Outer Cape Cod and Nantucket Sound I Chapter 4 I 193 Outer Cape Cod and Nantucket Sound (1) This chapter describes the outer shore of Cape Cod Chart 13249 and Nantucket Sound including Nantucket Island and the southern and eastern shores of Martha’s Vineyard. (5) Provincetown Harbor, formed by a turn in the Also described are Nantucket Harbor, Edgartown Har- northern end of the hook of Cape Cod, has a diameter of bor, and the other numerous fishing and yachting cen- about 2 miles. It is one of the best harbors on the Atlan- ters along the southern shore of Cape Cod bordering tic Coast, having a sizable anchorage area in depths of Nantucket Sound. 12 to 57 feet with excellent holding ground. Coasters and fishermen find protection here in gales from any COLREGS Demarcation Lines direction. (2) The lines established for this part of the coast are (6) The historical town of Provincetown, on the north- described in 80.135 and 80.145, chapter 2. western side of the harbor, is at the site of the first land- ing of the MAYFLOWER in the new world. Supplies and Chart 13246 hull repair facilities are available in Provincetown. En- gine repairs are available by arrangement. (3) Cape Cod is a long peninsula forming the easterly extremity of Massachusetts. It makes out from the (7) The approach and entrance to the harbor are free of mainland in an easterly direction for 31 miles, then ex- dangers and are marked by three lights and by Pilgrim tends northward for over 20 miles. This cape forms the Monument, a slim stone structure 348 feet above the southern and eastern shores of Cape Cod Bay, the water; two standpipes are about 0.2 mile westward and northern shore of Nantucket Sound, and the eastern a steel tank is 1.5 miles northeastward of the monu- shore of Buzzards Bay. The northern trend of Cape Cod, ment. A 2,500-foot stone breakwater is about 300 yards forming what is sometimes called the Hook of the southeastward of the end of the town pier (MacMillan Cape, is known as the Lower Cape. This section is well Wharf). The breakwater extends northeastward from a settled and composed almost entirely of sandy lands, point in 42°02'45\"N., 70°10'55\"W., approximately par- with high bare sand dunes and low nearly level plains. allel to the shoreline. The east and west ends of the The portion of Cape Cod between Chatham and Cape breakwater are each marked by a light. Strangers Cod Canal is known as the Upper Cape. This region is should exercise caution when operating in the area. In wooded and is well settled by numerous towns and vil- September 1981, an 8-foot shoal spot was reported in lages. the approach to the town pier in about 42°02'50\"N., 70°10'56\"W. Numerous fishing vessels work out of Tides and Currents Provincetown during the year. During the summer, (4) The tidal current velocities between Race Point and floats are set out that are capable of mooring vessels up to 40 feet. Larger vessels must tie up at permanent Highland Light are very strong, but diminish to less piers. Anchorage inside the breakwater is reported to than 1 knot between Highland Light and Chatham be fair to poor, mud bottom with much debris. The ma- Light. Strengths of flood and ebb set northward and rina close southwest of MacMillan Wharf maintains 40 southward, respectively, along the coast. The time of mooring buoys on the west side of the harbor. current changes rapidly, the strength of flood or ebb occurring about 2 hours later off Nauset Beach Light (8) All moorings and berthing in the harbor are under than off Chatham Light. the control of the harbormaster, who has an office at the end of the town pier. The harbormaster monitors VHF-FM channel 16, 24 hours a day. (9) The Captain of the Port, Boston, has established a fairway 100 yards wide extending from 42°02'00\"N., 70°09'35\"W. to 42°02'43\"N., 70°11'01\"W., and in the
194 I Chapter 4 I Coast Pilot 2 area extending about 100 yards around the piers in terrain continues hilly with narrow valleys at intervals. Provincetown Harbor. Anchorage is prohibited in this From Highland Light to near the Chatham entrance fairway. the water continues to shoal abruptly within 0.5 mile of (10) Provincetown Coast Guard Station is about 0.4 the shore. mile southwest of the town pier. (20) Two spires at Truro, 2.5 miles south of Highland (11) The finger pier northeastward of the Coast Guard Light, are prominent. A tank stands out near the shore pier is in ruins. Mariners should exercise caution while about 9 miles south-southeastward of Highland Light navigating in the area. in South Wellfleet. (12) Cape Cod Canal is described in chapter 5. Com- (21) Nauset Beach Light (41°51'36\"N., 69°57'12\"W.), plete information about the harbors and ports in Cape 114 feet above the water, is shown from a 48-foot coni- Cod Bay is contained in United States Coast Pilot 1, cal tower, the upper part red and the lower part white, Atlantic Coast, Eastport to Cape Cod. on the beach at Eastham. The buildings of a former Coast Guard station, about 1 mile south of the light, are Charts 13249, 13246 conspicuous. (22) The coast from Nauset Beach Light turns gradually (13) Between Wood End (42°01.2'N., 70°11.3'W.) and southward to Chatham, a distance of 11 miles, and be- Race Point, the westernmost point of Cape Cod, shoals comes lower and less steep. The terrain slopes gently that rise abruptly from deep water extend a maximum back from the beach and is covered with a scanty of about 0.6 mile from shore. Race Point Light growth of grass. (42°03'45\"N., 70°14'35\"W.), 41 feet above the water, is (23) Nauset Harbor, 3.3 miles south of Nauset Beach shown from a white tower on the northwest point of Light, is used by small local craft. The area offshore of Cape Cod. the harbor is a chain of shifting sandbars. Breakers are present in this vicinity at all stages of the tide and even (14) Peaked Hill Bar includes shoals with a least depth during the calmest weather. The area is extremely dan- of 10 feet about 3.5 miles northeast of Race Point Light. gerous for any vessel larger than a runabout or for any- one without local knowledge. Strangers should never (15) The bar is about 0.6 mile offshore and extends for attempt to enter. A cluster of houses is on Nauset about 4 miles paralleling the coastline. This area Heights south of the entrance, where the ground is should be given a berth of at least 2 miles. Keeping in a somewhat higher than the land just northward. depth of 20 fathoms will ensure passing 2.5 to 3 miles (24) The harbor has three arms extending northward off the eastern side of Cape Cod. into Nauset Bay, northwestward into Salt Pond Bay and Salt Pond, and westward into Town Cove which is Chart 13246 about 2 miles long in a southwesterly direction. Private seasonal buoys mark the channel from the entrance to (16) From Race Point, the shore of Cape Cod curves Town Cove. A marina is on the west bank about 0.5 mile northeastward, eastward, and then southeastward for from the head of the cove. Gasoline, water, moorings, about 9 miles to the Highlands, and is composed of berths, marine supplies, and a concrete ramp are avail- bare sand dunes of various heights. The sand dunes be- able. Craft to 25 feet can be handled for hull or engine gin to be covered with a brownish-looking growth of repairs, or dry open or covered storage. In August 1981, grass, and the land is higher as the Highlands are ap- depths of 4 feet were reported alongside the service proached. The water shoals somewhat abruptly within dock. 0.5 mile of the shore and care must be taken not to go (25) The outer coast is eroding from east of North Chat- inside the 10-fathom curve. ham northward for about 3 miles. Waves wash across the beach barrier into the sound in several places at (17) Highland Light (42°02'22\"N., 70°03'39\"W.), 170 high water. A conspicuous standpipe with a red and feet above the water, is shown from a 66-foot white white checkered band around the top is about 0.6 mile tower with covered way to the dwelling on a high bluff southward of Chatham Port. of the Highlands. Charts 13248, 13246 Prominent objects (18) Prominent objects include a stone crenellated (26) Chatham, about 11.5 miles southward of Nauset Beach Light, is on fairly high ground on the west side of tower, a red brick stack, and three spherical radar Chatham Harbor. Chatham Light (41°40'17\"N., domes on the summit of a ridge, 0.5 mile south of Highland Light. (19) The shore southward from the Highlands for 12 miles to Nauset Beach Light has a slight curve. The
Outer Cape Cod and Nantucket Sound I Chapter 4 I 195 69°57'01\"W.), 80 feet above the water, is shown from a 0.5 mile south of Chatham Light. In 1992 it was re- white conical tower on the west side of the harbor. ported this facility could not be reached from Chatham Chatham Coast Guard Station is near Chatham Light. Harbor due to severe shoaling south of Chatham Light. (27) Several spires and a tall stack at Chatham are The facility can reportedly be reached from Chatham prominent. Roads by way of a channel south of Morris Island (see (28) In January 1987, a break occurred in Nauset chart 13229). Berths, gasoline, water, ice, marine sup- Beach, the barrier beach protecting Chatham Harbor, plies, launching ramp, and storage facilities are avail- creating a new inlet into the harbor east of Chatham able. A hydraulic trailer can handle craft to 45 feet for Light. This break is now the only entrance into Chat- hull and engine repairs. In June 1992, depths to 2 feet ham Harbor. The break is used by small local fishing were reported in the basin. and pleasure craft with a smooth sea. The break is un- marked, extremely dangerous, and should be avoided (32) A boat basin is in Aunt Lydias Cove between Tern by those without local knowledge. The Coast Guard has Island and Chatham. In July 2005, the controlling established a rough bar advisory light, 62 feet above the depth of the channel was 6.1 feet, thence 4.7 to 8 feet in water, on a skeleton tower near Chatham Light in the basin with lesser depths along the east side. Condi- about 41°40'17.4\"N., 69°57'00.1\"W. to promote safety tions are rapidly changing. A fish pier is in the basin. for small-boat operators. The light has a dayboard Commercial fishing boats operate from the cove. The which is diamond-shaped, painted white with an inter- harbormaster can be contacted on VHF-FM channel national orange border, and with the words “Rough 16. Bar” in black letters. The light, when activated, is flash- ing yellow. The light will be activated when the seas ex- (33) Bassing Harbor, at the north end of Chatham Har- ceed 2 feet in height and are considered hazardous for bor, is the entrance to Ryder Cove and Crows Pond. A small boats. Small-boat operators are cautioned, how- small-craft facility is on the south side of Ryder Cove, ever, that if the light is not flashing it is no guarantee about 0.5 mile inside the entrance. A town launching that sea conditions are favorable. Currents are ex- ramp is close westward of the facility. Private seasonal tremely strong and dangerous surf can build up quickly aids mark the channel from Chatham Harbor to the on the outer bar with an ebb current. Shoals are con- town ramp. A 5 mph speed limit is enforced in the cove. stantly shifting near the break and extreme caution is A forklift at the facility can haul out craft to 25 feet. advised. Ocean waves carry into the harbor and report- Gasoline, water, ice, marine supplies, moorings, and edly break as far north as Tern Island. Anchoring and storage facilities are available; hull and engine repairs even mooring in much of Chatham Harbor is not rec- can be made. In August 1981, a reported depth of 3 feet ommended. Mariners unfamiliar with the area are ad- could be carried to the small-craft facility. vised to stay east of Chatham Beach Lighted Whistle Buoy C (41°39'12\"N., 69°55'30\"W.). (34) Nickersons Neck, on the north side of Crows Pond (29) About 2.7 miles south of Chatham Light, at what and the south side of Pleasant Bay, has a country club used to be the end of Nauset Beach, is a large area of on the north side. shoals which extends southwestward to Monomoy Is- land. There is no marked channel through the shoals. (35) Round Cove, at the southwest end of Pleasant Bay Small vessels with local knowledge use the area with a has a town wharf and launching ramp. A combination smooth sea; strangers should avoid the area. These antenna and flagpole on the west bank of the cove is shoals are dangerous in thick weather and vessels in conspicuous. the vicinity should stay in depths of 8 fathoms or more. (30) The passage inside the barrier beach from Chat- (36) The Narrows is a passage between Sipson Island ham Light to the head of navigation in Orleans, on the and the mainland and connects Pleasant Bay with Lit- west side of Meeting House Pond, is about 7.9 miles tle Pleasant Bay. The passage is marked by private sea- long and used by small-craft. The passage, marked by sonal buoys. private, seasonal buoys, leads northerly from the break through Chatham Harbor, Pleasant Bay, The Narrows, (37) Little Pleasant Bay extends about 1.5 miles north- Little Pleasant Bay, and The River to Meeting House ward to Barley Neck. A launching ramp is on the west Pond. The channel requires local knowledge. bank of the entrance to Paw Wah Pond on the south side of Namequoit Point. Small-craft facility (31) A small-craft facility is in a protected basin in the (38) Namequoit River leads westward from the head of Little Pleasant Bay to Areys Pond. In August 1981, cove between Morris Island and the mainland, about depths of 2 feet were reported in Namequoit River, and the channel into the pond had depths of 3 feet. A small-craft facility on the north side of the pond has a 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.
196 I Chapter 4 I Coast Pilot 2 (39) An arm, known as The River, extends northward Chart 13244 from the entrance to Namequoit River for about 1 mile to Meeting House Pond. Private seasonal buoys par- (44) Monomoy Shoals consist of numerous detached tially mark the channel from The River to the pond. A shoals extending about 5.5 miles in an easterly direc- town landing and launching ramp are on the north side tion and 9.5 miles in a southeasterly direction from of the channel leading to the pond. A small-craft facility Monomoy Point, the northeast entrance point of is on the north side of the pond. In August 1981, depths Nantucket Sound. Narrow sloughs separate the many of 4 feet were reported in the channel to the pond. A hy- parts of the shoals. It should be remembered that the draulic trailer at the facility can handle craft to 50 feet. shoals are shifting in character and are subject to Berths and moorings in depths of 6 to 10 feet, gasoline, change in location and depth. water, ice, a launching ramp, and storage facilities are available; hull and engine repairs can be made. A town (45) A dangerous wreck, reported covered 15 feet, is off ramp is on the east side of the pond southeastward of Monomoy Island in about 41°35'07\"N., 69°57'41\"W. the small-craft facility. Mariners are advised to exercise extreme caution while navigating in the area. Chart 13237 (46) Bearse Shoal and Pollock Rip, extending about 5 (40) Nantucket Sound is between the south coast of miles eastward of Monomoy Point, are a series of sand Cape Cod on the north, Nantucket Island and part of shoals and ridges with little water over them in places. Martha’s Vineyard on the south, and joins Vineyard Pollock Rip Channel is between the shoals. Sound on the west to provide an inside passage. Nantucket Sound has a length of about 23 miles in an (47) Broken Part of Pollock Rip, covered 10 to 18 feet, east-west direction and a width of 6 to 22 miles. At the is eastward of Pollock Rip. eastern entrance and within the sound are numerous shoals. Between these shoals are well-marked channels (48) Stone Horse Shoal, Little Round Shoal, and Great making the navigation of these waters comparatively Round Shoal are portions of a continuous series of easy for powered vessels and also sailing vessels with a sand shoals and ridges covered 4 to 18 feet. These fair wind. The shoals at the eastern entrance are sub- shoals are directly eastward of the entrance to ject to considerable shifting while those inside are Nantucket Sound and between the two main channels. somewhat stable. Boulders are along the shores. Southward and eastward of these shoals are numerous shoal spots, including Orion Shoal, covered 16 to 19 (41) The channel through Nantucket Sound and Vine- feet. yard Sound has a controlling depth of about 30 feet and provides an inside passage for vessels of medium draft (49) Handkerchief Shoal, extending for 5 miles south- to avoid Nantucket Shoals. This route is used princi- westward from Monomoy Point, is covered 2 to 18 feet. pally by coastwise vessels and pleasure craft. The navi- A spot that uncovers 2 feet is about 2.7 miles southwest gational aids are colored and numbered for passing of the point. On the northwest side the water shoals through the sound from the eastward. gradually and soundings will indicate an approach to danger, but on the southeast side the shoal rises (42) Monomoy and Nantucket Shoals are eastward and abruptly from the deeper water. Handkerchief Shoal is southeastward of the eastern entrance to Nantucket uneven and shifting in character. Vessels should not at- Sound. Owing to the great extent and distance offshore tempt to pass northward of the buoys marking the of some parts of these shoals, and the strong and baf- southern end and southeast side of the shoal. fling tidal currents which set over them, their naviga- tion in thick or foggy weather is hazardous. In clear Chart 13237 weather the lights and buoys render navigation of the two principal channels, Pollock Rip and Great Round (50) Nantucket Shoals is the general name of the nu- Shoal, comparatively easy. For the purpose of descrip- merous broken shoals which extend 23 miles eastward tion Great Round Shoal Channel will be considered as and 39 miles southeastward of Nantucket Island. These the dividing line between Monomoy and Nantucket extremely dangerous shoals are described in chapter 3; Shoals. caution must be exercised in this area. (43) Numerous fishtraps are located in Nantucket (51) Halfmoon Shoal, near the center of Nantucket Sound, particularly along the southern shore of Cape Sound, is covered 9 feet. Its southern end is marked by Cod. These areas may be marked by private lights. a lighted bell buoy. Depths of 17 and 22 feet are 2.5 and 1.5 miles, respectively, southeastward of the shoal. Deep-draft vessels should use care to avoid them. A lighted gong buoy is 1.3 miles east-northeast of the 22-foot spot.
Outer Cape Cod and Nantucket Sound I Chapter 4 I 197 (52) Cross Rip Shoal, about 2.5 miles west-southwest- mile southward of Monomoy Point. An abandoned ward of Halfmoon Shoal, has a least depth of 11 feet. Its lighthouse about 1.2 miles northward of the point is northern edge is marked by a lighted gong buoy. A prominent. shoal, covered 26 feet, extends 1.2 miles eastward of the (59) Great Round Shoal Channel, about 10 miles south- buoy. Caution must be exercised in passing between ward of Pollock Rip Channel, is used by many large this shoal and the shoal making out southwestward fishing vessels transiting Nantucket Sound from New from Halfmoon Shoal. Bedford to Georges Bank and sometimes by sailboats that are headed by the wind so as to prevent their work- (53) Horseshoe Shoal, about 7.5 miles long, bares in ing through Pollock Rip Channel. The buoyed channel places at extreme low water. Its western side is marked has a controlling depth of about 27 feet between Great by two buoys and its northern and southeastern sides Round Shoal and Nantucket Shoals. by lighted buoys. The main channel passes between the southeastern lighted buoy and the lighted gong buoy Chart 13237 marking Cross Rip Shoal. (60) The Main Channel of Nantucket Sound leads (54) L’Hommedieu Shoal, covered 3 feet, and Hedge southward of Halfmoon Shoal, through Cross Rip Fence, covered 5 feet, lie in an east-west direction in Channel, southward of Horseshoe Shoal, through the the western end of Nantucket Sound and the eastern fairway between Hedge Fence and Squash Meadow, and end of Vineyard Sound. The water deepens abruptly at thence into the eastern end of Vineyard Sound. The the edge of these shoals, and soundings will give little channel is used by most of the vessels bound through warning of approaching dangers. The main channel Nantucket Sound and is well marked by navigational passes southward of Hedge Fence Shoal. L’Hommedieu aids. With care a least depth of 30 feet can be carried Shoal is marked by buoys at its north, east, and west through the channel, but the draft of the vessels using ends. Hedge Fence is marked by a lighted gong buoy on it seldom exceeds 24 feet. its southeastern side, and a buoy on its western end. (61) Cross Rip Lighted Gong Buoy 21 (41°26'51\"N., (55) The numerous other shoals in Nantucket Sound 70°17'30\"W.), marks the northern edge of Cross Rip are discussed with the land features near them. Shoal. Channels (62) North Channel leads along the north side of (56) Two principal channels lead from the eastward into Nantucket Sound, on either side of Bishop and Clerks, northward of Horseshoe Shoal, between Wreck Shoal Nantucket Sound. The northerly one is through and Eldridge Shoal, northward of L’Hommedieu Shoal, Pollock Rip Channel and Butler Hole, and the south- and through one of the openings in the shoals west- erly one through Great Round Shoal Channel. Between ward of L’Hommedieu Shoal into Vineyard Sound. This the numerous shoals in Nantucket Sound are two channel is used mostly by craft bound to points on the well-marked channels leading to the eastern end of north shore of Nantucket Sound and by vessels bound Vineyard Sound. Muskeget Channel, discussed later in through the sound during northerly winds or in winter this chapter, leads into the sound from the southward, when the prevailing northerly winds keep the north eastward of Chappaquiddick Island. shore of the sound free from drift ice. The least depth in the channel is about 16 feet. Lighted and unlighted Chart 13244 buoys mark the channel. (57) Pollock Rip Channel and Butler Hole form the Anchorages most direct channel leading from points northward of (63) Sailing vessels working through the sound against Cape Cod to Nantucket Sound. The channel leads be- tween Bearse Shoal and Pollock Rip, thence eastward of a head wind usually anchor during the night, or if be- Handkerchief Shoal. Since large-vessel traffic may be calmed and drifting toward the shoals it is best to an- encountered in this channel, fishing vessels and small chor and wait for a favorable current or change of wind. craft should avoid the area during thick or foggy The only anchorages for vessels of over 10-foot draft weather. The channel is well marked by navigational that afford shelter from all winds are Nantucket Har- aids. Mariners should consult the chart and seek local bor, Hyannis Harbor, and Edgartown inner harbor. knowledge before entering Pollock Rip Channel and Vineyard Haven, the anchorage most used by coasters, Butler Hole because numerous shoals exist in this is exposed to northeasterly winds. In northerly winds channel. Caution is advised when transiting the area. the best anchorages are off Dennis Port, Hyannis Port, and along the north shore. The anchorage off Fal- (58) Submerged piling, the remains of the former mouth is used in most winds by vessels with good Monomoy Point Light structure, may exist about 0.3
198 I Chapter 4 I Coast Pilot 2 ground tackle. In easterly winds vessels sometimes an- winds make high tides and strong westerly currents. chor in smooth water westward of Handkerchief Shoal Westerly winds make low tides and strong easterly cur- or inside Great Point. Good shelter from easterly winds rents. can also be found in Chatham Roads and Edgartown (70) Pollock Rip Channel and Great Round Shoal Chan- outer harbor. In southerly and westerly winds Edgartown nel are subject to change; vessels of deep draft should Harbor and Vineyard Haven are the best anchorages. wait for a favorable tide. With the aid of the chart and the directions given under (71) The Main Channel through Nantucket Sound is the discussion of these harbors, strangers can enter the well marked, and strangers should experience little dif- anchorages. ficulty in navigating it. Vessels must take care to avoid (64) Several general anchorages are in Nantucket the 24-foot shoal extending 1.2 miles eastward of the Sound and its eastern approaches. (See 110.1 and buoy marking Cross Rip Shoal and the 17- to 22-foot 110.140(c)(3) through (c)(7) and (d), chapter 2, for shoals 2.5 and 1.5 miles, respectively, southeastward of limits and regulations.) Halfmoon Shoal. (72) The North Channel through Nantucket Sound has Routes broken ground with depths of 16 to 17 feet in some (65) Because of the numerous shoals, strong tidal cur- places. Strangers should not attempt this channel at night. rents, thick fog at certain seasons, and vessels which may be encountered in the narrow parts of the channel Currents through Nantucket Sound, the navigator must use (73) The Tidal Current Tables and the Narragansett Bay more than ordinary care when in these waters. (66) In clear weather, day or night, the aids are readily to Nantucket Sound Tidal Current Charts contain de- distinguished and sufficiently numerous to enable a tailed current information for many locations in this stranger to follow the channel without difficulty. The area. strongest currents will be encountered in Pollock Rip (74) At the eastern entrance to Pollock Rip Channel the Channel, between Pollock Rip Channel Lighted Buoy 8 flood current sets about 053° and the ebb 212°. and Handkerchief Shoal Buoy 14, and off East and West (75) Daily predictions for Butlers Hole at the western Chop. In some places the current sets directly on the end of Pollock Rip Channel are published in the Tidal shoals and in a calm, sailing vessels are sometimes Current Tables. obliged to anchor to prevent going aground. Most of (76) Off the southeast end of Great Round Shoal, the the shoals rise abruptly from deep water and the bot- tidal current is rotary, turning clockwise. The average tom is very irregular, so soundings alone cannot be de- velocity at strength is 1.3 knots, and the average mini- pended upon to keep clear of danger. Sailing vessels mum velocity is 0.3 knot. Tide rips and water surface with a favorable current and with some local knowl- agitation caused by upwelling may be observed across edge beat through the sound against a head wind in the 10-fathom contour east of the entrance to Great clear weather. If they find they are losing ground, they Round Shoal Channel. (See Tidal Current Tables for come to anchor within the prescribed anchorages un- predictions.) der the lee of one of the shoals, or in one of the harbors (77) From the eastern entrance of Nantucket Sound to until the wind or current changes. the lighted gong buoy off Hedge Fence, the time of cur- (67) In thick weather or fog when the aids cannot be rent becomes gradually later; the average velocity at seen, vessels in the vicinity of Pollock Rip Channel are strength varies from about 1 to 2 knots. cautioned against anchoring in the channel or near any of the aids. Steamers and tows passing through the Weather, Nantucket Sound and Vicinity channel in thick weather depend almost entirely on ra- (78) Winter winds and waves along with spring and dar navigation and the sound signals of the aids, mak- ing it necessary for them to pass close to the aids. early summer fogs provide weather hazards in these (68) Vessels off Pollock Rip Channel entrance desiring waters. From October through March gales can be ex- to anchor, wind and sea permitting, should stand west- pected about 3 to 6 percent of the time and are fre- ward and anchor west of a line joining Pollock Rip quently out of the west and northwest. Some wind and Channel Buoy 2A and Chatham Lighted Whistle Buoy current interactions can also create problems. The C. Anchorage may also be had in depths of 5 to 10 fath- most severe of these is found at the west entrance to the oms about 1 mile northeastward of Broken Part of Cape Cod Canal. Rough seas can develop here when the Pollock Rip. tide ebbing out of the canal opposes a brisk southwest (69) In Great Round Shoal Channel, the tidal currents wind. Another well known “rough spot” is the West are not as strong as in Pollock Rip Channel. Easterly Chop off the north corner of Martha’s Vineyard. At a maximum ebb or flood the current runs 3.5 knots here
Outer Cape Cod and Nantucket Sound I Chapter 4 I 199 and when it is opposed by the wind a nasty chop is set Chart 13229 up. (79) In general, over open waters, waves of 12 feet (3.7 (88) Chatham Roads, at the northeast end of Nantucket m) or more can be expected 5 to 15 percent of the time Sound, is between the extensive shoals which extend from November through February. In the shallow por- northwestward from the northern end of Monomoy Is- tions of Nantucket Sound these frequencies drop, but land and the shoals extending 1.6 miles from the shore waves may break before reaching these heights. of Cape Cod at Harwich Port. The Roads is the approach (80) The characteristic advection fog, formed by warm to Stage Harbor and the prominent summer resort of air over cool water, is most frequent from April through Chatham on the hilly ground at the northeast shore of August. At this time visibilities drop below 2 miles 10 to Nantucket Sound. 18 percent of the time; May, June and July are the worst and caution is advised, particularly near the numerous (89) Stage Harbor Light (41°39'30\"N., 69°59'04\"W.), 42 shoal areas in these waters. In addition to affecting visi- feet above the water, is shown from a modular tower on bility, fog also distorts sound so the direction of warn- the northeast side of Chatham Roads on the north side ing bells and horns may be difficult to discern of the entrance to Stage Harbor. accurately. (81) Thunderstorms can occur in any season but are (90) Among the conspicuous landmarks approaching most likely in spring and summer. Sometimes they ap- Chatham Roads and Stage Harbor are the domes of the pear as squall lines with strong, gusty winds preceding National Weather Service’s installation on the eastern the rain. Occasionally winds can gust to 60 knots. side of Morris Island, a radio tower at South Chatham, church spires, Chatham Light, and Stage Harbor Light. Pilotage: Nantucket Sound (82) Pilotage is compulsory for foreign vessels of 350 (91) A dredged channel, marked by buoys, leads from Chatham Roads for about 0.69 mile into Stage Harbor. gross tons or more, U.S. vessels under register of 350 The entrance is in an area of shifting sandbars and is gross tons or more and tank barge towing vessels carry- subject to shoaling. In February 2002, the controlling ing 6,000 barrels or more of petroleum cargoes. Pilot- depth in the entrance channel was 6.0 feet. age is available from Northeast Marine Pilots, Inc., Newport, RI, 02840; telephone 401-847-9050 (24 (92) A narrow channel, marked by private seasonal hours), 800-274-1216; FAX 401-847-9052; email: dis- buoys, leads northerly from Stage Harbor through [email protected]. Mitchell River to Mill Pond and has a depth of about 6 (83) Vessels requiring a tow usually take a tug from the feet. This channel is crossed by a highway bridge that port of their departure. has a bascule span with a clearance of 8½ feet. When in the open position the bascule span will overhang the (84) Monomoy Island, a national wildlife refuge on the channel, providing an unobstructed width of 15 feet. northeastern side of Nantucket Sound, is a low, narrow (See 117.1 through 117.59 and 117.607, chapter 2, spit covered with sand dunes. Vessels sometimes an- for drawbridge regulations.) chor off the east shore of the island in depths of 4 to 6 fathoms to await a favorable current for entering the Anchorage sound. Off Monomoy Point, the south end of the island, (93) Good anchorage for vessels up to 18-foot draft can shoals make off up to 5 miles eastward. be had in Chatham Roads in depths of 21 to 30 feet, (85) Monomoy National Wildlife Refuge, a Marine Man- good holding ground. This anchorage is insecure for aged Area (MMA), extends 1 mile offshore from small craft in heavy southwesterly gales. Small craft Monomoy and Morris Islands. (See MMA 4-2, Appendix can find a well-sheltered anchorage in Stage Harbor. C, for additional information.) No-Discharge Zone (86) Tidal currents average about 2 knots at strength in (94) The State of Massachusetts, with the approval of the channel 0.2 mile west of Monomoy Point. The flood current sets 170°, and the ebb 346°. the Environmental Protection Agency, has established a No-Discharge Zone (NDZ) in the Stage Harbor Com- (87) The large bight formed by Monomoy Island and the plex. The area covered includes Stage Harbor, north of north shore of Nantucket Sound, eastward of Point a line drawn across its mouth at Nantucket Sound, and Gammon, has extensive shoals scattered throughout the following tributaries: Little Mill Pond, Mill Pond, 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). (95) Within the NDZ, discharge of sewage, whether treated or untreated, from all vessels is prohibited. Outside the NDZ, discharge of sewage is regulated by 40 CFR 140 (see chapter 2).
200 I Chapter 4 I Coast Pilot 2 Routes Gasoline, diesel fuel, water, ice, marine supplies, (96) Vessels approaching Chatham Roads from the launching ramps, berthage, and moorings are avail- able. southward should pass westward of Handkerchief (102) Mill Creek, 1.6 miles northwestward of Stage Har- Shoal and the extensive shoals westward of Monomoy bor Light, is used only at high water by small local Island. Approaching from the westward pass either side craft. The entrance between the jetties was reported to of Bishop and Clerks and thence southward of the sea- have 1½ feet in 1964. The tall radio tower of Chatham sonal lighted whistle buoy off Kill Pond Bar, a shoal Radio Station WCC is prominent about 0.4 mile west of covered 4 to 11 feet off the northwest entrance to Chat- the jetties. Cockle Cove has been entered by small boats ham Roads. When off the entrance to Chatham Roads, through one of the breakthroughs in the sandbar. steer 063° with Stage Harbor and Chatham Lights in (103) Saquatucket Harbor, is entered about 3.5 miles range. This course will lead about 500 yards southeast- westward of Stage Harbor Light. A dredged channel ward of Chatham Roads Bell Buoy 3 and north of the leads from Chatham Roads to an anchorage basin at the buoy marking Common Flat, the shoal on the eastern head of the harbor. The entrance is protected by jetties. side of the roads, to the Stage Harbor approach buoy In December 2004, the controlling depth was 4.8 feet about 0.8 mile west-southwestward of Stage Harbor (5.5 feet at midchannel) to Buoy 8; thence in 2002, the Light. An anchorage may be had northward of the ap- controlling depths were 6.0 feet at midchannel from proach buoy in depths of about 28 feet. Boats continu- Buoy 8 to the anchorage basin with depths of 4.8 to 6 ing to Stage Harbor will pick up the channel entrance feet in the basin, except for lesser depths along the buoys about 800 yards southwestward of Stage Harbor edges. In 1993, a submerged obstruction was reported Light. The channel is well marked. about 10 yards south of Buoy 4. Buoys mark the chan- nel, and a light marks the outer end of the east jetty. A (97) A 5 mph speed limit is enforced in the harbor. marina is on the north side of the anchorage basin. (98) The harbor is closed by ice for short periods each Gasoline, diesel fuel, limited berths, water, electricity, ice, a pump-out station, some supplies and a launching winter. Local fishermen will act as pilots for craft desir- ramp are available. In September 2004, an approach ing one. depth of 6.0 feet was reported at the marina berths. The (99) The commercial fish piers in Stage Harbor are on marina monitors VHF-FM channel 68. The harbor- The Neck at the head of the dredged channel opposite master here also supervises Wychmere Harbor, Allen Stage Island and on the west bank of Oyster Pond River Harbor, Herring River, and Round Cove in Pleasant just above the first bend about 0.7 mile above the en- Bay. A 5 mph speed limit is enforced in these areas. The trance to the river. harbormaster can be contacted by telephone (508- (100) There are a marina and boatyard on the north side 430-7532). of Stage Harbor adjacent to the fish piers, and a marina (104) Wychmere Harbor, 3.7 miles westward of Stage on Mitchell River just west of the bridge. The marine Harbor Light, is a circular basin with a bulkheaded en- railway at the boatyard can haul out craft up to 50 feet trance protected by two jetties. The west jetty is for hull and engine repairs or dry open or covered stor- hook-shaped and marked on the end by a light. The east age. Storage is also available at the bridge. Gasoline, jetty is short. The harbor is used by fishing and plea- diesel fuel, water, ice, marine supplies, and moorings sure craft. The village of Harwich Port is west of the are available at Stage Harbor and at the bridge. The ma- harbor. A church spire about 0.5 mile westward of the rina at the bridge has a 10-ton lift; berthage in 6 feet of harbor and a hotel on the west bank of the entrance are water, gasoline, diesel fuel, water, ice, storage facilities, conspicuous. some marine supplies and a launching ramp are also (105) In August 1994, the reported controlling depth available. A launching ramp is on Sears Point. across the bar was 8 feet. Inside the jetties, the channel (101) Oyster Pond River extends from Stage Harbor for has a depth of 6 feet to the harbor. The channel is sub- about 0.7 mile in a northwesterly direction, thence for ject to shoaling. The outer anchorage basin, known lo- 0.8 mile in a northeasterly direction into Oyster Pond. cally as Harwich Port Harbor, has a depth of about 8 Private seasonal aids mark the channel at the bend in feet with good holding ground. the river. Shoaling to 2 feet was reported at the bend in (106) There is a large summer club-hotel and wharf on August 1981. On the west bank at the bend there are a the west side of the jettied entrance. A town wharf is on town wharf, a launching ramp, and a fish wharf. At 0.3 the east side. A boatyard is at the inner end of the chan- mile and 0.5 mile above the bend on the west bank are nel. Berthage, gasoline, diesel fuel, water, ice, a two boatyards and marinas. The largest marine railway pump-out station, marine supplies, and storage facili- at the yards can haul out craft up to 44 feet for hull and ties are available; hull and engine repairs can be made. engine repairs or dry open or covered storage.
Outer Cape Cod and Nantucket Sound I Chapter 4 I 201 Courtesy of Cape Cod Power Squadron A patrol boat enforces a speed limit of 5 mph; the patrol supplies and a launching ramp are available. In March boat is equipped with VHF-FM channels 16, 22, and 68. 2002, the reported alongside depth was 6 feet. The The harbormaster who supervises Wychmere Harbor harbormaster who supervises Allen Harbor has his of- has his office at Saquatucket Harbor. He can be reached fice at Saquatucket Harbor. He can be reached by tele- by telephone (508-430-7532) for advice on moorings or phone (508-430-7532) for local information. local conditions. (110) Herring River, 6 miles west of Stage Harbor Light, (107) Allen Harbor, about 4.8 miles west of Stage Harbor has a large prominent hotel on the west side and wind- Light, has a narrow entrance between two jetties into mill on the east side of the entrance. The entrance, be- Doanes Creek. Allen Harbor is at the head of the creek. tween two small jetties, is subject to shoaling. The The west jetty is marked by a private seasonal light. An approach is marked by private seasonal buoys, and the elevated water tank north of the harbor is a good land- outer end of the west jetty is marked by a private sea- mark. sonal light. In 1973, the midchannel controlling depth (108) In April 1979, the controlling depth in the entrance was 6 feet in the entrance channel. A basin dredged in channel was 5 feet. Private seasonal buoys mark the the river just below the bridge has moorings for craft channel. The harbor affords good shelter for small drawing up to 3 feet. The fixed bridge, about 0.3 mile craft. above the mouth, has a 14-foot fixed span with a clear- (109) A town landing and launching ramp at the west end ance of 10 feet. State Route 28 highway bridge about of the bridge were reported to have about 6 feet along- 0.8 mile above the mouth has a 20-foot fixed span with side. A marina and boatyard on the west side at the head a clearance of 7 feet. Limited supplies may be obtained of the harbor has a 15-ton forklift and a hydraulic at Dennis Port about 0.7 mile westward of the river. trailer that can handle craft to 42 feet for hull, engine and electronic repairs. Open and covered storage, gaso- line, diesel fuel, water, ice, a pump-out station, marine
202 I Chapter 4 I Coast Pilot 2 Courtesy of Cape Cod Power Squadron No-Discharge Zone through the jetties to an anchorage basin in the lower (111) The State of Massachusetts, with the approval of part of the river, and thence to the highway bridge at South Dennis, 3.1 miles above the mouth. The bridge the Environmental Protection Agency, has established has a 25-foot fixed span with a clearance of 10 feet. The a No-Discharge Zone (NDZ) in the coastal regions of entrance to the anchorage basin and the channel over the Town of Harwich. The NDZ includes major harbors the bar are subject to shoaling. In June 2001, the and contiguous beaches between and including Allen, dredged entrance channel had a reported controlling 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 (112) 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. (113) Swan Pond River, about 1.9 miles west of Herring (115) 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. (116) A 5 mph speed limit is enforced on the river. (117) About 0.8 mile above the mouth, a channel leads (114) 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 marked by private seasonal buoys leads over the bar from about 0.4 mile southward of the jetty light
Outer Cape Cod and Nantucket Sound I Chapter 4 I 203 (118) A marina and boatyard, about 0.4 mile below the marina is on the east side of the river just below the first highway bridge, has a lift that can haul out craft up highway bridge; berths are available. to 45 feet for hull and engine repairs or dry open and (125) Point Gammon, 12 miles west-northwestward of covered storage. Gasoline, diesel fuel, water, ice, a Monomoy Point, is the eastern entrance point to pump-out station, and a launching ramp are available. Hyannis Harbor. The point, prominent and wooded, is In May 2002, 6 feet was reported alongside the dock. marked by an abandoned lighthouse tower. A reef, The marina monitors VHF-FM channels 66 and 79. partly bare at low water, extends about 0.3 mile south of Town landings and launching ramps are on both sides the point. Extensive flats with rocks awash at low water of the river at and below the bridge. extend 1 mile northwestward of the point. Gazelle Rock, covered 5 feet and marked by a seasonal lighted (119) Rental boats, gasoline, bait, and tackle can be ob- buoy, is about 0.5 mile south-southeastward of the tained at a fishing pier just north of the east end of the point. Senator Shoal, covered 11 feet and unmarked, is bridge. A marina, above the pier, has berths, gasoline, about 1 mile southeastward of the point. Hallets Rock, diesel fuel, water, ice, a pump-out station, a 35-ton lift, covered 17 feet, is about 1 mile south of the point and and storage facilities; hull and engine repairs can be another rock, covered 13 feet, is about 1.2 miles made. south-southeast of the point in the vicinity of Hallets Rock. There are several submerged rocks in this area, (120) Two fixed bridges, railroad and highway, cross the which extends in a general line running northwest and river about 0.7 mile above the highway bridge at South southeast between Hallets Rock and Gazelle Rock to a Dennis. Least clearances are: 25 feet horizontal, and 8 private seasonal light 0.5 mile west of the point; the feet vertical. light marks a fishtrap. In 1990, a sunken wreck was re- ported about 0.2 mile southward of Hallets Rock in (121) In August 1981, it was reported that about 4 feet about 41°35.3'N., 70°15.7'W. could be carried at high water to a marina and boatyard (126) Bishop and Clerks, about 2.2 miles southward of on Kellys Bay, about 0.3 mile above the railroad and Point Gammon, is an extensive shoal area. The center highway bridges. A mobile lift at the yard can haul out of the shoal is marked by a light. Several rocks awash at craft to 28 feet for hull and engine repairs or dry open low water are on the arm of the shoal that extends or covered storage. Gasoline, water, moorings, and about 0.9 mile south of the light. A rock, covered 5 feet, berths are available. In August 1981, depths of 5 to 6 is 0.7 mile south-southeastward of the light. The rest of feet were reported at the boatyard. the shoal is covered 8 to 18 feet. A lighted gong buoy, about 1.15 miles southward; an unlighted buoy, about (122) Dogfish Bar, an extensive shoal area off Bass River 0.75 mile westward; and a lighted bell buoy, about 0.7 entrance, is covered 1 to 6 feet. A small breakwater, for- mile northeastward of the light, mark the limits of the merly used as a shelter for small craft, is on the easterly shoal area. Caution should be exercised when in the vi- end of the bar, about 1 mile southeastward of Bass River cinity of this shoal. West Jetty Light. The area around the breakwater and (127) Broken Ground, a shoal area westward of the south northeasterly of it has shoaled. Rocks awash at low wa- end of Bishop and Clerks, has depths of 14 to 18 feet. ter are about 0.4 mile northwestward of the breakwater. West Southwest Ledge, 1.6 miles southwest of Point These rocks are marked by a private seasonal buoy. A Gammon and northwest of Bishop and Clerks, has fish haven, marked by a private buoy, is about 2 miles depths of 13 to 18 feet. A lighted bell buoy is northward south of the breakwater, and a fishtrap marked by a pri- of the ledge and marks the approach to Hyannis Har- vate seasonal light is 1.8 miles southwest of the break- bor. A group of dangerous rocks and obstructions are water. on the edge of the flat that extends northwestward from Point Gammon and into the approach to Hyannis Har- (123) Parkers River, about 1.2 miles west of Bass River, is bor. A rock, covered 11 feet in about 41°37'02.9\"N., entered between two jetties and extends 1.3 miles 70°17'21.1\"W., is the westernmost and marked close W northward to Seine Pond. A motel on the east side of by Hyannis Harbor Lighted Buoy 4. the entrance is prominent. Local knowledge should be (128) Hyannis Harbor, protected by a breakwater, is used obtained before entering the river. In December 2000, as a harbor of refuge by coasting vessels and pleasure the entrance channel had a reported controlling depth craft of less than 14-foot draft. A light is on the end of of 4.1 feet. The entrance is reported to shoal quickly af- the breakwater. The harbor is the approach to Hyannis ter dredging. A fixed highway bridge crosses the river Port, on the west side of the harbor, Lewis Bay, and about 1 mile above the entrance. Hyannis at the head of the northwest arm of Lewis Bay. (124) Local fishermen and pleasure craft enter and moor in dredged slips on the east side of the river. An un- named creek, about 0.2 mile above the mouth, leads westward 0.5 mile to Lewis Pond. Small craft can enter the creek only at high water. Small craft may enter the pond but there are no moorings or services available. A
204 I Chapter 4 I Coast Pilot 2 (129) The most prominent objects when approaching the The club can accommodate craft to 140 feet; a reported harbor are: the daybeacon on Great Rock, two red and dockside depth of 8 feet is available. white checkered standpipes, a light blue tank, the (136) A dredged channel leads from Hyannis Harbor into breakwater light, the abandoned lighthouse tower on Lewis Bay, thence to an anchorage basin north of Har- Point Gammon, and the square gray stone church bel- bor Bluff, thence to the town wharf at Hyannis, at the fry on the hill overlooking Hyannis Port to the west- westernmost end. In February 2004, the controlling ward. depths were 10.5 feet (11.2 feet at midchannel) to the anchorage basin, thence 9.6 to 13 feet in the basin, (130) Depths of 13 to 16 feet are in the approach channel, thence 10.5 feet to the town wharf. The channel is well but it is somewhat obstructed by the flats extending marked but is subject to shoaling, especially in the vi- westward from Point Gammon and an extensive shoal cinity of Lewis Bay Approach Channel Buoy 9. Heavy with numerous rocks extending southeastward from vessel traffic should be expected during summer Hyannis Point. In September 2005, reported depths of months. A riprap jetty extends 1,000 feet southerly 7 to 15 feet were available in the protected basin north- from Dunbar Point. ward of the breakwater light. (137) Vessels entering Lewis Bay must be guided by the buoys marking the dredged channel and by the color of Routes the water, deepest where it is darkest. (131) Vessels approaching Hyannis Harbor from the east- Anchorages ward should shape a course to pass about 1,000 yards (138) Vessels with drafts up to 13 feet may anchor in the south of Hallets Rock, exercising caution to avoid the reported wreck mentioned earlier, thence about 317° anchorage northeast of Hyannis Breakwater. Small to a point about 0.6 mile southwestward of Great Rock craft can anchor in Lewis Bay west of the channel, off Daybeacon 4A, and thence about 012° to pass about Hyannis Yacht Club and north of Dunbar Point. Lim- 100 yards or more eastward of the breakwater light. ited anchorage is reported available in the basin north Vessels may anchor inside the breakwater on the east of Harbor Bluff. edge of the mooring area in depths of 15 to 20 feet, soft bottom. Small craft can anchor in the northern portion Small-craft facilities of the harbor in depths of 4 to 8 feet, but care must be (139) Several small-craft facilities and launching ramps taken to keep clear of a charted, submerged wreck, marked by a buoy. are along the northwestern arm of Lewis Bay north- (132) Approaching from the westward, from a position ward of Harbor Bluff. (See the small-craft facilities tab- about midway between Horseshoe Shoal Buoy 7 and ulation on chart 13229 for services and supplies Wreck Shoal Bell Buoy 8 (chart 13237), steer about available.) Limited berths are also available at the town 054° to pass about 1400 yards east of Hodges Rock marina on the west side at the head of the arm. A Buoy 2, and thence about 012° to pass about 100 yards dockmaster is usually in attendance at this marina and eastward of the breakwater light in entering the harbor. can be reached by telephone (508-790-6327) or on (133) Ice seldom interferes with the movement of vessels VHF-FM channel 16. in Hyannis Harbor during normal winters; the prevail- ing northerly winds keep the harbor clear. However, (140) For local information on moorings and berthings, during severe winters or persistent southwesterly the harbormaster can be contacted by telephone winds, the harbor may be temporarily closed to naviga- (508-790-6273), through the Barnstable police depart- tion. During particularly severe winters, the harbor has ment (508-775-0387), or VHF-FM channels 16 and 9. A been closed by ice for up to 3 months. police boat from the town of Barnstable and a (134) Hyannis Port is a summer resort with many promi- Yarmouth Harbor Patrol boat patrol Hyannis Harbor nent homes. A privately dredged channel, with re- during the summer. A 6 mph speed limit is enforced in ported depths of 6 feet in September 2005, leads to the Lewis Bay north of Harbor Bluff and in Hyannis Harbor Hyannis Port Yacht Club landing on the west shore of in the channel leading to the yacht club. the harbor. (135) Lewis Bay, with depths of 2 to 11 feet, extends (141) Ferries to Nantucket and Martha’s Vineyard berth northeastward from Hyannis Harbor. In the northwest in the harbor at Hyannis. Barnstable Municipal Airport corner of the bay is the channel to the summer resort of is just north of the town. Hyannis. The town has a hospital. Hyannis Yacht Club is on the west of the bay. A channel, marked by private (142) Westward of Hyannis Harbor breakwater the water seasonal buoys, leads westward to Hyannis Yacht Club. is shoal with numerous rocks extending well offshore. Eddie Woods Rock, covered 5 feet and unmarked, is 0.6 mile southwestward of the breakwater light. A fishtrap
Outer Cape Cod and Nantucket Sound I Chapter 4 I 205 marked by a private light is about 0.4 mile south of the (148) East Bay, on the west side of Centerville Harbor, rock. has depths of 1 to 4 feet. Small pleasure boats enter the (143) Squaw Island, 1 mile westward of Hyannis Harbor bay en route to Centerville River. The entrance to East Breakwater Light 5, is marked by a tower. Hyannis Bay, protected by a jetty on the southwestern side, had Point, the southerly tip of the island, is on the eastern a reported controlling depth of about 5 feet in August side of Centerville Harbor. 1981, but is subject to shoaling. Centerville River, (144) Southward of Hyannis Point and Centerville Har- which enters the northeast side of the bay, has been pri- bor are numerous shoals and rocks. Southwest vately dredged to a depth of 5 feet for a width of 40 feet Ground, the area about 1.5 miles south of Hyannis practically to the head of navigation. In September Point, has numerous rocks and shoal spots necessitat- 2005, a reported depth of about 3 feet could be taken ing extreme caution for vessels navigating the area. over the bar into Centerville River. Small boats moor in Southwest Rock, about 1.1 miles south of Hyannis the river off Centerville, or tie up to private piers. A 6 Point, is marked by a buoy. Unmarked rocks, some mph speed limit is enforced in East Bay and Centerville awash at low water and others covered 2 to 6 feet, are River. between the buoy and Hyannis Point. (145) Hodges Rock, covered 5 feet and marked by a buoy, (149) A conspicuous stone tower with a mushroom- is 1 mile southward of Southwest Rock Daybeacon. An shaped top is on the north side of the river. A town land- unmarked rock covered 8 feet is 300 yards east of ing is on the north side just above the tower. A launch- Hodges Rock. Bearse Rock, covered 5 feet and marked ing ramp is on the west shore of East Bay. A by a buoy, is 0.5 mile southwestward of Southwest Rock conspicuous wooden tower with a balcony on top is 0.3 Daybeacon. Channel Rock, covered 5 feet and marked mile southwestward of the jetty. by a buoy, is 0.4 mile west of Bearse Rock. Gallatin Rock, covered 4 feet and marked by a buoy, is 0.4 mile (150) Cotuit Anchorage, 6.5 miles west of Point Gam- southwestward of Bearse Rock. Collier Ledge, 1.5 miles mon, is an anchorage for small craft between the shoals west-southwestward of Southwest Rock Daybeacon, is which make off the shore. The anchorage is exposed to awash at low water. It is marked by a lighted buoy in the southerly winds and is seldom used except by local summer and an unlighted buoy in the winter. craft. The channel to the anchorage is marked by (146) Gannet Ledge, covered 5 feet and marked by a buoy, buoys, and vessels of less than 6-foot draft should expe- is 1.1 miles southwest of Hyannis Point. Gannet Rocks, rience no difficulty in keeping in the best water. Lone 0.3 mile north of Gannet Ledge, include two unmarked Rock, covered 4 feet and marked by a buoy, is near the rocks 7 and 3 feet high and a rock covered 4 feet. Spin- southern side of the anchorage. A long shoal, covered 4 dle Rock, awash at low water and marked by a buoy, is feet and marked by a buoy at its southeast end, is 0.5 near the head of Centerville Harbor. A rock awash at mile northeastward of Lone Rock. low water and a rock covered 2 feet are 200 yards north of the buoy. Two unmarked rocks covered 6 feet are 1.7 (151) West Bay, on the north side of Cotuit Anchorage miles southwestward of Hyannis Point. and 19 miles west of Stage Harbor, has a jettied en- (147) Centerville Harbor is a bight 2 miles wide in the trance about 150 feet wide and is the approach to the north shore of Nantucket Sound westward of Hyannis village of Osterville, on the east side of the bay. A pri- Point. A church spire and an elevated tank in vate seasonal light marks the end of the east jetty. A Centerville, the village inland from the head of the har- seasonal lighted buoy about 1 mile southeastward of bor, are used as guides for entering the harbor. the entrance marks the approach, and an unlighted Craigville Beach, on the north side of the harbor, is a buoy marks a 4-foot shoal about 0.7 mile south of the popular bathing beach. The approach to Centerville entrance. Private seasonal buoys mark the channel Harbor is obstructed by the previously mentioned through West Bay. An elevated water tank, about 0.7 rocks and shoals. The natural channel with depths of 9 mile northward of the bridge at Osterville, is conspicu- to 10 feet leads to the anchorage. Anchorage with good ous. In 1981-January 2001, a depth of 2.9 feet was avail- holding ground may be had in depths of 15 to 21 feet; able in the entrance channel, thence 6 feet to the however, vessels seldom anchor here for shelter as the highway bridge. The channel is subject to shoaling, and harbor is exposed to southerly winds. The shoals off the strangers should obtain local information before enter- entrance somewhat break the force of the seas from ing the bay. southward, but not sufficiently to make it a safe an- chorage. Strangers should not enter except in the day- (152) Ice closes the bay for about 2 months each year. time with clear weather. Ice may close the harbor in the The wharves at Osterville have reported depths of 6 feet winter. alongside. Small-craft facilities (153) Small-craft facilities are on either side of the chan- nel north of the highway bridge. Berths, moorings,
206 I Chapter 4 I Coast Pilot 2 electricity, gasoline, diesel fuel, water, ice, marine sup- and engine repairs are available. A flatbed trailer at the plies, a pump-out station and storage facilities are marina can haul out craft to 30 feet. available. Marine railways up to 40 feet and lifts to 50 (159) Wreck Shoal, about 3 miles south of Cotuit An- tons are available; hull, engine, and electronic repairs chorage, is about 1.4 miles long in an east-west direc- can be made. The Wianno Yacht Club is on the east side tion and about 0.3 mile wide. Depths on the shoal range of the channel at the highway bridge. from 4 to 13 feet. A lighted bell buoy marks the east end of the shoal and another lighted bell buoy southwest- (154) Little Island, about 1 mile northward of the en- ward of the shoal marks the channel between Wreck trance to West Bay, separates West Bay from North Bay Shoal and Eldridge Shoal. An unmarked shoal covered to the northward. In August 1981, a reported depth of 5 8 to 15 feet is about 1.5 miles northeast of Wreck Shoal feet was available in the narrow channel eastward of and southward of Cotuit Anchorage approach. Broken Little Island into North Bay. Strangers should obtain ground with a least known depth of 13 feet is between local information before navigating in North Bay, this shoal and Wreck Shoal. which has depths of about 6 to 17 feet. The harbor- (160) Eldridge Shoal, about 0.9 mile south of Wreck master can be contacted for local information on Shoal, is about 1 mile long in a northeasterly direction moorings and berthings; telephone 508-790-6273. A 6 and about 0.2 mile wide. Depths on the shoal range mph speed limit is enforced in Cotuit, North, and West from 5 to 14 feet. A buoy marks the northern side. A Bays by the Barnstable harbormaster and police. channel between Eldridge and Wreck Shoals has depths of 23 to 41 feet. A channel between Eldridge and (155) The highway bridge across the channel between Horseshoe Shoals has depths of 21 feet or more. Osterville and Little Island has a 31-foot bascule span (161) Succonnesset Shoal extends about 2.4 miles west- with a clearance of 15 feet. (See 117.1 through 117.49 ward from Wreck Shoal to the shoal area off the shore and 117.622, chapter 2, for drawbridge regulations.) southwestward of Succonnesset Point. Depths of 1 to 5 Advance arrangements for bridge openings can be feet are on the shoal. A lighted buoy is off the west end. made through the Department of Public Works. Between Succonnesset and Wreck Shoals is a narrow unmarked channel. Between Succonnesset and (156) Cotuit Bay, northwestward of Cotuit Anchorage, is L’Hommedieu Shoals, a shoal area with a least depth of separated from West Bay by Osterville Grand Island. 9 feet is marked by a buoy. Cotuit is a village on the west side of the bay. A church (162) Waquoit Bay, 5 miles southwestward of Cotuit An- spire and two elevated water tanks are prominent. A chorage, has depths of 1 to 8 feet. The entrance, about town wharf, with a depth of about 5 feet at its face, and a 250 feet wide, is between two stone jetties. A private small-craft launching ramp are at the village. In seasonal light marks the end of the easterly jetty. In 1981-October 2001, a privately dredged channel, with a 1971, the controlling depth in the entrance channel reported controlling depth of 4 feet, leads from Cotuit was reported to be 4 feet. A seasonal lighted bell buoy, Anchorage to off Cotuit Highlands; thence in July about 0.6 mile west-southwestward of the jetties, 2001, a winding channel, with a depth of 6 feet, curves marks the approach, and buoys mark a 5-foot channel between Sampsons Island and Bluff Point into Cotuit for about 0.8 mile through the bay. The Waquoit Yacht Bay. The channels into Cotuit Bay and North Bay are Club is on the west side at the head of the bay. marked by private seasonal buoys. A reported depth of (163) The Waquoit Bay National Estuarine Research Re- about 6 feet was in the channel from Cotuit Bay to serve, a Marine Managed Area (MMA), includes North Bay in September 2005. Seapuit River, south of Waquoit Bay and associated waters and protected Osterville Grand Island, connects Cotuit Bay and West wetlands. (See MMA 4-3, Appendix C, for additional in- Bay. The privately dredged channel in the river had a formation.) reported controlling depth of 6 feet in 2004. Cotuit Bay is usually closed by ice each winter. No-Discharge Zone (164) The State of Massachusetts, with the approval of (157) Popponesset Bay, west of Cotuit Anchorage, is shoal with depths of 1 to 4 feet in the greater part of the the Environmental Protection Agency, has established bay. In October 2001, a controlling depth of 3.3 feet was a No-Discharge Zone (NDZ) in Waquoit Bay. The NDZ reported in the narrow entrance channel north-north- includes Waquoit Bay and its tributaries and salt ponds west of Thatch Island. (see chart 13229 for limits). (165) Within the NDZ, discharge of sewage, whether (158) A small marina is on Daniels Island near the bridge treated or untreated, from all vessels is prohibited. to Popponesset Island. A launching ramp, a pump-out Outside the NDZ, discharge of sewage is regulated by station, gasoline, diesel fuel, water, ice, some marine 40 CFR 140 (see chapter 2). supplies, and some services are available. A privately marked channel with a reported depth of about 3 feet leads to a marina on Mashpee Neck. Gasoline, water,
Outer Cape Cod and Nantucket Sound I Chapter 4 I 207 Small-craft facility span with a clearance of 6 feet. In August 2002, a re- (166) Great River and Little River empty into the south- ported depth of 3 feet was in the approach to, and inside the marina on the west side of Green Pond just north of easterly side of Waquoit Bay. A marina is on the west the bridge. Berths, diesel fuel, water, ice, repairs, and side of Little River, about 0.5 mile above its junction marine supplies are available at this facility. with Great River. Gasoline, water, ice, a launching (175) Chapter 5 describes other ports on the south side of ramp, limited marine supplies, and storage facilities Cape Cod westward of Green Pond. are available. Hull, engine, and electrical repairs can be made; lift to 11 tons. A reported depth of about 3 feet Chart 13241 can be carried to the marina. (176) Nantucket Island, on the southeast side of (167) Between Waquoit Bay and Falmouth Inner Harbor Nantucket Sound, is about 13 miles long, hilly, partly about 3.6 miles to the westward, are several ponds wooded, and covered with vegetation that flourishes in formed by the barrier beach, some of which have out- sandy soil. The highest part of the island, about 100 feet lets. Many jetties or groins are built out from the shore high, is in the eastern part; the eastern and southern for beach erosion control. sides have steep and sand bluffs. The northern shore is fringed with shoals for a distance of about 1 mile. The (168) Eel Pond, about 0.8 mile westward of the entrance island was for more than a century a principal seat of to Waquoit Bay, is entered through a narrow jettied en- the whaling industry and since has become a famous trance. A private seasonal light on the west jetty and a summer resort. midchannel buoy about 500 yards southeastward of the light mark the approach. The privately marked channel (177) Great Point, the northeastern end of Nantucket Is- into the pond had a reported controlling depth of 5.1 land, is a long, low, sandy point marked by Nantucket feet in April 2000. The channel is subject to shoaling; (Great Point) Light (41°23'25\"N., 70°02'54\"W.), 71 feet extreme caution and local knowledge is advised. above the water and shown from a white tower. (169) A boatyard is on the west side of the northeasterly (178) Point Rip is a shoal extending 3.8 miles east-north- arm of Eel Pond at the mouth of Childs River. In 2002, eastward of Great Point. For 2 miles from the point, the a reported approach depth of 3.5 feet was available. Gas- shoal has little water over it; farther eastward the oline, diesel fuel, water, ice, berths with electricity, depths range from 12 to 18 feet. Buoys mark the north- 40-foot marine railway, pump-out station, launching easterly and easterly sides of the shoal. Shoal water ramp, storage facilities and some marine supplies are with depths of 16 to 22 feet extends about 1 mile north- available at the boatyard; hull, engine and electrical re- ward from these buoys; a lighted bell buoy marks the pairs can be made. northern side of the shoal water. A rock, covered 11 feet, is 2.2 miles southeastward of Nantucket Light. (170) Seapit River, about 0.8 mile southward of the mouth of Childs River, connects the northeasterly arm (179) Squam Head is a summer resort on the east side of of Eel Pond with the upper part of Waquoit Bay. A re- Nantucket Island, about 5 miles south of Great Point. ported depth of about 3 feet can be carried in Seapit Several large houses show prominently from seaward. River. The river is marked by private seasonal buoys. (180) Sesachacha Pond, 6.3 miles southeastward of (171) Menauhant is a summer resort on the west side of Great Point, has a nonnavigable cut into it through the Eel Pond and the east side of Bournes Pond. shore. From seaward, breakers mark the cut. In the Menauhant Yacht Club is on the west side of Eel Pond. winter the entrance fills in, and each spring it is cut A bridge, crossing the entrance to Bournes Pond, has a through for drainage purposes. 45-foot fixed span with a clearance 5 feet. (181) Sankaty Head Light (41°17'01\"N., 69°57'54\"W.), (172) Green Pond, about 1 mile westward of Eel Pond 158 feet above the water, is shown from a 70-foot white and 4.2 miles eastward of Nobska Point, has a narrow tower, with a red band in the middle, on a high bluff on jettied entrance which, in 2001, had a reported control- the east side of the island. ling depth of 3.5 feet. The entrance is reported to shoal rapidly after dredging; local knowledge is advised. A (182) Siasconset, a village on the southeast end of the is- private seasonal light marks the west jetty. A seasonal land, is marked by a prominent standpipe. The village lighted buoy marks the approach, and private seasonal has seasonal bus service with Nantucket. buoys mark the channel above the jetties. (183) The south shore of Nantucket Island has no har- (173) The village of Davisville, on the east side of Green bors and is frequented only by local fishermen. A loran Pond, and the village of Acapesket, on the west side of tower about 0.6 mile southward of Siasconset and a the pond, are principally summer resorts. tank and several towers along the south coast are prominent from offshore. (174) Menauhant Road highway bridge crossing Green Pond about 0.3 mile inside the entrance has a 33-foot
208 I Chapter 4 I Coast Pilot 2 (184) The thorofare between the western point of Esther Chart 13242 Island and Tuckernuck Island is full of shifting un- marked shoals. The passage is used only by small fish- (190) Nantucket Harbor is near the middle of the north ing vessels and a few pleasure craft. Private seasonal shore of Nantucket Island. A shallow lagoon about 5 aids mark the channel. miles long extends northeastward from the harbor. The harbor is the approach to the town of Nantucket on the (185) Tuckernuck Island, Esther Island, and Muskeget western shore. The principal industry is fishing. Small Island are low sandy islands extending westward from coastal tankers carry fuel to Nantucket. Year-round Nantucket Island. They are separated by sandbars, passenger, vehicle, and cargo ferry service is main- some bare at low water, which are constantly shifting. tained between Nantucket and the mainland, to either Woods Hole or Hyannis. A passenger ferry also operates (186) Madaket Harbor and Hither Creek, immediately to from Falmouth and Oak Bluffs during the summer. the southward, are on the western side of Nantucket Is- land. Madaket Harbor is shoal with depths of 2 to 10 (191) Prominent from offshore are: a radio tower about feet. The northerly approach to the harbor and creek is 1.2 miles east of Madaket Harbor; a standpipe (chart marked by a seasonal lighted bell buoy. The channel 13241) about 1.5 miles west of Nantucket; a gilded cu- that leads southward from over the bar in Nantucket pola atop a church clock tower, and a church belfry Sound is marked by private seasonal buoys, floats, and about 500 yards northwestward of it; the spire of a large markers. With local knowledge, a depth of about 3½ white church in the town; and the navigational lights at feet can be carried over the bar and channel to Hither the entrance to Nantucket Harbor. Creek. Local knowledge is also required to enter the harbor from the southwest. A public boat landing and a (192) Brant Point Light (41°17'24\"N., 70°05'25\"W.), 26 boatyard are in Hither Creek. Gasoline, berths, a 10-ton feet above the water, is shown from a white cylindrical mobile hoist, a pump-out station, storage facilities, ice, tower connected to the shore by a footbridge on the provisions, water, and marine supplies are available at west side of the entrance near to the harbor. A fog sig- the boatyard; hull and engine repairs can be made. nal is at the light. Brant Point Coast Guard Station is on the point. North Atlantic Right Whales Channels (187) Endangered North Atlantic right whales have been (193) A dredged channel leads from Nantucket Sound to reported off the southern coast of Nantucket Island deep water in Nantucket Harbor off Brant Point. In July (peak season: January through April and September 2005, the controlling depths were 15 feet to Buoy 9, through October). The Northeast Marine Pilots distrib- thence 10.7 feet to Brant Point. ute educational material to mariners in an effort to re- (194) Shoal water extends about 1 mile offshore on both duce right whale ship strikes. (See North Atlantic Right sides of the entrance, which is protected by two break- Whales, indexed as such, chapter 3, for more informa- waters. The breakwaters are partially submerged at half tion on right whales and recommended measures to tide. The east breakwater is submerged for almost all its avoid collisions with whales.) length. An opening for small craft is in the east break- water about 300 yards off Coatue Point. A light and fog No-Discharge Zone signal mark the outer end of the east breakwater, and a (188) The State of Massachusetts, with the approval of buoy marks the outer end of the west breakwater. (195) A lighted bell buoy about 900 yards off the breakwa- the Environmental Protection Agency, has established ter light marks the approach, and the channel is a No-Discharge Zone (NDZ) for all coastal waters of the marked by a 162° lighted range and buoys. Town of Nantucket. The NDZ includes all coastal wa- (196) A 6 mph speed limit is enforced in the harbor. ters that lie within a straight line between Great Point on Nantucket Island and the western tip of Muskeget Anchorages Island, to the limits of the Territorial Sea, and within a (197) Anchorage in Nantucket Harbor may be had in straight line between the southeast point of Muskeget Island and the southwest point of Tuckernuck Island, depths of 6 to 17 feet off the south and southwest sides and between the southwest point of Tuckernuck Island of Brant Point or in depths of 12 to 17 feet in the gen- and Smith Point on Nantucket Island (see chart 13241 eral anchorage south of Brant Point. (See 110.1 and for limits). 110.142, chapter 2, for limits and regulations.) In gen- (189) Within the NDZ, discharge of sewage, whether eral, the bottom is sticky. Although shelter is afforded treated or untreated, from all vessels is prohibited. to vessels it is advisable for small craft to use heavy Outside the NDZ, discharge of sewage is regulated by tackle as the harbor becomes choppy with easterly 40 CFR 140 (see chapter 2). winds. Caution should be exercised to avoid anchoring
Outer Cape Cod and Nantucket Sound I Chapter 4 I 209 in the fairway and maneuvering area to the ferry wharf temperatures exceed 90°F (32.2°C), a fact which has or the cable area northeast of Brant Point. occurred only during June, July, and August. (198) The long sweep of strong northeast winds down the (204) The average wind velocity is about 11 knots with harbor makes anchorage for small craft off the wharves the highest monthly averages during December through dangerous and uncomfortable. Small craft may find April. Gales have occurred during every month except more sheltered anchorage under these conditions in June and July. Coast storms are frequent during the Head of the Harbor (chart 13241) or, with local knowl- winter with winds of 40 knots or more. Hurricanes, edge, in Polpis Harbor (chart 13241). during the late summer and fall, may cause high winds. (199) Launch service is available to craft at moorings or Since 1871, forty tropical storms or hurricanes have at anchor in the harbor. passed within 50 nautical miles of Nantucket. There have been ten direct hits. The latest was tropical storm Routes (chart 13237) Esther in 1961. Esther had been a 125-knot hurricane (200) Vessels approaching Nantucket Harbor from earlier, but was dissipating at the time it crossed the is- land. Pollock Rip Channel can set a direct course from Hand- (205) Precipitation is fairly evenly distributed through- kerchief Shoal Buoy 14 (41°29.2'N., 70°05.1'W.) to the out the year averaging about 41 inches (1041 mm) in lighted bell buoy off the entrance. Approaching from any given year. An average of 180 days each year records the channel northward of Cross Rip Lighted Horn Buoy precipitation with 28 days having greater than 0.50 21 (41°26.9'N., 70°17.5'W.), pass to the eastward of inches (13 mm). The wettest month is December aver- Tuckernuck Shoal Lighted Bell Buoy 1, and then head aging 4.35 inches (111 mm) and the driest month is for the lighted bell buoy off the entrance to Nantucket June averaging only 2.2 inches (56 mm). Total snowfall Harbor. for the winter season averages about 30 inches (762 mm); however, melting is usually rapid and snow cover Tides and currents rarely lasts more than a few days. The greatest snowfall (201) The mean range of tide at Nantucket Harbor is 3 in a 24-hour period was 14.9 inches (397) in February 1952. February is the snowiest month averaging nearly feet. The tidal current off the entrance has a velocity of nine inches (229 mm). Snow is absent from May 0.3 knot; the flood setting eastward and the ebb west- through September. An average five days each year re- ward. The tidal current in the entrance channel sets cords greater than 1.5 inches (38 mm) of snowfall. An into the harbor at a velocity of 1.2 knots and outward average of 18 thunderstorms affect the island in a given on the ebb at a velocity of 1.5 knots. year with the greatest frequency occurring during July and August. Fog is present about 200 days each year. Weather, Nantucket and vicinity (206) Except in severe winter, the harbor is seldom (202) The climate of Nantucket is influenced directly by closed by local formation of ice. However, the harbor is frequently closed by drift ice from the sound which the proximity of the ocean and is characterized by cool packs and remains across the entrance during north- summers and comparatively mild winters. Extremes of erly winds. either maximum or minimum temperatures are very (207) (See page 430 for Nantucket climatological table.) rare. The mild temperatures of the winter season are neutralized to a degree by sustained periods of high (208) Nantucket Boat Basin, on the west side of Nan- wind. The summers, though cool, are very humid. tucket Harbor, is entered about 0.4 mile south-south- Heavy fogs are frequent, particularly during the spring westward of Brant Point Light. The basin is enclosed on and summer. There is a marked lag in the seasons as the north and south sides by Straight Wharf and Com- compared with inland areas. mercial Wharf, respectively, and its entrance is pro- (203) July and August are relatively cool with average tected by two long bulkheads on the east and southeast maximum temperatures around 75°F (23.9°C) and av- sides. Depths in the basin range from 3 to 10 feet. About erage minimums about 61°F (16.1°C). The average 180 slips are available in the basin, and yachts 100 feet temperature for the island is about 50°F (10°C). Janu- long and larger can be accommodated. The outer end of ary and February are the coldest months, having nor- the north side of Straight Wharf is used by excursion mal mean temperatures near freezing, that is, average boats. A private seasonal light is shown off the end of maximum of 38°F (3.3°C) and average minimum of the wharf and is operated only when tour boats are ap- 25°F (-3.9°C). The extreme maximum temperature for proaching the wharf in fog. Gasoline, diesel fuel, and Nantucket is 100°F (37.8°C) recorded in August 1975 ice can be obtained on the south side of Commercial while the extreme minimum is -3°F (-19.4°C) recorded Wharf. Water and electricity are available at each slip. in December 1962. An average year sees 100 days with temperatures below 32°F (0°C) and only one day with a temperature below 5°F (-15°C). Seldom do
210 I Chapter 4 I Coast Pilot 2 The basin’s dockmaster has his office on the outer end (215) Wasque Shoal extends southward of Wasque Point, of Commercial Wharf. The dockmaster can be con- the southeastern extremity of Chappaquiddick Island. tacted on VHF-FM channel 16. The shoal, which dries about 2 miles south of Wasque (209) The Woods Hole-Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket Point, rises abruptly from the deep water of Muskeget Steamship Authority Wharf is about 0.1 mile north- Channel. ward of the boat basin. A private light is shown from the roof of a shed on the northeast end of the wharf, and is (216) Mutton Shoal, 0.6 mile east of Wasque Shoal, has a operated only when Authority vessels are approaching least depth of 5 feet and is marked on its southwestern the wharf in fog. The submerged ruins of a pier which side by a lighted bell buoy. The best water in Muskeget uncover at low water are between the boat basin and Channel is between Mutton and Wasque Shoals. East- the Steamship Authority Wharf. A buoy marks the ru- ward of Mutton Shoal are numerous shoals covered 2 ins. Unpainted pile dolphins mark the former pierhead. to 6 feet. Mariners are advised to exercise caution in this area. (210) A boatyard, about 0.2 mile southward of Nantucket (217) Between Muskeget Channel and the main channel Boat Basin, has moorings, gasoline, a 23-ton mobile north of Cross Rip Shoal are numerous shoals, some of hoist, storage facilities, water, and marine supplies; which are separated by unmarked channels. Tuckernuck hull and engine repairs can be made. The channel lead- Shoal, northeast of Muskeget Channel, has a least ing to the boatyard, marked by private seasonal buoys, depth of 2 feet; it is marked on the northeastern end by had a reported controlling depth of 6 feet in August a lighted bell buoy and a buoy on the northern side. 1981. Shovelful Shoal, westward of Tuckernuck Shoal, is (211) Nantucket maintains ferry service with the main- covered 3 to 17 feet. Long Shoal, northwestward of land and daily airline service with New York and Shovelful Shoal, is covered 3 to 16 feet. Edwards Shoal, Boston. Seasonal bus and taxi service is also available. south of Cross Rip Shoal, has a least known depth of 10 feet. Norton Shoal, southwestward of Cross Rip Shoal Chart 13241 and covered 8 feet, is marked by a buoy on its north side. Hawes Shoal, westward of Norton Shoal, has a least depth of 1 foot; buoys mark its northwestern and southwestern ends. (212) A narrow unmarked channel leads through the la- Charts 13238, 13233 goon northeast of Nantucket Harbor to Head of the Harbor. In September 1981, a reported depth of about 3 (218) Martha’s Vineyard and Chappaquiddick Island have feet could be carried with local knowledge as far as the a combined length of 18 miles; the two islands are sepa- village of Wauwinet on the southeast shore of Head of rated by Edgartown Harbor, Katama Bay, and the nar- the Harbor. Unmarked shoals and foul areas extend off row slough connecting them. The northern extremity the several points. of Martha’s Vineyard is about 3 miles southeastward of the western end of Cape Cod. Martha’s Vineyard is well (213) Polpis Harbor is at the east end of the harbor just settled, especially along its northern shore, and is pop- south of Head of the Harbor. The entrance channel, ular as a summer resort. Along the northern shore the marked by private seasonal buoys, had a reported con- island presents a generally rugged appearance. The trolling depth of 6 feet in March-April 1994. southern shore is low and fringed with ponds, none of which has navigable outlets to the sea. Approaching Charts 13238, 13233, 13241, 13237 from the south, the principal landmarks are a standpipe at Edgartown, an aerolight near the center of (214) Muskeget Channel is an opening 6 miles wide on the island, a church spire near Chilmark in the western the south side of Nantucket Sound between Muskeget part, a tall radar tower north of Chilmark, and Gay and Chappaquiddick Islands. The opening is full of Head on the west side. shifting shoals. The best water is found close to the eastward of Wasque Shoal and about 1.5 miles eastward (219) 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 5 knots make navigation dangerous. The currents (220) Cape Poge, the northeastern point of Chappaquiddick through the channel are strong, having a velocity of 3.8 Island, is a bare, bluff, precipitous head, which may ap- knots on the flood and 3.3 knots on the ebb about 1.5 pear from a distance to be a small island. Cape Poge miles east of Wasque Point. The flood sets Light (41°25'10\"N., 70°27'08\"W.), 65 feet above the wa- north-northeastward and ebbs south-southwestward. ter, is shown from a white conical tower on the cape.
Outer Cape Cod and Nantucket Sound I Chapter 4 I 211 (221) Cape Poge Flats, extending about 1.5 miles north- Katama Bay is full of shoals, and is subject to frequent eastward from Cape Poge, are marked at the northeast changes. Also subject to change is the shoreline be- end by a bell buoy. The southerly edge of the white sec- tween the southern part of Katama Bay and the ocean. tor of West Chop Light is about 0.9 mile north of the buoy. Shoal water extends about 0.4 mile offshore west- Anchorages ward and northwestward of Cape Poge. A buoy, 1 mile (227) Anchorage with good shelter from easterly gales is west-northwestward of Cape Poge Light, marks the western side of the shoal water. found westward of Cape Poge on the eastern side of the outer harbor. In westerly and southerly gales vessels (222) Cape Poge Bay, a lagoon of considerable size in the find shelter in the southern end of the outer harbor northern part of Chappaquiddick Island, is entered about 0.4 mile eastward or east-southeastward from from Edgartown Harbor. The unmarked entrance is Edgartown Light. In northerly or northeasterly gales used mostly by local pleasure and fishing craft. In Sep- vessels usually go to Woods Hole or Tarpaulin Cove for tember 1981, it was reported that 4 feet could be car- sheltered anchorage. Vessels should not anchor in the ried through the entrance channel with local channel abreast the town where the bottom is hard knowledge. sand, the channel narrow, and tidal currents strong. Southeast of the town, anchorage may be found south (223) Edgartown Harbor, on the eastern side of Martha’s of Middle Ground in depths of 24 to 30 feet, sticky bot- Vineyard and westward of Cape Poge, is divided into an tom. outer and an inner harbor. The outer harbor is used (228) Small craft usually anchor in the special anchorage principally as a harbor of refuge in southerly and east- in the vicinity of Middle Ground. (See 110.1 and erly winds and as a night anchorage. At the head of the 110.38, chapter 2, for limits and regulations.) outer harbor, a narrow arm makes southward into Katama Bay, forming the inner harbor. The inner har- Dangers bor affords good anchorage and is the approach to (229) On the western side of the outer harbor is a shoal Edgartown, a fishing and resort town on the western shore. Many yachts and pleasure craft use the harbor area extending 2.8 miles northward of Edgartown during the summer. Light. A seasonal bell buoy marks two 11-foot spots at the northern edge of the shoal; vessels entering or leav- (224) Katama Bay, used by local fishermen and small ing the harbor pass eastward of this buoy. The depths pleasure craft, is large and shallow. Extensive shoaling over the remainder of the shoal are irregular, and there has been reported in the southerly end of the bay. A 4 are a rock awash and several rocks covered 3 to 5 feet. mph speed limit is enforced in the bay. Strangers should never attempt to pass across this shoal. The channel into Edgartown Harbor is marked Prominent features by a lighted buoy and unlighted buoys. (225) Edgartown Harbor Light (41°23'27\"N., 70°30'11\"W.), (230) Sturgeon Flats, covered 2 to 18 feet, extend about 600 yards off the southeastern shore of the outer har- 45 feet above the water, is shown from a white conical bor between the narrow entrance to Cape Poge Bay and tower on the west side of the head of Edgartown outer the entrance to the inner harbor. In 2004, an obstruc- harbor. Also prominent are: a wooden tower and several tion covered 19 feet was reported in about 41°23'31\"N., flagpoles about 0.2 mile northwestward of the light, a 70°29'27\"W. church belfry in the town and a microwave tower 1.3 (231) A sandbar is making off eastward from Edgartown miles to the southwestward, a standpipe about 1 mile Light. A buoy is on the eastern end of the shoal. Except southwestward of the light, and the numerous beach for this shoal, the entrance to the inner harbor is not cabanas on Chappaquiddick Point. difficult to navigate. Middle Ground, in the inner har- bor south of the town, has a least depth of 10 feet. Channels (226) The buoyed channel through the outer harbor is Routes (chart 13237) (232) Vessels approaching Edgartown Harbor from the free from dangers and has depths of 20 to 37 feet until nearly up to Edgartown Light. Near the light the chan- eastward, from a position about 400 yards north of nel narrows and makes a sharp bend westward, leading Cross Rip Lighted Horn Buoy 21, can steer 267°, head- to the wharves at the town. In October 1986, depths of ing for the standpipe on Martha’s Vineyard southward 16 feet could be carried from the outer harbor to off the of Oak Bluffs, passing northward of Muskeget Channel town. Abreast the town, the channel narrows and has Bell Buoy 7. When Cape Poge Light bears 155°, head depths of 13 to 31 feet. The channel then curves south- south-southwestward into the harbor. ward to Katama Bay. It is bordered on the eastern side by Middle Ground. Depths of 15 to 31 feet are found for about 1.2 miles south of the town. The southern half of
212 I Chapter 4 I Coast Pilot 2 (233) Vessels approaching from the westward and pass- (240) Sengekontacket Pond, about midway between ing northward of Squash Meadow can head on a 180° Edgartown and Oak Bluffs, has two entrances which course from a position about 0.5 mile southward of are subject to shoaling. The southerly entrance is the Hedge Fence Lighted Gong Buoy 22 to enter the har- main entrance and had a reported controlling depth of bor. In the daytime, the channel southward of Squash 10 feet in August 1981. There are no public landings in Meadow is sometimes used. Strangers in sailing vessels the pond, and it is used by local and fishing craft only. seldom enter the inner harbor, as a fair wind is neces- The south entrance is crossed by a fixed highway bridge sary to keep in the channel. with a 13-foot span and a clearance of 5 feet. The fixed highway bridge over the north entrance also has a Tides and currents clearance of 5 feet. (234) The mean range of tide is 1.9 feet. The tidal current (241) Squash Meadow is a shoal south of the main chan- in the narrow part of the channel inside Edgartown nel through Nantucket Sound and about 4 miles north- Light and off the town has a double flood and a double west of Cape Poge. The hard sand shoal has depths of 5 ebb, and in general follows the direction of the channel. to 16 feet and is marked on its southeastern end by a Near the middle of each flood or ebb period there is an bell buoy and on its western end by a buoy. approximate slack preceded and followed by maximum of velocity. The average velocity is about 1 knot. (See (242) Harthaven is a small pond northward of Senge- the Tidal Current Tables for predictions.) kontacket Pond. The entrance is through a privately dredged channel between two short jetties. In August (235) Fogs are prevalent during the summer and at 2000, a depth of 4 feet was reported in the entrance. times appear without warning. Drift ice from the The pond has depths of 2 to 6 feet. There are no services sound, driven into the entrance by the wind, obstructs or landings in the pond. the entrance to sailing vessels during a part of the win- ter. It is reported that the harbor is normally closed by (243) Lone Rock, covered 4 feet and marked by a buoy, is ice during January and February. The Chappaquiddick 350 yards offshore about 750 yards southeastward of ferry channel is usually kept open. The tidal currents Oak Bluffs wharf. keep the inner harbor open except for a few days at a time during severe winters. (244) Rhode Island Rock, covered 9 feet, is about 700 yards northward of the breakwater light. (236) There are no pilots for Edgartown Harbor. Tugs are seldom used, and none is available. Fishing craft or the (245) Oak Bluffs Harbor, 4.8 miles northwestward of harbormaster’s vessel will act as tugs in an emergency. Edgartown Harbor Light, is a landlocked basin fre- quented by pleasure craft and some fishing vessels. The Harbormaster entrance is protected by two breakwaters. A light is on (237) The harbormaster has control of the anchorage of the end of the north breakwater. Oak Bluffs is a sum- mer resort and fishing village on the harbor. Promi- vessels in the harbor. He will usually be found at the nent are a church dome and a cupola in the village and Edgartown Yacht Club and can be contacted by radio- the bluff north of the entrance. telephone on VHF-FM channel 16 or by telephone (508-627-4746). Copies of harbor regulations may be (246) In 2005, the entrance channel had a reported con- obtained from the harbormaster. trolling depth of 10 feet, thence depths of 11 to 14 feet were reported in the harbor. Numerous submerged (238) 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 9 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 ad- vised that mariners transiting the area exercise ex- (239) 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 (247) 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 station, and guest moorings. Gasoline, diesel fuel,
Outer Cape Cod and Nantucket Sound I Chapter 4 I 213 water, ice and some marine supplies are available; hull between Falmouth, Hyannis and New Bedford. Sea- and engine repairs can be made. sonal fast ferry service is maintained from Quonset, (248) Martha’s Vineyard hospital is on the beach road Rhode Island, and year-round fast ferry passenger ser- close westward of the town. The harbormaster moni- vice is maintained from New Bedford. Oak Bluffs is a tors VHF-FM channel 71; telephone 508-693-4355. port of call for cruise ships. The Vineyard Transit Au- (249) A no-wake speed limit is enforced in the harbor. thority provides island-wide transit service year-round. (250) Oak Bluffs Wharf, about 0.2 mile southward of the There is air service from Martha’s Vineyard Airport breakwater light, is reported to have a depth of 13 feet about 4.5 miles southwestward of the town. at the head. Several obstructions with lesser depths (251) A 530-foot groin, marked at its outer end by a have been reported about 400 yards northeast of the daybeacon and partially submerged at high water, is wharf face. A private seasonal light and fog signal are about 650 yards south of the ferry wharf; caution is ad- operated from the seaward end of the wharf when ferry vised. vessels are approaching the wharf in fog. There is sea- (252) Other ports on the north side of Martha’s Vineyard, sonal ferry service from the wharf to Woods Hole and westward of Oak Bluffs Harbor, are described in chapter Nantucket. Seasonal ferry service is also maintained 5.
214 I Chapter 5 I Coast Pilot 2
Vineyard Sound and Buzzards Bay I Chapter 5 I 215 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 aids are colored and numbered for passing through the vicinity sound from the eastward. The channel through the (9) Buzzards Bay is open to winds out of the south and 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
216 I Chapter 5 I Coast Pilot 2 close to the Elizabeth Islands than in the middle of the can ride out most blows. The greatest danger encoun- Bay. The relatively shallow water of the Bay increases tered by vessels at anchor in a northeast gale is from the steepness of waves and their closeness to one an- vessels with poor ground tackle, which are likely to other; this can cause a stiff chop. With southerly or drift, foul 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; a privately main- Pilotage: Vineyard Sound and Buzzards Bay tained fog signal is at the light. The fog signal and a (10) Pilotage is compulsory for foreign vessels of 350 private light, on the southeast corner of the ferry wharf at the head of the harbor, are activated when a ferry ap- gross tons or more, U.S. vessels under register of 350 proaches the slip in a fog. gross tons or more, and tank barge towing vessels car- rying 6,000 barrels or more of petroleum cargoes. Pi- Channels lotage is available from Northeast Marine Pilots, Inc., (18) The natural channel is clear; soundings are the Newport, RI, 02840; telephone 401-847-9050 (24 hours), 800-274-1216; FAX 401-847-9052; email: dis- best guide for finding anchorage. When well inside the [email protected]. entrance, the water shoals gradually toward the west- ern shore, but the eastern shore is steep and should be Charts 13238, 13233, 13229 given a berth of about 0.2 mile. Channel depths of 16 feet or more are available to the ferry wharf at Vineyard (11) East Chop and West Chop are prominent points on Haven. the north side of Martha’s Vineyard and on the east and west side of the entrance to Vineyard Haven. Both Anchorage points terminate in high wooded bluffs which show (19) Vessels anchor according to draft, anywhere from prominently from the sounds; each is marked by a light. the points at the entrance to the head of the harbor. Shallow-draft vessels favor the western shore. (12) West Chop Light (41°28'51\"N., 70°35'59\"W.), 84 (20) Vessels entering the harbor with a head wind or feet above the water, is shown from a white conical light breeze, at the end of a favorable current through tower at the summit of West Chop. A fog signal is the sound, should continue on in the channel until the sounded from the light station. harbor is well opened before standing in for the an- chorage. This will help clear the entrance points. Ap- (13) A lighted gong buoy, 0.5 mile northeastward of the proaching from the eastward, vessels will keep clear of light, and a buoy, 0.5 mile eastward of the light, mark Squash Meadow and East Chop Flats by keeping in the shoal water and rocks awash to the eastward of West white sector of West Chop Light. Good anchorage is Chop. It has been reported that during strong tidal cur- northeastward of the breakwater buoy in 20 to 23 feet. rents, the buoy may be submerged. The anchorage basin behind the breakwater has depths of 5 to 12 feet and is usually filled to capacity during the (14) East Chop Light (41°28'13\"N., 70°34'03\"W.), 79 summer. When anchoring in the harbor, care must be feet above the water, is shown from a white tower on taken to avoid obstructing the approach to the ferry the east side of the entrance to Vineyard Haven. East slip and the approach to the oil wharves on the south- Chop Flats, covered 5 to 18 feet, extend 0.2 mile north- erly side of the harbor. ward and 0.5 mile eastward of East Chop. A lighted bell buoy, about 0.5 mile east-northeastward, and a buoy, Dangers about 350 yards northward of the light, mark the flats. (21) Flats, partly bare at low water and marked by a (15) Vineyard Haven Harbor is a funnel-shaped bight in buoy, make off 300 yards from the eastern shore of the the northern side of Martha’s Vineyard between East harbor about 1 mile inside East Chop Light. A rock, Chop and West Chop, about 1.4 miles long in a south- covered 9 feet and marked by a buoy, is 0.3 mile north- west direction and about 1.3 miles wide at the en- ward of the breakwater light. trance. This haven, easy of access, is the most important harbor of refuge for coasters between Tides and currents Provincetown and Narragansett Bay. The depths range (22) The mean range of tide is 1.7 feet. The tidal cur- from 46 feet at the entrance to 15 feet near the head of the harbor. rents have little velocity in the harbor; however, care should be taken on the ebb, which sets westward, not to (16) Although Vineyard Haven Harbor is exposed to approach too closely to West Chop as the current in northeasterly winds, vessels with good ground tackle
Vineyard Sound and Buzzards Bay I Chapter 5 I 217 that vicinity sets on the ledges eastward and northward Charts 13230, 13229 of the point. (30) Falmouth Harbor, the open roadstead off the south (23) The harbormaster has control of the anchoring of shore of Cape Cod eastward of Nobska Point Light, af- vessels in the inner harbor; he will usually be found at fords an anchorage for vessels in 24 to 36 feet about 0.8 the town dock on the west side of the harbor and can be mile from shore. Smaller vessels can anchor closer to contacted by radiotelephone on VHF-FM channel 16, or the shore in 15 to 18 feet. The bottom is generally by telephone (508-693-1368). A 4 mph speed limit is sticky and good holding ground; the depths shoal grad- enforced inside the breakwater and within 150 feet of ually toward the shore. The anchorage affords a lee in moored craft. northerly winds; in southerly winds the sea is some- what broken by L’Hommedieu Shoal and the shoals (24) Pilots are not available at Vineyard Haven. A westward of it so that a vessel with good ground tackle twin-screw, 500-hp tug, also equipped for salvage work, can ride out a gale in comparative safety. (See 110.1 is based in the harbor. and 110.140 (c) (5), and (d) chapter 2, for limits and regulations of the anchorage area.) (25) The ferry wharf at the head of the channel has a depth of 24 feet reported at the outer face. The ferry slip (31) Falmouth Harbor is frequently used by vessels with is on the north side and inshore end of the wharf. A pri- good ground tackle that prefer this anchorage to the vate light is on the northeast corner of the wharf. The anchorage in Vineyard Haven Harbor, which may be light and a private fog signal, on the southeastern end crowded in bad weather. Vessels approaching the an- of the breakwater, are activated when a ferry is ap- chorage are cautioned to stay clear of the two shoal ar- proaching the slip in a fog. Several other wharves, two eas with depths of 10 to 16 feet marked by buoys which marinas, and a boatyard are in the harbor. A yacht club extend westward of L’Hommedieu Shoal. is on the west side of the harbor, about 0.3 mile north- ward of the breakwater. (See the small-craft facilities (32) Vessels can enter Falmouth Harbor from the tabulation on chart 13229 for services and supplies southward on a course of 344° with West Chop Light available.) astern, and pass about 0.1 mile westward of Falmouth Harbor East Shoal Buoy 17. Vessels in the vicinity of (26) Guest moorings, maintained by the town, are avail- Nobska Point Light can pass 0.4 mile eastward of the able off the municipal wharf, 200 yards northward of light on a north-northeasterly course, and when Tar- the ferry wharf; other moorings can be hired from the paulin Cove and Nobska Point Lights are nearly in boatyard and marinas. range, stand eastward to an anchorage. (27) The Martha’s Vineyard Hospital is on the beach (33) Falmouth Heights, about 3 miles east-northeast of road near Oak Bluffs. Nobska Point Light and east of the town of Falmouth, is a prominent yellow bluff on the summit of which are (28) The Woods Hole-Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket numerous homes and a large hotel. Steamship Authority maintains year-round ferry ser- vice from Woods Hole. Air service is available from (34) Falmouth Inner Harbor, westward of Falmouth Martha’s Vineyard Airport, about 4 miles south of the Heights, is a dredged basin about 0.7 mile long and less town. than 0.1 mile wide, on the north side of Falmouth Har- bor. A tall green standpipe, about 1.5 miles westward of (29) Lagoon Pond, eastward of the town of Vineyard Ha- Falmouth, is one of the most prominent landmarks in ven, has its entrance about 0.5 mile northeastward of this vicinity. The yacht club dock and flagpole, just in- Vineyard Haven Breakwater Light. A short jetty, side the entrance on the east side of the harbor, are con- marked by a light, extends from the northwestern end spicuous from close inshore. The harbor is entered of the jutting point on the northerly side of the en- through a dredged channel between two jetties; a light trance. In April 2004, the controlling depth through marks the end of the west jetty. In March 2004, the con- the entrance was 6.3 feet (7.9 feet at midchannel). The trolling depth was 7.1 feet in the entrance channel to channel is marked by private buoys. The pond, used by the inner harbor; thence 6.2 feet in the inner harbor, local and fishing craft, has depths of 5 to 25 feet with except for shoaling to 3.7 feet at the upper end of the shoaler depths near the shore. Robbins Rock is off the harbor along the NW side. west shore, about 1 mile above the bridge. The highway bridge across the entrance has a 30-foot bascule span Tides and currents with a clearance of 15 feet. (See 117.1 through (35) The mean range of tide at Falmouth Heights is 1.3 117.49, chapter 2, for drawbridge regulations.) Ad- vance arrangements for bridge openings can be made feet. The tidal current in the sound about 1.5 miles by contacting the harbormaster or drawtender (tele- south of the harbor sets east-northeastward on the phone: 617-693-1212).
218 I Chapter 5 I Coast Pilot 2 Courtesy of Cape Cod Power Squadron flood at a velocity of 2.3 knots, and west-southwestward northwestward of West Chop Light. A buoy is at the on the ebb at 1.7 knots. northeast end, and a lighted bell buoy off the south- western end. Small-craft facilities (40) Lucas Shoal, covered 17 to 30 feet, is the south- (36) There are several small-craft facilities in Falmouth western end of the ridge. It is separated from the Middle Ground by a natural channel with a depth of 31 feet. A Inner Harbor. (See the small-craft facilities tabulation buoy marks the southwestern end of the shoal. on chart 13229 for services and supplies available.) (41) Lake Tashmoo, a landlocked pond on the north- west side of Martha’s Vineyard, is entered through a (37) The harbormaster is at the town-operated Fal- narrow jettied entrance which had a reported control- mouth Marina, on the west side halfway up the harbor; ling depth of 2½ feet in September 1981. The lake, only telephone 508-548-9796. The harbormaster monitors used by local craft, has general depths of 3 to 10 feet. A VHF-FM channels 16, 12, and 9. A ferry operates in the private seasonal light marks the east jetty and private summer to Oak Bluffs from the wharf at the head of the seasonal buoys mark the channel through a shoal area harbor. just inside the entrance. (42) A 4 mph speed limit is enforced in the pond. An- (38) Nobska Point, about 29 miles westward of choring is prohibited in the entrance channel. Monomoy Point, is a bluff with Nobska Point Light (43) A small boatyard is on the easterly side of the lake; a (41°30'57\"N., 70°39'18\"W.), 87 feet above the water, flatbed trailer can handle craft up to 30 feet for hull and shown from a white tower, at the south end. A fog sig- engine repairs. Guest moorings and limited supplies nal is at the light. Nobska Point Ledges, partly bare at are available. low water, extends 150 yards eastward and southwest- (44) Norton Point and Cape Higgon are prominent ward from the point. bluffs on the northwest side of Martha’s Vineyard about 3 and 8 miles, respectively, southwestward of West Charts 13233, 13229 Chop Light. (45) Menemsha Bight, on the northerly side of the (39) Middle Ground, covered 6 to 18 feet, is the easterly western end of Martha’s Vineyard 2.5 miles east of Gay half of a narrow, somewhat shifting ridge that extends for about 9 miles westward from a point about 0.5 mile
Vineyard Sound and Buzzards Bay I Chapter 5 I 219 Head, affords shelter from southerly and easterly winds Gasoline, diesel fuel, water, ice, a launching ramp, and in depths of 25 to 60 feet, sticky bottom. (See 110.1 and marine supplies are available. 110.140 (c) (1) and (d), chapter 2, for limits and regu- (52) Seasonal bus service is available from Menemsha to lations for the anchorage area.) There are no dangers in Vineyard Haven and other points on the island. the bight if the shore is given a berth of 0.3 mile. (53) Gay Head, the westerly end of Martha’s Vineyard, is (46) Menemsha Creek, on the northwestern shore of a prominent high bluff. It is marked by Gay Head Light Martha’s Vineyard and about 3 miles eastward of Gay (41°20'54\"N., 70°50'06\"W.), 170 feet above the water, Head Light, is entered from Menemsha Bight through shown from a 51-foot red brick tower on the head. A a dredged channel that leads southeastward to lighted gong buoy is 1.6 miles northwestward of the Menemsha Basin, on the north shore just inside the light. entrance. From the basin, the dredged channel contin- (54) Devils Bridge is a reef making off 0.8 mile ues southward through the creek to Menemsha Pond, northwestward of Gay Head. The reef has a depth of 2 about 1 mile above the entrance. The entrance to the feet about 0.4 mile offshore and 17 feet at its end. creek is protected by jetties. The east jetty is marked by (55) Nomans Land, about 5.5 miles southward of Gay a light. A bell buoy, about 300 yards northwestward of Head, is a prominent, high, and rocky island. Except for the light, marks the channel approach, and buoys and a small section on its northwestern side, the shore con- daybeacons mark the channel. sists of clay and gravel cliffs 10 to 18 feet high with (47) In October 1991-March 1992, the controlling depth boulders lining the shores. In the interior of the island was 10 feet at midchannel to Menemsha Basin, thence are many hills, the highest over 100 feet high, with 1½ feet could be carried to Menemsha Pond; thence 5½ considerable marshy area between the hills. A danger to 10 feet was available in the larger northwestern part zone surrounds Nomans Land. (See 334.70, chapter 2, of Menemsha Basin and 3½ to 5 feet in the smaller for limits and regulations.) southeastern part, except for shoaling to 1 foot in the (56) Several sunken rocks and ledges are in the passage southeastern corner. The channel south of Menemsha between Nomans Land and Martha’s Vineyard. Lone Basin is reported to shoal rapidly after dredging; mari- Rock, covered 8 feet, and Old Man, a ledge covered 4 ners are advised to seek local knowledge before at- feet, are marked by buoys. A buoyed channel about 0.7 tempting to go beyond Menemsha Basin. mile wide between the islands may be used by small (48) Menemsha is a small fishing village on Menemsha vessels in the daytime. Shoal water extends 0.5 mile Basin. Menemsha Pond, a rectangular basin about 1 southward of Squibnocket Point, the southernmost mile long and 0.7 mile wide, has general depths of 2 to point of Martha’s Vineyard. 18 feet, with the deepest water in the southern half of the pond. Charts 13230, 13229 Tides and currents (57) Elizabeth Islands, including Nonamesset, Uncatena, (49) The mean range of tide in Menemsha Bight is 2.7 Weepecket, Naushon, Pasque, Nashawena, Penikese, and Cuttyhunk Islands, extend about 14 miles west-south- feet. The tidal currents through the entrance have an west from the southwest end of Cape Cod. The islands, estimated velocity of 3 knots or more. Slacks are re- forming part of the northern shore of Vineyard Sound, ported to occur 45 minutes after local high and low wa- separate the sound from Buzzards Bay. They are hilly ters. and partly wooded; the shores are, in general, low bluffs. Westward of Woods Hole are several buoyed (50) Guest moorings are available in Menemsha Basin, channels between the islands, but Quicks Hole is the and anchoring is permitted in the pond. Berths are also only one recommended for strangers. available at the public facilities at Dutcher Dock, on the northeast side of the basin. Commercial fishing and Charts 13235, 13229 charter boats berth at the dock or at the private piers on the west side of the basin. Menemsha Coast Guard Sta- (58) Woods Hole is that water area lying between the tion is on the south side of the basin. The harbormaster southwest tip of Cape Cod and Uncatena and controls all berthing and mooring in the basin. The Nonamesset Island, the easternmost of the Elizabeth harbormaster has an office at Dutcher Dock and can be Islands, with Buzzards Bay on the northwest and Vine- contacted by radiotelephone on VHF-FM channel 16 or yard Sound on the southeast; it includes Great and Lit- by telephone (508-645-2846). tle Harbors in the eastern part, and Hadley Harbor in the western part. Woods Hole is also the approach to (51) A marina is on the east side of Menemsha Basin. Repairs and hauling of craft to 45 feet can be arranged.
220 I Chapter 5 I Coast Pilot 2 the town of Woods Hole on the northeastern shore of extreme 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, which is the curving peninsula sheltering the west and has depths of over 18 feet. A 344° lighted entrance northwest sides of Great Harbor. Most of the dangers range leads into the harbor from Vineyard Sound to the adjoining the passage channel are marked by naviga- wharves at Woods Hole in Great Harbor. A lighted bell tional aids. buoy marks the entrance and lighted and unlighted buoys mark the channel. When entering on the range, Tides and currents mariners should guard against the current from Buz- (67) The mean range of tide is 1.4 feet off Little Harbor, zards Bay, which has a tendency to set vessels eastward. (63) The deepest draft using the passage is 11 feet. about 1.8 feet off Woods Hole Oceanographic Institu- These channels are marked by buoys and lights, but tion, and 3.6 feet off Hadley Harbor. Strong
Vineyard Sound and Buzzards Bay I Chapter 5 I 221 northwesterly winds may lower the water in the pas- Institution are northwestward of the ferry pier. North- sage as much as 2 feet. westward of the Oceanographic Institution are the (68) The velocity of the current is about 3.5 knots in The wharves of the Marine Biological Laboratory; the Strait southward of Penzance Point. (See the Tidal Cur- wharf, basin, and buildings of the National Marine rent Tables for predictions, and the Tidal Current Fisheries Service; the town pier; and several private Charts, Narragansett Bay to Nantucket Sound, for the buildings. hourly velocities and directions of the current.) Both (74) Depths at the principal piers vary from 11 to 30 the velocity of the current and time of slack water are feet. A breakwater extends about 90 yards southwest- affected by strong winds. At the north entrance to ward from the south end of the National Marine Fish- Woods Hole in Buzzards Bay, the velocity of the tidal eries Service wharf. The front entrance range light is current is 0.8 knot, whereas at the eastern entrance to near the end of the breakwater. Foul ground extends The Strait in Great Harbor, it is about 1.3 knots. In the about 50 yards northwestward of the outer end of the upper part of Great Harbor, near the National Marine breakwater. Fisheries Service’s wharf, the currents are barely per- ceptible, and vessels at anchor lie head to wind. (75) Eel Pond, an extension of Great Harbor to the (69) Drift ice is brought through from Buzzards Bay, northeastward, is a basin with depths of 10 to 20 feet. In but seldom interferes with navigation except in unusu- September 2001, the narrow entrance to the pond had ally severe winters, when it may close the entrance a reported controlling depth of 6 feet. A highway bridge from the bay. Small craft may experience difficulty in over the entrance channel has a 31-foot bascule span severe winters, but powered vessels usually proceed with a clearance of 5 feet. (See 117.1 through 117.59 through the ice. The strong tidal currents usually keep and 117.598, chapter 2, for drawbridge regulations.) Great Harbor open. The piers of the Marine Biological Laboratory are along the southwest side of the pond. A boatyard in Eel Pond Pilotage: Woods Hole has water, some marine supplies, limited berths with (70) Pilotage service is available for the harbor. (See Pi- electricity, and can do engine repairs. The harbor- master has an office in Falmouth. lotage, Vineyard Sound, this chapter.) (76) Seasonal ferry service is available from Woods Hole Routes to Nantucket and Oak Bluffs, Martha’s Vineyard. (71) The following directions are good for medium- Year-round ferry service is available to Vineyard Haven, Martha’s Vineyard. draft vessels entering Woods Hole at slack water. Ap- proaching from the eastward, pass about 0.3 mile (77) Woods Hole Coast Guard Station is on the west southward of Nobska Point on a west-southwesterly side of Little Harbor about 450 yards northward of Ju- course until on Great Harbor Lighted Range, or from a niper Point. A dredged buoyed channel leads from Vine- point close to Nobska Point Lighted Bell Buoy 26, steer yard Sound to a turning basin off the Coast Guard 279° until on the entrance range. Approaching from wharf on the west shore. In 2001, the controlling depth the westward in Vineyard Sound, give the south side of was 16 feet for a width of 150 feet in the channel with 15 the Elizabeth Islands a berth of about 0.5 mile and steer feet available in the basin. The east side of the harbor is for Nobska Point Light on any bearing between 045° used as a mooring area for local craft. A depth of 15 feet and 051° until on the entrance range. is available in the mooring area. Numerous rocks awash are in this part of the harbor; extreme caution is Towage advised. A 6 mph speed limit is enforced in the harbor (72) A 200 hp tug is available at Woods Hole. by the Falmouth Harbormaster. Wharves (78) Hadley Harbor, in the western portion of Woods (73) The ferry pier of the Woods Hole-Martha’s Vineyard Hole at the northwest end of Nonamesset Island, is suitable only for small craft. It is reached by a narrow, and Nantucket Steamship Authority is on the eastern crooked channel. The deeper entrance, marked by side of Great Harbor. When a ferry is approaching in buoys, is between ledges on both sides; the northern fog, a private fog signal is sounded, a private quick ledge is marked by a private daybeacon. The inner har- flashing white light is shown from the southwest cor- bor forms a well-sheltered anchorage for small craft. ner of the pier, and a private quick flashing yellow light is shown from the southwest corner of the ferry slip. (79) Two wharves, with depths of about 9 feet at their The ferry to Naushon Island lands at the service wharf ends, are on the western side of Hadley Harbor. A pri- about 60 yards north of the ferry pier. The buildings vate wharf, with a depth of about 7 feet at its end, is at and wharf of the Woods Hole Oceanographic the western end of Nonamesset Island.
222 I Chapter 5 I Coast Pilot 2 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 spots of 16 to 18 feet and others of 21 to 27 feet. Because of the broken nature of the bot- (83) Lackeys Bay, between Nonamesset Island and Jobs tom, the passage is not recommended for a stranger Neck, the southeastern extremity of Naushon Island, is drawing more than 21 feet. Buoys mark the channel. shoal with numerous bare rocks. (89) The aids in Quicks Hole are colored and numbered for passage from Vineyard Sound to Buzzards Bay. Note (90) The eastern side of Quicks Hole is foul, and no at- (84) In November 1990, an unexploded World War II tempt should be made to pass eastward of the lighted buoy. Felix Ledge, 0.2 mile off the eastern shore of ordnance was reported about 0.5 mile southeastward of Nashawena Island, is covered 16 feet and marked by a Lackeys Bay in about 41°29'34.5\"N., 70°41'15.0\"W. buoy. (91) In November 1985, a sunken wreck was reported (85) Tarpaulin Cove, about 5 miles west-southwest of on the west side of the passage in about 41°26.5'N., Nobska Point, is a bight about 0.5 mile in diameter, in 70°51.0'W. the south shore of Naushon Island. The cove affords (92) Lone Rock, covered 3 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 occasionally by local fishermen. It has been reported be careful not to be set off their courses. With a strong that currents sometimes reach a velocity of 5 knots in westward current through Vineyard Sound, there is a the passage. The velocity in the narrow part is about 3 northward current through Quicks Hole; with a strong knots. The flood sets southeastward and the ebb eastward current in Vineyard Sound, the current sets northwestward into Buzzards Bay. (See the Tidal Cur- southward through Quicks Hole. Strong winds affect rent Tables for predictions, and the Tidal Current the regularity of the currents. (See the Tidal Current Charts, Narragansett Bay to Nantucket Island, for the Tables for predictions, and the Tidal Current Charts, hourly velocities and directions of the current.) Narragansett Bay to Nantucket Sound, for the hourly velocities and directions of the current.) (87) Quicks Hole, between Pasque Island and Nashawena Island, is the only passage between Vine- (94) Penikese Island, grassy and hilly, is about 1.3 miles yard Sound and Buzzards Bay eastward of Cuttyhunk northwestward of Knox Point, the northwestern ex- available for vessels of over 10-foot draft. The clearly tremity of Nashawena Island. Shoal water extends from defined entrance from Vineyard Sound, about 0.6 mile Penikese Island to Gull Island, a small islet 0.5 mile southeastward. No attempt should be made to pass
Vineyard Sound and Buzzards Bay I Chapter 5 I 223 Courtesy of Cape Cod Power Squadron between them. Rocky ledges extend southward and (98) Canapitsit Channel, between the east end of westward from Gull Island; buoys are on the southern Cuttyhunk Island and Nashawena Island, is used by edge of this area. The channels to Cuttyhunk Harbor small boats and is partially marked by buoys. In No- from Buzzards Bay are southward of the ledges. vember 1980, the channel had a controlling depth of (95) Cuttyhunk Harbor is formed by the bight between 5½ feet. The buoys at this entrance are often dragged Nashawena Island and Cuttyhunk Island, the western- off station by strong currents and heavy seas. The chan- most of the Elizabeth Islands. Northward of the harbor nel should never be used during a heavy ground swell. are Penikese and Gull Islands and several ledges, which With southerly winds, heavy seas will break across the shelter the harbor from winds from that direction. The entrance. harbor is exposed to winds from the northeastward. Weather-bound coasting vessels and fishermen some- Channels times use the anchorage in the harbor. The harbor is (99) A dredged channel leads from Cuttyhunk Harbor the approach to the village of Cuttyhunk and to Cuttyhunk Pond; the latter is entered through a into Cuttyhunk Pond to a turning basin at the western dredged cut in the eastern end of Cuttyhunk Island. terminal in the pond and an anchorage basin in the Copicut Neck forms the northerly side of Cuttyhunk eastern part of the pond north of the channel. In April Pond. 2003, the entrance channel into the pond had a con- (96) Prominent from offshore is a 50-foot-high monu- trolling depth of 7.3 feet with lesser depths along the ment on an island in Westend Pond on the western end southern edge of the channel; thence 9 feet in the pond of Cuttyhunk Island. channel to the turning basin, with 7 to 10 feet in the (97) Vessels bound for Cuttyhunk Harbor generally ap- turning basin. The anchorage basin had depths of 8 to proach from Buzzards Bay. The principal dangers are 10 feet. The jettied entrance is marked by a light on the marked by buoys. Strangers should not enter except in north jetty and by a buoy off the end of the submerged the daytime with clear weather. If entering from the south jetty. A bell buoy marks the entrance to the chan- northwestward, a greater draft than 10 feet should not nel. be taken in. The approach from northeastward is deeper. Anchorage (100) Limited anchorage with reported poor holding ground may be found in depths of 10 to 24 feet in
224 I Chapter 5 I Coast Pilot 2 Cuttyhunk Harbor. The shores on both sides of the har- Small-craft facilities bor are foul, and the anchorage is in the middle. (106) There is a service wharf on the south side of the Dangers channel at the entrance to the pond and a marina on (101) Shoals extend 0.6 mile northeastward of Cutty- the south side of the basin at the head of the channel in the pond. A yacht club and a fishing club are on the is- hunk Island. Whale Rock and Pease Ledge uncover at land. Gasoline, diesel fuel, water, ice, berths with elec- low water. Middle Ground, covered 9 feet, is 0.5 mile tricity, and some marine supplies are available. Limited north of Copicut Neck in the northwestern approach to lodging in cottages is available on the island. The the harbor. Middle Ledge, covered 15 feet, is about 0.4 harbormaster can be reached by telephone mile east of Middle Ground. Edwards Rock, covered 7 (508-966-9295). There is daily launch service with New feet, is 250 yards northeastward of Whale Rock. These Bedford in the summer and twice weekly in the winter; dangers, except for Middle Ledge, are buoyed. An un- seaplane service is also available. marked rocky shoal, covered 12 feet, is in the middle of the northwestern approach about 0.2 mile southeast- Charts 13218, 13228, 13230, 13229 ward of Middle Ledge. Numerous other rocks and ledges covered 4 to 12 feet are between Cuttyhunk Is- (107) Buzzards Bay is the approach to New Bedford, land and the ledges southwestward of Penikese and many small towns and villages, and the entrance of Gull Islands. The eastern point at the entrance and the Cape Cod Canal. The bay indents the south shore of eastern shore of the harbor should be given a berth of Massachusetts, extending in a northeasterly direction over 300 yards. from Rhode Island Sound. The bay is enclosed on the south side, and separated from Vineyard Sound, by the Routes Elizabeth Islands. (102) In approaching Cuttyhunk Harbor from eastward (108) The shores are irregular, rocky in character, and in Buzzards Bay, take care to avoid Lone Rock, 0.7 mile broken by many bays and rivers. Large boulders are northward of the northeastern end of Nashawena Is- common, in places extending a considerable distance land. Thence pass northwestward of Cuttyhunk East from shore, thus making close approach to the shore Entrance Lighted Bell Buoy CH (41°26.6'N., 70°53.4'W), dangerous. and thence to anchorage according to draft in the har- bor. (109) The bottom in the main part of the bay and ap- (103) In approaching from westward, from a position proach is very broken with boulder reefs in places. Ves- about midway between Ribbon Reef and the Cuttyhunk sels should proceed with caution when crossing shoal Island monument (41°24.8'N., 70°56.8'W.), steer 051° areas in the tributaries of the bay where the depths are until abeam of Middle Ground Buoy MG, distance 600 not more than about 6 feet greater than the draft. Cau- yards. Pass midway between Middle Ground and tion must also be exercised in the vicinity of the wrecks Penikese Island, passing northward of Middle Ledge shown on the chart. Deep water prevails as far as Wings and the 12-foot spot southeastward of it, and then Neck, above which the bay is full of shoals. swinging southeasterly to the harbor anchorage, or southward to the entrance to Cuttyhunk Pond. (110) Cape Cod South Closure Area, a Marine Managed Area (MMA), includes the inshore waters of Buzzards Tides and currents Bay and offshore Federal waters of the south coast of (104) The mean range of tide at Cuttyhunk Pond en- Massachusetts. (See MMA 5-1, Appendix C, for addi- tional information.) trance is 3.4 feet. The current velocity in Canapitsit Channel is 2.6 knots on the flood which sets (111) Traffic Separation Scheme (Buzzards Bay) has south-southeastward, and 1.7 knots on the ebb which been established in the approach to Buzzards Bay sets northwestward. In the channel southward of through Rhode Island Sound. (See charts 13218 and Penikese Island, the flood sets eastward and the ebb 12300.) westward at about 0.8 knot. (See Tide Tables and Tidal Current Tables for predictions, and the Tidal Current (112) The Scheme is composed basically of directed traf- Charts, Narragansett Bay to Nantucket Sound, for the fic lanes, each with one-way inbound and outbound hourly velocities and directions of the current.) traffic lanes separated by a defined traffic separation (105) Drift ice is carried into Cuttyhunk Harbor with zone and a precautionary area. The Scheme is recom- northerly winds and closes the harbor during severe mended for use by vessels approaching or departing winters. from Buzzards Bay, but is not necessarily intended for tugs, tows, or other small vessels which traditionally operate outside of the usual steamer lanes or close in- shore.
Vineyard Sound and Buzzards Bay I Chapter 5 I 225 (113) The Traffic Separation Scheme has been designed (123) The best guides for entering the bay from westward to aid in the prevention of collisions at the approaches are Buzzards Bay Entrance Light and the lighted buoys to the major harbors, but is not intended in any way to in the entrance. Gay Head Light and Buzzards Bay En- supersede or alter the applicable Navigation Rules. trance Light are the guides for vessels approaching Separation zones are intended to separate inbound from the southward. and outbound traffic lanes and be free of ship traffic, and should not be used except for crossing purposes. (124) Buzzards Bay Entrance Light (41°23'48\"N., Mariners should use extreme caution when crossing 71°02'01\"W.), 63 feet above the water, is shown from a traffic lanes and separation zones. (See Traffic Separa- tower on a red square superstructure on red piles about tion Schemes, chapter 1, for additional information.) 4 miles 255° from the southwest corner of Cuttyhunk Island. The name BUZZARDS is painted in white on the (114) The precautionary area in the southwest part of sides. A fog signal and racon are at the light. Rhode Island Sound has a radius of 5.4 miles centered on 41°06'06\"N., 71°23'22\"W., excluding those areas of (125) Recommended Vessel Route (Buzzards Bay) has the circle bounded by imaginary lines extended be- been established in the approach to Buzzards Bay tween the outer limits of the inbound and outbound through Rhode Island Sound. traffic lanes. (Note that this precautionary area is com- mon to the Traffic Separation Schemes for the ap- (126) The U.S. Coast Guard Captain of the Port, Provi- proaches to both Buzzards Bay and Narragansett Bay. dence, in cooperation with the Southeastern Massa- The Traffic Separation Scheme for the approach to chusetts and Rhode Island Port Safety and Security Narragansett Bay is described in chapter 6.) Committees, has established a Recommended Vessel Route for deep draft vessels and tugs/barges transiting (115) The separation zone is a 1-mile-wide zone centered Rhode Island Sound, Narragansett Bay, and Buzzards in the following positions: Bay. Deep draft vessels and tugs/barges are requested to follow the designated routes. These routes were de- (116) (i) 41°10'09\"N., 71°19'09\"W., signed to provide safe, established routes for these ves- (117) (ii) 41°21'48\"N., 71°07'06\"W. sels, to reduce the potential for conflict with (118) The inbound traffic lane is a 1-mile-wide lane with recreational boaters, fishing gear, and other small craft, and to reduce the potential for grounding or col- a length of about 14.8 miles. Entering the traffic lane at lision. Vessels are responsible for their own safety and a point in about 41°09'36\"N., 71°18'00\"W., a course of are not required to remain inside the route nor are fish- 038° follows the centerline of the traffic lane to its end, erman required to keep fishing gear outside the route. thence steer usual courses to destination. Small vessels should exercise caution in and around (119) The outbound traffic lane is a 1-mile-wide lane the Recommended Vessel Routes and monitor VHF with a length of about 14.8 miles. Entering the traffic channels 16 or 13 for information concerning deep lane at a point in about 41°22'25\"N., 71°08'06\"W., a draft vessels and tugs/barges transiting these routes. course of 218° follows the centerline of the traffic lane to a junction with the precautionary area. Anchorages (120) The Traffic Separation Scheme is not buoyed. (127) New Bedford Inner Harbor affords anchorage for (121) Buzzards Bay has six entrances, but two of these are so narrow and dangerous as to exclude their use ex- vessels of 25-foot draft. Cuttyhunk Harbor affords an- cept by small craft with local knowledge. The four ma- chorage in depths of 10 to 24 feet; except for the jor entrances are the main channel, from westward, small-craft inner harbor, it is exposed to northerly passing north of Cuttyhunk Island; Cape Cod Canal winds. A good anchorage sheltered from all southerly from northeastward; and Quicks Hole and Woods Hole winds may be had off the north shore of Nashawena Is- from the southward. The two hazardous entrances are land eastward of Penikese and Gull Islands in depths of Canapitsit Channel, between Cuttyhunk and Nasha- 40 to 48 feet. This anchorage, frequently used by tows, wena Islands, and Robinsons Hole, between Pasque and is available for vessels of any draft; however, care must Naushon Islands. be taken to stay clear of the fishtrap area in the vicinity. (122) The western entrance has a clear width of 4.3 miles Two general anchorages are off the western entrance to between Sow and Pigs Reef and Hen and Chickens. The Cape Cod Canal. (See 110.1 and 110.140 (b) (1), (b) bottom in this entrance is irregular and rocky, and (2), and (d), chapter 2, for limits and regulations.) there are spots with depths of 17 to 34 feet. Because these shoal areas are surrounded by deeper water, ves- No-Discharge Zone sels of 16-foot draft or more must exercise extra cau- (128) The State of Massachusetts, with the approval of tion when entering the bay. In heavy southwest gales the sea breaks over some of these spots. the Environmental Protection Agency, has established
226 I Chapter 5 I Coast Pilot 2 a No-Discharge Zone (NDZ) in Buzzards Bay. The area (150) Mishaum Ledge, a group of several rocky spots covered is bounded by the points with a least depth of 8 feet, extends about 1.7 miles (129) 41°29'48\"N., 71°07'13\"W. southward of Mishaum Point. It is marked by a lighted (130) 41°25'05\"N., 71°05'46\"W. gong buoy off its southeast end. A lighted bell buoy (131) 41°25'25\"N., 71°03'32\"W. marks a rocky shoal covered 22 feet about 1 mile (132) 41°22'30\"N., 70°59'52\"W. north-northwestward of the north end of Penikese Is- (133) 41°24'33\"N., 70°56'57\"W. land. An unmarked rocky shoal covered 18 feet is 0.5 (134) 41°25'17\"N., 70°54'30\"W. mile north of the island. (135) 41°25'17\"N., 70°54'12\"W. (136) 41°26'24\"N., 70°51'20\"W. Tides and currents (137) 41°26'45\"N., 70°50'23\"W. (151) The mean range of tide varies from 3.0 feet at (138) 41°26'57\"N., 70°48'29\"W (139) 41°26'59\"N., 70°48'18\"W. Westport Harbor to 4.2 feet at Bird Island near the head (140) 41°30'35\"N., 70°42'06\"W. of the bay. The tidal currents in the passages between (141) 41°30'38\"N., 70°41'58\"W. Buzzards Bay and Vineyard Sound have considerable (142) 41°30'55\"N., 70°40'52\"W. velocity and require special attention. At Hen and (143) 41°31'14\"N., 70°40'58\"W. Chickens Lighted Gong Buoy 3, the tidal current is ro- (144) 41°44'15\"N., 70°37'27\"W. (west canal entrance), tary, turning clockwise. Tide rips occur when a sea is 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, (146) Within the NDZ, discharge of sewage, whether Narragansett Bay to Nantucket Sound, for the hourly treated or untreated, from all vessels is prohibited. velocities and 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, (148) Sow and Pigs Reef, much of which is dry or awash, especially southeastern, diminish the extent and extends about 1.5 miles west-southwestward from weaken the strength of the pack. Some of the lighted Cuttyhunk Island. Its outer end is marked by a lighted buoys are removed from station or replaced by bell buoy. An unmarked rocky shoal, covered 20 feet, is unlighted buoys when endangered by ice. 0.9 mile westward of Cuttyhunk Island. Numerous ob- structions and rocks with a least depth of 27 feet were (153) The southern side of Buzzards Bay from Cuttyhunk reported to extend as much as 3 miles southward of to Woods Hole has been discussed previously in this Sow and Pigs Reef. chapter. (149) Ribbon Reef, a detached ledge covered 18 feet, is about 1.5 miles northwestward of Cuttyhunk Island. Charts 13230, 13229 Coxens Ledge, covered 28 feet and marked by a lighted bell buoy, is 1.2 miles northward of Ribbon Reef. (154) Quissett Harbor, 1.7 miles northeastward of the western entrance to Woods Hole, is used by small
Vineyard Sound and Buzzards Bay I Chapter 5 I 227 pleasure craft. The Knob, a small hillock on the north Charts 13236, 13229 point of the entrance, and the homes on the eastern shore of the harbor are prominent. A standpipe, 1.2 (160) Wild Harbor (41°38.3'N., 70°38.9'W.), 7 miles north- miles northeastward of the entrance, is conspicuous. ward of Woods Hole, is a small cove on the south side of (155) A seasonal lighted buoy marks the entrance, and Nyes Neck affording anchorage in northerly or easterly buoys mark the entrance channel, thence private sea- winds. A tower on Nyes Neck is prominent. The en- sonal aids mark the best water to the northeast end of trance is clear in midchannel, with depths of 13 to 20 the harbor. In August 1981, a depth of about 8 feet was feet inside. A seasonal lighted buoy marks the entrance, reported available in the channel. Mariners are advised and buoys mark the shoals extending from the en- to steer a midchannel course through the entire en- trance points. The shores are foul, and the easterly part trance channel to avoid numerous rocks on both sides of the harbor is shoal. The reported depth in the pri- of the channel. vately dredged channel into Silver Beach Harbor to a (156) Anchorage can be found in the middle of the harbor small basin is about 3 feet, but is subject to shoaling. A in depths of 11 to 18 feet, sticky bottom. Local craft stone jetty extends off the south side of the entrance to generally moor in the northeastern part of the harbor the basin. The basin is a special anchorage. (See 110.1 off the boatyard at the town of Quissett. The boatyard and 110.40, chapter 2, for limits and regulations.) has an L-shaped pier and a float which was reported to have about 15 feet alongside. Water, ice, moorings, (161) A town wharf and surfaced ramp are in the basin. In some marine supplies, storage facilities, and marine August 1981, depths of 4 feet to bare were reported railways up to 40 feet are available; hull and engine re- alongside the wharf. Ice and provisions are available. pairs can be made. The harbormaster can be contacted through the boatyard. (162) Megansett Harbor, the approach to the towns of (157) Hamlin Point, 2 miles north-northeastward of North Falmouth, Megansett, and Cataumet, is entered Quissett Harbor, is marked by a prominent hotel with between Nyes Neck on the south and Scraggy Neck on twin cupolas. A shoal, covered 10 feet near its outer the north. The natural channel is buoyed as far as the end, extends about 1 mile westward of the point. rock breakwater at Megansett. The breakwater is Gifford Ledge, covered 9 feet, is 1.4 miles north- marked at the end by a light. A yacht club and a town northwestward of Hamlin Point. Great Sippewisset wharf are just inside the breakwater. In August 1981, Rock, awash and marked by a private seasonal day- depths of 4 to 5 feet were reported alongside the wharf; beacon, is 0.4 mile offshore about 1.1 miles northward water is available. The harbor has extensive shoals and of Hamlin Point. A shoal area, foul with rocks awash ledges, but by following the buoyed channel a draft of and covered, extends 0.3 mile offshore eastward of the about 8 feet can be carried to an anchorage in the outer daybeacon. harbor in depths of 10 to 22 feet. Inside the breakwater, (158) West Falmouth Harbor, 5 miles northward of anchorage is available in 6 to 12 feet, taking care to Woods Hole, has depths of 1 to 6 feet and bares in places avoid the shoals on the north side of the harbor and the at low water. The entrance is protected by a breakwater rock awash near the center in 41°39'27\"N., 70°37'31\"W. extending about 700 feet southward of Little Island, Cataumet Rock, covered 6 feet and marked by a buoy, is the north point of the entrance, and by a short jetty on on the south side of the entrance; Seal Rocks are on the the northwest end of Chappaquoit Point. A tower and north side and marked by a seasonal lighted buoy. the summer homes on Chappaquoit Point are promi- nent. The entrance is marked by a seasonal lighted bell (163) Fiddlers Cove (41°38.9'N., 70°38.2'W.) is a buoy and an unlighted buoy on the south side and by an small-craft harbor on the south shore of Megansett unlighted buoy on the north side; these buoys mark Harbor, about 0.5 mile east-southeastward of Cataumet reefs that extend westward from both entrance points. Rock. A channel, privately dredged to a reported depth Seasonal private buoys mark the channel in the harbor. of 7 feet, leads southward to a marina and boatyard in a (159) In 1981, it was reported that 4 feet could be taken dredged basin on the east side of the cove. A seasonal through the narrow, privately marked channel in the lighted buoy marks the approach, and private buoys harbor to the anchorage basin off the town wharf at the mark the channel. Gasoline, diesel fuel, ice, a pump- village of West Falmouth on the east shore of the har- out station and wet and dry storage are available; lift ca- bor. Depths of 5 feet were reported alongside the wharf pacity, 35 tons. Hull, engine and electronic repairs can in 1981. The harbormaster has an office at the town be made. In April 2002, the reported approach and wharf. A 6 mph speed limit is enforced in the harbor. alongside depth was 7 feet. (164) Halftide Rock, awash at low water, is about 500 yards southwestward of the end of the Megansett break- water. Rands Harbor, about 0.3 mile east of Fiddlers Cove, is a private boat basin with little or no water.
228 I Chapter 5 I Coast Pilot 2 (165) Squeteague Harbor, northward of Megansett, is en- carried 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 lift is on the east side of the small cove, about 300 yards (166) Seal Rocks, about 0.3 mile southwestward of south of the marina. Both facilities have berths, elec- Scraggy Neck, on the north side of Megansett Harbor tricity, gasoline, diesel fuel, water, ice, marine supplies, entrance, are partly bare at half tide and marked by a and storage facilities, and can make hull and engine re- buoy about 300 yards southwest of their southern end. pairs. Electronic repairs can be made at the marina. Part of an old concrete barge is aground on the rocks. Depths of 8 feet are reported at the marina berths and Southwest Ledge, extending about 0.7 mile westward at the boatyard berths. of Seal Rocks, consists of two patches of shoals covered (172) Wings Neck, 9 miles northward of Woods Hole, ex- by 2 to 18 feet and marked by buoys on its northern, tends about 2 miles in a west-southwest direction into western, and southern sides. A rock awash is in the Buzzards Bay. The neck is a prominent peninsula, ir- northerly shoal. regular, and hilly. The anchorage areas southwestward of the neck are discussed with the Cape Cod Canal. A (167) Pocasset Harbor and Red Brook Harbor share a yacht club and private piers are on the east shore of the common entrance between Scraggy Neck and Wings neck. Traffic signals for the Cape Cod Canal are displayed Neck. Bassetts Island separates Pocasset Harbor from from a tower on Wings Neck. (See 207.20, chapter 2, Red Brook Harbor. Broken ground with depths of 17 to for details.) 19 feet in places extends across the entrance. Entering (173) Pocasset River, between the northeastern end of about 250 yards north of buoys marking the north side Wings Neck and Bennets Neck, is entered from the of Southwest Ledge, vessels of about 14-foot draft can north side of Wings Neck through a privately dredged anchor westward of Eustis Rock Buoy in depths of 20 to channel that leads southward between two jetties to a 30 feet. This anchorage is exposed to westerly winds. highway bridge about 0.4 mile above the entrance. In Eustis Rock, about 0.2 mile north of Scraggy Neck, is June 2001, a reported depth of 6 feet could be carried to covered 5 feet and marked by a buoy. The area eastward the bridge. The bridge has a fixed span with a clearance of Eustis Rock to Bassetts Island is shoal. of 7 feet. Only very small boats go above the bridge. A boatyard is on the south side of the river at the bridge. (168) A narrow buoyed channel, with a reported depth of Water, berths with electricity, storage facilities, a about 8 feet in August 1981, leads north of Bassetts Is- 35-foot marine railway, and a 5-ton lift are available; land to Pocasset Harbor. Barlows Landing, at the hull and engine repairs can be made. A town wharf and northeast end of the harbor, has a depth of 1½ feet. A floats are on the north side of the river at the bridge. small-craft launching ramp is just south of the landing. (174) Tobys Island, just northward of the entrance of Pocasset River and on the south side of Phinneys Har- (169) Hospital Cove, about 0.2 mile southward of the bor, is connected to the mainland by a causeway. southern end of Bassetts Island, is entered through a (175) Phinneys Harbor, between Tobys Island on the east natural buoyed channel that leads southeastward from and Mashnee Island on the west, is approached from a point about 0.4 mile east-southeastward of Eustis Buzzards Bay through a buoyed channel that leads Rock to a small anchorage in the cove. A depth of about along the northerly side of Wings Neck to another 6 feet can be carried in the channel, and there are buoyed channel into the harbor. A light is at the bend of depths of 8 to 14 feet in the anchorage. In August 1981, the approach channel. Depths of about 10 feet can be a shoal at the south tip of Bassetts Island was reported carried in the inner channel, and greater depths are to be shifting westward in the vicinity of Buoy 3; cau- available in the approach channel. The harbor is used tion is advised. A boulder reef extends northeastward as an anchorage by small boats. Mashnee Island, once from Scraggy Neck in the approach to the cove. Several an island, is now connected with the mainland by a private piers with depths of 5 to 8 feet alongside are in landfill causeway. A group of rocks awash, marked by a the cove. buoy, is 0.2 mile off the east shore of the harbor, and an- other rock, covered 4 feet, and marked by a buoy, is 0.1 (170) Red Brook Harbor, eastward of Bassetts Island, is mile north of Tobys Island. approached from the northward through the channel that leads through Pocasset Harbor, and from the southward through the channel that leads through Hospital Cove. Hen Cove is immediately northward of Red Brook Harbor. The channels are buoyed. In August 1981, reported depths of 8 feet and 6 feet could be
Vineyard Sound and Buzzards Bay I Chapter 5 I 229 Courtesy of Cape Cod Power Squadron (176) The village of Monument Beach is on the east Cape Cod Canal shore. A marina is at the long town pier in the cove in the southeastern corner of the harbor. Berthage in 5 (179) Cape Cod Canal is a deep-draft sea-level waterway feet is available at the pier. Gasoline, water, ice, elec- connecting Buzzards Bay and Cape Cod Bay. The water- tricity, a pump-out station, and a surfaced ramp are way is 15 miles long from Cleveland East Ledge Light available. to deep water in Cape Cod Bay. The canal shortens the distance between points north and south of Cape Cod (177) Back River, a stream which is nearly bare except by 50 to 150 miles and provides an inside passage to near its entrance, empties into the north side of avoid Nantucket Shoals. The canal is maintained by the Phinneys Harbor. Small craft sometimes anchor in the Federal Government as a free waterway. (See 207.20, entrance. A railroad bridge and a highway bridge cross- chapter 2, for the regulations governing the use, ad- ing the river about 0.2 mile above the mouth have fixed ministration, and navigation of the Cape Cod Canal.) spans with a minimum clearance of 4 feet. A boatyard is on the south bank between the bridges. In August 1981, (180) Traffic lights (red, green, and yellow) are located at a depth of about 1½ feet was reported available in the the easterly canal entrance at Sandwich; at the Canal river to the boatyard. A forklift is used to haul out boats Electric Terminal basin on the south side of the canal at up to 26 feet at the yard, while boats up to 37 feet in Sandwich; and at the westerly entrance of Hog Island length can be hauled out on a flatbed trailer at a paved Channel at Wings Neck. These signals apply to all ves- ramp at Barlows Landing and then brought to the yard sels over 65 feet in length that desire to transit the for hull and engine repairs or dry open or covered stor- canal. (See 207.20 (h), chapter 2, for detailed informa- age. A launching ramp and marine supplies are avail- tion on signals.) able at the yard. Prominent features (178) Gray Gables is on the north side of the head of the (181) Cleveland East Ledge Light (41°37'51\"N., Back River. 70°41'39\"W.), 74 feet above the water, is shown from a white cylindrical tower and dwelling on a red caisson on the east side of the entrance channel approaching Cape Cod Canal from Buzzards Bay. A racon and fog
230 I Chapter 5 I Coast Pilot 2 Courtesy of Cape Cod Power Squadron signal are at the light station. The railroad bridge over 1981, it was reported that the east entrance was being the canal at the village of Buzzards Bay, and the high- privately maintained to a depth of 40 feet to the New way bridge at Bourne are also prominent. England Petroleum Company wharf about 1.2 miles (182) Canal Breakwater Light 6 (41°46'47\"N., west of Canal Breakwater Light 6. 70°29'23\"W.), 43 feet above the water, is shown from a (184) The approach channels from both the west and the red cylindrical tower on the end of the north breakwa- east are marked with lighted ranges and other naviga- ter at the east entrance to Cape Cod Canal from Cape tional aids. The canal itself is lighted at night on both Cod Bay. A fog signal is at the light. The most promi- banks by mercury vapor lights, generally 500 feet apart. nent landmark when approaching from Cape Cod Bay is the tall lighted stack of the powerplant about 1.1 Anchorages miles west-southwestward of Canal Breakwater Light (185) General anchorages are on each side of Cleveland 6. The high-level highway bridge across the canal at Sagamore, 2.5 miles west of the breakwater light, is Ledge Channel between Cleveland Ledge Light and also prominent. The breakwaters at the east entrance Wings Neck. (See 110.1 and 110.140 (b) and (d), to the canal should not be confused with the smaller chapter 2, for limits and regulations.) In 1971, a dan- jetties at Sandwich Harbor, 1 mile to the southeast- gerous submerged rock was reported just inside the ward, nor should the two white church spires back of easterly edge of Anchorage D in about 41°40'05\"N., Sandwich Harbor be mistaken for the range structure 70°40'17\"W. In January 1984, an obstruction was re- marking the entrance to the canal. ported in Anchorage C in about 41°40'00\"N., 70°41'35\"W. Channels (186) Mooring basins, with tieup dolphins, are at both (183) A Federal project provides for a channel 32 feet ends of the canal. One is on the east side of Hog Island Channel abreast of Hog Island, where shoaling to bare deep through the Cape Cod Canal. (See Notice to Mari- in about 41°43'49\"N., 70°37'53\"W. was reported in Sep- ners and latest editions of the chart for controlling tember 1979. The other is just inside the eastern en- depths.) Deep-draft vessels should obtain the latest in- trance to the canal. A small boat basin is on the south formation as to available depths so as to pass through side of the channel just inside the eastern entrance to the canal during maximum stages of high water if the the canal; depths of 8 to 13 feet were available in the ba- draft of the vessel is near the controlling depth. In sin in June 1969.
Vineyard Sound and Buzzards Bay I Chapter 5 I 231 Bridges material to mariners in an effort to reduce right whale (187) The Cape Cod Canal is crossed by three bridges. ship strikes. (See North Atlantic Right Whales, indexed as such, chapter 3, for more information on right The railroad bridge at the village of Buzzards Bay, 7.8 whales and recommended measures to avoid collisions miles above Cleveland East Ledge Light, has a verti- with whales.) cal-lift span with a clearance of 7 feet down and 135 feet up. The span is normally maintained in the raised posi- Pilotage: Cape Cod Canal and Buzzards Bay tion and lowered for the passage of trains. (See 117.1 (194) At the canal, Canal Traffic Control “WUA21” or through 117.59, 117.589, and 207.20(i), chapter 2, for drawbridge regulations.) The State Route 25/28 “Cape Cod Canal Control” monitors VHF-FM channels highway bridge at Bourne, 9 miles above Cleveland 16, 13 and 14; usually works on 14. The Masters of all Ledge Light, has a fixed span with a clearance of 135 vessels required by the Coast Guard to carry a pilot are feet. The U.S. 6/State Route 3 highway bridge at required to notify Canal Traffic Control prior to enter- Sagamore, 11.8 miles above Cleveland East Ledge ing the waterway with information as specified in Sec. Light, has a fixed span with a clearance of 135 feet. 207.20 (k), Management of Vessels (see chapter 2). (188) The minimum clearance of the overhead power ca- (195) Pilotage is compulsory for Buzzards Bay for foreign bles across the canal is 160 feet. vessels of 350 gross tons or more, U.S. vessels under register of 350 gross tons or more and tank barge tow- Tides and currents ing vessels carrying 6,000 barrels or more of petroleum (189) The mean range of tide is 3.5 feet at the railroad cargoes. Pilotage is available from Northeast Marine Pi- lots, Inc., Newport, RI, 02840; telephone 401-847-9050 bridge near the Buzzards Bay entrance and 8.7 feet at (24 hours), 800-274-1216, FAX 401-847-9052; email: the Cape Cod Bay entrance. The large differences in [email protected]. range and timing of the tide between Buzzards Bay and (196) The pilot boats NORTHEAST I and NORTHEAST III Cape Cod Bay cause strong currents in the canal. Tides serve the canal and are owned and operated by the may lower the canal level 2 feet below mean low water Northeast Marine Pilots, Inc. NORTHEAST I is a or even more if attended by heavy offshore winds. 38-foot boat with a black hull and white superstructure (190) Daily predictions for the tidal current in Cape Cod and the word PILOT on both sides and NORTHEAST III Canal at the railroad bridge are given in the Tidal Cur- is a 33-foot boat with black hull and white superstruc- rent Tables. Under ordinary conditions, the tidal cur- ture. rent has a velocity of 4.0 knots on the flood, which sets (197) The pilot boats NORTHEAST II, NORTHEAST III eastward, and 4.5 knots on the ebb, which sets west- and NORTHEAST IV serve for boarding eastbound ves- ward. sels. NORTHEAST II is a 47-foot boat and NORTHEAST (191) Due to the strong tidal currents in the canal, espe- IV is a 52 foot boat; both have unpainted aluminum cially during spring tides, low-powered vessels should hulls and superstructures with the word PILOT in red await slack water or favorable current. Navigators are on both sides. All Northeast pilot boats monitor warned to be on the alert for possible “bank suction” VHF-FM channels 16, 13 and 10, and work on 13 or 10. and “bank cushion,” the effects of which may cause a (198) Pilots meet westbound vessels off the eastern en- vessel to take a sudden and decided sheer. trance to the Cape Cod Canal in Cape Cod Bay, ½ mile east of Lighted Bell Buoy CC, in approximate position Weather: Buzzards Bay and vicinity 41°48.6'N., 70°27.0'W. (192) Fog is said to be less dense over Cape Cod Canal (199) Pilots meet eastbound vessels at the Brenton Reef Pilots Station, about 1.5 miles eastward of than outside, but at times a water vapor rises from the Narragansett Bay Entrance Lighted Whistle Buoy NB canal to such an extent that traffic has to be suspended. within an area bounded by: The canal proper never has been closed by ice, but occa- (200) 41°23.6'N., 71°22.4'W., sionally Buzzards Bay and Cape Cod Bay become so (201) 41°22.6'N., 71°22.0'W., congested with ice that navigation through the canal is (202) 41°24.2'N., 71°20.0'W., prevented. (203) 41°22.6'N., 71°20.6'W. This pilot boarding area is southward of a line extending from Point Judith to North Atlantic Right Whales Sakonnet Point. (193) Endangered North Atlantic right whales have been (204) Pilots also meet vessels in the vicinity of Point Ju- dith Lighted Whistle Buoy 2, within a 1-mile radius cir- reported within the Cape Cod Canal and in the vicinity cle centered in 41°17.2'N., 71°30.4'W. of the Canal's east entrance. The Cape Cod Marine Traf- fic Controllers provide information regarding North Atlantic right whale sightings and locations. The Northeast Marine Pilots distribute educational
232 I Chapter 5 I Coast Pilot 2 (205) Pilot services are generally arranged for in advance (213) Vessels which are to transit the Cape Cod Canal will by ships’ agents or directly by shipping companies. monitor channel 16 continuously to establish contact with traffic controllers. The vessels will be asked to Launch service switch to channel 12 or channel 14 as a working chan- (206) Launch service is also available; arrange through nel to pass information between the traffic controllers and the vessel. However, channel 13 may be used only Northeast Marine Pilots, Inc. when the above channels are not available. Towage (214) The radiotelephone at the Cape Cod Canal Office, (207) Tugs to 2,200 hp are based at the village of Buz- Buzzards Bay, Mass., is in continuous operation. Call letters are WUA-21, and the frequencies are channels zards Bay; arrangements for their services are usually 13, 16, 12, and 14. Vessels equipped for communication made through ships’ agents. Tugs monitor VHF-FM with the Cape Cod Canal Office are requested to keep channel 13 when expecting a vessel, and use channel their radiotelephone tuned to these frequencies. 18A as a working frequency. Coast Guard (215) Buttermilk Bay, at the northeast end of Buzzards (208) Cape Cod Canal Coast Guard Station is on the east Bay, has depths of about 1 to 7 feet. A dredged marked channel and Cohasset Narrows connect the bay with side of the entrance to the canal about 1 mile north- Cape Cod Canal. In March 2004, the controlling depth eastward of Sandwich Harbor. was 5 feet to the railroad bridge about 1.1 miles above the channel entrance, except for severe shoaling at Wharves midchannel and in the right quarter between Buoy 3 (209) State Pier, site of the Massachusetts Maritime and Buoy 5. In 1992, a rock was reported just below the railroad bridge in about 41°44'46\"N., 70°37'22\"W. Two Academy, on the north side of Cape Cod Canal, 0.6 mile bridges cross Cohasset Narrows; the railroad bridge has below the railroad bridge at the village of Buzzards Bay, a bascule span with a clearance of 6 feet, but is kept in a is 600 feet long with about 25 feet alongside the berth- closed position and used as a fixed bridge. The highway ing face. In August 1981, shoaling to 10 feet was re- bridge, immediately above, has a fixed span with a ported in the basin off the berthing face in about clearance of 9 feet. Several small piers for shallow-draft 41°44'15\"N., 70°37'35\"W. In August 1981, the reported boats are the only facilities in Buttermilk Bay. Gasoline controlling depth on the channel side of the pier was 25 is available in the bay. feet. Permission to berth at the pier must be obtained from the academy. Vessels should not attempt to go (216) Butler Cove, on the western side of Cohasset Nar- alongside or leave the pier except at periods of slack wa- rows southwesterly of the bridges, has depths of 3 to 5 ter. Passing vessels are requested to proceed slowly to feet. avoid damage to lines and other equipment at the pier. (210) The New England Petroleum Company mooring (217) Onset Bay, between Sias Point on the north and platform, on the south side of Cape Cod Canal, 1.2 Hog Neck on the south, is the approach to the village of miles westward of Canal Breakwater Light 6, provides Onset. A dredged marked channel leads westward from berthing for tank vessels up to 750 feet long with drafts Cape Cod Canal along the southerly side of the bay to a of 40 feet. Vessels over 50,000 tons or 32-foot draft turning basin off the village. Two anchorage areas, one moor at high water slack during daylight hours only. on each side of the channel, are at the head of the chan- Vessels under 50,000 tons moor at high water slack, day nel. In October 1995, the midchannel controlling or night. Petroleum products are pumped to storage depth was 14 feet to the turning basin, thence depths of tanks ashore. 13 to 15 feet were available in the basin; depths of 6 to 8 feet were available in the eastern anchorage basin with Supplies 7½ feet available in the western anchorage basin. (211) Gasoline, diesel fuel, water, ice, marine supplies, (218) Wickets Island is a high and wooded islet in the and a paved ramp are available at the boat basin just in- middle of the bay. The buoys in the entrance channel side the Cape Cod Bay entrance to the canal. Temporary are frequently towed under because of the strong cur- berthage and anchorage are also available at the basin. rents. A rock, covered 8 feet, is near the channel en- trance about 75 yards northeast of Hog Island Channel Communications Light 21. In 1981, two rocks, covered 4 to 5 feet, were (212) Information on operating conditions, widths, reported on the north edge of the channel between Buoys 2 and 4; caution is advised. depths, or other data on the canal is available at all hours, day or night, by calling the canal office at Buz- (219) A special anchorage is in the northern part of On- zards Bay (508-759-4431). set Bay. (See 110.1 and 110.45, chapter 2, for limits
Vineyard Sound and Buzzards Bay I Chapter 5 I 233 and regulations.) Additional anchorages are available wharves have 31-foot fixed spans with a clearance of 1 at the head of the dredged channel. foot. (220) A 5 mph speed limit is enforced above Wickets Is- (225) The mean range of the tide at the entrance to land. Wareham River is about 4.1 feet. The velocity of the (221) The Onset town wharf, on the north side of the current is not great enough to materially interfere with turning basin, has depths of about 14 feet at its face. a sailing vessel having a good breeze. During the first The harbormaster has an office at the wharf. The half of the ebb the current below the wharves of the harbormaster monitors VHF-FM channel 16 and uses town sets across the flats westward of the channel, and channel 9 as a working frequency; call sign KYQ-833. during the whole of the ebb it sets across the flats east- Several small-craft facilities are on the north side of the ward of the channel below Long Beach Point. (See the bay along the southwesterly side of Long Neck. (See the Tidal Current Tables for predictions.) The river ices small-craft facilities tabulation on chart 13229 for ser- over for short periods during most winters. vices and supplies available.) Onset has bus service. (226) Vessels approaching Wareham River from Buz- (222) East River empties into Onset Bay southeast of On- zards Bay pass 0.8 mile east of Bird Island Light and set. A draft of 3 feet can be taken to an anchorage just steer 351° to the buoyed channel. Strangers should ob- above the highway bridge which connects Onset and tain local information regarding channel depths before Long Neck. The bridge has a fixed span with a clearance navigating the river. of 11 feet. (227) The depth at the Wareham town landing was re- (223) Stony Point Dike, a sandspit breakwater about 5 ported to be about 4½ feet in August 1981. The feet high, extends about 1.8 miles south-southwesterly Wareham Harbor Patrol patrols the harbor during the from Cedar Island Point to Abiels Ledge. The breakwa- summer boating season and enforces a speed limit of 5 ter protects Hog Island Channel. Cleveland Ledge knots. A boatyard, on the western side of Wareham Channel Range Front Light is on the outer end of the Neck about 0.3 mile below the bridges, has a marine breakwater. Abiels Ledge, between the channel and the railway that can handle craft up to 45 feet for hull and south end of the dike, is covered 3 feet. Dry Ledge, 1 engine repairs or storage. Gasoline, diesel fuel, water, mile northwestward of Abiels Ledge, bares at half tide; marine supplies, and a 25-ton mobile hoist are avail- it is marked by a buoy. Little Bird Island, 0.8 mile able. In August 1981, depths of about 6 feet were re- northward, is surrounded by uneven bottom with ported alongside the boatyard service float. Wareham depths of 2 to 19 feet between it and the northerly shore has bus service. of Buzzards Bay. (228) Marks Cove, on the west side of the channel to (224) Wareham River, which empties into the northern Wareham River between Swifts Beach on the north end of Buzzards Bay, is the approach to the town of and Cromeset Neck on the south, has depths of 2 to 5 Wareham on the west bank. Great Hill, wooded, 124 feet. The cove is used by small boats. In 1961, a 6-foot feet high, and about 1.5 miles southward of Long channel was dredged by the State through the cove Beach Point, is prominent when approaching the river. from the 6-foot contour to Cedar Island at the entrance A brick stack and a standpipe in Wareham are conspicu- to Cedar Island Creek. ous. The buoyed channel to the town is crooked and (229) Weweantic River, entered southward of Cromeset twisting; in 1986, the controlling depth was about 4 Neck, has a narrow and crooked channel partly ob- feet from Wareham River Buoy 13 to the upstream structed by rocks. A reported depth of about 3 feet can limit of the project. In October 1987, a sunken wreck be carried past the rocks and as far as the highway was reported in the vicinity of Wareham River Entrance bridge, with local knowledge. The channel is not Buoy 10. A rock covered 6 feet is in the entrance about marked. An overhead power cable crossing the river 350 yards south-southwest of Dry Ledge in about about 1.4 miles above the mouth has a clearance of 51 41°41'59.9\"N., 70°41'41.6\"W., and several rocks and feet. The highway bridge, which is 1.7 miles above the shoal spots covered 9 to 14 feet are within 0.75 mile mouth, has two fixed spans with a clearance of 5 feet. west to southwest of the ledge. A shoal makes off south- The channel is through the northeasterly 45-foot span. easterly from Cromeset Point, 0.6 mile southward of The river is navigable for 2 miles above the highway Long Beach Point. In August 1981, it was reported that bridge by small craft drawing less than 2 feet. A small Long Beach Point covers at high water; caution is ad- marina is just above the bridge. Gasoline, water, ice, vised. The section near Quahaug Bar, north of Long storage facilities, marine supplies, and hull and engine Beach Point, is subject to shoaling. Depths shoal to 2 repairs are available. A flatbed trailer at the marina can and 3 feet close to the buoyed channel. Small craft haul out boats to 25 feet. sometimes anchor just north of Long Beach Point. Highway and railroad bridges over the river above the
234 I Chapter 5 I Coast Pilot 2 (230) From Wareham River to New Bedford the shore is (237) Blankinship Cove and Planting Island Cove, on indented sharply by rocks and ledges extending off- the eastern side of Sippican Harbor, have a common shore nearly 2 miles in places. entrance northward of Ram Island. They have general depths of 3 to 5 feet. Meadow Island separates the two (231) Wings Cove, between Great Hill Point southeast of coves. Gibbs Rock, marked by a private seasonal Great Hill and Piney Point on the eastern side of daybeacon, is 50 yards off the north point of Ram Is- Sippican Neck, has depths of 8 to 17 feet in its outer land. A rock awash is charted 120 yards north of the section. The cove affords protection from westerly daybeacon. winds; it is used only by small local craft. (238) Hammett Cove in the northeastern part of (232) Butler Point is at the southern tip of Sippican Sippican Harbor is shallow and used only by small local Neck. Shoal water extends about 0.4 mile southward craft. The approach to the cove is marked by private from the point to Bird Island, a round, low flat island. seasonal buoys. Charted obstructions are close west- ward of the buoys. (233) Southward and westward of Bird Island are several buoyed dangers. Bird Island Reef, covered 15 to 18 (239) The mean range of tide at Marion is 4.0 feet. Ice feet, is about 0.4 mile east-southeastward. About 0.5 usually closes Sippican Harbor for about a month or mile southwestward is Centerboard Shoal, covered 12 more each winter. feet. The Bow Bells, isolated shoals covered 11 to 18 feet, are about 0.6 to 1 mile southwest of Centerboard (240) Aucoot Cove, about 0.8 mile southwestward of Shoal. An unlighted gong buoy is about 1.15 miles Sippican Harbor, has depths of 10 to 19 feet. A 4-foot southward of Bird Island. spot is near the center of the cove in about 41°40'23.2\"N., 70°45'23\"W., and the head of the cove is (234) Sippican Harbor, scene of much pleasure-boat ac- foul. The harbor is protected from all winds except tivity, makes into the north shore of Buzzards Bay southeast. An unmarked channel with depths of less about 3 miles southward of Wareham River. The harbor than 1 foot leads to a boatyard west of Haskell Island. is the approach to Marion, a small town on the western Local knowledge and a high tide are required to navi- shore. It is entered between Bird Island on the east and gate to the boatyard, which can haul out craft up to 40 Converse Point on the west. Prominent features in- feet in length. The yard does general repairs and ma- clude the abandoned lighthouse on Bird Island and the chine work. Gasoline, diesel fuel by truck, and marine conspicuous house and flagpole on Converse Point. supplies are available. The other coves between The standpipe on Sippican Neck can also be seen for a Sippican and Mattapoisett Harbors are foul and seldom considerable distance. entered. (235) The town dock at Marion, approached through a Chart 13229 channel marked by private seasonal buoys, has re- ported depths of 4 to 5 feet alongside. Two boatyards at (241) Mattapoisett Harbor, about 3.5 miles southwest of Marion provide limited guest moorings, electricity, Sippican Harbor and 5 miles northeastward of New gasoline, diesel fuel, water, ice, marine supplies, and a Bedford Harbor, is the approach to the town of pump-out station. Mobile hoists to 50 tons and dry win- Mattapoisett. The harbor is used by numerous yachts ter storage are available; hull, engine and electronic re- during the summer. Although exposed to southeasterly pairs can be made. In August 2005, a reported depth of winds, the ledges at the entrance somewhat break the 6 feet could be carried to the boatyard at the head of the sea from that direction. A light on Ned Point marks the harbor. The harbormaster, who controls all mooring approach. A standpipe is in the town. Vessels anchor be- and anchoring in the harbor, monitors VHF-FM chan- tween Ned Point and the wharves in 13 to 17 feet. nels 68. (242) The entrance between Angelica Point and Straw- (236) Mendells Rock and Seal Rocks are shoal, rocky ar- berry Point on the east and Mattapoisett Neck on the eas, northward of Converse Point extending up to 0.2 west is about 1.5 miles wide. A buoyed natural channel mile off the west shore of the harbor. Planting Island, a leads through the numerous rocks and ledges in the peninsula extending about 0.6 mile northwesterly from entrance to the anchorage area off the town. The chan- Sippican Neck, is on the eastern side of the harbor. At nel has a depth of about 14 feet but because of the bro- Ram Island, off Marion, the passage between the island ken bottom, vessels should proceed with caution over and the western shore is less than 275 yards wide. The areas where the charted depths are not more than 6 feet currents in the narrow portion of the channel have greater than the draft. Strangers should not attempt to considerable velocity at times. Little Island lies on the enter at night. western side of the channel about 0.2 mile northwestward of Ram Island. The buoyed channel has a reported depth of about 12 feet from the entrance to Marion.
Vineyard Sound and Buzzards Bay I Chapter 5 I 235 (243) 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 (250) 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 (244) 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.) (251) New Bedford Harbor, a tidal estuary at the mouth of Acushnet River on the northwestern side of Buz- (245) The mean range of tide in the harbor is 3.9 feet. The zards Bay, is the approach to the city of New Bedford stone wharf at the town has a reported depth of 6 feet and the town of Fairhaven. The harbor is about 166 alongside. Diesel fuel, gasoline, oil, water, ice, marine miles from The Battery at New York via Long Island supplies, and a surfaced ramp are available. A boatyard Sound, and 83 miles from Boston via Cape Cod Canal. in town can handle craft to 60 feet long and 7 feet in The harbor includes all the tidewater lying northerly of draft at the town ramp. A 5 mph speed limit is enforced a line from Clarks Point at the southern extremity of in the mooring areas. New Bedford to Wilbur Point at the southern end of Fairhaven and extends to the head of navigation on (246) A boatyard on the east side of the harbor provides Acushnet River at Acushnet. The outer harbor consists limited guest berths, gasoline, diesel fuel, electricity, of the area south of the hurricane barrier at Palmer Is- water, ice, storage facilities, marine supplies, and a land, and the inner harbor consists of the area north of 30-ton mobile hoist; hull and engine repairs are avail- the barrier to a short distance above the New Bed- able. In August 1981, a reported depth of 5 feet could be ford-Fairhaven Bridge. carried to the boatyard. (252) New Bedford is a manufacturing city on the west (247) Ram Island, about 1.5 miles southwestward of side of the Acushnet River. Fairhaven is on the east side Mattapoisett Harbor, is a low, grassy island connected of the river. Principal shipping includes receipt of gen- to Mattapoisett Neck by a narrow shoal. Rocks and eral cargo and frozen fish; exports are general cargo. shoal water surround the island. Commercial fishing craft operate from the ports. The deepest draft entering is about 30 feet at high water. (248) Cormorant Rock, 0.9 mile southeastward of Ram Island, bares at half tide and is marked by a daybeacon. (253) The approach from Buzzards Bay and the entrance Ledges with very little water over them surround the to New Bedford Harbor are much obstructed by ledges daybeacon at a distance of 150 yards. A rock, covered 12 and shoals, between which are several channels leading feet, is about 0.2 mile northeastward of the daybeacon; to the dredged entrance. The bottom is very broken, depths of 18 to 21 feet extend 0.2 mile southward. The characterized by large boulders; vessels should proceed channel between the rock and Ram Island has depths of with caution when crossing areas off the general track about 15 feet. when the charted depths are not more than 6 to 8 feet greater than the draft. (249) Nasketucket Bay is entered between Cormorant Rock on the east and West Island on the west. North- Prominent features ward and westward of West Island the bay is greatly ob- (254) From the main channel numerous landmarks can structed by rocks and small islands. Because of these obstructions, only small craft proceed through the bay be seen on the westerly side. Dumpling Rocks Light 5A to Little Bay, at the head, or up Nasketucket River. The off Round Hill Point, about 3 miles west of the channel, edges of Little Bay are foul, but excellent anchorage in is conspicuous. About 0.5 mile westward of the radar all but strong southerly winds is available in the center dome on Round Hill Point is a radio tower. Clarks of the bay in 3 to 6 feet, sticky mud. The entrance is Point, on the west side of the channel, is marked by a made treacherous by obstructions and wind and should granite fort. About 0.7 mile northeast of the point is not be attempted without local knowledge. Numerous Butler Flats Light near the edge of the shoal. A group of rocks, including Whale Rock, are on the east side of three stacks is on the west side of the inner harbor. West Island at the entrance. A causeway connects the western side of West Island with Long Island. A fixed span in the causeway has a clearance of 5 feet. The
236 I Chapter 5 I Coast Pilot 2 Although there are no landmarks on Sconticut Neck, Routes Fort Phoenix is a promontory fairly conspicuous just (260) The main channel to New Bedford Harbor is from east of the channel, almost opposite Palmer Island. Several church spires are prominent in Fairhaven. A Buzzards Bay Midchannel Lighted Bell Buoy BB tall radio tower is on Popes Island in the inner harbor. (41°30'33\"N., 70°49'54\"W.) through the buoyed chan- A private light is on the northeast point of Palmer Is- nel eastward of Negro Ledge. land, about 0.2 mile inside the hurricane barrier. The (261) There are several other passages with least depths lights marking the eastern and western sides of the of about 21 feet that lead from Buzzards Bay to New hurricane barrier are also prominent. Bedford Harbor west of the main channel. However, (255) Butler Flats Light (41°36.2'N., 70°53.7'W.), a pri- they are not as well marked as the main channel; un- vate aid 53 feet above the water, is shown from a white marked shoals with depths of 9 to 18 feet are near the conical tower on a black cylindrical pier about 0.7 mile course lines. north-northeast of Clarks Point. (262) From a position about 0.3 mile south of Mishaum Ledge Lighted Gong Buoy 5 (chart 13230), a course can COLREGS Demarcation Lines be set to pass about 500 yards east of Dumpling Rocks (256) The lines established for Buzzards Bay and Vine- Light 5A to about 500 yards northwest of Decatur Rock Buoy 12, thence on a 006° course to join the main yard Sound are described in 80.145, chapter 2. channel near Butler Flats Light. (263) An alternate approach can be made from a position Channels about 0.3 mile southeastward of Wilkes Ledge Lighted (257) A Federal project provides for a 30-foot deep chan- Buoy 7 on a course of 004° to join the main channel near Butler Flats Light. The high elevated tank at Fair- nel from Buzzards Bay to the turning basin just above haven is a good leading mark for this leg. the New Bedford-Fairhaven Bridge. (See Notice to Mar- (264) Strangers should not attempt to enter New Bedford iners and latest edition of charts for controlling Harbor except in clear weather when the aids are visi- depths.) The 350-foot-wide channel is constricted to ble. Vessels should proceed with caution where the 150 feet by a hurricane barrier across the inner harbor, charted depths are less than 6 to 8 feet greater than the protecting New Bedford Harbor, extending from the draft, because of the broken character of the bottom. western shore over Palmer Island to Fort Phoenix on the east. The 150-foot gated opening will be kept in the Anchorages open position during fair weather, but is closed during (265) Before proceeding into New Bedford Harbor, ves- periods of high winds or high tides, or when a hurri- cane is expected. Lights marking the eastern and west- sels occasionally anchor in depths of 20 to 30 feet about ern sides of the opening are shown from the top of each 0.7 mile south of Clarks Point. Two general anchorages of the two gate operations houses, 48 feet above the wa- are in the outer harbor. (See 110.1 and 110.140 (a) ter. A fog signal is sounded from the west barrier light. and (d), chapter 2, for limits and regulations.) In the inner harbor vessels may anchor in the two dredged an- (258) Hurricane barrier traffic lights are displayed on the chorage areas on either side of the channel in depths of north side of the smaller, northerly house on the west 25 to 30 feet. side of the entrance and adjacent to the old fort at Clarks Point. Green lights are displayed when the gate Dangers is open. Red lights are displayed from 20 minutes be- (266) The entrance to New Bedford Harbor is full of rocks fore the start of closing the gate through reopening. In addition to the traffic lights, three flashing white strobe and ledges, some covered 3 feet or less. Obstructions lights are shown; two from atop the west barrier oper- near the entrance passages are marked with buoys. The ating house, one facing toward the harbor and one fac- chart is the best guide. ing toward the bay, and a third light facing toward the (267) Dumpling Rocks, bare and covered, extend 0.4 bay adjacent to the old fort at Clarks Point. These syn- mile southeastward from Round Hill Point. A light is chronized lights flash every 20 seconds, but flash every on the easterly rock. A buoy marks the southeastern 2 seconds from 20 minutes before the start of closing portion of the shoal area around the rocks, and a gong the gate through reopening. buoy is about 400 yards east of the light. (268) Wilkes Ledge, 1.8 miles southeastward of Round (259) The controlling depth above the turning basin to Hill Point, is the southernmost danger at the entrance the Coggeshall Street Bridge is about 15 feet. Above to the harbor. It is covered 9 feet with a wreck near the that point in Acushnet River there is little traffic except easterly part; a lighted buoy is close south-southwest- by launches and small craft. ward of the wreck.
Vineyard Sound and Buzzards Bay I Chapter 5 I 237 Bridges 350 gross tons or more. Pilotage for New Bedford is (269) Four bridges cross Acushnet River at New Bedford. available from Northeast Marine Pilots, Inc., Newport, RI 02840; telephone 401-847-9050 (24 hours), 800- The first, the US6/New Bedford-Fairhaven Bridge, has a 274-1216; FAX 401-847-9052; email: dispatch@nema- swing span with a clearance of 6 feet. (See 117.1 rinepilots.com. through 117.59 and 117.585, chapter 2, for draw- (275) Pilots meet westbound vessels off the eastern bridge regulations.) The bridgetender monitors VHF- entrance to the Cape Cod Canal in Cape Cod Bay, ½ FM channel 16 and works on channel 13; call sign mile east of Lighted Bell Buoy CC, in approximate WHH-238. About 1 mile above this drawbridge is the position 41°48.6'N., 70°27.0'W. Coggeshall Street Bridge, which has a fixed span with a (276) Pilots meet eastbound vessels at the Brenton Reef clearance of 8 feet. A highway bridge with a fixed span Pilot Station, about 1.5 miles eastward of Narragansett and a clearance of 8 feet is just below the Coggeshall Bay Entrance Lighted Whistle Buoy NB within an area Street Bridge. About 1.3 miles above the Coggeshall bounded by Street Bridge is a fixed bridge with a clearance of 6 feet. (277) 41°23.6'N., 71°22.4'W., (278) 41°22.6'N., 71°22.0'W., Tides (279) 41°24.2'N., 71°20.0'W., (270) The mean range of tide is 3.7 feet. (280) 41°22.6'N., 71°20.6'W. This pilot boarding area is southward of a line extending from Point Judith to Currents Sakonnet Point. Should weather or other conditions (271) Tidal currents are weak. From a series of current prevent pilot boarding in the above location, other ar- rangements may be made with the pilot office. observations, conducted by the Corps of Engineers (281) The pilot boats NORTHEAST I and NORTHEAST III over a 2-day period in October 1965 at the center of the serve the canal and are owned and operated by North- navigation opening of the New Bedford Hurricane Bar- east Marine Pilots, Inc. NORTHEAST I is a 38-foot boat rier, it was revealed that the maximum flooding and with black hull and white superstructure and the word ebbing velocities were about 2.4 knots; average flood PILOT on the sides; NORTHEAST III is a 33-foot boat setting 344° and the ebb 144°. During flooding or ebb- with black hull and white superstructure. ing a slight set towards the east barrier abutment may (282) The pilot boats NORTHEAST II, NORTHEAST III be experienced. During this same period it was further and NORTHEAST IV serve for boarding eastbound ves- revealed that the time of slack water occurred about 30 sels. NORTHEAST II is a 47-foot boat and NORTHEAST minutes before the time of low or high water; that the IV is a 52 foot boat; both have unpainted aluminum maximum ebbing velocity occurred about 2 hours after hulls and superstructures with the word PILOT in red the time of high tide; that the maximum flooding ve- on both sides. All Northeast pilot boats monitor locity occurred about 4 hours after the time of low tide; VHF-FM channels 16, 13 and 10, and work on 13 or 10. and that, generally, the maximum current occurred at (283) Pilot services are generally arranged for in advance about the same time as the most rapid change in the by ships’ agents. vertical height of the tide was taking place. Towage Weather, New Bedford Harbor and vicinity (284) Oceangoing vessels usually require tug assistance (272) The prevailing winds during the winter are from when docking and undocking. Tugs up to 2,200 hp are north to west, and during the summer from south to based at New Bedford, and arrangements for their ser- southwest. Thick fog is reported to close in quickly vices are usually made through ships’ agents. Tugs with little warning in New Bedford Harbor. monitor VHF-FM channel 13 when expecting a vessel, and use channel 18A as a working frequency. Ice (285) New Bedford is a customs port of entry. (273) The channels and anchorage area usually are navi- Quarantine,customs,immigration,and agricultural gable throughout the year, although in prolonged peri- quarantine ods of extreme cold weather the harbor as well as all of (286) (See chapter 3, Vessel Arrival Inspections, and ap- Buzzards Bay may be closed to navigation because of pendix for addresses.) ice. Such conditions are infrequent and of short dura- (287) Quarantine is enforced in accordance with regula- tion. Steamers generally can make their way through tions of the U.S. Public Health Service. (See Public the ice in the harbor. Health Service, chapter 1.) (288) New Bedford has several hospitals. Pilotage, New Bedford (274) Pilotage is compulsory for foreign vessels of 350 gross tons or more and U.S. vessels under register of
238 I Chapter 5 I Coast Pilot 2 (289) 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 (290) The New Bedford Harbor Development Commis- Fish Ltd. (298) 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- (299) 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 Wharves bunker fuels are available by truck. The water is excel- (291) The New Bedford waterfront has many piers and lent for drinking and boiler use; a water boat services craft at anchor. wharves. The fishing industry uses most of these facili- ties. Only the deep-draft facilities are described, and the Repairs alongside depths for these facilities are reported; for in- (300) There are several boatyards at Fairhaven that can formation on the latest depths contact the operator. All of the facilities described have highway connections, make hull, engine, and electronic repairs; storage facil- and most have rail connections. Water is available at ities are also available. The largest marine railway in most piers and wharves. Cargo in the port is usually the area can handle vessels up to 330 feet. Lifts to 150 handled by ship’s tackle. A 250-ton floating “A” frame tons are available. Several repair firms in New Bedford derrick is available for heavy lifts by prior arrangement. are available for above-the-waterline repairs and en- (292) New Bedford South Terminal Wharf: 500 yards gine repairs. Derrick lighters, some with air compres- westward of Palmer Island; 1,600 feet long; 30 feet sors and diving equipment, are also available. alongside; 250,000 cubic feet of refrigerated storage; receipt of seafood products; owned by several seafood Communications companies. (301) There is only rail freight service to Boston and fre- (293) Commonwealth Edison Co. Pier: 300 yards north- ward of South Terminal Wharf; north side 740 feet quent bus service to Providence, Boston, and New York. long, with dolphins; 30 feet alongside; receipt of petro- A mail and passenger boat makes trips to Cuttyhunk leum products; vessels usually berth with bow inshore; twice weekly in the winter and daily in the summer. owned by Commonwealth Electric and operated by Seasonal passenger ferry service is also available to New England Petroleum Corp. Martha’s Vineyard. Air service is available to Boston, (294) State Pier: 500 yards northward of New Bedford New York, Martha’s Vineyard, Nantucket, and Cape Gas and Edison Light Co. Pier; face 450 feet long, north Cod. side 600 feet long, south side 775 feet long; 30 feet alongside; 125,000 square feet covered storage; receipt (302) The coast between New Bedford Harbor and the en- and shipment of general cargo; owned and operated by trance of Sakonnet River is fringed with extensive the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Division of Wa- shoals, many of them rocky and a considerable number terways. of them well offshore. The entrances to several inlets (295) Maritime Terminal Wharf: westward of Fish Island; are shoal and are used only by local fishing and plea- 600 feet long; 31 feet alongside; 3 million cubic feet of sure boats. refrigerated storage; receipt of frozen food, fish, and chilled foodstuffs; shipment of general cargo; owned (303) Clarks Cove, between New Bedford Harbor and and operated by Maritime Terminal, Inc. Apponagansett Bay, affords anchorage in depths of 12 (296) Bridge Terminal Wharf: northeast side of Fish Is- to 22 feet. It is exposed to southerly weather and is sel- land; 450 feet long; 28 feet alongside; 500,000 cubic feet dom used. Several small piers can accommodate small of refrigerated space; receipt of frozen and chilled food- craft. Several rocks are off Moshers Point on the west stuffs; owned and operated by Bridge Terminal, Inc. side of the cove. (297) Frionor Processing and Distribution Center Wharf: 200 yards northwest of Fish Island; 580 feet long; 25 to (304) Apponagansett Bay, about 2 miles southwestward 28 feet alongside; 63,400 square feet of refrigerated of Clarks Point, shelters numerous pleasure craft and a few fishermen in the summer, but the bay is insecure in southeasterly gales. Nonquitt and Bayview are villages on the south side of the entrance and South
Vineyard Sound and Buzzards Bay I Chapter 5 I 239 Dartmouth is on the northerly shore. Padanaram (311) Gooseberry Neck, about 4 miles southwestward of Breakwater is marked on the southern end by a light. Mishaum Point, is marked by several prominent tow- The approach to the bay is obstructed by numerous ers. The neck, irregular and elongated, extends about 1 ledges and rocks, and strangers should enter only in mile southward from Horseneck Beach to which it is the daytime with clear weather. Inside the breakwater joined by a narrow roadway over rock fill. The water the channel is marked by buoys. Dartmouth Rock, cov- surrounding the neck is very foul. ered 4 feet, is on the northeast side of the channel. Pri- vate seasonal anchorage buoys mark the area off South (312) Hen and Chickens and the dangers southward of it Dartmouth, which is usually very crowded in the sum- have been previously discussed under the entrance to mer. A highway bridge at the village has a swing span Buzzards Bay. with a channel width of 31 feet and a clearance of 8 feet. (See 117.1 through 117.59 and 117.587, chapter 2, (313) In addition to Hen and Chickens, numerous rocks for drawbridge regulations.) Above the bridge, small and reefs surround Gooseberry Neck. Shoal water ex- craft anchor in a narrow channel near the eastern tends 0.6 mile southwestward of the neck to Lumber shore. Rock, covered 4 feet and marked by a buoy, and over 0.5 (305) The harbormaster controls anchoring and berth- mile westward to Browing Ledge, covered 6 feet. Little ing in the harbor and can be contacted through the po- Southwest Rock is about 0.3 mile northeastward of lice department or VHF-FM channel 16. The speed Lumber Rock. limit in the harbor is 5 mph. (306) Southward of the bridge is a landing at a Yacht Club (314) Westport River empties into the large bight be- with reported depth of 10 feet alongside. Diesel fuel, tween Gooseberry Neck and Sakonnet Point (chart gasoline, water, ice, and some marine supplies are 13221). The mouth of the river is between Horseneck available. Two nearby boatyards and a marina can pro- Point, 2.7 miles northwest of Gooseberry Neck, and vide limited guest berths, storage, complete marine The Knubble, a protruding mound of granite marked supplies, and hull, engine, electronic, rigging, and sail by a light about 0.2 mile south of Horseneck Point. The repairs. The largest marine railway can handle craft to river is the approach to Westport Harbor, the area just 55 feet; mobile hoists to 35 tons are also available. In inside the entrance; the village of Westport Point, on August 1981, depths of 3 to 11 feet were reported at the the north shore of the east branch of the river; and the slips. village of Acoaxet, westward of The Knubble. Fishing (307) Round Hill Point, about 3.5 miles southwestward and pleasure boats use the river as far as Westport of Clarks Point, is marked by a prominent round hill on Point. which is a white tower and a radar installation. Care should be taken not to confuse this tower with Dump- (315) The bar and entrance channels are marked by ling Rocks Light 5A. Westward of the hill is a radio buoys. The entrance channel is narrow and crooked. In tower. June 2000, the bar and entrance channels had control- (308) Between Round Hill Point and Salters Point, 1.1 ling depths of 7.1 feet over the bar and 5.5 feet (6.9 feet miles southwestward, Hunts Rock Breakwater extends at midchannel) in the entrance. Depths over the bar are 270 yards in a northeast-southwest direction. continually changing, and local information should be (309) Mishaum Point, 1.9 miles southwestward of Round obtained as to depths and best water. Numerous rocks Hill Point, is the southern point of Smith Neck. Shoal are in the channel below the bridge at Westport Point; water extends about 0.2 mile off the point. caution is advised. Chart 13228 (316) Boats should not try to enter during strong south- erly winds as heavy seas break over the entrance bar. (310) Slocums River, westward of Mishaum Point, has a About 1 mile above the entrance the river divides into bar at the entrance nearly bare at low water. The chan- two branches. The west branch is shallow, with a nar- nel inside is narrow, unmarked, and little used. row channel marked by private seasonal buoys, and is Slocums Ledge, extending 0.6 mile westward of used by local craft to opposite Toms Point, about 1.6 Mishaum Point, covered 2 to 7 feet, is marked by a miles above the entrance. Above the Westport Point buoy. Pawn Rock uncovers 3 feet and is 0.2 mile east- bridge, the east branch is marked by private seasonal erly of Barneys Joy Point, the point on the west side of buoys as far as the Hix Bridge, 4.7 miles above Westport the river entrance. Point. A reported depth of about 4 feet can be carried to this bridge with local knowledge. (317) A highway bridge with a 49-foot bascule span and a clearance of 21 feet at the center crosses the river at Westport Point, about 2 miles above the mouth. (See 117.1 through 117.59 and 117.620, chapter 2, for drawbridge regulations.) Hix highway bridge, about 6 miles above the mouth, has a 35-foot fixed span with a
240 I Chapter 5 I Coast Pilot 2 clearance of 3 feet. An overhead power cable on the under the control of the harbormaster, who can be con- north side of Hix bridge has a clearance of 37 feet. tacted through the town hall or police department. (318) Approaching Westport River, boats must take care (322) A 5 mph speed limit is enforced in the harbor. to pass westward of the dangers off Gooseberry Neck (323) A boatyard and a marina are in the harbor. The and eastward of the dangers off the river entrance. Nu- boatyard is on Horseneck Point about 0.5 mile west of merous rocks and ledges are southward of the entrance the highway bridge. The marina is on Westport Point to the river. Twomile Rock, 1 mile southeastward of about 0.1 mile west of the highway bridge. Berths, Westport Harbor Entrance Light 5 on The Knubble, is moorings, gasoline, diesel fuel, water, ice, launching marked by a daybeacon. Shoals with depths of 5 to 18 ramps, and marine supplies are available. The largest feet are southeasterly of the rock. A buoy is 0.35 mile marine railway is at the boatyard and can handle craft south-southeast of the rock. Halfmile Rock, 3 feet up to 60 feet for hull and engine repairs and dry open or high, is 325 yards southeast of the light on The covered storage. Knubble. The shoal water surrounding the rock is marked by a buoy. The area south of The Knubble is No-Discharge Zone very foul. Other unmarked dangers include Twomile (324) The State of Massachusetts, with the approval of Ledge, extending 1 mile south of The Knubble, and cov- ered 2 to 12 feet; Joe Burris Ledge covered 14 feet, mid- the Environmental Protection Agency, has established way between Halfmile Rock and Twomile Rock, and a No-Discharge Zone (NDZ) in the coastal waters of Pinetree Ground, about 1 mile south of Twomile Rock, Westport. The NDZ includes Westport Harbor and the covered 25 to 30 feet. East and West Branches of the Westport River (see (319) The shore in this vicinity should be given a berth of chart 13228 for limits). about 1.3 miles to avoid numerous rocks and ledges ex- (325) Within the NDZ, discharge of sewage, whether tending about 1 mile offshore for 2.5 miles westward of treated or untreated, from all vessels is prohibited. Westport Harbor. Outside the NDZ, discharge of sewage is regulated by 40 CFR 140 (see chapter 2). Tides and currents (326) Quicksand Point is about 1.5 miles west of The (320) The mean range of tide is 3.0 feet. The tidal current Knubble. The boundary line between Massachusetts and Rhode Island is near the point. Cutty Wow Rock, in the entrance has a velocity of 2.5 knots, and caution awash at low water, is 1 mile southwestward of the is recommended when navigating the river. (See the point. Tidal Current tables for predictions.) (327) Briggs Point, 2 miles southwestward of Quicksand (321) Two piers, used by fishing and pleasure boats, are at Point, is surrounded by shoals and rocks. Halfway Westport Point. These piers have reported depths of Rock, 2 feet high, is 0.4 mile southeastward of the about 10 feet at their faces. Berthing at the piers is point.
Vineyard Sound and Buzzards Bay I Chapter 5 I 241
242 I Chapter 6 I Coast Pilot 2
Search
Read the Text Version
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
- 6
- 7
- 8
- 9
- 10
- 11
- 12
- 13
- 14
- 15
- 16
- 17
- 18
- 19
- 20
- 21
- 22
- 23
- 24
- 25
- 26
- 27
- 28
- 29
- 30
- 31
- 32
- 33
- 34
- 35
- 36
- 37
- 38
- 39
- 40
- 41
- 42
- 43
- 44
- 45
- 46
- 47
- 48
- 49
- 50
- 51
- 52
- 53
- 54
- 55
- 56
- 57
- 58
- 59
- 60
- 61
- 62
- 63
- 64
- 65
- 66
- 67
- 68
- 69
- 70
- 71
- 72
- 73
- 74
- 75
- 76
- 77
- 78
- 79
- 80
- 81
- 82
- 83
- 84
- 85
- 86
- 87
- 88
- 89
- 90
- 91
- 92
- 93
- 94
- 95
- 96
- 97
- 98
- 99
- 100
- 101
- 102
- 103
- 104
- 105
- 106
- 107
- 108
- 109
- 110
- 111
- 112
- 113
- 114
- 115
- 116
- 117
- 118
- 119
- 120
- 121
- 122
- 123
- 124
- 125
- 126
- 127
- 128
- 129
- 130
- 131
- 132
- 133
- 134
- 135
- 136
- 137
- 138
- 139
- 140
- 141
- 142
- 143
- 144
- 145
- 146
- 147
- 148
- 149
- 150
- 151
- 152
- 153
- 154
- 155
- 156
- 157
- 158
- 159
- 160
- 161
- 162
- 163
- 164
- 165
- 166
- 167
- 168
- 169
- 170
- 171
- 172
- 173
- 174
- 175
- 176
- 177
- 178
- 179
- 180
- 181
- 182
- 183
- 184
- 185
- 186
- 187
- 188
- 189
- 190
- 191
- 192
- 193
- 194
- 195
- 196
- 197
- 198
- 199
- 200
- 201
- 202
- 203
- 204
- 205
- 206
- 207
- 208
- 209
- 210
- 211
- 212
- 213
- 214
- 215
- 216
- 217
- 218
- 219
- 220
- 221
- 222
- 223
- 224
- 225
- 226
- 227
- 228
- 229
- 230
- 231
- 232
- 233
- 234
- 235
- 236
- 237
- 238
- 239
- 240
- 241
- 242
- 243
- 244
- 245
- 246
- 247
- 248
- 249
- 250
- 251
- 252
- 253
- 254
- 255
- 256
- 257
- 258
- 259
- 260
- 261
- 262
- 263
- 264
- 265
- 266
- 267
- 268
- 269
- 270
- 271
- 272
- 273
- 274
- 275
- 276
- 277
- 278
- 279
- 280
- 281
- 282
- 283
- 284
- 285
- 286
- 287
- 288
- 289
- 290
- 291
- 292
- 293
- 294
- 295
- 296
- 297
- 298
- 299
- 300
- 301
- 302
- 303
- 304
- 305
- 306
- 307
- 308
- 309
- 310
- 311
- 312
- 313
- 314
- 315
- 316
- 317
- 318
- 319
- 320
- 321
- 322
- 323
- 324
- 325
- 326
- 327
- 328
- 329
- 330
- 331
- 332
- 333
- 334
- 335
- 336
- 337
- 338
- 339
- 340
- 341
- 342
- 343
- 344
- 345
- 346
- 347
- 348
- 349
- 350
- 351
- 352
- 353
- 354
- 355
- 356
- 357
- 358
- 359
- 360
- 361
- 362
- 363
- 364
- 365
- 366
- 367
- 368
- 369
- 370
- 371
- 372
- 373
- 374
- 375
- 376
- 377
- 378
- 379
- 380
- 381
- 382
- 383
- 384
- 385
- 386
- 387
- 388
- 389
- 390
- 391
- 392
- 393
- 394
- 395
- 396
- 397
- 398
- 399
- 400
- 401
- 402
- 403
- 404
- 405
- 406
- 407
- 408
- 409
- 410
- 411
- 412
- 413
- 414
- 415
- 416
- 417
- 418
- 419
- 420
- 421
- 422
- 423
- 424
- 425
- 426
- 427
- 428
- 429
- 430
- 431
- 432
- 433
- 434
- 435
- 436
- 437
- 438
- 439
- 440
- 441
- 442
- 443
- 444
- 445
- 446
- 447
- 448
- 449
- 450
- 451
- 452
- 453
- 454
- 455
- 456
- 457
- 458
- 459
- 460
- 461
- 462
- 463
- 464
- 465
- 466
- 467
- 468
- 469
- 470
- 471
- 472
- 473
- 474
- 475
- 476
- 477
- 478
- 479
- 480
- 481
- 482
- 483
- 484
- 485
- 486
- 487
- 488
- 489
- 490
- 491
- 492
- 493
- 494
- 495
- 496
- 497
- 498
- 1 - 50
- 51 - 100
- 101 - 150
- 151 - 200
- 201 - 250
- 251 - 300
- 301 - 350
- 351 - 400
- 401 - 450
- 451 - 498
Pages:
