Blynman Canal

[Marc14857]

one of our planned legs from Mystic up to Maine is from Glouchester to Portsmouth/Kittery. We have the option of sailing around Cape Ann or perhaps using the Blynman Canal from Glouchester to Ipswich Ma. Was wondering if anyone has experience with the Canal and how much time it actually saves. Also there is some conflicting data on the web as to whether you can get through the canal with a 5 foot draft and 64 foot mast height. Any info appreciated.

Marc

 

[chuckwayne]

Go around! the cut thru will save you time only if the bridge opening matches your arrival time, and they won't open the bridge if a train is scheduled in the next 1/2 hour. That said, the route thru is circuitous, confusingly marked, and has frequently shifting shoals and some unbelievably narrow spots for a 5 ft draft sailboat, This includes the area just past the railroad bridge. I stopped going thru when a sailboat ran aground smack in the middle of the exit channel on the north end.

 

[Solstice]

Go around! the cut thru will save you time only if the bridge opening matches your arrival time, and they won't open the bridge if a train is scheduled in the next 1/2 hour. That said, the route thru is circuitous, confusingly marked, and has frequently shifting shoals and some unbelievably narrow spots for a 5 ft draft sailboat, This includes the area just past the railroad bridge. I stopped going thru when a sailboat ran aground smack in the middle of the exit channel on the north end.

+1...The canal (we locals tend to call it the Annisquam) is an interesting experience and it is beautiful inside, but not worth the nerves you will certainly experience going through without local knowledge of this years shoals. You won't save much time because you must go slow, deal with the bridge openings etc.
Gloucester to Pepperell Cove or Isles of Shoals around Thatchers Island is very straightforward as long as wind is not strong out of the East...enjoy the trip! You can also get from Boston to Isle of Shoals directly in less than 8 hours.....

 

[RoyS]

Do not rule it out. If the tide is within an hour of high and the outside route around Cape Ann is unpleasant due to weather conditions, try the canal. Probably best outside of rush hour when the trains not frequent. Everyone should do it at least once. My boat draws 5'-3" and I decide which route to take based on those factors above at the time. It is like being in a boat parade held on a river.

 

[TomY]

I took the canal a few years ago, and I'd do it again. In my case, I spent the night anchored in Gloucester's inner harbor (yes, there's an anchorage in the inner harbor with easy dinghy access to town). I was the only boat in the anchorage, this was September.

I don't remember the details except waiting in Gloucester for the tide. Then I joined a few boats also cueing up, and shot through when the bridge was raised. There was one other bridge that opened on approach (all via VHF). Check your mast height; I think there was one fixed bridge(?)

I draw 4' with the board up but I don't recall any depths that were a problem. You can see the shoal areas just outside the well marked channel.

It's very pretty inside. Unique. Anyway, it was a very windless day and starting mid-morning (about 10?), I easily made Isle of Shoals by late afternoon.

I'd use it again if conditions warrant, and especially visiting Gloucester(which is well worth it).

 

[Rich Stidger]

IIRC, there is a 65' fixed bridge. With my 63.5 foot mast plus antenna & wind transducer, there is no way I am going there when there is an easy alternative. Call me chicken. Cluck, cluck.

 

[Marc14857]

Thanks All. Based on this discussion we will go around, if the weather is OK, and probably stop at Pepperell Cove for the night.

Rich...I have the same concern for the mast though I am 61'4" per Hunter's specs and adding another 2 feet for wind instruments etc. I should be able to make it under. I'm planning on an ICW trip next year and I understand that clearance on the fixed bridges is also 65 Feet. I know that I get a bit concerned going under the I 95 Baldwin bridge in Old Lyme that has an 81 foot clearance so 65feet ought to increase the pucker factor just a bit.

 

[Rich Stidger]

I know that I get a bit concerned going under the I 95 Baldwin bridge in Old Lyme that has an 81 foot clearance so 65feet ought to increase the pucker factor just a bit.

"Increase the pucker factor"? Ya think?
The lowest bridge that I have been under was a 70' down in the Chesapeake. I know it is not rational, but it makes my stomach flip. I too will be going down the ICW. I may have to tranquilize myself!

 

[Mulf]

Having done the ICW from the Chesapeake to Marathon twice, there is at least one fixed bridge in the Carolinas (baby sitting grand children in Manchester MA so can't look up exactly where) that is only 64 feet.

PM me if you would like access to our two trip blogs.