Mystic River - Anchoring

[captainpat]

I have made numerous trips from Barnegat, NJ to Mystic - Block - Newport. Each time in the Mystic River I noticed boats up to 37 feet (or more) anchored both above and below the seaport. The anchorage below and to starboard of the seaport is the one I'm more interested in finding information about. The chart is no help at all once outside the channel. Anyone having FIRST HAND KNOWLEDGE about one or both of these locations please respond.

 

[Pete]

Mystic River Anchorage

The area you are talking about is mostly all private mooring and not realy and open anchorage,but you should be able to stay overnight without much of a issue. However there is an area north of the seaport but just south of the cemetary where poeple will anchor overnight. It is located east of the last channel marker,not sure if the chart shows markers north of the U.S. 1 highway bridge.There is an old deterating wharf on the east side and just off off it there is room for 4 or 5 boats to anchor. It is got its "regulars" that go there all the time and there may or may not be room when you get there.there is a great little place for breakfast that you can dink into (250feet)called "Kitchen Little" Great food, breakfast only.You did not mention draft of you boat but there has been 40'anchored in there so use that as a guide line but should be OK up to 5' draft.If all this fails there are many marinas that have transit slip available all up an down the river.The Mystic Seaport also has slips availabe (make reservation)Lots of room at the mouth of the river to anchor overnight and still only 30 min ride up river. There are two bridges. the railroad bridge is open unless a train is crossing (1o minutes closing)The U.S. 1 bridge opens once an hour during the summer season (appx 20 minutes past the hour, will not open on demand) Off season you will need to check schedule. Good Luck enjoy the trip and don't tell everyone how nice this area is

 

[Eric]

Mystic anchorage

The anchorage that you speak of "below and Starbord of the seaport" is meaning Starboard returning form Fishers Island Sound, correct? If that is the case, then the mooring field and transient anchorage is about 1/2 mile below the RT 1 bridge. There is scant room for many boats there, but the white bouy does designate that area as a transient anchorage. I guess the key work here is "transient". Last Spring and Summer there was a red boat anchored there with a reg from MA. It had alot, and I mean ALOT of scope out, pbly staying free for the season, and on my first venture out of my marina, May something... I ran over her anchor line. I gave that one alot of room after that snafu.Mystic is great. Do think about reserving a slip within the seaport. Especially if you have kids. The nights are kind of magical there. No tourists...It feels like being in the 1800's.Take care, and good winds.Eric

 

[Pat]

Thanks Guys

Appreciate the response. The information is very helpful. I did not know about the anchorage "below" (meaning before, returning from sea) the bridge, and is very helpful information. The other anchorage, on the "inside" of the bridge is the one I was interested in and it sounds as though it might be a very good option. We are planning a trip up with 3 or 4 other boats during the first 3 week of July and would like to be in the Mystic River (hopefully on the hook) during the first half of the 1st week, July 4th included. Thanks again, Pat