We're planning on going to Block Island for Labor Day weekend. I love Block, it's hard to let a season go by without visiting. I'd rather go the weekend after Labor Day, but I have a new job with zero time off allowed for the first three months. So, I'm stuck with the thundering herd. In the past, I've had disappointing experiences with the marinas there, with or without reservations. So, I prefer to anchor out. The one decent marina there (Boat Basin) is booked up too far in advance for my taste, so I don't even try. My question is, has anyone ever shown up in New Harbor on the first morning of one of the big three summer boating holidays and a) found a spot to anchor? b) found a mooring? What are my chances of getting shut out completely? Is it just a bad idea? Do you have to be a jerk and squeeze yourself in someplace that you normally wouldn't? I've heard of people anchoring off the beach on the east side of the island, even off Sandy Point. Anyone have any experience with that? Appreciate any advice or anecdotes. Paul sv Escape Artist h336
Block Island -- Labor Day -- Going in Cold
- Thread starter Paul McGhee
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Possibly a Mooring
I've gone into New Harbor late in the day and, of course, not found any open moorings. So I would anchor. Then in the morning, usually early, I raised the anchor and headed for the mooring field. With ANY luck, you just may catch a power boat that is heading out and you can sneak into his mooring when he drops it. On a holiday weekend, it's a longshot. So good luck.
The trick is to do it early before any boats make it in from the mainland or to beat another boat from the anchorage that has the same intentions as you.
I've gone into New Harbor late in the day and, of course, not found any open moorings. So I would anchor. Then in the morning, usually early, I raised the anchor and headed for the mooring field. With ANY luck, you just may catch a power boat that is heading out and you can sneak into his mooring when he drops it. On a holiday weekend, it's a longshot. So good luck.
The trick is to do it early before any boats make it in from the mainland or to beat another boat from the anchorage that has the same intentions as you.Anchor Out
I always anchor out. It is tricky trying to find a spot so get there as early as possible. Boats willbe arriving Friday so plan on having to search out your spot. If all else fails try the southern side of the anchorage, it is usually last to fill, but you can usually find a spot. I would not anchor outside of New Harbor. I have seen people anchor on the north side of the island just west of Old Harbor. Great anchorage in nice weather but a northerly wind would ruin your day. aving just moved from CT to FL, I miss the great cruising in New England Enjoy the weekend
I always anchor out. It is tricky trying to find a spot so get there as early as possible. Boats willbe arriving Friday so plan on having to search out your spot. If all else fails try the southern side of the anchorage, it is usually last to fill, but you can usually find a spot. I would not anchor outside of New Harbor. I have seen people anchor on the north side of the island just west of Old Harbor. Great anchorage in nice weather but a northerly wind would ruin your day. aving just moved from CT to FL, I miss the great cruising in New England Enjoy the weekend
Anchoring
Paul, I wouldn't worry about being shut out of the anchorage. There doesn't seem to be any limit to how close people will anchor to others in New Harbor. Just hope that there isn't a wind shift over night, and if so, that everyone is in synch with their scope.
Paul, I wouldn't worry about being shut out of the anchorage. There doesn't seem to be any limit to how close people will anchor to others in New Harbor. Just hope that there isn't a wind shift over night, and if so, that everyone is in synch with their scope.
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