We are planning our labor day weekend at Watch Hill, RI. Somehow we've been sailing up and down LI Sound for 4 years and have missed out on this reputedely lovely spot. I think that the 5-foot spot in the channel might have scared us off in the past, but we are resolved to deal with it. Does anyone have any experience and advice regarding the anchorage there? It looks very large, and therefore dependable, but I would hate to show up on Saturday morning and find it so crammed with boats that we will have problems. Is there a public dinghy dock? Do any of the marinas there offer services to anchoring boaters? Any thoughts on fun things to do? Favorite restaurants? Hope to hear from our fellow New England sailors... Paul sv Escape Artist h336
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Nappatree
Yes the anchorage is large and crowded. The bottome is muddy with good holding. I usualy allow a 7:1 scope which seems more than what others use, so I stay away from the group. There is a public dinghy dock to the left of WHYC and it too gets crowded. I usually pick near high tide to enter and exit but I still keep an eye on that depth. It makes me nervous too but I have yet to touch bottom whith this boat
(I hope that statement doesn't jinks me).
Yes the anchorage is large and crowded. The bottome is muddy with good holding. I usualy allow a 7:1 scope which seems more than what others use, so I stay away from the group. There is a public dinghy dock to the left of WHYC and it too gets crowded. I usually pick near high tide to enter and exit but I still keep an eye on that depth. It makes me nervous too but I have yet to touch bottom whith this boat
(I hope that statement doesn't jinks me).Offshore Magazine
June's issue of Offshore Magazine has a great article that addresses all of your questions.
June's issue of Offshore Magazine has a great article that addresses all of your questions.
Other options if too crowded...
In case Watch Hill is too crowded, would suggest Noank Village Shipyard, back towards Mystic, as a nearby alternative. They have lots of moorings and are much more accommodating than Stonington. (You can also anchor inside the breakwater at Stonington, but you may have been there before.) Getting in to Noank from the East is a bit trickier than from the West, but we managed w/ almost 7' draft. Just stay in the channel & keep an eye on the depth gauge.
In case Watch Hill is too crowded, would suggest Noank Village Shipyard, back towards Mystic, as a nearby alternative. They have lots of moorings and are much more accommodating than Stonington. (You can also anchor inside the breakwater at Stonington, but you may have been there before.) Getting in to Noank from the East is a bit trickier than from the West, but we managed w/ almost 7' draft. Just stay in the channel & keep an eye on the depth gauge.
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