the shoal that extends about 0.9 repairs can be made. mile south of the daybeacon. A rock, covered 5 feet, is 0.7 mile south-southeastward of the Two fixed bridges, railroad and highway, cross daybeacon. The rest of the shoal is covered 10 to 18 feet. A lighted gong buoy, 0.8 mile southward, the river about 0.7 mile above the highway bridge an unlighted buoy, 0.9 mile south-southeastward, at South Dennis. Least clearances are: 25 feet and a lighted bell buoy, 0.6 mile northeastward of horizontal, and 8 feet vertical. the daybeacon, mark the limits of the shoal area. Caution should be exercised when in the vicinity In 1971, it was reported that about 4 feet could of this shoal. be carried at high water to a marina and boatyard Broken Ground, a shoal area westward of the on Kellys Bay, about 0.3 mile above the railroad and highway bridges. A mobile lift at the yard can south end of Bishop and Clerks, has depths of 14 haul out craft up to 30 feet for hull and engine to 18 feet. West Southwest Ledge, 1.6 miles repairs or dry open or covered storage. Gasoline, southwest of Point Gammon and northwest of water, ice, moonngs, and berthage are available. Bishop and Clerks, has depths of 15 to 18 feet. A lighted bell buoy is westward of the ledge. Three Dogfish Bar, an extensive shoal area off Bass dangerous rocks are on the edge of the flat which extends northwestward from Point Gammon and River entrance, is covered 1 to 6 feet. A small into the approach to Hyannis Harbor. Great Rock breakwater, formerly used as a shelter for small is marked by a daybeacon; Gardiners Rock, craft, is on the easterly end of the bar, about 1 covered 11 feet, is marked by a buoy. Halftide mile southeastward of Bass River West Jetty Rock, awash, eastward of Gardiners Rock and Light. The area around the breakwater and southeastward of Great Rock, is unmarked. northeasterly of it has shoaled. Rocks awash at low water are about 0.4 mile northwestward of the Hyannis Harbor, protected by a breakwater, is breakwater. These rocks are marked by a private seasonal buoy. used as a harbor of refuge by coasting vessels and pleasure craft of less than 14-foot draft. A light is Parkers River, about 1.2 miles west of Bass on the end of the breakwater. The harbor is the ap- River, extends 1.3 miles northward to Seine Pond. proach to Hyannis Port, on the west side of the Prominent when approaching the entrance are a harbor, Lewis Bay, and Hyannis at the head of the northwest arm of Lewis Bay. motel on the east side of the entrance and a movie screen on the west side of the river, about 0.9 mile The most prominent objects when approaching above its entrance. Local knowledge should be ob- tained before entering the river. In October 1971, the harbor are: the daybeacon on Great Rock; a the entrance channel had a reported controlling red and white checkered globe-shaped tank; the depth of about 1 foot. The entrance channel is re- breakwater light; the abandoned lighthouse tower p~rted to s~oal quickly after .dredging. A fixed on Point Gammon; ~nd the square gray stone highway bndge crosses the nver about a mile church belfry on the hill overlooking Hyannis Port above the entrance. to the westward. Local fishermen and pleasure craft enter and Depths of 13 to 16 feet are in the approach chan· moor in dredged slips on the east side of the river. nel and the protected basin northward of the An unnamed creek, about 0.2 mile above the breakwater light, but the approach is somewhat mouth, leads westward 0.5 mile to Lewis Pond. ob~tructed by the flats extending westward from Small craft moor in the pond, but there are no ser- Pomt Gammon and an extensive shoal with nu- vices available. A marina is on the east side of the merous rocks on the west side of the approach. riyer just below t_he highway bridJte; gasoline, diesel fuel, water, ice, and berths with electricity Routes.-Vessels approaching Hyannis Harbor are available. from the eastward should shape a course to pass Point Gammon, 12 miles west-northwestward of about 250 yards south of the buoy marking Hallets R<:>ck, thence northwestward to a point about 0.5 Monomoy Point, is the eastern entrance point to mile southwestward of Great Rock Daybeacon, Hyannis .Harbor. The point, prominent and and thence about north by east to pass 50 yards or wooded, 1s marked by an abandoned lighthouse more eastward of the breakwater light. Anchor 300 tower. A re~f, partly bare at low water, extends yards northeastward or northward of the east end al:!<>ut 0.3 mile south of the point. Extensive flats of the breakwater in depths of 15 to 20 feet, soft with rocks awash at low water extend a mile bottom. Small craft can anchor in the northern par· northwestward of the point. Gazelle Rock covered 5 feet and marked by a buoy, is about' 0.5 mile
4. OUTER CAPE COD AND NANTUCKET SOUND 97 tion of the harbor in depths of 6 to 12 feet, but Southward of Hyannis Point and Centerville care must be taken to keep clear of the area Harbor are numerous shoals and rocks. Southwest around a former wharf as submerged piling may be Gr~und, the area about 1.5 miles south of Hyannis encountered. P.om_t, has numerous _rocks and shoal spots neces- s1tatmg extreme caution for vessels navigating the Approaching from the westward, from a position area. ~outhwest Rock, about 1.1 miles south of Hyanms Point, is marked by a daybeacon. Un- about midway between Horseshoe Shoal Buoy 7 marked rocks, some awash at low water and others and Wreck Shoal Buoy 8 (chart 1209), steer 054°to covered 2 .to 6. feet, are between the daybeacon pass 100 yards east of West-Southwest Ledge and Hyanms Pomt. Lighted Bell Buoy, and thence 014°to pass about 1~ yards eastward of the breakwater light in en- Hodges Rock, covered 5 feet and marked by a tering the harbor. Ice seldom interferes with the move~ent of vessels in Hyannis Harbor; the buoy, is 1 mile southward of Southwest Rock prevatl!ng nort~erly winds keep the harbor clear. Daybeacon. An unmarked rock covered 8 feet is Hyan~1s Port is a summer resort with many 300 yards east of Hodges Rock. Bearse Rock, prominent homes. A channel privately dredged to 7 covered 5 feet and marked by a buoy, is 0.5 mile feet leads to the Hyannis Port Yacht Club landing southwestward of Southwest Rock Daybeacon. o~ the west shore of the harbor. A buoy main- Channel Rock, covered 5 feet and marked by a tamed by the club marks the channel. buoy, is 0.4 mile west of Bearse Rock. Gallatin R~k. covered 4 feet and marked by a buoy is 0.4 Lewis Bay, with depths of 2 to 11 feet, extends mile southwestward of Bearse Rock. Collier Ledge, 1.5 miles west-southwestward of Southwest northeastward from Hyannis Harbor. In the Rock Daybeacon, is awash at low water. It is northwest corner of the bay is the channel to the marked by a lighted buoy in the summer and an sum~er resort of Hyannis. The town has a unlighted buoy in the winter. hospital. Gannet Ledge, covered 5 feet and marked by a . A dredged channel leads from Hyannis Harbor buoy, is 1.1 miles ~outhwest of Hyannis Point. mto Lewis Bay, thence to an anchorage basin Gannet Rocks, 0.3 mile north of Gannet Ledge, in- north C!f Harbor Bluff, thence to the town wharf at clude two unmarked rocks 7 and 3 feet high and a Hyanms. In February 1972, the controlling depths rock covered 4 feet. Spindle Rock, awash at low were 8 feet (12 feet at midchannel) from the en- water and marked by a buoy, is near the head of trance to the town wharf with depths of 12 feet in Centerville Harbor. A rock awash at low water and the anchorage. The channel is well marked but is a rock covered 2 feet are 200 yards north of the subject to shoaling. A riprap jetty extends 1,000 buoy. Two unmarked rocks covered 6 feet are 1.7 feet southerly from Dunbar Point. miles southwestward of Hyannis Point. Vessels entering Lewis Bay must be guided bv Centerville Harbor is a bight 2 miles wide in the the buoys marking the dredged channel and by th~ color. of the water, deepest where it is darkest. The north shore of Nantucket Sound westward of bay is closed by ice for about 2 months during Hyannis Point. A church spire and an elevated severe winters. tank in Centerville, the village inland from the head of the harbor, are used as guides for entering Several small-craft facilities and launching the harbor. Craigville Beach, on the north side of the harbor, is a popular bathing beach. The ap- ramps are along the northwestern arm of Lewis proach to Centerville Harbor is obstructed by the Bay northward of Harbor Bluff. Gasoline, diesel previously mentioned rocks and shoals. The natu- fuel? bert~s, moorings, water, storage facilities, ral channel with depths of 9 to IO feet leads to the manne r.atlways up to 80 feet, lifts up to 25-tons, anchorage. Anchorage with good holding ground and ~anne supplies are available; hull and engine may be had in depths of 15 to 21 feet; however, fupaus can be made. Berths are also available at vessels seldom anchor here for shelter as the har- bor is exposed to southerly winds. The shoals off e town landing at the bulkhead on the west side the entrance somewhat break the force of the seas at the head of the arm. A dockmaster is usually in from southward, but not sufficently to make it a attendance at this landing, and can be reached by safe anchorage. Strangers should not enter except telep~one (617-775-1707) for local information on in the daytime with clear weather. Ice closes the ~oonngs and berthing. A Town of Barnstable po- harbor in the winter. lice boat patrols the harbor during the summer season. East Bay, on the west side of Centerville Har- _Seasonal ferries to Nantucket and Martha's bor, has depths of 1 to 5 feet. The bay is used prin- Vu~eyard berth at the town landing. Hyannis has cipally by oyster boats. Pleasure boats and small ~x1,. ~us, and railroad freight service. Barnstable yachts enter the bay enroute to Centerville River. The entrance to East Bay, protected by a jetty on un1c1pal Airport is just north of the town. the southwestern side, was privately dredged to 7 feet in August 1971, but is subject to shoaling. Westward of Hyannis Harbor breakwater the Centerville River, which enters the northeast side ~~t~ is shoal with numerous rocks extendinJ.? well of the bay, has been privately dredged to a depth of 5 feet for a width of 40 feet practically to the s ore. Eddie Woods Rock, covered 5 feet and bnmkarked, is 0.6 mile southwestward of the rea water light. b Squaw Island, 1 mile westward of Hyannis Har- ~r B~eakwater Light, is marked by a tower. Hyan- easroant! the southerly tip of the island, is on the ern side of Centerville Harbor.
98 4. OUTER CAPE COD AND NANTUCKET SOUND head of navigation. A reported depth of about 5 in North Bay, which has depths of about 6 to 17 feet can be taken over the bar into Centerville feet. The barbormaster at Osterville can be con- River. The footbridge crossing the river about 0.3 tacted for local information on moorings and mile above East Bay has a 26-foot bascule span berthing; telephone (617-428-2017 or 617-428-2607). with a clearance of 9 feet. Small boats anchor in the river off Centerville or tie up to private piers. The highway bridge across the channel between A conspicuous stone tower with a mushroom- Osterville and Little Island has a 31-foot bascule span with a clearance of 15 feet. It is reported that shaped top is on the north side of the river about the bridge will be opened on signal during the fol- 0.5 mile above the footbridge. A town landing is on lowing periods: During June, 0800 to 1800 daily; the north side just above the tower. A launching July through September 14, 0730 to 2000 daily; ramp is on the west shore of East Bay. A con- September 15 to November 1, 0800 to 1600 daily. spicuous wooden tower with a balcony on top is During the rest of the year, the bridge is unat· 0.3 mile southwestward of the jetty. tended and arrangements for its opening must be made in advance through the harbormaster. Charts 259, 114-SC.-Cotuit Anchorage, 6.5 Cotuit Bay, northwestward of Cotuit Anchorage, miles west of Point Gammon (chart 258), is an anchorage for small craft between the shoals is separated from West Bay by Osterville Grand which make off the shore. The anchorage is ex- Island. Cotuit is a village on the west side of the posed to southerly winds and is seldom used ex- bay. A church spire and two elevated water tanks cept by local craft. The channel to the anchorage is are prominent. A town wharf, with a depth of marked by buoys, and vessels of less than 6-foot about 5 feet at its face, and a small-craft launching draft should experience no difficulty in keeping in ramp are at the village. A privately dredged chan- the best water. Lone Rock, covered 4 feet and nel, with a reported depth of 4 feet in 1971, leads marked by a buoy, is near the southern side of the from Cotuit Anchorage to off Cotuit Highlands, anchorage. A long shoal, covered 4 feet and thence the channel, with a reported depth of 5 marked by a buoy at its southeast end, is 0.5 mile feet, curves between Sampsons Island and Bluff northeastward of Lone Rock. A private seasonal Point into Cotuit Bay. The channels into Cotuit lighted float buoy is 0.5 mile west-northwestward Bay and North Bay are marked by private seasonal of Lone Rock. buoys. A reported depth of about 8 feet was in the channel from Cotuit Bay to North Bay in 1971. West Bay, on the north side of Cotuit Anchorage Seapuit River, south of Osterville Grand Island, and 19 miles west of Stage Harbor, has a jettied connects Cotuit Bay and West Bay. The privately entrance about 150 feet wide and is the approach dredged channel in the river had a reported con- to the village of Osterville, on the east side of the trolling depth of 4 feet in 1971. Cotuit Bay is bay. A private seasonal light marks the end of the usually closed by ice each winter. east jetty. A lighted bell buoy 1.7 miles southward and a seasonal lighted buoy 1 mile southeastward Popponesset Bay, west of Cotuit Anchorage, is of the entrance mark the approaches, and a private shoal with depths of 1 to 4 feet in the greater part seasonal buoy is reported to mark the entrance. An elevated water tank, about 0.7 mile northward of of the bay. In 1971, a depth of 2 feet was reported the bridge at Osterville, is conspicuous. In 1971, a in the entrance north of Thatch Island. reported depth of 6 feet was available in the chan- nel to the highway bridge. A small marina is on Daniels Island near the Anchorage in depths of about 7 feet may be bridge to Popponesset Island. A launching ramp, berthage, moorings, and some services are availa- found in the bay just northward of the highway ble. bridge. Ice closes the bay for about 2 months each year. The wharves at Osterville have reported Wreck Shoal, about 3 miles south of Cotuit depths of 6 to 10 feet alongside. Anchorage, is about 1.4 miles long in an east-west Small-craft facilities are on either side of the direction and about 0.3 mile wide. Depths on the shoal range from 4 to 13 feet. A bell buoy marks channel north of the highway bridge. Gasoline, the east end of the shoal and a lighted bell buoy diesel fuel, marine railways up to 60 feet, lifts up southwestward of the shoal marks the channel to 20 tons, berths, moorings, water, ice, marine supplies, storage facilities, and launching ramps between Wreck Shoal and Eldridge Shoal. An un· are available; hull and engine repairs can be made. marked shoal covered 8 to 15 feet is about 1.5 The Wianno Yacht Club is on the east side of the miles northeast of Wreck Shoal and southward of channel at the highway bridge. Berths are available Cotuit Anchorage approach. Broken ground with a on Baxter Neck, on the channel at the head of least known depth of 13 feet is between this shoal North Bay leading to Prince Cove. and Wreck Shoal. Little Island, about 1 mile northward of the en- Eldridge Shoal, about 0.9 mile south of Wreck S~oal? is about 1 mile long in a northeasterly trance to West Bay, separates West Bay from duection and about 0.2 mile wide. Depths on the North Bay to the northward. Io 1971, a reported shoal rang~ from 5 to 14 feet. A buoy marks the depth of 6 feet was available in the narrow channel northern side. A channel between Eldridge and eastward of _Little Isl.and into .North Bay. Strangers Wreck Shoals has depths of 23 to 41 feet. A chan- should obtain local mformation before navigating nel between Eldridge and Horseshoe Shoals bas depths of 21 feet or more.
4. OUTER CAPE COD AND NANTUCKET SOUND 99 Succonnesset Shoal extends about 2.4 miles west- 260), has a narrow jettied entrance, which in 1971 had a reported controlling depth of 7 feet. The en- ward from Wreck Shoal to the shoal area off the trance is reported to shoal rapidly after dredging; shore southwestward of Succonnesset Point. local knowledge is advised. A private seasonal Depths of 1 to 5 feet are on the shoal. A lighted light marks the west jetty. A buoy, about 0.9 mile buoy is off the west end. Between Succonnesset south-southwestward of the entrance, marks the and Wreck Shoals is a narrow unmarked channel. approach, and private seasonal buoys mark the Between Succonnesset and L 'Hommedieu Shoals, channel above the jetties. a shoal area with a least depth of 9 feet is marked by a buoy. The village of Davisville, on the east side of Waquoit Bay, 5 miles southwestward of Cotuit Green Pond, and the village of Acapesket, on the west side of the pond, are principally summer Anchorage, has depths of 1 to 8 feet. The en- resorts. trance, about 250 feet wide, is between two stone jetties. A daybeacon marks the seaward end of the Menauhant Road highway bridge crossing Green westerly jetty, and a light marks the end of the easterly jetty. In 1971, the controlling depth in the Pond about 0.3 mile inside the entrance has a 23- entrance channel was reported to be 4 feet. A lighted bell buoy, about 0.6 mile west-southwest- foot fixed span with a clearance of 5 feet. In 1964, ward of the jetties, marks the approach, and buoys it was reported that 7 feet could be carried to a mark a 5-foot channel for about 0.8 mile through marina and boatyard on the east side at the bridge. the bay. The Waquoit Yacht Club is on the west The boatyard has a 10-ton mobile hoist that can side at the head of the bay. handle craft up to 35 feet for hull and engine repairs and dry open or covered storage. Gasoline, Great River and Little River empty into the diesel fuel by truck, moorings, berths, water, ice, marine supplies, and launching ramps are available southeasterly side of Waquoit Bay. A marina is on the west side of Little River, about 0.5 mile above at both facilities. its junction with Great River. Gasoline, berths, a Moorings, berths, water, and a launching ramp 35-foot marine railway, limited marine supplies, and storage facilities are available; hull and engine are also available at an outboard marina at the repairs can be made. A reported depth of about 3 northwest end of the bridge. feet can be carried to the marina. Chapter 5 describes other ports on the south side Between Waquoit Bay and Falmouth Inner Har- of Cape Cod westward of Green Pond. bor (chart 260), about 3.6 miles to the westward, are several ponds formed by the barrier beach, Chart 265.-Nantucket Island, on the southeast some of which have outlets. Many jetties or groins are built out from the shore for beach erosion con- side of Nantucket Sound, is about 13 miles long, trol. hilly, and partly wooded, and covered with vegeta- tion that flourishes in sandy soil. The highest part Eel Pond, about 0.8 mile westward of the en- of the island, about 100 feet high, is in the eastern part· the eastern and southern sides have steep trance to Waquoit Bay, is entered through a nar- sand bluffs. The northern shore is fringed with row jettied entrance. A lighted bell buoy 0.6 mile off the entrance and a midchannel buoy 500 yards shoals for a distance of about l mile. The island off mark the approach. Private seasonal buoys was for more than a century a principal seat of the mark the channel into the pond. In 1971, the re- whaling industry and since has become a famous ported controlling depth through the entrance was 3 feet. summer resort. Great Point, the northeastern end of Nantucket A boatyard is on the west side of the northeast- Island, is a long, low, sandy point marked by Nan- erly arm of Eel Pond at the mouth of Childs River. tucket (Great Point) Light (41°23.4' N., 70°02.7' W.), 70 feet above the water, an~ shown from a In 1971, a depth of 5 feet was reported available white tower near the end of the pomt. f~om inside the jetties to the boatyard. Gasoline, Point Rip is a shoal extending 3.8 miles east- diesel fuel, water, moorings, limited berthage, a 45-f~ot marine railway, storage facilities, and northeastward of Great Point. For 2 miles from the manne supplies are available at the boatyard; hull point, the shoal has little water over it; farther and engine repairs can be made. eastward the depths range from 12 to 18 feet. Seapit River, about 0.8 mile southward of the Buoys mark the northeasterly and easterly sides of mouth of Childs River, connects the northeasterly the shoal. Shoal water with depths of 16 to 22 feet arm of Eel Pond with the upper part of Waquoit extends about l mile northward from these buoys; ~ay._ A reported depth of about 3 feet can be ear- a lighted bell buoy marks the northern side of the ned m Seapit River. shoal water. A rock, covered 11 feet, is 2.2 miles Menauhant is a summer resort on the west side southeastward of Nantucket Light. . Squam Head is a summer resort on the east side of Eel Pond and the east side of Bournes Pond. ~enauhant Yacht Club is on the west side of Eel of Nantucket Island, about 5 miles so~th of Great ond. The entrance to Bournes Pond is reported Point. Several large houses show prommently from closed to navigation by a fixed highway bridge. seaward. Green Pond, about 1 mile westward of Eel Pond Sesacbacha Pond, 6.3 miles southeastward of and 4.2 miles eastward of Nobska Point (chart Great Point, has a nonnavigable cut into it through the shore. From seaward, ~re~ers mark the c.ut. In the winter the entrance fills m, and each spnng
100 4. OUTER CAPE COD AND NANTUCKET SOUND it is cut through for drainage purposes. on the west side of the entrance to the harbor. A Sankaty Head Light (41°17.0' N., 69°58.0' W.), fog signal is sounded at the light. A Coast Guard 158 feet above the water, is shown from a 70-foot white tower, with a red band in the middle, on a station is on the point. ', high bluff on the east side of the island. Channels.-A dredged channel leads from Nan· Siasconset, a village on the southeast end of the tucket Sound to an anchorage area in Nantucket island, is marked by a prominent standpipe. The Harbor. In November 1971, the controlling depth village has seasonal bus service with Nantucket. was 11 feet or 15 feet in midchannel. The south shore of Nantucket Island has no har- Shoal water extends about a mile offshore on bors and is frequented only by local fishermen. Loran towers, about 0.6 mile southward of both sides of the entrance, which is protected by Siasconset, and several towers along the south coast are prominent from offshore. two breakwaters. The breakwaters are partially The thorofare between Smith Point, the western submerged at half tide; the east breakwater for al· point of Esther Island, and Tuckernuck Island, is most all its length. An opening for small craft is in full of shifting unmarked shoals. The passage is used only by small fishing vessels and a few plea- the east breakwater about 300 yards off Coatue sure craft. Private seasonal aids mark tie channel. Point. A light and fog signal mark the outer end of Tuckernuck Island, Esther Island, and Muskeget the east breakwater, and a buoy marks the outer Island are low sandy islands extending westward from Nantucket Island. They are separated by end of the west breakwater. sand bars, some bare at low water, which are con- A lighted bell buoy about 900 yards off the stantly shifting. A privately maintained seasonal light is on the southeastern side of Tuckernuck breakwater light marks the approach and the chan- Island. nel is marked by a 162° lighted range and buoys. Madaket Harbor and Hither Creek, immediately The range structures are difficult to pick up in the to the southward, are on the western side of Nan- tucket Island. Madaket Harbor is shoal with depths daytime. of 2 to 10 feet. The northerly approach to the har- bor and creek is through a channel, marked by Anchorages.-Anchorage in Nantucket Harbor private seasonal buoys, floats, and markers, that leads southward from over the bar in Nantucket may be had in depths of 6 to 17 feet off the south Sound. With local knowledge, a depth of about 5 feet can be carried over the bar and channel to and southwest sides of Brant Point or in depths of Hither Creek. Local knowledge is also required to 12 to 17 feet in the designated anchorage area enter the harbor from the southwest. A public boat landing and a boatyard are in Hither Creek. south of Brant Point. (See 110.142, chapter 2, for Gasoline berths, a 30-foot marine railway, storage facilities, water, and marine supplies are available limits and regulations.) In general, the bottom is at the boatyard; hull and engine repairs can be made. sticky. Although shelter is afforded to vessels it is Chart 343.-Nantucket Harbor is near the middle advisable for small craft to use heavy tackle as the of the north shore of Nantucket Island. A shallow harbor becomes choppy with easterly winds. Cau- lagoon about 5 miles long extends northeastward from the harbor. The harbor is the approach to the tion should be exercised to avoid anchoring in the town of Nantucket on the western shore. The prin- cipal industry is fishing. Small coastal tankers fairway and maneuvering area to the ferry wharf carry fuel to Nantucket. The ferry from Woods Hole, and the seasonal ferry from Hyannis, carry or the cable area northeast of Brant Point. passengers, vehicles, and general cargo. A pas- senger ferry also operates from Falmouth and Oak The long sweep of strong northeast winds down Bluffs during the summer. the harbor makes anchorage for small craft off the Prominent from offshore are: a standpipe (chart wharves dangerous and uncomfortable. Small craft 265) about 1.5 miles west of Nantucket; a gilded cupola atop a church clock tower, and a church may find more sheltered anchorage under these beHry about 500 yards northwestward of it· the spire of a large white church in the town· a brick conditions in Head of the Harbor (chart 265) or, chimney near the waterfront; and the navigational lights at the entrance to Nantucket Harbor. with local knowledge, in Polpis Harbor (chart 265). Braat Point Llgllt (41°17.4' N., 70\"05.5' W.), 26 Routes (chart 1209).-Vessels approaching Nan· fe~t above the water, is shown from a white cylin- dncal tower connected to the shore by a footbridge t'!cket Harbor form Pollock Rip Channel can set a direct course from Handkerchief Shoal Buoy 14 (41°29.2' N., 70°05.l' W.) to the lighted bell buoy off the entrance. Approaching from the channel northward of Cross Rip Lighted Hom Buoy 21 (41°26.9' N., 70°17.5' W.), pass to the eastward of Tuckernuck S~oal Lighted Bell Buoy 1, and then head for the lighted bell buoy off the entrance to Nantucket Harbor. Tides and currents.-The mean range of tide at Nantucket Harbor is 3 feet. The tidal current off the entrance has a velocity of 0.3 knot· the flood · setting eastward and the ebb westward'. The tidal current in the entrance channel sets into the harbor at a velocity of 1.2 knots and outward on the ebb at a velocity of 1.5 knots. Weatber.-The climate of Nantucket is in· fluen.ced directl:>: by the proximity of the ocean and ts charactenzed by cool summers and colJI· paratively mild winters. Extremes of either max· lll!um or minimum temperatures saeraesovnerayreranreeu.~Talh-e !Bild temperatures of the winter 1zed to a degree by sustained periods of high wind.
4. OUTER CAPE COD AND NANTUCKET SOUND 101 The summers, though c~ol, are very .humid. Heavy side the yacht club pier. The depth at the float is about 9. feet. Guest moorings and various services fogs are frequent, particularly durmg the spring are available at the club. and summer. There is a marked lag in the seasons A boatyard, about 0.2 mile southward of Nan- as compared with inland areas. t~cket Boat Basin, has ~erths_, moorings, gasoline, Ju~y and August are rela~ively cool with average diesel f~el, 20-ton ~obde h01~t, storage facilities, wate.r, ice, and manne supplies; hull and engine maximum temperatures m the mid-seventies. repairs can be made. !anuary and February are the coldest months, hav- Nantucket maintains ferry service with the ing normal mean temperatures near freezing. mainland and daily airline service with New y ork and Boston. Seasonal bus service is also available. The average wind velocity is between 13 and 14 Chart 265.-A narrow unmarked channel leads m.p.h., with the highest monthly averages during through the lagoon northeast of Nantucket Harbor Jan~ary thro_ugh AJ?ril. Coast storms are frequent to Polpis Harbor and Head of the Harbor. A re- dunn_g the wmter with winds of 45 m.p.h. or more. ported depth of about 3 feet can be carried with local knowledge as far as the village of Wauwinet Humcanes, during the late summer and fall may on the southeast shore of Head of the Harbor. Un- marked shoals and foul areas extend off the cause high winds. ' several points. Precipitation is fairly evenly distributed Charts 261, 264, 265, 1209.-Muskeget Channel throughout the year. Total snowfall for the winter is an opening 6 miles wide on the south side of Nant!-lc~et Sound between Muskeget and Chap- ~eason averag~s about 30 inches; however, melting paqmdd1ck Islands. The opening is full of shifting shoals. The best water is found close to the east- is usually rapid and snow cover rarely lasts more ward of Wasque Shoal and about 1.5 miles east- ward of the eastern shore of Chappaquiddick than a very few days. Island. Although this channel .is partly buoyed, strangers should never attempt 1t as tidal currents Except in severe winter, the harbor is seldom with velocities of 2 to 5 knots make navigation dangerous. The currents through the channel are clos~d by local formation of ice. However, the har- strong, having a velocity of 3.8 knots on the flood and 3.3 knots on the ebb about 1.5 miles east of bor_ is frequently closed by drift ice from the sound Wasque Point. The flood sets north-northeastward ~h1ch packs and remains across the entrance dur- and ebbs south-southwestward. ing northerly winds. Wasque Shoal extends southward of Wasque (See appendix for Nantucket climatological ta- Point, the southeastern extremity of Chappaquid- dick Island. The shoal, which dries about 2 miles ble.) south of Wasque Point, rises abruptly from the deep water of Muskeget Channel. Storm warning display locations are listed on Mutton Shoal, 0.6 mile east of Wasque Shoal, NOS. charts and shown on the Marine Weather Serv~ces Charts published by the National Weather has a least depth of 5 feet and is marked on its western side by a lighted bell buoy. The best water Service. in Muskeget Channel is between Mutton and Wasque Shoals. Eastward of Mutton Shoal are nu- The U.S. Public Health Service maintains a con- merous shoals covered 2 to 6 feet. tract physician's office in Nantucket. (See appendix Between Muskeget Channel and the main chan- for address.) nel north of Cross Rip Shoal are numerous shoals, Nantucket Boat Basin, on the west side of Nan- some of which are separated by unmarked chan- nels. Tuckemuck Shoal, northeast of Muskeget tucket Harbor, is entered about 0.4 mile south- Channel, has a least depth of 2 feet; it is marked on the northeastern end by a lighted bell buoy and southwestward of Brant Point Light. The basin is a buoy on the northern side. SboveUul Shoal, west- ward of Tuckernuck Shoal, is covered 3 to 17 feet. enclosed on the north and south sides by Straight Long Shoal, northwestward of Shovelful Shoal, is ~barf and Commercial Wharf, respectively, and covered 3 to 16 feet. Edwards Shoal, south of its entrance is protected by two long bulkheads on Cross Rip Shoal, has a least known depth of 10 feel. Norton Shoal, southwestward of Cross Rip the east and southeast sides. Depths in the basin Shoal and covered 8 feet, is marked by a buoy on ran~e from 2 to 7 feet. About 180 slips are availa- its north side. Hawes Shoal, westward of Norton Shoal, has a least depth of 1 foot; buoys mark its ble m the basin, and yachts 100 feet long and larger northwestern and southern ends. c~n boe! accommodated. The outer end of the north Gde Stra~ght Wharf is used by excursion boats. thasoline, d~esel fuel, and ice can be obtained on e S?u.th side of Commercial Wharf. Water and electnc1ty are available at each slip. The basin's dockmaster has his office on the outer end of Commercial Wharf. The Woods Hole-Martha's Vineyard and Nan- tu~ket Steamship Authority Wharf is about 0.1 ~de northward of the boat basin. A private light is dwn from the roof of a shed on the northeast en of_ the wharf, and is operated only when tuthonty vessels are approaching the wharf in a~gi The submerged ruins of a pier which uncover St ow ~ater are between the boat basin and the ~amsh1p Authority Wharf. Unpainted pile dol- ~~mJ mark the former pierhead. Mariners are ad- se to exercise caution in this area. .North of the steamship wharf is a long finger ~er and several float landings of the Nantucket acht Club. Craft up to 4 feet in draft come along-
102 4. OUTER CAPE COD AND NANTUCKET SOUND Charts 261, 264.-Martha's Vineyard and Chap- are: a wooden tower and several flagpoles, about 0.2 mile northwestward of the light; a church belf- paquiddick Island have a combined length of 18 ry in the town, and a microwave tower 1.3 miles to miles, the two islands being separated by Edgar- the southwestward; a standpipe, about 1 mile southwestward of the light; and the numerous town Harbor, Katama Bay, and the narrow slough beach cabanas on Chappaquiddick Point. connecting them. The northern extremity of Channels.-The buoyed channel through the Martha's Vineyard is about 3 miles southeastward outer harbor is free from dangers and has depths of the western end of Cape Cod. Martha's of 20 to 37 feet until nearly up to Edgartown Light. Near the light the channel narrows and makes a Vineyard is well settled, especially along its sharp bend westward, leading to the wharves at the town. In 1%4, the controlling depth was 16 feet northern shore, and is popular as a summer resort. from the outer harbor to off the town. Abreast the Along the northern shore the island presents a town, the channel narrows and has depths of 13 to 35 feet. The channel then curves southward to generally rugged appearance. The southern shore Kalama Bay, its eastern side being marked by buoys in the vicinity of Middle Ground Shoal. is low and fringed with ponds, none of which has Depths of 13 to 28 feet are found for about 1.2 miles south of the town. The southern half of navigable outlets to the sea. Approaching from the Katama Bay is full of shoals. A channel is some- south, the principal landmarks are a standpipe at times cut through the beach between Norton Point Edgartown, an aerolight near the center of the and Wasque Point to the ocean; however, the head of the bay is subject to frequent changes. In Oc- island, a church spire near Chilmark in the western tober 1971, it was observed that a bar had formed part, a tall radar tower north of Chilmark, and Gay sealing off the channel between the southern part of Kalama Bay and the ocean. Head on the west side. Communication with the mainland is by ferry, Anchorages.-Anchorage with good shelter from airline, cable, and telephone. The principal towns easterly gales is found westward of Cape Poge on the eastern side of the outer harbor. In westerly are Edgartown, Oak Bluffs, and Vineyard Haven. and southerly gales vessels find shelter in the southern end of the outer harbor about 0.4 mile Cape Poge, the northeastern point of Chap- eastward or east-southeastward from Edgartown Light. In northerly or northeasterly gales vessels paquiddick Island, is a bare, bluff, precipitous usually go to Woods Hole or Tarpaulin Cove for head, which may appear from a distance to be a sheltered anchorage. Vessels should not anchor in small island. Cape Poge Light (41°25.2' N., 70°27.l' the channel abreast the town where the bottom is hard sand, the channel narrow, and tidal currents W.), 65 feet above the water, is shown from a strong. Southeast of the town, anchorage may be found south of Middle Ground Shoal in depths of white conical tower on the cape. 24 to 30 feet, sticky bottom. Cape Poge Flats, extendmg about 1.5 miles Small pleasure craft usually anchor on Middle northeastward from Cife Poge, are marked at the Ground Shoal eastward of the buoys marking the northeast end by a be buoy. The southerly edge shoal. A special small vessel anchorage has been designated for this area. (See 110.1 and 110.38, of the white sector of West Chop Light is about 1 chapter 2, for limits and regulations.) mile north of the buoy. Shoal water extends about Dangers.-On the western side of the outer har- 0.4 mile offshore westward and northwestward of bor is a shoal area extending 2.8 miles northward of Edgartown Light. A bell buoy marks two 11- Cape Poge. A buoy, l mile west-northwestward of foot spots. at the northern edge of the shoal; ves- sels ~ntenng or leaving the harbor pass eastward Cape Poge Light, marks the western side of the of this buoy. The depths over the remainder of the shoal are irregular, and there are a rock awash and shoal water. several rocks covered 3 to 5 feet. Strangers should neve~ attempt to pass across this shoal. The chan· Cape Poge Bay, a lagoon of considerable size in nel mto . Edgartown Harbor is marked by a seasonal lighted buoy and unlighted buoys. the northern part of Chappaquiddick Island, is en- tered from Edgartown Harbor. The unmarked en- Sturgeon Flats, covered 2 to 18 feet, extend trance is used mostly by local pleasure and fishing about 600 yards off the southeastern shore of the outer harbor between the narrow entrance to Cape craft. In 1971, it was reported that 4 feet could be Poge Bay and the entrance to the inner harbor. carried through the entrance channel with local A sand bar is making off eastward from Edgar· knowledge. town Light. A buoy is on the eastern end of the shoal. Except for this shoal. the entrance to the Edgartown Harbor, on the eastern side of Martha's Vineyard and westward of Cape Poge is divided into an outer and an inner harbor. The outer harbor is used principally as a harbor of refuge in southerly and easterly winds and as a night anchorage. At the head of the outer harbor a narrow arm makes southward into Katama B;y forming the inner harbor. The inner harbor afford~ good anchorage and is the approach to Edgartown a fishing and resort town on the western shore: Many yachts and pleasure craft use the harbor dur- ing the summer. Katama Bay, used by local fishermen and small pleasure craft, is large and shallow. Extensive shoaling has been reported in the southerly end of the bay. Prominent features.-Edgartown Light (41\"23.4' N., 70030.2' W.), 45 feet above the wweastet r~iidse shown from a white conical tower on the of the head of Edgartown outer harbor. Also prominent
4. OUTER CAPE COD AND NANTUCKET SOUND 103 inner harbor is not difficult to navigate. Middle bus service to Oak Bluffs, Vineyard Haven, and Ground Shoal, in the inner harbor south of the town, has a least depth of 10 feet. other island points. Ferries connect Oak Bluffs and Routes (chart 1209).-Vessels approaching Vineyard Haven with Woods Hole, Falmouth, and Edgartown Harbor from the eastward, from a posi- Hyannis. tion about 400 yards north of Cross Rip Lighted Hom Buoy 21, can steer 267°, heading for the Sengekontacket Pond, about midway between standpipe on Martha's Vineyard southward of Oak Bluffs, passing northward of Cape Poge Flats Bell Edgartown and Oak Bluffs, has two entrances Buoy 7. When Cape Poge Light bears 155°, head south-southwestward into the harbor. which are shoal. The southerly entrance had a re- Vessels approaching from the westward and ported controlling depth of 31h feet in 1967. Both passing northward of Squash Meadow can head on entrances are crossed by fixed highway bridges a 180° course from a position about 0.5 mile southward of Hedge Fence Lighted Gong Buoy 22 with clearances of 5 feet. to enter the harbor. In the daytime, the channel southward of Squash Meadow is sometimes used. Squash Meadow is a shoal south of the main Strangers in sailing vessels seldom enter the inner harbor as a fair wind is necessary to keep in the channel through Nantucket Sound and about 4 channel. miles northwest of Cape Poge. The hard sand shoal Tides and currents.-The mean range of tide is has depths of 5 to 16 feet and is marked on its 1.9 feet. The tidal current in the narrow part of the southeastern end by a bell buoy and on its western channel inside Edgartown Light and off the town has a double flood and a double ebb, and in end by a buoy. general follows the direction of the channel. Near the middle of each flood or ebb period there is an Harthaven is a small pond northward of Sen- approximate slack preceded and followed by max- imum of velocity. The average velocity is about 1 gekontacket Pond. The entrance is through a privately dredged channel between two short jet- knot. (See the Tidal Current Tables for predic- tions.) ties. A reported draft of about 3 feet can be taken Fogs are prevalent during the summer and at through the entrance. The pond has depths of 2 to times appear without warning. Drift ice from the 6 feet. sound, driven into the entrance by the wind, ob- structs the entrance to sailing vessels during a part Lone Rock, covered 4 feet and marked by a of the winter. It is reported that the harbor is nor- mally closed by ice during January and February. buoy, is 350 yards offshore about 750 yards The Chappaquiddick ferry channel is usually kept southeastward of Oak Bluffs wharf. open. The tidal currents keep the inner harbor o~en except for a few days at a time during severe Schoolship Rock, covered 9 feet and marked by a wmters. buoy, is 425 yards 060° from the wharf. Several 11- Storm warning signals are displayed. (See chart.) and 12-foot spots are in the vicinity of this rock. There are no pilots for Edgartown Harbor. Tugs Rhode Island Rock, covered 9 feet and marked are seldom used, and none is available. Fishing by a buoy is about 700 yards northward of the craft will act as tugs in an emergency. The harbormaster has control of the anchorage breakwater light. Oak Bluffs Harbor, 4.8 miles northwestward of of vessels in the harbor. He will usually be found at the Town Whad or can be reached by telephone Edgartown Harbor Light, is a landlocked basin (617-627-4740). Copies of harbor regulations may frequented by pleasure craft and some fishing ves- be obtained from the harbormaster. The U.S. Public Health Service maintains a con- sels. The entrance is protected by two break- waters. A light is on the end of the north ~re~k tJ:act physician's office in Edgartown. (See appen- dix for address.) water. Oak Bluffs is a summer resort and f1shmg The depth at the Town Whad is 25 feet. Depths village on the harbor. A church dome and several at the other wharves are about 11 feet. A marina, church belfries are prominent. boatyard, and a yacht club are at Edgartown. The In 1971 depths of about 11 feet were reported in boatyard has a marine lift that can handle craft up to 38 feet for bull and engine repairs and dry open the entra~ce and harbor. East Chop Yacht Club is ?r covered storage. Gasoline, diesel fuel, water, ice•. marine supplies, moorings, and berths are on the north side of the harbor, and several private available. piers are on the west side. The town wharf extends A small ferry operates between Edgart.own a~d along the bulkhead on the south and east sides of qappaquiddick Island. No schedule is mam- the harbor. The town maintains berths with ~lec tamed, but the ferry runs on call. There is seasonal tricity, a launching ramp, anrl: free guest moonn~s. Gasoline, diesel fuel, water, ice, and some manne supplies are available. . .. The U.S. Public Health Service mamtams a con- tract physicians's office in E~gartown. (Se~ a~pen dix for address.) Martha's Vmeyard hospital ts on the beach road close westward of the town. A har- bormaster is at the town wharf; telephone (617- 693-0920 or 617-693-0737). Oak Bluffs Wharf, about 0.2 mile southward of the breakwater light, is reported to hav~ a depth of 13 feet at the head. A private seasonal hght and fog signal are operated from the seaward end. of the wharf when ferry vessels are approac~mg the wharf in fog. There Hiso~seeaas~odnaNl afenrtruyckseetr.vSiceeasforonmal the wharf to Woods ferry service is also mam.ta.med between Falmouth and Hyannis. The femes from Falmouth and
104 4. OUTER CAPE COD AND NANTUCKET SOUND Hyannis berth alongside the bulkhead on the east southwestward of the town. side of the harbor. Seasonal bus service connects Other ports on the north side of Martha's most places on the island. There is air service from Vineyard westward of Oak Bluffs ·.Harbor are Martha's Vineyard Airport about 4.5 miles described in chapter 5.
105 5. VINEYARD SOUND AND BUZZARDS BAY This chapter describes Vineyard Sound and Buz- Buoy VS the tidal current is rotary, turning zards Bay following the Massachusetts coast of clockwise. The velocity is only 0.2 to 0.5 knot. The Vineyard Sound, the northwestern shore of strength of flood sets about 335°, and the strength Martha's Vineyard, the eastern shore of Buzzards of ebb about 160°. Since the tidal current is weak Bay, the Cape Cod Canal, and the western shore winds greatly affect it, and the current frequently of Buzzards Bay. Also described are Woods Hole, sets approximately with the winds. Cuttyhunk, Onset, Wareham, and the port of New Bedford, as well as the numerous fishing and Charts 261, 264, 114-SC.-East Chop and West yachting centers along the sound and bay. Chop are prominent points on the north side of Charts 249, 1209, 1210.-Vineyard Sound and Martha's Vineyard and on the east and west side of the entrance to Vineyard Haven. Both points Buzzards Bay are deep and easily navigated day or terminate in high wooded bluffs which show night. Vineyard Sound, together with Nantucket prominently from the sounds; each is marked by a Sound, provides an inside route from New York to Boston which avoids Nantucket Shoals. Buzzards light. Bay, together with Cape Cod Canal and Cape Cod West Chop Light (41°28.8' N., 70°36.0' W.), 84 Bay, provides the shortest deep-draft route between New York and Boston. feet above the water, is shown from a white coni- cal tower at the summit of West Chop. A fog signal Vineyard Sound is bounded on the north by the is sounded from the light station. southwestern part of Cape Cod and the Elizabeth A lighted gong bouy, 0.5 mile northeastward of Islands, and on the south by part of Martha's :Vineyard, which presents a rugged and generally the light, and a buoy, 0.5 mile eastward of the maccessible shoreli~. It joins Nantucket Sound light, mark shoal water and rocks awash to the on a line between Nobska Point and West Chop and provides an inside passage clear of Nantucket eastward of West Chop. Shoals. The navigational aids are colored and num- Alleghany Rock, covered 6 feet and marked by a bered for passing through the sound from the east- ward. The channel through the sound is well buoy, is 700 yards northward of West Chop Light. marked and generally free of dangers. East Chop Light (41°28.2' N., 70°34.l' W.), 79 Ancborages.-Woods Hole is the only anchorage feet above the water, is shown from a brown tower on the east side of the entrance to Vineyard providing shelter from all winds for vessels draw- Haven. East Chop Flats, covered 5 to 18 feet, ex- mg more than 10 feet. In northerly and westerly tend 0.2 mile northward and 0.5 mile eastward of winds, good anchorage may be had in Tarpaulin East Chop. A bell buoy, about 0.5 mile east- Cove. In southerly winds, shelter can be had in northeastward, and a buoy, about 350 yards Menemsha Bight, although Vineyard Haven is northward of the light, mark the flats. generally used. Several anchorage areas are in Vineyard Haven Harbor is a funnel-shaped bight Vineyard Sound. (See 110.140 (c) (1), (c) (2), and (d), chapter 2, for limits and regulations.) in the northern side of Martha's Vineyard between With southerly or westerly gales, there is a East Chop and West Chop, about l.4 miles long in heavy sea in the westerly entrance to the sound, and a heavy sea occurs at times off the entrance of a southwest direction and about 1.3 miles wide at Quicks Hole. To avoid this, Quicks Hole is the entrance. This haven, easy of access, is the frequently used, especially by sea tows. most important harbor of refuge for coasters .Tides and currents.-The mean range of tide in between Provincetown and Narragansett Bay. The depths range from 46 feet at the entrance to 15 feet Vmeyard Sound varies from 1.4 feet at West Chop to 2.9 feet at Gay Head. The time of current near the head of the harbor. becomes somewhat earlier from Hedge Fence Although Vineyard Haven Harbor is exposed to westward through Vineyard Sound. The current velocity increases from 1.3 knots at Hedge Fence northeasterly winds, vessels with good ground qghted Gong Buoy 22 to 3 knots off West Chop Light, and then gradually diminishes to 1.2 knots tackle can ride out most blows. The 8'reatest o~f Gay Head Light. (See ..Current Diagram- danger encountered by vessels at anchor in a Vmeyard and Nantucket Sounds\" in the Tidal Cur- rent Tables, and the Tidal Current Charts, Nar- northeast gale is from vessels with poor ground ragao~~tt Bay to Nantucket Sound, for the hourly velocities and directions of the current.) tackle, which are likely to drift and foul other ves- At Vineyard Sound Junction Lighted Whistle sels and then go ashore. . The harbor is the approach to the village of Vineyard Haven. A detached breakwater, marked on its southeastern end by a light, is on the flats on the western side of the harbor near the head; a privately maintained fog sign~l is. at th~ light. The fog signal, and a privately mamtamed light, on the northeast corner of the ferry wharf at the head of the harbor, are activated when a ferry is ap-
106 5. VINEYARD SOUND AND BUZZARDS BAY proaching the slip in a fog. . plies, and berths are available at th~ wha_rves, marinas, and boatyard. The largest manne railway Channels.-The natural channel is clear; in the area can handle craft up to 50, feet; a 20-ton lift is also available; hull and engine repairs can be soundings are the best guide for finding anchorage. made. When well inside the entrance, the water shoals Free guest moorings, maintained by the town, gradually toward the western shor~, but the east- are available off the municipal wharf, 200 yards ern shore is steep and should be given a berth of northward of the ferry wharf; other moorings can be hired from the boatyard and marinas. about 0.2 mile. Channel depths of 16 feet or more The Martha's Vineyard Hospital is on the beach are available to the ferry wharf at Vineyard road near Oak Bluffs. The U.S. Public Health Ser- Haven. vice maintains a contract physican's office in Edgar- Anchorage.-Vessels anchor according to draft, town. (See appendix for address.) anywhere from the points at the entrance to the The Woods Hole-Martha's Vineyard and Nan- head of the harbor. Shallow-draft vessels favor the tucket Steamship Authority maintain~ year-~oun.d ferry service from Woods Hole. Air service is western shore. available from Martha's Vineyard Airport, about 4 miles south of the town. Vessels entering the harbor with a head wind or Lagoon Pond, eastward of the town of Vineyard tlihgrhotugbhretehzee~ouant d,thse_heonudld coofntainfuaevoonraibnlethecucrhr~ennt nel until the harbor is well opened before standmg Haven has its entrance about 0.5 mile northeast- ward bf Vineyard Haven Breakwater Light. A in for the anchorage. This will help clear the en- short jetty extends from the northwestern end of the jutting point on the northerly side of the en- trance points. Approaching from the eastward, trance. The approach is constricted by a row of dolphins which lies close westward of the highway vessels will keep clear of Squash Meadow and bridge that crosses the entrance. With local knowledge, and by avoiding the dolphins, a depth East Chop Flats by keeping in the white sector of of 4 feet was available through the entrance in 1966. The pond, used by local and fishing craft, West Chop Light. Good anchorage is northeast- has depths of 5 to 25 feet with shoaler depths near the shore. Robbins Rock is off the west shore, ward of the breakwater buoy in 20 to 23 feet. The about 1 mile above the bridge. The highway bridge across the entrance has a 30-foot bascule span with anchorage basin behind the breakwater has depths a clearance of 15 feet. The bridge will be opened day or night. A drawtender is in attendance during of 5 to 12 feet, and is usually filled to capacity dur- July and August, Monday through Friday, between the hours of 0800 to 1700. At any other time prior ing the summer. When anchoring in the harbor, arrangements are necessary. The drawtender can be reached by telephone (693-0272, days; 693-0120, care must be taken to avoid obstructing the ap- nights). proach to the ferry slip and the approach to the oil Charts 249, 260, 114-SC.-Falmouth Harbor, the wharves on the southerly side of the harbor. open roadstead off the south shore of Cape Cod eastward of Nobska Point Light, affords an Dangers.-Flats partly bare at low water make anchorage for vessels in 24 to 36 feet about 0.8 mile from shore. Smaller vessels can anchor closer off 300 yards from the eastern shore of the harbor to the shore in 15 to 18 feet. The bottom is generally sticky and good holding ground; the about 1 mile inside East Chop Light, and are depths shoal gradually toward the shore. T~e anchorage affords a lee in northerly winds; tn marked by a buoy. A rock, covered 9 feet and southerly winds the sea is somewhat broken by L'- Hommedieu Shoal and the shoals westward of it so marked by a buoy, is 0.3 mile northward of the that a vessel with good ground tackle can ride out a gale in comparative safety. (See 110.140 (c) (5), breakwater light. and (d) chapter 2, for limits and regulations of the anchorage area.) Tides and currents.-The mean range of tide is Falmouth Harbor is frequently used by vessels 1.7 feet. The tidal currents have little velocity in with good ground tackle that prefer this anchorage the harbor; however, care should be taken on the to the anchorage in Vineyard Haven Harbor, which may be crowded in bad weather. Vessels ap· ebb, which sets westward, not to approach too proaching the anchorage are cautioned to stay clear of the two shoal areas with depths of 10 to 16f closely to West Chop as the current in that vicinity feet marked by buoys which extend westward o sets on the ledges eastward and northward of the point. Storm warning signals are displayed. (See chart.) The harbormaster has control of the anchoring of vessels in the inner harbor; he will usually be found at the boatyard on the southeast side of the harbor or can be reached by telephone (617-693- 0400). Pilots are not available at Vineyard Haven. A twin screw, 500-hp. tug, also equipped for salvage work, is based in the harbor. The ferry wharf at the head of the channel has a depth of 24 feet reported at the outer face. The ferry slip is on the north side and inshore end of the wharf. A private light is on the northeast corner of the wharf. The light, and a private fog signal, on the southeastern end of the breakwater, are activated when a ferry is approaching the slip in a fog. Several other wharves, two marinas, and a boatyard are in the harbor. A yacht club is on the west side of the harbor, about 0.3 mile northward of the breakwater. Gasoline, diesel fuel, water, ice, marine sup-
5. VINEYARD SOUND AND BUZZARDS BAY 107 L'Hommedieu Shoal. the Middle Ground by a natural channel with a Vessels can enter Falmouth Harbor from the depth of 31 feet. A buoy marks the southwestern end of the shoal. southward on a course of 344° with West Chop Light astern, and pass about 0.1 mile westward of Lake Tasbmoo, a landlocked pond on the East Shoal Buoy 17. Vessels in the vicinity of Nobska Point Light can pass 0.4 mile eastward of northwest side of Martha's Vineyard, is entered the light on a north-northeasterly course, and when through a narrow jettied entrance which had a re- Tarpaulin Cove and N obska Point Lights are ported controlling depth of 2 feet in 1971. The nearly in range, stand eastward to an anchorage. lake, only used by local craft, has general depths of 3 to 10 feet. Private seasonal buoys mark the Falmouth Heights, about 3 miles east-northeast channel through a shoal area just inside the en- trance. A small boatyard is on the easterly side of of Nobska Point Light and east of the town of Fal- the lake; a flatbed trailer can handle craft up to 30 mouth, is a prominent yellow bluff on the summit feet for hull and engine repairs. of which are numerous homes and a large hotel. Norton Point and Cape Higgon are prominent Falmouth Inner Harbor, westward of Falmouth bluffs on the northwest side of Martha's Vineyard Heights, is a dredged tidal basin about 0.7 mile about 3 and 8 miles, respectively, southwestward long and less than 0.1 mile wide, on the north side of West Chop Light. of Falmouth Harbor. A tall green standpipe, about 1.5 miles westward of Falmouth, is one of the most Menemsha Bight, on the northerly side of the prominent landmarks in this vicinity. The yacht club dock and flagpole, just inside the entrance on western end of Martha's Vineyard 2.5 miles east of the east side of the harbor, are conspicuous from close inshore. The harbor is entered through a Gay Head, affords shelter from southerly and east- dredged channel between two jetties; a light marks the end of the west jetty. In 1963, the controlling erly winds in depths of 25 to 60 feet, sticky bot- depth was 8lh feet to and in the basin. tom. (See 110.140 (c) (2) and (d), chapter 2, for Tides and currents.-The mean range of tide at limits and regulations for the anchorage area.) Falmouth Heights is 1.3 feet. The tidal current in There are no dangers in the bight if the shore is the sound about 1.5 miles south of the harbor sets east-northeastward on the flood at a velocity of 2.3 given a berth of 0.3 mile. knots, and west-southwestward on the ebb at 1.7 knots. Menemsha Creek, on the northwestern shore of There are several small-craft facilities in Fal- Martha's Vineyard and about 3 miles eastward of mouth Inner Harbor. Berths, electricity, gasoline, Gay Head Light, is entered from Menemsha Bight diesel fuel, water, ice, storage facilities, marine railways up to 75 feet, and lifts up to 25 tons are through a dredged channel that leads southward to available; hull, engine and electronic repairs can be made. The Falmouth Marina, operated by the Menemsha Basin, on the north shore just inside the town, is on the west side halfway up the harbor; slips, moorings, launching ramp, and water are entrance, and thence to Menemsha Pond, about 1 available. A dock.master is at the marina; telephone (Falmouth-548-9796). A ferry operates in the mile above the entrance. The entrance to the creek summer to Oak Bluffs from the wharf at the head of the harbor. is protected by two stone jetties which are re- Nobska Point, about 29 miles westward of ported to cover occasionally during periods of ex- Monomoy Point, is a bluff with Nobska Point Light treme tides and winds. The east jetty is marked by (41°30.9' N., 70°39.4' W.), 87 feet above the water, shown from a white tower, at the south end. A a light. A bell buoy, about 300 yards northwest- radiobeacon and fog signal are at the station. Nob- ska Point Ledges, partly bare at low water, extends ward of the light, marks the channel approach, and 150 yards eastward and southwestward from the point. buoys and a daybeacon mark the channel. Storm warning signals are displayed. (See chart.) In May 1970, the controlling depths were 10 feet Charts 264, 114-SC.-Middle Ground, covered 4 in midchannel to Menemsha Basin, thence 2 feet to to 17 feet, is the easterly half of a narrow, Menemsha Pond; depths of 9 feet were available in so.mewhat shifting ridge that extends for about. 9 miles westward from a point about 0.5 mile the larger northwestern part of Menemsha Basin northwestward of West Chop Light. A buoy is at the northeast end and a lighted bell buoy off the and 5 feet in the smaller southeastern part. The southwestern end. channel about 0.3 mile above the entrance, is re- ported t~ shoal rapidly after dredging; mariners ~e Lucas Shoal, covered 12 to 18 feet, is the southwestern end of the ridge. It is separated from advised to seek local knowledge before attempting to go beyond Menemsha Basin.. . . Menemsha is a small f1shing village on Menemsha Basin. Menemsba Pond, a rectangular basin about 1 mile long and 0.7 mile wide, has general depths of 2 to 18 feet, with the deepest water in the southern half of the pond. .. Tides and currents.-The mean range of tide in Menemsha Bight is 2.7 feet. The tidal currents through the entrance have an estimated velocity of 3 knots or more. Slacks are reported to occur 45 minutes after local high and low waters. . In summer transient pleasure craft on applica- tion to the h~rbormaster, may obtain ~oorings in Menemsha Basin or they may ancbo~ m ~C: pond. Berths are also available at the p~blic facilities. at Dueber Dock, on the northeast side of the basm.
108 5. VINEY ARD SOUND AND BUZZARDS BAY Commercial fishing and charter boats berth at the center and a transshipping point for passengers dock or at the private piers at the head of the and freight to and from Nantucket and Martha's basin. A Coast Guard station is on the south side Vineyard. During the summer it is an active resort of the basin. The harbormaster can usually be and frequently a port of call by yachts passing found at Dueber Dock; telephone (617-645-2641). through to Vineyard Sound or Buzzards Bay. The deepest draft entering Great Harbor in 1971 was 14 A boatyard is on the east side of Menemsha feet. There is considerable waterborne commerce in seafood products, petroleum products, and Creek, about 0.3 mile above the channel entrance. general cargo. Craft up to 45 feet in length can be hauled out on a hydraulic flatbed trailer for hull and engine repairs. Prominent features.-The most prominent land- Gasoline, diesel fuel, water, ice, launching ramp, and marine supplies are available. mark approaching Woods Hole is Nobska Point and light. A light marks the south end of Juniper Seasonal bus service is available from Point, the finger of land separating Little and Great Harbors. Also prominent is the house high on Ju- Menemsha to Vineyard Haven and to other points niper Point, a standpipe 2.2 miles northward of on the island. Nobska Point, a water tower and stacks in the town, the cupola of the Woods Hole Oceano- Gay Head, the westerly end of Martha's graphic Institution, and the buildings of the Na- tional Marine Fisheries Service and the Marine Vineyard, is a prominent high bluff. It is marked Biological Laboratory. by Gay Head Light (41°20.9' N., 70°50.l' W.), 170 feet above the water, shown from a 51-foot red Channels.-Woods Hole Passage, a dredged sec- brick tower on top of the head. A lighted gong buoy is 1.6 miles northwestward of the light. tion through the northern part of Woods Hole, connects Vineyard Sound and Great Harbor with Devils Bridge is a reef making off 0.8 mile Buzzards Bay, and consists of The Strait and a spur channel known as the Branch at the western northwestward of Gay Head. The reef has a depth end of The Strait, and Broadway, the southerly en- of 2 feet about 0.4 mile offshore and 17 feet at its trance to The Strait from Vineyard Sound. In June- end, which is marked by a buoy. October 1969, the controlling depths were 13 feet in The Strait, 12 feet in the Branch, and 13 feet in Nomans Land, about 5.5 miles southward of Gay Broadway. The northerly entrance from Great Harbor into The Strait is preferred over Broadway Head, is a prominent, high, and rocky island. Ex- with its sharp turn, which is difficult in strong cur- cept for a small section on its northwestern side, rents, especially for low-powered vessels and ves- the shore consists of clay and gravel cliffs IO to 18 sels under sail. feet high with boulders lining the shores. In the in- terior of the island are many hills, the highest over The passage through Woods Hole, between nu- 100 feet high, with considerable marshy area between the hills. A danger zone surrounds merous ledges and shoals, is marked by naviga- Nomans Land. (See 204.5, chapter 2, for limits and tional aids. However, tidal currents are so strong regulations.) that the passage is difficult and dangerous without some local knowledge. Buoys in the narrowest part Several sunken rocks and ledges are in the of the channel sometimes are towed under, and a stranger should attempt passage only at slack passage between Nomans Land and Martha's water. Vineyard. Lone Rock, covered 8 feet, and Old The entrance to Great Harbor from Vineyard Man, a ledge covered 4 feet, are marked by buoys. A buoyed channel about 0.7 mile wide between the Sound, between Great Ledge and Nonamesset islands may be used by small vessels in the Shoal, has depths of over 20 feet. A 344° lighted daytime. Shoal water extends 0.5 mile southward of entrance range leads into the harbor from Squibnocket Point, the southernmost point of Vineyard Sound to the wharves at Woods Hole in Martha's Vineyard. Great Harbor. A lighted bell buoy marks the en- trance and lighted and unlighted buoys mark the Charts 249, 114-SC.-Elizabeth Islands, including channel. When entering on the range mariners Nonarnesset, Uncatena, Weepecket, Naushon, should guard against the current from Buzzards Pasque, Nashawena, Penikese, and Cuttyhunk Bay, which has a tendency to set vessels eastward. Islands, extend about 14 miles west-southwest from the southwest end of Cape Cod. The islands, forming The deepest draft using the passage is 11 feet. part of the northern shore of Vineyard Sound, separate the sound from Buzzards Bay. They are hilly These channels are marked by buoys and lights, and partly wooded; the shores are, in general, low but extreme caution and slack water are required bluffs. Westward of Woods Hole are several buoyed to safely navigate them with drafts greater than 8 channels between the islands, but Quicks Hole is the feet. Mariners entering from Buzzards Bay should only one recommended for strangers. keep in mind that the buoys are colored and marked for passage from Vineyard Sound to Buz- Charts 348, 260, 114-SC.-Woods Hole is that zards Bay. water area lying between the southwest tip of Cape Anchorages.-(See 110.140 (c) and (d), chapter 2, Cod and Uncatena and Noname~t Island the easternmost of the Elizabeth Islands, with 'Buz- for limits and regulations of the deepwater zards Bay on the northwest and Vineyard Sound anchorages in the vicinity of Woods Hole.) An on the southeast; it includes Great and Little Har- bors in the easter:n part, and Hadley Harbor in the western part. Woods Hole is also the approach to the town of Woods Hole on the northeastern shore of Great Harbor. The town is a busy commercial
5. VINEY ARD SOUND AND BUZZARDS BAY 109 anchorage about 0.2 mile square, with poor holding difficulty in severe winters, but powered vessels ground and irregular depths ranging from 20 to 60 feet is at the head of Great Harbor. Shoals covered usually proceed through the ice. The strong tidal 5 to 9 feet are northwest of the anchorage. Good currents usually keep Great Harbor open. anchorage in depths of 30 to 48 feet is also availa- ble about 200 yards northwest of the National Storm warning signals are displayed. (See chart.) Marine Fisheries Service's wharf. Small craft can find good anchorage in Little Harbor and Hadley Routes.-The following directions are good for Harbor. medium-draft vessels entering Woods Hole at Dangers.-Numerous ledges and shoals border slack water. Approaching from the eastward, pass the channel through Woods Hole. Great Ledge, an extensive rocky shoal awash at low water with a about 0.3 mile southward of Nobska Point on a full northwest gale, lies between the entrances to Little and Great Harbors; it is marked by a west-southwesterly course until on Great Harbor daybeacon. Coffin Rock, eastward of Great Ledge and covered 6 feet, is marked by a lighted buoy Lighted Range, or from a point close to Nobska 120 yards eastward of it. Nonamesset Shoal, Point Lighted Bell Bouy 26, steer 279° until on the covered 11 feet, extends about 0.2 mile eastward from Nonamesset faland, at the entrance to Great entrance range. Approaching from the westward in Harbor. Parker Flats extend as much as 150 yards off the eastern shore of Great Harbor northward Vineyard Sound, give the south side of the of Juniper Point. Most of these dangers are marked by buoys. Elizabeth Islands a berth of about 0.5 mile and Fringing the passage westward of Great Harbor steer for Nobska Point Light on any bearing are many other ledges and shoals. Red Ledge, gras- between 045° and 051° until on the entrance range. sy, and Grassy Island, with its surrounding ledge marked by a light, are on the western side of Great Wharves.-The ferry pier of the Woods Hole- Harbor Channel. Middle Ledge, which uncovers 1 foot in places and is marked by two daybeacons Martha's Vineyard and Nantucket Steamship and a buoy, is on the south side of The Strait. A ledge, awash at low water and marked by a light, is Authority is on the eastern side of Great Harbor. A about 250 yards westward of Middle Ledge. Hadley Rock, covered 5 feet, is some 500 yards private quick flashing white light is displayed from west-southwestward of the light west of Middle Ledge. A rocky shoal area extends more than 0.3 the southwest corner of the pier when a ferry is mile westward of Penzance Point, the southern ex- tremity of Penzance, which is the curving peninsula approaching in foggy weather. The buildings and sheltering the west and northwest sides of Great Harbor. Most of the dangers adjoining the passage the wharf of the Woods Hole Oceanographic In- channel are marked by navigational aids. stitution are just northward of the ferry pier; Tides and currents.- The mean range of tide is private amber lights and a flashing red light are dis- l.4 feet off Little Harbor, about 1.8 feet off Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, and 3.6 feet off played from the wharf when a ferry or other vessel Hadley Harbor. Strong northwesterly winds may lower the water in the passage as much as 2 feet.. is expected in foggy weather. Northwestward are The velocity of the current is about 3.5 knots m the wharves of the Marine Biological Laboratory; The Strait southward of Penzance Point. (See the the wharf, basin, and buildings of the National Tidal Current Tables for predictions, and the Tidal Current Charts Narragansett Bay to Nantucket Marine Fisheries Service; the town pier; and Sound, for the hourly velocities and directions of t!ie current.) Both the velocity of the current. and several private buildings. time of slack water are affected by strong wmds. Depths at the principal piers vary from 11 to 30 At the north entrance to Woods Hole in Buzzards Bay, the velocity of the tidal current is 0.8 knot, feet. A breakwater extends about 90 yards while at the eastern entrance to The Strait in Great Harbor, it is about 1.3 knots. In the upper part .of southwestward from the south end of the National Great Harbor near the National Marine Fishenes Service's wharl, the currents are barely percepti- Marine Fisheries Service wharf. The front en- ble, and vessels at anchor lie head to wind. trance range light is near the end of the break- Drift ice is brought through from Buzzards Ba~, water. A buoy marks foul ground that extends but seldom interferes with navigation except m unusually severe winters, when it may clos~ the about 50 yards northwestward of the outer end of entrance from the bay. Small craft may expenence the breakwater. Eel Pond, an extension of Great Harbor to the northeastward, is a basin with depths of 10 of 20 feet. In 1971, the narrow entrance to the po.nd had a reported controlling depth of 8 feet. A highway bridge over the entrance channel has a 31-fo~t bascule span with a clear~~ce of 5 feet. Except lD emergencies, local authontles keep the span closed from May 16 through October 14 between the hours of 2100-0600, 0800-0830, 1145-1245, and 1630-1715, and from October 15 through May 15 between the hours of 1700-0800 and 1200-1300. The piers of the Marine Biological Laboratory are along the southwest side of the pond. . There is a boatyard in Eel Pond and a service wharf and a yacht club just north of the ferry pi.er. The ferry to Naushon Island l~nds ~t the service wharf The boatyard has a manne railway that can haul ~ut craft up to 70 feet in length for hull and engine repairs. .. Gasoline diesel fuel, water, ice, manne sup- plies, limit~d berthage, an~ moorings are available at the boatyard and service wharf. The harbor- master can be found at the boatyard; telephone (617-548-0861).
110 S. VINEYARD SOUND AND BUZZARDS BAY Bus service is available from Woods Hole and the passage should never be attempted by strangers; it is used occasionally by local fisher- throughout the year. men. It has been reported that currents',sometimes Little Harbor, the easternmost cove in Woods reach a velocity of 5 knots in the passage. The velocity in the narrow part is about 3 knots. The Hole, is a base for Coast Guard operations. A flood sets southeastward and the ebb northwest- dredged buoyed channel leads from Vineyard ward into Buzzards Bay. (See the Tidal Current Sound to a turning basin off the Coast Guard Tables for predictions, and the Tidal Current wharf on the west shore. In October 1969, the con- Charts, Narragansett Bay to Nantucket Island, for trolling depth was 16 feet in the channel, with the hourly velocities and directions of the current.) depths of 17 feet in the basin, except for a depth of 13 feet on the western edge of the channel in Quicks Bole, between Pasque Island and 41°31'06\"N., 70°40'00\"W., and a depth of 15 feet along the eastern edge of the basin in 41°31'14\"N., Nasbawena Island, is the only passage between 70°39'57\"W. A small private wharf with about 7 Vineyard Sound and Buzzards Bay eastward of feet at its end is north of the Coast Guard facili- Cuttyhunk available for vessels of over IO-foot ties. draft. The clearly defined entrance from Vineyard Sound, about 0.6 mile wide, is about 4 miles west- Hadley Barbor, in the western portion of Woods ward of Tarpaulin Cove and about 5 miles north of Gay Head. The passage is used considerably by Hole at the northwest end of Nonamesset Island, tows, especially during westerly or southerly is suitable only for small craft. It is reached by a winds, to avoid the very heavy sea in the entrance narrow, crooked channel. The deeper entrance, to Vineyard Sound, and also because a secure marked by buoys, is between ledges on both sides; anchorage from these winds can be had, if neces- the northern ledge is marked by a privately main- sary, on the north side of Nashawena Island. The tained daybeacon. The inner harbor forms a well- passage is considered unsafe for a long tow at sbeltered anchorage for small craft. night, but otherwise it may be used by steamers either night or day. Two wharves, with depths of about 9 feet at Vessels should follow a midchannel course their ends, are on the western side of Hadley Har- bor. A private wharf, with a depth of about 7 feet through the passage. The channel is nearly straight at its end, is at the western end of Nonamesset with a width of about 0.2 mile. General depths are Island. 30 feet or more, but there are several spots of 16 to 18 feet and others of 21 to 27 feet. Because of the Charts 264, 249, 260, 114-SC.-Nausbon Island, broken nature of the bottom, the passage is not recomended for a stranger drawing more than 21 the largest of the Elizabeth Islands, extends west- feet. Buoys mark the channel. southwestward from Uncatena and Nonamesset Islands. The aids in Quicks Hole are colored and num- Weepecket Islands, in Buzzards Bay off the bered for passage from Vineyard Sound to Buz- zards Bay. northeastern part of Naushon Island, are bare and rocky. The eastern side of Quicks Hole is foul, and no Weepecket Rock, on a rocky ledge about 0.7 mile ~ttempt should be made to pass eastward of the lighted buoy. Felix Ledge, 0.2 mile off the eastern northeastward of the northernmost of the shore of Nashawena Island, is covered 16 feet and Weepecket Islands, is covered 10 feet, and is marked by a buoy. marked by a buoy. Lone Rock, covered 6 feet and marked by a Lackeys Bay, between Nonamesset Island and lighte~ buoy, is off the northern entrance, about 0.7 mile northward of North Point the northeast- Jobs Neck, the southeastern extremity of Naushon ern extremity of Nashawena Island: Island, is shoal with numerous bare rocks. Tides and currents.-The mean range of tide is Tarpaulin Cove, about 5 miles west-southwest of Nobska Point, is a bight about 0.5 mile in diameter 2.5 feet at the south end and 3.5 feet at the north in the south shore of Naushon Island. The cove af: e~d of Quicks Hole. The tidal currents have con- fords shelter from northerly and westerly winds siderable velocity in Quicks Hole about 2 to 2.5 and is frequently used. A light is on the southwest knots, and a sailing vessel should not attempt to side of the cove. Anchorage in depths of 14 to 18 pass through unless with a strong favorable wind feet, good holding ground, is in the cove with the on· a favorable current. Deep-draft vessels should light bearing between 212° and 189°. Deep-draft be careful not to be set off their courses. With a vessels should anchor farther out in depths of 36 strong. westward current through Vineyard Sound, feet or more. The eastern and northern shores th~re is a northward current through Quicks Hole; should be given a berth of 200 yards. Rocks are with a strong eastward current in Vineyard Sound, near the western shore and should be given a berth the curre~t sets southward through Quicks Hole. of over 300 yards; buoys mark the dangers. Strong wn~ds affect the regularity of the currents. (See the Tidal Current Tables for predictions, and Charts 263, 264, 249, 114-SC.-Roblnsons Bole the Tidal Current Charts, Narragansett Bay to ~ant~cket Sound, for the hourly velocities and is a narrow buoyed passage from Vineyard Sound directions of the current.) to Buzzards Bay between the western end of Nausbon Island and the eastern end of Pasque Island. It has numerous rocks and ledges and .strong tidal currents. The buoys often tow .;oder
5. VINEYARD SOUND AND BUZZARDS BAy 111 Penikese Island, grassy and hilly, is about 1.3 to 11 feet. Anchorage may be had in depths of 10 miles northwestward of Knox Point the to 24 feet in Cuttyhunk Harbor. The shores on northwestern extremity of Nashawena island. Shoal water extends from Penikese Island to Gull both sides of the harbor are foul and the Island, a small islet 0.5 mile southeastward. No at- anchorage is in the middle. ' tempt should be made to pass between them. Rocky ledges extend southward and westward Dangers-Shoals extend 0.6 mile northeastward from Gull Island; buoys are on the southern edge of this area. The channels to Cuttyhunk Harbor of Cuttyhunk Island. Whale Rock and Pease Ledge from Buzzards Bay are southward of the ledges. uncover at low water. Middle Ground covered 9 feet, is 0.5 mile north of Copicut Neck in the Cuttyhunk Harbor is formed by the bight northwestern approach to the harbor. Middle between Nashawena Island and Cuttybunk Island, ledge, covered 15 feet, is about 0.4 mile east of the western-most of the Elizabeth Islands. Northward of the harbor are Penikese and Gull Middle Ground. Edwards Rock, covered 7 feet, is 250 yards northeastward of Whale Rock. These Islands and several ledges, which shelter the har- bor from winds from that direction. The harbor is dangers are buoyed. An unmarked rocky shoal, exposed to winds from the northeastward. covered 12 feet, is 250 yards northeastward of Weather-bound coasting vessels and fishermen sometimes use the anchorage in the harbor. The Whale Rock. These dangers are buoyed. An un- harbor is the approach to the town of Cuttyhunk marked rocky shoal, covered 12 feet, is in the mid- and to Cuttyhunk Pond; the latter is entered through a dredged cut in the eastern part of Cut- dle of the northwestern approach about 0.2 mile tyhunk Island. southeastward of Middle Ledge. Numerous other Prominent from offshore are a light on the rocks and ledges covered 4 to 12 feet are between western end of Cuttyhunk Island, and a monument Cuttyhunk Island and the ledges southwestward of 50 feet high on Gosnold Island, which is a small island in Gosnold Pond on the western end of the Penikese and Gull Islands. The eastern point at the island. Copicut Neck forms the northerly side of Cuttyhunk Pond. entrance and the eastern shore of the harbor should be given a berth of over 300 yards. Cuttyhunk Light (41°24.8'N., 70°57.0'W.), 63 feet Routes.-In approaching Cuttyhunk Harbor above the water, is shown from a 45-foot white skeleton tower with white daymark on the from eastward in Buzzards Bay, take care to avoid southwestern side of Cuttyhunk Island. Lone Rock, 0.7 mile northward of the northeastern Vessels bound for Cuttyhunk Harbor generally end of Nashawena Island. Thence pass eastward of Gull Island Lighted Bell Buoy 7, and thence to approach from Buzzards Bay. The principal dan- anchorage according to draft in the harbor. gers are marked by buoys. Strangers should not enter except in the daytime with clear weather. If In approaching from westward, from a position entering from the northwestward, a greater draft than 10 feet should not be taken in. The approach midway between Ribbon Reef Buoy and Cut- tyhunk Light, steer 051° until abeam of Middle from northeastward is deeper. Canapitsit Channel, between the east end of Cut- Ground Buoy 1, distance 600 yards. Pass midway between Middle Ground and Penikese Island, ftyhunk Island and Nashawena Island, is used by passing northward of Middle Ledge and the 12- small boats and is artially marked by buoys. In foot spot southeastward of it, and then swinging 1968-69, the channe had a controlling depth of 31h feet; greater depths can be carried with local southeasterly to the harbor anchorage, or knowledge. The buoys at this entrance are often dragged off station by strong currents and heavy southward to the entrance to Cuttyhunk Pond. Tides and currents.-The mean range of tide at seas. The channel should never be used during a heavy ground swell. With southerly winds, heavy Cuttyhunk Pond entrance is 3.4 feet. The current velocity in Canapitsit Channel is 2.6 knots on the seas will break across the entrance. Channels.-A dredged channel leads from Cut- flood which sets southward, and 1.7 knots on the tyh~nk Harbor into Cuttyhunk Pond to a turning ebb which sets northward. In the channel basin at the western terminal in the pond and an southward of Penikese Island, the flood sets east- anchorage basin in the eastern part of the pond ward and the ebb westward at about 0.8 knot. (See ~orth of the channel. In 1968, the controlling depth Tide Tables and Tidal Current Tables for predic- m. the entrance channel was 4 feet (61h feet at tions and the Tidal Current Charts, Narragansett !llldchannel), thence depths of 10 feet in the turn- ing basin. The jettied entrance is marked by a light Bay to Nantucket Sound, for the hourly velocities on the north jetty and by a daybeacon on a rock off the end of the submerged south jetty. A buoy and directions of the current.) Drift ice is carried into Cuttyhunk Harbor with marks the entrance to the channel. Anchorages.-Small craft can anchor ·in the northerly winds and closes the harbor during anchorage basin in Cuttyhunk Pond in depths of 8 severe winters. Small-craft facilities.-There is a service wharf on the south side of the channel at the entrance to the pond and a marina on the so1;1th side of the basin at the head of the channel m the pond. A yacht club and a fishing club .are on the island. Gasoline, diesel fuel, water, ice, berthage, and moorings are available. Limited lodging in cottages is available on the island. The harbormaster can be reached by telephone (617-966-9295): There is daily launch service with New _Bedford m the su~m~r and twice weekly in the winter; seaplane service 1s
112 S. VINEY ARD SOUND AND BUZZARDS BAY also available. feet. This anchorage, frequently used by tows, is available for vessels of any draft; however, care Charts 1210, 237, 249, 114-SC.-Buzzards Bay is must be taken to stay clear of the fishtrap area in the vicinity. Two anchorage areas are off the the approach to New Bedford, many small towns western entrance to Cape Cod Canal. (See 110.140 and villa~es, and the entrance of Cape Cod Canal. (b) (1), (b) (2), and (d), chapter 2, for limits and The bay indents the south shore of Massachusetts in a northeasterly direction north of the Elizabeth regulations.) Islands which separate the bay from Vineyard Dangers.-Hen and Chickens, extending 1.4 Sound. miles southward of Gooseberry Neek, is a reef The shores are irregular, rocky in character, and consisting of many large boulders, most of them baring a foot or less. The reef is in two large broken by many bays and rivers. Large boulders groups, the southerly group being the larger. ~~ are common, in places extending considerable merous covered rocks are well away from the v1s1- distance from shore, thus making close approach ble part of the danger. A narrow ledge covered 5 to to the shore dangerous. 14 feet extends about 0.4 mile northward from the visible part of Hen and Chickens. A buoy is north The bottom in the main part of the bay and ap- of the ledge. proach is very broken with boulder reefs in places. Small boats sometimes pass over this shoal in- Vessels should proceed with caution when crossing shoal areas in the tributaries of the bay stead of going outside the reef, but strangers where the depths are not more than about 6 feet greater than the draft. Caution must also be exer- should not attempt it. Old Cock, a rock awash cised in the vicinity of the wrecks shown on the marked by a daybeacon, and The Wildcat, covered chart. Deep water prevails as far as Wings Neek, 5 feet and unmarked, are in the southern shoal above which the bay is full of shoals. area. Strangers are advised to stay outside the 5- fathom curve in this vicinity. Buzzards Bay has six entrances but two of these Sow and Pigs Reef, much of which is dry or are so narrow and dangerous as to exclude their use except by small craft with local knowledge. awash, extends about 1.5 miles west-southwest- The four major entrances are the main channel, ward from Cuttyhunk Island. Its outer end is from westward, passing north of Cuttyhunk marked by a bell buoy. An unmarked rocky shoal, Island; Cape Cod Canal from northeastward, and Quicks Hole and Woods Hole from the southward. covered 20 feet, is 0.9 mile westward of Cuttyhunk The two hazardous entrances are Canapitsit Chan- Light. nel, between Cuttyhunk and Nashawena Islands, and Robinsons Hole, between Pasque and Ribbon Reef, a detached ledge covered 18 feet Naushon Islands. and marked by a buoy, is 1.5 miles northwestward The western entrance has a clear width of 4.3 of Cuttyhunk Light. Coxens Ledge, covered 23 feet and marked by a lighted bell buoy, is 1.2 miles miles between Sow and Pigs Reef and Hen and northward of Ribbon Reef. Chickens. The bottom in this entrance is irregular and rocky, and there are spots with depths of 17 to Mishaum Ledge, a group of several rocky spots 34 feet. Because these shoal areas are surrounded by deeper water, vessels of 16-foot draft or more with a least depth of 8 feet, extends about 1.7 must excercise extra caution when entering the miles southward of Mishaum Point. It is marked by bay. In heavy southwest gales the sea breaks over a lighted gong buoy off its southeast end. A lighted some of these spots. bell buoy marks a rocky shoal covered 22 feet about 1 mile north-northwestward of the north end The best guides for entering the bay from west- of Penikese Island. An unmarked rocky shoal ward are Buzzards Bay Entrance Light, Cuttyhunk covered 19 feet is 0.5 mile north of the island. Light, and the lighted buoys in the entrance. Gay Head Light and Cuttyhunk Light are the guides for Tides and currents.-The mean range of tide va- vessels approaching from the southward. ries from 3.0 feet at Westport Harbor to 4.2 feet at Buzzards Bay Entrance Light (41\"23.8'N., Bird Island near the head of the bay. The tidal cur· rents in the passages between Buzzards Bay and 71°02.0'W.), 101 feet above the water, is shown Vineyard Sound have considerable velocity and from a tower on a red square superstructure on require special attention. At Hen and Chickens floodlighted black piles about 4 miles 256° from Lighted Gong Buoy 3, the tidal current is rotarY, Cuttyhunk Light. The name BUZZARDS is turning clockwise. Tide rips occur when a sea is painted in white on the sides. A fog signal and running against the current. Strengths of flood and radiobeacon are at the light. ebb have velocities of about 0.5 knots and set northeastward and southwestward, respectively. Alldloraps.-New Bedford Inner Harbor af- Minimum velocities before flood and ebb average about 0.2 knot and set northwestward and fords anchorage for vessels of 25-foot draft. Cut- southeastward, respectively. (See the Tide Tables tyhunk Harbor affords anchorage in depths of 1O and Tidal Current Tables for predictions, and the · to 24 feet; except for the small-craft inner harbor, Tidal Current Charts, Narragansett Bay to Nan- it is exposed to northerly winds. A good anchorage tucket Sound, for the hourly velocities and sheltered from all southerly winds may be had off directions of the current.) the north shore of Nashawena Island eastward of Penikese and Gull Islands in depths of 40 to 48 Ice.-Tbe head of Buzzards Bay and th: harbors in that vicinity are generally closed to naviption
5. VINEYARD SOUND AND BUZZARDS BAY 113 during the winter. The approaches to the harbors Woods Hole, has depths of 1 to 6 feet and bares in on the eastern shore are rendered dangerous by drift ice. In severe winters the drift ice extends places at low water. The entrance is protected by a across the bay and joins the local formations on the western shore, forming an impassable barrier breakwater extending about 700 feet southward of for short periods. Ice forms more rapidly in the bay with winds from north to west as the western Little Island, the north point of the entrance, and shore forms a shelter from such winds. When the by a short jetty on the northwest end of Cbap- field ice extends sufficiently out toward the chan- nel as to be affected by the winds from north to paquoit Point.. A tower and the summer homes on west, the outer edges are broken up and carried off Chappaquoit Point are prominent. The entrance is to the eastern or southern shore where they form marked by a lighted bell buoy on the south side drift ice. Under ordinary circumstances a northeast wind, if continued for 48 hours, will clear the bay and by an unlighted buoy on the north side; these of ice. Southerly winds, especially southeastern, diminish the extent and weaken the strength of the buoys mark reefs that extend westward from both pack. Some of the lighted buoys are removed from entrance points. station or replaced by unlighted buoys when en- dangered by ice. In 1971, it was reported that 6 feet could be Storm warning display locations are listed on taken through the narrow, privately marked chan- NOS charts and shown on the Marine Weather nel in the harbor to the anchorage basin off the Services Chart published by the National Weather Service. town wharf at the village of West Falmouth on the The southern side of Buzzards Bay from Cut- east shore of the harbor. Depths of 6 feet were re- ported alongside the wharf in 1971; gasoline is tyhunk to Woods Hole has been discussed previ- ously in this chapter. available. Routes.-To enter, steer east from the lighted Charts 260, 249, 114-SC.-Quissett Harbor, 1.7 bell buoy off the entrance and follow the privately miles northeastward of the western entrance to maintained buoys that are reported to mark the Woods Hole, is used by small pleasure craft. The Knob, a small hillock on the north point of the en- channel in summer. Once inside the breakwater, trance, and the homes on the eastern shore of the harbor, are prominent. A standpipe, 1.2 miles favor the south shore to about 425 yards east of northeastward of the entrance, is conspicuous. the tower on Chappaquoit Point. Thenc~ steer south-southeast and round the narrow pomt that A seasonal lighted buoy marks the entrance, and extends 0.2 mile southward from the north shore. buoys mark the entrance channel. In 1971, a depth This point should be given a berth of at least 100 of about 8 feet was reported available in the chan- nel. Anchorage can be found in the middle of the yards, as a reef extends about 70 yards south of it. harbor in depths of 11 to 18 feet, sticky bottom. Local craft generally moor in the northeastern part Thence ~rbeaanrchuopr to the eastward for the town of the harbor off the boatyard at the town of Quis- wharf, midway between the point and sett. The boatyard has an L-shaped pier, and a the wharf. float which was reported to have about 15. feet alongside. Gasoline, water, ice, berths, .~oonngs, Charts 251, 114-SC.-Wild Harbor (41°38.3' N., some marine supplies, storage fac1~t1es, and marine railways up to 50 feet are available; hull 70°38.9' W.), 7 miles northward of Woods Hole, is and engine repairs can be made. The barbormaster a small cove on the south side of Nyes Neck. afford- can usually be found at the boatyard. ing anchorage in northerly ?r easterly wmds. ~ Hamlin Point, 2 miles north-northeastward of tower on Nyes Neck is promment. The entrance 1s clear in midchannel, with depths of 13 to 20 feet Quissett Harbor, is marked by a prominent ho~el with twin cupolas. A shoal, covered 12 feet near its inside. A seasonal lighted buoy marks . the en- outer end, extends about a mile westward of the trance and buoys mark the shoals extendmg from Point, where it is marked by a buoy. Gifford Ledge, the entrance points. The shores are foul, and the covered 10 feet, is 1.4 miles north-northwestward easterly part of the harbor is shoal. Th~ rep~rted of Hamlin Point. Great Sippowesset Rock, ay.rash depth in the privately dredged channel mto Salver and marked by a private seasonal daybeacon, 1s 0:4 mile offshore about 1.1 miles northward of Hamlin Beach Harbor to a small basin is about 6 feet but is Point. A shoal area, foul with rocks awash and subject to shoaling. A stone jetty ex!ends off ~e covered, extends 0.3 mile offshore eastward C?f the south side of the entrance to the basm. The basm daybeacon. Westward and northward .of Gifford is a special anchorage area. (S~e 110.1 and 110.40, Ledge is the dumping ground for matenal dredged chapter 2, for limits and regulations.) . from Cape Cod Canal. A town wharf and surfaced ramp are m the West Falmoutll Barbor, 5 miles northward of basin. Water, ice, and provisions are available. Megansett Harbor, the approach to the to~ns of North Falmoutll, Megansett, and Cataumet, 1s en- tered between Nyes Neck on the south and Sc!\"lf· gy Neck on the north. The natural channel 1s buoyed as far as the rock breakwater.at ~eg.ansett. A acht club and a town wharf are .JUSt ms1de the br:akwater. The harbor has extensive shoals and ledges, but by following the buoyed .channel a draft of about 8 feet can be earned to an anchorage in depths of 10 to 22 feet. Cata~met Rock covered 7 feet and marked by a buoy, 1s on the s~uth side of the entrance; Seal Rocks are on the north side.
114 5. VINEYARD SOUND AND BUZZARDS BAY Fiddler's Cove (41°38.9' N., 70°38.2' W.) is a anchorage. A boulder reef extends northeastward from Scraggy Neek in the approach to the cove. small-craft harbor on the south shore of Megansett Several private piers with depths of 5 to 8 feet Harbor, about 0.5 mile east-southeastward of alongside are in the cove. Cataumet Rock. A channel, privately dredged to a reported depth of 6 feet, leads southward to a Red Brook Harbor, eastward of Bassetts Island, marina and boatyard in a dredged basin on the east side of the cove. A private seasonal light marks the is approached from the northward through the entrance, and private seasonal red and black pile channel that leads through Pocasset Harbor, and beacons mark the channel. Gasoline, diesel fuel, from the southward through the channel that leads water, ice, berthage, moorings, and marine sup- through Hospital Cove. Hen Cove is immediately plies are available. There is a surfaced ramp, and northward of Red Brook Harbor. The channels are craft up to 40 feet in length can be hauled out on a buoyed, and depths of about 6 feet can be carried. flatbed trailer for engine repairs and storage. In Two rocks, bare at halftide and marked by a buoy 1971, there was reported to be 6 feet in the basin at close northeastward, are 0.2 mile northwestward the bulkhead and at the berths. of Long Point, on the south side of Red Brook Harbor. HaHtide Rock, awash at low water, is about 500 A conspicuous tower resembling a lighthouse is yards southwestward of the end of the Megansett breakwater.Rands Harbor, about 0.3 mile east of at a marina on the east shore of Red Brook Harbor Fiddler's Cove, is a private boat basin with little or about 500 yards southeastward of Bandy Point. A no water. There were no facilities in Rands Harbor 60-foot marine railway and a 16-ton mobile crane in 1971. are available at the marina. A boatyard with a 45- foot marine railway is on the east side of the small Squeteague Harbor, northward of Megansett, is cove, about 300 yards south of the marina. entered through a narrow channel from the head of Both facilities have berths, electricity, gasoline, Megansett Harbor. The privately marked channel had a reported depth of about 4 feet in 1971 ; local diesel fuel, water, ice, marine supplies, and knowledge is advised. The village of Catumet is on storage facilities, and can make hull and engine the northerly shore of the harbor. repairs. Depths of 9 feet are reported at the marina berths and 7 feet at the boatyard berths. Seal Rocks, about 0.3 mile southwestward of Storm warning signals are displayed. (See chart.) Scraggy Neck, on the north side of Megansett Har- bor entrance, are partly bare at half tide and Wings Neck, 9 miles northward of Woods Hole, marked by a seasonal lighted buoy about 300 yards southwest of their southern end. Part of an old extends about 2 miles in an east-southeast concrete bridge is aground on the rocks. Southwest direction into Buzzards Bay. The neck is a Ledge, extending about 0.7 mile westward of Seal prominent peninsula, irregular, and hilly. The Rocks, consists of two patches of shoals covered anchorage areas southwestward of the neck are by 2 to 17 feet and marked by buoys. A rock discussed with the Cape Cod Canal. A yacht club awash is in the northerly shoal. and private piers are on the east shore of the neck. Pocasset Harbor and Red Brook Harbor share a Traffic signals for the Cape Cod Canal are dis- played from a tower on Wings Neck. (See 207.20, common entrance between Scraggy Neck and chapter 2, for details.) Wings Neck. Bassetts Island separates Pocasset Harbor from Red Brook Harbor. Broken ground Storm warning signals are displayed. (See chart.) with depths of 17 to 19 feet in places extends Pocasset River, between the northeastern end of across the entrance. Entering about 250 yards north of buoys marking the north side of Wings Neck and Bennets Neck, is entered from the Southwest Ledge, vessels of about 14-foot draft can anchor westward of Eustis Rock Buoy in north side of Wings Neck through a privately depths of 20 to 30 feet. This anchorage is exposed dredged channel that leads southward between two to westerly winds. Eustis Rock, about 0.2 mile jetties to a highway bridge about 0.4 mile above north of Scraggy Neck, is covered 5 feet and the entrance. In 1967, a depth of 6 feet could be marked by a buoy. The area eastward of Eustis carried to the bridge. The bridge has a fixed span Rock to Bassetts Island is shoal. with a clearance of 7 feet. Only very small boats A narrow buoyed channel with a depth of about go above the bridge. A boatyard is on the south side of the river at the bridge. Gasoline, water, 6 feet leads north of Bassetts Island to Pocasset some marine supplies, storage facilities, and a 40- Harbor. Barlows Landing, at the northeast end of foot marine railway are available; hull and engine the harbor, has a depth of 1Y.z feet. A small-craft repairs can be made. A town wharf and floats are launching ramp is just south of the landing. on the north side of the river at the bridge. Berthage and water are available at the floats. Hospital Cove, about 0.2 mile southward of the Tobys Island, just northward of the entrance of southern end of Bassetts Island, is entered through Pocasset River and on the south side of Phinneys a natural buoyed channel that leads southeastward Harbor, is connected to the mainland by a from a point about 0.4 mile east-southeastward of causeway. Eustis Rock to a small anchorage in the cove. A depth of about 6 feet can be carried in the channel, Pbinneys Barbor, between Tobys Island on the and there are depths of 8 to 14 feet in the east and Mashnee Island on the west, is ap- proached from Buzzards Bay through a buoyed channel that leads along the northerly side of Wings Neck to another buoyed channel into the
5. VINEY ARD SOUND AND BUZZARDS BAY 115 harbor. A seasonal light is at the bend of the ap- from Buzz3:rds Bay: A radiobeacon and fog signal proach channel. Depths of about 10 feet can be are 3:t the hght statlo?· The abandoned lighthouse carried in the inner channel, and greater depths are on B1~d Island, the railroad bridge over the canal at available in the approach channel. The harbor is th~ village of Buzzards Bay, and the highway used as an anchorage by small boats. Mashnee bndge at Bourne are also prominent. Island, once an island, is now connected with the mainland by a landfill causeway. A group of rocks Canal Breakwater Light (41°46.8' N., 70\"29.4' awash, marked by a buoy, is 0.2 mile off the east shore of the harbor, and another rock, covered 4 W.), 40 feet above the water, is shown from a red feet, and marked by a buoy, is 0.1 mile north of Tobys Island. skeleton structure on the end of the north break- The village of Monument Beach is on the east water at the east entrance to Cape Cod Canal from CaJ?e Cod B~y. A fog signal is at the light, and a shore. A marina is at the long town pier in the cove radiobeacon is near the Coast Guard station on the ~n the southeastern corner of the harbor. Berthage i~ 8 to 10 feet is available at the pier. Gasoline, south side of the entrance. The most prominent d1ese~ fuel by truck, water, ice, marine supplies, moonngs, and a surfaced ramp are available. landmark when approaching from Cape Cod Bay is Back River, a stream which is nearly bare except the tall red and white horizontally striped stack of near its entrance, empties into the north side of the powerplant about 1.1 miles west-southwest- Phinneys Harbor. Small craft sometimes anchor in ward of Canal Breakwater Light. The high-level th~ entrance. A railroad bridge and a highway highway bridge across the canal at Sagamore, 2.5 bndge crossing the river about 0.2 mile above the mouth have fixed spans with a minimum clearance miles west of the breakwater light, is also of 4 feet. A boatyard is on the south bank between the bridges. In 1971, a depth of about 2 feet was prominent. The breakwaters at the east entrance to reported available in the river to the boatyard. A fork lift is used to haul out boats up to 26 feet at the canal should not be confused with the smaller the yard, while boats up to 37 feet in length can be hauled out on a flatbed trailer at a paved ramp at jetties at Sandwich Harbor, 1 mile to the Barlows Landing and then brought to the yard for hull and engine repairs or dry open or covered southeastward, nor should the two white church sto~age. A launching ramp and marine supplies are available at the yard. spires back of Sandwich Harbor be mistaken for the range structure marking the entrance to the Gray Gables is on the south side of the cove canal. across the Cape Cod Canal from Taylor Point. A Channels.-A Federal project provides for a small craft launching ramp is at the head of the cove. channel 32 feet deep through the Cape Cod Canal. (See Notice to Mariners and latest editions of the Cape Cod Canal is a deep-draft sea level water- chart for controlling depths.) Deep-draft vessels way connecting Buzzards Bay and Cape Cod Bay. should obtain the latest information as to available The waterway is 15 miles long from Cleveland depths so as to pass through the canal during max- Ledge Light to deep water in Cape Cod Bay. The imum stages of high water if the draft of the vessel canal shortens the distance between points north a~d south of Cape Cod by 50 to 150 miles and pro- is near the controlling depth. T1des an inside passage to avoid Nantucket Shoals. The approach channels from both the west and fhe canal is maintained by the Federal Govem- the east are marked with lighted ranges and other ent as a free waterway. (See 207.20, chapter 2, navigational aids. The canal itself is lighted at night ~r the regulatioas governing the use, administra- tion, and navigation of the Cape Cod Canal.) on both banks by mercury vapor lights, yellow on Traffic ligbts.-Traffic lights (red, green, and the north bank and white on the south bank, and amber yellow) are located at the easterly canal en- generally 500 feet apart. tr;:ince, Sandwich; the easterly side of the Sand- Ancborages.-Anchorage areas are on each side wich Control Station 35; and at the westerly en- trance of Hog Island Channel at Wings Neck. of Cleveland Ledge Channel between Cleveland rhese signals apply to all vessels over 65 feet in ,!ngth that desire to transit the canal. (See 207.20 Ledge Light and Wings Neck. (See 110.140 (b) and ~) (1), chapter 2, for detailed information on signals.) (d), chapter 2, for limits and regulations) In.19?1, Prominent featares.-Cleveland Ledge Light a dangerous sunken rock was reported 1ust mside the easterly edge of Anchorage D in about r4t 037.9' N., 70041.7' W.), 74 feet above the water, 41°40'05\" N., 70°40'17\" W. ~ sh~wn from a white cylindrical tower and Mooring basins, with tieup dolphins, are at both Welling on a white caisson on the east side of the entrance channel approaching Cape Cod Canal ends of the canal. One is on the east side of Cleve- land Ledge Channel abreast of Hog Island, and the other is just inside the eastern entrance ~o the canal. A small boat basin is on the south side of the channel just inside the eastern entrance to the canal; depths of 8 to 13 feet were available in the basin in June 1969. Bridges.-The Cape Cod Canal is crossed by three bridges. The railroad bridge at the village of Buzzards Bay, 7.8 miles above Cleveland Ledge Light, has a vertical-lift span with a cle~rance of 7 feet down and 135 feet up. The span is normally maintained in the raised position and lowered for 1o1p7e.7~~m,gchs!iglpntaelrs.2) , the passage of trains. (See for drawbridge regulations and The highway bridge at Bourne, 9 miles above Cleve-
116 5. VINEYARD SOUND AND BUZZARDS BAY land Ledge Light, has a fixed span with a assist vessels in Cape Cod Canal. clearance of 135 feet. The highway bridge at Wharves.-The Massachusetts Maritime ~cade Sagamore, 11.8 miles above Cleveland Ledge Light, has a fixed span with a clearance of 135 my Pier, site of the Massachusetts Maritime Acade- my, on the north side of Cape Cod Canal, 0.6 mile feet. The minimum clearance of the overhead power below the railroad bridge at the village of Buzzards Bay, is 600 feet long with about 25 feet alongside cables across the canal is 160 feet. Tides and currents.-The mean range of tide is the berthing face. In May 1%9, the controlling 3.5 feet at the railroad bridge near the Buzzards depth on the channel side of the pier was 25 feet. Bay entrance and 8.7 feet at the Cape Cod en- trance. The large differences in range and timing of The BAYSTATE, the academy training vessel, is the tide between Buzzards Bay and Cape Cod Bay cause strong currents in the canal. Tides may usually berthed alongside. Permission to berth at lower the canal level 2 feet below mean low water or even more if attended by heavy offshore winds. the pier must be obtained from the academy Of- Daily predictions for the tidal current in Cape ficer of the Day. Vessels should not attempt to go Cod Canal at the railroad bridge are given in the alongside or leave the pier except at periods of Tidal Current Tables. Under ordinary conditions, the tidal current has a velocity of 4.0 knots on the slack water. Passing vessels are requested to flood, which sets eastward, and 4.5 knots on the ebb, which sets westward. proceed slowly to avoid damage to lines and other equipment at the pier. Due to the strong tidal currents in the canal, The New England Petroleum Company mooring especially during spring tides, low-powered vessels should await slack water or favorable current. platform, on the south side of Cape Cod Canal, 1.2 Navigators are warned to be on the alert for possi- ble \"bank suction\" and \"bank cushion,\" the ef- miles westward of Canal Breakwater Light, pro- fects of which may cause a vessel to take a sudden and decided sheer. vides berthing for tank vessels up to 750 feet in Weather.-Fog is said to be less dense over length with drafts of 32 feet. Vessels normally Cape Cod Canal than outside, but at times a water moor portside-to during daylight only. Petroleum vapor rises from the canal to such an extent that products are pumped to storage tanks ashore. traffic has to be suspended. The canal proper never has been closed by ice, but occasionally Supplies.-Gasoline, diesel fuel, water, ice, and Buzzards Bay becomes so congested with ice that a concrete ramp are available at the boat basin just navigation through the canal is prevented. inside the Cape Cod Bay entrance to the canal. Storm warning signals are displayed. (See chart.) Temporary berthage and anchorage are also availa- Pilotage.-The masters of all vessels with an ble at the basin. A seafood freezer plant and wharf overall length of 200 feet and over are directed to notify the Canal Dispatcher, prior to entering the are just inside the westerly side of the basin; waterway, the name of the pilot handling the ves- depths of about 13 feet were reported alongside sel through the canal. Pilots meet vessels off the the wharf in 1970. eastern entrance to the canal between the sea buoy and the breakwater, and off the west end of Cleve- Communications.-Information on operating land Ledge at the western entrance. Pilots will also meet vessels at Brenton Reef Light or Block Island conditions, widths, depths, or other data on the on special request. canal is available at all hours, day or night, as fol- Services of licensed pilots may be obtained by lows: telephone Buzzards Bay, 617-759-4431; ship radio, telegraph or radiotelephone from any of the to shore telephone station at Scituate, Mass. (call various commercial pilotage associations in Boston, New York, Warwick, R.I., Providence letters WOU); radiotelegraph station on Chatham R.I., Wareham, Mass., and Buzzards Bay Mass ' or through the dispatcher at the Cape Cod Can~i (call letters WCC) thence messages are relayed by Office. (See Communications, Cape Cod Canal this chapter.) Pilot boat service is available at each telephone to the canal authority. end of the canal by calling Wareham, Mass., telephone (617-295-3714), or at Buzzards Bay Direct communications by radiotelephone may Midchannel Bell Buoy BB by calling New Bedford, .Ma~s., telephone (617-993-3891). Ad- be made with the Cape Cod Canal Office, Buz- vance notice IS desirable. (See 207.20 O> Manage- zards Bay, Mass., operating on VHF-FM channel ll!CDt ~f vessels, chapter 2, for Corps of Engineers 13 (156.65 MHz), (call letters WUA-21). directive on Cape Cod Canal Pilotage.) Vessels equipped to communicate on VHF-FM Towqe.-By special arrangements, tugs up to 2,200 hp. can be obtained from New Bedford to channel 13 (156.65 MHz) are requested to keep !heir radio~elephones tuned to that frequency dur- mg the entire passage through the canal. Information Bulletin.-A monthly bulletin giving controlling depths and other information about the conditions in the Cape Cod Canal may be obtained from the Division Engineer, Corps of Engineers, Waltham, Mass. Buttermilk Bay, at the northeast end of Buz- zards Bay, has depths of about 1 to 7 feet. A nar· row buoy~d channel, partially dredged across the sand bar m the southern part and Cohasset Nar- rows connect the bay with Cape Cod Canal. In Oc- 4to~beeert-Natomv~edmcbhaernn1e9l70~ the controlling depths were Buoy 7, thence 6 feet to the railroad bndge, about 1.1 miles above the channel entrance. Two bridges cross Cohasset Narrows; the railroad bridge has a bascule span wi~ a clearance of 6 feet but is kept in a cloSed position
5. VINEY ARD SOUND AND BUZZARDS BAy 117 ~and us.ed as a fixed bridge. T~e highway bridge, wooded, 124 feet high, and about 1.5 miles 1mmed1ately above, has a fixed span with a southward of Long Beach Point, is prominent when clearance of 9 feet. Several small piers for shallow- approaching the river. An elevated tank, a brick draft boats are the only facilities in Buttermilk stack, and a standpipe in Wareham are con- Bay. Gasoline is available in the bay. spicuous. The buoyed channel to the town is crooked and twisting; it has a reported depth of Butler Cove, on the western side of Cohasset about 6 feet. A shoal makes off southeasterly from Cromeset Point, 0.6 mile southward of Long Beach Narrows southwesterly of the bridges, has depths Point. The section near Quahaug Bar, north of of 3 to 5 feet. Long Beach Point, is subject to shoaling. Depths shoal to 2 and 3 feet close to the buoyed channel. Onset Bay, between Sias Point on the north and Small craft sometimes anchor just north of Long Beac~ Point. Highway and railroad bridges over Hog Neck on the south, is the approach to the vil- the nver above the wharves have 28-foot fixed lage of Onset. A dredged marked channel leads spans vith a clearance of 2 feet. westward from Cape Cod Canal along the southerly side of the bay to a turning basin off the The mean range of the tide at the entrance to village. Two anchorage areas, one on each side of the channel, are at the head of the channel. In Oc- Wareham River is about 4 feet. The velocity of the tober 1970, the midchannel controlling depth was current is not great enough to materially interfere 12 feet to the turning basin, thence 14 feet in the with a sailing vessel having a good breeze. During basin except for shoaling along the edges; depths of 8 feet were available in the anchorage areas ex- the first half of the ebb the current below the cept for shoaling in the southwest corner of the easterly anchorage area, and shoaling along the wharves of the mwn sets across the flats westward westerly and southerly sides of the southerly of the channel, and during the whole of the ebb it anchorage area. sets across the flats eastward of the channel below Long Beach Point. (See the Tidal Current Tables Wickets Island, marked by a large dwelling, is a for predictions.) The river ices over for short high and wooded islet in the middle of the bay. The periods during most winters. buoys in the entrance channel are frequently Vessels approaching Wareham River from Buz- towed under because of the strong currents. A rock, covered 8 feet, is near the channel entrance zards Bay pass 0.8 mile east of the abandoned about 75 yards northeast of Hog Island Channel tower on Bird Island and steer 351° to the buoyed Light 11. channel. Strangers should obtain local information regarding channel depths before navigating the A special anchorage area is in the northern part ~f 9nset Bay. (See 110.1 and 110.45, chapter 2, for river. limits and regulations.) Additional anchorages are The depths at the wharves at Wareham are 5 to available at the head of the dredged channel. 11 feet. The Wareham police patrol the harbor dur- The Onset town wharf, on the north side of the ing the summer boating season and enforce a speed limit of 5 knots. A boatyard, on the western side of turning basin, has depths of about 14 feet at its Wareham Neck about 0.3 mile below the bridges, face. The harbormaster has an office at the wharf. has a marine railway that can handle craft up to 40 Several small-craft facilities are on the north side feet for hull and engine repairs or storage. of the bay along the southwesterly side of Long Gasoline, diesel fuel, water, and marine supplies are available. In 1971, depths of about 6 feet were Neck. Gasoline, diesel fuel, water, ice, and marine supplies are available. One facility can haul out reported alongside the boatyard service float. craft up to 65 feet on a flatbed trailer for hull and Wareham has bus service. engine repairs or storage. Onset has bus service. Marks Cove, on the west side of the channel to East River empties into Onset Bay southeast of Wareham River between Swifts Beach on the north and Cromeset Neck on the south, has depths of 2 to Onset. A draft of 3 feet can be taken to an 5 feet. The cove is used by small boats. In 1961, a anchorage just above the highway bridge which 6-foot channel was dredged by the State through c.onnects Onset and Long Neck. The bridge has a the cove from the 6-foot contour to Cedar Island at fixed span with a clearance of 11 feet. the entrance to Cedar Island Creek. Stony Point Dike, a sandspit breakwater about 5 Weweantic River, entered southward of feet high and marked at its southern end by a light, Cromeset Neck, has a narrow and crooked channel extends about 1.8 miles south-southwesterly from partly obstructed by rocks. A reported depth of Cedar Island Point to Abiels Ledge. The break- about 3 feet can be carried past the rocks and as ~ater protects Hog Island Channel. Abiels Ledge, far as the highway bridge, with local knowledge. . etween the channel and the south end of the dike, ts covered 3 feet. Dry Ledge, a mile northwestward The channel is marked by private seasonal buoys to about 2 miles above the bridge. An overhead of Abiels Ledge, bares at half tide; it is marked by a buoy. Little Bird Island, 0.8 mile northward, is power cable crossing the river about 1.4 miles above the mouth has a clearance of 51 feet. The surrounded by uneven bottom with depths of 2 to highway bridge, which is 1.7 miles above the 19 feet between it and the northerly shore of Buz- zards Bay. mouth bas two fixed spans with a clearance of 5 feet. The channel is throu~ the north~sterly 45- Wareham River, which empties into the northern foot span. The river is navigable for 2 miles above end of Buzzards Bay is the approach to the town of Wareham on the west bank. Great Bill,
118 5. VINEY ARD SOUND AND BUZZARDS BAY the highway bridge by small craft draw~ng less trance to Marion. than 2 feet. Two small outboard boat mannas are Blankinship Cove and Planting Islam;l Cove, on just above the bridge. Gasoline and bait are availa- the eastern side of Sippican Harbor, have a com- ble at these facilities. mon entrance northward of Ram Island. They have From Wareham River to New Bedford the shore general depths of 3 to 5 feet. Meadow Island separates the two coves. Gibbs Rock, marked b~ a is indented sharply by rocks and ledges extending private daybeacon, is 50 yards off the north pomt offshore nearly 2 miles in places. of Ram Island. A rock awash is charted 120 yards Wings Cove, between Great Hill Point southeast north of the daybeacon. of Great Hill, and Piney Point on the eastern. si~e Hammett Cove in the northeastern part of Sip· of Sippican Neck, has depths of 8 to 17 f.eet m its outer section. The cove affords protection from pican Harbor has a small marine railway that can westerly winds; it is used only by sm.all loca~ cr~ft. haul out craft up to 50 feet for hull and engine repairs and to which a draft of about 4 feet can be Butler Point is at the southern tip of S1pp1can taken at high water, with local knowledge. The best water is usually marked by private seasonal Neck. Shoal water extends about 0.4 mile southward from the point to Bird Island, a round, aids. low flat island. The 36-foot abandoned white The mean range of tide in Sippican Harbor is 4.0 lighfhouse tower on the island is a prominent land- feet. Ice usually closes the harbor about a month or mark. more each winter. Southward and westward of Bird Island are Aucoot Cove, about 0.8 mile southwestward of several buoyed dangers. Bird Island Reef, covered 15 to 18 feet, is about 0.4 mile east-southeastward. Sippican Harbor, has depths of 10 to 17 feet. The About 0.5 mile southwestward is Centerboard harbor is protected from all winds except Shoal covered 12 feet. The Bow Bells, isolated southeast. A channel to a boatyard west of Haskell shoals covered 11 to 18 feet, are about 0.9 mile Island, marked by private daybeacons, has a re- southwest of Centerboard Shoal. Bird Island South ported depth of less than 1 foot. Local knowledge Shoal (41°39.1' N., 70°42.8' W.), an isolated 17-foot and a high tide are required to navigate to t~e spot about 1 mile southward of Bird Island, is boatyard, which can haul out craft up to 40 feet m marked by a gong buoy about 150 yards to the length. The yard does general repairs and machine southward. A submerged obstruction, covered 17 work. Gasoline, diesel fuel by truck, and marine feet, is close westward of the gong buoy. supplies are available. The other coves between Sippincan and Mattapoisett Harbors are foul and Sippican Harbor, scene of much pleasure-boat seldom entered. activity, makes into the north shore of Buzzards Charts 252, 114-SC.-Mattapoisett Harbor, Bay about 3 miles southward of Wareham River. The harbor is the approach to Marion, a small about 3.5 miles southwest of Sippican Harbor and town on the western shore. It is entered between 5 miles northeastward of New Bedford Harbor, is Bird Island on the east and Converse Point on the the approach to the town of Mattapoisett. The har- west. Prominent features include the abandoned bor is used by numerous yachts during the lighthouse on Bird Island and the conspicuous summer. Although exposed to southeasterly winds, house and flagpole on Converse Point. The stand- the ledges at the entrance somewhat break the sea pipe on Sippican Neek can also be seen for a con- from that direction. A light on Ned Point marks the siderable distance. approach. A standpipe is in the town. Vessels The town whad at Marion has depths of about 5 anchor between Ned Point and the wharves in 13 to 17 feet. feet reported alongside. Two boatyards with marine railways, gasoline, diesel fuel by truck, The entrance between Angelica Point and Straw· water, ice, marine supplies, and storage facilities are at Marion. The largest marine railway can han- berry Point on the east and Mattapoisett Neck on dle craft up to 50 feet. The harbormaster can the west, is about 1.5 miles wide. A buoyed natural usually be found at the boatyard just south of the channel leads through the numerous rocks and town whad. ledges in the entrance to the anchorage area off the town. The channel has a depth of about 14 feet, Storm warning signals are displayed. (See chart.) but because of the broken bottom, vessels should proceed with caution over areas where the charted Mendells Rock and Seal Rocks are shoal, rocky depths are not more than 6 feet greater than the draft. Strangers should not attempt to enter at areas, northward of Converse Point extending up night. to 0.2 mile off the west shore of the harbor. Plant· ing Island, a peninsula extending about 0.6 mile There are many shoals and rocks, most of theID northwesterly from Sippican Neck, is on the east- ern side of the harbor. At Ram Island, off Marion buoyed, off the points and in the entrance. Off the the pas sage between the island and the wester~ west side of the entrance, Mattapoisett Ledle. ex- shore is less than 275 yards wide. The currents in tends about a mile southeasterly from Mattapoisett the narrow portion of the channel have considera- N~ck. Nye Ledge, covered 7 to 17 feet, about 0:4 ble velocity at times. Little Island lies on the mde southeastward of Mattapoisett Ledge, is western side of the channel about 0.2 mile northwestward of Ram Island. The buoyed channel marked by a lighted bell buoy. In or near the en: has a reported depth of about 12 feet from the en- trance channel are Gallatin Rock, covered 10 feet,
5. VINEYARD SOUND AND BUZZARDS BAY 119 Sunken Ledge, covered 3 feet; Snow Rock, covered consists of the area south of the hurricane barrier 5 feet, and Barstow Rock, covered 8 feet. Near the at Palmer Island, and the inner harbor consists of town wharf, a rock, covered 3 feet, is marked by a the area north of the barrier to a short distance above the New Bedford-Fairhaven Bridge. buoy. The mean range of tide in the harbor is 3.9 feet. New Bedford is a manufacturing city on the west The stone wharf at the town has a depth of 5 feet side of the Acushnet River. Fairhaven is on the east side of the river. Principal shipping includes at its face and 7 feet alongside. Diesel anfudel~ receipts of petroleum, lumber, fish, and textiles; gasoline, oil, water, ice, marine supplies, exports are flour, general cargo, and frozen fish. Commercial fishing craft operate from the ports. surfaced ramp are available. A boatyard has facili- The deepest draft entering is about 30 feet at high ties for hauling out craft up to 50 feet for general water. The approach from Buzzards Bay and the en- repairs and machine-shop work. Ram Island, about 1.5 miles southwestward of Mattapoisett Harbor, is a low, grassy island con- nected to Mattapoisett Neck by a narrow shoal. trance to New Bedford Harbor are much ob- Rocks and shoal water surround the island. structed by ledges and shoals, between which are several channels leading to the dredged entrance. Cormorant Rock, 0.9 mile southeastward of Ram The bottom is very broken, characterized by large boulders; vessels should proceed with caution Island, bares at half tide, and is marked by a when crossing areas off the general track when the daybeacon. Ledges with very little water over charted depths are not more than 6 to 8 feet them surround the daybeacon at a distance of 150 greater than the draft. yards. A rock, covered 14 feet, is about 0.2 mile Prominent Features.-From the main channel northeastward of the daybeacon; depths of 18 to 21 feet extend 0.2 mile southward. The channel between the rock and Ram Island bas depths of numerous landmarks can be seen on the westerly side. Dumpling Rocks Light off Round Hill Point, about 15 feet. about 3 miles west of the channel, is conspicuous. Nasketucket Bay is entered between Cormorant About 0.5 mile westwestward of the radar dome on Rock on the east and West Island on the west. Round Hill Point is a radio tower. Clarks Point, on Northward and westward of West Island the bay is the west side of the channel, is marked by a greatly obstructed by rocks and small islands. granite fort. About 0.7 mile northeast of the point Because of these obstructions, only small craft is Butler Flats Light near the edge of the shoal. A proceed through the bay to Little Bay, at the head, group of four large white cement stacks are on the ~r up Nasketucket River. Numerous rocks, includ- west side of the inner harbor. Although there are mg Whale Rock, are on the east side of West no landmarks on Sconticut Neck, Fort Phoenix is a Island at the entrance. A causeway connects the promontory fairly conspicuous just east oi the western side of West Island with Long Island. A channel, almost opposite Palmer Island. Several church spires are prominent in Fairhaven. Tall fixed span in the causeway has a clearance of 5 feet. The depth at the bridge is 6 feet. The ap- radio towers are on Popes Island and Crow Island in the inner harbor. The lights marking the eastern proach from southward to the west side of West and western sides of the hurricane barrier are also lslan~ runs among many sunken rocks and shoals, and 1s very dangerous. The causeway between prominent. Butler Flats Light (41°36.2' N., 70°53.7' W.), 53 Long Island and Scondcut Neck, the neck of land forming the east side of New Bedford Harbor, feet above the water, is shown from a white coni- completely blocks passage between the two. cal tower on a black cylindrical pier, about 0.7 mile north-northeastward of Clarks Point. A Bare rocks and shoaling extend about a mile radiobeacon and fog signal are at the station. southerly of West Island, and from there to the Channels.-A Federal project provides for a 30- ~ew Bedford Harbor entrance there are numerous isolated rocks and ledges, the most dangerous of foot deep channel from Buzzards Bay to t~e turn- which are buoyed. Mosher Ledge, about 1.1 miles ing basin just above the New Bedford-Fairhaven south of Wilbur Point, has a least depth of 6 feet. Bridge. (See Notice to Mariners and latest edition of charts for controlling depths.) The 350-foot- Strangers should stay south of the buoys marking these dangers. wide channel is constricted to 1.50 feet by a hur- ricane barrier across the inner harbor, protecting New Bedford Harbor, a tidal estuary at the New Bedford Harbor, extending from the western mouth of Acushnet River on the northwestern side shore over Palmer Island to Fort Phoenix on the oNf Buzzards Bay, is the approach to the city of east. Tphoesi1ti5o0n-fdoout g~atefd~orpweneian~gewri•l.lbbuet,kCt?sPlcilnosthede ew Bedford and the town of Fairhaven. The har- open during periods of high w1!1ds, high ~des, or when a bor is about 166 miles from The Battery at New hurricane is expected. Lights marking the eastern ~ork via Long Island Sound, and 83 miles from and western sides of the opening are _shown from oston via Cape Cod Canal. The harbor includes the top of each of the two gate op.eratio.ns houses, all the tidewater lying northerly of a line from CBlarks Point at the southern extremity of New 48 feet above the water. A fog signal 1s sounded e~ford to Wilbur Point at the southern end of from the west barrier light. Farrhaven and extends to the head of navigation It is reported that lights are displayed from the on Acushnet River at Acushnet. The outer harbor
120 5. VINEYARD SOUND AND BUZZARDS BAY old granite fort on Clarks Point and near the Hill Point, is the southernmost danger at the en- northern end of Palmer Island to indicate whether the hurricane barrier gate is opened or closed. trance to the harbor. It is covered 9 feet with a Green lights are displayed from these locations wreck near the easterly part; a bu~y is close when the gate is open, and red lights are displayed from 20 minutes before the gate closing com- southeastward of the wreck. mences until it is reopened. Flashing red lights are Bridges.-Three bridges cross Acushnet River at also reportedly displayed from the barrier when New Bedford. The first, the New Bedford-Fair- the gate is closed or closing. The controlling depth above the turning basin to haven Bridge, has a swing span with a clearance of the Coggeshall Street Bridge is about 15 feet. 6 feet. (See 117.80, chapter 2, for drawbridge regu- Above that point in Acushnet River there is little traffic except by launches and small craft. lations and opening signals.) About 1 mile above Routes.-The main channel to New Bedford this drawbridge is the Coggeshall Street Bridge Harbor is from Buzzards Bay Midchannel Lighted which has a fixed span with a clearance of 8 feet. Bell Buoy BB (41°30.8' N., 70°50.l' W.) through About 1.3 miles above the Coggeshall Street the buoyed channel eastward of Negro Ledge. Bridge is a fixed bridge with a clearance of 6 feet. There are several other passages with least Tides.-The mean range of tide is 3.7 feet. depths of about 21 feet that lead from Buzzards Bay to New Bedford Harbor west of the main Currents.-Tidal currents are weak. From a se- channel. However, they are not as well marked as the main channel; unmarked shoals with depths of ries of current observations, conducted by the 9 to 18 feet are near the course lines. Corps of Engineers over a 2-day period in October From a position about 0.3 mile south of 1965 at the center of the navigation opening of the Mishaum Ledge Lighted Gong Buoy 3A (chart 249), a course can be set to pass about 500 yards New Bedford Hurricane Barrier, it was revealed east of Dumpling Rock Light to about 500 yards northwest of Decatur Rock Buoy 8, thence on a that the maximum flooding and ebbing velocities 006° course to join the main channel near Butler Flats Light. were about 2.4 knots; average flood setting 344° An alternate approach can be made from a posi- and the ebb 144°. During flooding or ebbing a slight tion about 0.3 mile south-southeastward of Wilkes set towards the east barrier abutment may be ex- Ledge Buoy about 0.5 mile south-southeastward of Wilkes Ledge Buoy 5 on a course of 006° to join perienced. During this same period it was further the main channel near Butler Flats Light. The high elevated tank at Fairhaven is a good leading mark revealed that the time of slack water occurred for this leg. about 30 minutes before the time of low or high Strangers should not attempt to enter New water; that the maximum ebbing velocity occurred Bedford Harbor except in clear weather when the aids are visible. Vessels should proceed with cau- about 2 hours after the time of high tide; that the tion where the charted depths are less than 6 to 8 feet greater than the draft, because of the broken maximum flooding velocity occurred about 4 hours character of the bottom. after the time of low tide; and that generally, the Anchorages.-Before proceeding into New maximum current occurred at about the same time Bedford Harbor, vessels occasionally anchor in depths of 20 to 30 feet about 0.7 mile south of as the most rapid change in the vertical height of Clarks Point. Two anchorage areas have been the tide was taking place. established in the outer harbor. (See 110.140 (a) and (d), chapter 2, for limits and regulations.) In Weather.-The prevailing winds during the the inner harbor vessels may anchor in the two dredged anchorage areas on either side of the winter are from north to west, and durin~ the channel in depths of 25 to 30 feet. summer from south to southwest. Thick fog is re· Dangers.-The entrance to New Bedford Harbor ported to close in quickly with little warning in is full of rocks and ledges, some covered 3 feet or less. Obstructions near the entrance passages are New Bedford Harbor. Storm warning display loca- marked with buoys. The chart is the guide. tions are listed on the NOS charts and shown on Dumpling Rocks, bare and covered, extends 0.4 the Marine Weather Services Charts published by mile southeastward from Round Hill Point. A light the National Weather Service. is on the easterly rock. A buoy marks the southeastern portion of the shoal area around the lce.-The channels and anchorage area usually rocks, and a gong buoy is about 400 yards east of the light. are navigable throughout the year, although in pro· Wilkes Ledge, 1.8 miles southeastward of Round longed periods of extreme cold weather the harbor as well as all of Buzzards Bay may be closed to navigation because of ice. Such conditions are in· frequent and of short duration. Steamers generally can make their way through the ice in the harbor. Pilotage.-Pilotage is compulsory for foreign vessels and U.S. vessels under register. Pilots usually board vessels off Buzzards Bay Midchan· nel Lighted Bell Buoy BB (41°30.8' N., 70°50.l' W.). Pilot service~ are generally arranged for.in ~d vance t~rough ships' agents or directly by shipping compames; 24 hours' advance notice is requested. The pilots recommend that vessels, delayed 0b.e5ca~uilsee soofuwthewatahredroofrtohethleigr hrteeadsobnesll anchor about buoy. Pilot boat service is available by calling New Bedford, Mass., 617-993-3891. . Towage.-Oceangoing vessels usually reqwre tug assistance when docking and undocking. Tugs up to 2,200 hp. are based at New Bedford, and ar·
5. VINEYARD SOUND AND BUZZARDS BAY 121 rangements for their services are usually made storage, 240,000 square feet of open storage· through ships' agents. Tugs monitor VHF-FM receipt and shipment of general cargo; owned and ·channel 13 (156.65 MHz) when expecting a vessel, operated by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and use channel 18A (156.90 MHz) as a working Division of Waterways. ' frequency. Maritime Terminal Wharf: westward of Fish New Bedford is a customs port of entry. Island; 600 feet long; 31 feet alongside; 2.5 million Immigration officials are stationed in cubic ft:et of refrigerated storage; receipt of frozen Providence, R.I., and agricultural quarantine offi- food, fish, and horsemeat; shipment of general cials in Warwick, R.I. (See appendix for ad- cargo; owned and operated by Maritime Terminal, dresses.) Vessels subject to such inspections Inc. generally make arrangements in advance through Frionor Bridge Freezer Wharf: northeast side of ships' agents; officials usually board vessels at Fish Island; 450 feet long; 28 feet alongside; 45,000 their berths. square feet of refrigerated space; receipt of Quarantine is enforced in accordance with regu- seafood; owned and operated by Frionor Bridge lations of the U.S. Public Health Service. Vessels Freezer Co. may be granted pratique by radio. (See Public New Bedford North Terminal Wharf: 400 yards Health Service, chapter 1.) northwest of Fish Island; 1,000 feet long; 30 feet The U.S. Public Health Service maintains a con- alongside; 14 acres of open storage; owned by tract physician's office in New Bedford. (See ap- New Bedford Harbor Development Commission pendix for address.) New Bedford has several and operated by various tenants. hospitals. Supplies.-Gasoline, diesel fuel, water, provi- The Coast Guard maintains a vessel documenta- sions, and marine supplies of all kinds are availa- tion office in New Bedford. (See appendix for ad- ble. Diesel oil and marine bunker fuels are availa- dress.) ble by truck. The water is excellent for drinking Harbor regulations.-The New Bedford Harbor and boiler use; a water boat services craft at Development Commission, through the barbor- anchor. ~aster, enforces the harbor regulations. The State P~er Traffic Manager is the State authority who Repairs.-There are several boatyards at Fair- haven and one at New Bedford that can make hull, directs anchoring, berthing, and movement of ves- engine, and electronic repairs; storage facilities are sels, and discharging operations at the State Pier. also available. The largest marine railway in the V.e~s~ls are expected to proceed slowly in the area can handle vessels up to 130 feet, 500 tons, v1cm1ty of the piers. State laws forbid pollution and 13 feet in draft. Several repair firms in New and dumping of refuse and rocks inside the harbor. Bedford are available for above-the-waterline The harbormaster has an office just north of the repairs and engine repairs. Derrick lighters, some State Pier. with air compressors and diving equipment, are Wbarves.-The New Bedford waterfront has also available. many piers and wharves. The fishing industry uses Communications.-There is only rail freight ser- ~ost of these facilities. Only the deep-draft facili- vice to Boston and frequent bus service to ties are described, and the alongside depths for Providence, Newport, and Fall River. A mail boat rese facilities are reported; for information on the makes trips to Cuttyhunk twice weekly in the ~test depths contact the operator. All of the facili- ~es described have highway connections, and most winter and daily in the summer. ave rail connections. Fresh water is available at The coast between New Bedford Harbor and the most piers and wharves. Cargo in the port is entrance of Sakonnet River is fringed with exten- ~sually handled by ship's tackle. A 250-ton floating sive shoals, many of them rocky and a considera- ble number of them well offshore. The entrances A\" frame derrick is available for heavy lifts. to several inlets are shoal and are used only by New Bedford South Terminal Wharf: 500 yards local fishing and pleasure boats. Westward of Palmer Island; 1,600 feet long; 30 feet alongside; 250,000 cubic feet of refrigerated Clarks Cove, between New Bedford Harbor and ~orage; receipt of seafood products; owned by Apponagansett Bay, affords anchorage in depths ew Bedford Harbor Development Commission. of 12 to 22 feet. It is exposed to southerly weather and is seldom used. Several small piers can accom- New Bedford Gas and Edison Light Co. Pier; modate small craft. A small boatyard wit!> a 40- foot marine railway is in the cove; gasoline and 300 yards northward of South Terminal Wharl; diesel fuel are available. Several rocks are off north side 740 feet long, with dolphins; 30 feet Moshers Point on the west side of the cove. Apponaganset Bay, about 2 miles southwestward allngside; receipt of petroleum products and natu- ra gas; vessels usually berth with bow inshore; of Clarks Point, shelters numerous pleasure cra!t and a few fishermen in the summer, but the bay 1s owdned by New Bedford Gas and Edison Light Co., insecure in southeasterly gales. ~onquJtt and l~ operated by New Bedford Gas and Edison Bayview are villages on the south side of the en- trance and South Dartmouth is on the northerly igbt Co., and New England Petroleum Corp. 3gGaS:itahtne~PEiedri:so50n0LyiagrhdtsCnoo.rPthiwera; rfdacoef New Bedford 450 feet long, f side 600 feet long, south side 775 feet long; eet alongside; 90,000 square feet covered
122 5. VINEYARD SOUND AND BUZZARDS BAY shore. Padanaram Breakwater is marked on t~e rocks and reefs surround Gooseberry Neck. Shoal southern end by a light. The approach to the bay ts water extends 0.6 mile southwestward of the neck obstructed by numerous ledges and rocks, and to Lumber Rock, covered 4 feet and ~arked b~ a strangers should enter only in the daytime wi~h buoy, and over 0.5 mile westward to Browmg clear weather. Inside the breakwater the channel 1s Ledge, covered 6 feet. Little Southwc;st Rock, 0.3 marked by buoys. Dartmouth Rock, covered 4 !eet, mile northeastward of Lumber Rock, 1s marked by is on the northeast side of the channel. Pnvate a daybeacon. seasonal anchorage buoys mark the area off ~outh Westport River empties into the large bight ADartmouth which is usually very crowded m the between Gooseberry Neck and Sakonnet Point summer. highway bridge at the village has a (chart 353). The mouth of the river is between Hor· swing span with a channel width of 31 feet and a seneck Point, 2.7 miles northeast of Gooseberry clearance of 8 feet. (See 117.81, chapter 2, for Neck and The Knubble, a protruding mound of drawbridge regulations and opening signals.) granite marked by a light about 0.2 mile south of Above the bridge, small craft anchor in a narrow Horseneck Point. The river is the approach to channel near the eastern shore. Westport Harbor, the area just inside the entrance; the village of Westport Point, on the north shore of The harbormaster controls anchoring and the east branch of the river; and the village of Acoaxet, westward of Th~ Knubble. Fishing and berthing in the harbor and can usually be found at pleasure boats used the nver as far as Westport the larger boatyard. The speed limit in the harbor Point. off the piers is 5 m.p.h. The channel is narrow and crooked, and marked Southward of the bridge are the two principal by buoys. The depth over the bar is reported to be piers with depths of 7 to 11 feet off their faces. about 9 feet and about 8 feet in the buoyed channel One pier is the landing of the New Bedford Yacht to Westport Point. Depths over the bar are con- Club, and the other a commercial wharf. Diesel tinually changing, and local information should be fuel, gasoline, water, ice, and some marine sup- obtained as to depths and the best water. No ves- plies are available. Two ne~rby boatyards an~ a sel should try to enter at night. marina perform general repairs and some machme work. The largest marine railway can haul out craft Boats should not try to enter during strong up to 55 feet. southerly winds as heavy seas break over the en- Storm warning signals are displayed. (See chart.) trance bar. About a mile above the entrance the river divides into two branches. The west branch is Round Hill Point, about 3.5 miles southwestward shallow with a narrow, unmarked channel, and is little used. Above Westport Point bridge the east of Clarks Point, is marked by a prominent round branch is marked by private seasonal buoys as .far bill on which is a white tower and a radar installa- as the Hix Bridge, 4.7 miles above Westport Pomt. tion. Care should be taken not to confuse this A reported depth of about 4 feet can be carried to tower with Dumpling Rock Light. Westward of the this bridge with local knowledge. hill is a radio tower. A highway bridge with a 49-foot bascule span Between Round Hill Point and Salters Point, 1.1 and a clearance of 21 feet at the center crosses the miles southwestward, Hunts Rock Breakwater ex- river at West~ort Point, about 2 miles above the tends 270 yards in a northeast-southwest direction. mouth. Hix highway bridge, about 6 miles above Mishaum Point, 1.9 miles southwestward of the mouth, has a 35-foot fixed span with a Round Hill Point, is the southern point of Smiths clearance of 3 feet. An overhead power cable on Neck. Shoal water extends about 0.2 mile off the the north side of Hix bridge has a clearance of 37 point. feet. Chart 237.-Slocums River, westward of Approaching Westport River, boats must take Mishaum Point, has a bar at the entrance nearly care to pass westward of the dangers off bare at low water. The channel inside is narrow Gooseberry Neck and eastward of the dangers off and unmarked, and little used. Slocums Ledge, ex- the river entrance. Numerous rocks and ledges are tending 0.6 mile westward of Mishaum Point, southward of the entrance to the river. Twomile covered 2 to 7 feet, is marked by a buoy. Pawn Rock, 1 mile southeastward of Westport Harbor Rock uncovers 3 feet and is 0.2 mile easterly of Entrance Light on The Knubble, is marked by a Barneys Joy Point, the point on the west side of the daybeacon. Shoals with depths of 5 to 18 feet are river entrance. southeasterly of the rock. Buoys mark the shoals. Halfmile Rock, 3 feet high, is 325 yards southeast Gooseberry Neck, about 4 miles southwestward of the light on The Knubble. The shoal water sur- rounding the rock is marked by a buoy. The area of Mishaum Point, is marked by a prominent south of The Knubble is very foul. Other 1;10· watch tower. The neck, irregular and elongated, marked dangers include Twomile Ledge, extending extends about 1 mile southward from Horseneck 1 mile south of The Knubble, and covered 2 to 12 Beacla to which it is joined by a narrow roadway feet; Joe Burris Ledge covered 14 feet, midway over rock fill. The water surrounding the neck is very foul. between Halfmile Rock and Twomile Rock. anild Pinetree Ground, about a mile south of Twolll e Hen and Chickens and the dangers southward of it have been previously discussed under the en- trance to Buzzards Bay. In addition to Hen and Chickens, numerous
5. VINEYARD SOUND AND BUZZARDS BAY 123 Rock, covered 25 to 30 feet. gest marine railway can haul out craft up to 50 feet The shore in this vicinity should be given a berth for hull and engine repairs and dry open or covered storage. There are 10-ton and I-ton cranes of about 1.3 miles to avoid numerous rocks and and surfaced ramps. Gasoline, diesel fuel, water, ledges extending about 1 mile offshore for 2.5 ice, marine supplies, berthage, and moorings are miles westward of Westport Harbor. available. The mean range of tide is 3.0 feet. The tidal cur- Quicksand Point is about 1.5 miles west of The rent in the entrance has a velocity of 2.5 knots, and Knubble. The boundary line between Mas- caution is recommended when navigating the river. sachusetts and Rhode Island is near the point. (See the Tidal Current tables for predictions.) Cutty Wow Rock, awash at low water, is I mile Two piers, used by fishing and pleasure boats, southwestward of the point. are at Westport Point. These piers have reported Briggs Point, 2 miles southwestward of depths of 6 feet at their faces. A small yacht club Quicksand Point, is surrounded by shoals and rocks. Halfway Rock, 2 feet high, is 0.4 mile is on the south shore of the river westward of the village. The club dock has a depth of about 8 feet. southeastward of the point. There are two boatyards and a marina. The lar-
124 6. NARRAGANSETT BAY This chapter describes the Sakonnet River, Nar- Light from eastward should keep the light bearing ragansett Bay, Mount Hope Bay, and Taunton and northward of 268° to avoid Seal Ledge and the Providence Rivers. Also discussed are the ports of Newport, Fall River, and Providence, as well as other dangers. In clear weather, vessels may pass the numerous other yachting and fishing centers in two miles eastward of the light. Brenton Reef and this area. other dangers on the easterly side of the entrance Charts 353, 1210.-Narragansett Bay, 17 miles will be avoided by keeping Castle Hill Light bear· westward of Buzzards Bay entrance, is the ap- proach to the cities of Newport, Providence, Fall ing eastward of 003° and passing westward of the River, and Taunton, as well as numerous towns and villages. Rhode Island, the largest island in the lighted whistle buoy and the gong buoy off bay, forms the eastern shore of the bay proper. The entrance is between Brenton Point, the Brenton Reef and the bell buoy off Butter Ball southwestern J;>art of Rhode Island, on the east, and Point Judith Neck on the west. The bay is Rock. Approaching from westward, from a posi- about 18 miles long from the entrance to the mouth of Providence River. Navigation of the bay is easy tion with Point Judith Light bearing 344° distant 2 during day or night in clear weather as it is marked by navigational aids. The large Conanicut Island miles, vessels may steer 028° for about 9 miles to a and Prudence Island, and several smaller islands, divide the bay into two passages. Sakonnet River, position 0.5 mile west of Castle Hill Light, thence although not a part of Narra~ansett Bay, is in- cluded with it in the following discussion. follow the navigational lights in the bay. East Passage is good for a least depth of about Tides.-The tidal movement in Narragansett Bay 60 feet for about 11 miles up the marked channel with its vertical and horizontal constituents-tide to the entrance of the dredged channel to Providence. West Passage is the approach to and current, respectively-is a continuation of the Dutch Island Harbor, Wickford, Greenwich Bay, and Providence River. Vessels of over 16-foot tide wave of the Atlantic Ocean. This wave sweeps draft rarely go above Dutch Island Harbor without a pilot, but vessels of 16-foot draft or less should into the three entrances between Sakonnet Point have no difficulty in going to the head of the bay and Providence River. Sakonnet River is good for and Point Judith and continues up the bay and into a depth of 18 feet from the mouth to Mount Hope Bay. each of its tributaries until stopped by rapids or Caution.-Submarine operating areas and transit other obstructions. As is usual when oceanic tidal lanes are in the approaches to Narragansett Bay. These areas are indicated on the area charts. movements enter inland waterways, the nature of Mariners navigating these waters are advised to consult the charts and to obtain the latest informa- the movement is modified by the hydrographic fea- tion as published in Notice to Mariners. tures encountered. In this area the local features Ancliorages.-The principal anchorages for ves- are such that the current movement in particular is sels seeking shelter are Newport Harbor in the East Passage, and Dutch Island Harbor in the subject to considerable distortion. The mean range West Passage. These harbors afford anchorage with good holding ground for deep-draft vessels of the tide varies from about 3.5 feet at the en· and are sometimes used by coasting vessels on th~ passage between Vineyard Sound and Long Island trance to 4.6 feet at Providence. (See the Tide Ta- Sound. Good anchorage will be found almost anywhere in the bay under the lee of islands or the bles for predictions.) shore, where vessels becalmed or at night frequently anchor. Point Judith Harbor of Refuge Currents.-The flood current in Narragansett is just west of Point Judith. Anchorage areas have been designated for Narragansett Bay. (See Bay frequently has two maximums of velocity 110.145, chapter 2, for limits and regulations.) separated by a minimum velocity which at times Routes.- Vessels approaching Brenton Reef becomes an ebb flow. Over the greater part of the bay, the usual maximum flood or ebb velocity is from 0.5 knot in the broad portions of the water· ways to 1 knot in the more constricted sections. Velocities of about 1.4 knots occur at the bridges in Seekonk River, a velocity of about 1.7 knots in the narrows at the mouth of Kickamuit River, and a velocity of about 2.2 knots at the bridges in Sakonnet River. In Sakonnet River, from the highway bridge to its mouth current velocities are small, being generally less than 0.5 knot. (See the Tidal Current Tables for predictions, and the Tidal Curre.nt Charts, Narragansett Bay, for hourly velocities and directions of the current.) . At Brenton Reef Light the tidal current is practl· cally reversing. The strengths of flood and ebb have velocities of about 0.5 knot setting northward and southward, respectively. . Weather.-In the entrance to the bay and its ap· proaches, fogs are more prevalent from April to October. The fogs are brought in by winds frolD east through south to southwest and are cleared off_ by northerly and westerly winds. The usual du- ration of the fog is 4 to 12 hours, but periods of 4
6. NARRAGANSETT BAY 125 to 6 days have been known with only short clear Point in depths of 21 to 28 feet. Although open to intervals. The head of the bay will sometimes be the southward, a heavy sea seldom reaches as far free from fog while the entrance is completely shut as this anchorage. In southeasterly gales the water is comparatively smooth inside the mouth of the m. river. Fishermen seeking shelter frequently anchor Navigation of the bay and its tributaries is some- on the flats in the bight northward of Fogland Point in depths of 10 to 14 feet. times impeded by floating ice and in severe winters by packs of field ice. The ice which breaks up in Sakonnet Point, at the eastern entrance to Providence River and Mount Hope Bay is set by north and northeast winds down the bay through Sakonnet River, is surrounded by bare and sunken East Passage; if there is much ice, a gorge is some- rocks. Several islets and islands are south of the times formed at Fort Adams, but it is of short du- point. Schuyler Ledge, with a least depth of 8 feet, ration. The passages are rarely closed for any is about 0.8 mile southward of the point, and is length of time below Gould Island in the East marked by a bell buoy. Passage and Dutch Island in the West Passage. During January and February, Mount Hope Bay, Cormorant Rock, a bare dark rock off the Bristol Harbor, Warren, Providence River, Green- wich Bay, and Wickford are usually closed to sail- western side of the entrance to the river, is about ing vessels unaided by power. The inner harbor of 0.8 mile south of Sachuest Point, the southeastern Newport is also sometimes closed during these extremity of Rhode Island. Vessels should not pass months with the exception of a channel kept open between Cormorant Rock and Cormorant Reef, 0.3 by vessels. mile southward of the rock. The least depth on the Storm warning display locations are listed on reef is 4 feet; it is marked by a bell buoy. The mean range of tide at Sakonnet Point is 3.1 NOS charts and shown on the Marine Weather feet. (See the Tide Tables for predictions.) Services Charts published by the National Weather The two bridges and the remains of the aban- Service. doned highway bridge at the north end of Sakonnet Pilotage is compulsory in Narragansett Bay for River act as dams to maintain the water at dif- ferent levels on either side of them, causing dan- foreign vessels and U.S. vessels under register gerous currents through the openings. The currents when proceeding north of a line extending from change with great rapidity both in velocity and in Point Judith to Sakonnet Point. State pilots are available on request in the vicinity of Brenton Reef direction and are characterized by a double flood. Light (41°25.6' N., 71°23.4' W.), Block Island North Reef Lighted Bell Buoy lBl (41°15.5' ·N., (See the Tidal Current Tables for predictions, and 71°34.6' W.), Block Island Southeast Lighted Whistle Buoy (41°05.8' N ., 71°30.0' W.), or about 2 the Tidal Current Charts. Narragansett Bay, for miles south of Point Judith Lighted Whistle Buoy 2 hourly velocities and directions of the current.) (41°20.0' N., 71°28.5' W.). Vessels usually pass through the draws near the Pilot services are generally arranged for at least times of slack water. 21 hours in advance through ships' agents or The river north of Fogland Point is usually directly by shipping companies. Pilots board from closed by ice for short periods each winter. Ice launches; 24-hour service is available. The pilots' boats are equipped with VHF-FM and medium packs occur at the railroad bridge. . Vessels proceeding up Sakonnet River should frequency radiotelephones and can be reached on 2182 kHz, 2738 kHz, and channel 16 (156.80 MHz). follow a midriver course to the constricted part of the river, thence follow the channel marked by Chart 353.-Sakonnet River, on the easterly side buoys into Mount Hope Bay. of Narragansett Bay is between the mainland and Sakonnet Harbor, a small-boat harbor on the the eastern shore of Rhode Island. The width of the river varies from 0.7 to 2 miles except at its northerly side of Sakonnet Point, about 2 miles northern end where a least width of 0.3 mile is northeastward of the entrance lighted whistle found. The river is little used except by fishing buoy, is protected by an 800-foot br~ak~ater ex- tending in a northerly and easterly direction from vessels and small craft. The easterly side of the Breakwater Point. A light marks the outer end. In southerly entrance is marked by a tower of a 1968, the harbor had a dredged depth of 8 feet. A former lighthouse on the west side of the shoal yacht club wharf on the east shore of the harbor had a area. reported depth of about 5 feet alongside. The channel of Sakonnet River is good for a The western shore of Sakonnet River from tht depth of 18 feet from the mouth to Mount Hope oentrance to Sandy Point s~ould be given a berth of Bay. There are numerous shoals and outlying 4 mile to avoid shoals with depths of 7 to I7 feet. Rocks extend up to 500 yards offshore betwe~n ~roxcckesp,t but the dangers are well marked by buoys. Sachuest Point and Flint Point, abou~ I mtle for the breakwater light off Sakonnet Har- northward. Flint Point Ledge, about 0.5 mtle north- anbloubrftufhoeoyansmt tohafrekFswlienthsttePeorlniend_t~s,eidh.easBolafacltekhaesPto~~~1envptert,~1so2a.f67rmfoe~ileketys; hr, no lighted aids are in the river, and strangers northward of Flint Pomt. Sandy Point and McCur- ry Point, low and backed by high land, .are 3..9 and s ould not attempt to navigate it at night. 5 4 miles, respectively, northward of Flmt Pomt. Good anchorage for vessels drawing up to 17 ·The channel passes eastward of Gould Island, a feet can be had in midriver just below High Hill high wooded island, 2.5 miles north-northeastward
126 6. NARRAGANSETT BAY of McCurry Point. This Gould Island shoul~ not be Numerous prominent residences are on the eastern confused with one of the same name m Ea~t side of Newport Neck, the southwestern part of Passage. A rock with a depth of 1 foot 1s Rhode Island. A large brick residenc.e with several northwestward of the island and is marked by a towers is on the southeastern point of Newport buoy. .. Neck. Easton Point is about 1.3 miles eastward of The eastern side of Sakonnet River 1s bolder Newport Neck. A stone tower with a short spire at than the western side. The east shore should be each corner can be seen from offshore, about 0.7 given a berth of 0.7 mile from Sakonnet Point to mile northward of Easton Point. Westward of Church Point, a flat point with bluffs at th~ water, Easton Point is a bathing beach with a prominent about 2.8 miles northward of Sakonnet Pomt. Old pavilion. Several private landings are northward of Bull with a depth of 1 foot, is about 0.5 mile Gooseberry Island, a small islet south of Newport Neck. Local knowledge is required to proceed to southward of Church Point and marked by a buoy. A church spire at Little Compton, about 1.7 miles the landings. east of Church Point, is prominent. High Hill East Passage, the principal passage in Narragan- Point, about 3 miles north of Church Point, is a sett Bay, extends between Rhode Island on the prominent small hill with . bluffs at the wa~er. east and Conanicut and Prudence Islands on the Fogland Point, about. O.~ mile no~thward ?f High west. It is the most direct route to Newport, Hill Point, is a pro1ectmg promment pomt; the Bristol, Providence, Mount Hope Bay, and Taun- westerly and northerly sides should be given a ton River. berth of over 200 yards. Almy Rock, bare at low A dumping ground (chart 1210) is located in the water, is 0.3 mile southwest of Fogland Point. The waters off the entrance to East Passage southeast- broad bights between Fogland Point and the bridge ward of Brenton Reef Light. (See 205.80(a) and (b) are shoal. (4), chapter 2, for limits and regulations) Nannaquaket Pond, on the east side of Sakonnet A fixed highway suspension bridge crosses East River eastward of Gould Island, has a narrow en- Passage about 3.6 miles above the entrance, trance 8 feet deep crossed by a fixed bridge with a between Jamestown and Newport. Clearances clearance of 12 feet. The deeper water in the en- through the 1,500-foot center span are 213 feet at trance is along the northern shore; several rocks the center, 205 for the mid 1,000 feet, and 194 feet are off the southern shore. The currents have con- siderable velocity. The northern part of the pond for the remainder of the center span. A privately has depths up to 26 feet; the remainder has depths maintained fog signal is sounded at the bridge. of about 3 feet. Brenton Reef Light (41°25.6' N., 71°23.4' W.), 87 The Cove, on the western side of the river south feet above the water, is shown from a red house of the bridges, has a depth of about 9 feet in the on a black square superstructure on four black entrance; the 31-foot-wide fixed highway bridge piles. The name BRENTON, in large white letters, across the entrance has a clearance of 25 feet. is on each side, and the piles are floodlighted at Depths are generally 3 to 4 feet in the cove. night. A fog signal and a marker radiobeacon are at the light. Tiverton is a town on the eastern bank of Sakon- Brenton Point is the southwestern extremity of net River north and south of the bridges. Oil tan- Rhode Island and the eastern entrance point of kers call at Tiverton. The oil piers northward of East Passage. . the bridges have reported depths of about 35 feet Brenton Reef, bare in places, extends 0.5 mile alongside. south-southwestward of the point and is marked Small-craft facilities at Tiverton and on the west by a gong buoy. Another reef extends 0.5 mile side of Sakonnet River across from Tiverton can provide berths, electricity, gasoline, diesel fuel, offshore just eastward of the point; Seal Rock is at the southeastern end of the reef. water, ice, storage, marine supplies, and hull and engine repairs. The largest manne railway at Tiver- Seal Ledge, about 0.5 mile south of Seal Rock, ton, about 0.6 mile southward of the fixed highway has depths of 12 to 30 feet, and is marked by a bell bridge, can handle craft up to 55 feet. buoy. Haycock Ledge, 0.4 mile eastward of Seal The channel at the north end of Sakonnet River, Rock, has a least depth of 11 feet. A 21-foot spot, 0.6 mile above Gould Island, is restricted to a in general depths of 35 feet or greater, is about a width of 100 feet between the abutments of a mile south-southwestward of Brenton Point; a former highway bridge. The fixed highway bridge, lighted whistle buoy is southward of the spot. 0.8 mile to the northward, has a clearance of 65 Beavertail Point is the southern extremity of feet. About 200 feet north of the highway bridge, a Conanicut Island, on the western side of the en~ trance to East Passage. Beavertail Light (41°27.0 railroad bridge across the river has a swing span N., 71\"24.0' W.), 64 feet above the water, is shown with a clearance of 12 feet in the west opening. from a square granite tower, upper half white, aAt- (See 117.85, chapter 2, for drawbridge regulations tached to a white dwelling at Beavertail Point. and opening signals.) The overhead power cable at the railroad bridge has a clearance of 81 feet. fog signal is sounded from the light station. Newt°d Rock, a covered rock, is about 0.1 mile southwail Chart 236.-The southern shore of Rhode Island of the point; a bell buoy is about 0.2 m e is rocky with numerous offlying rocks and ledges. southwestward of the rock. Hull Cove, about 1 mile northeastward of
6. NARRAGANSETT BAY 127 Beavertail Light, is rocky and exposed to standpipe. Numerous navigational aids mark the southerly winds. Castle Hill, the westernmost passages through the harbor. point of Rhode Island, is marked by Castle Hill Light; a fog signal is at the light. Butter Ball Rock, The entrance to the outer harbor from the about 0.2 mile south of the light and marked by a bell buoy, uncovers 1 foot. southward is unobstructed; the entrance from northward, passing either side of Gould Island, is Mackeral Cove indents the southern shore of clear, but the passage eastward of Rose Island is partly obstructed by the rocks and ledges between Conanicut Island about 1.6 miles northeastward of Rose and Coasters Harbor Islands. Beavertail Light. A house with a cupola is prominent on Southwest Point, the eastern entrance The inner harbor has two entrances north and point of the cove. The cove is exposed to southerly weather and is seldom used. The Jamestown south of Goat Island. A fixed highway bridge with Bridge shows prominently over the bar at the head a 40-foot span and a clearance of 14 feet connects of the cove on entering East Passage. Kettle Bot- the Newport mainland to the northern part of Goat tom Rock, about 0.2 mile southeastward of Island. This bridge limits the size of vessels that Southwest Point, is bare, and marked by a gong buoy. can enter the inner harbor from the northern ap- Bull Point, the southeastern point of Conanicut proach. Anchorage areas have been designated in the Island, is rugged and rocky, and fringed by shoals which are marked by buoys. Fort Wetherill is on outer and inner harbor and, except in emergencies, the point. The Dumplings, northeast of Bull Point, vessels must anchor in these areas. (See 110.145, are numerous bare and covered rocks and islets. (a) (1), (a) (3) through (a) (7), and (d), chapter 2, The most southerly islet has a tall house on it, covering almost the entire islet. for limits and regulations.) Vessels of more than Fort Adams is on a peninsula off the north side 18-foot draft anchor in the outer harbor in depths of 36 to 100 feet with good holding ground. of Newport Neck. The buildings and masonry of the fort are prominent on the western slope of the Good anchorage is in Brenton Cove, the bight peninsula. A dock extending northward from the fort is marked by a light and fog signal. eastward of Fort Adams, which is used frequently Newport Harbor, on the western shore of Rhode by yachts. The docks and piers along the westerly shore of the cove are for use of military craft. Island and the eastern side of East Passage, 3.5 miles above Beavertail Light, is an important har- When entering, the western shore should be given bor of refuge for coasters, tows, and yachts. Its approach is well marked by navigational aids, and a berth of 200 yards. Shoals with little water over them make out the harbor is of easy access day and night. Goat Island, 0.6 mile long m a north-south direction, is a nearly 300 yards from the southern shore of the major pleasure boating center and divides Newport inner harbor to Ida Lewis Rock and Little Ida Lewis Harbor into an outer and inner harbor. The outer harbor, on the western side of Goat Island, is RoGcok~tthIesllaanttderismmarakrekdedbybay daybeacon. northern northward of The Dumplings and southward of a light at its Gould Island. The inner harbor is on the eastern end and a light and fog signal at its southern end. side of Goat Island and extends along the western Buoys mark the shoals along the southeasterly and front of Newport. southerly sides of the island. A marina, hotel, recreational and service facili- Rose Island, a military reservation marked by a ties, and marine supplies are available on Goat tall water tank, is surrounded by a shoal with lit~e Island. water over it. The shoal extends about 0.4 mile Newport, a city on the inner harbor, is one of the northeastward of the island where it rises abruptly from deep water. A rocky area extends southward Principal summer resorts on the Atlantic Coast. Some coastwise traffic uses the port, but few from Rose Island and is marked by a buoy. foreign vessels enter it. A naval operating base is here. Mitchell Rock with a depth of 14 feet, is 0.1 mile Prominent features.- The following objects are southeast of the dock on the southeast side of the island. Citing Rock, 2 feet high, is 350 yards east of Prominent when approaching Newport Harbor the north end of the island and on the edge of the either from the southward or northward: A hotel on Goat Island; a white building of the yacht club shoal surrounding Rose Island. Tracey Ledge, nhear Ida Lewis Rock in the southerly part of the arbor; a stack near the southerly end of the covered 1Ofeet, is about 0.3 mile eastward of Rose Waterfront which is the tallest object on the water- front; church spires in the town; the buildings of Island. . the naval station and Naval War College on Gull Rocks are about midway between Rose Coasters Island in the north part of the harbor; and a tan~ on Rose Island. To the westward on Island and Coasters Harbor Island. Buoys mark Conan1cut Island are several large hotels and a the ends of the shoals and rocks that exte°:d northward and southward of the rocks. There 1s deep water between Gull Rocks, Rose Island, and Coasters Harbor Island. f:r. rock, covere~ 17 feet and marked by a buoy, 1s about 0.3 mile north- northwestward of Gull Rocks. . Off the northern and southern sides of Coasten Barbor Island are numerous rocks and le~ges. Two ~tbhoeutisl0a.n3d.m~itle. lights mark the channel south !Jf Patrick Rock, covered 5 feet, is southeastward of the island. The_ island has ~u merous buildings. Two highway bndges connectmg
128 6. NARRAGANSETT BAY the island to Newport have 31-foot fixed spans about 11 to 18 feet. Supplies.-Gasoline, diesel oil, d~esel fuel, with clearances of 3 feet. The western portion of the outer harbor is water, provisions, and marine supplies may be ob- tained at Newport. generally free of dangers northward of The Repairs.-Newport has several boatyards and Dumplings. Tides.-The mean range of tide is 3.5 feet. (See marinas. The largest marine railway can haul out vessels up to 180 feet and 500 tons displacement. the Tide Tables for predictions.) Mobile hoists up to 30 tons are available. Complete Currents.-ln the entrance off Bull Point the small-craft hull and engine repairs can be made. . flood current is often irregular. There may be a Communications.-Newport has bus and rad long period of slack water preceding the flood, or there may be a double flood. The flood reaches a transportation. In the summer the ferry between strength of about 1.2 knots; the ebb is regular and Block Island and Providence calls at Newport. averages 1.5 knots at strength. Jamestown is a town on the east side of Northward of Bull Point tidal current velocities Conanicut Island in a bight on the west side of seldom exceed 1 knot. In the inner harbor they are usually less than 0.5 knot. (See the Tidal Current East Passage. A standpipe in the southern part of Tables for predictions, and the Tidal Current Charts, Narragansett Bay, for hourly velocities the town and a hotel near the waterfront are and directions of the current.) prominent. A ferry wharf is in the center of the Weather.-The prevailing winds are bight. Jamestown has two boatyards. The largest southwesterly in the summer and northwesterly in marine railway can handle craft up to 80 feet; the winter. The heaviest gales are usually from the northwest and northeast. berths, electricity, gasoline, water, ice, some The harbor and its approaches are navigable marine supplies, and complete hull and engine throughout the year, although in severe winters ice repairs are available. may interfere with navigation in the inner harbor Storm warning signals are displayed. (See chart.) for short periods. Vessels and tugs keep ice well Potter Cove is about a mile above the ferry broken up in the main channel through the inner harbor. wharf just north of Taylor Point. This cove should Storm warning display locations are listed on not be confused with the Potter Cove off Prudence NOS charts and shown on the Marine Weather Island. About a mile north of Taylor Point are the Service Charts published by the National Weather Service. ruins of a pontoon pier. Pilotage.-Pilotage for Narragansett Bay is Coddington Point is about 0.5 mile northward of discussed at the beginning of this chapter. Coasters Harbor Island on the east shore of East Quarantine officials are stationed in Boston, Passage. Bishop Rock Shoal, 0.6 mile southwest- Mass., immigration officials in Providence, R.I., and agricultural quarantine officials in Warwick, ward of the pomt, is covered 9 feet and marked by R.I. (See appendix for addresses.) Vessels subject to such inspections generally make arrangements a lighted bell buoy. The Sisters, rocks awash west· in advance through the ships' agents; officials ward of the point, are marked by a buoy. usually board vessels at their berths. Quarantine is enforced in accordance with regu- Coddington Cove, eastward of Coddington Point, lations of the U.S. Public Health Service. Vessels is protected on its north side by a curving break- may be granted pratique by radio. (See Public Health Service, chapter 1.) water 0.7 mile long, marked at its end by a light and fog signal. Two long finger piers used by t~e The U.S. Public Health Service maintains a con- Navy are inside the cove; a depth of 33 feet is tract physician's office in Newport. (See appendix for address.) alongside. Several tanks and Navy buildings on Newport is a customs port of entry. shore are conspicuous. A Navy-maintained lighted The Coast Guard vessel documentation office at range in the cove provides ships a guide for mak- Providence serves Newport. (See appendix for ad- dress.) ing the north side of the inner berth of Pier 2. . . Danger Zone.-A prohibited area is in the vicm1- Harbor regulations.-The barbormaster, under ty of Bould Island. (See 204.10, chapter 2, for the supervision of the Department of Public limits and regulations.) Safety, is charged with the enforcement of harbor Gould Island, a military reservation, is about 2 regulations, the movement of vessels, and assign- . ment of berths. The harbormaster may be con- miles north of Rose Island and 0.8 mile east of tacted through the Police Department. The speed limit inside the harbor is 5 knots. Conanicut Island. Navigational lights are on the Whanes.-Facilities include a city wharf and south end and the east side of the island. The numerous private and Government piers. The island is sparsely wooded; a prominent tall watef depths alongside the principal piers range from tank with a red light on top is near the center o the island. The naval degaussing station in the channel west of Gould Island lies within a prohibited area. Ves· sels are advised to remain within the limits of the buoyed channel through East Passage when navigating in this area. . Halfway Rock. and Fiske Rock. are about 1.8 miles northeastward of Gould Island on a small ledge bare at its southern end. Buoy; mark this danger. Strangers should not pass between these buoys.
6. NARRAGANSETT BAY 129 An elevated tank on the high ground near the Mount Hope, is a prominent hill on the western southerly end of Prudence Island is prominent side of the bay 2 miles northeastward of the from East Passage. suspension bridge. The eastern and western slopes Dyer Island, about 0.8 mile eastward of the are wooded. Spar Island is a small, low island near southern portion of Prudence Island, is low and the center of Mount Hope Bay. brush covered. A reef, partly bare, extends 0.4 miles southward and southwestward of the island, Borden Flats, the shoal area northward of the and is buoyed. Between the shoal area south of Dyer Island and Rhode Island is a bar with depths channel in Fall River Harbor, is marked by a light. of 9 to 17 feet over it. A depth of 15 feet can be carried over the bar by steering on the Navy-main- Three shallow streams that empty into the tained lighted Melville range. North of Dyer Island is a reef with depths of 6 to 18 feet. northern part of Mount Hope Bay are entered only Melville, a naval fueling facility, is on the west by local small craft. Kickamuit River, the westerly one, has a narrow buoyed entrance through which shore of Rhode Island, east of Dyer Island. Depths alongside the fuel piers range from 17 to 40 feet. the currents have considerable velocity. The An elevated spherical tank, about 0.6 mile south- southeastward of the fuel facility, is prominent. buoyed channel has a depth of about 6 feet. Cole Near Arnold Point, about 2 miles north of Mel- River, the middle of the three, is buoyed on the ville on Rhode Island, is a large prominent lumber east side of the entrance. South Swansea, on the mill with a conspicuous stack. A privately dredged west shore of Gardners Neck, has a boatyard with channel with a reported depth of about 29 feet in 1971, leads to a 600-foot pier at the mill. a 25-ton mobile hoist and a marine railway that can handle craft up to 50 feet for hull, engine, and electronic repairs or storage. Berths, electricity, gasoline, water, ice, and marine supplies are available. A highway bridge, about 1.5 miles above the en- trance, has a 41-foot fixed span with a clearance of 7 feet. Lee River, the easterly stream, is navigable to a fixed bridge about 1.2 miles above the en- Chart 278.-Hog Island, about 1 mile north of trance. A shoal in midchannel just north of the nar- Arnold Point, lies in the entrance to Bristol Har- ~or, dividing the waters into two channels. The row opening through the fill, 0.8 mile above island bas a rolling wooded terrain on which are a few houses and cottages. Shoal water surrounds Brayton Point, has a depth of 1 foot. the island extending as much as 0.4 mile southward Cbannels.-A Federal project provides for a and 0.8 mile northward. The shoal area is marked by lights and buoys. channel 35 feet deep through Mount Hope Bay to About 0.6 mile east-northeastward of Hog Island about 0.9 mile above the Brightman Street Bridge Shoal Light is Musselbed Shoals, marked on the across Taunton River at Fall River. (See Notice to o~ter end by a light. From the light structure a drrectional light is shown to mark the channel to Mariners and latest editions of the charts for con- Mount Hope Bay. trolling depths.) A dredged side channel, about 0.2 mile north of Common Fence Point (41°39.3' N., 71°13.3' W.) at the north end of Rhode Island, leads eastward from the main channel, thence along the Tiverton Charts 353, 350.-Mount Hope Bay, in the waterfront. In 1960-65, the channel had a con- northeastern part of Narra~ansett Bay, is the ap- trolling depth of 35 feet. A privately dredged side channel, about 3.3 proach to the city of Fall River and Taunton River. miles northeastward of Common Fence Point and There are two approaches to the bay. The ap- p~oach from the Sakonnet River, previously marked by buoys and a 3U0 private lighted range, discussed, is little used. The approach from East Pass~ge is well marked and has depths of about 30 leads northwestward from the main channel to a powerplant wharf on the east side of Brayton feet m the channel into the bay. Point. In September 1970, the channel had a con- Fall River, on the eastern shore of the mouth of trolling depth of 35 feet. . . The controlling depth m the channel m Taunton Taunton River and head of Mount Hope Bay, is an lll~portant manufacturing center as well as a dis- River above Fall River is reported to be 7 feet to Peters Point, 6.7 miles above the Bright~an Street tnbution point of petroleum products. Principal Bridge thence 4 feet to Taunton, 12.5 miles above products handled through the port are petroleum Fall River. Local knowledge is required for craft products, latex, shellac, cotton, and some lumber. with drafts greater than 4 feet from Somerset to Somerset, about 5.3 miles, and Dighton, about Dighton and for all craft from Dighton to Taunton. 7.5 miles above the Fall River, are towns on the We~t side of Taunton River. Taunton, a manufac- Buoys mark the channel to abo\"!t a mile beyond tu!1ng city, is at the head of navigation about 12.5 the Berkley Bridge, about 3.5 miles below Taun- miles above Fall River. ~aAncborages.-Fall River Harbor has no Mount Hope Bridge crosses the entrance to designated anchorages. Vessels may anchc;>r on either side of the dredged appr~ach channel m the rMIsloaunn~t..HTohpee Bay between Bristol Point and Rhode bridge bas two lighted towers which outer harbor or at any locality If! Mount Hope B~y V~Slble for .many miles in clear Wf?athe~ and a bogd sign~. It IS a high-level suspension highway where depth and bottom are sUitable; the chart ts n ge with a clearance of 135 feet. the best guide.
130 6. NARRAGANSETT BAY Bridges.-At Fall River, two highway bridges hospitals. The Coast Guard vessel documentation, office at cross Taunton River. The first, a fixed br~dge at State Pier has a clearance of 135 feet; a pnvately New Bedford, Mass., serves Fall River. (See ap- maintained fog signal is sounded from the bridge. pendix for address.) The second, Brightman ~treet Bridge, ~bout 1.1 A barbormaster is at Fall River. miles above the fixed bndge at State Pier, has a Wharves.-The piers and wharves at Fall River bascule span with a clearance ~f 27 ~eet. Between are along the Taunton and Sakonnet Rivers and in Mount Hope Bay. Only the deep~ra_ft facilities are Fall River and Taunton the nver is crossed by three bridges. The highw~y bridge at ~erkley, described. (For a complete descnpllon of the port about 5 miles above Fall River, has a swmg span facilities refer to the Port Series, a Corps of En- with a clearance of 7 feet. Weir Bridge, the fixed gineers publication.) The alongside depths are re- highway bridge a~ Taunto1:1, has a clearance. of 10 tpaocrttetdh·~ fooprerinatfoorr.mAatlilotnheonfacthileitileaste~setscdreipb.tehds con- fsetert·e~thferofmixeWd eriarilBroriaddgeb,nhdagsea, about 0.2 mile up- have clearance of 9 feet. highway connections. Fresh water IS. avadable ~t (See 117.87, chapter 2, for drawbridge regulations most of the piers and wharves. Cargo m the port is and opening signals.) The overhead power cables crossing Taunton River have least clearances of usually handled by ship's tackle. 145 feet at Fall River and 65 feet near Taunton. The speed limit is 5 knots in the channel off the Tides.-The mean range of tide is 4.4 feet at Fall piers and wharves. Facilities at Tiverton, R.I. (chart 353): River and 2.8 feet at Taunton. (See the Tide Tables Curran and Burton Tiverton Terminal: for predictions.) (41°38'50\" N., 71°12'40\" W.); 50-foot face, ?21 feet Currents.-In Taunton River the currents with dolphins; 35 feet alongside; deck height, 11 generally follow the direction of the channel and, feet; receipt of petroleum products; owned by exce{>t at bridges, do not hinder navigation. The Texaco, Inc., operated by Curran and Burton, Inc. ebb IS usually stronger than the flood. (See the Northeast Petroleum Co. Pier: about 250 yards Tidal Current Tables for predictions, and the Tidal north of Curran and Burton Terminal; 600 feet Current Charts, Narragansett Bay, for hourly long; 35 feet alongside; receipt of petroleum velocities and directions of the current.) products; owned and operated by Northeast Weather.-The prevailing winds are northeast- Petroleum Co. erly for all but the summer months, when the Pacific Oil Co. of Rhode Island Pier: about 250 direction is southwesterly. The heaviest gales are yards north of Northeast Petroleum Co. Pier; 40- usually from the northwest. The approach channel foot face, 700 feet with dolphins; 34 feet alongside; and harbor are generally free from ice and are deck height, 9 feet; receipt of petroleum products; navigable throughout the year. Taunton River is owned and operated by Pacific Oil Co. of Rhode commonly closed from December to March. Dur- Island. ing severe winters the harbor and Mount Hope Gulf Oil Corp. Wharf: east side of Mount Hope Bay are occasionally frozen over, but the channels Bay, 1.5 miles northward of Pacific Oil Co. Pier; to the principal wharves are kept open by vessels 50-foot face, 795 feet with dolphins; 35 feet alo~g and tugs operating in the harbor. side; deck height, 9 feet; rail connections; receipt Pilotage.-Pilotage for Narragansett Bay is of petroleum products; owned and operated by discussed at the beginning of this chapter. Gulf Oil Corp. Towage.-Tugs up to 1,800 hp. are available at Facilities at Fall River, east side of Taunton River Fall River. Vessels are usually met 2 miles below (chart 350): their berth. Large vessels normally require tugs for Firestone Tire and Rubber Co. Wharf: docking and undocking. Arrangements for tug ser- (41°42'10\" N., 71°10'09\" W.); 380-foot face, 28 feet vice should be made 24 hours in advance, and alongside; lower side 360 feet long, 22 feet along- usually through ships' agents or directly by side; deck heights, 10 feet; rail connections; shipping companies. The tugs monitor VHF-FM receipt of latex and fuel oil; owned and operated channels 13 (156.65 MHz) and 16 (156.80 MHz), by Firestone Tire and Rubber Co. and use channel 18A (156.90 MHz) as a working frequency. State Pier: 0.2 mile northeast of Firestone Quarantine officials are stationed in Boston, Wharf; 398-foot face, lower side 620 feet long; 35 Mass., immigration officials in Providence, R.I., feet alongside; deck heights, 17 feet; 85,000 square feet covered s~orage, 150,000 square fee~ of op~ and agricultural quarantine officials in Warwick, storage; electrical shore power connections; r R.I. (See appendix for addresses.) Vessels subject connections; receipt and shipment of general car· to such inspections generally make arrangements go; owned by the Commonwealth of Mas- in advance through the ships' agents; officials .usually board vessels at their berths. sachusetts, operated by Fall River Line Pier, Inc.Id Fall River is a customs port of entry. The battleship USS MASSACHUSETrS, Wor Quarantine is enforced in accordance with regu- War II memorial, is berthed just northward of the Jations of the U.S. Public Health Service. Vessels State Pier. may be granted pratique by radio. (See Public Shell Oil Co. Wharf: about 2 miles above State Health Service, chapter 1.) Fall River has several Pier; 520-foot face, 900 feet with dolphins; 32 fee! alongside; deck height, 13 feet; electrical sbof
6. NARRAGANSETT BAY 131 power connections; rail connections; receipt and for limits and regulations.) shipment of petroleum products, bunkering ves- Usher Rocks, about 0.7 mile northeastward of sels, receipt of asphalt; owned and operated by Shell Oil Co. Popasquash Point, are bare at low water. A buoy is eastward of the rocks and on the western side of Facilities on west side of Taunton River (chart the western passage to the harbor. 350): The mean range of tide in Bristol Harbor is 4.1 Brayton Point Station Dock: (41°42'33\" N., feet. 71°11'21\" W.); 1,017 feet long; 37 feet alongside; Depths alongside the piers and wharves range deck height, 15 feet; coal unloading tower serves conveyor belt system, unloading rate 1,000 tons from 9 to 13 feet. The Coast Guard station wharf is per hour; electrical shore power connections; marked by a light. Storm warning signals are dis- receipt of coal; owned and operated by New En- played. (See chart.) gland Power Co. Small-craft facilities in Bristol Harbor can pro- Montaup Electric Co. Wharf: about 2.5 miles vide berths, electricity, gasoline, water, ice, above Brayton Station Dock; 645 feet long, 34 feet launching ramps, marine supplies, and hull and en- alongside; deck height, 10 feet; receipt of fuel oil; gine repairs. The largest marine railway, on the owned and operated by Montaup Electric Co. west side of the harbor, can handle craft up to 175 feet. Supplies.-Oil bunkering facilities are available The U.S. Public Health Service maintains a con- at the Shell Oil Co. terminal at the north end of the harbor. Provisions, marine supplies, gasoline, tract physician's office in Bristol. (See appendix for diesel fuel, and water can be obtained in Fall River. Water is available at most of the berths. address.) Potter Cove, on the northeast side of Prudence Repairs.-Fall River has no drydocking or major Island, is a small nearly landlocked harbor. Buoys repair facilities for deep-draft vessels; the nearest mark the entrance channel off Gull Point. Ohio such facilities are at Boston, Mass. Ledge, about 2.5 miles northward of Potter Cove, has a least depth of 8 feet and is marked by a A shipbuilding yard at Somerset operates a buoy. marine repair plant for making above-waterline Warren River, emptying into the head of Nar- repairs and constructing small vessels. The yard ~as several shops and portable equipment for mak- ragansett Bay westward of Bristol Neck, is the ap- ing repairs to vessels at their berths. proach to the towns of Warren and Barrington, Small-craft facilities are at Fall River, South and Barrington River, which joints Warren River S~merset opposite Fall River, Taunton, and at Dighton. Berths, electricity, gasoline, diesel fuel, at Warren. A church spire and a stack in Warren w~ter, ice, storage, launching ramps, marine sup- plies, and hull and engine repairs are available. The are prominent. largest marine railways, at Fall River, can handle From the bay, the channel to Warren passes craft up to 50 feet; mobile hoists up to 35 tons are also available. between numerous shoals and rocks and is crooked and winding, but well marked. A depth of Communications.-Fall River has railroad freight about 9 feet is in the channel to the lower wharves at Warren, and the same depth is in Barrington service and bus service. River to the fixed highway bridge about 0.5 mile Chart 278.-Bristol Harbor, between Bristol above the entrance. An excellent anchorage may be found at the Neck on the east end and Popas,uasb Neck on the w~st, is in a cove about 2 miles ong and 1.3 miles mouth of the Warren River about 0.2 mile from the wide at its southern end, narrowing to 0.4 mile eastern shore in depths of 14 to 15 feet, soft bot- wide at its northern end. The harbor proper, the tom. There is not room for anchorage in the river northern part of the cove, has depths of 15 to 17 for any but small craft. Abreast the lower end of feet. Warren the channel is about 0.1 mile wide, with depths of 13 to 17 feet in midchannel, and small Bristol is a town on the eastern side of the har- vessels can anchor temporarily at this point. bor. Approaching the harbor the most prominent Vessels approaching the river must take care to mark is Mount Hope Bridge. Also prominent are the navigation lights, a stone tower, a stack, and avoid Rumstick Shoal, which extends nearly 0.6 an elevated tank on high ground back of the town. mile south of Rumstick Point, the southernmost T~e town has freight railroad service and bus ser- point of Rumstick Neck and the western entrance vice. A ferry operates regularly from Bristol to point of the river. The shoal has depths of 2 to 12 feet and is marked by buoys. Rumstick Rock, 6 Prudence and Hog Island. Bog Island is in the middle of the entrance to feet high, and Rumstick Ledge with rock.s that un- cover 1 to 5 feet, are on the westerly side of the Bristol Harbor. A natural channel with depths of ~ to 25 feet extends on each side of the island. shoAabl.out 0.5 mile above the mouth of Bam.ngton xceUcnt anchoJ\"a¥e may be found in the harbor River are a fixed highway bridge with a clearance bbreast the town 10 depths of 15 to 17 feet, soft 0~om. An anchorage area has been designated in of 9 feet and a railroad trestle with a 32-foot span Bnstol Harbor. (See 110.145 (c) and (d), chapter 2, and a clearance of 6 feet. at Warren . 4.6 feet. T~e The mean range of tide is tidal current off the town of Warren bas a velocity of about I knot. Strong currents may be encoun-
132 6. NARRAGANSETT BAY tered in Barrington River. November 1968, the controlling depths were 41h Diesel fuel, gasoline, water, ice, and marine sup- feet in the entrance channel to the mooring basin eastward of Bullock Point, thence 6 feet in the plies are available in Warren. Depths alongside the basin, thence 41h feet to the mooring and turning major wharves range from 7 to 15 feet. A yacht basin 0.5 mile above Bullock Point, thence 4 feet in club is on the point near the confluence of the two the basin. The entrance is marked by buoys; the rivers. Several boatyards are in the vicinity; the channel, by private daybeacons. The largest largest marine railway can handle vessels up to 130 marine railway, on Bullock Neck about 300 yards feet in length. Covered storage and complete northward of Bullock Point, can handle craft up to small-craft engine and hull repairs are available. 60 feet; berths, electricity, gasoline, diesel fuel, Warren is served by rail freight and bus communi- water, ice, storage, launching ramps, marine sup- plies, a 40-ton mobile hoist, and hull and engine cations. repairs are available. Charts 278, 352.-Providence River, which emp- Seekonk River, which branches off northeasterly ties into the head of Narragansett Bay between from Providence River at Providence, is the ap· proach to Phillipsdale and Pawtucket. The head of Nayatt Point and Conimicut Point, is the approach navigation is at Pawtucket, 5 miles above the mouth. Commerce on the river is chiefly in to the city of Providence, numerous towns and vil- petroleum products. lages, and to Seekonk River. Prominent features.-Conimicut Light (41°43.0' Providence is at the head of navigation on the N., 71°20.7' W.), 58 feet above the water, is shown from a white conical tower on a brown cylindrical Providence River, about 7 miles above the en- pier on the west side of the entrance to Providence River. A fog signal is sounded at the light station. trance, at the junction of the Providence and An abandoned lighthouse on Nayatt Point is also Seekonk Rivers. The port area includes both sides prominent in the approach to the river. Channels.-The Federal project for Providence of the upper navigable channel of the river. The River provides for a channel 40 feet deep from just port's chief waterborne commerce is in petroleum below Prudence Island Light to Fox Point near the products, cement, lumber, scrap metal, general junction of Providence and Seekonk Rivers. (See Notice to Mariners and latest editions of the charts cargo, and coal. for controlling depths.) The channel is well marked Occupessatuxet Cove, on the west side of the with navigational aids. A hurricane barrier crosses the Providence river north of Conimicut Point, is a shallow bight River about 200 yards above Fox Point. The barri· south of Gaspee Point. The cove is frequented only er includes three gates which normally will be kept i~ the opened position until the approach of hur· by small craft with local knowledge. ncane weather. The clearances at each of the three river gates are: horizontal, 20 feet; vertical (gate Pawtuxet Cove, used by pleasure and fishing fully opened), 21 feet; and depth over the gate sill, 12.9 feet at mean low water. craft, on the west side of Providence River, is en- Seekonk River empties into the easterly side of tered about 1 mile northward of Gaspee Point Providence River at Fox Point. A marked dredged through a dredged channel. The channel leads channel leads from Red Bridge, about 1.3 miles above Fox Point, to a point about 150 yards northward from inside the entrance channel to a southward of Division Street Bridge at Pawtucket, a.bout 2.9 miles above Red Bridge. The lower se~: turning basin at the head of the cove. The entrance t10n of the river, from Fox Point to Red Bridge, is crooked and winding and marked by two channel channel is marked by a private 253°30' lighted buoys about 0.8 mile above Fox Point. In 1963, the control1:ing deptl!s. ~ the dredged channel froJI) range and buoys, and the channel to the head is Red Bndge to D1v1s1on Street Bridge were: 8 feet O~ feet at midchannel) to Bishop Point, about 1.9 marked by buoys. An anchorage basin, its limits m!les above Red Bridge; thence 61h feet (71h f~et at m1dchannel) to just below Division Street Bndge. marked by buoys, extends southward from the en- The lower section of the river requires local knowledge and the use of the chart to carry the trance channel. In June 1971, the controlling best water. depths were 5 feet in the entrance channel, thence A privately dredged channel leads from the main channel in Providence River, eastward of Pa~t1;1.x· 31h feet to the turning basin at the head of the cove et, to a turning basin at the Naval Reserve Trauung with 2 to 6 feet available in the basin, thence 6 feet Center southwestward of Fields Point (41°47.2' Nd in the anchorage basin southward of the entrance 71\"22.9' W.). The channel is marked by buoys, an channel,. A 12-foot high protective dike along the east side of the anchorage basin, extends southward from Marsh Island, on the south side of the entrance channel, to Rock Island. Pawtuxet is a village on the west side of the cove. The harbormaster in the cove controls anchoring and ~rthing; he can be contacted through the Warwick Town Hall. The largest marine railway in the cove can handle craft up to 55 feet. Bmaerrtihns~ electz:icity, gasoline, diesel fuel, water, ice, supelies, and complete hull and engine repairs are available. Bullock Cove, on the east side of Providence River 2 miles north of Conimicut Point is the scene of considerable pleasure boat activity. A dredged ch_annel lC?ads from the Providence River to a moonng basm, eastward of Bullock Point the~ce through the ~ove to a mooring and turning bastn about 0.5 mile above Bullock Point. In
6. NARRAGANSETT BAY 133 in 1959 had a reported depth of 12 feet, with a least tr. In winter, the temperatures are modified con- -depth of 11 feet in the basin. s1derabl}'., and ~ .go'?d ~any of the major storms drop thelf prec1p1tation m the form of rain, rather Ancborages.-Vessels anchor as directed by the than snow. In summer, many days that would otherw~se be uncomfortably warm are cooled by barbormaster on the edge of the channel between refreshmg seabreezes. At other times of the year, Fields Point and Fox Point. Eastward of Fox sea fog may be advected over land by onshore Point, a few vessels may anchor in the area where winds. In fact, most cases of dense fog are produced in this way; but the number of such days a portion of Green Jacket Shoal was removed. is few, averaging 2 or 3 days per month. In early fall, severe coastal storms of tropical origin some- Preferred small-craft anchorages are in Bullock times bring destructive winds to this area. Even at Cove and Pawtuxet Cove. other times of the year, it is usually coastal storms Dangers.-Numerous rocks and ledges border that produce the most severe weather. Providence River channel on either side. Lights The temperature for the entire year averages m~rk the shoal areas off Bullock Point, about 1.5 around 50° F. February is the coldest month, and miles above the mouth; off Sabin Point about 3 July the hottest month. Freezing temperatures occur on the average about 120 days per year. miles above the mouth; off Pomham RFuolclkes~ about 3.5 miles above the mouth; and off Rock Measurable precipitation occurs about 1 day out about 5 miles above the mouth. ' Bridges.-There are no bridges over Providence River between the mouth and the principal of every 3, and is fairly distributed throughout the wharves. Point Street Bridge, about 0.3 mile above year. Fox Point, has a swing span with a clearance of 9 Thunderstorms are responsible for much of the feet. Two overhead power cables cross the river between this bridge and the Fox Point Hurricane rainfall from May through August. They usually produce heavy, and sometimes even excessive, Barrier about 300 yards to the southward; least amounts of rainfall; but since the duration is rela- clearance is 60 feet. A fixed highway bridge about tively short, damage is ordinarly light. The summer thunderstorms are frequently accompanied by ex- 300 yards north of Point Street Bridge has a tremely gusty winds, which may cause some damage to property, especially small pleasure and clearance of 26 feet. fishing craft. In Seekonk River, an overhead power cable The first measurable snowfall of winter usually crossing at India Point (352), 0.5 mile above the mouth, has a clearance of 130 feet. Just above India Point four drawbridges cross the river within 0.8 mile. The name of bridge, type, and clearance comes toward the end of November. The month of greatest snowfall is usually February. It is unusual follov.:s: India Point Bridge, swing span, 4 feet; for the ground to remain well covered with snow Washmgton Bridge, bascule span maintained in for any long period of time. Ice.-The approach channel and the harbor are closed position, 40 feet; Tunnel Bridge, bascule Ipan, 17 feet; and Red Bridge, swing span, 13 feet. n 1966-67, two new fixed-span highway bridges generally free of ice and navigable throughout the year. During severe winters, the harbor and were under construction across the river. The first, several miles of Providence River and upper Nar- clo~e northward of Washington Bridge, has a d~s1gn clearance of 42 feet; the second, about 0.2 ragansett Bay are occasionally frozen over, but the ice is usually broken up in the channels to the prin- mile north of Red Bridge, has a design clearance of 42 feet. Just below the State Pier at Pawtucket are cipal wharves by the traffic in the harbor. The National Weather Service maintains an of- o(Serhead power cables with clearance of 125 feet. fice at the T.F. Green State Airport; barometers ee 117.90, chapter 2, for drawbridge regulations may be compared here. (See appendix for ad- and opening signals.) dress.) Storm warning display locations are listed Tides.-The mean range of tide at Providence is on NOS charts and shown on the Marine Weather 4:6 feet, and the maximum range due to the com- Services Charts published by the National Weather ~med effect of wind and other causes may reach 8 Service. T~et or more at times. (For daily predictions, see (See appendix for the Providence climatological •de Tables.) Currents.-Tidal currents are weak in the ap- table.) Pilotage.-Pilotage for Narragansett Bay is pr~ach channel and the harbor, except in the con- ~~cted parts of Seekonk River. At India Street discussed at the beginning of this chapter. Towage.-Tugs up to 1,800 hp. are available at ndge and Red Bridge the tidal currents have velocities of about 1.4 knots. In Seekonk River the Providence. Large vessels normally require tugs ~ubl~ flood is very pronounced. The velocity near for docking and undocking. Arran~ements for tug service should be made 24 hours m advance, and 0~v.e1~5e1Toakmcil~1.dioCdtaitde:luslaernarCeodnnufdtirstrCdhesihenroaetfmrclTtotesioaot,idbnNmlspeaeseorsrrfifianootghdraaeninpscsreuegebrtdetrbnieBcendtraitiao.yr)len,lcysft,oiloeransnhs.dot(uhStrahelnyee usually through ships' agents or directly by shipping companies. . Providence is a customs port of entry. Quarantine Weather.-Tbe proximity of Narragansett Bay officials are stationed in Boston, Mass., immigra- tion officials in Providence, R.I., and qricultural ~nf th~ ~tlantic qcean plays an important p~~ i? quarantine officials in Warwick, R.I. (S'ee appen- e ermuung the climate for Providence and v1ctnI-
134 6. NARRAGANSETT BAY dix for addresses.) Vessels subject to such inspec- power connections; cruise pass~ngers; rec~ipt and tions generally make arrangements in advance shipment of general cargo, receipt of ·.caustic sod~, through ships' agents. Officials usually board ves- lumber, petroleum products, scrap metal, and pig sels at their berths. Quarantine is enforced in accordance with regu- iron; LASH (Lighter-abroad-ship) vessels are lations of the U.S. Public Health Service. Vessels served at this facility; owned and operated by city may be granted pratique by radio. (See Public of Providence. Health Service, chapter 1.) Sun Oil Co. Wharf: about 300 yards above Mu- The U.S. Public Health Service maintains a con- nicipal Wharf; 650-foot face, 32 feet alongside; tract physician's office in Providence. (See appen- dix for address.) Providence has several hospitals. deck height, 101h feet; receipt of petroleum Coast Guard.-The Captain of the Port maintains products; owned by city of Providence, operated an office at the Federal Building. Marine inspection by Sun Oil Co. and vessel documentation offices are at the New England Bituminous Co. Wharf: about 500 Customhouse. (See appendix for addresses.) yards above Municipal Wharf; 384-foot face, 30 Harbor regulations are enforced by the harbor- feet alongside; deck height, 101h feet; receipt of master, whose headquarters are at the municipal wharf. The harbormaster regulates the movement asphalt; owned by city of Providence, operated by and anchoring of vessels in the harbor. The speed limit in the harbor is 5 knots. New England Bituminous Co. Wharves.-The piers and wharves of the port of Providence Gas Co. Wharf: about 0.4 mile above Providence are along both sides of the Providence Municipal Wharf; 660-foot face, 30 feet alongside; River below Fox Point. Only the deep-draft facili- ties are described. (For a complete description of deck height, 12 feet; receipt of petroleum products the port facilities refer to the Port Series, a Corps of Engineers publication.) The alongside depths and liquid natural gas; owned by Providence Gas are reported; for information on the latest depths contact the operator. All the facilities described Co., operated by Providence Gas Co., and Gulf Oil have highway connections, and most have rail con- nections. Fresh water is available at most of the Corp. piers and wharves. Cargo in the port is usually handled by ship's tackle. Harbor Junction Pier: about 0.7 mile above Mu· Facilities on the east side of Providence River: nicipal Wharf; 80-foot face, south side 1,040 feet Mobil Oil Corp. Wharf: (41°46'56\" N., 71°22'20\" long, 720 feet usable; north side 1,040 feet long, W.); 1,250-foot face; 32 feet alongside; deck 600 feet usable, 35 feet alongside; deck height, 9 height, 8 feet; pipelines to storage tanks; receipt and shipment of petroleum products, bunkering feet; receipt and shipment of petroleum products, vessels; owned and operated by Mobil Oil Corp. bunkering vessels; owned by Texaco, Inc., American Oil Co. Wharf: at Kettle Point about operated by Texaco, Inc., and Curran and Burton, 0.9 mile above Mobil Oil Corp. Wharf; 500-foot face, 600 feet with dolphins; 38 feet alongside; Inc. deck height, 12 feet; receipt and shipment of State Pier: about 1 mile above Municipal Wharf; petroleum products, bunkering vessels; owned by American Oil Co., operated by American Oil Co., 120-foot face, 37 to 31 feet alongside; south side and Atlantic Refining Co. 596 feet long, 31 to 16 feet alongside; north side Gulf Oil Corp. Pier: about 1.5 miles above Mobil 596 feet long, 36 to 19 feet alongside; deck height, Oil Corp. Wharf; 90-foot face, 260 feet with dol- phins; 40 feet alongside; deck height, 11 feet; 12 feet; 20 acres of open storage, 25,000 square receipt and shipment of petroleum products, bun- kering vessels; owned and operated by Gulf Oil feet covered storage; shipment of scrap metal. Corp. American Oil Co. Pier: about 1.2 miles above Wilkesbarre Pier: about 2 miles above Mobil Oil Municipal Wharf; south side 600 feet long, 30 feet Corp. Wharf; 135-foot face, 15 to 30 feet along- side; south side not used; north. side 890 feet long, alongside; deck height, 11 feet; receipt of petrole· 500 feet ~sable, 30 feet alongside; deck height, 9 feet; receipt of petroleum products and chemicals· um products; owned by American Oil Co., owned by Humble Oil and Refining Co., operated by Getty and American Minerals. operated by Northeast Petroleum Corp. of Rhode Facilities on tbe west side of Providence River: Island. Municipal Wharf: (41°47'38\" N., 71\"23'06\" W.); C.H. Sprague and Son Pier: about 1.25 miles 3.~.SO-foot face; 30 to 35 feet alongside; deck height, 10% feet; 136,000 square feet of covered above Municipal Wharf; 37-foot face, 37 feet storage; 40 acres open storage; electrical shore alongside; south side 526 feet long, 12 to 14 f~et alongside; north side 526 feet long, 601 feet with dolphins, 32 feet alongside; deck height, 12 feet; 3 unloading towers serve beltconveyor system, capacity, 1,000 tons per hour; 60,000-ton open storage; receipt of petroleum products, salt, pu· mice, and dry bulk commodities, bunkering ves· s.els; owned and operated by C.H. Sprague and Son Co. Narragansett Electric Co. Wharf: about 1.4 mi~es above Municipal Wharf; 40-foot face, 280 feet with dolphins, 33 feet alongside; deck height, 8 feet; receipt of fuel oil; owned and operated by Nar· ragansett Electric Co. The principal wharves at Pawtucket have depths of 9 to 14 feet alon~side. . b'!Slnukperpfliueesl.s-,G~arosvoilsinioen,s,dainedseml arfiuneel,supdpieµs~esl oil, oft\" kinds are available. Oil bunkering facilities, or
6. NARRAGANSETT BAY 135 deep-draft vessels, are available at most of the road freight c?mmunications. The large hotels and petroleum companies facilities in Providence. Fuel a sq1;1are gramte tower ~~e prominent. A municipal tank barges ar~ also available for bunkering ves- bath1':1g beach and pav1hon at the Upper Pier are sels anywhere m the harbor. Water is available at promment from an easterly direction. most of the wharves and piers. River Ledge, about 0.9 mile northeastward of Repairs.-Providence has no facilities for mak- Narragansett Pier, has a least depth of 9 feet and is ing major repairs or for drydocking deep-draft ves- ~arked by a buoy. Whale Rock, on the western Mseal~ss; . the nearest such facilities are at Boston side of the passage about 0.8 mile northeast of Repairs to boilers, machinery, electricai River Ledge, is marked by a daybeacon and a equipment, and hull can be obtained in the port. lighted gong buoy is to the eastward. Little' WWhhaalle~ covered 4 feet, is about 200 yards north of Several well-equipped machine and welding shops are also available. Some of these concerns also Rock. Strangers should pass eastward of the buoy off Whale Rock. maintain portable equipment for making above- Bonnet Shores Beach is on the north shore of the waterline repairs to vessels at their berths. Small-craft facilities at Bullock Cove and Paw- bi~ht formed by Bonnet Point, the point about 1.5 miles north of Whale Rock. A bathing pavilion at tuxet hav~ .b.een discussed earli:er in this chapter. Other facilities on the west side of Providence the beach is prominent from a southeasterly ~iver between Pawtuxet and Fields Point can pro- direction. The Bonnet, a prominent hill with the shoreward vwaidte~r,biecret,hs~,torealgeec,trimciatryin, e gasoline, diesel fuel supplies, and hull and face bold and rocky, is north of Bonnet Point. The engme repairs; a 20-ton mobile hoist is just west- shore between Bonnet Point and South Ferry, 1.3 ward of Fields Point. miles northward, should be given a berth of 400 Communications.-Providence is served by rail, yards. Pilings extend 130 yards eastward just south bus, and air. A ferry operates daily in the summer of the old pier at South Ferry. A church spire in- to Newport and Block Island. land of South Ferry is prominent from southward Chart 236.-West Passage, between Conanicut to north of Dutch Island. Fox Hill, on the southern side of the entrance to and Prudence Islands on the east and Boston Neck Dutch Island Harbor, 2.5 miles north of Beavertail on the west, is the approach to Dutch Island Har- b~r, Wickford, Quonset Point, and East Green- Point, is a point which terminates to the northward wich. Vessels may also go to Providence by West ~assage, although the route through East Passage in Beaverhead, a bluff rocky face. is. de~per and generally used. The following directions for West Passage to Providence River Dutch Island Harbor is in the West Passage of ~re goo~ for a draft of 19 feet, but local knowledge Narragansett Bay about 3 miles north of Beavertail is req11;1red for a draft greater than 12 feet. Ap- Light. The harbor is a semicircular indentation 0.5 by I mile in extent in the west side of Conanicut proachmg from the eastward, pass clear of Island. A boatyard in the southeastern part of the har- Brenton Reef Light and steer for the lighted gong bor has a marine railway that can handle craft up buoy off Whale Rock until southwest of Beavertail Li.ght, and thence lay down a northerly course in to 50 feet for hull and engine repairs. Berths, elec- m1dchannel with Dutch Island Li~ht ahead. On the tricity, gasoline, diesel fuel (by truck), water, ice, southward approach from off Pomt Judith Light, a storage, a launching ramp, some marine supplies, north-northeasterly course will bring the vessel to and a 40-ton lift are available. Dutch Island Light (41°29.8' N., 71°24.3' W.), 56 the lighted gong buoy off Whale Rock. (See also feet above the water, is shown from a white square chart 1210.) At night a careful study of the light tower, on the southern point of Dutch Island, characteristics is necessary as the bghts marking about 2.8 miles north of Beavertail Point. The light East Passage will be seen on the starboard bow is an excellent guide from southward. when approaching from Point Judith. Dutch Island Harbor may be approached from The course should pass westward of, and 500 northward or southward. The southward entrance yards off, Dutch Island; thence through the is good for a depth of about 28 feet; the northern Jamestown-North Kingston Bridge opening, and entrance has an extensive shoal with depths of 15 thence northerly until about 0.8 mile westward of, to 18 feet. As the harbor is of easy access, it is and abeam, the south tangent of Hope Island. frequently used as a harbor of refuge. Excellent From here a north-northeasterly course will make anchorage may be had in depths of 12 to 48 feet, the buoys marking the entrance of the natural sticky bottom. Vessels.of over 18-foot draft seek- ing anchorage should give the eastern shore of the channel westward of Pine Hill Point on Prudence ls~and. Then a heading toward Warwick Point harbor a berth of at least 0.4 mile. The eastern Li~ht until abeam the bell buoy off Northwest Pou;it. on Patience Island will bnng the vessel in shore of Dutch Island should be given a berth of position to swing northeasterly and easterly to the 100 yards. (See 110.145 (b) and (d), chapter 2, for limits and dredged channel to Providence. regulations of anchorage areas designated for West Narragansett Pier, on the west side of West Passage of Narragansett Bay.} Passage about 3 miles west-southwestward of A bell buoy marks the shoal area off the Beavertail Point, is a summer resort having rail- northern side of Dutch Island. The piers off the
136 6. NARRAGANSETT BAY east side of the island are in ruins. A shoal extends prominent. . about 200 yards westward and 350 yards northward of Beaverhead. At its northern extremi- The channel to the inner harbor, marked by ty this shoal rises abruptly from depths of about 40 feet to a depth of 8 feet; a buoy marks the shoal. buoys, is restricted to a width of about 150 yards The southeastern part of the harbor has a shallow cove. by the breakwaters and the shoals off Sauga and Poplar Points. The north breakwater is marked by Tidal currents of from 1 to 1.5 knots may be en- a light and the south breakwater by a buoy off its countered in the vicinity of Dutch Island. El- sewhere in West Passage velocities are usually less northern end. The channel leads to the junction of than I knot. (See the Tidal Current Tables for pre- dictions, and the Tidal Current Charts, Narragan- three coves, Fishing Cove to the northward, Mill sett Bay, for hourly velocities and directions of the current.) Cove to the northwestward, and Wickford Cove to Saunderstown is on the western shore of West the southwestward. Passage abreast Dutch Island. A former ferry dock Wickford Cove is the scene of considerable plea- off the town is in ruins. A yacht club is at Saun- derstown. sure-boat activity. A dredged channel in the cove The Jamestown-North Kingstown Bridge crossing extends between flats, many of which are dry at the passage from just north of Plum Beach has a low water, to a highway bridge about 0.9 mile fixed span with a clearance of 134 feet; a fog signal is sounded from the west pier of the main channel above the breakwaters. Numerous piles, used as opening. moorings, border the channel for about 0.35 mile From the bridge northward, Great Ledge extends below the highway bridge. In 1967, the channel had along the west shore of Conanicut Island for about a controlling depth of 7 feet. 1.5 miles. This ledge is from 175 to 500 yards offshore, culminating in America Ledge at its A marked dredged channel in Mill Cove leads to northern end. Numerous rocks are on Great Ledge. Between Plum Beach and Rome Point, on an anchorage basin about 0.7 mile above the break- the west side of the passage, 1.2 miles north of the bridge, are several rocks, including Red Rock and waters. In 1967, the channel had a controlling Old Sergeant. Bare and covered rocks are northeastward and eastward of Rome Point. depth of 12 feet with 6 feet in the anchorage basin. Fox Island, 0.4 mile northeast of Rome Point and Good anchorage may be had in the middle and southward of Wickford Harbor, is small and low. southern parts of outer Wickford Harbor in depths A ~oal with numerous submerged rocks including Seal Rock extends southward of the island. A nar- of 14 to 17 feet. The northern part of the outer har- row channel, suitable only for small craft, is between this shoal and the shoals extending bor has numerous rocks and ledges with a depth of northeastward of Rome Point. Halfway Ledge with a depth of 18 feet is about 0.5 mile east of Fox 6 feet. General Rock, with a depth of 9 feet over it, Island. is the southerly limit of this shoal, 0.9 mile north- Wickford Harbor, on the western side of Nar- northeastward of Fox Island. A rock with a depth ra~ansett Bay 8 miles above Beavertail Light, com- of 8 feet over it is about 500 yards westward of pnses an outer and an inner harbor. The outer har- bor is a broad bight between Quonset Point on the General Rock. Brig Ledge, about 0.5 mile north of north and Wild Goose Point, about 0.6 mile west- General Rock, is covered 9 feet. The southern ward of Fox Island, on the south. The entrance is about 2 miles wide. Depths in the middle and shore of the outer harbor is foul. Charles Rock, southern parts of the outer harbor average 13 to 17 feet. The inner harbor entrance is between Poplar with a depth of 4 feet, is just inside of the northern Point, 1.3 miles northwest of Fox Island on the south, and Sauga Point, about 0.4 mile north of breakwater and marked by a buoy. Poplar Point, on the north. The harbor is used chiefly by recreational craft, and by oyster and Vessels approaching Wickford Harbor from the lobster boats. The town of Wickford is on the southwestern side of the inner harbor. southward, after passing through the main span of Several prominent landmarks are visible when the Jamestown-North Kingston Bridge, steer 340°. approaching Wickford Harbor. A stack, about 1.2 When northeastward of Fox Island, steer for miles south of town, the North Kingston standpipe (chart 353), and a church spire in Wickford may be Wickford Harbor Light on any bearing between seen for many miles. An abandoned lighthouse on Poplar Point and the light off the point are 313° and 290°, anchoring 0.2 mile or more southeastward of the light in depths of 13 to 15 feet, soft bottom. In severe winters the inner harbor is closed by ice, but the outer harbor is usually open although drift ice is occasionally encountered. Wickford has several small-craft facilities and uf.boatyards. The largest marine railway, on the east of Wickford Cove, can handle craft to 60 feet. Berths, electricity, gasoline, diesel fue, water, ice, marine supplies, a launching ramp, and hull an_d engine repairs are available; wet and dry storage is also available. Quonset Point, on the north side of Wickford Harbor, is marked bf. ~everal radio masts, elevated tanks, and an aero light. Near the eastern end of the point are the conspicuous buildings of the power station. The Navy pier at Quonset Point and the piers at Davisville Depot, another Navy establishment about 1.5 miles northward, are usually approached from East Passage until no~ of Conamcut Island, thence through a buoy_e dredged channel to a turning basin off the pomt
6. NARRAGANSETT BAY 137 from which a channel leads to the depot. These wick Neck, 0.7 mile northwest of Patience Island, is marked by a light and fog signal. channels and turning basins are Navy-maintained. A depth of about 33 feet can be carried in the Greenwich Bay, at the northwestern end of Nar- channel to the turning basin. With the exception of ragansett Bay, is entered between Warwick Neck and Potowomut Neck. Shoal water borders the 27- and 30-foot spots, depths of 32 to 35 feet are shore of the bay, but the general depths are I0 feet or more. available throughout the basin; depths of 30 feet Warwick Cove, between Warwick Neck and are reported alongside the pier. A fog signal is Horse Neck, is in the northeastern part of Green- sounded from a dolphin structure off the end of wich Bay. A marked dredged channel leads from the bay to an anchorage basin at the head of the the pier. In December 1965, the controlling depth cove; other anchorage basins in the cove are on in the channel to Davisville Depot was 31 feet, the west side of the channel, 0.5 mile above the thence 27 feet in the turning basin or 28 feet for a channel entrance, and on each side of the channel middle width of 800 feet through the basin to the 0.7 mile above the channel entrance. In 1966-67, the controlling depths in the channel and piers; depths of 29 feet were available on the anchorage basins were 6 feet. A shoal, bare at low water, extends about 150 yards westward from the southwest side of Pier 1 and in the slip between east side of the channel to the southeast end of Piers 1 and 2. Horse Neck. The cove is the scene of considerable pleasure boat activity. Hope Island, about 1.6 miles north of Conanicut The barbormaster in the cove controls berthing Point, has low grassy hills with a few trees. Bare and anchorage; contact can be made through. the and sunken rocks surround the island for about 0.2 Warwick Town Hall. The cove has several mannas mile. Despair Island is on the outer end of a rocky and boatyards. Berths, electricity, gasoline, die.sel fuel, water, ice, storage, launchm~ ramps, n_ianne ledge extending 0.2 mile northeastward of Hope supplies, and hull and engine repairs are available. The largest mobile hoist, on the west side of the Island; a buoy is off the northeast side of the cove about 0.8 mile above the mouth, can handle ledge. Scup Rock and Round Rock Island and Seal craft up to 40 feet. Rock are off the western side. A hazardous reef Brush Neck Cove, about 0.5 mile west of War- with piles and a boiler awash on it is about 0.4 mile wick Cove, is fronted by a flat with a general depth of about 2 feet. Bush stakes mark the shal- southwestward of the southwest point of Hope low channel at the entrance. This channel is us~d by small local craft at high water as far as the pier Island; a buoy marks the area. at Oakland Beach. Oakland Beach, on Horse Neck, between Brush Neck and Warwick Coves, is a Allen Harbor, used by the Navy, is 2 miles north summer resort with bus communication. of Quon~et Point. The harbor is entered through a Apponaug Cove, in the northwestern part of buoyed .channel which has a depth of about 8 feet. Depths of 8 to 10 feet are inside. Greenwich Bay, is entered through a mai:ked dredged channel that leads f~om the bay to a fixed Calf Pasture Point is on the north side of the en- railroad bridge about 0.7 mile above the chan!lel trance to Allen Harbor. Abreast the point and for entrance. In 1968, the channel had a controlling depth of 6 feet on the centerline; depths of less some distance northward of it, a shoal extends 0.5 than 1 foot are above the bridge. There are several small-craft facilities in the cove, and at the west mile from shore. end of Greenwich Bay just southwestward th~ .en- trance channel to the cove: Berths, elec1!1.c~ty, Chart 278.-Potowomut River, entering the west gasoline, diesel fuel, ~ater,_ice, storage facilities, launching ramps, mobile ~01sts up to 35 tons, ~nd side of West Passage, 1.7 miles north _of Calf marine supplies are available; hull and engu~e repairs can be made. The berths and anchorage m Pasture Point, is separated from Greenwich Bay Apponaug Cove are under the control of a har~r master; he can be contacted through the Warwick on the north by Potowomut Neck. A depth of about 4 feet can be carried over the bar at the entrance and into the narrow crooked channel inside. Cau- tion is necessary to avoid rocks with depths of 1 foot over them in the entrance. Strangers should not enter the river. Round Rock, about 0.7 mile eastward of Potowomut River entrance, uncovers 3 feet and is marked by a buoy close to the southeastwar~. Several other rocks, awash and sunken,_ lie between Round Rock and the entrance to the nver; caution is advised. The natural channel of West Passage extends between the shoal area eastward of Round Rock and the shoal area westward of Patience Island. The channel has depths of 21 to 70 feet. Buoys mark the entrJnce from the southward, and a ToCwbnepHiwalal.noxet Island, on the western s~\"de of the lighted bell buoy marks the northwestward e~ge of the shoal off Patience Island. The channel is the bay northward of the entrance to Greenwich Coye, is a small neck of land with a yello':V bl~f facmg approach from southward to Greenwich Bay, War- wPricokviPdoeinnct~ and the channel from West Passage to eastward. From this island, shoals with httle water River. ~0v0erytahredms eeaxsttwenadrdabanodut 500 yards northward and PaUenee Islaad, 0.2 mile west of the northern southeastward. Shoals ex- end of Prudence Island, is surrounded by shoals tend about JOO yards northward and west~ard of and foul ground. . Long Point, the northwestern extremity of Warwick Point, the southernmost point of War-
138 6. NARRAGANSETT BAY Potowomut Neek. side of the neck, 1.7 miles north-northeastward of Greenwich Cove, in the southwest end of Green- Warwick Point. wich Bay, is about 1.3 miles long and 300 to 600 The natural channel between the shoals off War- yards wide. On the western shore is the town of wick Neek and the shoals northward of Patience East Greenwich. Depths of about 7 to 11 feet are and Prudence Islands has depths of 19 to 50 feet. A available in the cove to about 0.5 mile from the buoy marks the shoal off Providence Point, the head. Good anchorage may be had off some of the northernmost point of Prudence Island. small-craft facilities on the west side of the cove in Chart 1210.-The shoreline of Point Judith Neck depths of 8 to 11 feel. between West Passage and Point Judith should be The mean range of tide is 4.0 feet. given a berth of at least 0.6 mile. From Narragan- The cove has several boatyards; the largest sett Pier to Black Point, a rocky promontory 1.9 miles southward, the shoreline is a rugged rocky marine railway, near the entrance to the cove, can ledge with deep water close inshore. The waters handle craft up to 90 feet long and 9 feet in draft. between Black Point and Point Judith are boulder- Berths, electricity, gasoline, water, diesel fuel (by strewn, and shoal up gradually. truck), ice, marine supplies, wet and dry storage, Three very prominent landmarks are Point Ju- launching ramps, and complete engine and hull dith Light, the elevated water tank 1.7 miles north of Point Judith, and Hazard's tower, a high, square repairs are available. The harbormaster in the cove stone tower 0.5 mile south of Narragansett Pier. controls anchoring and berthing; contact can be Closer inshore the stone bathing pavilion at the made through the Warwick Town Hall. State-operated Scarborough Beach, 0.5 mile south of Black Point, and an open stone tower on a From Sandy Point, the eastern extremity of house 0.4 mile north of Black Point are prominent. Potowomut N eek, shoals with depths of 2 to 9 feet extend northeasterly for about 0.6 mile. Extensive shoals extend off the eastern side of Warwick Neck to Ohio Ledge. Rocky Point is on the eastern
139 7. BLOCK ISLAND SOUND This chapter describes Block Island Sound, Southwest Ledge, 5.5 miles west-southwestward Fishers Island Sound, Gardiners Bay, Little of Block Island Southeast Light, has a least known Peconic Bay, Great Peconic Bay, and the ports depth of 23 feet and is marked on its southwest and harbors in the area, the more important of side by Southwest Ledge Lighted Bell Buoy 2. which are Point Judith Harbor, Great Salt Pond, Rocky patches with least depths of 27 and 29 feet Stonington, Mystic Harbor, and Greenport. extend 1.5 miles northeastward from the ledge. The sea breaks on the shoaler places on the ledge Charts 1211, 271.-Block Island Sound is a deep in heavy weather. navigable waterway forming the eastern approach Several other dangers that must be guarded to Long Island Sound, Fishers Island Sound, and against are northward and westward of Southwest Ledge Lighted Bell Buoy 2. These dangers are: Gardiners Bay from the Atlantic Ocean. The sound two obstructions, about 300 yards apart, covered 31 and 32 feet, and marked by a lighted horn buoy, is a link for waterborne commerce between Cape are about 2.2 miles 280° from the lighted bell buoy; a reported unmarked submerged obstruction is Cod and Long Island Sound. It has two entrances about 0.7 mile 282° from the lighted bell buoy; and two obstructions, cleared to a depth of 36 feet, are from the Atlantic-an eastern entrance between about 0.75 mile north of the lighted bell buoy. Block Island and Point Judith, and a southern en- The deepest passage in the southern entrance to trance between Block Island and Montauk Point. Block Island Sound is just westward of Southwest Ledge, and has a width of over 2 miles; this is the The sound is connected with Long Island Sound best passage for deep-draft vessels. In heavy by The Race and other passages to the southwest- weather vessels desiring to enter the sound west- ward of Block Island should pass westward of ward, and with Fishers Island Sound by several Southwest Ledge Lighted Bell Buoy 2, taking care passages between rocky reefs from Watch Hill to pass clear of the obstructions mentioned above. Point to East Point, Fishers Island. Between the inner patch of rocks and the shoals, The north shoreline of Block Island Sound and which extend 0.9 mile from Block Island, is a channel 1.3 miles wide, with a depth of about 34 Fishers Island Sound from Point Judith to New feel. Vessels using this channel round the London is generally rocky and broken with short southwest end of Block Island at a distance of 1.5 miles. It is not advisable to use this passage during stretches of sandy beach. Many inlets and harbors, heavy weather. especially in the vicinity of Fishers Island, afford The entrance between Point Judith and Block harbors of refuge for vessels. Most of the rocks Island is used by vessels coming from the bays and sounds eastward to Long Island Sound. The route and shoals near the channels are marked with generally used is through The Race. Tows of light navigational aids. barges and vessels _of 14 feet or less draft s~me times go through Fishers Island Sou~d, espec1a~y The southern part of Block Island Sound is during daylight with a smooth sea. This entrance is clear with the exception of Block Island North bounded by Block Island on the east, the eastern Reef. The coast from Point Judith nearly_ to Wat.ch extremity of Long Island, and Gardiners Island on Hill should be given a berth of over l mile, avoid- ing the broken ground with depths less than 30 the west. Plum Island and Fishers Island are at the western end of the sound. The deep water in the central part of Block Island Sound will accommodate vessels of the greatest draft. Westward of Gardiners Island, enclosed between the northeastern and eastern ends of Long Island, are Gardiners Bay, Shelter Island Sound, Little Peconic Bay, and Great Peconic Bay. This area is well protected but generally shal- low, and is not suited for deep-draft vessels. The shoreline is marked by many indentations and shal- low harbors. These waters are much used by com- fee(tF.ull tidal information, m· elud\"mg dat·1y pred\"1c- mercial fishing vessels and small pleasure craft tions are given in the Tide Tabl~s.) . . . The effect of strong winds, an combmation with because of the protection afforded and the many the regular tidal action, may at tim~s cause the anchorages. . Block Island North Reef is a sand shoal with water to fall several feet below or nse the same depths of 14 feet or less extending 1 mile amount above the plane of reference of the chart. northward from Sandy Point at the north end of The mean range of tide throughout. Block. Island Block Island. The shoal should be avoided by all Sound varies from about 3 feet at Pomt Judith to 2 ~ess~ls; its depths change frequently, and. its pos~ feet at Montauk Point. .. tion is also subject to a slow change. It. is practi- Tidal current data for a number of locations 10 cally steep-to on all sides, so that soun~mgs alone Block Island Sound are given in the Tidal Cu~C?nt banno.t be depended on to clear it. ~ lighted bell Tables. Current directions and veloc1ties uoy ts I .S miles northward of the pomt.
140 7. BLOCK ISLAND SOUND throughout the sound for each hour of the tidal consists of nearly 7,000 acres and lies in the Atlan- cycle are shown on Tidal Current Charts, Block tic Ocean about 12 miles east-northeast of Long Island Sound and Eastern Long Island Sound. Island and about the same distance .south of Char- lestown, R.I. Hence, the climate is typically The tidal currents throughout Block Island maritime, but under conditions of extreme cold or heat the effect is felt on the island as well as on the Sound have considerable velocity; the greatest mainland. Temperatures of -10° F. and 95° F. have velocities occur in the vicinity of The Race and in been recorded. the entrances between Montauk Point, Block Island, and Point Judith. Soundings alone cannot Summers are usually dry. Recorded rainfall for be depended upon to locate the position; ap- proaching the shores or dangers, the shoaling is any one month range from a trace to 12.93 inches. generally abrupt. In July and August maximum temperatures average 74°. The island is too small to build up cu- In the middle of the passage between Point Ju- mulonimbus clouds, and local thunderstorms do not occur. Fog occurs on one out of four days in dith and Block Island, the velocity is 0.7 knot. The flood sets westward, and the ebb eastward. the early summer, when the ocean is relatively cold. In the passage between Block Island and Mon- Winters are distinguished for their comparative tauk Point, the flood sets generally northwestward, the ebb southeastward. In the middle of the mildness, maxima average 4 to 10° above freezing passage the velocity of flood is 1.5 knots, and 1.9 and minima average 25° in February. Since the sur- knots on the ebb. About 1.3 miles eastward of Montauk Point, the flood sets 346°, ebb 162°, with face winds are usually easterly when snow begins a velocity of 2.8 knots. it soon changes to rain or melts rapidly after it piles up. The ocean temperatures are of course al- In Block Island Sound and in the eastern part of ways somewhat above freezing and not far off shore are relatively high. Long Island Sound, fogs are generally heaviest with southeast winds. In these waters the usual du- The ocean has a dampening effect on hot winds ration of a fog is from 4 to 12 hours, but periods of from 4 to 6 days have been known with very short in summer and an accelerating effect on cold clear intervals. In the autumn, land fogs, as they winds from the mainland in the winter. Katabatic are termed locally, sometimes occur with northerly winds from Narrangansett Bay and Long Island breezes, but are generally burned off before mid- reach as high as 40 m.p.h. when anticyclonic condi- day. tions prevail on the mainland in winter. The wind velocity averages 17 m.p.h. for the year, but in the The Race may be said to be the only locality winter, the mean is 20 m.p.h., when gales are frequent. In the early fall most of the tropical where tidal currents have any decided influence on storms moving up the coast affect the island to the movements of the ice. Large quantities of flow ice usually pass through The Race during the ebb, some extent. especially if the wind is westerly, and in severe (See appendix for Block Island climatological ta· winters this ice causes some obstruction in Block Island Sound and around Montauk Point. These hie.) obstructions are the most extensive around the The U.S. Public Health Service maintains a con· middle of February. tract physician's office at Block Island. (See appen· Pilotage is compulsory for foreign vessels and dix for address.) U.S. vessels under register in Block Island Sound Communications.-A ferry operates daily from and Long Island Sound. On advance request, pilots board vessels in the vicinity of Block Island Galilee to Great Salt Pond or Old Harbor, carrying Southeast Lighted Whistle Buoy (41°05.8' N., mail, passengers, freight, and vehicles. There is 71°30.0' W.), Block Island North Reef Lighted Bell summer ferry service from Old Harbor to Buoy lBI (41°15.5' N., 71°34.6' W.), or about 2 Providence, via Newport, and from Great Salt miles south of Point Judith Lighted Whistle Buoy 2 Pond to New London. In heavy southeasterly (41°20.0' N., 71°28.5' W.), or in the vicinity of weather, the Providence boat uses Great Salt Brenton Reef Light (41°25.6' N., 71°23.4' W.). The Pond. The island has telephone service to the pilot boats are equipped with VHF and medium frequency radiotelephones. Arrangements for mainland. Air service is also available. pilots should be made through ships' agents or Block Island Southeast Light (41°09.2' N., directly by shipping companies. Pilotage, where required for the major ports on Long Island 71°33.l' W.), 201 feet above the water, is shown Sound, is discussed under the name of the port. from a red brick octagonal pyramidal tower, 67 ·feet high, attached to a dwelling on Mohegan Bluffs Chart 269.-Block Island, 5 miles long, is hilly on the southeast point of the island. A radiobeacon and fog signal are at the station. It has been re· with elevations up to about 200 feet. The shore of ported that the fog signal is indistinct and difficul~ the island is fringed in most places by boulders and to. hear when close-to, yet plainly audible severa should be given a berth of over 0.5 mile even by miles away. small craft; the shoaling is generally abrupt in ap- proaching the island. About 0.2 mile southeast of the light is the wreck Weather.-Block Island, formed by glaciers, of the large tanker SS LIGHTBURNE. At low water, parts of the main deck are awash. At ~lay Head, on the northeast side of Block Island, 1sba lone white house on top of the bluff. Two near Y
7. BLOCK ISLAND SOUND 141 silos are conspicuous. jetty. In 1964, it was reported that the rear marker Block Island North Light (41°13.7' N., 71°34.6' on Grace Point had been destroyed. W.), 58 feet above the water, is shown from a Chart 268.-Point Judith Light (41°21.7' N., black tower on a gray-granite dwelling on Sandy Point at tbe north end of the island. 71\"28.9' W.), 65 feet above the water, is shown from an octagonal tower, 51 feet high, with the Old Harbor, frequently used as a harbor of lower half white, upper half brown. The station has a fog signal and a radiobeacon. About 100 refuge, is an artificial harbor formed by two break- yards north of the light is a Coast Guard station. waters on the east side of Block Island, 1.4 miles Storm warning signals are displayed. (See chart.) A northward of Block Island Southeast Light. In lighted whistle buoy is 1.7 miles southward of the 1968, the controlling depth in the entrance channel light. (See chart 1210.) A prominent elevated water was 15 feet; depths of about 15 feet were available tank is about 1.8 miles northward of the light, and in the inner harbor anchorage, and in the basin in another globular water tank is about 3 miles the southeast corner of the inner harbor. The har- northwestward of the light. A blue rotating beacon bor is occupied by pleasure craft during the at a restaurant in Galilee about 0.2 mile northward of the daybeacon on the entrance jetty is summer. The eastern part of the inner harbor is prominent at night. left clear for the passage of the ferry to the wharf. The basin in the southeast corner of the inner har- The area around Point Judith, including the ap- bor is usually occupied by fishing boats and local craft which tieup along the sides. Gasoline, marine proaches to Point Judith Harbor of Refuge, is ir- regular with rocky bottom and indications of boul- supplies, and limited repairs are available. ders. Caution is advised to avoid the shoal spots, even with a smooth sea, and to exercise extra care The east breakwater extends about 300 yards where the depths are not more than 6 feet greater than the draft. northward of the entrance of the inner harbor, and is marked at its end by a light and fog signal. A bell Point Judith Harbor of Refuge, on the west side buoy is 0.55 mile northward of the breakwater. A light marks the end of the breakwater on the west of Point Judith, is formed by a main V-shaped breakwater and two shorearm breakwaters extend- side at the entrance to the inner harbor. ing to the shore. The harbor is easy of access for Great Salt Pond (New Harbor), on the west side most vessels except with a heavy southerly sea. It is little used by tows. The only soft bottom in the of Block Island, is the best harbor in Block Island harbor is found in the southern part of the deeper water enclosed by the main breakwater. On the Sound for vessels of 15-foot or less draft. In east- north side the shoaling is gradual; the 18-foot erly gales when the sea is too heavy to enter Old curve is about 0.3 to 0.5 mile offshore. Harbor, a landing can be made at Great Salt Pond. Near the central part of the harbor are two The entrance, about 2 miles south-southwestward shoals; the northernmost one has depths of 14 to of Block Island North Light, is a dredged cut 18 feet, and the southernmost one has depths of 14 through the narrow beach. The southwestern side to 16 feet and is marked by a buoy. of .the entrance is protected by a jetty, marked by a light and fog signal at its outer end and by a light The area within the V-shaped breakwater af- at the inner end. fords protected anchorage for small craft. The In May 1971, the midchannel controlling depth breakwater should be given a berth of 200 yards to avoid broken and hard bottom; a rocky shoal area !n ~e entrance channel was 18 feet. A ferry land- about 100 yards wide, paralleling the west side of the main breakwater northward from the angle mg 1s at the head of the pond. should be avoided. A good berth for a vessel is on The usual anchorage in Great Salt Pond is near a line between the East and West Main Breakwater Lights, midway between them in 22 to 30 feet. This the southeast end, off the ferry landing, in 15 to 48 position falls on the edge of t~e . east-west feet, taking care to leave a fairway to the landing. thorofare used by pleasure craft and f1shmg boats. A channel with a reported depth of about 4 feet in 1971 leads to Trim Pond, where local fishing craft The southern entrance to the Harbor of Refuge, are moored. known locally as the East Gap, is 400 yards wide; Small-craft facilities in Great Salt Pond can pro- in 1971 it had a controlling depth of about 24 feet with d~eper water in the western half of the chan- vide berths, electricity, gasoline, diesel fuel, nel. In 1971, it was rep~rted that the breakwater on the western side of this entrance extended about water, ice, and marine supplies. The marina about 150 yards northeastward of the light. 0.3 mile westward of the ferry landing, with a re- ported depth of 16 feet at the face of the dock, can The western entrance to the Harbor of Refuge, also make engine repairs. known locally as the West Gap, is 500 yards wide; The mean range of tide is about 2.6 feet. in 1971 it had a controlling depth of. about 18 feet, with lesser depths on the north side of the en- Tidal currents in the entrance to Great Salt Pond traTnicdee.s and Currents.-The mean range of tJ'de m· tave a velocity of 0.3 knot. (See Tidal Current Ta- les for predictions.) Storm warning signals are displayed at the Coast Guard Station. (See charts.) Measurect nautical mile.-A 210°2.2'-030°2.2' llleasu.rett nautical mile is off the west side of :lock Island, just south of the entrance to Great !halt Pond. The markers are on Grace Point and on e sand spit of Harbor Neck, near the entrance
142 7. BLOCK ISLAND SOUND the Harbor of Refuge is 3.1 feet. The tidal currents hull and engine repairs are available. The largest have a velocity of about 0.8 knot at the south en- marine railway in the area, at the southern end of trance and 0.5 knot at the west entrance. (See Tidal the waterfront at Snug Harbor, can harrple craft up Current Tables for predictions.) to 150 feet in length or 385 tons. Considerably stronger currents have been re- Daily ferry service is available to Block Island ported to develop especially when the tide is from Galilee. Daily bus service is operated to Providence. ebbing. Point Judith Pond is a salt-water tidal pond en- Potter Pond, shallow and landlocked, is joined tered between two rock jetties at The Breacbway in with Point Judith by a narrow channel ne~r Snug the northwestern part of Point Judith Harbor of Harbor. Local knowledge should be obtained be- Refuge. The east jetty is marked near its seaward fore using this channel, which has depths of 2 to 4 end by a daybeacon. The pond extends 3.3 miles feet and is crossed by overhead power and northerly to the town of Wakefield. It is used ex- telephone cables with a clearance of 30 feet at the tensively by small fishing vessels and pleasure channel entrance and by a fixed highway bridge craft, and numerous fish wharves are inside the with a clearance of 5 feet about 0.4 mile above the entrance. The north end of Point Judith Pond af- entrance. A current of more than 3 knots develops fords good anchorage for boats of 4 feet draft or through the channel on the ebb. The mean range of less during a heavy blow. tide in the pond is about 1 foot, and it occurs about 2.5 hours later than in the Harbor of Refuge. The village of Galilee on the east side of the en- Chart 271.-From Point Judith to Watch Hill the trance and Jerusalem on the west side at Succotash Point have State piers and numerous small piers shore is low and for the most part consists of chiefly used by fishermen. A Government barge, sandy beaches which are broken by several pro- used as a floating water quality control laboratory, jecting rocky points. Back from the immediate is moored at Jerusalem. A State pier superinten- shore are areas of cultivation interspersed with dent controls the State piers at Galilee and rolling grass-covered or wooded hills. Except for Jerusalem; his office is at the head of the Galilee Point Judith Pond, most pond outlets are either State Pier. closed or used only by rowboats at high tide. The coast is fringed by broken ground and boulders in A channel with three dredged sections marked places, which should be avoided by deep-draft ves- sels where the depths are less than 36 to 42 feet. by buoys extends from Point Judith Harbor of Refuge along the west side of the pond to the State Matunuck is a summer resort about 3 miles west Pier at Jerusalem, and thence northerly to the turn- ing basin at Wakefield. A branch channel, on the of Point Judith. Southwest of Matunuck Point is east side, extends northeasterly from the entrance Nebraska Shoal, a patch of boulders covered 18 to the pond to the State Pier at Galilee, and into feet and marked by a buoy. The shoal is at the anchorage areas westward of Galilee and south end of broken ground, with depths less than southward of Little Comfort Island. 30 feet offshore; the water deepens abruptly around the patch. In August 1970-June 1971, the controlling depths Charlestown Inlet, 4.5 miles westward of Matu- were 15 feet to the State Pier at Jerusalem except for minor shoaling on the western edge of the nuck Point, is a narrow inlet which leads to channel about 0.4 mile above the entrance, thence Ninigret Pond to the westward, and the village of 15 feet in the branch channel to the State Pier at Charlestown to the northward. In 1971, a reported depth of about 2 feet could be taken ,in the inlet, Galilee, and thence in 1967, 41h feet in the dredged with depths of about 3 to 6 feet ·inside. The sections of the channel above Jerusalem to the southern part of Ninigret Pond is mostly mud flats. turning basin at Wakefield, and 5 to 6 feet in the ~ocal knowledge is required in entering and mov- basin. In 1959-September 1970, depths of 61h to 10 mg about inside. A small-craft facility is at Char- feet were available in the anchorage areas off lestown, and one at the western end of Ningret Galilee; the chart is the best guide. Po~~;. berths and launching ramps are at b~th factlittes; gasoline and marine supplies are availa- Tides and Currents.-The mean range of tide in ble at the Charlestown facility. The overhead power cable over the entrance has a clearance of the pond is 2.8 feet, and occurs later than in the 10 feet. Harbor of Refuge by about 10 minutes just inside t!te entrance and 30 minutes at the north end. The Quonocbontaug, 10.8 miles westward of Point tidal currents in the entrance have a velocity of 1.8 ki;iots o.n the flood, 1.5 knots on the ebb, and cause Judith, is a summer settlement at the outlet of slight nps an~ .overfalls at changes of tide. Higher Quonochontaug Pond. The pond is entered only by current velocities are reported to occur. (See Tidal shallow-draft boats. Current Tables for predictions.) Weekapaug Point, 12.5 miles west of Point Ju- The U.S. Public Health Service maintains a con- dith, is bold, rocky, and prominent from the tract physician's office in Wakefield. Several southwest and southeast. Two stone jetties, t,500d .boatyards and marinas are at Galilee, Jerusalem, ~eet long, protect the entrance to Winnapaug Poll Wakefield, and at Snug H_arbor, on the west side 1ust westward of the point. In 1953, a 4-foot chan- of the pond about 0.8 mile above the entrance. nel was privately dredged to the pond in which the Be~s, elect~city, gasoline, diesel.fuel, water, ice, manne supplies, storage, launchmg ramps, and
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