United States Coast Pilot 2 Atlantic Coast - Cape Cod, MA to Sandy Hook, NJ 2010

Cape Cod To Sandy Hook ■ Chapter 3 ■ 193

194 ■ Chapter 4 ■ Volume 2 ’ ’

Outer Cape Cod and Nantucket Sound ■ Chapter 4 ■ 195 Outer Cape Cod and Nantucket Sound (1) This chapter describes the outer shore of Cape Cod North Atlantic Right Whales and Nantucket Sound including Nantucket Island and (5) Federally designated critical habitat for the endan- the southern and eastern shores of Martha’s Vineyard. Also described are Nantucket Harbor, Edgartown Har- gered North Atlantic right whale lies within Cape Cod bor, and the other numerous fishing and yachting cen- Bay (See 50 CFR 226.101 and 226.203, chapter 2, for ters along the southern shore of Cape Cod bordering habitat boundary). It is illegal to approach closer than Nantucket Sound. 500 yards of any right whale. (See 50 CFR 224.103(c), chapter 2, for limits and regulation.) Recommended COLREGS Demarcation Lines Two-Way Whale Avoidance Routes and a Recom- (2) The lines established for this part of the coast are mended Two-Way Whale Avoidance Track have been charted within Cape Cod Bay to reduce interactions be- described in 80.135 and 80.145, chapter 2. tween vessels and right whales. When right whales are present in Cape Cod Bay (peak season: December Chart 13246 through May), NOAA recommends that mariners use these routes and take the precautionary measures rec- (3) Cape Cod is a long peninsula forming the easterly ommended in chapter 3 to reduce the risk of ship extremity of Massachusetts. It makes out from the strikes. (See North Atlantic Right Whales, indexed as mainland in an easterly direction for 31 miles, then ex- such, in chapter 3 for more information on right tends northward for over 20 miles. This cape forms the whales and recommended measures to avoid collisions southern and eastern shores of Cape Cod Bay, the with whales.) Caution: Full bottom coverage surveys northern shore of Nantucket Sound, and the eastern have not been conducted within the entire route nor shore of Buzzards Bay. The northern trend of Cape Cod, along the entire track, so uncharted dangers may exist. forming what is sometimes called the Hook of the (6) All vessels 65 feet or greater in length overall Cape, is known as the Lower Cape. This section is well (L.O.A.) and subject to the jurisdiction of the United settled and composed almost entirely of sandy lands, States are restricted to speeds of 10 knots or less in the with high bare sand dunes and low nearly level plains. Cape Cod Bay Seasonal Management Area between Jan- The portion of Cape Cod between Chatham and Cape uary 1 and May 15. The area is defined as all waters of Cod Canal is known as the Upper Cape. This region is Cape Cod Bay with a northern boundary of wooded and is well settled by numerous towns and vil- 42°41'56.5\"N., 70°12'W., to 42°12'W., thence due west lages. back to shore. The restriction applies to a Seasonal Management Area off Race Point between March 1 and Tides and Currents April 30. The area is defined as the waters bounded by: (4) The tidal current velocities between Race Point and (7) 42°04'56.5\"N., 70°12'W.; (8) 42°12'N., 70°12'W.; Highland Light are very strong, but diminish to less (9) 42°12'N., 70°30'W.; than 1 knot between Highland Light and Chatham (10) 42°30'N., 70°30'W.; Light. Strengths of flood and ebb set northward and (11) 42°30\"N., 69°45'W.; southward, respectively, along the coast. The time of (12) 41°41'N., 69°45'W.; thence due west to the shore. current changes rapidly, the strength of flood or ebb (See 50 CFR 224.105 in chapter 2 for regulations, lim- occurring about 2 hours later off Nauset Beach Light itations, and exceptions.) than off Chatham Light.

196 ■ Chapter 4 ■ Volume 2 Area to be avoided 70°09'35\"W. to 42°02'43\"N., 70°11'01\"W., and in the (13) In order to significantly reduce the risk of ship area extending about 100 yards around the piers in Provincetown Harbor. Anchorage is prohibited in this strikes to the North Atlantic right whale, an area to be fairway. avoided was established in the Great South Channel, (23) Provincetown Coast Guard Station is about 0.4 east of the Boston Harbor traffic lanes. Ships of 300 mile southwest of the town pier. gross tons and above should avoid the area bounded by (24) The finger pier northeastward of the Coast Guard lines connecting the following geographical positions: pier is in ruins. Mariners should exercise caution while (14) 41°44'08\"N., 69°34'50\"W.; navigating in the area. (15) 42°10'00\"N., 68°31'00\"W.; (25) Cape Cod Canal is described in chapter 5. Com- (16) 41°24'53\"N., 68°31'00\"W.; and plete information about the harbors and ports in Cape (17) 40°50'28\"N., 68°58'40\"W. between the period of Cod Bay is contained in United States Coast Pilot 1, April 1 through July 31. Atlantic Coast, Eastport to Cape Cod. Chart 13249 Charts 13249, 13246 (18) Provincetown Harbor, formed by a turn in the (26) Between Wood End (42°01.2'N., 70°11.3'W.) and northern end of the hook of Cape Cod, has a diameter of Race Point, the westernmost point of Cape Cod, shoals about 2 miles. It is one of the best harbors on the Atlan- that rise abruptly from deep water extend a maximum tic Coast, having a sizable anchorage area in depths of of about 0.6 mile from shore. Race Point Light 12 to 57 feet with excellent holding ground. Coasters (42°03'45\"N., 70°14'35\"W.), 41 feet above the water, is and fishermen find protection here in gales from any shown from a white tower on the northwest point of direction. Cape Cod. (19) The historical town of Provincetown, on the north- (27) Peaked Hill Bar includes shoals with a least depth western side of the harbor, is at the site of the first land- of 10 feet about 3.5 miles northeast of Race Point Light. ing of the MAYFLOWER in the new world. Supplies and hull repair facilities are available in Provincetown. En- (28) The bar is about 0.6 mile offshore and extends for gine repairs are available by arrangement. about 4 miles paralleling the coastline. This area should be given a berth of at least 2 miles. Keeping in a (20) The approach and entrance to the harbor are free of depth of 20 fathoms will ensure passing 2.5 to 3 miles dangers and are marked by three lights and by Pilgrim off the eastern side of Cape Cod. Monument, a slim stone structure 348 feet above the water; two standpipes are about 0.2 mile westward and Chart 13246 a steel tank is 1.5 miles northeastward of the monu- ment. A 2,500-foot stone breakwater is about 300 yards (29) From Race Point, the shore of Cape Cod curves southeastward of the end of the town pier (MacMillan northeastward, eastward, and then southeastward for Wharf). The breakwater extends northeastward from a about 9 miles to the Highlands, and is composed of point in 42°02'45\"N., 70°10'55\"W., approximately parallel bare sand dunes of various heights. The sand dunes be- to the shoreline. The east and west ends of the breakwa- gin to be covered with a brownish-looking growth of ter are each marked by a light. Strangers should exer- grass, and the land is higher as the Highlands are ap- cise caution when operating in the area. Numerous proached. The water shoals somewhat abruptly within fishing vessels work out of Provincetown during the 0.5 mile of the shore and care must be taken not to go year. During the summer, floats are set out that are ca- inside the 10-fathom curve. pable of mooring vessels up to 40 feet. Larger vessels must tie up at permanent piers. Anchorage inside the (30) Highland Light (42°02'22\"N., 70°03'39\"W.), 170 breakwater is reported to be fair to poor, mud bottom feet above the water, is shown from a 66-foot white with much debris. The marina close southwest of tower with covered way to the dwelling on a high bluff MacMillan Wharf maintains 40 mooring buoys on the of the Highlands. west side of the harbor. Prominent objects (21) All moorings and berthing in the harbor are under (31) Prominent objects include a stone crenellated the control of the harbormaster, who has an office at the end of the town pier. The harbormaster monitors tower, a red brick stack, and three spherical radar VHF-FM channel 16, 24 hours a day. domes on the summit of a ridge, 0.5 mile south of Highland Light. (22) The Captain of the Port, Boston, has established a fairway 100 yards wide extending from 42°02'00\"N.,

Outer Cape Cod and Nantucket Sound ■ Chapter 4 ■ 197 (32) The shore southward from the Highlands for 12 Charts 13248, 13246 miles to Nauset Beach Light has a slight curve. The ter- rain continues hilly with narrow valleys at intervals. (39) Chatham, about 11.5 miles southward of Nauset From Highland Light to near the Chatham entrance Beach Light, is on fairly high ground on the west side of the water continues to shoal abruptly within 0.5 mile of Chatham Harbor. Several spires and a tall stack at the shore. Chatham are prominent. A conspicuous standpipe with a red and white checkered band around the top is at (33) Two spires at Truro, 2.5 miles south of Highland 41º41'38\"N., 69º58'30\"W. Chatham Light (41º40'17\"N., Light, are prominent. A tank stands out near the shore 69º57'00\"W.), 80 feet above the water, is shown from a about 9 miles south-southeastward of Highland Light white conical tower on the west side of the harbor. in South Wellfleet. Chatham Coast Guard Station is near Chatham Light. (34) Nauset Beach Light (41°51'36\"N., 69°57'12\"W.), (40) Chatham Harbor can be entered east of Chatham 120 feet above the water, is shown from a 48-foot coni- Light. Shoals are constantly shifting in the entrance cal tower, the upper part red and the lower part white, and extreme caution is advised. Currents are extremely on the beach at Eastham. The buildings of a former strong and dangerous; surf can build up quickly on the Coast Guard station, about 1 mile south of the light, are outer bar during an ebb tide. Ocean waves carry into conspicuous. the harbor and reportedly break as far north as Tern Is- land. Anchoring and even mooring in much of Chat- (35) The coast from Nauset Beach Light turns gradually ham Harbor is not recommended. Mariners unfamiliar southward to Chatham, a distance of 11 miles, and be- with the area are advised to stay east of Chatham Beach comes lower and less steep. The terrain slopes gently Lighted Whistle Buoy C (41º39'12\"N., 69º55'30\"W.). back from the beach and is covered with a scanty growth of grass. (41) Chatham Inlet Bar Guide Light (41º40'17\"N., 69º57'00\"W.), 62 feet above the water, is shown from a (36) Nauset Harbor, 3.3 miles south of Nauset Beach white skeleton tower near Chatham Light. A white Light, is used by small local craft. The area offshore of (with orange border) and diamond-shaped dayboard the harbor is a chain of shifting sandbars. Breakers are worded ROUGH BAR is on the light. The light will be present in this vicinity at all stages of the tide and even activated when the seas exceed 2 feet in height and are during the calmest weather. The area is extremely dan- considered hazardous for small boats. Small-boat oper- gerous for any vessel larger than a runabout or for any- ators are cautioned, however, that if the light is not one without local knowledge. Strangers should never flashing it is no guarantee that sea conditions are favor- attempt to enter. A cluster of houses is on Nauset able. Heights south of the entrance, where the ground is somewhat higher than the land just northward. (42) About 2.7 miles south of Chatham Light, at what used to be the end of Nauset Beach, is a large area of (37) The harbor has three arms extending northward shoals which extends southwestward to Monomoy Is- into Nauset Bay, northwestward into Salt Pond Bay land. There is no marked channel through the shoals. and Salt Pond, and westward into Town Cove which is Small vessels with local knowledge use the area with a about 2 miles long in a southwesterly direction. Private smooth sea; strangers should avoid the area. These seasonal buoys mark the channel from the entrance to shoals are dangerous in thick weather and vessels in Town Cove. A marina is on the west bank about 0.5 mile the vicinity should stay in depths of 8 fathoms or more. from the head of the cove. Gasoline, water, moorings, berths, marine supplies, and a concrete ramp are avail- (43) The passage inside the barrier beach from Chat- able. Craft to 25 feet can be handled for hull or engine ham Light to the head of navigation in Orleans, on the repairs, or dry open or covered storage. In August 1981, west side of Meeting House Pond, is about 7.9 miles depths of 4 feet were reported alongside the service long and used by small-craft. The passage, marked by dock. private, seasonal buoys, leads northerly from the break through Chatham Harbor, Pleasant Bay, The Narrows, (38) Nauset Beach, on the barrier island east of North Little Pleasant Bay, and The River to Meeting House Chatham, is continually changing due to the effects of Pond. The channel requires local knowledge. erosion and shifting sands. Waves wash across the beach into the sound in several places during periods of Small-craft facility high water. There is a break in the beach centered in ap- (44) A small-craft facility is in a protected basin in the proximately 41º42'16\"N., 69º55'47\"W. The break is un- marked, extremely dangerous, and should be avoided cove between Morris Island and the mainland, about by those without local knowledge. 0.5 mile south of Chatham Light. In 1992 it was re- ported this facility could not be reached from Chatham Harbor due to severe shoaling south of Chatham Light.

198 ■ Chapter 4 ■ Volume 2 The facility can reportedly be reached from Chatham (52) An arm, known as The River, extends northward Roads by way of a channel south of Morris Island (see from the entrance to Namequoit River for about 1 mile chart 13229). Berths, gasoline, water, ice, marine sup- to Meeting House Pond. Private seasonal buoys par- plies, launching ramp, and storage facilities are avail- tially mark the channel from The River to the pond. A able. A hydraulic trailer can handle craft to 45 feet for town landing and launching ramp are on the north side hull and engine repairs. In June 1992, depths to 2 feet of the channel leading to the pond. A small-craft facility were reported in the basin. is on the north side of the pond. In August 1981, depths of 4 feet were reported in the channel to the pond. A hy- (45) A boat basin is in Aunt Lydias Cove between Tern draulic trailer at the facility can handle craft to 50 feet. Island and Chatham. In June 2009, the controlling Berths and moorings in depths of 6 to 10 feet, gasoline, depth of the channel was 6.3 feet, thence 4.7 to 8 feet in water, ice, a launching ramp, and storage facilities are the basin, except shoaling to 2.5 feet within 20 feet of available; hull and engine repairs can be made. A town the northern limit, with lesser depths along the east ramp is on the east side of the pond southeastward of side. Conditions are rapidly changing. A fish pier is in the small-craft facility. the basin. Commercial fishing boats operate from the cove. The harbormaster can be contacted on VHF-FM Chart 13237 channel 16. (53) Nantucket Sound is between the south coast of (46) Bassing Harbor, at the north end of Chatham Har- Cape Cod on the north, Nantucket Island and part of bor, is the entrance to Ryder Cove and Crows Pond. A Martha’s Vineyard on the south, and joins Vineyard small-craft facility is on the south side of Ryder Cove, Sound on the west to provide an inside passage. about 0.5 mile inside the entrance. A town launching Nantucket Sound has a length of about 23 miles in an ramp is close westward of the facility. Private seasonal east-west direction and a width of 6 to 22 miles. At the aids mark the channel from Chatham Harbor to the eastern entrance and within the sound are numerous town ramp. A 5 mph speed limit is enforced in the cove. shoals. Between these shoals are well-marked channels A forklift at the facility can haul out craft to 25 feet. making the navigation of these waters comparatively Gasoline, water, ice, marine supplies, moorings, and easy for powered vessels and also sailing vessels with a storage facilities are available; hull and engine repairs fair wind. The shoals at the eastern entrance are sub- can be made. In August 1981, a reported depth of 3 feet ject to considerable shifting while those inside are could be carried to the small-craft facility. somewhat stable. Boulders are along the shores. (47) Nickersons Neck, on the north side of Crows Pond (54) The channel through Nantucket Sound and Vine- and the south side of Pleasant Bay, has a country club yard Sound has a controlling depth of about 30 feet and on the north side. provides an inside passage for vessels of medium draft to avoid Nantucket Shoals. This route is used princi- (48) Round Cove, at the southwest end of Pleasant Bay pally by coastwise vessels and pleasure craft. The navi- has a town wharf and launching ramp. A combination gational aids are colored and numbered for passing antenna and flagpole on the west bank of the cove is through the sound from the eastward. conspicuous. (55) Monomoy and Nantucket Shoals are eastward and (49) The Narrows is a passage between Sipson Island southeastward of the eastern entrance to Nantucket and the mainland and connects Pleasant Bay with Lit- Sound. Owing to the great extent and distance offshore tle Pleasant Bay. The passage is marked by private sea- of some parts of these shoals, and the strong and baf- sonal buoys. fling tidal currents which set over them, their naviga- tion in thick or foggy weather is hazardous. In clear (50) Little Pleasant Bay extends about 1.5 miles north- weather the lights and buoys render navigation of the ward to Barley Neck. A launching ramp is on the west two principal channels, Pollock Rip and Great Round bank of the entrance to Paw Wah Pond on the south Shoal, comparatively easy. For the purpose of descrip- side of Namequoit Point. tion Great Round Shoal Channel will be considered as the dividing line between Monomoy and Nantucket (51) Namequoit River leads westward from the head of Shoals. Little Pleasant Bay to Areys Pond. In August 1981, depths of 2 feet were reported in Namequoit River, and (56) Numerous fishtraps are located in Nantucket the channel into the pond had depths of 3 feet. A Sound, particularly along the southern shore of Cape small-craft facility on the north side of the pond has a Cod. These areas may be marked by private lights. 50-foot marine railway, a 2-ton crane, moorings, water, marine supplies, a launching ramp, and storage facili- ties; hull, rigging, and sail repairs can be made.

Outer Cape Cod and Nantucket Sound ■ Chapter 4 ■ 199 Chart 13244 (65) Cross Rip Shoal, about 2.5 miles west-southwest- ward of Halfmoon Shoal, has a least depth of 11 feet. Its (57) Monomoy Shoals consist of numerous detached northern edge is marked by a lighted gong buoy. A shoals extending about 5.5 miles in an easterly direc- shoal, covered 26 feet, extends 1.2 miles eastward of the tion and 9.5 miles in a southeasterly direction from buoy. Caution must be exercised in passing between Monomoy Point, the northeast entrance point of this shoal and the shoal making out southwestward Nantucket Sound. Narrow sloughs separate the many from Halfmoon Shoal. parts of the shoals. It should be remembered that the shoals are shifting in character and are subject to (66) Horseshoe Shoal, about 7.5 miles long, bares in change in location and depth. places at extreme low water. Its western side is marked by two buoys and its northern and southeastern sides (58) A dangerous wreck, reported covered 15 feet, is off by lighted buoys. The main channel passes between the Monomoy Island in about 41°35'07\"N., 69°57'41\"W. southeastern lighted buoy and the lighted gong buoy Mariners are advised to exercise extreme caution while marking Cross Rip Shoal. navigating in the area. (67) L’Hommedieu Shoal, covered 3 feet, and Hedge (59) Bearse Shoal and Pollock Rip, extending about 5 Fence, covered 5 feet, lie in an east-west direction in miles eastward of Monomoy Point, are a series of sand the western end of Nantucket Sound and the eastern shoals and ridges with little water over them in places. end of Vineyard Sound. The water deepens abruptly at Pollock Rip Channel is between the shoals. the edge of these shoals, and soundings will give little warning of approaching dangers. The main channel (60) Broken Part of Pollock Rip, covered 10 to 18 feet, passes southward of Hedge Fence Shoal. L’Hommedieu is eastward of Pollock Rip. Shoal is marked by buoys at its north, east, and west ends. Hedge Fence is marked by a lighted gong buoy on (61) Stone Horse Shoal, Little Round Shoal, and Great its southeastern side, and a buoy on its western end. Round Shoal are portions of a continuous series of sand shoals and ridges covered 4 to 18 feet. These (68) The numerous other shoals in Nantucket Sound shoals are directly eastward of the entrance to are discussed with the land features near them. Nantucket Sound and between the two main channels. Southward and eastward of these shoals are numerous Channels shoal spots, including Orion Shoal, covered 16 to 19 (69) Two principal channels lead from the eastward into feet. Nantucket Sound. The northerly one is through (62) Handkerchief Shoal, extending for 5 miles south- Pollock Rip Channel and Butler Hole, and the south- westward from Monomoy Point, is covered 2 to 18 feet. erly one through Great Round Shoal Channel. Between A spot that uncovers 2 feet is about 2.7 miles southwest the numerous shoals in Nantucket Sound are two of the point. On the northwest side the water shoals well-marked channels leading to the eastern end of gradually and soundings will indicate an approach to Vineyard Sound. Muskeget Channel, discussed later in danger, but on the southeast side the shoal rises this chapter, leads into the sound from the southward, abruptly from the deeper water. Handkerchief Shoal is eastward of Chappaquiddick Island. uneven and shifting in character. Vessels should not at- tempt to pass northward of the buoys marking the Chart 13244 southern end and southeast side of the shoal. (70) Pollock Rip Channel and Butler Hole form the Chart 13237 most direct channel leading from points northward of Cape Cod to Nantucket Sound. The channel leads be- (63) Nantucket Shoals is the general name of the nu- tween Bearse Shoal and Pollock Rip, thence eastward of merous broken shoals which extend 23 miles eastward Handkerchief Shoal. Since large-vessel traffic may be and 39 miles southeastward of Nantucket Island. These encountered in this channel, fishing vessels and small extremely dangerous shoals are described in chapter 3; craft should avoid the area during thick or foggy caution must be exercised in this area. weather. The channel is well marked by navigational aids. Mariners should consult the chart and seek local (64) Halfmoon Shoal, near the center of Nantucket knowledge before entering Pollock Rip Channel and Sound, is covered 9 feet. Its southern end is marked by Butler Hole because numerous shoals exist in this a lighted bell buoy. Depths of 17 and 22 feet are 2.5 and channel. Caution is advised when transiting the area. 1.5 miles, respectively, southeastward of the shoal. Deep-draft vessels should use care to avoid them. A (71) Submerged piling, the remains of the former lighted gong buoy is 1.3 miles east-northeast of the Monomoy Point Light structure, may exist about 0.3 22-foot spot.

200 ■ Chapter 4 ■ Volume 2 mile southward of Monomoy Point. An abandoned the best anchorages are off Dennis Port, Hyannis Port, lighthouse about 1.2 miles northward of the point is and along the north shore. The anchorage off Fal- prominent. mouth is used in most winds by vessels with good (72) Great Round Shoal Channel, about 10 miles south- ground tackle. In easterly winds vessels sometimes an- ward of Pollock Rip Channel, is used by many large chor in smooth water westward of Handkerchief Shoal fishing vessels transiting Nantucket Sound from New or inside Great Point. Good shelter from easterly winds Bedford to Georges Bank and sometimes by sailboats can also be found in Chatham Roads and Edgartown that are headed by the wind so as to prevent their work- outer harbor. In southerly and westerly winds Edgartown ing through Pollock Rip Channel. The buoyed channel Harbor and Vineyard Haven are the best anchorages. has a controlling depth of about 27 feet between Great With the aid of the chart and the directions given under Round Shoal and Nantucket Shoals. Great Round the discussion of these harbors, strangers can enter the Shoal and Great Round Shoal Channel are subject to anchorages. continual change. (77) Several general anchorages are in Nantucket Sound and its eastern approaches. (See 110.1 and Chart 13237 110.140(c)(3) through (c)(7) and (d), chapter 2, for limits and regulations.) (73) The Main Channel of Nantucket Sound leads Routes southward of Halfmoon Shoal, through Cross Rip (78) Because of the numerous shoals, strong tidal cur- Channel, southward of Horseshoe Shoal, through the fairway between Hedge Fence and Squash Meadow, and rents, thick fog at certain seasons, and vessels which thence into the eastern end of Vineyard Sound. The may be encountered in the narrow parts of the channel channel is used by most of the vessels bound through through Nantucket Sound, the navigator must use Nantucket Sound and is well marked by navigational more than ordinary care when in these waters. aids. With care a least depth of 30 feet can be carried (79) In clear weather, day or night, the aids are readily through the channel, but the draft of the vessels using distinguished and sufficiently numerous to enable a it seldom exceeds 24 feet. stranger to follow the channel without difficulty. The strongest currents will be encountered in Pollock Rip (74) Cross Rip Lighted Gong Buoy 21 (41°26'51\"N., Channel, between Pollock Rip Channel Lighted Buoy 8 70°17'30\"W.), marks the northern edge of Cross Rip and Handkerchief Shoal Buoy 14, and off East and West Shoal. Chop. In some places the current sets directly on the shoals and in a calm, sailing vessels are sometimes (75) North Channel leads along the north side of obliged to anchor to prevent going aground. Most of Nantucket Sound, on either side of Bishop and Clerks, the shoals rise abruptly from deep water and the bot- northward of Horseshoe Shoal, between Wreck Shoal tom is very irregular, so soundings alone cannot be de- and Eldridge Shoal, northward of L’Hommedieu Shoal, pended upon to keep clear of danger. Sailing vessels and through one of the openings in the shoals west- with a favorable current and with some local knowl- ward of L’Hommedieu Shoal into Vineyard Sound. This edge beat through the sound against a head wind in channel is used mostly by craft bound to points on the clear weather. If they find they are losing ground, they north shore of Nantucket Sound and by vessels bound come to anchor within the prescribed anchorages un- through the sound during northerly winds or in winter der the lee of one of the shoals, or in one of the harbors when the prevailing northerly winds keep the north until the wind or current changes. shore of the sound free from drift ice. The least depth in (80) In thick weather or fog when the aids cannot be the channel is about 16 feet. Lighted and unlighted seen, vessels in the vicinity of Pollock Rip Channel are buoys mark the channel. cautioned against anchoring in the channel or near any of the aids. Steamers and tows passing through the Anchorages channel in thick weather depend almost entirely on ra- (76) Sailing vessels working through the sound against dar navigation and the sound signals of the aids, mak- ing it necessary for them to pass close to the aids. a head wind usually anchor during the night, or if be- (81) Vessels off Pollock Rip Channel entrance desiring calmed and drifting toward the shoals it is best to an- to anchor, wind and sea permitting, should stand west- chor and wait for a favorable current or change of wind. ward and anchor west of a line joining Pollock Rip The only anchorages for vessels of over 10-foot draft Channel Buoy 2A and Chatham Lighted Whistle Buoy that afford shelter from all winds are Nantucket Har- C. Anchorage may also be had in depths of 5 to 10 bor, Hyannis Harbor, and Edgartown inner harbor. Vineyard Haven, the anchorage most used by coasters, is exposed to northeasterly winds. In northerly winds

Outer Cape Cod and Nantucket Sound ■ Chapter 4 ■ 201 fathoms about 1 mile northeastward of Broken Part of tide ebbing out of the canal opposes a brisk southwest Pollock Rip. wind. Another well known “rough spot” is the West (82) In Great Round Shoal Channel, the tidal currents Chop off the north corner of Martha’s Vineyard. At a are not as strong as in Pollock Rip Channel. Easterly maximum ebb or flood the current runs 3.5 knots here winds make high tides and strong westerly currents. and when it is opposed by the wind a nasty chop is set Westerly winds make low tides and strong easterly cur- up. rents. (92) In general, over open waters, waves of 12 feet (3.7 (83) Pollock Rip Channel and Great Round Shoal Chan- m) or more can be expected 5 to 15 percent of the time nel are subject to change; vessels of deep draft should from November through February. In the shallow por- wait for a favorable tide. tions of Nantucket Sound these frequencies drop, but (84) The Main Channel through Nantucket Sound is waves may break before reaching these heights. well marked, and strangers should experience little dif- (93) The characteristic advection fog, formed by warm ficulty in navigating it. Vessels must take care to avoid air over cool water, is most frequent from April through the 24-foot shoal extending 1.2 miles eastward of the August. At this time visibilities drop below 2 miles 10 to buoy marking Cross Rip Shoal and the 17- to 22-foot 18 percent of the time; May, June and July are the worst shoals 2.5 and 1.5 miles, respectively, southeastward of and caution is advised, particularly near the numerous Halfmoon Shoal. shoal areas in these waters. In addition to affecting visi- (85) The North Channel through Nantucket Sound has bility, fog also distorts sound so the direction of warn- broken ground with depths of 16 to 17 feet in some ing bells and horns may be difficult to discern places. Strangers should not attempt this channel at accurately. night. (94) Thunderstorms can occur in any season but are most likely in spring and summer. Sometimes they ap- Currents pear as squall lines with strong, gusty winds preceding (86) The Tidal Current Tables and the Narragansett Bay the rain. Occasionally winds can gust to 60 knots. to Nantucket Sound Tidal Current Charts contain de- Pilotage: Nantucket Sound tailed current information for many locations in this (95) Pilotage is compulsory for foreign vessels of 350 area. (87) At the eastern entrance to Pollock Rip Channel the gross tons or more, U.S. vessels under register of 350 flood current sets about 053° and the ebb 212°. gross tons or more and tank barge towing vessels carry- (88) Daily predictions for Butlers Hole at the western ing 6,000 barrels or more of petroleum cargoes. Pilot- end of Pollock Rip Channel are published in the Tidal age is available from Northeast Marine Pilots, Inc., Current Tables. Newport, RI, 02840; telephone 401-847-9050 (24 (89) Off the southeast end of Great Round Shoal, the hours), 800-274-1216; FAX 401-847-9052; email: dis- tidal current is rotary, turning clockwise. The average [email protected]. velocity at strength is 1.3 knots, and the average mini- (96) Vessels requiring a tow usually take a tug from the mum velocity is 0.3 knot. Tide rips and water surface port of their departure. agitation caused by upwelling may be observed across the 10-fathom contour east of the entrance to Great (97) Monomoy Island, a national wildlife refuge on the Round Shoal Channel. (See Tidal Current Tables for northeastern side of Nantucket Sound, is a low, narrow predictions.) spit covered with sand dunes. Vessels sometimes an- (90) From the eastern entrance of Nantucket Sound to chor off the east shore of the island in depths of 4 to 6 the lighted gong buoy off Hedge Fence, the time of cur- fathoms to await a favorable current for entering the rent becomes gradually later; the average velocity at sound. Off Monomoy Point, the south end of the island, strength varies from about 1 to 2 knots. shoals make off up to 5 miles eastward. Weather, Nantucket Sound and Vicinity (98) Monomoy National Wildlife Refuge, a Marine (91) Winter winds and waves along with spring and Protected Area (MPA), extends 1 mile offshore from Monomoy and Morris Islands. (See Appendix C, for ad- early summer fogs provide weather hazards in these ditional information.) waters. From October through March gales can be ex- pected about 3 to 6 percent of the time and are fre- (99) Tidal currents average about 2 knots at strength in quently out of the west and northwest. Some wind and the channel 0.2 mile west of Monomoy Point. The flood current interactions can also create problems. The current sets 170°, and the ebb 346°. most severe of these is found at the west entrance to the Cape Cod Canal. Rough seas can develop here when the (100) The large bight formed by Monomoy Island and the north shore of Nantucket Sound, eastward of Point Gammon, has extensive shoals scattered throughout

202 ■ Chapter 4 ■ Volume 2 and bordering the shores. Not all of the shoals are Mitchell River, Oyster Pond River, and Oyster Pond (see marked by buoys. chart 13229 for limits). (108) Within the NDZ, discharge of sewage, whether Chart 13229 treated or untreated, from all vessels is prohibited. Outside the NDZ, discharge of sewage is regulated by (101) Chatham Roads, at the northeast end of Nantucket 40 CFR 140 (see chapter 2). Sound, is between the extensive shoals which extend northwestward from the northern end of Monomoy Is- Routes land and the shoals extending 1.6 miles from the shore (109) Vessels approaching Chatham Roads from the of Cape Cod at Harwich Port. The Roads is the approach to Stage Harbor and the prominent summer resort of southward should pass westward of Handkerchief Chatham on the hilly ground at the northeast shore of Shoal and the extensive shoals westward of Monomoy Nantucket Sound. Island. Approaching from the westward pass either side of Bishop and Clerks and thence southward of the sea- (102) Stage Harbor Light (41°39'30\"N., 69°59'04\"W.), 42 sonal lighted whistle buoy off Kill Pond Bar, a shoal feet above the water, is shown from a modular tower on covered 4 to 11 feet off the northwest entrance to Chat- the northeast side of Chatham Roads on the north side ham Roads. When off the entrance to Chatham Roads, of the entrance to Stage Harbor. steer 063° with Stage Harbor and Chatham Lights in range. This course will lead about 500 yards southeast- (103) Among the conspicuous landmarks approaching ward of Chatham Roads Bell Buoy 3 and north of the Chatham Roads and Stage Harbor are the domes of the buoy marking Common Flat, the shoal on the eastern National Weather Service’s installation on the eastern side of the roads, to the Stage Harbor approach buoy side of Morris Island, a radio tower at South Chatham, about 0.8 mile west-southwestward of Stage Harbor church spires, Chatham Light, and Stage Harbor Light. Light. An anchorage may be had northward of the ap- proach buoy in depths of about 28 feet. Boats continu- (104) A dredged channel, marked by buoys, leads from ing to Stage Harbor will pick up the channel entrance Chatham Roads for about 0.69 mile into Stage Harbor. buoys about 800 yards southwestward of Stage Harbor The entrance is in an area of shifting sandbars and is Light. The channel is well marked. subject to shoaling. In July 2009, the controlling depth in the entrance channel was 5.4 feet (7.8 feet at mid- (110) A 5 mph speed limit is enforced in the harbor. channel) except shoaling to 1.5 feet in the right outside (111) The harbor is closed by ice for short periods each quarter near Harding Beach Point. winter. Local fishermen will act as pilots for craft desir- (105) A narrow channel, marked by private seasonal ing one. buoys, leads northerly from Stage Harbor through (112) The commercial fish piers in Stage Harbor are on Mitchell River to Mill Pond and has a depth of about 6 The Neck at the head of the dredged channel opposite feet. This channel is crossed by a highway bridge that Stage Island and on the west bank of Oyster Pond River has a bascule span with a clearance of 8½ feet. When in just above the first bend about 0.7 mile above the en- the open position the bascule span will overhang the trance to the river. channel, providing an unobstructed width of 15 feet. (113) There are a marina and boatyard on the north side (See 117.1 through 117.59 and 117.607, chapter 2, of Stage Harbor adjacent to the fish piers, and a marina for drawbridge regulations.) on Mitchell River just west of the bridge. The marine railway at the boatyard can haul out craft up to 50 feet Anchorage for hull and engine repairs or dry open or covered stor- (106) Good anchorage for vessels up to 18-foot draft can age. Storage is also available at the bridge. Gasoline, diesel fuel, water, ice, marine supplies, and moorings be had in Chatham Roads in depths of 21 to 30 feet, are available at Stage Harbor and at the bridge. The ma- good holding ground. This anchorage is insecure for rina at the bridge has a 10-ton lift; berthage in 6 feet of small craft in heavy southwesterly gales. Small craft water, gasoline, diesel fuel, water, ice, storage facilities, can find a well-sheltered anchorage in Stage Harbor. some marine supplies and a launching ramp are also available. A launching ramp is on Sears Point. No-Discharge Zone (114) Oyster Pond River extends from Stage Harbor for (107) The State of Massachusetts, with the approval of about 0.7 mile in a northwesterly direction, thence for 0.8 mile in a northeasterly direction into Oyster Pond. the Environmental Protection Agency, has established Private seasonal aids mark the channel at the bend in a No-Discharge Zone (NDZ) in the Stage Harbor Com- the river. Shoaling to 2 feet was reported at the bend in plex. The area covered includes Stage Harbor, north of a line drawn across its mouth at Nantucket Sound, and the following tributaries: Little Mill Pond, Mill Pond,

Outer Cape Cod and Nantucket Sound ■ Chapter 4 ■ 203 August 1981. On the west bank at the bend there are a channel. Berthage, gasoline, diesel fuel, water, ice, a town wharf, a launching ramp, and a fish wharf. At 0.3 pump-out station, marine supplies, and storage facili- mile and 0.5 mile above the bend on the west bank are ties are available; hull and engine repairs can be made. two boatyards and marinas. The largest marine railway A patrol boat enforces a speed limit of 5 mph; the patrol at the yards can haul out craft up to 44 feet for hull and boat monitors VHF-FM channels 16, 22, and 68. The engine repairs or dry open or covered storage. Gaso- harbormaster who supervises Wychmere Harbor has line, diesel fuel, water, ice, marine supplies, launching his office at Saquatucket Harbor. He can be reached by ramps, berthage, and moorings are available. telephone (508-430-7532) for advice on moorings or (115) Mill Creek, 1.6 miles northwestward of Stage Har- local conditions. bor Light, is used only at high water by small local (120) Allen Harbor, about 4.8 miles west of Stage Harbor craft. The entrance between the jetties was reported to Light, has a narrow entrance between two jetties into have 1½ feet in 1964. The tall radio tower of Chatham Doanes Creek. Allen Harbor is at the head of the creek. Radio Station WCC is prominent about 0.4 mile west of The west jetty is marked by a private seasonal light. An the jetties. Cockle Cove has been entered by small boats elevated water tank north of the harbor is a good land- through one of the breakthroughs in the sandbar. mark. (116) Saquatucket Harbor, is entered about 3.5 miles (121) In April 1979, the controlling depth in the entrance westward of Stage Harbor Light. A dredged channel channel was 5 feet. Private seasonal buoys mark the leads from Chatham Roads to an anchorage basin at the channel. The harbor affords good shelter for small head of the harbor. The entrance is protected by jetties. craft. In June 2009, the controlling depth was 5.2 feet at (122) A town landing and launching ramp at the west end midchannel to the anchorage basin, thence 4.8 to 6.0 of the bridge were reported to have about 6 feet along- feet in the basin, except for lesser depths along the side. A marina and boatyard on the west side at the head edges. In 1993, a submerged obstruction was reported of the harbor has a 7-ton forklift and a hydraulic trailer about 10 yards south of Buoy 4. Buoys mark the chan- that can handle craft up to 34 feet for hull, engine and nel, and a light marks the outer end of the east jetty. A electronic repairs. Open and covered storage, electric- marina is on the north side of the anchorage basin. ity, gasoline, diesel fuel, water, ice, a pump-out station, Berths, electricity, gasoline, water, ice, a pump-out sta- marine supplies and a launching ramp are available. In tion, and a launching ramp are available. In May 2008, May 2008, the reported alongside depth was 5 feet. The an approach depth of 6 feet was reported at the marina harbormaster who supervises Allen Harbor has his of- berths with an alongside depth of 10 feet. The marina fice at Saquatucket Harbor. He can be reached by tele- monitors VHF-FM channel 68. The harbormaster here phone (508-430-7532) for local information. also supervises Wychmere Harbor, Allen Harbor, Her- (123) Herring River, 6 miles west of Stage Harbor Light, ring River, and Round Cove in Pleasant Bay. A 5 mph has a large prominent hotel on the west side and wind- speed limit is enforced in these areas. The mill on the east side of the entrance. The entrance, be- harbormaster can be contacted by telephone (508- tween two small jetties, is subject to shoaling. The 430-7532). approach is marked by private seasonal buoys, and the (117) Wychmere Harbor, 3.7 miles westward of Stage outer end of the west jetty is marked by a private sea- Harbor Light, is a circular basin with a bulkheaded en- sonal light. In 1973, the midchannel controlling depth trance protected by two jetties. The west jetty is was 6 feet in the entrance channel. A basin dredged in hook-shaped and marked on the end by a light. The east the river just below the bridge has moorings for craft jetty is short. The harbor is used by fishing and plea- drawing up to 3 feet. The fixed bridge, about 0.3 mile sure craft. The village of Harwich Port is west of the above the mouth, has a 14-foot fixed span with a clear- harbor. A church spire about 0.5 mile westward of the ance of 10 feet. State Route 28 highway bridge about harbor and a hotel on the west bank of the entrance are 0.8 mile above the mouth has a 20-foot fixed span with conspicuous. a clearance of 7 feet. Limited supplies may be obtained (118) In August 1994, the reported controlling depth at Dennis Port about 0.7 mile westward of the river. across the bar was 8 feet. Inside the jetties, the channel has a depth of 6 feet to the harbor. The channel is sub- No-Discharge Zone ject to shoaling. The outer anchorage basin, known lo- (124) The State of Massachusetts, with the approval of cally as Harwich Port Harbor, has a depth of about 8 feet with good holding ground. the Environmental Protection Agency, has established (119) There is a large summer club-hotel and wharf on a No-Discharge Zone (NDZ) in the coastal regions of the west side of the jettied entrance. A town wharf is on the Town of Harwich. The NDZ includes major harbors the east side. A boatyard is at the inner end of the and contiguous beaches between and including Allen,

204 ■ Chapter 4 ■ Volume 2 Wychmere, and Saquatucket harbors and to the Her- depth of 4.6 feet to the river mouth, just inside the jet- ring River (see chart 13229 for limits). ties; thence in 1981, the river channel had a reported (125) Within the NDZ, discharge of sewage, whether depth of 5 feet to South Yarmouth, thence 2 feet to the treated or untreated, from all vessels is prohibited. bridge at South Dennis. In December 1992, severe Outside the NDZ, discharge of sewage is regulated by shoaling was reported across the mouth of the river. 40 CFR 140 (see chapter 2). Private seasonal buoys mark the channel to Follins Pond, about 6.1 miles above the mouth. (126) Swan Pond River, about 1.9 miles west of Herring (128) State Route 28 highway bridge crossing the river River, is a narrow shallow creek bordered by marsh, between West Dennis and South Yarmouth, about 1.5 which drains Swan Pond. Fishermen and pleasure craft miles above the mouth, has a 30-foot fixed span with a enter at high water. Fish wharves are on the east bank clearance of 15 feet. just above the bridge about 0.3 mile above the mouth. (129) A 5 mph speed limit is enforced on the river. (130) About 0.8 mile above the mouth, a channel leads (127) Bass River, 9.6 miles westward of Stage Harbor eastward to a lagoon; a dredged depth of 10 feet was re- Light, is entered between two jetties. A light is on the ported in the channel and lagoon. West Dennis Yacht west jetty. A seasonal lighted bell buoy, 1.1 miles south- Club is at the head of the lagoon. ward of the jetty light, marks the approach. A channel (131) A marina and boatyard, about 0.4 mile below the marked by private seasonal buoys leads over the bar first highway bridge, has a lift that can haul out craft up from about 0.4 mile southward of the jetty light to 45 feet for hull and engine repairs or dry open and through the jetties to an anchorage basin in the lower covered storage. Electricity, gasoline, diesel fuel, water, part of the river, and thence to the highway bridge at ice, marine supplies, a pump-out station and a launch- South Dennis, 3.1 miles above the mouth. The bridge ing ramp are available. In May 2008, 6 feet was reported has a 25-foot fixed span with a clearance of 10 feet. The alongside the dock. The marina monitors VHF-FM entrance to the anchorage basin and the channel over channel 16. Town landings and launching ramps are on the bar are subject to shoaling. In June 2001, the both sides of the river at and below the bridge. dredged entrance channel had a reported controlling

Outer Cape Cod and Nantucket Sound ■ Chapter 4 ■ 205 (132) Rental boats, gasoline, bait, and tackle can be ob- water are about 0.4 mile northwestward of the break- tained at a fishing pier just north of the east end of the water. These rocks are marked by a private seasonal bridge. A marina, above the pier, has berths, gasoline, buoy. A fish haven, marked by a private buoy, is about 2 diesel fuel, water, ice, a pump-out station, a 35-ton lift, miles south of the breakwater, and a fishtrap marked by and storage facilities; hull and engine repairs can be a private seasonal light is 1.8 miles southwest of the made. breakwater. (136) Parkers River, about 1.2 miles west of Bass River, is (133) Two fixed bridges, railroad and highway, cross the entered between two jetties and extends 1.3 miles river about 0.7 mile above the highway bridge at South northward to Seine Pond. A motel on the east side of Dennis. Least clearances are: 25 feet horizontal, and 8 the entrance is prominent. Local knowledge should be feet vertical. obtained before entering the river. In December 2000, the entrance channel had a reported controlling depth (134) In August 1981, it was reported that about 4 feet of 4.1 feet. The entrance is reported to shoal quickly af- could be carried at high water to a marina and boatyard ter dredging. A fixed highway bridge crosses the river on Kellys Bay, about 0.3 mile above the railroad and about 1 mile above the entrance. highway bridges. A mobile lift at the yard can haul out (137) Local fishermen and pleasure craft enter and moor craft to 28 feet for hull and engine repairs or dry open in dredged slips on the east side of the river. An un- or covered storage. Gasoline, water, moorings, and named creek, about 0.2 mile above the mouth, leads berths are available. In August 1981, depths of 5 to 6 westward 0.5 mile to Lewis Pond. Small craft can enter feet were reported at the boatyard. the creek only at high water. Small craft may enter the pond but there are no moorings or services available. A (135) Dogfish Bar, an extensive shoal area off Bass River marina is on the east side of the river just below the entrance, is covered 1 to 6 feet. A small breakwater, for- highway bridge; berths are available. merly used as a shelter for small craft, is on the easterly end of the bar, about 1 mile southeastward of Bass River West Jetty Light. The area around the breakwater and northeasterly of it has shoaled. Rocks awash at low

206 ■ Chapter 4 ■ Volume 2 (138) Point Gammon, 12 miles west-northwestward of breakwater light, the abandoned lighthouse tower on Monomoy Point, is the eastern entrance point to Point Gammon, and the square gray stone church bel- Hyannis Harbor. The point, prominent and wooded, is fry on the hill overlooking Hyannis Port to the west- marked by an abandoned lighthouse tower. A reef, ward. partly bare at low water, extends about 0.3 mile south of (143) Depths of 13 to 16 feet are in the approach channel, the point. Extensive flats with rocks awash at low water but it is somewhat obstructed by the flats extending extend 1 mile northwestward of the point. Gazelle westward from Point Gammon and an extensive shoal Rock, covered 5 feet and marked by a seasonal lighted with numerous rocks extending southeastward from buoy, is about 0.5 mile south-southeastward of the Hyannis Point. In January 2007, depths of 7 to 15 feet point. Senator Shoal, covered 11 feet and unmarked, is were available in the protected basin northward of the about 1 mile southeastward of the point. Hallets Rock, breakwater light. covered 17 feet, is about 1 mile south of the point and another rock, covered 13 feet, is about 1.2 miles Routes south-southeast of the point in the vicinity of Hallets (144) Vessels approaching Hyannis Harbor from the east- Rock. There are several submerged rocks in this area, which extends in a general line running northwest and ward should shape a course to pass about 1,000 yards southeast between Hallets Rock and Gazelle Rock to a south of Hallets Rock, exercising caution to avoid the private seasonal light 0.5 mile west of the point; the reported wreck mentioned earlier, thence about 317° light marks a fishtrap. In 1990, a sunken wreck was re- to a point about 0.6 mile southwestward of Great Rock ported about 0.2 mile southward of Hallets Rock in Daybeacon 4A, and thence about 012° to pass about about 41°35.3'N., 70°15.7'W. 100 yards or more eastward of the breakwater light. Vessels may anchor inside the breakwater on the east (139) Bishop and Clerks, about 2.2 miles southward of edge of the mooring area in depths of 15 to 20 feet, soft Point Gammon, is an extensive shoal area. The center bottom. Small craft can anchor in the northern portion of the shoal is marked by a light. Several rocks awash at of the harbor in depths of 4 to 8 feet, but care must be low water are on the arm of the shoal that extends taken to keep clear of a charted, submerged wreck, about 0.9 mile south of the light. A rock, covered 5 feet, marked by a buoy. is 0.7 mile south-southeastward of the light. The rest of (145) Approaching from the westward, from a position the shoal is covered 8 to 18 feet. A lighted gong buoy, about midway between Horseshoe Shoal Buoy 7 and about 1.15 miles southward; an unlighted buoy, about Wreck Shoal Bell Buoy 8 (chart 13237), steer about 0.75 mile westward; and a lighted bell buoy, about 0.7 054° to pass about 1400 yards east of Hodges Rock mile northeastward of the light, mark the limits of the Buoy 2, and thence about 012° to pass about 100 yards shoal area. Caution should be exercised when in the vi- eastward of the breakwater light in entering the harbor. cinity of this shoal. (146) Ice seldom interferes with the movement of vessels in Hyannis Harbor during normal winters; the prevail- (140) Broken Ground, a shoal area westward of the south ing northerly winds keep the harbor clear. However, end of Bishop and Clerks, has depths of 14 to 18 feet. during severe winters or persistent southwesterly West Southwest Ledge, 1.6 miles southwest of Point winds, the harbor may be temporarily closed to naviga- Gammon and northwest of Bishop and Clerks, has tion. During particularly severe winters, the harbor has depths of 13 to 18 feet. A lighted bell buoy is northward been closed by ice for up to 3 months. of the ledge and marks the approach to Hyannis Har- (147) Hyannis Port is a summer resort with many promi- bor. A group of dangerous rocks and obstructions are nent homes. A privately dredged channel, with reported on the edge of the flat that extends northwestward from depths of 6 feet in September 2005, leads to the Point Gammon and into the approach to Hyannis Har- Hyannis Port Yacht Club landing on the west shore of bor. A rock, covered 11 feet in about 41°37'02.9\"N., the harbor. 70°17'21.1\"W., is the westernmost and marked close W (148) Lewis Bay, with depths of 2 to 11 feet, extends by Hyannis Harbor Lighted Buoy 4. northeastward from Hyannis Harbor. In the northwest corner of the bay is the channel to the summer resort of (141) Hyannis Harbor, protected by a breakwater, is used Hyannis. The town has a hospital. Hyannis Yacht Club as a harbor of refuge by coasting vessels and pleasure is on the west of the bay. A channel, marked by private craft of less than 14-foot draft. A light is on the end of seasonal buoys, leads westward to Hyannis Yacht Club. the breakwater. The harbor is the approach to Hyannis The club can accommodate craft to 140 feet; a reported Port, on the west side of the harbor, Lewis Bay, and dockside depth of 8 feet is available. Hyannis at the head of the northwest arm of Lewis Bay. (149) A dredged channel leads from Hyannis Harbor into Lewis Bay, thence to an anchorage basin north of (142) The most prominent objects when approaching the harbor are: the daybeacon on Great Rock, two red and white checkered standpipes, a light blue tank, the

Outer Cape Cod and Nantucket Sound ■ Chapter 4 ■ 207 f 13229Harbor Bluff, thence to the town wharf at Point, the southerly tip of the island, is on the eastern Hyannis, at the westernmost end. In January 2007, the side of Centerville Harbor. controlling depths were 5.8 feet (10.8 feet at (157) Southward of Hyannis Point and Centerville Har- midchannel) to the anchorage basin, thence 9.4 to 13 bor are numerous shoals and rocks. Southwest feet in the basin, thence 8.5 feet to the town wharf. The Ground, the area about 1.5 miles south of Hyannis channel is well marked but is subject to shoaling, espe- Point, has numerous rocks and shoal spots necessitat- cially in the vicinity of Lewis Bay Approach Channel ing extreme caution for vessels navigating the area. Buoy 9. Heavy vessel traffic should be expected during Southwest Rock, about 1.1 miles south of Hyannis summer months. A riprap jetty extends 1,000 feet Point, is marked by a daybeacon. Unmarked rocks, southerly from Dunbar Point. some awash at low water and others covered 2 to 6 feet, (150) Vessels entering Lewis Bay must be guided by the are between the buoy and Hyannis Point. buoys marking the dredged channel and by the color of (158) Hodges Rock, covered 5 feet and marked by a buoy, the water, deepest where it is darkest. is 1 mile southward of Southwest Rock Daybeacon. An unmarked rock covered 8 feet is 300 yards east of Anchorages Hodges Rock. Bearse Rock, covered 5 feet and marked (151) Vessels with drafts up to 13 feet may anchor in the by a buoy, is 0.5 mile southwestward of Southwest Rock Daybeacon. Channel Rock, covered 5 feet and marked anchorage northeast of Hyannis Breakwater. Small by a buoy, is 0.4 mile west of Bearse Rock. Gallatin craft can anchor in Lewis Bay west of the channel, off Rock, covered 4 feet and marked by a buoy, is 0.4 mile Hyannis Yacht Club and north of Dunbar Point. Lim- southwestward of Bearse Rock. Collier Ledge, 1.5 miles ited anchorage is reported available in the basin north west-southwestward of Southwest Rock Daybeacon, is of Harbor Bluff. awash at low water. It is marked by a lighted buoy in the summer and an unlighted buoy in the winter. Small-craft facilities (159) Gannet Ledge, covered 5 feet and marked by a buoy, (152) Several small-craft facilities and launching ramps is 1.1 miles southwest of Hyannis Point. Gannet Rocks, 0.3 mile north of Gannet Ledge, include two unmarked are along the northwestern arm of Lewis Bay north- rocks 7 and 3 feet high and a rock covered 4 feet. Spin- ward of Harbor Bluff. (See the small-craft facilities tab- dle Rock, awash at low water and marked by a buoy, is ulation on chart 13229 for services and supplies near the head of Centerville Harbor. A rock awash at available.) Limited berths are also available at the town low water and a rock covered 2 feet are 200 yards north marina on the west side at the head of the arm. A of the buoy. Two unmarked rocks covered 6 feet are 1.7 dockmaster is usually in attendance at this marina and miles southwestward of Hyannis Point. can be reached by telephone (508-790-6327) or on (160) Centerville Harbor is a bight 2 miles wide in the VHF-FM channel 16. north shore of Nantucket Sound westward of Hyannis Point. A church spire and an elevated tank in (153) For local information on moorings and berthings, Centerville, the village inland from the head of the har- the harbormaster can be contacted by telephone bor, are used as guides for entering the harbor. (508-790-6273), through the Barnstable police depart- Craigville Beach, on the north side of the harbor, is a ment (508-775-0387), or VHF-FM channels 16 and 9. A popular bathing beach. The approach to Centerville police boat from the town of Barnstable and a Harbor is obstructed by the previously mentioned Yarmouth Harbor Patrol boat patrol Hyannis Harbor rocks and shoals. The natural channel with depths of 9 during the summer. A 6 mph speed limit is enforced in to 10 feet leads to the anchorage. Anchorage with good Lewis Bay north of Harbor Bluff and in Hyannis Harbor holding ground may be had in depths of 15 to 21 feet; in the channel leading to the yacht club. however, vessels seldom anchor here for shelter as the harbor is exposed to southerly winds. The shoals off the (154) Ferries to Nantucket and Martha’s Vineyard berth entrance somewhat break the force of the seas from in the harbor at Hyannis. Barnstable Municipal Airport southward, but not sufficiently to make it a safe an- is just north of the town. chorage. Strangers should not enter except in the day- time with clear weather. Ice may close the harbor in the (155) Westward of Hyannis Harbor breakwater the water winter. is shoal with numerous rocks extending well offshore. (161) East Bay, on the west side of Centerville Harbor, Eddie Woods Rock, covered 5 feet and unmarked, is 0.6 has depths of 1 to 4 feet. Small pleasure boats enter the mile southwestward of the breakwater light. A fishtrap bay en route to Centerville River. The entrance to East marked by a private light is about 0.4 mile south of the Bay, protected by a jetty on the southwestern side, had rock. (156) Squaw Island, 1 mile westward of Hyannis Harbor Breakwater Light 5, is marked by a tower. Hyannis

208 ■ Chapter 4 ■ Volume 2 a reported controlling depth of about 5 feet in August can be made. The Wianno Yacht Club is on the east side 1981, but is subject to shoaling. A private light marks of the channel at the highway bridge. the end of the jetty. Centerville River, which enters the northeast side of the bay, has been privately dredged to (167) Little Island, about 1 mile northward of the en- a depth of 5 feet for a width of 40 feet practically to the trance to West Bay, separates West Bay from North Bay head of navigation. In September 2005, a reported to the northward. In August 1981, a reported depth of 5 depth of about 3 feet could be taken over the bar into feet was available in the narrow channel eastward of Centerville River. Small boats moor in the river off Little Island into North Bay. Strangers should obtain Centerville, or tie up to private piers. A 6 mph speed local information before navigating in North Bay, limit is enforced in East Bay and Centerville River. which has depths of about 6 to 17 feet. The harbor- (162) A conspicuous stone tower with a mushroom- master can be contacted for local information on shaped top is on the north side of the river. A town land- moorings and berthings; telephone 508-790-6273. A 6 ing is on the north side just above the tower. A launch- mph speed limit is enforced in Cotuit, North, and West ing ramp is on the west shore of East Bay. A Bays by the Barnstable harbormaster and police. conspicuous wooden tower with a balcony on top is 0.3 mile southwestward of the jetty. (168) The highway bridge across the channel between (163) Cotuit Anchorage, 6.5 miles west of Point Gam- Osterville and Little Island has a 31-foot bascule span mon, is an anchorage for small craft between the shoals with a clearance of 15 feet. (See 117.1 through 117.49 which make off the shore. The anchorage is exposed to and 117.622, chapter 2, for drawbridge regulations.) southerly winds and is seldom used except by local Advance arrangements for bridge openings can be craft. The channel to the anchorage is marked by made through the Department of Public Works. buoys, and vessels of less than 6-foot draft should expe- rience no difficulty in keeping in the best water. Lone (169) Cotuit Bay, northwestward of Cotuit Anchorage, is Rock, covered 4 feet and marked by a buoy, is near the separated from West Bay by Osterville Grand Island. southern side of the anchorage. A long shoal, covered 4 Cotuit is a village on the west side of the bay. A church feet and marked by a buoy at its southeast end, is 0.5 spire and two elevated water tanks are prominent. A mile northeastward of Lone Rock and about 0.7 mile town wharf, with a depth of about 5 feet at its face, and a south of the entrance to West Bay. small-craft launching ramp are at the village. In (164) West Bay, on the north side of Cotuit Anchorage 1981-October 2001, a privately dredged channel, with a and 19 miles west of Stage Harbor, has a jettied en- reported controlling depth of 4 feet, leads from Cotuit trance about 150 feet wide and is the approach to the Anchorage to off Cotuit Highlands; thence in July village of Osterville, on the east side of the bay. A pri- 2001, a winding channel, with a depth of 6 feet, curves vate light marks the end of the east jetty. A seasonal between Sampsons Island and Bluff Point into Cotuit lighted bell buoy about 1 mile southeastward of the en- Bay. The channels into Cotuit Bay and North Bay are trance marks the approach. Private seasonal buoys marked by private seasonal buoys. A reported depth of mark the channel through West Bay. An elevated water about 6 feet was in the channel from Cotuit Bay to tank, about 0.7 mile northward of the bridge at North Bay in September 2005. Seapuit River, south of Osterville, is conspicuous. In 1981-January 2001, a Osterville Grand Island, connects Cotuit Bay and West depth of 2.9 feet was available in the entrance channel, Bay. The privately dredged channel in the river had a thence 6 feet to the highway bridge. The channel is sub- reported controlling depth of 6 feet in 2004. Cotuit Bay ject to shoaling, and strangers should obtain local in- is usually closed by ice each winter. formation before entering the bay. (165) Ice closes the bay for about 2 months each year. (170) Popponesset Bay, west of Cotuit Anchorage, is The wharves at Osterville have reported depths of 6 feet shoal with depths of 1 to 4 feet in the greater part of the alongside. bay. In October 2001, a controlling depth of 3.3 feet was reported in the narrow entrance channel north-north- Small-craft facilities west of Thatch Island. (166) Small-craft facilities are on either side of the chan- (171) A small marina is on Daniels Island near the bridge nel north of the highway bridge. Berths, moorings, to Popponesset Island. A launching ramp, a pump-out electricity, gasoline, diesel fuel, water, ice, marine sup- station, gasoline, diesel fuel, water, ice, some marine plies, a pump-out station and storage facilities are supplies, and some services are available. A privately available. Marine railways up to 40 feet and lifts to 50 marked channel with a reported depth of about 3 feet tons are available; hull, engine, and electronic repairs leads to a marina on Mashpee Neck. Gasoline, water, and engine repairs are available. A flatbed trailer at the marina can haul out craft to 30 feet.

Outer Cape Cod and Nantucket Sound ■ Chapter 4 ■ 209 (172) Wreck Shoal, about 3 miles south of Cotuit An- Small-craft facility chorage, is about 1.4 miles long in an east-west direc- (179) Great River and Little River empty into the south- tion and about 0.3 mile wide. Depths on the shoal range from 4 to 13 feet. A lighted bell buoy marks the east end easterly side of Waquoit Bay. A marina is on the west of the shoal and another lighted bell buoy southwest- side of Little River, about 0.5 mile above its junction ward of the shoal marks the channel between Wreck with Great River. Gasoline, water, ice, a launching Shoal and Eldridge Shoal. An unmarked shoal covered ramp, limited marine supplies, and storage facilities 8 to 15 feet is about 1.5 miles northeast of Wreck Shoal are available. Hull, engine, and electrical repairs can be and southward of Cotuit Anchorage approach. Broken made; lift to 11 tons. A reported depth of about 3 feet ground with a least known depth of 13 feet is between can be carried to the marina. this shoal and Wreck Shoal. (180) Between Waquoit Bay and Falmouth Inner Harbor (173) Eldridge Shoal, about 0.9 mile south of Wreck about 3.6 miles to the westward, are several ponds Shoal, is about 1 mile long in a northeasterly direction formed by the barrier beach, some of which have out- and about 0.2 mile wide. Depths on the shoal range lets. Many jetties or groins are built out from the shore from 5 to 14 feet. A buoy marks the northern side. A for beach erosion control. channel between Eldridge and Wreck Shoals has depths of 23 to 41 feet. A channel between Eldridge and (181) Eel Pond, about 0.8 mile westward of the entrance Horseshoe Shoals has depths of 21 feet or more. to Waquoit Bay, is entered through a narrow jettied en- trance. A private seasonal light on the west jetty and a (174) Succonnesset Shoal extends about 2.4 miles west- midchannel buoy about 500 yards southeastward of the ward from Wreck Shoal to the shoal area off the shore light mark the approach. The privately marked channel southwestward of Succonnesset Point. Depths of 1 to 5 into the pond had a reported controlling depth of 5.1 feet are on the shoal. A lighted buoy is off the west end. feet in April 2000. The channel is subject to shoaling; Between Succonnesset and Wreck Shoals is a narrow extreme caution and local knowledge is advised. unmarked channel. Between Succonnesset and L’Hommedieu Shoals, a shoal area with a least depth of (182) A boatyard is on the west side of the northeasterly 9 feet is marked by a buoy. arm of Eel Pond at the mouth of Childs River. In March 2007, a reported approach depth of 4 feet was available. (175) Waquoit Bay, 5 miles southwestward of Cotuit An- Gasoline, diesel fuel, water, ice, berths with electricity, chorage, has depths of 1 to 8 feet. The entrance, about 40-foot marine railway, pump-out station, launching 250 feet wide, is between two stone jetties. A private ramp, storage facilities and some marine supplies are seasonal light marks the end of the easterly jetty. In available at the boatyard; hull, engine and electrical re- 1971, the controlling depth in the entrance channel pairs can be made. was reported to be 4 feet. A seasonal lighted bell buoy, about 0.6 mile west-southwestward of the jetties, (183) Seapit River, about 0.8 mile southward of the marks the approach, and buoys mark a 5-foot channel mouth of Childs River, connects the northeasterly arm for about 0.8 mile through the bay. The Waquoit Yacht of Eel Pond with the upper part of Waquoit Bay. A re- Club is on the west side at the head of the bay. ported depth of about 3 feet can be carried in Seapit River. The river is marked by private seasonal buoys. (176) The Waquoit Bay National Estuarine Research Re- serve, a Marine Protected Area (MPA), includes (184) Menauhant is a summer resort on the west side of Waquoit Bay and associated waters and protected Eel Pond and the east side of Bournes Pond. wetlands. (See Appendix C, for additional information.) Menauhant Yacht Club is on the west side of Eel Pond. A bridge, crossing the entrance to Bournes Pond, has a No-Discharge Zone 45-foot fixed span with a clearance 5 feet. (177) The State of Massachusetts, with the approval of (185) Green Pond, about 1 mile westward of Eel Pond the Environmental Protection Agency, has established and 4.2 miles eastward of Nobska Point, has a narrow a No-Discharge Zone (NDZ) in Waquoit Bay. The NDZ jettied entrance which, in 2001, had a reported control- includes Waquoit Bay and its tributaries and salt ponds ling depth of 3.5 feet. The entrance is reported to shoal (see chart 13229 for limits). rapidly after dredging; local knowledge is advised. A (178) Within the NDZ, discharge of sewage, whether private seasonal light marks the west jetty. A seasonal treated or untreated, from all vessels is prohibited. lighted buoy marks the approach, and private seasonal Outside the NDZ, discharge of sewage is regulated by buoys mark the channel above the jetties. 40 CFR 140 (see chapter 2). (186) The village of Davisville, on the east side of Green Pond, and the village of Acapesket, on the west side of the pond, are principally summer resorts. (187) Menauhant Road highway bridge crossing Green Pond about 0.3 mile inside the entrance has a 33-foot

210 ■ Chapter 4 ■ Volume 2 span with a clearance of 6 feet. In August 2002, a re- (197) The thorofare between the western point of Esther ported depth of 3 feet was in the approach to, and inside Island and Tuckernuck Island is full of shifting un- the marina on the west side of Green Pond just north of marked shoals. The passage is used only by small fish- the bridge. Berths, diesel fuel, water, ice, repairs, and ing vessels and a few pleasure craft. Private seasonal marine supplies are available at this facility. aids mark the channel. (188) Chapter 5 describes other ports on the south side of Cape Cod westward of Green Pond. (198) Tuckernuck Island, Esther Island, and Muskeget Island are low sandy islands extending westward from Chart 13241 Nantucket Island. They are separated by sandbars, some bare at low water, which are constantly shifting. (189) Nantucket Island, on the southeast side of Nantucket Sound, is about 13 miles long, hilly, partly (199) Madaket Harbor and Hither Creek, immediately to wooded, and covered with vegetation that flourishes in the southward, are on the western side of Nantucket Is- sandy soil. The highest part of the island, about 100 feet land. Madaket Harbor is shoal with depths of 2 to 10 high, is in the eastern part; the eastern and southern feet. The northerly approach to the harbor and creek is sides have steep and sand bluffs. The northern shore is marked by a seasonal lighted bell buoy. The channel fringed with shoals for a distance of about 1 mile. The that leads southward from over the bar in Nantucket island was for more than a century a principal seat of Sound is marked by private seasonal buoys, floats, and the whaling industry and since has become a famous markers. With local knowledge, a depth of about 3½ summer resort. feet can be carried over the bar and channel to Hither Creek. Local knowledge is also required to enter the (190) Great Point, the northeastern end of Nantucket Is- harbor from the southwest. A public boat landing and a land, is a long, low, sandy point marked by Nantucket boatyard are in Hither Creek. Gasoline, berths, a 10-ton (Great Point) Light (41°23'25\"N., 70°02'54\"W.), 71 feet mobile hoist, a pump-out station, storage facilities, ice, above the water and shown from a white tower. provisions, water, and marine supplies are available at the boatyard; hull and engine repairs can be made. (191) Point Rip is a shoal extending 3.8 miles east-north- eastward of Great Point. For 2 miles from the point, the North Atlantic Right Whales shoal has little water over it; farther eastward the (200) Endangered North Atlantic right whales have been depths range from 12 to 18 feet. Buoys mark the north- easterly and easterly sides of the shoal. Shoal water reported off the southern coast of Nantucket Island with depths of 16 to 22 feet extends about 1 mile north- (peak season: November through April). The Northeast ward from these buoys; a lighted bell buoy marks the Marine Pilots distribute educational material to mari- northern side of the shoal water. A rock, covered 11 ners in an effort to reduce right whale ship strikes. (See feet, is 2.2 miles southeastward of Nantucket Light. North Atlantic Right Whales, indexed as such, in chap- ter 3 for more information on right whales and recom- (192) Squam Head is a summer resort on the east side of mended measures to avoid collisions.) Nantucket Island, about 5 miles south of Great Point. (201) All vessels 65 feet or greater in length overall Several large houses show prominently from seaward. (L.O.A.) and subject to the jurisdiction of the United States are restricted to speeds of 10 knots or less in the (193) Sesachacha Pond, 6.3 miles southeastward of Block Island Sound Seasonal Management Area be- Great Point, has a nonnavigable cut into it through the tween November 1 and April 30. The area is defined as shore. From seaward, breakers mark the cut. In the the waters bounded by: winter the entrance fills in, and each spring it is cut (202) 40º51'53.7\"N., 70º36'44.9\"W.; through for drainage purposes. (203) 41º20'14.1\"N., 70º49'44.1\"W.; (204) 41º04'16.7\"N., 71º51'21.0\"W.; (194) Sankaty Head Light (41°17'04\"N., 69°57'58\"W.), (205) 40º35'56.5\"N., 71º38'25.1\"W.; thence back to start- 158 feet above the water, is shown from a 70-foot white ing point. (See 50 CFR 224.105 in chapter 2 for regu- tower, with a red band in the middle, on a high bluff on lations, limitations, and exceptions.) the east side of the island. No-Discharge Zone (195) Siasconset, a village on the southeast end of the is- (206) The State of Massachusetts, with the approval of land, is marked by a prominent standpipe. The village has seasonal bus service with Nantucket. the Environmental Protection Agency, has established a No-Discharge Zone (NDZ) for all coastal waters of the (196) The south shore of Nantucket Island has no har- Town of Nantucket. The NDZ includes all coastal wa- bors and is frequented only by local fishermen. A loran ters that lie within a straight line between Great Point tower about 0.6 mile southward of Siasconset and a on Nantucket Island and the western tip of Muskeget tank and several towers along the south coast are prominent from offshore.

Outer Cape Cod and Nantucket Sound ■ Chapter 4 ■ 211 Island, to the limits of the Territorial Sea, and within a (214) A 6 mph speed limit is enforced in the harbor. straight line between the southeast point of Muskeget Island and the southwest point of Tuckernuck Island, Anchorages and between the southwest point of Tuckernuck Island (215) Anchorage in Nantucket Harbor may be had in and Smith Point on Nantucket Island (see chart 13241 for limits). depths of 6 to 17 feet off the south and southwest sides (207) Within the NDZ, discharge of sewage, whether of Brant Point or in depths of 12 to 17 feet in the gen- treated or untreated, from all vessels is prohibited. eral anchorage south of Brant Point. (See 110.1 and Outside the NDZ, discharge of sewage is regulated by 110.142, chapter 2, for limits and regulations.) In gen- 40 CFR 140 (see chapter 2). eral, the bottom is sticky. Although shelter is afforded to vessels it is advisable for small craft to use heavy Chart 13242 tackle as the harbor becomes choppy with easterly winds. Caution should be exercised to avoid anchoring (208) Nantucket Harbor is near the middle of the north in the fairway and maneuvering area to the ferry wharf shore of Nantucket Island. A shallow lagoon about 5 or the cable area northeast of Brant Point. miles long extends northeastward from the harbor. The (216) The long sweep of strong northeast winds down the harbor is the approach to the town of Nantucket on the harbor makes anchorage for small craft off the wharves western shore. The principal industry is fishing. Small dangerous and uncomfortable. Small craft may find coastal tankers carry fuel to Nantucket. Year-round more sheltered anchorage under these conditions in passenger, vehicle, and cargo ferry service is main- Head of the Harbor (chart 13241) or, with local knowl- tained between Nantucket and the mainland, to either edge, in Polpis Harbor (chart 13241). Woods Hole or Hyannis. A passenger ferry also operates (217) Launch service is available to craft at moorings or from Falmouth and Oak Bluffs during the summer. at anchor in the harbor. (209) Prominent from offshore are: a radio tower about Routes (chart 13237) 1.2 miles east of Madaket Harbor; a standpipe (chart (218) Vessels approaching Nantucket Harbor from 13241) about 1.5 miles west of Nantucket; a gilded cu- pola atop a church clock tower, and a church belfry Pollock Rip Channel can set a direct course from Hand- about 500 yards northwestward of it; the spire of a large kerchief Shoal Buoy 14 (41°29.2'N., 70°05.1'W.) to the white church in the town; and the navigational lights at lighted bell buoy off the entrance. Approaching from the entrance to Nantucket Harbor. the channel northward of Cross Rip Lighted Horn Buoy 21 (41°26.9'N., 70°17.5'W.), pass to the eastward of (210) Brant Point Light (41°17'24\"N., 70°05'25\"W.), 26 Tuckernuck Shoal Lighted Bell Buoy 1, and then head feet above the water, is shown from a white cylindrical for the lighted bell buoy off the entrance to Nantucket tower connected to the shore by a footbridge on the Harbor. west side of the entrance near to the harbor. A fog sig- nal is at the light. Brant Point Coast Guard Station is Tides and currents on the point. (219) The mean range of tide at Nantucket Harbor is 3 Channels feet. The tidal current off the entrance has a velocity of (211) A dredged channel leads from Nantucket Sound to 0.3 knot; the flood setting eastward and the ebb west- ward. The tidal current in the entrance channel sets deep water in Nantucket Harbor off Brant Point. In July into the harbor at a velocity of 1.2 knots and outward 2005, the controlling depths were 15 feet to Buoy 9, on the ebb at a velocity of 1.5 knots. thence 10.7 feet to Brant Point. (212) Shoal water extends about 1 mile offshore on both Weather, Nantucket and vicinity sides of the entrance, which is protected by two break- (220) The climate of Nantucket is influenced directly by waters. The breakwaters are partially submerged at half tide. The east breakwater is submerged for almost all its the proximity of the ocean and is characterized by cool length. An opening for small craft is in the east break- summers and comparatively mild winters. Extremes of water about 300 yards off Coatue Point. A light and fog either maximum or minimum temperatures are very signal mark the outer end of the east breakwater, and a rare. The mild temperatures of the winter season are buoy marks the outer end of the west breakwater. neutralized to a degree by sustained periods of high (213) A lighted bell buoy about 900 yards off the breakwa- wind. The summers, though cool, are very humid. ter light marks the approach, and the channel is Heavy fogs are frequent, particularly during the spring marked by a 162° lighted range and buoys. and summer. There is a marked lag in the seasons as compared with inland areas.

212 ■ Chapter 4 ■ Volume 2 (221) July and August are relatively cool with average (226) Nantucket Boat Basin, on the west side of Nan- maximum temperatures around 75°F (23.9°C) and av- tucket Harbor, is entered about 0.4 mile south-south- erage minimums about 61°F (16.1°C). The average westward of Brant Point Light. The basin is enclosed on temperature for the island is about 50°F (10°C). Janu- the north and south sides by Straight Wharf and Com- ary and February are the coldest months, having nor- mercial Wharf, respectively, and its entrance is pro- mal mean temperatures near freezing, that is, average tected by two long bulkheads on the east and southeast maximum of 38°F (3.3°C) and average minimum of sides. Depths in the basin range from 3 to 10 feet. About 25°F (-3.9°C). The extreme maximum temperature for 180 slips are available in the basin, and yachts 100 feet Nantucket is 100°F (37.8°C) recorded in August 1975 long and larger can be accommodated. The outer end of while the extreme minimum is -3°F (-19.4°C) recorded the north side of Straight Wharf is used by excursion in December 1962. An average year sees 100 days with boats. A private seasonal light is shown off the end of temperatures below 32°F (0°C) and only one day with a the wharf and is operated only when tour boats are ap- temperature below 5°F (-15°C). Seldom do tempera- proaching the wharf in fog. Gasoline, diesel fuel, and tures exceed 90°F (32.2°C), a fact which has occurred ice can be obtained on the south side of Commercial only during June, July, and August. Wharf. Water and electricity are available at each slip. The basin’s dockmaster has his office on the outer end (222) The average wind velocity is about 11 knots with of Commercial Wharf. The dockmaster can be con- the highest monthly averages during December through tacted on VHF-FM channel 16. April. Gales have occurred during every month except June and July. Coast storms are frequent during the (227) The Woods Hole-Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket winter with winds of 40 knots or more. Hurricanes, Steamship Authority Wharf is about 0.1 mile north- during the late summer and fall, may cause high winds. ward of the boat basin. A private light is shown from the Since 1871, forty tropical storms or hurricanes have roof of a shed on the northeast end of the wharf, and is passed within 50 nautical miles of Nantucket. There operated only when Authority vessels are approaching have been ten direct hits. The latest was tropical storm the wharf in fog. The submerged ruins of a pier which Esther in 1961. Esther had been a 125-knot hurricane uncover at low water are between the boat basin and earlier, but was dissipating at the time it crossed the is- the Steamship Authority Wharf. A buoy marks the ru- land. ins. Unpainted pile dolphins mark the former pierhead. Mariners are advised to exercise caution in this area. (223) Precipitation is fairly evenly distributed through- out the year averaging about 41 inches (1041 mm) in (228) A boatyard, about 0.2 mile southward of Nantucket any given year. An average of 180 days each year records Boat Basin, has moorings, gasoline, a 23-ton mobile precipitation with 28 days having greater than 0.50 hoist, storage facilities, water, and marine supplies; inches (13 mm). The wettest month is December aver- hull and engine repairs can be made. The channel lead- aging 4.35 inches (111 mm) and the driest month is ing to the boatyard, marked by private seasonal buoys, June averaging only 2.2 inches (56 mm). Total snowfall had a reported controlling depth of 6 feet in August for the winter season averages about 30 inches (762 1981. mm); however, melting is usually rapid and snow cover rarely lasts more than a few days. The greatest snowfall (229) Nantucket maintains ferry service with the main- in a 24-hour period was 14.9 inches (397) in February land and daily airline service with New York and 1952. February is the snowiest month averaging nearly Boston. Seasonal bus and taxi service is also available. nine inches (229 mm). Snow is absent from May through September. An average five days each year re- Chart 13241 cords greater than 1.5 inches (38 mm) of snowfall. An average of 18 thunderstorms affect the island in a given (230) A narrow unmarked channel leads through the la- year with the greatest frequency occurring during July goon northeast of Nantucket Harbor to Head of the and August. Fog is present about 200 days each year. Harbor. In September 1981, a reported depth of about 3 feet could be carried with local knowledge as far as the (224) Except in severe winter, the harbor is seldom village of Wauwinet on the southeast shore of Head of closed by local formation of ice. However, the harbor is the Harbor. Unmarked shoals and foul areas extend off frequently closed by drift ice from the sound which the several points. packs and remains across the entrance during north- erly winds. (231) Polpis Harbor is at the east end of the harbor just south of Head of the Harbor. The entrance channel, (225) (See Appendix B for Nantucket climatological ta- marked by private seasonal buoys, had a reported con- ble.) trolling depth of 6 feet in March-April 1994.

Outer Cape Cod and Nantucket Sound ■ Chapter 4 ■ 213 Charts 13238, 13233, 13241, 13237 which has navigable outlets to the sea. Approaching from the south, the principal landmarks are a (232) Muskeget Channel is an opening 6 miles wide on standpipe at Edgartown, an aerolight near the center of the south side of Nantucket Sound between Muskeget the island, a church spire near Chilmark in the western and Chappaquiddick Islands. The opening is full of part, a tall radar tower north of Chilmark, and Gay shifting shoals. The best water is found close to the Head on the west side. eastward of Wasque Shoal and about 1.5 miles eastward (237) Communication with the mainland is by ferry, air- of the eastern shore of Chappaquiddick Island. Al- line, cable, and telephone. The principal towns are though this channel is partly buoyed, strangers should Edgartown, Oak Bluffs, and Vineyard Haven. never attempt it as tidal currents with velocities of 2 to (238) Cape Poge, the northeastern point of Chappaquiddick 5 knots make navigation dangerous. The currents Island, is a bare, bluff, precipitous head, which may ap- through the channel are strong, having a velocity of 3.8 pear from a distance to be a small island. Cape Poge knots on the flood and 3.3 knots on the ebb about 1.5 Light (41°25'10\"N., 70°27'08\"W.), 65 feet above the wa- miles east of Wasque Point. The flood sets ter, is shown from a white conical tower on the cape. north-northeastward and ebbs south-southwestward. (239) Cape Poge Flats, extending about 1.5 miles north- eastward from Cape Poge, are marked at the northeast (233) Wasque Shoal extends southward of Wasque Point, end by a bell buoy. The southerly edge of the white sec- the southeastern extremity of Chappaquiddick Island. tor of West Chop Light is about 0.9 mile north of the The shoal, which dries about 2 miles south of Wasque buoy. Shoal water extends about 0.4 mile offshore west- Point, rises abruptly from the deep water of Muskeget ward and northwestward of Cape Poge. A buoy, 1 mile Channel. west-northwestward of Cape Poge Light, marks the western side of the shoal water. (234) Mutton Shoal, 0.6 mile east of Wasque Shoal, has a (240) Cape Poge Bay, a lagoon of considerable size in the least depth of 5 feet and is marked on its southwestern northern part of Chappaquiddick Island, is entered side by a lighted bell buoy. The best water in Muskeget from Edgartown Harbor. The unmarked entrance is Channel is between Mutton and Wasque Shoals. East- used mostly by local pleasure and fishing craft. In Sep- ward of Mutton Shoal are numerous shoals covered 2 tember 1981, it was reported that 4 feet could be car- to 6 feet. ried through the entrance channel with local knowledge. (235) Between Muskeget Channel and the main channel (241) Edgartown Harbor, on the eastern side of Martha’s north of Cross Rip Shoal are numerous shoals, some of Vineyard and westward of Cape Poge, is divided into an which are separated by unmarked channels. Tuckernuck outer and an inner harbor. The outer harbor is used Shoal, northeast of Muskeget Channel, has a least principally as a harbor of refuge in southerly and east- depth of 2 feet; it is marked on the northeastern end by erly winds and as a night anchorage. At the head of the a lighted bell buoy and a buoy on the northern side. outer harbor, a narrow arm makes southward into Shovelful Shoal, westward of Tuckernuck Shoal, is Katama Bay, forming the inner harbor. The inner har- covered 3 to 17 feet. Long Shoal, northwestward of bor affords good anchorage and is the approach to Shovelful Shoal, is covered 3 to 16 feet. Edwards Shoal, Edgartown, a fishing and resort town on the western south of Cross Rip Shoal, has a least known depth of 10 shore. Many yachts and pleasure craft use the harbor feet. Norton Shoal, southwestward of Cross Rip Shoal during the summer. and covered 8 feet, is marked by a buoy on its north (242) Katama Bay, used by local fishermen and small side. Hawes Shoal, westward of Norton Shoal, has a pleasure craft, is large and shallow. Extensive shoaling least depth of 1 foot; buoys mark its northwestern and has been reported in the southerly end of the bay. A 4 southwestern ends. mph speed limit is enforced in the bay. Charts 13238, 13233 Prominent features (243) Edgartown Harbor Light (41°23'27\"N., 70°30'11\"W.), (236) Martha’s Vineyard and Chappaquiddick Island have a combined length of 18 miles; the two islands are sepa- 45 feet above the water, is shown from a white conical rated by Edgartown Harbor, Katama Bay, and the nar- tower on the west side of the head of Edgartown outer row slough connecting them. The northern extremity harbor. Also prominent are: a church belfry in the town of Martha’s Vineyard is about 3 miles southeastward of and a microwave tower 1.3 miles to the southwestward the western end of Cape Cod. Martha’s Vineyard is well of the light, a standpipe about 1 mile southwestward of settled, especially along its northern shore, and is pop- the light, and the numerous beach cabanas on ular as a summer resort. Along the northern shore the Chappaquiddick Point. island presents a generally rugged appearance. The southern shore is low and fringed with ponds, none of

214 ■ Chapter 4 ■ Volume 2 Channels difficult to navigate. Middle Ground, in the inner har- (244) The buoyed channel through the outer harbor is bor south of the town, has a least depth of 10 feet. free from dangers and has depths of 20 to 37 feet until Routes (chart 13237) nearly up to Edgartown Light. Near the light the chan- (250) Vessels approaching Edgartown Harbor from the nel narrows and makes a sharp bend westward, leading to the wharves at the town. In October 1986, depths of eastward, from a position about 400 yards north of 16 feet could be carried from the outer harbor to off the Cross Rip Lighted Horn Buoy 21, can steer 267°, head- town. Abreast the town, the channel narrows and has ing for the standpipe on Martha’s Vineyard southward depths of 13 to 31 feet. The channel then curves south- of Oak Bluffs, passing northward of Muskeget Channel ward to Katama Bay. It is bordered on the eastern side Bell Buoy 7. When Cape Poge Light bears 155°, head by Middle Ground. Depths of 15 to 31 feet are found for south-southwestward into the harbor. about 1.2 miles south of the town. The southern half of (251) Vessels approaching from the westward and pass- Katama Bay is full of shoals, and is subject to frequent ing northward of Squash Meadow can head on a 180° changes. Also subject to change is the shoreline be- course from a position about 0.5 mile southward of tween the southern part of Katama Bay and the ocean. Hedge Fence Lighted Gong Buoy 22 to enter the har- bor. In the daytime, the channel southward of Squash Anchorages Meadow is sometimes used. Strangers in sailing vessels (245) Anchorage with good shelter from easterly gales is seldom enter the inner harbor, as a fair wind is neces- sary to keep in the channel. found westward of Cape Poge on the eastern side of the outer harbor. In westerly and southerly gales vessels Tides and currents find shelter in the southern end of the outer harbor (252) The mean range of tide is 1.9 feet. The tidal current about 0.4 mile eastward or east-southeastward from Edgartown Light. In northerly or northeasterly gales in the narrow part of the channel inside Edgartown vessels usually go to Woods Hole or Tarpaulin Cove for Light and off the town has a double flood and a double sheltered anchorage. Vessels should not anchor in the ebb, and in general follows the direction of the channel. channel abreast the town where the bottom is hard Near the middle of each flood or ebb period there is an sand, the channel narrow, and tidal currents strong. approximate slack preceded and followed by maximum Southeast of the town, anchorage may be found south of velocity. The average velocity is about 1 knot. (See of Middle Ground in depths of 24 to 30 feet, sticky bot- the Tidal Current Tables for predictions.) In July 2007, tom. it was reported that a breach had occurred on South (246) Small craft usually anchor in the special anchorage Beach just southward of Katama Bay. The breach has in the vicinity of Middle Ground. (See 110.1 and affected the published tide and tidal current predic- 110.38, chapter 2, for limits and regulations.) tions so that mariners are cautioned about the accu- racy of the information. Dangers (247) On the western side of the outer harbor is a shoal (253) Fogs are prevalent during the summer and at times appear without warning. Drift ice from the area extending 2.8 miles northward of Edgartown sound, driven into the entrance by the wind, obstructs Light. A bell buoy marks the northern edge of the the entrance to sailing vessels during a part of the win- shoal; vessels entering or leaving the harbor pass east- ter. It is reported that the harbor is normally closed by ward of this buoy. The depths over the remainder of the ice during January and February. The Chappaquiddick shoal are irregular, and there are a rock awash and sev- ferry channel is usually kept open. The tidal currents eral rocks covered 3 to 5 feet. Strangers should never keep the inner harbor open except for a few days at a attempt to pass across this shoal. The channel into time during severe winters. Edgartown Harbor is marked by a lighted buoy and unlighted buoys. (254) There are no pilots for Edgartown Harbor. Tugs are (248) Sturgeon Flats, covered 2 to 18 feet, extend about seldom used and none are available. Fishing craft or the 600 yards off the southeastern shore of the outer har- harbormaster’s vessel will act as tugs in an emergency. bor between the narrow entrance to Cape Poge Bay and the entrance to the inner harbor. In 2004, an obstruc- Harbormaster tion covered 19 feet was reported in about 41°23'31\"N., (255) The harbormaster has control of the anchorage of 70°29'27\"W. (249) A sandbar is making off eastward from Edgartown vessels in the harbor. He will usually be found at the Light. A buoy is on the eastern end of the shoal. Except Edgartown Yacht Club and can be contacted on for this shoal, the entrance to the inner harbor is not VHF-FM channel 16 or by telephone (508-627-4746).

Outer Cape Cod and Nantucket Sound ■ Chapter 4 ■ 215 Copies of harbor regulations may be obtained from the (264) In 2005, the entrance channel had a reported con- harbormaster. trolling depth of 10 feet, thence depths of 11 to 14 feet were reported in the harbor. Numerous submerged (256) The depth at the Town Wharf is 25 feet. Depths at rocks, covered 10 to 15 feet, are in the harbor approach, the other wharves are about 11 feet. A marina, in an area within 0.4 mile of shore bounded on the boatyard, and a yacht club are at Edgartown. The north by a line extending northeasterly from the break- boatyard has a marine lift that can handle craft to 9 waters and on the south by Lone Rock. A submerged tons for hull and engine repairs and dry open or cov- obstruction, covered 10 feet, is reported in this area in ered storage. Gasoline, diesel fuel, water, ice, marine about 41°27'37\"N., 70°33'04\"W. A buoy is about 75 supplies, and moorings are available. Launch service to yards southwest of the obstruction. The chart is the moored craft is available. best guide for approaching the harbor; however, it is advised that mariners transiting the area exercise ex- (257) A small ferry operates between Edgartown and treme caution as other uncharted rocks may exist. Chappaquiddick Island. No schedule is maintained, but the ferry runs on call. There is seasonal bus service to (265) East Chop Yacht Club is on the north side of the Oak Bluffs, Vineyard Haven, and other island points. harbor, and several private piers are on the west side. Ferries connect Oak Bluffs and Vineyard Haven with The town wharf extends along the bulkhead on the Woods Hole, Falmouth, Hyannis, and Nantucket. south and east sides of the harbor. The town maintains berths with electricity, a launching ramp, a pump-out (258) Sengekontacket Pond, about midway between station, and guest moorings. Gasoline, diesel fuel, wa- Edgartown and Oak Bluffs, has two entrances which ter, ice and some marine supplies are available; hull are subject to shoaling. The southerly entrance is the and engine repairs can be made. main entrance and had a reported controlling depth of 10 feet in August 1981. There are no public landings in (266) Martha’s Vineyard hospital is on the beach road the pond, and it is used by local and fishing craft only. close westward of the town. The harbormaster moni- The south entrance is crossed by a fixed highway bridge tors VHF-FM channel 71; telephone 508-693-4355. with a 13-foot span and a clearance of 5 feet. The fixed highway bridge over the north entrance also has a (267) A no-wake speed limit is enforced in the harbor. clearance of 5 feet. (268) Oak Bluffs Wharf, about 0.2 mile southward of the (259) Squash Meadow is a shoal south of the main chan- breakwater light, is reported to have a depth of 13 feet nel through Nantucket Sound and about 4 miles north- at the head. Several obstructions with lesser depths west of Cape Poge. The hard sand shoal has depths of 13 have been reported about 400 yards northeast of the to 18 feet and is marked on its southeastern end by a wharf face. A private seasonal light and fog signal are bell buoy and on its western end by a buoy. operated from the seaward end of the wharf when ferry vessels are approaching the wharf in fog. There is sea- (260) Harthaven is a small pond northward of Senge- sonal ferry service from the wharf to Woods Hole and kontacket Pond. The entrance is through a privately Nantucket. Seasonal ferry service is also maintained dredged channel between two short jetties. In August between Falmouth, Hyannis and New Bedford. Sea- 2000, a depth of 4 feet was reported in the entrance. sonal fast ferry service is maintained from Quonset, The pond has depths of 2 to 6 feet. There are no services Rhode Island, and year-round fast ferry passenger ser- or landings in the pond. vice is maintained from New Bedford. Oak Bluffs is a port of call for cruise ships. The Vineyard Transit Au- (261) Lone Rock, covered 4 feet and marked by a buoy, is thority provides island-wide transit service year-round. 350 yards offshore about 750 yards southeastward of There is air service from Martha’s Vineyard Airport Oak Bluffs wharf. about 4.5 miles southwestward of the town. (269) A 530-foot groin, marked at its outer end by a (262) Rhode Island Rock, covered 14 feet, is about 700 daybeacon and partially submerged at high water, is yards northward of the breakwater light. about 650 yards south of the ferry wharf; caution is ad- vised. (263) Oak Bluffs Harbor, 4.8 miles northwestward of (270) Other ports on the north side of Martha’s Vineyard, Edgartown Harbor Light, is a landlocked basin fre- westward of Oak Bluffs Harbor, are described in chapter quented by pleasure craft and some fishing vessels. The 5. entrance is protected by two breakwaters. A light is on the end of the north breakwater. Oak Bluffs is a sum- mer resort and fishing village on the harbor. Promi- nent are a church dome and a cupola in the village and the bluff north of the entrance.

216 ■ Chapter 5 ■ Volume 2

Vineyard Sound and Buzzards Bay ■ Chapter 5 ■ 217 Vineyard Sound and Buzzards Bay (1) This chapter describes Vineyard Sound and Buz- Anchorages zards Bay following the Massachusetts coast of Vine- (6) Woods Hole is the only anchorage providing shel- yard Sound, the northwestern shore of Martha’s Vineyard, the eastern shore of Buzzards Bay, the Cape ter from all winds for vessels drawing more than 10 Cod Canal, and the western shore of Buzzards Bay. Also feet. In northerly and westerly winds, good anchorage described are Woods Hole, Cuttyhunk, Onset, may be had in Tarpaulin Cove. In southerly winds, shel- Wareham, and the port of New Bedford, as well as the ter can be had in Menemsha Bight, although Vineyard numerous fishing and yachting centers along the Haven is generally used. Several general anchorages sound and bay. are in Vineyard Sound. (See 110.1 and 110.140 (c) (1), (c) (2), and (d), chapter 2, for limits and regula- COLREGS Demarcation Lines tions.) (2) The lines established for this part of the coast are Tides and currents described in 80.145, chapter 2. (7) The mean range of tide in Vineyard Sound varies Charts 13230, 13237, 13218 from 1.4 feet at West Chop to 2.9 feet at Gay Head. The time of current becomes somewhat earlier from Hedge (3) Vineyard Sound and Buzzards Bay are deep and Fence westward through Vineyard Sound. The current easily navigated day or night. Vineyard Sound, together velocity increases from 1.4 knots at Hedge Fence with Nantucket Sound, provides an inside route from Lighted Gong Buoy 22 to about 3 knots off West Chop New York to Boston which avoids Nantucket Shoals. Light, and then gradually diminishes to 1.2 knots off Buzzards Bay, together with Cape Cod Canal and Cape Gay Head Light. (See “Current Diagram-Vineyard and Cod Bay, provides the shortest deep-draft route be- Nantucket Sounds” in the Tidal Current Tables, and the tween New York and Boston. Tidal Current Charts, Narragansett Bay to Nantucket Sound, for the hourly velocities and directions of the (4) Vineyard Sound is bounded on the north by the current.) southwestern part of Cape Cod and the Elizabeth Is- (8) At the western entrance to Vineyard Sound, lands, and on the south by part of Martha’s Vineyard, west-northwestward of Gay Head Light, the tidal cur- which presents a rugged and generally inaccessible rent is rotary, turning clockwise. The velocity is only shoreline. To the west, it joins Rhode Island Sound on a 0.2 to 0.5 knot. Since the tidal current is weak, winds line between Cuttyhunk Island and Gay Head. To the greatly affect it and the current frequently sets approxi- east, it joins Nantucket Sound on a line between mately with the winds. Nobska Point and West Chop and provides an inside passage clear of Nantucket Shoals. The navigational Weather: Vineyard Sound,Buzzards Bay and vicinity aids are colored and numbered for passing through the (9) Buzzards Bay is open to winds out of the south and sound from the eastward. The channel through the sound is well marked and generally free of dangers. southwest, which are common from spring through fall. Winds increase as they move from the surrounding (5) Deep-draft vessels entering or leaving Vineyard land out over the Bay. Its northeast-southwest orienta- Sound should stay at least 3.5 miles southward of the tion causes southwesterlies to strengthen as they fun- southwest end of Cuttyhunk Island and pass southeast nel up from the mouth of the Bay to its head. The result of “NA” buoy. is that speeds are often double those at nearby land sta- tions and southwesterlies may prevail even when land stations are reporting west or northwest winds. How- ever, as a general rule southwesterlies blow harder close to the Elizabeth Islands than in the middle of the

218 ■ Chapter 5 ■ Volume 2 Bay. The relatively shallow water of the Bay increases by vessels at anchor in a northeast gale is from vessels the steepness of waves and their closeness to one an- with poor ground tackle, which are likely to drift, foul other; this can cause a stiff chop. With southerly or other vessels, and then go ashore. westerly gales there is a heavy sea in the westerly en- (17) The harbor is the approach to the village of Vine- trance to Vineyard Sound and heavy seas occur at times yard Haven. A detached breakwater, marked on its off the entrance to Quicks Hole. southeastern end by a light, is on the flats on the west- ern side of the harbor near the head. The private light Pilotage: Vineyard Sound and Buzzards Bay on the northeast corner of the ferry wharf at the head of (10) Pilotage is compulsory for foreign vessels of 350 the harbor is activated when a ferry approaches the slip in a fog. gross tons or more, U.S. vessels under register of 350 gross tons or more, and tank barge towing vessels car- Channels rying 6,000 barrels or more of petroleum cargoes. Pi- (18) The natural channel is clear; soundings are the lotage is available from Northeast Marine Pilots, Inc., Newport, RI, 02840; telephone 401-847-9050 (24 best guide for finding anchorage. When well inside the hours), 800-274-1216; FAX 401-847-9052; email: dis- entrance, the water shoals gradually toward the west- [email protected]. ern shore, but the eastern shore is steep and should be given a berth of about 0.2 mile. Channel depths of 16 Charts 13238, 13233, 13229 feet or more are available to the ferry wharf at Vineyard Haven. (11) East Chop and West Chop are prominent points on Anchorage the north side of Martha’s Vineyard and on the east and (19) Vessels anchor according to draft, anywhere from west side of the entrance to Vineyard Haven. Both points terminate in high wooded bluffs which show the points at the entrance to the head of the harbor. prominently from the sounds; each is marked by a Shallow-draft vessels favor the western shore. light. (20) Vessels entering the harbor with a head wind or light breeze, at the end of a favorable current through (12) West Chop Light (41°28'51\"N., 70°35'59\"W.), 84 the sound, should continue on in the channel until the feet above the water, is shown from a white conical harbor is well opened before standing in for the an- tower at the summit of West Chop. A fog signal is chorage. This will help clear the entrance points. Ap- sounded from the light station. proaching from the eastward, vessels will keep clear of Squash Meadow and East Chop Flats by keeping in the (13) A lighted gong buoy, 0.5 mile northeastward of the white sector of West Chop Light. Good anchorage is light, and a buoy, 0.5 mile eastward of the light, mark northeastward of the breakwater buoy in 20 to 23 feet. shoal water and rocks awash to the eastward of West The anchorage basin behind the breakwater has depths Chop. It has been reported that during strong tidal cur- of 5 to 12 feet and is usually filled to capacity during the rents, the buoy may be submerged. summer. When anchoring in the harbor, care must be taken to avoid obstructing the approach to the ferry (14) East Chop Light (41°28'13\"N., 70°34'03\"W.), 79 slip and the approach to the oil wharves on the south- feet above the water, is shown from a white tower on erly side of the harbor. the east side of the entrance to Vineyard Haven. East Chop Flats, covered 5 to 18 feet, extend 0.2 mile north- Dangers ward and 0.5 mile eastward of East Chop. A lighted bell (21) Flats, partly bare at low water and marked by a buoy, about 0.5 mile east-northeastward, and a buoy, about 350 yards northward of the light, mark the flats. buoy, make off 300 yards from the eastern shore of the harbor about 1 mile inside East Chop Light. A rock, (15) Vineyard Haven Harbor is a funnel-shaped bight in covered 9 feet and marked by a buoy, is 0.3 mile north- the northern side of Martha’s Vineyard between East ward of the breakwater light. Chop and West Chop, about 1.4 miles long in a south- west direction and about 1.3 miles wide at the en- Tides and currents trance. This haven, easy of access, is the most (22) The mean range of tide is 1.7 feet. The tidal cur- important harbor of refuge for coasters between Provincetown and Narragansett Bay. The depths range rents have little velocity in the harbor; however, care from 46 feet at the entrance to 15 feet near the head of should be taken on the ebb, which sets westward, not to the harbor. approach too closely to West Chop as the current in that vicinity sets on the ledges eastward and northward (16) Although Vineyard Haven Harbor is exposed to of the point. northeasterly winds, vessels with good ground tackle can ride out most blows. The greatest danger encountered

Vineyard Sound and Buzzards Bay ■ Chapter 5 ■ 219 (23) The harbormaster has control of the anchoring of Charts 13230, 13229 vessels in the inner harbor; he will usually be found at the town dock on the west side of the harbor and can be (30) Falmouth Harbor, the open roadstead off the south contacted on VHF-FM channel 16, or by telephone shore of Cape Cod eastward of Nobska Point Light, af- (508-693-1368). A 4 mph speed limit is enforced inside fords an anchorage for vessels in 24 to 36 feet about 0.8 the breakwater and within 150 feet of moored craft. mile from shore. Smaller vessels can anchor closer to the shore in 15 to 18 feet. The bottom is generally (24) Pilots are not available at Vineyard Haven. A sticky and good holding ground; the depths shoal grad- twin-screw, 500-hp tug, also equipped for salvage work, ually toward the shore. The anchorage affords a lee in is based in the harbor. northerly winds; in southerly winds the sea is some- what broken by L’Hommedieu Shoal and the shoals (25) The ferry wharf at the head of the channel has a westward of it so that a vessel with good ground tackle depth of 24 feet reported at the outer face. The ferry slip can ride out a gale in comparative safety. (See 110.1 is on the north side and inshore end of the wharf. A pri- and 110.140 (c) (5), and (d) chapter 2, for limits and vate light is on the northeast corner of the wharf. The regulations of the anchorage area.) light and a private fog signal, on the southeastern end of the breakwater, are activated when a ferry is ap- (31) Falmouth Harbor is frequently used by vessels with proaching the slip in a fog. Several other wharves, two good ground tackle that prefer this anchorage to the marinas, and a boatyard are in the harbor. A yacht club anchorage in Vineyard Haven Harbor, which may be is on the west side of the harbor, about 0.3 mile north- crowded in bad weather. Vessels approaching the an- ward of the breakwater. (See the small-craft facilities chorage are cautioned to stay clear of the two shoal ar- tabulation on chart 13229 for services and supplies eas with depths of 10 to 16 feet marked by buoys which available.) extend westward of L’Hommedieu Shoal. (26) Guest moorings, maintained by the town, are avail- (32) Vessels can enter Falmouth Harbor from the able off the municipal wharf, 200 yards northward of southward on a course of 344° with West Chop Light the ferry wharf; other moorings can be hired from the astern, and pass about 0.1 mile westward of Falmouth boatyard and marinas. Harbor East Shoal Buoy 17. Vessels in the vicinity of Nobska Point Light can pass 0.4 mile eastward of the (27) The Martha’s Vineyard Hospital is on the beach light on a north-northeasterly course, and when Tar- road near Oak Bluffs. paulin Cove and Nobska Point Lights are nearly in range, stand eastward to an anchorage. (28) The Woods Hole-Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket Steamship Authority maintains year-round ferry ser- (33) Falmouth Heights, about 3 miles east-northeast of vice from Woods Hole. Air service is available from Nobska Point Light and east of the town of Falmouth, is Martha’s Vineyard Airport, about 4 miles south of the a prominent yellow bluff on the summit of which are town. numerous homes and a large hotel. (29) Lagoon Pond, eastward of the town of Vineyard Ha- (34) Falmouth Inner Harbor, westward of Falmouth ven, has its entrance about 0.5 mile northeastward of Heights, is a dredged basin about 0.7 mile long and less Vineyard Haven Breakwater Light. A short jetty, than 0.1 mile wide, on the north side of Falmouth Har- marked by a light, extends from the northwestern end bor. A tall green standpipe, about 1.5 miles westward of of the jutting point on the northerly side of the en- Falmouth, is one of the most prominent landmarks in trance. In April 2004, the controlling depth through this vicinity. The yacht club dock and flagpole, just in- the entrance was 6.3 feet (7.9 feet at midchannel). The side the entrance on the east side of the harbor, are con- channel is marked by private buoys. The pond, used by spicuous from close inshore. The harbor is entered local and fishing craft, has depths of 5 to 25 feet with through a dredged channel between two jetties; a light shoaler depths near the shore. Robbins Rock is off the marks the end of the west jetty. In March 2004, the con- west shore, about 1 mile above the bridge. The highway trolling depth was 7.1 feet in the entrance channel to bridge across the entrance has a 30-foot bascule span the inner harbor; thence 6.2 feet in the inner harbor, with a clearance of 15 feet. (See 117.1 through except for shoaling to 3.7 feet at the upper end of the 117.49, chapter 2, for drawbridge regulations.) Ad- harbor along the NW side. vance arrangements for bridge openings can be made by contacting the harbormaster or drawtender (tele- Tides and currents phone: 617-693-1212). (35) The mean range of tide at Falmouth Heights is 1.3 feet. The tidal current in the sound about 1.5 miles south of the harbor sets east-northeastward on the

220 ■ Chapter 5 ■ Volume 2 flood at a velocity of 2.3 knots, and west-southwestward Charts 13233, 13229 on the ebb at 1.7 knots. (39) Middle Ground, covered 6 to 18 feet, is the easterly Small-craft facilities half of a narrow, somewhat shifting ridge that extends (36) There are several small-craft facilities in Falmouth for about 9 miles westward from a point about 0.5 mile northwestward of West Chop Light. A buoy is at the Inner Harbor. (See the small-craft facilities tabulation northeast end, and a lighted bell buoy off the south- on chart 13229 for services and supplies available.) western end. (37) The harbormaster is at the town-operated Fal- (40) Lucas Shoal, covered 17 to 30 feet, is the south- mouth Marina, on the west side halfway up the harbor; western end of the ridge. It is separated from the Middle telephone 508-548-9796. The harbormaster monitors Ground by a natural channel with a depth of 31 feet. A VHF-FM channels 16, 12, and 9. A ferry operates in the buoy marks the southwestern end of the shoal. summer to Oak Bluffs from the wharf at the head of the harbor. (41) Lake Tashmoo, a landlocked pond on the north- west side of Martha’s Vineyard, is entered through a (38) Nobska Point, about 29 miles westward of narrow jettied entrance which had a reported control- Monomoy Point, is a bluff with Nobska Point Light ling depth of 2½ feet in September 1981. The lake, only (41°30'57\"N., 70°39'18\"W.), 87 feet above the water, used by local craft, has general depths of 3 to 10 feet. A shown from a white tower, at the south end. A fog sig- private seasonal light marks the east jetty and private nal is at the light. Nobska Point Ledges, partly bare at seasonal buoys mark the channel through a shoal area low water, extends 150 yards eastward and southwest- just inside the entrance. ward from the point. (42) A 4 mph speed limit is enforced in the pond. An- choring is prohibited in the entrance channel. (43) A small boatyard is on the easterly side of the lake; a flatbed trailer can handle craft up to 30 feet for hull and engine repairs. Guest moorings and limited supplies are available.

Vineyard Sound and Buzzards Bay ■ Chapter 5 ■ 221 (44) Norton Point and Cape Higgon are prominent controls all berthing and mooring in the basin. The bluffs on the northwest side of Martha’s Vineyard about harbormaster has an office at Dutcher Dock and can be 3 and 8 miles, respectively, southwestward of West contacted by radiotelephone on VHF-FM channel 16 or Chop Light. by telephone (508-645-2846). (51) A marina is on the east side of Menemsha Basin. (45) Menemsha Bight, on the northerly side of the Repairs and hauling of craft to 45 feet can be arranged. western end of Martha’s Vineyard 2.5 miles east of Gay Gasoline, diesel fuel, water, ice, a launching ramp, and Head, affords shelter from southerly and easterly winds marine supplies are available. in depths of 25 to 60 feet, sticky bottom. (See 110.1 and (52) Seasonal bus service is available from Menemsha to 110.140 (c) (1) and (d), chapter 2, for limits and regu- Vineyard Haven and other points on the island. lations for the anchorage area.) There are no dangers in (53) Gay Head, the westerly end of Martha’s Vineyard, is the bight if the shore is given a berth of 0.3 mile. a prominent high bluff. It is marked by Gay Head Light (41°20'54\"N., 70°50'06\"W.), 170 feet above the water, (46) Menemsha Creek, on the northwestern shore of shown from a 51-foot red brick tower on the head. A Martha’s Vineyard and about 3 miles eastward of Gay lighted gong buoy is 1.6 miles northwestward of the Head Light, is entered from Menemsha Bight through light. Several rocks exist between Gay Head and the a dredged channel that leads southeastward to lighted gong buoy. Menemsha Basin, on the north shore just inside the (54) Devils Bridge is a reef making off 0.8 mile entrance. From the basin, the dredged channel contin- northwestward of Gay Head. The reef has a depth of 2 ues southward through the creek to Menemsha Pond, feet about 0.4 mile offshore and 17 feet at its end. about 1 mile above the entrance. The entrance to the (55) Nomans Land, about 5.5 miles southward of Gay creek is protected by jetties. The east jetty is marked by Head, is a prominent, high, and rocky island. Except for a light. A bell buoy, about 300 yards northwestward of a small section on its northwestern side, the shore con- the light, marks the channel approach, and buoys and sists of clay and gravel cliffs 10 to 18 feet high with daybeacons mark the channel. boulders lining the shores. In the interior of the island are many hills, the highest over 100 feet high, with (47) In October 1991-March 1992, the controlling depth considerable marshy area between the hills. A danger was 10 feet at midchannel to Menemsha Basin, thence zone surrounds Nomans Land. (See 334.70, chapter 2, 1½ feet could be carried to Menemsha Pond; thence 5½ for limits and regulations.) to 10 feet was available in the larger northwestern part (56) Several sunken rocks and ledges are in the passage of Menemsha Basin and 3½ to 5 feet in the smaller between Nomans Land and Martha’s Vineyard. Lone southeastern part, except for shoaling to 1 foot in the Rock, covered 8 feet, and Old Man, a ledge covered 4 southeastern corner. The channel south of Menemsha feet, are marked by buoys. A buoyed channel about 0.7 Basin is reported to shoal rapidly after dredging; mari- mile wide between the islands may be used by small ners are advised to seek local knowledge before at- vessels in the daytime. Shoal water extends 0.5 mile tempting to go beyond Menemsha Basin. southward of Squibnocket Point, the southernmost point of Martha’s Vineyard. (48) Menemsha is a small fishing village on Menemsha Basin. Menemsha 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 Charts 13230, 13229 (49) The mean range of tide in Menemsha Bight is 2.7 (57) Elizabeth Islands, including Nonamesset, Uncatena, feet. The tidal currents through the entrance have an Weepecket, Naushon, Pasque, Nashawena, Penikese, and estimated velocity of 3 knots or more. Slacks are re- Cuttyhunk Islands, extend about 14 miles west-south- ported to occur 45 minutes after local high and low wa- west from the southwest end of Cape Cod. The islands, ters. forming part of the northern shore of Vineyard Sound, separate the sound from Buzzards Bay. They are hilly (50) Guest moorings are available in Menemsha Basin, and partly wooded; the shores are, in general, low and anchoring is permitted in the pond. Berths are also bluffs. Westward of Woods Hole are several buoyed available at the public facilities at Dutcher Dock, on the channels between the islands, but Quicks Hole is the northeast side of the basin. Commercial fishing and only one recommended for strangers. charter boats berth at the dock or at the private piers on the west side of the basin. Menemsha Coast Guard Sta- tion is on the south side of the basin. The harbormaster

222 ■ Chapter 5 ■ Volume 2 Charts 13235, 13229 has depths of over 22 feet. A 344° lighted entrance range leads into the harbor from Vineyard Sound to the (58) Woods Hole is that water area lying between the wharves at Woods Hole in Great Harbor. A lighted bell southwest tip of Cape Cod and Uncatena and buoy marks the entrance and lighted and unlighted Nonamesset Island, the easternmost of the Elizabeth buoys mark the channel. When entering on the range, Islands, with Buzzards Bay on the northwest and Vine- mariners should guard against the current from Buz- yard Sound on the southeast; it includes Great and Lit- zards Bay, which has a tendency to set vessels eastward. tle Harbors in the eastern part, and Hadley Harbor in (63) The deepest draft using the passage is 11 feet. the western part. Woods Hole is also the approach to These channels are marked by buoys and lights, but ex- the town of Woods Hole on the northeastern shore of treme caution and slack water are required to safely Great Harbor. The town is a busy commercial center navigate them with drafts greater than 8 feet. Mariners and a transshipping point for passengers and freight to entering from Buzzards Bay should keep in mind that and from Nantucket and Martha’s Vineyard. During the the buoys are colored and marked for passage from summer it is an active resort and frequently a port of Vineyard Sound to Buzzards Bay. call by yachts passing through to Vineyard Sound or Buzzards Bay. The deepest draft entering Great Harbor Anchorages in 1981 was 14 feet. There is considerable waterborne (64) (See 110.1 and 110.140 (c) and (d), chapter 2, for commerce in seafood products and general cargo. limits and regulations of the deepwater anchorages in Prominent features the vicinity of Woods Hole.) An anchorage about 0.2 (59) The most prominent landmark approaching Woods mile square, with poor holding ground and irregular depths ranging from 19 to 62 feet, is at the head of Hole is Nobska Point and light. A light marks the south Great Harbor. Shoals covered 5 to 9 feet are northwest end of Juniper Point, the finger of land separating Lit- of the anchorage. Good anchorage in depths of 29 to 36 tle and Great Harbors. Also prominent is the house feet is also available about 200 yards northwest of the high on Juniper Point, a standpipe 2.2 miles northward National Marine Fisheries Service’s wharf. Small craft of Nobska Point, a water tower and stacks in the town, can find good anchorage in Little Harbor and Hadley the dome of the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institu- Harbor. tion, and the buildings of the National Marine Fisheries Service and the Marine Biological Laboratory. Dangers (65) Numerous ledges and shoals border the channel Channels (60) Woods Hole Passage, a dredged section through the through Woods Hole. Great Ledge, an extensive rocky shoal awash at low water with a full northwest gale, lies northern part of Woods Hole, connects Vineyard Sound between the entrances to Little and Great Harbors; it is and Great Harbor with Buzzards Bay, and consists of marked by a buoy. Coffin Rock, eastward of Great The Strait and a spur channel known as the Branch at Ledge and covered 5 feet, is marked by a lighted buoy the western end of The Strait, and Broadway, the 120 yards eastward of the rock. Nonamesset Shoal, southerly entrance to The Strait from Vineyard Sound. covered 10 feet, extends about 0.2 mile eastward from In August 1989, the controlling depths were 13 feet in Nonamesset Island, at the entrance to Great Harbor. The Strait, except for shoaling to 11 feet near the north Parker Flats extend as much as 200 yards off the east- edge of the channel between Buoys 2 and 6, 12 feet (13 ern shore of Great Harbor northward of Juniper Point. feet at midchannel) in the Branch, and 11 feet in Broad- Most of these dangers are marked by buoys. way. The northerly entrance from Great Harbor into (66) Fringing the passage westward of Great Harbor are The Strait is preferred over Broadway with its sharp many other ledges and shoals. Red Ledge, grassy, and turn, which is difficult in strong currents, especially for Grassy Island, with its surrounding ledge marked by a low-powered vessels and vessels under sail. light, are on the western side of Great Harbor Channel. (61) The passage through Woods Hole, between numer- Middle Ledge, which uncovers 1 foot in places and is ous ledges and shoals, is marked by navigational aids. marked by buoys, is on the south side of The Strait. A However, tidal currents are so strong that the passage ledge, awash at low water and marked by a light, is is difficult and dangerous without some local knowl- about 250 yards westward of Middle Ledge. Hadley edge. Buoys in the narrowest part of the channel some- Rock, covered 5 feet, is some 500 yards west-south- times are towed under, and a stranger should attempt westward of the light west of Middle Ledge. A rocky passage only at slack water. shoal area extends more than 0.3 mile westward of (62) The entrance to Great Harbor from Vineyard Penzance Point, the southern extremity of Penzance, Sound, between Great Ledge and Nonamesset Shoal,

Vineyard Sound and Buzzards Bay ■ Chapter 5 ■ 223 which is the curving peninsula sheltering the west and Wharves northwest sides of Great Harbor. Most of the dangers (73) The ferry pier of the Woods Hole-Martha’s Vineyard adjoining the passage channel are marked by naviga- tional aids. and Nantucket Steamship Authority is on the eastern side of Great Harbor. When a ferry is approaching in Tides and currents fog, a private fog signal is sounded, a private quick (67) The mean range of tide is 1.4 feet off Little Harbor, flashing white light is shown from the southwest cor- ner of the pier, and a private quick flashing yellow light about 1.8 feet off Woods Hole Oceanographic Institu- is shown from the southwest corner of the ferry slip. tion, and 3.6 feet off Hadley Harbor. Strong northwest- The ferry to Naushon Island lands at the service wharf erly winds may lower the water in the passage as much about 60 yards north of the ferry pier. The buildings as 2 feet. and wharf of the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institu- (68) The velocity of the current is about 3.5 knots in The tion are northwestward of the ferry pier. North- Strait southward of Penzance Point. (See the Tidal Cur- westward of the Oceanographic Institution are the rent Tables for predictions, and the Tidal Current wharves of the Marine Biological Laboratory; the Charts, Narragansett Bay to Nantucket Sound, for the wharf, basin, and buildings of the National Marine hourly velocities and directions of the current.) Both Fisheries Service; the town pier; and several private the velocity of the current and time of slack water are buildings. affected by strong winds. At the north entrance to (74) Depths at the principal piers vary from 11 to 30 Woods Hole in Buzzards Bay, the velocity of the tidal feet. A breakwater extends about 90 yards southwest- current is 0.8 knot, whereas at the eastern entrance to ward from the south end of the National Marine Fish- The Strait in Great Harbor, it is about 1.3 knots. In the eries Service wharf. The front entrance range light is upper part of Great Harbor, near the National Marine near the end of the breakwater. Foul ground extends Fisheries Service’s wharf, the currents are barely per- about 50 yards northwestward of the outer end of the ceptible, and vessels at anchor lie head to wind. breakwater. (69) Drift ice is brought through from Buzzards Bay, but seldom interferes with navigation except in unusu- (75) Eel Pond, an extension of Great Harbor to the ally severe winters, when it may close the entrance northeastward, is a basin with depths of 10 to 20 feet. In from the bay. Small craft may experience difficulty in September 2001, the narrow entrance to the pond had severe winters, but powered vessels usually proceed a reported controlling depth of 6 feet. A highway bridge through the ice. The strong tidal currents usually keep over the entrance channel has a 31-foot bascule span Great Harbor open. with a clearance of 5 feet. (See 117.1 through 117.59 and 117.598, chapter 2, for drawbridge regulations.) Pilotage: Woods Hole The piers of the Marine Biological Laboratory are along (70) Pilotage service is available for the harbor. (See Pi- the southwest side of the pond. A boatyard in Eel Pond has water, some marine supplies, limited berths with lotage, Vineyard Sound, this chapter.) electricity, and can do engine repairs. The harbor- master has an office in Falmouth. Routes (71) The following directions are good for medium- (76) Seasonal ferry service is available from Woods Hole to Nantucket and Oak Bluffs, Martha’s Vineyard. draft vessels entering Woods Hole at slack water. Ap- Year-round ferry service is available to Vineyard Haven, proaching from the eastward, pass about 0.3 mile Martha’s Vineyard. southward of Nobska Point on a west-southwesterly course until on Great Harbor Lighted Range, or from a (77) Woods Hole Coast Guard Station is on the west point close to Nobska Point Lighted Bell Buoy 26, steer side of Little Harbor about 450 yards northward of Ju- 279° until on the entrance range. Approaching from niper Point. A dredged buoyed channel leads from Vine- the westward in Vineyard Sound, give the south side of yard Sound to a turning basin off the Coast Guard the Elizabeth Islands a berth of about 0.5 mile and steer wharf on the west shore. In 2001, the controlling depth for Nobska Point Light on any bearing between 045° was 16 feet for a width of 150 feet in the channel with 15 and 051° until on the entrance range. feet available in the basin. The east side of the harbor is used as a mooring area for local craft. A depth of 15 feet Towage is available in the mooring area. Numerous rocks (72) A 200 hp tug is available at Woods Hole. awash are in this part of the harbor; extreme caution is advised. A 6 mph speed limit is enforced in the harbor by the Falmouth Harbormaster.

224 ■ Chapter 5 ■ Volume 2 (78) Hadley Harbor, in the western portion of Woods occasionally by local fishermen. It has been reported Hole at the northwest end of Nonamesset Island, is that currents sometimes reach a velocity of 5 knots in suitable only for small craft. It is reached by a narrow, the passage. The velocity in the narrow part is about 3 crooked channel. The deeper entrance, marked by knots. The flood sets southeastward and the ebb buoys, is between ledges on both sides; the northern northwestward into Buzzards Bay. (See the Tidal Cur- ledge is marked by a private daybeacon. The inner har- rent Tables for predictions, and the Tidal Current bor forms a well-sheltered anchorage for small craft. Charts, Narragansett Bay to Nantucket Island, for the hourly velocities and directions of the current.) (79) Two wharves, with depths of about 9 feet at their (87) Quicks Hole, between Pasque Island and ends, are on the western side of Hadley Harbor. A pri- Nashawena Island, is the only passage between Vine- vate wharf, with a depth of about 7 feet at its end, is at yard Sound and Buzzards Bay eastward of Cuttyhunk the western end of Nonamesset Island. available for vessels of over 10-foot draft. The clearly defined entrance from Vineyard Sound, about 0.6 mile Charts 13233, 13230, 13229 wide, is about 4 miles southwestward of Tarpaulin Cove and about 5 miles north of Gay Head. The passage is (80) Naushon Island, the largest of the Elizabeth Is- used considerably by tows, especially during westerly lands, extends west-southwestward from Uncatena and or southerly winds, to avoid the very heavy sea in the Nonamesset Islands. entrance to Vineyard Sound, and also because a secure anchorage from these winds can be had, if necessary, (81) Weepecket Islands, in Buzzards Bay off the north- on the north side of Nashawena Island. The passage is eastern part of Naushon Island, are bare and rocky. considered unsafe for a long tow at night, but otherwise it may be used by steamers either night or day. (82) Weepecket Rock, on a rocky ledge about 0.7 mile (88) Vessels should follow a midchannel course through northeastward of the northernmost of the Weepecket the passage. The channel is nearly straight with a width Islands, is covered 8 feet, and is marked by a lighted of about 0.2 mile. General depths are 30 feet or more, gong buoy. but there are several shoaler spots. Rocks covered 27 to 37 feet are near the center of the channel. Because of (83) Lackeys Bay, between Nonamesset Island and Jobs the broken nature of the bottom, the passage is not rec- Neck, the southeastern extremity of Naushon Island, is ommended for a stranger drawing more than 21 feet. shoal with numerous bare rocks. Buoys mark the channel. (89) The aids in Quicks Hole are colored and numbered Note for passage from Vineyard Sound to Buzzards Bay. (84) In November 1990, unexploded World War II ord- (90) The eastern side of Quicks Hole is foul, and no at- tempt should be made to pass eastward of the lighted nance was reported about 0.5 mile southeastward of buoy. Felix Ledge, 0.2 mile off the eastern shore of Lackeys Bay in about 41°29'34.5\"N., 70°41'15.0\"W. Nashawena Island, is covered 15 feet and marked by a buoy. (85) Tarpaulin Cove, about 5 miles west-southwest of (91) A sunken wreck, covered 30 feet, is on the west side Nobska Point, is a bight about 0.5 mile in diameter, in of the passage in about 41°26.6'N., 70°51.1'W. the south shore of Naushon Island. The cove affords (92) Lone Rock, covered 8 feet and marked by a lighted shelter from northerly and westerly winds, and is fre- buoy, is off the northern entrance, about 0.7 mile quently used. A light is on the southwest side of the northward of North Point, the northeastern extremity cove. Anchorage in depths of 14 to 18 feet, good holding of Nashawena Island. Tide rips have been observed be- ground, is in the cove with the light bearing between tween North Point and Lone Rock during spring tides. 212° and 189°. Deep-draft vessels should anchor far- ther out in depths of 36 feet or more. The eastern and northern shores should be given a berth of 200 yards. Rocks are near the western shore and should be given a berth of over 300 yards; buoys mark the dangers. Charts 13233, 13230, 13229 Tides and currents (93) The mean range of tide is 2.5 feet at the south end (86) Robinsons Hole is a narrow buoyed passage from Vineyard Sound to Buzzards Bay between the western and 3.5 feet at the north end of Quicks Hole. The tidal end of Naushon Island and the eastern end of Pasque Is- currents have considerable velocity in Quicks Hole, land. It has numerous rocks and ledges, and strong about 2 to 2.5 knots, and a sailing vessel should not at- tidal currents. The buoys often tow under, and the pas- tempt to pass through unless with a strong favorable sage should never be attempted by strangers; it is used wind on a favorable current. Deep-draft vessels should be careful not to be set off their courses. With a strong westward current through Vineyard Sound, there is a

Vineyard Sound and Buzzards Bay ■ Chapter 5 ■ 225 northward current through Quicks Hole; with a strong Cuttyhunk Pond; the latter is entered through a eastward current in Vineyard Sound, the current sets dredged cut in the eastern end of Cuttyhunk Island. southward through Quicks Hole. Strong winds affect Copicut Neck forms the northerly side of Cuttyhunk the regularity of the currents. (See the Tidal Current Pond. Tables for predictions, and the Tidal Current Charts, (96) Prominent from offshore is a 50-foot-high monu- Narragansett Bay to Nantucket Sound, for the hourly ment on an island in Westend Pond on the western end velocities and directions of the current.) of Cuttyhunk Island. (97) Vessels bound for Cuttyhunk Harbor generally ap- (94) Penikese Island, grassy and hilly, is about 1.3 miles proach from Buzzards Bay. The principal dangers are northwestward of Knox Point, the northwestern ex- marked by buoys. Strangers should not enter except in tremity of Nashawena Island. Shoal water extends from the daytime with clear weather. If entering from the Penikese Island to Gull Island, a small islet 0.5 mile northwestward, a greater draft than 10 feet should not southeastward. No attempt should be made to pass be- be taken in. The approach from northeastward is tween them. Rocky ledges extend southward and west- deeper. ward from Gull Island; buoys are on the southern edge (98) Canapitsit Channel, between the east end of of this area. The channels to Cuttyhunk Harbor from Cuttyhunk Island and Nashawena Island, is used by Buzzards Bay are southward of the ledges. small boats and is partially marked by buoys. In Decem- ber 2007, the channel had a controlling depth of 4 feet. (95) Cuttyhunk Harbor is formed by the bight between The buoys at this entrance are often dragged off station Nashawena Island and Cuttyhunk Island, the western- by strong currents and heavy seas. The channel should most of the Elizabeth Islands. Northward of the harbor never be used during a heavy ground swell. With south- are Penikese and Gull Islands and several ledges, which erly winds, heavy seas will break across the entrance. shelter the harbor from winds from that direction. The harbor is exposed to winds from the northeastward. Channels Weather-bound coasting vessels and fishermen some- (99) A dredged channel leads from Cuttyhunk Harbor times use the anchorage in the harbor. The harbor is the approach to the village of Cuttyhunk and to into Cuttyhunk Pond to a turning basin at the western

226 ■ Chapter 5 ■ Volume 2 terminal in the pond and an anchorage basin in the Tides and currents eastern part of the pond north of the channel. In De- (104) The mean range of tide at Cuttyhunk Pond en- cember 2007, the entrance channel into the pond had a controlling depth of 2.1 feet (7.2 feet at midchannel), trance is 3.4 feet. The current velocity in Canapitsit thence 9.2 feet in the pond channel to the turning ba- Channel is 2.6 knots on the flood which sets sin, with 8.3 to 10 feet in the turning basin. The an- south-southeastward, and 1.7 knots on the ebb which chorage basin had depths of 8.5 to 10 feet. The jettied sets northwestward. In the channel southward of entrance is marked by a light on the north jetty and by a Penikese Island, the flood sets eastward and the ebb buoy off the end of the submerged south jetty. A bell westward at about 0.8 knot. (See Tide Tables and Tidal buoy marks the entrance to the channel. Current Tables for predictions, and the Tidal Current Charts, Narragansett Bay to Nantucket Sound, for the Anchorage hourly velocities and directions of the current.) (100) Limited anchorage with reported poor holding (105) Drift ice is carried into Cuttyhunk Harbor with northerly winds and closes the harbor during severe ground may be found in depths of 10 to 24 feet in winters. Cuttyhunk Harbor. The shores on both sides of the har- bor are foul, and the anchorage is in the middle. Small-craft facilities (106) There is a service wharf on the south side of the Dangers (101) Shoals extend 0.6 mile northeastward of Cutty- channel at the entrance to the pond and a marina on the south side of the basin at the head of the channel in hunk Island. Whale Rock and Pease Ledge uncover at the pond. A yacht club and a fishing club are on the is- low water. Middle Ground, covered 9 feet, is 0.5 mile land. Gasoline, diesel fuel, water, ice, berths with elec- north of Copicut Neck in the northwestern approach to tricity, and some marine supplies are available. Limited the harbor. Middle Ledge, covered 15 feet, is about 0.4 lodging in cottages is available on the island. The mile east of Middle Ground. Edwards Rock, covered 7 harbormaster can be reached by telephone feet, is 250 yards northeastward of Whale Rock. These (508-966-9295). There is daily launch service with New dangers, except for Middle Ledge, are buoyed. An un- Bedford in the summer and twice weekly in the winter; marked rocky shoal, covered 12 feet, is in the middle of seaplane service is also available. the northwestern approach about 0.2 mile southeast- ward of Middle Ledge. Numerous other rocks and Charts 13218, 13228, 13230, 13229 ledges covered 4 to 12 feet are between Cuttyhunk Is- land and the ledges southwestward of Penikese and (107) Buzzards Bay is the approach to New Bedford, Gull Islands. The eastern point at the entrance and the many small towns and villages, and the entrance of eastern shore of the harbor should be given a berth of Cape Cod Canal. The bay indents the south shore of over 300 yards. Massachusetts, extending in a northeasterly direction from Rhode Island Sound. The bay is enclosed on the Routes south side, and separated from Vineyard Sound, by the (102) In approaching Cuttyhunk Harbor from eastward in Elizabeth Islands. Buzzards Bay, take care to avoid Lone Rock, 0.7 mile (108) The shores are irregular, rocky in character, and northward of the northeastern end of Nashawena Island. broken by many bays and rivers. Large boulders are Thence pass northwestward of Cuttyhunk East Entrance common, in places extending a considerable distance Lighted Bell Buoy CH (41°26.6'N., 70°53.4'W), and from shore, thus making close approach to the shore thence to anchorage according to draft in the harbor. dangerous. (103) In approaching from westward, from a position about midway between Ribbon Reef and the Cuttyhunk (109) The bottom in the main part of the bay and ap- Island monument (41°24.8'N., 70°56.8'W.), steer 051° proach is very broken with boulder reefs in places. Ves- until abeam of Middle Ground Buoy MG, distance 600 sels should proceed with caution when crossing shoal yards. Pass midway between Middle Ground and areas in the tributaries of the bay where the depths are Penikese Island, passing northward of Middle Ledge not more than about 6 feet greater than the draft. Cau- and the 12-foot spot southeastward of it, and then tion must also be exercised in the vicinity of the wrecks swinging southeasterly to the harbor anchorage, or shown on the chart. Deep water prevails as far as Wings southward to the entrance to Cuttyhunk Pond. Neck, above which the bay is full of shoals. (110) Cape Cod South Closure Area, a Marine Protected Area (MPA), includes the inshore waters of Buzzards Bay and offshore Federal waters of the south coast of

Vineyard Sound and Buzzards Bay ■ Chapter 5 ■ 227 Massachusetts. (See Appendix C, for additional infor- major entrances are the main channel, from westward, mation.) passing north of Cuttyhunk Island; Cape Cod Canal from northeastward; and Quicks Hole and Woods Hole (111) Traffic Separation Scheme (Buzzards Bay) has from the southward. The two hazardous entrances are been established in the approach to Buzzards Bay Canapitsit Channel, between Cuttyhunk and Nasha- through Rhode Island Sound. (See charts 13218 and wena Islands, and Robinsons Hole, between Pasque and 12300.) Naushon Islands. (122) The western entrance has a clear width of 4.3 miles (112) The Scheme is composed basically of directed traf- between Sow and Pigs Reef and Hen and Chickens. The fic lanes, each with one-way inbound and outbound bottom in this entrance is irregular and rocky, and traffic lanes separated by a defined traffic separation there are spots with depths of 17 to 34 feet. Because zone and a precautionary area. The Scheme is recom- these shoal areas are surrounded by deeper water, ves- mended for use by vessels approaching or departing sels of 16-foot draft or more must exercise extra cau- from Buzzards Bay, but is not necessarily intended for tion when entering the bay. In heavy southwest gales tugs, tows, or other small vessels which traditionally the sea breaks over some of these spots. operate outside of the usual steamer lanes or close in- (123) The best guides for entering the bay from westward shore. are Buzzards Bay Entrance Light and the lighted buoys in the entrance. Gay Head Light and Buzzards Bay En- (113) The Traffic Separation Scheme has been designed trance Light are the guides for vessels approaching to aid in the prevention of collisions at the approaches from the southward. to the major harbors, but is not intended in any way to (124) Buzzards Bay Entrance Light (41°23'49\"N., supersede or alter the applicable Navigation Rules. 71°02'05\"W.), 67 feet above the water, is shown from a Separation zones are intended to separate inbound tower on a red square superstructure on red piles about and outbound traffic lanes and be free of ship traffic, 4 miles 255° from the southwest corner of Cuttyhunk and should not be used except for crossing purposes. Island. The name BUZZARDS is painted in white on the Mariners should use extreme caution when crossing sides. A fog signal and racon are at the light. traffic lanes and separation zones. (See Traffic Separa- (125) Recommended Vessel Route (Buzzards Bay) has tion Schemes, chapter 1, for additional information.) been established in the approach to Buzzards Bay through Rhode Island Sound. (114) The precautionary area in the southwest part of (126) The U.S. Coast Guard Captain of the Port, Provi- Rhode Island Sound has a radius of 5.4 miles centered dence, in cooperation with the Southeastern Massa- on 41°06'06\"N., 71°23'22\"W., excluding those areas of chusetts and Rhode Island Port Safety and Security the circle bounded by imaginary lines extended be- Committees, has established a Recommended Vessel tween the outer limits of the inbound and outbound Route for deep draft vessels and tugs/barges transiting traffic lanes. (Note that this precautionary area is com- Rhode Island Sound, Narragansett Bay, and Buzzards mon to the Traffic Separation Schemes for the ap- Bay. Deep draft vessels and tugs/barges are requested to proaches to both Buzzards Bay and Narragansett Bay. follow the designated routes. These routes were de- The Traffic Separation Scheme for the approach to signed to provide safe, established routes for these ves- Narragansett Bay is described in chapter 6.) sels, to reduce the potential for conflict with recreational boaters, fishing gear, and other small (115) The separation zone is a 1-mile-wide zone centered craft, and to reduce the potential for grounding or col- in the following positions: lision. Vessels are responsible for their own safety and are not required to remain inside the route nor are fish- (116) (i) 41°10'09\"N., 71°19'09\"W., erman required to keep fishing gear outside the route. (117) (ii) 41°21'48\"N., 71°07'06\"W. Small vessels should exercise caution in and around (118) The inbound traffic lane is a 1-mile-wide lane with the Recommended Vessel Routes and monitor VHF channels 16 or 13 for information concerning deep a length of about 14.8 miles. Entering the traffic lane at draft vessels and tugs/barges transiting these routes. a point in about 41°09'36\"N., 71°18'00\"W., a course of 038° follows the centerline of the traffic lane to its end, Anchorages thence steer usual courses to destination. (127) New Bedford Inner Harbor affords anchorage for (119) The outbound traffic lane is a 1-mile-wide lane with a length of about 14.8 miles. Entering the traffic vessels of 25-foot draft. Cuttyhunk Harbor affords an- lane at a point in about 41°22'25\"N., 71°08'06\"W., a chorage in depths of 10 to 24 feet; except for the course of 218° follows the centerline of the traffic lane small-craft inner harbor, it is exposed to northerly to a junction with the precautionary area. (120) The Traffic Separation Scheme is not buoyed. (121) Buzzards Bay has six entrances, but two of these are so narrow and dangerous as to exclude their use ex- cept by small craft with local knowledge. The four

228 ■ Chapter 5 ■ Volume 2 winds. A good anchorage sheltered from all southerly (148) Sow and Pigs Reef, much of which is dry or awash, winds may be had off the north shore of Nashawena Is- extends about 1.5 miles west-southwestward from land eastward of Penikese and Gull Islands in depths of Cuttyhunk Island. Its outer end is marked by a lighted 40 to 48 feet. This anchorage, frequently used by tows, bell buoy. An unmarked rock strewn shoal, covered 20 is available for vessels of any draft; however, care must feet, is 0.9 mile westward of Cuttyhunk Island. Numer- be taken to stay clear of the fishtrap area in the vicinity. ous obstructions and rocks were reported to extend as Two general anchorages are off the western entrance to much as 3 miles southward of Sow and Pigs Reef. Cape Cod Canal. (See 110.1 and 110.140 (b) (1), (b) (2), and (d), chapter 2, for limits and regulations.) (149) Ribbon Reef, a detached ledge covered 18 feet, is about 1.5 miles northwestward of Cuttyhunk Island. No-Discharge Zone Coxens Ledge, covered 28 feet and marked by a lighted (128) The State of Massachusetts, with the approval of bell buoy, is 1.2 miles northward of Ribbon Reef. the Environmental Protection Agency, has established (150) Mishaum Ledge, a group of several rocky spots a No-Discharge Zone (NDZ) in Buzzards Bay. The area with a least depth of 8 feet, extends about 1.7 miles covered is bounded by the points southward of Mishaum Point. It is marked by a lighted (129) 41°29'48\"N., 71°07'13\"W. gong buoy off its southeast end. A lighted bell buoy (130) 41°25'05\"N., 71°05'46\"W. marks a rocky shoal covered 22 feet about 1 mile (131) 41°25'25\"N., 71°03'32\"W. north-northwestward of the north end of Penikese Is- (132) 41°22'30\"N., 70°59'52\"W. land. An unmarked rocky shoal covered 18 feet is 0.5 (133) 41°24'33\"N., 70°56'57\"W. mile north of the island. (134) 41°25'17\"N., 70°54'30\"W. (135) 41°25'17\"N., 70°54'12\"W. Tides and currents (136) 41°26'24\"N., 70°51'20\"W. (151) The mean range of tide varies from 3.0 feet at (137) 41°26'45\"N., 70°50'23\"W. (138) 41°26'57\"N., 70°48'29\"W Westport Harbor to 4.2 feet at Bird Island near the head (139) 41°26'59\"N., 70°48'18\"W. of the bay. The tidal currents in the passages between (140) 41°30'35\"N., 70°42'06\"W. Buzzards Bay and Vineyard Sound have considerable (141) 41°30'38\"N., 70°41'58\"W. velocity and require special attention. At Hen and (142) 41°30'55\"N., 70°40'52\"W. Chickens Lighted Gong Buoy 3, the tidal current is ro- (143) 41°31'14\"N., 70°40'58\"W. tary, turning clockwise. Tide rips occur when a sea is (144) 41°44'15\"N., 70°37'27\"W. (west canal entrance), and running against the current. Maximum velocities are (145) 41°44'11\"N., 70°37'21\"W. (east canal entrance), about 0.5 knot. Minimum velocities average about 0.2 and includes all waters of Buzzards Bay (see chart knot. (See the Tide Tables and Tidal Current Tables for 13218 for limits). predictions, and the Tidal Current Charts, Narragansett (146) Within the NDZ, discharge of sewage, whether Bay to Nantucket Sound, for the hourly velocities and treated or untreated, from all vessels is prohibited. directions of the current.) Outside the NDZ, discharge of sewage is regulated by 40 CFR 140 (see chapter 2). Ice (152) The head of Buzzards Bay and the harbors in that Dangers (147) Hen and Chickens, extending 1.4 miles southward vicinity are generally closed to navigation during the winter. The approaches to the harbors on the eastern of Gooseberry Neck, is a reef consisting of many large shore are rendered dangerous by drift ice. In severe boulders, most of them baring a foot or less. The reef is winters the drift ice extends across the bay and joins in two large groups; the southerly group is the larger. the local formations on the western shore, forming an Numerous covered rocks are well away from the visible impassable barrier for short periods. Ice forms more part of the danger. A narrow ledge covered 5 to 14 feet rapidly in the bay with winds from north to west as the extends about 0.4 mile northward from the visible part western shore forms a shelter from such winds. When of Hen and Chickens. A buoy is north of the ledge. Old the field ice extends sufficiently out toward the channel Cock, a rock awash, and The Wildcat, covered 5 feet as to be affected by the winds from north to west, the and unmarked, are in the southern shoal area. The outer edges are broken up and carried off to the eastern south edge of the shoal is marked by a buoy. Strangers or southern shore where they form drift ice. Under or- are advised to stay outside the 5-fathom curve in this dinary circumstances a northeast wind, if continued vicinity. for 48 hours, will clear the bay of ice. Southerly winds, especially southeastern, diminish the extent and weaken the strength of the pack. Some of the lighted

Vineyard Sound and Buzzards Bay ■ Chapter 5 ■ 229 buoys are removed from station or replaced by unlighted buoy on the north side; these buoys mark unlighted buoys when endangered by ice. reefs that extend westward from both entrance points. Seasonal private buoys mark the channel in the harbor. (153) The southern side of Buzzards Bay from Cuttyhunk (159) In 1981, it was reported that 4 feet could be taken to Woods Hole has been discussed previously in this through the narrow, privately marked channel in the chapter. harbor to the anchorage basin off the town wharf at the village of West Falmouth on the east shore of the har- Charts 13230, 13229 bor. Depths of 5 feet were reported alongside the wharf in 1981. The harbormaster has an office at the town (154) Quissett Harbor, 1.7 miles northeastward of the wharf. A 6 mph speed limit is enforced in the harbor. western entrance to Woods Hole, is used by small plea- sure craft. The Knob, a small hillock on the north point Charts 13236, 13229 of the entrance, and the homes on the eastern shore of the harbor are prominent. A standpipe, 1.2 miles (160) Wild Harbor (41°38.3'N., 70°38.9'W.), 7 miles north- northeastward of the entrance, is conspicuous. ward of Woods Hole, is a small cove on the south side of Nyes Neck affording anchorage in northerly or easterly (155) A seasonal lighted buoy marks the entrance, and winds. A tower on Nyes Neck is prominent. The en- buoys mark the entrance channel, thence private sea- trance is clear in midchannel, with depths of 13 to 20 sonal aids mark the best water to the northeast end of feet inside. A seasonal lighted buoy marks the entrance, the harbor. In August 1981, a depth of about 8 feet was and buoys mark the shoals extending from the en- reported available in the channel. Mariners are advised trance points. The shores are foul, and the easterly part to steer a midchannel course through the entire en- of the harbor is shoal. The reported depth in the pri- trance channel to avoid numerous rocks on both sides vately dredged channel into Silver Beach Harbor to a of the channel. small basin is about 3 feet, but is subject to shoaling. A stone jetty extends off the south side of the entrance to (156) Anchorage can be found in the middle of the harbor the basin. The basin is a special anchorage. (See 110.1 in depths of 11 to 18 feet, sticky bottom. Local craft and 110.40, chapter 2, for limits and regulations.) generally moor in the northeastern part of the harbor off the boatyard at the town of Quissett. The boatyard (161) A town wharf and surfaced ramp are in the basin. In has an L-shaped pier and a float which was reported to August 1981, depths of 4 feet to bare were reported have about 15 feet alongside. Water, ice, moorings, alongside the wharf. Ice and provisions are available. some marine supplies, storage facilities, and marine railways up to 40 feet are available; hull and engine re- (162) Megansett Harbor, the approach to the towns of pairs can be made. The harbormaster can be contacted North Falmouth, Megansett, and Cataumet, is entered through the boatyard. between Nyes Neck on the south and Scraggy Neck on the north. The natural channel is buoyed as far as the (157) Hamlin Point, 2 miles north-northeastward of rock breakwater at Megansett. The breakwater is Quissett Harbor, is marked by a prominent hotel with marked at the end by a light. A yacht club and a town twin cupolas. A shoal, covered 10 feet near its outer wharf are just inside the breakwater. In August 1981, end, extends about 1 mile westward of the point. depths of 4 to 5 feet were reported alongside the wharf; Gifford Ledge, covered 9 feet, is 1.4 miles north- water is available. The harbor has extensive shoals and northwestward of Hamlin Point. Great Sippewisset ledges, but by following the buoyed channel a draft of Rock, awash and marked by a private seasonal day- about 8 feet can be carried to an anchorage in the outer beacon, is 0.4 mile offshore about 1.1 miles northward harbor in depths of 10 to 22 feet. Inside the breakwater, of Hamlin Point. A shoal area, foul with rocks awash anchorage is available in 6 to 12 feet, taking care to and covered, extends 0.3 mile offshore eastward of the avoid the shoals on the north side of the harbor and the daybeacon. rock awash near the center in 41°39'27\"N., 70°37'31\"W. Cataumet Rock, covered 6 feet and marked by a buoy, is (158) West Falmouth Harbor, 5 miles northward of on the south side of the entrance; Seal Rocks are on the Woods Hole, has depths of 1 to 6 feet and bares in places north side and marked by a seasonal lighted buoy. at low water. The entrance is protected by a breakwater extending about 700 feet southward of Little Island, (163) Fiddlers Cove (41°38.9'N., 70°38.2'W.) is a the north point of the entrance, and by a short jetty on small-craft harbor on the south shore of Megansett the northwest end of Chappaquoit Point. A tower and Harbor, about 0.5 mile east-southeastward of Cataumet the summer homes on Chappaquoit Point are promi- Rock. A channel, privately dredged to a reported depth nent. The entrance is marked by a seasonal lighted bell of 7 feet, leads southward to a marina and boatyard in a buoy and an unlighted buoy on the south side and by an

230 ■ Chapter 5 ■ Volume 2 dredged basin on the east side of the cove. A seasonal caution is advised. A boulder reef extends northeast- lighted buoy marks the approach, and private buoys ward from Scraggy Neck in the approach to the cove. mark the channel. Gasoline, diesel fuel, ice, a pump- Several private piers with depths of 5 to 8 feet alongside out station and wet and dry storage are available; lift ca- are in the cove. pacity, 35 tons. Hull, engine and electronic repairs can (170) Red Brook Harbor, eastward of Bassetts Island, is be made. In April 2002, the reported approach and approached from the northward through the channel alongside depth was 7 feet. that leads through Pocasset Harbor, and from the (164) Halftide Rock, awash at low water, is about 500 southward through the channel that leads through yards southwestward of the end of the Megansett break- Hospital Cove. Hen Cove is immediately northward of water. Rands Harbor, about 0.3 mile east of Fiddlers Red Brook Harbor. The channels are buoyed. In August Cove, is a private boat basin with little or no water. 1981, reported depths of 8 feet and 6 feet could be car- (165) Squeteague Harbor, northward of Megansett, is en- ried through the north and south channels, respec- tered through a narrow channel from the head of tively. Because of numerous submerged rocks in and Megansett Harbor. The privately marked channel had a near the edges of the channel, local knowledge is ad- reported depth of about 2 feet in 1981; however, depths vised. of 5 to 7 feet are reported to be available in the channel (171) A marina is on the east shore of Red Brook Harbor to the harbor; local knowledge is advised. The village of about 500 yards southeastward of Handy Point; a Cataumet is on the northerly shore of the harbor. 60-ton lift is available. A boatyard with a 35-ton mobile (166) Seal Rocks, about 0.3 mile southwestward of lift is on the east side of the small cove, about 300 yards Scraggy Neck, on the north side of Megansett Harbor south of the marina. Both facilities have berths, elec- entrance, are partly bare at half tide and marked by a tricity, gasoline, diesel fuel, water, ice, marine supplies, buoy about 300 yards southwest of their southern end. and storage facilities, and can make hull and engine re- Part of an old concrete barge is aground on the rocks. pairs. Electronic repairs can be made at the marina. Southwest Ledge, extending about 0.7 mile westward Depths of 8 feet are reported at the marina berths and of Seal Rocks, consists of two patches of shoals covered at the boatyard berths. by 2 to 18 feet and marked by buoys on its northern, (172) Wings Neck, 9 miles northward of Woods Hole, ex- western, and southern sides. A rock awash is in the tends about 2 miles in a west-southwest direction into northerly shoal. Buzzards Bay. The neck is a prominent peninsula, ir- (167) Pocasset Harbor and Red Brook Harbor share a regular, and hilly. The anchorage areas southwestward common entrance between Scraggy Neck and Wings of the neck are discussed with the Cape Cod Canal. A Neck. Bassetts Island separates Pocasset Harbor from yacht club and private piers are on the east shore of the Red Brook Harbor. Broken ground with depths of 17 to neck. Traffic signals for the Cape Cod Canal are displayed 19 feet in places extends across the entrance. Entering from a tower on Wings Neck. (See 207.20, chapter 2, about 250 yards north of buoys marking the north side for details.) of Southwest Ledge, vessels of about 14-foot draft can (173) Pocasset River, between the northeastern end of anchor westward of Eustis Rock Buoy in depths of 20 to Wings Neck and Bennets Neck, is entered from the 30 feet. This anchorage is exposed to westerly winds. north side of Wings Neck through a privately dredged Eustis Rock, about 0.2 mile north of Scraggy Neck, is channel that leads southward between two jetties to a covered 5 feet and marked by a buoy. The area eastward highway bridge about 0.4 mile above the entrance. In of Eustis Rock to Bassetts Island is shoal. June 2001, a reported depth of 6 feet could be carried to (168) A narrow buoyed channel, with a reported depth of the bridge. The bridge has a fixed span with a clearance about 8 feet in August 1981, leads north of Bassetts Is- of 7 feet. Only very small boats go above the bridge. A land to Pocasset Harbor. Barlows Landing, at the boatyard is on the south side of the river at the bridge. northeast end of the harbor, has a depth of 1½ feet. A Water, berths with electricity, storage facilities, a small-craft launching ramp is just south of the landing. 35-foot marine railway, and a 5-ton lift are available; (169) Hospital Cove, about 0.2 mile southward of the hull and engine repairs can be made. A town wharf and southern end of Bassetts Island, is entered through a floats are on the north side of the river at the bridge. natural buoyed channel that leads southeastward from (174) Tobys Island, just northward of the entrance of a point about 0.4 mile east-southeastward of Eustis Pocasset River and on the south side of Phinneys Har- Rock to a small anchorage in the cove. A depth of about bor, is connected to the mainland by a causeway. 6 feet can be carried in the channel, and there are (175) Phinneys Harbor, between Tobys Island on the east depths of 8 to 14 feet in the anchorage. In August 1981, and Mashnee Island on the west, is approached from a shoal at the south tip of Bassetts Island was reported Buzzards Bay through a buoyed channel that leads to be shifting westward in the vicinity of Buoy 3; along the northerly side of Wings Neck to another

Vineyard Sound and Buzzards Bay ■ Chapter 5 ■ 231 buoyed channel into the harbor. A light is at the bend of ramp at Barlows Landing and then brought to the yard the approach channel. Depths of about 10 feet can be for hull and engine repairs or dry open or covered stor- carried in the inner channel, and greater depths are age. A launching ramp and marine supplies are avail- available in the approach channel. The harbor is used able at the yard. as an anchorage by small boats. Mashnee Island, once (178) Gray Gables is on the north side of the head of the an island, is now connected with the mainland by a Back River. landfill causeway. A group of rocks awash, marked by a buoy, is 0.2 mile off the east shore of the harbor, and an- Cape Cod Canal other rock, covered 4 feet, and marked by a buoy, is 0.1 mile north of Tobys Island. (179) Cape Cod Canal is a deep-draft sea-level waterway (176) The village of Monument Beach is on the east connecting Buzzards Bay and Cape Cod Bay. The water- shore. A marina is at the long town pier in the cove in way is 15 miles long from Cleveland East Ledge Light the southeastern corner of the harbor. Berthage in 5 to deep water in Cape Cod Bay. The canal shortens the feet is available at the pier. Gasoline, water, ice, elec- distance between points north and south of Cape Cod tricity, a pump-out station, and a surfaced ramp are by 50 to 150 miles and provides an inside passage to available. avoid Nantucket Shoals. The canal is maintained by the (177) Back River, a stream which is nearly bare except Federal Government as a free waterway. (See 207.20, near its entrance, empties into the north side of chapter 2, for the regulations governing the use, ad- Phinneys Harbor. Small craft sometimes anchor in the ministration, and navigation of the Cape Cod Canal.) entrance. A railroad bridge and a highway bridge cross- ing the river about 0.2 mile above the mouth have fixed (180) Traffic lights (red, green, and yellow) are located at spans with a minimum clearance of 4 feet. A boatyard is the easterly canal entrance at Sandwich; at the Canal on the south bank between the bridges. In August 1981, Electric Terminal basin on the south side of the canal at a depth of about 1½ feet was reported available in the Sandwich; and at the westerly entrance of Hog Island river to the boatyard. A forklift is used to haul out boats Channel at Wings Neck. These signals apply to all ves- up to 26 feet at the yard, while boats up to 37 feet in sels over 65 feet in length that desire to transit the length can be hauled out on a flatbed trailer at a paved canal. (See 207.20 (h), chapter 2, for detailed informa- tion on signals.)

232 ■ Chapter 5 ■ Volume 2 Prominent features Channels (181) Cleveland East Ledge Light (41°37'51\"N., (183) A Federal project provides for a channel 32 feet 70°41'39\"W.), 74 feet above the water, is shown from a deep through the Cape Cod Canal. (See Notice to Mari- white cylindrical tower and dwelling on a red caisson ners and latest editions of the chart for controlling on the east side of the entrance channel approaching depths.) Deep-draft vessels should obtain the latest in- Cape Cod Canal from Buzzards Bay. A racon and fog formation as to available depths so as to pass through signal are at the light station. The railroad bridge over the canal during maximum stages of high water if the the canal at the village of Buzzards Bay, and the high- draft of the vessel is near the controlling depth. In way bridge at Bourne are also prominent. 1981, it was reported that the east entrance was being (182) Canal Breakwater Light 6 (41°46'47\"N., privately maintained to a depth of 40 feet to the New 70°29'23\"W.), 43 feet above the water, is shown from a England Petroleum Company wharf about 1.2 miles red cylindrical tower on the end of the north breakwa- west of Canal Breakwater Light 6. ter at the east entrance to Cape Cod Canal from Cape (184) The approach channels from both the west and the Cod Bay. A fog signal is at the light. The most promi- east are marked with lighted ranges and other naviga- nent landmark when approaching from Cape Cod Bay tional aids. The canal itself is lighted at night on both is the tall lighted stack of the powerplant about 1.1 banks by mercury vapor lights, generally 500 feet apart. miles west-southwestward of Canal Breakwater Light 6. The high-level highway bridge across the canal at Anchorages Sagamore, 2.5 miles west of the breakwater light, is (185) General anchorages are on each side of Cleveland also prominent. The breakwaters at the east entrance to the canal should not be confused with the smaller Ledge Channel between Cleveland Ledge Light and jetties at Sandwich Harbor, 1 mile to the southeast- Wings Neck. (See 110.1 and 110.140 (b) and (d), ward, nor should the two white church spires back of chapter 2, for limits and regulations.) In 1971, a dan- Sandwich Harbor be mistaken for the range structure gerous submerged rock was reported just inside the marking the entrance to the canal. easterly edge of Anchorage D in about 41°40'05\"N., 70°40'17\"W. In January 1984, an obstruction was re- ported in Anchorage C in about 41°40'00\"N., 70°41'35\"W.

Vineyard Sound and Buzzards Bay ■ Chapter 5 ■ 233 (186) Mooring basins, with tieup dolphins, are at both congested with ice that navigation through the canal is ends of the canal. One is on the east side of Hog Island prevented. Channel abreast of Hog Island, where shoaling to bare in about 41°43'49\"N., 70°37'53\"W. was reported in Sep- North Atlantic Right Whales tember 1979. The other is just inside the eastern en- (193) Endangered North Atlantic right whales have been trance to the canal. A small boat basin is on the south side of the channel just inside the eastern entrance to reported within the Cape Cod Canal and in the vicinity the canal; depths of 8 to 13 feet were available in the ba- of the Canal's east entrance. The Cape Cod Marine Traf- sin in June 1969. fic Controllers provide information regarding North Atlantic right whale sightings and locations. The Bridges Northeast Marine Pilots distribute educational mate- (187) The Cape Cod Canal is crossed by three bridges. rial to mariners in an effort to reduce right whale ship strikes. When right whales are present in Cape Cod Bay The railroad bridge at the village of Buzzards Bay, 7.8 (peak season: December through May), vessels miles above Cleveland East Ledge Light, has a verti- transiting Cape Cod Bay are urged to use Recom- cal-lift span with a clearance of 7 feet down and 135 feet mended Two-Way Whale Avoidance Routes to reduce up. The span is normally maintained in the raised posi- the likelihood of collisions with right whales. (See tion and lowered for the passage of trains. (See 117.1 North Atlantic Right Whales, indexed as such, in chap- through 117.59, 117.589, and 207.20(i), chapter 2, ter 3 for more information on right whales and recom- for drawbridge regulations.) The State Route 25/28 mended measures to avoid collisions with whales.) highway bridge at Bourne, 9 miles above Cleveland (194) All vessels 65 feet or greater in length overall Ledge Light, has a fixed span with a clearance of 135 (L.O.A.) and subject to the jurisdiction of the United feet. The U.S. 6/State Route 3 highway bridge at States are restricted to speeds of 10 knots or less in the Sagamore, 11.8 miles above Cleveland East Ledge Cape Cod Bay Seasonal Management Area between Jan- Light, has a fixed span with a clearance of 135 feet. uary 1 and May 15. The area is defined as all waters of (188) The minimum clearance of the overhead power ca- Cape Cod Bay with a northern boundary of bles across the canal is 160 feet. 42º41'56.5\"N., 70º12'W., to 42º12'N., 70º12'W., thence due west back to shore. (See 50 CFR 224.105 in chap- Tides and currents ter 2 for regulations, limitations, and exceptions.) (189) The mean range of tide is 3.5 feet at the railroad Pilotage: Cape Cod Canal and Buzzards Bay bridge near the Buzzards Bay entrance and 8.7 feet at (195) At the canal, Canal Traffic Control “WUA21” or the Cape Cod Bay entrance. The large differences in range and timing of the tide between Buzzards Bay and “Cape Cod Canal Control” monitors VHF-FM channels Cape Cod Bay cause strong currents in the canal. Tides 16, 13 and 14; usually works on 14. The Masters of all may lower the canal level 2 feet below mean low water vessels required by the Coast Guard to carry a pilot are or even more if attended by heavy offshore winds. required to notify Canal Traffic Control prior to enter- (190) Daily predictions for the tidal current in Cape Cod ing the waterway with information as specified in Sec. Canal at the railroad bridge are given in the Tidal Cur- 207.20 (k), Management of Vessels (see chapter 2). rent Tables. Under ordinary conditions, the tidal current (196) Pilotage is compulsory for Buzzards Bay for foreign has a velocity of 4.0 knots on the flood, which sets east- vessels of 350 gross tons or more, U.S. vessels under ward, and 4.5 knots on the ebb, which sets westward. register of 350 gross tons or more and towing vessels (191) Due to the strong tidal currents in the canal, espe- in-tow with single hull tank barges carrying 5,000 bar- cially during spring tides, low-powered vessels should rels or more of petroleum and hazardous cargoes. Fed- await slack water or favorable current. Navigators are eral and State pilots are available from Northeast warned to be on the alert for possible “bank suction” Marine Pilots, Inc. and from Boston Coastwise Pilots. and “bank cushion,” the effects of which may cause a Northeast Marine Pilots, Inc., Newport, RI 02840; vessel to take a sudden and decided sheer. http://www.nemarinepilots.com; telephone 401-847- 9050 (24 hours), 800-274-1216; FAX 401-841-9052; Weather: Buzzards Bay and vicinity email: [email protected]. Boston Coast- (192) Fog is said to be less dense over Cape Cod Canal wise Pilots is in Winthrop, MA 02152; telephone 617- 510-0082, 508-801-4904; email: [email protected]. than outside, but at times a water vapor rises from the Twenty-four hour advance notice and 3 hour updates canal to such an extent that traffic has to be suspended. are requested. The canal proper never has been closed by ice, but occa- (197) The Northeast Marine pilot boats which serve the sionally Buzzards Bay and Cape Cod Bay become so canal and Buzzards Bay are the NORTHEAST I and

234 ■ Chapter 5 ■ Volume 2 NORTHEAST V. The NORTHEAST I is a 37-foot boat Wharves with a black hull and white superstructure. The (211) State Pier, site of the Massachusetts Maritime NORTHEAST V is a 38-foot boat with a black hull and gray superstructure. Both boats have the word PILOT Academy, on the north side of Cape Cod Canal, 0.6 mile on both sides. below the railroad bridge at the village of Buzzards Bay, (198) The pilot boats NORTHEAST II and NORTH-EAST is 600 feet long with about 25 feet alongside the berth- IV serve for boarding eastbound vessels. NORTHEAST ing face. In August 1981, shoaling to 10 feet was re- II is a 47-foot boat and NORTHEAST IV is a 52 foot boat; ported in the basin off the berthing face in about both have unpainted aluminum hulls and superstruc- 41°44'15\"N., 70°37'35\"W. In August 1981, the reported tures with the word PILOT in red on both sides. All controlling depth on the channel side of the pier was 25 Northeast pilot boats monitor VHF-FM channels 16, 13 feet. Permission to berth at the pier must be obtained and 10, and work on 13 or 10. from the academy. Vessels should not attempt to go (199) Pilots meet westbound vessels off the eastern en- alongside or leave the pier except at periods of slack wa- trance to the Cape Cod Canal in Cape Cod Bay, ½ mile ter. Passing vessels are requested to proceed slowly to east of Lighted Bell Buoy CC, in approximate position avoid damage to lines and other equipment at the pier. 41°48.6'N., 70°27.0'W. (212) The New England Petroleum Company mooring (200) Pilots meet eastbound vessels at the Brenton Reef platform, on the south side of Cape Cod Canal, 1.2 Pilots Station, about 1.5 miles eastward of Narragansett miles westward of Canal Breakwater Light 6, provides Bay Entrance Lighted Whistle Buoy NB within an area berthing for tank vessels up to 750 feet long with drafts bounded by: of 40 feet. Vessels over 50,000 tons or 32-foot draft (201) 41°23.6'N., 71°22.4'W., moor at high water slack during daylight hours only. (202) 41°22.6'N., 71°22.0'W., Vessels under 50,000 tons moor at high water slack, day (203) 41°24.2'N., 71°20.0'W., or night. Petroleum products are pumped to storage (204) 41°22.6'N., 71°20.6'W. This pilot boarding area is tanks ashore. southward of a line extending from Point Judith to Sakonnet Point. Supplies (205) Pilots also meet vessels in the vicinity of Point Ju- (213) Gasoline, diesel fuel, water, ice, marine supplies, dith Lighted Whistle Buoy 2, within a 1-mile radius cir- cle centered in 41°17.2'N., 71°30.4'W. and a paved ramp are available at the boat basin just in- (206) Eastbound vessels can also meet pilots in the pilot side the Cape Cod Bay entrance to the canal. Temporary boarding area located about 1 mile NW of Buzzards Bay berthage and anchorage are also available at the basin. Entrance Light Tower in about 41°23'48\"N., 71°02'01\"W. (207) Pilot services are generally arranged for in advance Communications by ships’ agents or directly by shipping companies. (214) Information on operating conditions, widths, Launch service depths, or other data on the canal is available at all (208) Launch service is also available; arrange through hours, day or night, by calling the canal office at Buz- zards Bay (508-759-4431). Boston Coastwise Pilots or Northeast Marine Pilots, (215) Vessels which are to transit the Cape Cod Canal will Inc. monitor channel 16 continuously to establish contact with traffic controllers. The vessels will be asked to Towage switch to channel 12 or channel 14 as a working chan- (209) Tugs to 2,200 hp are based at the village of Buz- nel to pass information between the traffic controllers and the vessel. However, channel 13 may be used only zards Bay; arrangements for their services are usually when the above channels are not available. made through ships’ agents. Tugs monitor VHF-FM (216) The radiotelephone at the Cape Cod Canal Office, channel 13 when expecting a vessel, and use channel Buzzards Bay, Mass., is in continuous operation. Call 18A as a working frequency. letters are WUA-21, and the frequencies are channels 13, 16, 12, and 14. Vessels equipped for communication Coast Guard with the Cape Cod Canal Office are requested to keep (210) Cape Cod Canal Coast Guard Station is on the east their radiotelephone tuned to these frequencies. side of the entrance to the canal about 1 mile north- (217) Buttermilk Bay, at the northeast end of Buzzards eastward of Sandwich Harbor. Bay, has depths of about 1 to 7 feet. A dredged marked channel and Cohasset Narrows connect the bay with Cape Cod Canal. In March 2004, the controlling depth was 5 feet to the railroad bridge about 1.1 miles above

Vineyard Sound and Buzzards Bay ■ Chapter 5 ■ 235 the channel entrance, except for severe shoaling at (225) Stony Point Dike, a sandspit breakwater about 5 midchannel and in the right quarter between Buoy 3 feet high, extends about 1.8 miles south-southwesterly and Buoy 5. In 1992, a rock was reported just below the from Cedar Island Point to Abiels Ledge. The breakwa- railroad bridge in about 41°44'46\"N., 70°37'22\"W. Two ter protects Hog Island Channel. Cleveland Ledge bridges cross Cohasset Narrows; the railroad bridge has Channel Range Front Light is on the outer end of the a bascule span with a clearance of 6 feet, but is kept in a breakwater. Abiels Ledge, between the channel and the closed position and used as a fixed bridge. The highway south end of the dike, is covered 3 feet. Dry Ledge, 1 bridge, immediately above, has a fixed span with a mile northwestward of Abiels Ledge, bares at half tide; clearance of 9 feet. Several small piers for shallow-draft it is marked by a buoy. Little Bird Island, 0.8 mile boats are the only facilities in Buttermilk Bay. Gasoline northward, is surrounded by uneven bottom with is available in the bay. depths of 2 to 19 feet between it and the northerly shore (218) Butler Cove, on the western side of Cohasset Nar- of Buzzards Bay. rows southwesterly of the bridges, has depths of 3 to 5 feet. (226) Wareham River, which empties into the northern (219) Onset Bay, between Sias Point on the north and end of Buzzards Bay, is the approach to the town of Hog Neck on the south, is the approach to the village of Wareham on the west bank. Great Hill, wooded, 124 Onset. A dredged marked channel leads westward from feet high, and about 1.5 miles southward of Long Cape Cod Canal along the southerly side of the bay to a Beach Point, is prominent when approaching the river. turning basin off the village. Two anchorage areas, one A brick stack and a standpipe in Wareham are conspicu- on each side of the channel, are at the head of the chan- ous. The buoyed channel to the town is crooked and nel. In October 1995, the midchannel controlling twisting; in 1986, the controlling depth was about 4 depth was 14 feet to the turning basin, thence depths of feet from Wareham River Buoy 13 to the upstream 13 to 15 feet were available in the basin; depths of 6 to 8 limit of the project. In October 1987, a sunken wreck feet were available in the eastern anchorage basin with was reported in the vicinity of Wareham River Entrance 7½ feet available in the western anchorage basin. Buoy 10. A rock covered 6 feet is in the entrance about (220) Wickets Island is a high and wooded islet in the 350 yards south-southwest of Dry Ledge in about middle of the bay. The buoys in the entrance channel 41°41'59.9\"N., 70°41'41.6\"W., and several rocks and are frequently towed under because of the strong cur- shoal spots covered 9 to 14 feet are within 0.75 mile rents. A rock, covered 8 feet, is near the channel en- west to southwest of the ledge. A shoal makes off south- trance about 75 yards northeast of Hog Island Channel easterly from Cromeset Point, 0.6 mile southward of Light 21. In 1981, two rocks, covered 4 to 5 feet, were Long Beach Point. In August 1981, it was reported that reported on the north edge of the channel between Long Beach Point covers at high water; caution is ad- Buoys 2 and 4; caution is advised. vised. The section near Quahaug Bar, north of Long (221) A special anchorage is in the northern part of On- Beach Point, is subject to shoaling. Depths shoal to 2 set Bay. (See 110.1 and 110.45, chapter 2, for limits and 3 feet close to the buoyed channel. Small craft and regulations.) Additional anchorages are available sometimes anchor just north of Long Beach Point. at the head of the dredged channel. Highway and railroad bridges over the river above the (222) A 5 mph speed limit is enforced above Wickets Is- wharves have 31-foot fixed spans with a clearance of 1 land. foot. (223) The Onset town wharf, on the north side of the turning basin, has depths of about 14 feet at its face. (227) The mean range of the tide at the entrance to The harbormaster has an office at the wharf. The Wareham River is about 4.1 feet. The velocity of the harbormaster monitors VHF-FM channel 16 and uses current is not great enough to materially interfere with channel 9 as a working frequency; call sign KYQ-833. a sailing vessel having a good breeze. During the first Several small-craft facilities are on the north side of the half of the ebb the current below the wharves of the bay along the southwesterly side of Long Neck. (See the town sets across the flats westward of the channel, and small-craft facilities tabulation on chart 13229 for ser- during the whole of the ebb it sets across the flats east- vices and supplies available.) Onset has bus service. ward of the channel below Long Beach Point. (See the (224) East River empties into Onset Bay southeast of On- Tidal Current Tables for predictions.) The river ices set. A draft of 3 feet can be taken to an anchorage just over for short periods during most winters. above the highway bridge which connects Onset and Long Neck. The bridge has a fixed span with a clearance (228) Vessels approaching Wareham River from Buz- of 11 feet. zards Bay pass 0.8 mile east of Bird Island Light and steer 351° to the buoyed channel. Strangers should ob- tain local information regarding channel depths before navigating the river.

236 ■ Chapter 5 ■ Volume 2 (229) The depth at the Wareham town landing was re- Shoal. An unlighted gong buoy is about 1.15 miles ported to be about 4½ feet in August 1981. The southward of Bird Island. Wareham Harbor Patrol patrols the harbor during the (236) Sippican Harbor, scene of much pleasure-boat ac- summer boating season and enforces a speed limit of 5 tivity, makes into the north shore of Buzzards Bay knots. A boatyard, on the western side of Wareham about 3 miles southward of Wareham River. The harbor Neck about 0.3 mile below the bridges, has a marine is the approach to Marion, a small town on the western railway that can handle craft up to 45 feet for hull and shore. It is entered between Bird Island on the east and engine repairs or storage. Gasoline, diesel fuel, water, Converse Point on the west. Prominent features in- marine supplies, and a 25-ton mobile hoist are avail- clude the abandoned lighthouse on Bird Island and the able. In August 1981, depths of about 6 feet were re- conspicuous house and flagpole on Converse Point. ported alongside the boatyard service float. Wareham The standpipe on Sippican Neck can also be seen for a has bus service. considerable distance. (237) The town dock at Marion, approached through a (230) Marks Cove, on the west side of the channel to channel marked by private seasonal buoys, has re- Wareham River between Swifts Beach on the north ported depths of 4 to 5 feet alongside. Two boatyards at and Cromeset Neck on the south, has depths of 2 to 5 Marion provide limited guest moorings, electricity, feet. The cove is used by small boats. In 1961, a 6-foot gasoline, diesel fuel, water, ice, marine supplies, a channel was dredged by the State through the cove pump-out station and a surfaced launch ramp. Mobile from the 6-foot contour to Cedar Island at the entrance hoists to 50 tons and dry winter storage are available; to Cedar Island Creek. hull, engine and electronic repairs can be made. In June 2008, a reported depth of 6 feet could be carried to (231) Weweantic River, entered southward of Cromeset the boatyard at the head of the harbor. The Neck, has a narrow and crooked channel partly ob- harbormaster, who controls all mooring and anchoring structed by rocks. A reported depth of about 3 feet can in the harbor, monitors VHF-FM channel 68. be carried past the rocks and as far as the highway (238) Mendells Rock and Seal Rocks are shoal, rocky ar- bridge, with local knowledge. The channel is not eas, northward of Converse Point extending up to 0.2 marked. An overhead power cable crossing the river mile off the west shore of the harbor. Planting Island, a about 1.4 miles above the mouth has a clearance of 51 peninsula extending about 0.6 mile northwesterly from feet. The highway bridge, which is 1.7 miles above the Sippican Neck, is on the eastern side of the harbor. At mouth, has two fixed spans with a clearance of 5 feet. Ram Island, off Marion, the passage between the island The channel is through the northeasterly 45-foot span. and the western shore is less than 275 yards wide. The The river is navigable for 2 miles above the highway currents in the narrow portion of the channel have bridge by small craft drawing less than 2 feet. A small considerable velocity at times. Little Island lies on the marina is just above the bridge. Gasoline, water, ice, western side of the channel about 0.2 mile northwest- storage facilities, marine supplies, and hull and engine ward of Ram Island. The buoyed channel has a reported repairs are available. A flatbed trailer at the marina can depth of about 12 feet from the entrance to Marion. haul out boats to 25 feet. (239) Blankinship Cove and Planting Island Cove, on the eastern side of Sippican Harbor, have a common (232) From Wareham River to New Bedford the shore is entrance northward of Ram Island. They have general indented sharply by rocks and ledges extending off- depths of 3 to 5 feet. Meadow Island separates the two shore nearly 2 miles in places. coves. Gibbs Rock, marked by a private seasonal daybeacon, is 50 yards off the north point of Ram Is- (233) Wings Cove, between Great Hill Point southeast of land. A rock awash is charted 120 yards north of the Great Hill and Piney Point on the eastern side of daybeacon. Sippican Neck, has depths of 8 to 17 feet in its outer (240) Hammett Cove in the northeastern part of section. The cove affords protection from westerly Sippican Harbor is shallow and used only by small local winds; it is used only by small local craft. craft. The approach to the cove is marked by private seasonal buoys. Charted obstructions are close west- (234) Butler Point is at the southern tip of Sippican ward of the buoys. Neck. Shoal water extends about 0.4 mile southward (241) The mean range of tide at Marion is 4.0 feet. Ice from the point to Bird Island, a round, low flat island usually closes Sippican Harbor for about a month or marked by a light. more each winter. (235) Southward and westward of Bird Island are several buoyed dangers. Bird Island Reef, covered 15 to 18 feet, is about 0.4 mile east-southeastward. About 0.5 mile southwestward is Centerboard Shoal, covered 12 feet. The Bow Bells, isolated shoals covered 11 to 18 feet, are about 0.6 to 1 mile southwest of Centerboard

Vineyard Sound and Buzzards Bay ■ Chapter 5 ■ 237 (242) Aucoot Cove, about 0.8 mile southwestward of supplies, and a surfaced ramp are available. A boatyard Sippican Harbor, has depths of 10 to 19 feet. A 4-foot in town can handle craft to 60 feet long and 7 feet in spot is near the center of the cove in about draft at the town ramp. A 5 mph speed limit is enforced 41°40'23.2\"N., 70°45'23\"W., and the head of the cove is in the mooring areas. foul. The harbor is protected from all winds except (248) A boatyard on the east side of the harbor provides southeast. An unmarked channel with depths of less limited guest berths and moorings, electricity, gaso- than 1 foot leads to a boatyard west of Haskell Island. line, diesel fuel, water, ice, marine supplies, a Local knowledge and a high tide are required to navi- pump-out facility, a 35-ton mobile hoist, and storage gate to the boatyard, which can haul out craft up to 40 facilities; hull, engine, and electronic repairs are avail- feet in length. The yard does general repairs and ma- able. In June 2008, a reported depth of 5 feet could be chine work. Gasoline, diesel fuel by truck, and marine carried to the boatyard. supplies are available. The other coves between (249) Ram Island, about 1.5 miles southwestward of Sippican and Mattapoisett Harbors are foul and seldom Mattapoisett Harbor, is a low, grassy island connected entered. to Mattapoisett Neck by a narrow shoal. Rocks and shoal water surround the island. Chart 13229 (250) Cormorant Rock, 0.9 mile southeastward of Ram Island, bares at half tide and is marked by a daybeacon. (243) Mattapoisett Harbor, about 3.5 miles southwest of Ledges with very little water over them surround the Sippican Harbor and 5 miles northeastward of New daybeacon at a distance of 150 yards. A rock, covered 12 Bedford Harbor, is the approach to the town of feet, is about 0.2 mile northeastward of the daybeacon; Mattapoisett. The harbor is used by numerous yachts depths of 18 to 21 feet extend 0.2 mile southward. The during the summer. Although exposed to southeasterly channel between the rock and Ram Island has depths of winds, the ledges at the entrance somewhat break the about 15 feet. sea from that direction. A light on Ned Point marks the (251) Nasketucket Bay is entered between Cormorant approach. A standpipe is in the town. Vessels anchor be- Rock on the east and West Island on the west. North- tween Ned Point and the wharves in 13 to 17 feet. ward and westward of West Island the bay is greatly ob- structed by rocks and small islands. Because of these (244) The entrance between Angelica Point and Straw- obstructions, only small craft proceed through the bay berry Point on the east and Mattapoisett Neck on the to Little Bay, at the head, or up Nasketucket River. The west is about 1.5 miles wide. A buoyed natural channel edges of Little Bay are foul, but excellent anchorage in leads through the numerous rocks and ledges in the all but strong southerly winds is available in the center entrance to the anchorage area off the town. The chan- of the bay in 3 to 6 feet, sticky mud. The entrance is nel has a depth of about 14 feet but because of the bro- made treacherous by obstructions and wind and should ken bottom, vessels should proceed with caution over not be attempted without local knowledge. Numerous areas where the charted depths are not more than 6 feet rocks, including Whale Rock, are on the east side of greater than the draft. Strangers should not attempt to West Island at the entrance. A causeway connects the enter at night. western side of West Island with Long Island. A fixed span in the causeway has a clearance of 5 feet. The (245) There are many shoals and rocks, most of them depth at the bridge is 6 feet. The approach from south- buoyed, off the points and in the entrance. Off the west ward to the west side of West Island runs among many side of the entrance, Mattapoisett Ledge extends about sunken rocks and shoals, and is very dangerous. The a mile southeasterly from Mattapoisett Neck. Nye causeway between Long Island and Sconticut Neck, the Ledge, covered 7 to 17 feet, about 0.4 mile southeast- neck of land forming the east side of New Bedford Har- ward of Mattapoisett Ledge, is marked by a seasonal bor, completely blocks passage between the two. lighted bell buoy. In or near the entrance channel are (252) Bare rocks and shoaling extend about 1 mile south- Gallatin Rock, covered 10 feet; Sunken Ledge, covered erly of West Island, and from there to the New Bedford 3 feet; Snow Rock, covered 5 feet; and Barstow Rock, Harbor entrance are numerous isolated rocks and covered 8 feet. Near the town wharf, a rock, covered 3 ledges, the most dangerous of which are buoyed. feet, is marked by a buoy. Mosher Ledge, about 1.1 miles south of Wilbur Point, has a least depth of 6 feet. Strangers should stay south (246) A special anchorage is in Mattapoisett Harbor. (See of the buoys marking these dangers. 110.1 and 110.45a, chapter 2, for limits and regula- tions.) (253) New Bedford Harbor, a tidal estuary at the mouth of Acushnet River on the northwestern side of (247) The mean range of tide in the harbor is 3.9 feet. The stone wharf at the town has a reported depth of 6 feet alongside. Diesel fuel, gasoline, oil, water, ice, marine

238 ■ Chapter 5 ■ Volume 2 Buzzards Bay, is the approach to the city of New Bed- COLREGS Demarcation Lines ford and the town of Fairhaven. The harbor is about 166 (258) The lines established for Buzzards Bay and Vine- miles from The Battery at New York via Long Island Sound, and 83 miles from Boston via Cape Cod Canal. yard Sound are described in 80.145, chapter 2. The harbor includes all the tidewater lying northerly of a line from Clarks Point at the southern extremity of Channels New Bedford to Wilbur Point at the southern end of (259) A Federal project provides for a 30-foot deep chan- Fairhaven and extends to the head of navigation on Acushnet River at Acushnet. The outer harbor consists nel from Buzzards Bay to the turning basin just above of the area south of the hurricane barrier at Palmer Is- the New Bedford-Fairhaven Bridge. (See Notice to Mar- land, and the inner harbor consists of the area north of iners and latest edition of charts for controlling the barrier to a short distance above the New Bed- depths.) The 350-foot-wide channel is constricted to ford-Fairhaven Bridge. 150 feet by a hurricane barrier across the inner harbor, (254) New Bedford is a manufacturing city on the west protecting New Bedford Harbor, extending from the side of the Acushnet River. Fairhaven is on the east side western shore over Palmer Island to Fort Phoenix on of the river. Principal shipping includes receipt of gen- the east. The 150-foot gated opening will be kept in the eral cargo and frozen fish; exports are general cargo. open position during fair weather, but is closed during Commercial fishing craft operate from the ports. The periods of high winds or high tides, or when a hurri- deepest draft entering is about 30 feet at high water. cane is expected. Lights marking the eastern and west- (255) The approach from Buzzards Bay and the entrance ern sides of the opening are shown from the top of each to New Bedford Harbor are much obstructed by ledges of the two gate operations houses, 48 feet above the wa- and shoals, between which are several channels leading ter. A fog signal is sounded from the west barrier light. to the dredged entrance. The bottom is very broken, characterized by large boulders; vessels should proceed (260) Hurricane barrier traffic lights are displayed on the with caution when crossing areas off the general track north side of the smaller, northerly house on the west when the charted depths are not more than 6 to 8 feet side of the entrance and adjacent to the old fort at greater than the draft. Clarks Point. Green lights are displayed when the gate is open. Red lights are displayed from 20 minutes be- Prominent features fore the start of closing the gate through reopening. In (256) From the main channel numerous landmarks can addition to the traffic lights, three flashing white strobe lights are shown; two from atop the west barrier oper- be seen on the westerly side. Dumpling Rocks Light 5A ating house, one facing toward the harbor and one fac- off Round Hill Point, about 3 miles west of the channel, ing toward the bay, and a third light facing toward the is conspicuous. About 0.5 mile westward of the radar bay adjacent to the old fort at Clarks Point. These syn- dome on Round Hill Point is a radio tower. Clarks chronized lights flash every 20 seconds, but flash every Point, on the west side of the channel, is marked by a 2 seconds from 20 minutes before the start of closing granite fort. About 0.7 mile northeast of the point is the gate through reopening. Butler Flats Light near the edge of the shoal. A group of three stacks is on the west side of the inner harbor. Al- (261) The controlling depth above the turning basin to though there are no landmarks on Sconticut Neck, the Coggeshall Street Bridge is about 15 feet. Above Fort Phoenix is a promontory fairly conspicuous just that point in Acushnet River there is little traffic except east of the channel, almost opposite Palmer Island. by launches and small craft. Several church spires are prominent in Fairhaven. A tall radio tower is on Popes Island in the inner harbor. Routes A private light is on the northeast point of Palmer Is- (262) The main channel to New Bedford Harbor is from land, about 0.2 mile inside the hurricane barrier. The lights marking the eastern and western sides of the Buzzards Bay Midchannel Lighted Bell Buoy BB hurricane barrier are also prominent. (41°30'33\"N., 70°49'54\"W.) through the buoyed chan- (257) Butler Flats Light (41°36.2'N., 70°53.7'W.), a pri- nel eastward of Negro Ledge. vate aid 53 feet above the water, is shown from a white (263) There are several other passages with least depths conical tower on a black cylindrical pier about 0.7 mile of about 21 feet that lead from Buzzards Bay to New north-northeast of Clarks Point. Bedford Harbor west of the main channel. However, they are not as well marked as the main channel; un- marked shoals with depths of 9 to 18 feet are near the course lines. (264) From a position about 0.3 mile south of Mishaum Ledge Lighted Gong Buoy 5 (chart 13230), a course can be set to pass about 500 yards east of Dumpling Rocks

Vineyard Sound and Buzzards Bay ■ Chapter 5 ■ 239 Light 5A to about 500 yards northwest of Decatur Rock Tides Buoy 12, thence on a 006° course to join the main (272) The mean range of tide is 3.7 feet. channel near Butler Flats Light. (265) An alternate approach can be made from a position Currents about 0.3 mile southeastward of Wilkes Ledge Lighted (273) Tidal currents are weak. From a series of current Buoy 7 on a course of 004° to join the main channel near Butler Flats Light. The high elevated tank at Fair- observations, conducted by the Corps of Engineers haven is a good leading mark for this leg. over a 2-day period in October 1965 at the center of the (266) Strangers should not attempt to enter New Bedford navigation opening of the New Bedford Hurricane Bar- Harbor except in clear weather when the aids are visi- rier, it was revealed that the maximum flooding and ble. Vessels should proceed with caution where the ebbing velocities were about 2.4 knots; average flood charted depths are less than 6 to 8 feet greater than the setting 344° and the ebb 144°. During flooding or ebb- draft, because of the broken character of the bottom. ing a slight set towards the east barrier abutment may be experienced. During this same period it was further Anchorages revealed that the time of slack water occurred about 30 (267) Before proceeding into New Bedford Harbor, ves- minutes before the time of low or high water; that the maximum ebbing velocity occurred about 2 hours after sels occasionally anchor in depths of 20 to 30 feet about the time of high tide; that the maximum flooding ve- 0.7 mile south of Clarks Point. Two general anchorages locity occurred about 4 hours after the time of low tide; are in the outer harbor. (See 110.1 and 110.140 (a) and that, generally, the maximum current occurred at and (d), chapter 2, for limits and regulations.) In the about the same time as the most rapid change in the inner harbor vessels may anchor in the two dredged an- vertical height of the tide was taking place. chorage areas on either side of the channel in depths of 25 to 30 feet. Weather, New Bedford Harbor and vicinity (274) The prevailing winds during the winter are from Dangers (268) The entrance to New Bedford Harbor is full of rocks north to west, and during the summer from south to southwest. Thick fog is reported to close in quickly and ledges, some covered 3 feet or less. Obstructions with little warning in New Bedford Harbor. near the entrance passages are marked with buoys. The chart is the best guide. Ice (269) Dumpling Rocks, bare and covered, extend 0.4 (275) The channels and anchorage area usually are navi- mile southeastward from Round Hill Point. A light is on the easterly rock. A buoy marks the southeastern gable throughout the year, although in prolonged peri- portion of the shoal area around the rocks, and a gong ods of extreme cold weather the harbor as well as all of buoy is about 400 yards east of the light. Buzzards Bay may be closed to navigation because of (270) Wilkes Ledge, 1.8 miles southeastward of Round ice. Such conditions are infrequent and of short dura- Hill Point, is the southernmost danger at the entrance tion. Steamers generally can make their way through to the harbor. It is covered 9 feet with a wreck near the the ice in the harbor. easterly part; a lighted buoy is close south-southwest- ward of the wreck. Pilotage, New Bedford (276) Pilotage is compulsory for foreign vessels of 350 Bridges (271) Four bridges cross Acushnet River at New Bedford. gross tons or more and U.S. vessels under register of 350 gross tons or more. Pilotage for New Bedford is The first, the US6/New Bedford-Fairhaven Bridge, has a available from Northeast Marine Pilots, Inc., Newport, swing span with a clearance of 6 feet. (See 117.1 RI 02840; telephone 401-847-9050 (24 hours), 800- through 117.59 and 117.585, chapter 2, for draw- 274-1216; FAX 401-847-9052; email: dispatch@nema- bridge regulations.) The bridgetender monitors VHF- rinepilots.com. FM channel 16 and works on channel 13; call sign (277) Pilots meet westbound vessels off the eastern WHH-238. About 1 mile above this drawbridge is the entrance to the Cape Cod Canal in Cape Cod Bay, ½ Coggeshall Street Bridge, which has a fixed span with a mile east of Lighted Bell Buoy CC, in approximate clearance of 8 feet. A highway bridge with a fixed span position 41°48.6'N., 70°27.0'W. and a clearance of 8 feet is just below the Coggeshall (278) Pilots meet eastbound vessels at the Brenton Reef Street Bridge. About 1.3 miles above the Coggeshall Pilot Station, about 1.5 miles eastward of Narragansett Street Bridge is a fixed bridge with a clearance of 6 feet. Bay Entrance Lighted Whistle Buoy NB within an area bounded by (279) 41°23.6'N., 71°22.4'W.,

240 ■ Chapter 5 ■ Volume 2 (280) 41°22.6'N., 71°22.0'W., Wharves (281) 41°24.2'N., 71°20.0'W., (293) The New Bedford waterfront has many piers and (282) 41°22.6'N., 71°20.6'W. This pilot boarding area is wharves. The fishing industry uses most of these facili- southward of a line extending from Point Judith to ties. Only the deep-draft facilities are described, and the Sakonnet Point. Should weather or other conditions alongside depths for these facilities are reported; for in- prevent pilot boarding in the above location, other ar- formation on the latest depths contact the operator. All rangements may be made with the pilot office. of the facilities described have highway connections, (283) The pilot boats NORTHEAST I and NORTHEAST III and most have rail connections. Water is available at serve the canal and are owned and operated by North- most piers and wharves. Cargo in the port is usually east Marine Pilots, Inc. NORTHEAST I is a 38-foot boat handled by ship’s tackle. A 250-ton floating “A” frame with black hull and white superstructure and the word derrick is available for heavy lifts by prior arrangement. PILOT on the sides; NORTHEAST III is a 33-foot boat (294) New Bedford South Terminal Wharf: 500 yards with black hull and white superstructure. westward of Palmer Island; 1,600 feet long; 30 feet (284) The pilot boats NORTHEAST II, NORTHEAST III alongside; 250,000 cubic feet of refrigerated storage; and NORTHEAST IV serve for boarding eastbound ves- receipt of seafood products; owned by several seafood sels. NORTHEAST II is a 47-foot boat and NORTHEAST companies. IV is a 52 foot boat; both have unpainted aluminum (295) Commonwealth Edison Co. Pier: 300 yards north- hulls and superstructures with the word PILOT in red ward of South Terminal Wharf; north side 740 feet on both sides. All Northeast pilot boats monitor long, with dolphins; 30 feet alongside; receipt of petro- VHF-FM channels 16, 13 and 10, and work on 13 or 10. leum products; vessels usually berth with bow inshore; (285) Pilot services are generally arranged for in advance owned by Commonwealth Electric and operated by by ships’ agents. New England Petroleum Corp. (296) State Pier: 500 yards northward of New Bedford Towage Gas and Edison Light Co. Pier; face 450 feet long, north (286) Oceangoing vessels usually require tug assistance side 600 feet long, south side 775 feet long; 30 feet alongside; 125,000 square feet covered storage; receipt when docking and undocking. Tugs up to 2,200 hp are and shipment of general cargo; owned and operated by based at New Bedford, and arrangements for their ser- the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Division of Wa- vices are usually made through ships’ agents. Tugs terways. monitor VHF-FM channel 13 when expecting a vessel (297) Maritime Terminal Wharf: westward of Fish Island; and use channel 18A as a working frequency. 600 feet long; 31 feet alongside; 3 million cubic feet of (287) New Bedford is a customs port of entry. refrigerated storage; receipt of frozen food, fish, and chilled foodstuffs; shipment of general cargo; owned Quarantine,customs,immigration,and agricultural and operated by Maritime Terminal, Inc. quarantine (298) Bridge Terminal Wharf: northeast side of Fish Is- (288) (See chapter 3, Vessel Arrival Inspections, and Ap- land; 450 feet long; 28 feet alongside; 500,000 cubic feet pendix A for addresses.) of refrigerated space; receipt of frozen and chilled food- (289) Quarantine is enforced in accordance with regula- stuffs; owned and operated by Bridge Terminal, Inc. tions of the U.S. Public Health Service. (See Public (299) Frionor Processing and Distribution Center Wharf: Health Service, chapter 1.) 200 yards northwest of Fish Island; 580 feet long; 25 to (290) New Bedford has several hospitals. 28 feet alongside; 63,400 square feet of refrigerated (291) Coast Guard vessels moor at the State Pier. space, 57,500 square feet of freezer space, 34,700 square feet of covered storage space; receipt of frozen Harbor regulations fish; owned and operated by Frionor Norwegian Frozen (292) The New Bedford Harbor Development Commis- Fish Ltd. (300) New Bedford North Terminal Wharf: 400 yards sion, through the harbormaster, enforces the harbor northwest of Fish Island; 1,000 feet long; 30 feet along- regulations. The State Pier Traffic Manager is the State side; 14 acres of open storage; owned by New Bedford authority who directs anchoring, berthing, and move- Harbor Development Commission and operated by var- ment of vessels, and discharging operations at the State ious tenants. Pier. Vessels are expected to proceed slowly in the vicin- ity of the piers. State laws forbid pollution and dumping Supplies of refuse and rocks inside the harbor. The harbor- (301) Gasoline, diesel fuel, water, provisions, and marine master has an office just north of the State Pier. supplies of all kinds are available. Diesel oil and marine

Vineyard Sound and Buzzards Bay ■ Chapter 5 ■ 241 bunker fuels are available by truck. The water is excel- craft anchor in a narrow channel near the eastern lent for drinking and boiler use; a water boat services shore. craft at anchor. (307) The harbormaster controls anchoring and berth- ing in the harbor and can be contacted through the po- Repairs lice department or VHF-FM channel 16. The speed (302) There are several boatyards at Fairhaven that can limit in the harbor is 5 mph. (308) Southward of the bridge is a landing at a Yacht Club make hull, engine, and electronic repairs; storage facil- with reported depth of 10 feet alongside. Diesel fuel, ities are also available. The largest marine railway in gasoline, water, ice, and some marine supplies are the area can handle vessels up to 210 feet. Lifts to 90 available. Two nearby boatyards and a marina can pro- tons are available. Several repair firms in New Bedford vide limited guest berths, storage, complete marine are available for above-the-waterline repairs and en- supplies, and hull, engine, electronic, rigging, and sail gine repairs. Derrick lighters, some with air compres- repairs. The largest marine railway can handle craft to sors and diving equipment, are also available. 55 feet; mobile hoists to 35 tons are also available. In August 1981, depths of 3 to 11 feet were reported at the Communications slips. (303) There is only rail freight service to Boston and fre- (309) Round Hill Point, about 3.5 miles southwestward of Clarks Point, is marked by a prominent round hill. quent bus service to Providence, Boston, and New York. (310) Between Round Hill Point and Salters Point, 1.1 A mail and passenger boat makes trips to Cuttyhunk miles southwestward, Hunts Rock Breakwater extends twice weekly in the winter and daily in the summer. 270 yards in a northeast-southwest direction. Seasonal passenger ferry service is also available to (311) Mishaum Point, 1.9 miles southwestward of Round Martha’s Vineyard. Air service is available to Boston, Hill Point, is the southern point of Smith Neck. Shoal New York, Martha’s Vineyard, Nantucket, and Cape water extends about 0.2 mile off the point. Cod. Chart 13228 (304) The coast between New Bedford Harbor and the en- trance of Sakonnet River is fringed with extensive (312) Slocums River, westward of Mishaum Point, has a shoals, many of them rocky and a considerable number bar at the entrance nearly bare at low water. The of them well offshore. The entrances to several inlets channel inside is narrow, unmarked, and little used. are shoal and are used only by local fishing and plea- Slocums Ledge, extending 0.6 mile westward of Mishaum sure boats. Point, covered 2 to 7 feet, is marked by a buoy. Pawn Rock uncovers 3 feet and is 0.2 mile easterly of Barneys (305) Clarks Cove, between New Bedford Harbor and Joy Point, the point on the west side of the river en- Apponagansett Bay, affords anchorage in depths of 12 trance. to 22 feet. It is exposed to southerly weather and is sel- dom used. Several small piers can accommodate small (313) Gooseberry Neck, about 4 miles southwestward of craft. Several rocks are off Moshers Point on the west Mishaum Point, is marked by several prominent tow- side of the cove. ers. The neck, irregular and elongated, extends about 1 mile southward from Horseneck Beach to which it is (306) Apponagansett Bay, about 2 miles southwestward joined by a narrow roadway over rock fill. The water of Clarks Point, shelters numerous pleasure craft and a surrounding the neck is very foul. few fishermen in the summer, but the bay is insecure in southeasterly gales. Nonquitt and Bayview are villages (314) Hen and Chickens and the dangers southward of it on the south side of the entrance and South have been previously discussed under the entrance to Dartmouth is on the northerly shore. Padanaram Buzzards Bay. Breakwater is marked on the southern end by a light. The approach to the bay is obstructed by numerous (315) In addition to Hen and Chickens, numerous rocks ledges and rocks, and strangers should enter only in and reefs surround Gooseberry Neck. Shoal water ex- the daytime with clear weather. Inside the breakwater, tends 0.6 mile southwestward of the neck to Lumber the channel is marked by buoys. Dartmouth Rock, cov- Rock, covered 4 feet and marked by a buoy, and over 0.5 ered 4 feet, is on the northeast side of the channel. Pri- mile westward to Browing Ledge, covered 6 feet. Little vate seasonal anchorage buoys mark the area off South Southwest Rock is about 0.3 mile northeastward of Dartmouth, which is usually very crowded in the sum- Lumber Rock. mer. A highway bridge at the village has a swing span with a channel width of 31 feet and a clearance of 8 feet. (316) Westport River empties into the large bight be- (See 117.1 through 117.59 and 117.587, chapter 2, tween Gooseberry Neck and Sakonnet Point (chart for drawbridge regulations.) Above the bridge, small

242 ■ Chapter 5 ■ Volume 2 13221). The mouth of the river is between Horseneck covered 2 to 12 feet; Joe Burris Ledge covered 14 feet, Point, 2.7 miles northwest of Gooseberry Neck, and midway between Halfmile Rock and Twomile Rock, and The Knubble, a protruding mound of granite marked Pinetree Ground, about 1 mile south of Twomile Rock, by a light about 0.2 mile south of Horseneck Point. The covered 25 to 30 feet. river is the approach to Westport Harbor, the area just (321) The shore in this vicinity should be given a berth of inside the entrance; the village of Westport Point, on about 1.3 miles to avoid numerous rocks and ledges ex- the north shore of the east branch of the river; and the tending about 1 mile offshore for 2.5 miles westward of village of Acoaxet, westward of The Knubble. Fishing Westport Harbor. and pleasure boats use the river as far as Westport Point. Tides and currents (317) The entrance channel is narrow, crooked, and (322) The mean range of tide is 3.0 feet. The tidal current marked by buoys. In May-June 2009, the entrance channel had a controlling depth of 7.3 feet except in the entrance has a velocity of 2.5 knots, and caution shoaling to 5.7 feet in the right half of the channel be- is recommended when navigating the river. (See the tween Buoy 10 and Buoy 12. Depths near the entrance Tidal Current tables for predictions.) are continually changing; mariners are advised to seek local knowledge. Numerous rocks are in the channel (323) Two piers, used by fishing and pleasure boats, are at below the bridge at Westport; caution is advised. Westport Point. These piers have reported depths of (318) Boats should not try to enter during strong south- about 10 feet at their faces. Berthing at the piers is un- erly winds as heavy seas break over the entrance bar. der the control of the harbormaster, who can be con- About 1 mile above the entrance the river divides into tacted through the town hall or police department. two branches. The west branch is shallow, with a nar- row channel marked by private seasonal buoys, and is (324) A 5 mph speed limit is enforced in the harbor. used by local craft to opposite Toms Point, about 1.6 (325) A boatyard and a marina are in the harbor. The miles above the entrance. Above the Westport Point bridge, the east branch is marked by private seasonal boatyard is on Horseneck Point about 0.5 mile west of buoys as far as the Hix Bridge, 4.7 miles above Westport the highway bridge. The marina is on Westport Point Point. A reported depth of about 4 feet can be carried to about 0.1 mile west of the highway bridge. Berths, this bridge with local knowledge. moorings, gasoline, diesel fuel, water, ice, launching (319) A highway bridge with a 49-foot bascule span and a ramps, and marine supplies are available. The largest clearance of 21 feet at the center crosses the river at marine railway is at the boatyard and can handle craft Westport Point, about 2 miles above the mouth. (See up to 60 feet for hull and engine repairs and dry open or 117.1 through 117.59 and 117.620, chapter 2, for covered storage. drawbridge regulations.) Hix highway bridge, about 6 miles above the mouth, has a 35-foot fixed span with a No-Discharge Zone clearance of 3 feet. An overhead power cable on the (326) The State of Massachusetts, with the approval of north side of Hix bridge has a clearance of 37 feet. (320) Approaching Westport River, boats must take care the Environmental Protection Agency, has established to pass westward of the dangers off Gooseberry Neck a No-Discharge Zone (NDZ) in the coastal waters of and eastward of the dangers off the river entrance. Nu- Westport. The NDZ includes Westport Harbor and the merous rocks and ledges are southward of the entrance East and West Branches of the Westport River (see to the river. Twomile Rock, 1 mile southeastward of chart 13228 for limits). Westport Harbor Entrance Light 5 on The Knubble, is (327) Within the NDZ, discharge of sewage, whether marked by a daybeacon. Shoals with depths of 5 to 18 treated or untreated, from all vessels is prohibited. feet are southeasterly of the rock. A buoy is 0.35 mile Outside the NDZ, discharge of sewage is regulated by south-southeast of the rock. Halfmile Rock, 3 feet 40 CFR 140 (see chapter 2). high, is 325 yards southeast of the light on The Knubble. The shoal water surrounding the rock is (328) Quicksand Point is about 1.5 miles west of The marked by a buoy. The area south of The Knubble is Knubble. The boundary line between Massachusetts very foul. Other unmarked dangers include Twomile and Rhode Island is near the point. Cutty Wow Rock, Ledge, extending 1 mile south of The Knubble, and awash at low water, is 1 mile southwestward of the point. (329) Briggs Point, 2 miles southwestward of Quicksand Point, is surrounded by shoals and rocks. Halfway Rock, 2 feet high, is 0.4 mile southeastward of the point.