Block Island Sound

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Block Island Sound

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This chapter describes Block Island Sound, Fishers Island Sound, Gardiners Bay, Little Peconic Bay and Great Peconic Bay and the ports and harbors in the area, the more important of which are Point Judith Harbor, Great Salt Pond, Stonington, Mystic Harbor and Greenport.

 COLREGS Demarcation Lines

The lines established for this part of the coast are described in 33 CFR 80.150 and 80.155, chapter 2.

 Block Island Sound

is a deep navigable waterway forming the eastern approach to Long Island Sound, Fishers Island Sound and Gardiners Bay from the Atlantic Ocean. The sound is a link for waterborne commerce between Cape Cod and Long Island Sound. It has two entrances from the Atlantic: an eastern entrance from Rhode Island Sound between Block Island and Point Judith and a southern entrance between Block Island and Montauk Point. The sound is connected with Long Island Sound by The Race and other passages to the southwestward and with Fishers Island Sound by several passages between rocky reefs from Watch Hill Point to East Point, Fishers Island.

The north shoreline of Block Island Sound and Fishers Island Sound from Point Judith to New London is generally rocky and broken with short stretches of sandy beach. Many inlets and harbors, especially in the vicinity of Fishers Island, afford harbors of refuge for vessels. Most of the rocks and shoals near the channels are marked with navigational aids.

The southern part of Block Island Sound is bounded by Block Island on the east, the eastern extremity of Long Island and Gardiners Island on the west. Plum Island and Fishers Island are at the western end of the sound.

The deep water in the central part of Block Island Sound will accommodate vessels of the greatest draft.

Westward of Gardiners Island, enclosed between the northeastern and eastern ends of Long Island, are Gardiners Bay, Shelter Island Sound, Little Peconic Bay and Great Peconic Bay. This area is well protected but generally shallow and is not suited for deep-draft vessels. The shoreline is marked by many indentations and shallow harbors. These waters are much used by commercial fishing vessels and small pleasure craft because of the protection afforded and the many anchorages.

Recommended Vessel Route (Block Island Sound) has been established for Block Island Sound.

The U.S. Coast Guard Captain of the Port, Providence, in cooperation with the Southeastern Massachusetts and Rhode Island Port Safety and Security Committees, has established a Recommended Vessel Route for deep draft vessels and tugs/barges transiting Rhode Island Sound, Narragansett Bay and Buzzards Bay. Deep draft vessels and tugs/barges are requested to follow the designated routes. These routes were designed to provide safe, established routes for these vessels to reduce the potential for conflict with recreational boaters, fishing gear, and other small craft and to reduce the potential for grounding or collision. Vessels are responsible for their own safety and are not required to remain inside the route nor are fisherman required to keep fishing gear outside the route. Small vessels should exercise caution in and around the Recommended Vessel Routes and monitor VHF channels 16 or 13 for information concerning deep draft vessels and tugs/barges transiting these routes.

is a sand shoal with a least depth of 11 feet extending 1 mile northward from at the north end of Block Island. The shoal should be avoided by all vessels; its depths change frequently, and its position is also subject to a slow change. It is practically steep-to on all sides, so that soundings alone cannot be depended on to clear it. A lighted bell buoy is 1.5 miles northward of the point.

Southwest Ledge, 5.5 miles west-southwestward of Block Island Southeast Light, has a least known depth of 21 feet and is marked on its southwest side by Southwest Ledge Lighted Whistle Buoy 2. Rocky patches extend 1.5 miles northeastward from the ledge. The sea breaks on the shoaler places on the ledge in heavy weather.

Several other dangers that must be guarded against are northward and westward of Southwest Ledge Lighted Whistle Buoy 2. These dangers are 37-foot sounding, marked by a lighted buoy, about 2.2 mile 280° from the lighted whistle buoy and numerous rocks up to 1.1 miles north of the lighted whistle buoy.

The deepest passage in the southern entrance to Block Island Sound is just westward of Southwest Ledge and has a width of over 2 miles; this is the best passage for deep draft vessels. The area between Southwest Ledge Lighted Whistle Buoy 2 and Block Island Sound South Entrance Obstruction Lighted Buoy BIS is known locally as Montauk Channel. Mariners should keep in mind that vessels with a draft in excess of 38 feet will not be allowed to transit this area. Further, pilots using Montauk Channel shall consider draft, sea and swell, wind, visibility, current and vessel traffic. When these conditions pose a threat to the safety of any person, vessel, prudent navigation or safety of the environment, Montauk Channel shall not be used.

Between the inner patch of rocks and the shoals, which extend 0.9 mile from Block Island, is a channel 1.3 miles wide, with a depth of about 31 feet. Vessels using this channel should round the southwest end of Block Island at a distance of 1.5 miles. It is not advisable to use this passage during heavy weather.

The entrance between Point Judith and Block Island is used by vessels coming from the bays and sounds eastward to Long Island Sound. The route generally used is through The Race. Tows of light barges and vessels of 14 feet or less draft sometimes go through Fishers Island Sound, especially during daylight with a smooth sea. This entrance is clear with the exception of Block Island North Reef and the numerous large boulders extending about 4 miles south-southeastward of Point Judith. The coast from Point Judith nearly to Watch Hill should be given a berth of over 1 mile, avoiding the broken ground with depths less than 30 feet.

 Tides and currents

The effect of strong winds, in combination with the regular tidal action, may at times cause the water to fall several feet below or rise the same amount above the plane of reference of the chart.

Tidal current data for a number of locations in Block Island Sound are available from the Tidal Current prediction service at tidesandcurrents.noaa.gov. Links to a user guide for this service can be found in chapter 1 of this book.

The tidal currents throughout Block Island Sound have considerable velocity; the greatest velocities occur in the vicinity of The Race and in the entrances between Montauk Point, Block Island, and Point Judith. Soundings alone cannot be depended upon to locate the position; the shoaling is generally abrupt in approaching the shores or dangers.

In the middle of the passage between Point Judith and Block Island, the velocity is 0.7 knot. The flood sets westward and the ebb eastward.

In the passage between Block Island and Montauk Point, the flood sets generally northwestward and the ebb southeastward. In the middle of the passage the velocity is 1.5 knots on the flood and 1.9 knots on the ebb. About 1.2 miles eastward of Montauk Point, the flood sets 346°, ebb 162°, with a velocity of 2.8 knots.

In Block Island Sound and in the eastern part of Long Island Sound, fogs are generally heaviest with southeast winds. In these waters the usual duration of a fog is from 4 to 12 hours, but periods of from 4 to 6 days have been known with very short clear intervals. In the autumn, land fogs, as they are termed locally, sometimes occur with northerly breezes, but are generally burned off before midday.

The Race may be said to be the only locality where tidal currents have any decided influence on the movements of the ice. Large quantities of floe ice usually pass through The Race during the ebb, especially if the wind is westerly, and in severe winters this ice causes some obstruction in Block Island Sound and around Montauk Point. These obstructions are the most extensive around the middle of February.

 Weather, Block Island Sound and vicinity

Land influences the weather only at the northern edge of the Sound, with a northerly wind. Otherwise the waters are open, similar to the nearby ocean. Winds from all other directions have ample time to increase in strength, and the Sound can be as turbulent as any water off the coast. Wind speeds can be double those found on the coast, especially in winter, when average speeds of 16 to 17 knots are common. Gales occur up to 5 percent of the time in winter and are most likely from the west and northwest. Seas built by winds from the southeast through southwest are usually highest since there is no land to interfere with the fetch. Seas of 10 feet (3 m) or more are likely 5 to 7 percent of the time in winter.

Because of relatively cold water, summer fog occurs two to three times more often in these waters than in either Narragansett or Buzzard Bays. For example, in June visibilities drop below ½ mile nearly 9 percent of the time.

 North Atlantic right whales

Endangered North Atlantic right whales may occur in Block Island Sound, in particular in the Narragansett/Buzzards Bay Traffic Separation Scheme. They may also occur 30 miles south of Block Island Sound (peak season: November through April). The Northeast Marine Pilots distribute educational material to mariners in an effort to reduce right whale ship strikes. (See North Atlantic Right Whales, indexed as such, in chapter 3 for more information on right whales and recommended measures to avoid collisions.)

All vessels 65 feet or greater in length overall (LOA) and subject to the jurisdiction of the United States are restricted to speeds of 10 knots or less in the Block Island Sound Seasonal Management Area between November 1 and April 30. The area is defined as the waters bounded by:

;

; thence back to starting point. (See 50 CFR 224.105 in chapter 2 for regulations, limitations and exceptions.)

 Pilotage, Block Island Sound and Long Island Sound

Pilotage is compulsory for foreign flag vessels and U.S. vessels that are under register (i.e. engaged in foreign trade) in Block Island Sound and Long Island Sound. Vessels should not enter Block Island Sound or Long Island Sound without a state licensed pilot. See Pilotage, Long Island Sound (indexed as such), chapter 8. The Point Judith Pilot Station is the primary pilot boarding location for entry into Block Island Sound and Long Island Sound. Vessels bound for Long Island Sound ports may board pilots at the Point Judith Pilot Station, centered on There is a secondary pilot station that may be used with special arrangement at any point south of the Montauk Point Pilot Station, centered on

 Block Island

, 5 miles long, is hilly with elevations up to about 200 feet. The shore of the island is fringed in most places by boulders and should be given a berth of over 0.5 mile even by small craft; the shoaling is generally abrupt in approaching the island.

 Weather, Block Island and vicinity

Block Island, formed by glaciers, consists of nearly 7,000 acres (2,830 hectares) and lies in the Atlantic Ocean about 12 miles east-northeast of Long Island and about the same distance south of Charlestown, RI. Hence, the climate is typically maritime, but under conditions of extreme cold or heat the effect is felt on the island as well as on the mainland. Temperatures of -10°F (-23.3°C, February 1992) and 95°F (35°C, August 1948) have been recorded.

Summers are usually dry. Recorded rainfall for any one month ranges from a trace to 11.51 inches (292 mm). November is the wettest month averaging 4.08 inches (104 mm) and June is the driest averaging 2.46 inches (64 mm).

The warmest month is July with an average high of 76.5°F (24.7°C) and an average low of 63.7°F (17.6°C). The coolest months are January and February. Each average 32°F (0°C). The island is too small to build up cumulonimbus clouds, and local thunderstorms do not occur. Fog occurs on one out of four days in the early summer, when the ocean is relatively cold and foggy days average about 22 each year.

Winters are distinguished for their comparative mildness; maximums average 36°F to 42°F (2.2°C to 5.6°C) and minimums average 26°F (-3.3°C) in January and February. Since the surface winds are usually easterly when snow begins it soon changes to rain or melts rapidly after it piles up. The ocean temperatures are always somewhat above freezing and not far off shore are relatively high.

The ocean has a dampening effect on hot winds in summer and an accelerating effect on cold winds from the mainland in the winter. Katabatic winds from Narrangansett Bay and Long Island reach as high as 35 knots when anticyclonic conditions prevail on the mainland in winter. The wind velocity averages 15 knots for the year, but the mean is 17 knots in the winter, when gales are frequent. In the early fall most of the tropical storms moving up the coast affect the island to some extent. Since 1871 and 1996, 13 storms have come within 25 miles of Block Island. In August 1991, the center of Hurricane Bob passed about ten miles to the west of the island with 85-knot winds.

 Communications

A ferry operates daily from Galilee to Old Harbor, carrying mail, passengers, freight and vehicles. There is summer ferry service from Old Harbor to Galilee, via Newport, Galilee and New London. The island has telephone service to the mainland. Air service is also available.

Block Island Southeast Light (), 261 feet above the water, is shown from a red-brick octagonal, pyramidal tower attached to a dwelling to on the southeast point of the island and has a sound signal that is operated by keying the microphone five times consecutively on VHF-FM channel 83A. The wreck of the large tanker SS LIGHTBURNE is southeast of the light at

Block Island North Light (), 58 feet above the water, is shown from a white tower on a house structure on Sandy Point at the north end of the island. At , on the northeast side of Block Island, is a lone white house on top of the bluff.

, frequently used as a harbor of refuge, is an artificial harbor formed by two breakwaters on the east side of Block Island, 1.4 miles northward of Block Island Southeast Light. A federal project provides for a channel 15 feet deep entering the harbor and leading to a basin with a project depth of 15 feet; the inner harbor anchorage area also has a project depth of 15 feet. (See Notice to Mariners and latest editions of nautical charts for controlling depths.) The harbor is the traditional year-round port for lifeline ferry service and is also occupied by pleasure craft during the summer. The eastern part of the inner harbor is left clear for the passage of the ferry to the wharf. The basin in the southeast corner of the inner harbor is usually occupied by fishing boats and local craft that tie up along the sides. Gasoline, diesel fuel and berths are available. The harbormaster has an office at the Old Harbor town dock.

The east breakwater extends about 300 yards northward of the entrance of the inner harbor and is marked at its end by a light and sound signal. A bell buoy is 0.55 mile northward of the breakwater. A light marks the end of the breakwater on the west side at the entrance to the inner harbor.

Great Salt Pond (New Harbor), on the west side of Block Island, is the best harbor in Block Island Sound for vessels of 15-foot draft or less. In easterly gales when the sea is too heavy to enter Old Harbor, a landing can be made at Great Salt Pond. The entrance, about 2 miles south-southwestward of Block Island North Light, is a dredged cut through the narrow beach. The southwestern side of the entrance is protected by a jetty, which is marked by a light and a sound signal at its outer end.

A federal project provides for a channel 18 feet deep entering Great Salt Pond. (See Notice to Mariners and latest editions of the charts for controlling depths.) Local knowledge is advised before entering.

Anchoring is prohibited west of the main channel and in the northern portion of Great Salt Pond. A mooring area is near the southeast end, east of the channel.

Small-craft facilities in Great Salt Pond can provide berths, electricity, gasoline, diesel fuel, water, ice and marine supplies. The marina about 0.3 mile westward of the ferry landing had a reported depth of 16 feet at the face of the dock in 1981. Sail and engine repairs are available nearby.

 Current

Tidal currents in the entrance to Great Salt Pond have a velocity of 0.3 knot. See the Tidal Current prediction service at tidesandcurrents.noaa.gov for specific information about times, directions, and velocities of the current at numerous locations throughout the area. Links to a user guide for this service can be found in chapter 1 of this book.

 No-Discharge Zone

The State of Rhode Island, with the approval of the Environmental Protection Agency, has established a No-Discharge Zone (NDZ) in Great Salt Pond. The NDZ includes all waters east of a line from the landward end of the jetty located at the northwestern channel entrance to the red marker located approximately 600 feet northwest of the United States Coast Guard facility dock.

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).

 Point Judith Light to Potter Pond

Point Judith Light (), 65 feet above the water, is shown from an octagonal tower with the lower half white, upper half brown. A sound signal at the light is operated by keying the microphone five times consecutively on VHF-FM channel 83A. About 100 yards north of the light is Point Judith Coast Guard Station. A lighted whistle buoy is about 3.2 miles southward of the light.

The area around Point Judith, including the approaches to Point Judith Harbor of Refuge, is irregular with rocky bottom and indications of boulders. Caution is advised to avoid the shoal spots, even with a smooth sea, and to exercise extra care where the depths are not more than 6 feet greater than the draft.

, on the west side of Point Judith, is formed by a main V-shaped breakwater and two shorearm breakwaters extending to the shore. The harbor is easy of access for most vessels except with a heavy southerly sea. It is little used by tows. The only soft bottom in the harbor is found in the southern part of the deeper water enclosed by the main breakwater. On the north side the shoaling is gradual; the 18-foot curve is about 0.3 to 0.5 mile offshore. A shoal extends from the north to the central part of the harbor with depths of 14 to 18 feet; the shoal is marked by a buoy.

The area within the V-shaped breakwater affords protected anchorage for small craft. The breakwater should be given a berth of 200 yards to avoid broken and hard bottom; a rocky shoal area about 100 yards wide, paralleling the west side of the main breakwater northward from the angle, should be avoided. A good berth for a vessel is on a line between Point Judith Harbor of Refuge East Entrance Light 3 and Point Judith Harbor of Refuge West Entrance Light 2, midway between them in 22 to 30 feet. This position falls on the edge of the east-west thorofare used by pleasure craft and fishing boats.

A wreck, covered 12 feet, is about 570 yards southeast of Point Judith Harbor of Refuge West Entrance Light 2 in about Another wreck, covered 6 feet, is marked by a lighted buoy about 475 yards westward of Point Judith Harbor of Refuge East Entrance Light 3 in

The southern entrance to the Harbor of Refuge, known locally as the East Gap, is 400 yards wide; it has a controlling depth of about 20 feet with deeper water in the western half of the channel.

The western entrance to the Harbor of Refuge, known locally as the West Gap, is 500 yards wide; it has a controlling depth of about 19 feet, with lesser depths on the north side of the entrance. A rock, covered 12 feet, is near the north side of the entrance at Another rock, covered 16 feet, is 125 yards SE of the end of the north breakwater.

 Current

The tidal currents have a velocity of about 0.7 knot at the south entrance. The currents off the west entrance are rotary, with a velocity at strength of 0.5 knot. See the Tidal Current prediction service at tidesandcurrents.noaa.gov for specific information about times, directions, and velocities of the current at numerous locations throughout the area. Links to a user guide for this service can be found in chapter 1 of this book.

Considerably stronger currents have been reported to develop especially when the tide is ebbing.

is a saltwater tidal pond entered between two rock jetties at in the northwestern part of Point Judith Harbor of Refuge. The east jetty is marked near its seaward end by a light. The pond extends 3.3 miles northerly to the town of Wakefield. It is used extensively by ferry vessels, small fishing vessels, and pleasure craft. Numerous fish wharves are inside the entrance. The north end of Point Judith Pond affords good anchorage for boats of 4 feet draft or less during a heavy blow.

The village of is located on the east side of the entrance, on the west side at , each have state piers and numerous small piers chiefly used by fishermen. A state fisheries laboratory is just above the state pier at Jerusalem. The ferry terminal to Block Island is located at the Galilee State Pier. A state pier superintendent oversees each pier at Galilee and Jerusalem. Their office is located at the head of the Galilee State Pier.

A federal project provides for a depth of 15 feet from Point Judith Harbor of Refuge to the State Pier at Jerusalem along the west side of Point Judith Pond with a branch channel on the east side extending northeasterly from the entrance of the pond to the State Pier at Galilee, and a 10-foot anchorage basin just inside the pond entrance. The western channel extends north the turning basin at Wakefield; portions of the channel are federally maintained to 6 feet. (See Notice to Mariners and latest editions of charts for controlling depths.)

 Tides and Currents

The mean range of tide in the pond is 2.8 feet and occurs later than in the Harbor of Refuge by about 10 minutes just inside the entrance and 30 minutes at the north end. The tidal currents in the entrance have a velocity of 1.8 knots on the flood and 1.5 knots on the ebb and cause slight rips and overfalls at changes of tide. Higher current velocities are reported to occur. See the Tidal Current prediction service at tidesandcurrents.noaa.gov for specific information about times, directions, and velocities of the current at numerous locations throughout the area. Links to a user guide for this service can be found in chapter 1 of this book.

Several boatyards and marinas are at Galilee, Jerusalem and Wakefield and at Snug Harbor, on the west side of the pond about 0.8 mile above the entrance. Berths, electricity, gasoline, diesel fuel, water, ice, marine supplies, storage, launching ramps and hull and engine repairs are available. The largest marine railway in the area, at the southern end of the waterfront at Snug Harbor, can handle craft up to 150 feet long or 400 tons. In 1981, a reported depth of 12 feet could be carried to the railway.

Daily ferry service is available to Block Island from Galilee. Daily bus service is operated to Providence.

, shallow and landlocked, is joined with Point Judith by a narrow channel near . Local knowledge should be obtained before using this channel, which has depths of 2 to 4 feet and is crossed by overhead power and telephone cables with a clearance of 30 feet at the channel entrance and by a fixed highway bridge with a clearance of 5 feet about 0.4 mile above the entrance. A current of more than 3 knots develops through the channel on the ebb. The mean range of tide in the pond is about 1 foot, and it occurs about 2.5 hours later than in the Harbor of Refuge.

 Matunuck to Old Reef

From Point Judith to Watch Hill the shore is low and for the most part consists of sandy beaches that are broken by several projecting rocky points. Back from the immediate shore are areas of cultivation interspersed with rolling grass-covered or wooded hills. Except for Point Judith Pond, most pond outlets are used only by small local craft. The coast is fringed by broken ground and boulders in places, which should be avoided by deep-draft vessels where the depths are less than 36 to 42 feet.

is a summer resort about 3 miles west of Point Judith. Southwest of is , the shoal is at the south end of broken ground, with depths less than 30 feet. Heading offshore, the water deepens abruptly around the patch.

, 4.5 miles westward of Matunuck Point, is a narrow inlet which leads to , also known as Charlestown Pond, to the westward, and the village of to the northward. In 1994, a reported depth of about 1½ feet could be taken in the inlet, with depths of about 3 to 6 feet inside. The southern part of Ninigret Pond is mostly mud flats. Local knowledge is required in entering and moving about inside. A small-craft facility is at Charlestown, and one is at the western end of Ninigret Pond; berths, gasoline, electricity, marine supplies and launching ramps are at both facilities.

, 10.8 miles westward of Point Judith, is a summer settlement at the outlet of . In 1981, a reported depth of about 3 feet could be carried in , with depths of 15 to 20 feet reported in the pond. Vessels favor the west side of the entrance to avoid rocks in the easterly half of the entrance.

, 12.5 miles west of Point Judith, is bold, rocky, and prominent from the southwest and southeast. Two stone jetties, 1,500 feet long, protect the entrance to Winnapaug Pond just westward of the point. In 1981, a reported depth of about 5 feet could be carried in Weekapaug Breachway to the pond; vessels favor the west side of the breachway above the bridge. Reported depths in Winnapaug Pond vary from bare to 10 feet. There are numerous shoals and sandbars. Southerly winds cause breakers at the ends of the jetties; extreme caution is advised. The fixed bridge over the entrance has a clearance of 6 feet.

Old Reef, with a least depth of 7 feet, is about 1.5 miles west of Weekapaug Point and about 0.5 mile offshore.

 Watch Hill to Wicopesset Passage

, about 17.5 miles west of Point Judith, is a high bare bluff on its easterly side with several large hotels and summer houses.

Watch Hill Light (), 61 feet above the water, is shown from a square gray granite tower attached to a white building, on . A mariner radio activated sound signal at the light is initiated by keying the microphone five times consecutively on VHF-FM channel 83A.

, awash at low water, is part of a boulder reef extending about 0.2 mile southward from Watch Hill Light. A lighted bell buoy marks the south end of the reef. A submerged rock is about 50 yards northward of the buoy.

is the principal entrance to Fishers Island Sound from eastward and the only one used by strangers. It has a least depth of about 16 feet. A spot with 13 feet over it in the passage is marked by a buoy; the best channel is northward of this buoy, giving it a berth of about 150 yards.

, on the southwest side of Watch Hill Passage, has rocks that bare and is marked by a gong buoy.

, between Watch Hill Reef and Sugar Reef, has a width of 0.3 mile; the least depths are about 22 feet.

Sugar Reef, some 500 to 600 yards in extent, is covered 2 to 12 feet and should be avoided; it is marked by a buoy off its north side.

, between Sugar Reef and Catumb Rocks, has a width of 150 yards; its least depth is 13 feet.

, the highest of which are awash, are marked by buoys on the north, southeast, and southwest sides. Rocks covered 1 to 18 feet extend 0.8 mile westward of Catumb Rocks to the buoy that marks the east side of . This passage, about 0.3 mile wide, has a least depth of 16 feet.

Wicopesset Rock, on the northwesterly side of Lords Passage, is the easterly part of foul ground extending about 0.3 mile to , which is low and rocky.

, between Wicopesset Island and East Point, is narrow and is obstructed by a rock in the middle marked by a buoy; it is suitable only for small craft and should not be used by strangers. A bell buoy marks the southern entrance. Extreme caution is recommended when using the passage as the ebb current is apt to set boats on the foul ground.

Information about the tidal currents in the passages is given with the discussion of Fishers Island Sound.

 Fishers Island to Constellation Rock

, 6 miles long, is hilly and sparsely wooded. , 136 feet high, is the highest point on the island. , at the east end of the island, is marked by several large houses. The former Coast Guard station at East Harbor, about 1 mile from East Point of Fishers Island, is prominent; numerous buildings on the western part of Fishers Island and a large yellow hotel building are conspicuous. The radar antenna on , near the west end of the island, south shore, is the most prominent landmark on Fishers Island from seaward. The south side of the island is fringed with foul ground that rises abruptly from depths of 42 to 48 feet, but by giving the shore a berth of 0.5 mile, all dangers will be avoided.

, partly bare at low water, extends about 0.2 mile southwestward from , the southwest extremity of Fishers Island, and is marked at its end by a buoy. Inside the buoy are boulders with 2 to 9 feet over them. The passage between the buoy and Race Rock Light has very irregular bottom; the least depth is about 18 feet. It is suitable only for small vessels with a comparatively smooth sea.

, on the northeast side of The Race, is nearly 200 yards in diameter, with a depth of 8 feet. A ridge with a least depth of 28 feet extends about 120 yards south-southwest of Race Rock. Another ridge, extending in a north-south direction with a least depth of 38 feet is about 320 yards east of Race Rock.

Race Rock Light (), 67 feet above the water, is shown from a granite tower attached to a dwelling on a granite pier on the rock. A sound signal at the light is operated by keying the microphone five times consecutively on VHF-FM channel 83A. The sound signal is reported at times to be inaudible when a vessel is approaching from eastward and is close southward of Fishers Island.

, the main entrance to Long Island Sound from eastward, extends between Fishers Island and Little Gull Island, between which is a width of about 3.5 miles. The only dangers are Valiant Rock, nearly in the middle, and Little Gull Island with its reefs.

 Current

In the middle of The Race, the flood sets 295° and the ebb 100°, with average velocities of 2.9 knots and 3.5 knots, respectively. There are always strong rips and swirls in the wake of all broken ground in The Race, except for about one-half hour at slack water. The rips are exceptionally heavy during heavy weather, and especially when a strong wind opposes the current, or the current sets through against a heavy sea. Predicted times of slack water and times and velocities of strength of current are available from the Tidal Current prediction service at tidesandcurrents.noaa.gov. Links to a user guide for this service can be found in chapter 1 of this book.

During the flood stage of the tide, a significant eddy exists on the northwest side of Valiant Rock.

, with little depth and foul ground, extends 0.3 mile east-northeastward from and is marked at the northeast end by a buoy. Mariners are advised that the buoy is sometimes submerged by the strong current and deep-draft vessels should avoid this locality. Little Gull Island Light (), 91 feet above the water, is shown from a gray granite tower, 81 feet high, attached to a red dwelling on a pier. A sound signal is at the light. The light and Race Rock Light are the guides, as soundings cannot be depended upon.

In passing north of Valiant Rock, vessels should keep from 0.5 to 0.8 mile southwestward of Race Rock Light, and craft passing southward of Valiant Rock should hold to a course about 1 mile northeastward of Little Gull Island Light.

, 6 miles southeast of Race Rock Light, is about 0.4 mile in diameter, with a least depth of 16 feet on a small rocky patch near its north end. The seas break on this shoal during heavy swells. It is marked by a lighted gong buoy. Near the shoal, tide rips are unusually strong.

, 0.6 mile southwest of Little Gull Island, was formerly a military reservation, but is now privately owned. The pier on the north side is in ruins. A lookout tower on the island is conspicuous.

, with a least depth of 20 feet, is surrounded by shoal area, and the 10-fathom curve surrounding the rock marks the area that should be avoided by deep-draft vessels and preferably all vessels, on account of the heavy swirls and rips. A lighted whistle buoy is northward of the rock.

, the passage between Great Gull Island and Plum Island, has several known dangers and very irregular bottom with boulders and should be avoided. The velocity of the tidal current in the passage is 2.6 knots on the flood and 3.2 knots on the ebb; flood sets 299° and ebb 133°. Considerably higher velocities occur at times, and tide rips are very bad in heavy weather. Boulders covered 3 to 10 feet are between and Plum Island. Old Silas Rock, marked by a buoy, is awash at high water. , 0.3 mile northeastward of Old Silas Rock, has a depth of 8 feet.

is broken ground, on which the least found depths are 14 to 16 feet, extending about 1.5 miles southward from broken ground lying between Great Gull and Plum Islands. It should be avoided. , on the southeasterly extension on this broken ground, has 17 feet over it, is marked by a buoy and lies 1.9 miles southward of Little Gull Island Light.

 Montauk Point to Threemile Harbor

, the easterly extremity of Long Island, is a high sandy bluff, on the summit of which is the light. The land is grass covered, with a height of 165 feet at , 2 miles westward of the point. The south side of the point is bold, and the 10-fathom curve is about 0.5 mile from shore; depths of 24 feet and less extend 0.8 mile off the northeast side of the point.

Montauk Point Light (), 168 feet above the water, is shown from a white conical tower with a red band midway of its height and a covered way to a gray dwelling. A sound signal at the light is operated by keying the microphone five times consecutively on VHF-FM channel 83A.

Surrounding Montauk Point for about 4 miles is a shoal area that has been closely surveyed, the bottom is very broken, and extra caution should be observed where the depths are less than 10 feet greater than the draft. In general, the shoals are a series of long narrow ridges, in places only a few yards wide, and their positions are indicated by the rips over them at the strength of the tidal currents.

, about 2.5 miles south-southeastward of the light, has least depths of 30 feet. , 1.5 miles east-northeast of the light, has a least depth of 25 feet. , just northerly of Great Eastern Rock, is covered by 24 feet. , about 2.3 miles northeast of the light, are covered by 19 to 24 feet on a narrow ridge about 0.4 mile long. A lighted gong buoy is off the eastern end of the ridge.

Vessels drawing up to 20 feet can avoid the dangers eastward and northeastward of Montauk Point in smooth weather by giving the point a berth of over 1 mile and avoiding Great Eastern Rock.

Broken ground with rocky bottom and boulders extends about 2 miles off the north coast west of Montauk Point. , with a least depth of 6 feet and marked by a lighted bell buoy, is the northern limit of this area. , with a least depth of 7½ feet and marked by a lighted buoy, and , with a least depth of 12 feet, are between the shore and Shagwong Reef. The principal danger outside Shagwong Reef is a shoal with a depth of 29 feet, 5.3 miles northwestward of Montauk Point.

 Pilotage Pickup Locations Off Montauk Point

Pilots, by special arrangement during favorable weather conditions, may meet a ship with less than 38-foot draft off Montauk Point bound for Long Island Sound. Foreign flag vessels and U.S. vessels that are under register can arrange for a state-licensed pilot by contacting the joint rotation administrator, Block Island Pilots at 243 Spring Street, Newport, RI 02840; telephone 401–847–9050 (24 hours), 800–274–1216; FAX 401–847–9052. U.S. vessels engaged in coastwise trade (enrolled work) in need of pilotage services can contact the various pilot organizations directly. For telephone number, FAX number, cable address, description of the boat, frequencies, etc., consult the name of the association under Pilotage, Narraganset Bay and Other Rhode Island Waters (indexed as such), chapter 6; Pilotage, Long Island Sound (indexed as such), chapter 8; and Pilotage, New York Harbor and Approaches (indexed as such), chapter 11.

Mariners are also reminded that vessels with a draft in excess of 38 feet are advised to not transit the Montauk Channel (as defined by the area between Southwest Ledge Lighted Whistle Buoy 2 and Block Island Sound South Entrance Obstruction Lighted Buoy BIS). Further, pilots using Montauk Channel shall consider draft, sea and swell, wind, visibility, current and vessel traffic. When these conditions pose a threat to the safety of any person, vessel, prudent navigation or safety of the environment, Montauk Channel shall not be used.

, in the northern part of , is entered through a dredged channel on the northern shore about 3 miles west of Montauk Point; a federal project provides for a depth of 12 feet in the channel and 10 feet in the boat basin northwestward of Star Island. The entrance is protected by jetties, each of which is marked by a light. A lighted bell buoy, about 0.3 mile north of the entrance, marks the approach to the harbor.

, just inside Montauk Harbor, is connected to the mainland by a causeway. A privately marked channel, with a reported controlling depth of 7 feet in 1999, leads from beyond the end of the federal channel to the southern part of Lake Montauk where there are depths of 6 to 8 feet in the center.

 COLREGS Demarcation Lines

The lines established for Montauk Harbor are described in 33 CFR 80.155, chapter 2.

 Current

Tidal currents at the entrance to Montauk Harbor have a velocity of 1.2 knots on the flood and about 0.5 knot on the ebb. They are reported to decrease rapidly after entering the harbor and are practically negligible near the yacht club landing on the east side of Star Island. See the Tidal Current prediction service at tidesandcurrents.noaa.gov for specific information about times, directions, and velocities of the current at numerous locations throughout the area. Links to a user guide for this service can be found in chapter 1 of this book.

Montauk Coast Guard Station is at the northern end of Star Island.

 Small-craft facilities

There are several small-craft facilities on both sides of the entrance to Montauk Harbor, and a yacht club and several marinas are on the east side of Star Island. Gasoline, diesel fuel, water, ice, marine supplies and space for transients are available. Lifts to 80 tons can handle craft for complete engine and hull repairs. Groceries and other supplies may be obtained at the village of Montauk. The yacht club can be contacted at 631–668–7732.

is a semicircular bight about 1 mile wide on the north side of Long Island, 5 miles westward of Montauk Point. The bay is free of dangers, but flats with 8 to 12 feet over them make out 0.2 mile from its eastern shore. The bay affords anchorage in 40 to 50 feet, soft bottom, but is exposed to northerly and northwesterly winds; the shoaling is abrupt on its east and south sides.

, a summer resort at the southeast end of the bay, is the terminus of a Class II railroad. A depth of 10 feet was reported alongside the commercial pier on the east side of the bay. There are no public piers available.

, 8 miles westward of Montauk Point, is shallow in the western and southwestern part. Promised Land Channel, the buoyed passage southward of Gardiners and Cartwright Islands, has a least centerline depth of about 14 feet; however, the depth is continually changing due to the shifting shoals.

The tidal currents have a velocity of about 1.5 knots through all the channels between the shoals. It is not advisable for vessels drawing more than 10 feet to attempt the passage without local knowledge, and then only when the buoys can be seen.

, a small-craft refuge in the southwest part of Napeague Bay, can be entered through privately dredged channels northward and southward of . In 1981, the reported controlling depths were 4 feet in the northerly and southerly entrances. Depths in the central part of the harbor range from 1½ to 7 feet; the chart is the best guide. The harbor is especially useful in northeasterly weather when the adjoining bays are unsafe. There are no landings in the harbor.

is a former fishing village on the southwest side of Napeague Bay. A depth of about 4 feet can be carried to the landing at the yacht club, 1.3 miles westward of Promised Land.

, 11 miles westward of Montauk Point, is partly wooded and has an elevation of 130 feet near its middle. is narrow, low and sandy and extends 1 mile in a southerly direction off the south tip of Gardiners Island. Its size and shape are subject to considerable change by storms.

is the high bluff at the western end of Gardiners Island. Shoal water with depths of 9 to 16 feet extends 1.8 miles southwestward from , the westerly end of Gardiners Island, and terminates at . The shoal has depths of 3 to 11 feet and is marked by a buoy. An obstruction covered 12 feet is 200 yards eastward of the buoy.

The bight between the southern part of Gardiners Island and Crow Shoal is . It has depths of 24 to 27 feet with mud bottom and affords shelter from northeasterly winds. is the bight on the northwest side of Gardiners Island. It affords excellent anchorage in easterly winds in depths of about 25 feet but is exposed to all westerly winds.

, a low spit, is at the northerly end of a very shoal bar that extends 1.5 miles north-northwestward from Gardiners Island. This shoal is steep-to on its north and west sides and is marked by a lighted gong buoy. A rock with a depth of 2 feet over it is about 0.8 mile eastward of the north point of Gardiners Island and is marked by a buoy.

The Ruins, a concrete structure on Gardiners Point, is government property and formerly a naval aircraft bombing target; it is prohibited to the public. The Ruins and the area within 300 yards radius of it is dangerous due to the possible existence of undetonated explosives.

A restricted anchorage for U.S. Navy submarines is about 3 miles eastward of Gardiners Island. (See 33 CFR 110.1 and 110.150, chapter 2, for limits and regulations.)

is at the western end of Block Island Sound from which it is separated by Gardiners Island. The bay is an excellent anchorage easily entered day or night and is the approach to Shelter Island Sound and the Peconic Bays. The principal entrance is northward of Gardiners Point. The entrance from Long Island Sound is through Plum Gut. The entrance southward of Gardiners Island is used by fishing vessels.

The principal guides for the entrance to Gardiners Bay from Block Island Sound are the lighted gong buoy north of Gardiners Point, Little Gull Light and Orient Point Light. When past the lighted gong buoy north of Gardiners Point, vessels can select the anchorage in Gardiners Bay that affords the best lee in the prevailing winds.

The principal dangers in approaching Gardiners Bay from the northward are the broken ground between Constellation Rock and Plum Island and the shoal making out to Gardiners Point. In the bay, Crow Shoal should be avoided. In general, the shoaling is rather abrupt in approaching these dangers and gradual in approaching the shoals on the western side of the bay.

 No-Discharge Zone

The State of New York, with the approval of the Environmental Protection Agency, has established a No-Discharge Zone (NDZ) in the Peconic Estuary. The NDZ includes all open waters, harbors and creeks of the Peconic Estuary west of a line from Orient Point to Montauk Point.

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).

, about 2 miles westward of Great Gull Island, is 2.5 miles long and hilly and has several large buildings and a prominent tank; it is marked on its western point by Plum Gut Light. The island is a government reservation and closed to the public.

The bight in the southeast side of Plum Island is foul to , which is 0.5 mile from shore abreast of the middle of the island, has 1 foot over it and is marked by a buoy.

, on the southwest side of Plum Island, has an entrance between jetties with private seasonal lights on dolphins off the outer ends. The lights are shown daily from sundown to 0130. A private sound signal at the west jetty light is sounded occasionally when Department of Agriculture vessels are navigating in the area. A depth of about 14 feet is in the entrance. Small yachts seeking shelter in an emergency lie alongside the wharves. The harbor is under the supervision of the Department of Agriculture and the Coast Guard and may be used only with permission.

 COLREGS Demarcation Lines

The lines established for Plum Gut Harbor are described in 33 CFR 80.155, chapter 2.

, the entrance to Gardiners Bay from Long Island Sound, is nearly 0.6 mile wide and has sufficient water for vessels of the deepest draft; in the passage are several rocks with depths of 16 to 22 feet over them. An obstruction with a least depth of 59 feet at Tidal currents set through the passage with great velocity. Steamers, or sailing vessels with a strong favorable wind, should have no difficulty in passing through.

Velocities of the current on flood and ebb are 3.5 and 4.3 knots, respectively. The flood sets northwestward and the ebb southeastward. Heavy tide rips occur. In 1983, NOAA Ships RUDE and HECK reported that during the flood a countercurrent normally develops along the north shore of Plum Island. This countercurrent is most prevalent within 0.5 mile of the island. Caution is recommended when using this passage.

, extending about 0.5 mile east-northeastward from Orient Point, is marked by a light and sound signal. The sound signal at the light is operated by keying the microphone five times consecutively on VHF-FM channel 83A. Caution is recommended regarding the sound signal, as it may be difficult to hear at times, particularly with an easterly wind. Numerous boulders and little depth are between the light and Orient Point. , about 0.5 mile east of the light, shoals to 16 feet and is marked by a lighted buoy.

When using Plum Gut it is well to give Plum Island and Orient Point Light a berth of 0.2 mile. The best water in the passage will be found on a 295° course, passing and the buoy marking Midway Shoal at a distance of 350 yards and passing midway between Orient Point Light and Plum Gut Light on the western end of Plum Island.

A channel, with a reported controlling depth of 7 feet in 1999, leads to a research basin operated by the U.S. Department of Agriculture on the south side of Orient Point, about 1 mile southwest of Orient Point Light. A ferry operates between here, Plum Island and New London.

 Small-craft facility

A small-craft facility is about 0.1 mile westward of the wharf. Berths, electricity, gasoline, diesel fuel, water, ice and a launching ramp are available. In 1981, a reported depth of about 6 feet could be carried to the facility.

, at the southeast end of Gardiners Bay, is entered through a privately maintained and marked channel with a reported controlling depth of 8 feet in the entrance in 1996.

, on the southerly side of Gardiners Bay, is generally flat, with bluffs approximately 25 feet in height. , off the point and marked by a buoy, is awash at high water. Fishtraps are westward of the point.

, on the south side of Gardiners Bay 1.7 miles southwestward of Hog Creek Point, is entered through a channel with two privately dredged sections. In 1980, a portion of the wooden bulkhead on the west side of the entrance collapsed into the channel. In 1981, it was reported that by favoring the east side of the entrance channel a depth of 8 feet could be carried to a point opposite , thence in 1996, a reported depth of 6 feet could be carried to the basin at the head of the harbor. The approach to the harbor is marked by a seasonal lighted bell buoy, and the channel is marked by lighted and unlighted buoys. The jetties at the harbor entrance are marked on the outer ends by private lights. A public commercial landing with reported depths of 8 feet is on the east side of the channel about 0.6 mile above the entrance. A 5 mph speed limit is enforced in the harbor.

 Anchorages

Anchorage is available in Threemile Harbor in depths of 9 to 14 feet with soft bottom and good holding ground; this is a good anchorage during strong winds.

 Current

The tidal current has a velocity of about 3 knots through the entrance.

 Small-craft facilities

Small-craft facilities on the east and south sides of Threemile Harbor can provide berths, electricity, gasoline, diesel fuel, water, ice, launching ramps, storage and lifts to 40 tons and hull and engine repair. Provisions can be obtained at the town of East Hampton, 3.5 miles south of Threemile Harbor.

In 1989, the public pier maintained by the town of East Hampton at the head of the harbor had reported depths of 7 feet at its face and 4 feet on its west side.

 COLREGS Demarcation Lines

The lines established for Threemile Harbor are described in 33 CFR 80.155, chapter 2.

 Shelter Island Sound to Reeves Bay

and Peconic Bays extend westward from Gardiners Bay about 22 miles to Riverhead, the head of navigation on Peconic River. They are much frequented by yachts and other small craft in the summer. Fishtraps and oyster stakes are on many of the shoals.

A depth of about 26 feet can be carried through the channel north of Shelter Island and through Little Peconic Bay as far as Robins Island and about 13 feet through the channel south of Shelter Island. Across the bar between Little and Great Peconic Bays about 13 feet can be carried. With local knowledge greater depths can be carried in the channels and across the bar. A depth of about 6 feet can be taken to South Jamesport and Riverhead.

 Current

The tidal currents have considerable velocity wherever the channel is narrowed. The velocity in the narrower places is about 1.8 knots.

 Ice

Ice obstructs navigation in the coves and shallow harbors during January and February. In severe winters, drift ice is reported to interfere with navigation for short periods of time. In the south arm of Shelter Island Sound, the ice is heavy enough at times to destroy structures exposed to it.

 Small-craft facilities

Diesel fuel, gasoline, ice, water, marine supplies and other provisions can best be obtained at Greenport and Sag Harbor. Several boatyards, shipyards, marine railways and enclosed basins with excellent repair facilities are at Greenport.

is a prominent sandy bluff on the western shore of Gardiners Bay. A lower bluff is nearly 1.5 miles westward of Ram Head with numerous houses along the top. A shoal with 7 to 17 feet over it extends about 2.4 miles southeastward from Ram Head.

A boulder with 1 foot over it is 230 yards from shore about 0.3 mile northeastward of the northern point of the entrance to Coecles Harbor. Other boulders with little depth are between this boulder and Ram Head.

The entrance to is at the south end of Ram Head; the channel is marked by private seasonal buoys and a private seasonal light. In 1996, the reported controlling depth in the privately maintained entrance channel was 8 feet. The speed limit is 5 mph. A marina and boatyard are in the harbor. A mobile hoist at the boatyard can haul out craft up to 35 tons; gasoline, water, ice, diesel fuel, marine supplies, pump-out facilities, berths, guest moorings, storage facilities and complete engine and hull repairs are available. In 1981, a reported depth of 5½ feet could be carried to the marina and boatyard. In 2003, a dangerous rock was reported about 250 yards south of Buoy 10 at Care should be taken to avoid this hazard.

A special anchorage is in Coecles Harbor. (See 33 CFR 110.1 and 110.59, chapter 2, for limits and regulations.)

 COLREGS Demarcation Lines

The lines established for Coecles Harbor are described in 33 CFR 80.155, chapter 2.

Extensive flats and an unmarked aquaculture site make off from Ram Head and the shore between it and , the northernmost point of Shelter Island, which is a low flat with a clump of scrub at its end and backed by wooded highland.

Long Beach Point is a low spit eastward of Hay Beach Point; a light marks the outer end of the point. Shoaling is reported south of the point. Mariners should exercise caution in this area; the shoals extending southward from the point are constantly changing and can be dangerous.

 COLREGS Demarcation Lines

The lines established for the Long Island bays are described in 33 CFR 80.155, chapter 2.

, about 4 miles northwestward of Ram Head, is an excellent anchorage; the depths range from over 20 feet in its southern part to 16 feet at its northern end. is a village at the northeast end of Orient Harbor. At the end of the main wharf the depth is 8½ feet. The eastern part of Orient Harbor has depths of 7 to 9 feet. Fish traps are on the shoals.

About 0.4 mile northeastward of , at the southwest end of Orient Harbor, the shore has been cut through to a small pond which is used as a private basin for small craft. The entrance, between two jetties, has a depth of about 3 feet over the bar, with about 6 feet in the basin. Permission is required before anchoring in the basin. Rocks are 0.2 mile south of the entrance.

Hallock Bay makes eastward from Orient Harbor on the north side of Long Beach Point. A channel, marked by uncharted private daybeacons, leads into the bay. The bay is shallow and dangers and shoaling have been reported. Local knowledge is advised prior to entering.

is 0.3 mile westward of Cleaves Point at the southwest end of Orient Harbor; a private light marks the entrance. In 1981, a reported depth of 4 feet could be carried through the entrance, with depths of 10 to 15 feet reported in the pond. A state launching ramp is available in the pond.

is an important town and the terminus of a branch of a Class II railroad. The white church spires, near the northern end of town, and a tank and TV radio tower in the center of town are prominent.

is formed on the northeast by a 5-foot-high breakwater, which extends 0.2 mile southeastward from , nearly to the 18-foot curve, and is marked at its outer end by a light. The depths at the wharves range from 5 to 20 feet. The railroad wharf on the south side of the waterfront can accommodate a vessel up to 100 feet.

An entrance channel leads northwest to an anchorage area inside Stirling Basin; the entrance channel is marked by private seasonal buoys. Another anchorage area is on the northeast side of the entrance channel.

The harbormaster for Greenport Harbor controls mooring and berthing in the basin. The speed limit is 5 mph.

 Small-craft facilities

Small-craft facilities at Greenport can provide berths, electricity, gasoline, diesel fuel, water, ice, storage, marine supplies, a pump-out facility and hull and engine repairs. The largest marine railway, at a shipbuilding company at the southeast end of the waterfront, can handle craft up to 500 tons and 15 feet in draft. Mobile hoists to 50 tons are available. A well-equipped machine shop is also in the town.

A ferry operates between Greenport and Shelter Island. During the summer, bus service is available from Greenport to Orient Point where there is ferry service to New London.

, southward of Greenport and at the northwest end of Shelter Island, is a favorite anchorage for yachts and motorboats. The entrance to the harbor, marked by private buoys, is partially constricted by a disposal area in about mid-entrance and shoal area with a reported depth of 4 feet in 1981 that extends from the southwestern entrance point to near the disposal area; caution is advised. In 1989, it was reported that about 10 feet could be carried into the harbor with local knowledge. Depths of 10 to 14 feet are available in the central part of the harbor, with much lesser depths around the edges. Moorings and float landings for small craft are in the bight at the southwest end of the harbor. Vessels too large to enter can anchor outside the harbor in depths of 14 to 30 feet. The speed limit is 5 mph.

 Small-craft facilities

Small-craft facilities, on the west side of the harbor, can provide berths, electricity, gasoline, diesel fuel, water, ice, marine supplies, pump-out facilities and hull and outboard engine repairs. A launching ramp is also available.

is on the southwestern side of Dering Harbor.

is on the north shore at the southwest end of Greenport. A shoal extends 300 yards off the point and is marked by a seasonal lighted buoy. Four dolphins, part of a former oil facility, are northward of the point. Currents of 2 knots, running fair with the channel, have been reported in the vicinity of Fanning Point.

, on the north shore 1 mile southwestward of Fanning Point, is low and sandy at the end and has deep water as close as 150 yards. A marina on the southwest side of the point had a reported depth of 6 feet in the approach in 2006. Berths and moorings, electricity, diesel fuel, water, ice, marine supplies, a pump-out, a launching ramp, a 30-ton mobile hoist and winter storage are available. Hull and engine repairs can be made.

is the entrance to , about 1.1 miles westward of Conkling Point. In 1981, the privately dredged entrance channel into the creek had a controlling depth of 4 feet, thence 3½ feet was reported in the channel along the northwest shore of Mill Creek. The entrance channel is marked by private seasonal buoys. About 400 yards eastward of the creek is a small bight entered through a channel with a depth of about 4 feet and marked by private seasonal lights and buoys. In 1992, severe shoaling was reported across the entrance.

, the western end of Shelter Island, is high and wooded. Rocks are off the point close-to, and it should be given a berth of over 150 yards. A lighted buoy is off the point. A gazebo on the point is prominent.

The town of is at the head of , which is the bight at the western end of Shelter Island Sound westward of Jennings Point. For about a mile northeastward of the entrance jetty, shoals with 12 feet or less extend nearly 0.4 mile from shore and are generally steep-to. The southwest part of the bay is shoal for about 0.3 mile from shore. Anchorage can be selected east-southeast of the jetty at a distance of from 0.2 to 0.4 mile, in 12 to 18 feet.

In 1989, the reported controlling depth was about 3 feet in the privately maintained channels in and . The common entrance to Town Creek and Jockey Creek is marked by private seasonal buoys. The bridge that crosses Jockey Creek has a 45-foot fixed span with a vertical clearance of 6.5 feet. The privately maintained channel in had a reported controlling depth of 7 feet in 2008. The fixed highway bridge at the mouth of Goose Creek has a clearance of 9 feet.

On the shore south of Southold entrance jetty is a prominent white tower.

 Small-craft facilities

There are several small-craft facilities on the creeks and along the west shore of Southold Bay from Paradise Point to Conkling Point. Berths, electricity, gasoline, water, ice, marine supplies, launching ramps, storage, lifts and cranes are available. Provisions can be obtained at Southold.

, on the west side of Shelter Island Sound, is low and wooded, and from the point a sloping sandspit extends about 0.3 mile eastward and is marked by a lighted buoy. Southward of Paradise Point, shoals with depths of 10 to 15 feet extend from the west shore to midsound; the southeast point of the shoals is marked by a buoy.

The channel south of Shelter Island has numerous shoals but is easily followed by vessels of 13 feet or less draft when the buoys can be seen. The channel is used by vessels going to Sag Harbor. Vessels operating between Greenport and Sag Harbor prefer the inside route around the western end of Shelter Island. The tidal current in the channel between Shelter Island and North Haven Peninsula has a velocity of about 2.4 knots. The approach from Gardiners Bay is across a shoal or bar that extends in a southeasterly direction from Ram Head to the south shore, the depths on which vary from 7 to 11 feet about 1.6 miles from Ram Head, and thence 13 to 17 feet to the buoys which mark the entrance.

, awash at low water in surrounding depths of about 12 feet, is 0.2 mile south of the channel.

A shoal extends 0.3 to 0.4 mile north of the shore of , which is marked by a light. The shoal has boulders, and its edge is marked by buoys.

Shoals with boulders and little water over them in places extend nearly 0.5 mile southeastward from . Buoys mark the limit of the channel in this area.

, between Cedar Island Light and , is strewn with boulders covered by 4 to 6 feet.

, an extensive shoal partly bare at half-tide, is between , the southeastern extremity of Shelter Island, and Sag Harbor. The spit is marked by buoys and a light.

A group of rocks locally known as Gull Island, showing bare at half-tide, is nearly 0.4 mile northeastward of the breakwater at Sag Harbor.

, about 2.5 miles southwestward of the light on Cedar Point, is protected on the northeast by a breakwater marked at the outer end by a light. A spherical tank, a radio tower and several flagpoles are prominent landmarks.

In entering Sag Harbor, do not round the breakwater too closely, as a depth of about 6 feet is found near its end. Anchor eastward or northeastward of the end of the former ferry wharf, locally known as Long Wharf. A 5 mph speed limit is enforced.

The channel to is about 8 feet deep; this channel and the cove are marked by private seasonal lights and buoys. A fixed bridge at the entrance has a clearance of 21 feet. Berths, electricity, gasoline, diesel fuel, storage, marine supplies, water, ice and launching ramps and complete engine, hull, rigging and sail repairs are available at Sag Harbor; a 30-ton mobile hoist, near the inner end of the breakwater, can haul out craft up to about 60 feet.

, a small bight on the south side of Shelter Island, is a good anchorage for small craft in northerly weather. Depths range from 11 to 30 feet. A marina on the west side of the cove can provide moorings, limited berths, gasoline, electricity, water and some marine supplies. In 1981, a depth of 6 feet was reported alongside the pier at the marina. A ferry operates between South Ferry on the southwest side of the cove to .

and are shallow bodies of water on the southwest side of Shelter Island. In 1989, it was reported that a depth of 2 feet could be carried over the bar and into the harbor from Shelter Island Sound. The entrance is close eastward of the seaward end of a peninsula, marked by a private lighted buoy, that separates the harbor from the sound, and the channel follows along the north side of this peninsula. The channel is marked by private buoys. The harbor has numerous private landings. A boatyard with a marine railway can handle craft up to 40 feet for hull and engine repairs. Berths, gasoline, water, ice, a launching ramp and some marine supplies are available.

 Anchorages

A special anchorage is in West Neck Harbor. (See 33 CFR 110.1 and 110.59, chapter 2, for limits and regulations.)

Noyack (Noyac) Bay is between North Haven Peninsula and Jessup Neck and southward of the western end of Shelter Island. No dangers will be encountered if the shores are given a berth of 0.4 mile.

, in the southern part of Noyack Bay, is entered through a privately dredged channel that leads to a basin. The channel is marked by private seasonal lights and buoys. A clubhouse on the west side of the entrance is prominent.

 Small-craft facilities

Small-craft facilities in the creek can provide berths, electricity, gasoline, water, ice, storage, a launching ramp, marine supplies and hull and engine repairs; a 25-ton mobile hoist is available.

is a long narrow strip, partly high and wooded, separating Noyack Bay from Little Peconic Bay. The north end of the neck is a sandspit from which a shoal with 4 to 12 feet over it extends nearly 0.4 mile north-northwestward. A lighted buoy marks the outer end of the shoal area.

A shoal with depths of 5 to 7 feet extends 1.5 miles southwestward from , on the northwest side at the entrance to Little Peconic Bay; this shoal is marked by a seasonal lighted buoy.

Heavy tide rips occur southeast of Great Hog Neck during the flood with a southwesterly wind. At such times, small craft can avoid the worst of them by favoring the shore on the northwest side of the passage.

and are at the head of . A depth of about 7 feet can be taken in the privately dredged channel leading to a basin in Richmond Creek; the channel is marked by private seasonal buoys. The entrance channel is marked by private buoys.

is about 5 miles long. The southerly shore of the bay is clear if given a berth of 0.4 mile, but shoals extend 0.6 mile from the south end of the bay.

An aquaculture site, marked by private seasonal buoys, is at the south end of Little Peconic Bay about 1 mile north-northwest of the entrance to North Sea Harbor.

A prominent sandy bluff, known locally as Holmes Hill, is just west of the entrance to . In 2008, the reported controlling depth through the dredged channel and into the harbor was 7 feet. The channel is marked by private seasonal buoys and by a private seasonal light at the entrance. This is an excellent harbor of refuge for small craft with drafts not exceeding 3½ feet. The bottom is soft with good holding ground.

A marina in the harbor has gasoline, ice, water, some marine supplies and a lift that can handle craft to 10 tons; hull and engine repairs can be made.

, 1 mile northeastward of North Sea Harbor, is entered through a dredged channel which, in 2000, had a reported depth of 8 feet. The channel is marked by private seasonal buoys and by a private seasonal light on the north side of the entrance.

A marina in the pond can provide berths, electricity, gasoline, water, ice, storage, marine supplies and hull and engine repairs; a 45-foot marine railway and a 12-ton forklift are available. In 1981, depths of 5 to 6 feet were reported available at the marina.

, the long neck on the northwest side of Little Peconic Bay, has high bluffs on the eastern side. A shoal with little depth over it extends 0.5 mile southward from Nassau Point and is marked by a lighted buoy.

, between Nassau Point and New Suffolk, is used by local boats drawing 6 to 10 feet. On the east shore of the harbor, northwestward of Nassau Point, three channels leading into the ponds have been dredged by private interests. At the middle of the three channels, 0.9 mile northwest of the extremity of Nassau Point, are several private wharves. The channel leads between two jetties, and a depth of about 3 feet can be carried into the pond and 1 foot to some of the wharves.

, , and , used by local interests and sharing a common entrance, are at the head of Cutchogue Harbor. The entrance channel and the channels through these waterways have been privately dredged. In 1999, a reported depth of 6 feet was available in the entrance channel; thence in 1966, 6 feet in East Creek and 7 feet in Haywater Cove and Broadwater Cove; thence in 1976, 6 feet in Mud Creek. Shoaling is reported to occur in these areas; caution is advised.

A depth of 8 feet can be taken within 100 feet of the wharves at by passing eastward and about 200 yards northward of the buoy westward of Nassau Point and steering westward for the wharves. A small basin, with a depth of about 8 feet reported in 1981, is northward of the wharf. In 1981, shoaling to 2 feet was reported in the southern part of Cutchogue Harbor, about 0.4 mile east of New Suffolk.

A larger basin at the north end of New Suffolk, locally known as School House Creek, extends to the highway. The entrance channel is protected by a short rock jetty, covered at high water, on the south. The depth to the boatyard at the head of the basin was reported to be 6 feet in 2008. Berths, gasoline, storage, marine supplies, hull and engine repairs and a 30-ton mobile hoist are available at the boatyard.

, locally known as Boatmens Harbor, 0.7 mile north of New Suffolk, is entered through a privately dredged entrance channel with a reported controlling depth of 8 feet in 2002. The channel is marked by private seasonal buoys and bush stakes. Gasoline, water, ice, storage, a launching ramp and some marine supplies are available in the basin. A flatbed trailer can haul out craft to 32 feet.

In southeast gales, local craft of less than 6-foot draft seek shelter in the small cove, locally known as , in the northeast part of Cutchogue Harbor.

The through channel in , northward of , is marked and used only by light-draft boats. , the channel southward of Robins Island, has a controlling depth of about 13 feet and is marked by buoys.

An aquaculture site, marked by private buoys, is 0.6 mile southwest of the south end of Robins Island.

Tide rips occur between the mainland and the south end of Robins Island when the tidal current sets against the wind.

, about 5 miles in diameter, is used mostly by local motorboats from Shinnecock Canal and by yachts. The bay is generally clear, but extensive shoals make off from the shores, except on its south side. Shinnecock Canal, the entrance from the south, is described in chapter 10.

Rodgers Rock, about 1.3 miles west-southwestward of and about 1.2 miles south-southwest of Robins Island, has a depth of 6 feet over it and is marked on the northeast side by a buoy. Robins Island Rock, 0.8 mile westward of the south end of Robins Island, is awash at low water. It is marked by a buoy. Caution is recommended in this vicinity.

, on the southeast side of Great Peconic Bay, is used extensively by yachts and serves as a yacht harbor for the town of Southampton. A privately dredged channel, marked by private seasonal lights and buoys, leads into the creek and had a reported controlling depth of 8 feet in 1981. The landings are at , a small settlement northeastward of in . An obstruction buoy is locally maintained during the summer to mark a rock, covered 1½ feet, about 100 feet westward of the town landing. In 1981, a reported depth of 5 feet could be carried to the town landing. A 5 mph speed limit is enforced.

, about 1.6 miles southwestward of Sebonac Creek and 1.1 miles eastward of Shinnecock Canal entrance, is entered through a privately dredged channel that had a reported depth of 6 feet in 2001. In 1992, severe shoaling was reported in the entrance. The entrance channel to the pond is marked by a private seasonal light and buoy. An overhead power cable at the entrance to the pond has a clearance of 34 feet.

, on the north shore of Great Peconic Bay opposite the entrance to Shinnecock Canal, is entered through a privately dredged channel that had a reported controlling depth of 6 feet in 2008. The entrance is marked by private seasonal buoys. Small-craft facilities on the creek can provide berths, electricity, gasoline, diesel fuel, water, ice, some marine supplies, sewage pumpout, launching ramps, lifts to 20 tons and storage and hull, electronic and engine repairs. A flatbed trailer can haul out craft to 30 feet.

is a village on , 3.4 miles southwestward of James Creek. Local knowledge is necessary to avoid the shoals in this area, and strangers should take soundings frequently to keep in the best water.

 Small-craft facility

A small-craft facility at South Jamesport can provide berths, electricity, gasoline, water, ice, launching ramps, storage, marine supplies and hull and engine repairs; a 25-ton mobile hoist is available. In 1999, a reported depth of 6 feet could be taken to the facility. The town has railroad passenger and bus service.

empties into the western end of Flanders Bay, about 1.5 miles westward of South Jamesport. The river is entered through a dredged channel marked by private seasonal lights that leads from Flanders Bay to the head of navigation at , about 2.4 miles above the channel entrance. The dredged channel is approached from deep water in Great Peconic Bay through a marked channel. In 2001, the controlling depth was 4.3 feet (5.7 feet at midchannel) in the dredged channel. A fixed highway bridge with a clearance of 25 feet crosses the river about 0.9 mile above the mouth.

is the scene of considerable small boat activity. Small-craft facilities are at Riverhead; limited berths, electricity, gasoline, water and a pump-out station are available.

and , which empty into the northwestern part of Flanders Bay, are entered through privately dredged channels. In 1981, the channels had reported controlling depths of 5 feet. The entrance channel leading to, and connecting with, Terrys Creek and Meetinghouse Creek is marked by private seasonal buoys and a private seasonal light. Marinas on Meetinghouse Creek provide berths, electricity, gasoline, diesel fuel, water, ice, marine supplies, pumpout facilities, a 30-ton forklift, 55-ton mobile hoist and storage facilities and hull, motor and electronic repairs. In 2011, a reported depth of 8 feet was available alongside.

, on the southwest side of Flanders Bay, is entered through a privately dredged channel that leads to the town of on the south side of the bay. In 1999, the channel had a reported controlling depth of 2 feet. Other dredged channels lead from the entrance channel into several arms of the bay. A boatyard at Flanders has gasoline, storage facilities, marine supplies and a 10-ton marine railway; hull and engine repairs can be made.

 Fishers Island Sound to Old Mystic

extends between the mainland of Connecticut and Fishers Island and forms one of the entrances into Long Island Sound that is used to some extent by light tows and other vessels up to 14-foot draft. The sound has numerous shoals and lobster trap buoys, and the entire area is exceedingly treacherous, characterized by boulder patches that rise abruptly from deep water. Vessels should follow the deeper channels between the shoals and proceed with caution if obliged to cross shoal areas. In general, all shoal spots or abrupt changes of depth are indications of boulders and should be avoided as anchorages.

 Current

In Watch Hill Passage the tidal currents are strong and necessitate caution in navigating. Buoys may be towed under. The flood current sets nearly in the direction of the channel but has a tendency to northward and the ebb a tendency to southward. The northerly and southerly set is more marked between Napatree Point and Latimer Reef Light.

In Sugar Reef and Catumb Passages the tidal currents set obliquely across the axis of the channel. The flood sets northwestward and the ebb southeastward. The tidal currents in Sugar Reef Passage are about the same velocity as in Watch Hill Passage but are stronger in Catumb Passage.

In Lords Passage the tidal currents set diagonally across the channel and have a velocity of nearly 2 knots, the ebb being greater than the flood.

In the main channel of Fishers Island Sound, the flood sets westward and the ebb eastward. In the main channel between Napatree Point and Wicopesset Island, the velocity of flood is 1.7 knots and ebb 2.2 knots. The flood sets 284° and the ebb 113°.

In the channel south of Ram Island Reef, the velocities of flood and ebb are 1.3 and 1.6 knots, respectively. The flood sets 255° and the ebb 088°. The direction and velocity of the current are affected by strong winds that may change the duration of flood or ebb.

The strong tidal currents prevent the formation of heavy local ice, except in shoal tributaries. The only ice to give trouble is that set in from Long Island Sound by wind and current. The ice formations in Little Narragansett Bay are sufficiently heavy to be destructive to structures exposed to them.

On the south side of Fishers Island Sound, off the north side of on Fishers Island, are , partly bare at low water and marked by a buoy. A rocky patch covered 11 feet and marked by a buoy is about 500 yards northeastward of Seal Rocks. Youngs Rock, about 0.4 mile westward of Seal Rocks, has about 1 foot over it and is marked by a buoy. A rocky patch extends about 400 yards to the east-northeastward.

and , in the north shore of Fishers Island, are sometimes used as anchorages by small craft. There is considerable foul ground in East Harbor and in the approach to Chocomount Cove. The harbor and cove are exposed to northerly winds. A former Coast Guard Station with a boathouse and dock is prominent near the south side of East Harbor. Several small private piers with about 6 feet at their ends are in East Harbor.

The north shore of Fishers Island from East Harbor around into West Harbor has several private landings.

is a cluster of rocks partly bare at high water and marked by a buoy about 0.8 mile north of Fishers Island. From East Clump for some 2.8 miles westward to North Dumpling, there are rocky islets and dangers fhat must be avoided. These are 0.5 to 0.8 mile off the Fishers Island shore, and most are buoyed. , an islet marked by a light and sound signal, is surrounded by rocks awash and foul ground. The sound signal at the light is operated by keying the microphone five times consecutively on VHF-FM channel 83A. , marked by a light, is near the middle of the western entrance of Fishers Island Sound and 0.8 mile northwestward of North Dumpling Light.

, on the north side of Fishers Island southeastward of North Dumpling Light, affords shelter from southerly winds. Foul ground extends across the entrance of West Harbor to near the eastern edge of the dredged channel; the northern limits of the foul ground are buoyed.

A yacht club wharf and another small-craft facility are on the southwest side of the harbor. Gasoline, diesel fuel, water, ice, and hull and engine repairs are available. A marine railway can handle craft up to 40 feet. The head of the harbor is used by boats drawing less than 5 feet that enter by the narrow unmarked channel southward of .

, at the west end of Fishers Island, is used by small craft.

Silver Eel Cove (Silver Eel Pond) is on the west side of Fishers Island, 0.6 mile northeastward of Race Point. The entrance, about 75 feet wide and jettied, is marked by a private light and has a depth of about 11 feet, with similar depths inside. Submerged fender pilings are reported on both sides of the entrance. Dolphins are on the northeast side of the cove, and the channel is clear between them and the wharves on the southwest side. Vessels must go to the wharves as there is no room for anchorage. There is very little dockage available. The entrance is difficult with northwesterly or westerly winds. A lighted whistle buoy is about 450 yards off the entrance. A ferry that operates between Fishers Island and New London lands here. During the summer, a Coast Guard unit is stationed inside the entrance to the cove.

On the north side of Fishers Island Sound are Little Narragansett Bay and Pawcatuck River leading to the towns of Westerly and Pawcatuck, Stonington Harbor and the town of Stonington, and Mystic Harbor leading to the towns of Noank and Mystic.

, 1.3 miles long between Watch Hill Point and , is bare. , about 1.4 miles north-northwestward of Napatree Point, is at the northwestern end of a long and narrow sand island in Little Narragansett Bay. An extensive sandspit makes off from the northeasterly and southwesterly sides of the island; give these areas a good berth. The island is subject to continual change; caution is advised.

, a boulder reef with little depth, extends nearly 0.4 mile southward of the point. It is marked by a lighted bell buoy. A sunken wreck is about 0.3 mile eastward of the ledge in about

The west side of Napatree Point should not be approached closer than 175 yards to avoid a stone jetty that is covered at high water. Between Napatree Point and the Stonington outer breakwater is an extensive flat on which the depths are 2 to 10 feet, rocky bottom. Middle Ground, the western part of the flat, is marked by the outer breakwater, which has a light at its western end. A sound signal is at the light.

A depth of 17 feet can be taken to an anchorage inside this breakwater, giving the light on the breakwater a berth of more than 250 yards. In anchoring, give the inside of the breakwater a berth of over 300 yards to avoid shoals and fishweirs. This anchorage provides good shelter except in southwesterly and westerly winds, although it is seldom used.

, at the eastern end of Fishers Island Sound, is entered at its extreme western end southward of Stonington Point. A dredged channel leads around the north side of Sandy Point, thence extends southeast across the bay to the entrance of Pawcatuck River. The channel is marked by lighted and unlighted buoys.

Caution should be exercised in entering Little Narragansett Bay. Shoal water extends for about 200 yards off , and the shoal area north of is subject to continual change. Strangers are advised to obtain local information before entering because of rocks and shoal water near the edges of the channel.

 Current

In the dredged channel northward of Sandy Point, the currents have a velocity of 1.3 knots. The flood sets eastward and the ebb westward. See the Tidal Current prediction service at tidesandcurrents.noaa.gov for specific information about times, directions, and velocities of the current at numerous locations throughout the area. Links to a user guide for this service can be found in chapter 1 of this book.

, in the southeastern part of Little Narragansett Bay, is used by small craft. A dredged channel, marked by lighted and unlighted buoys, leads into the cove. A yacht club and town dock are in Watch Hill Cove; berths, guest moorings, electricity, diesel fuel and water are available.

 Anchorages

A special anchorage is in Watch Hill Cove. (See 33 CFR 110.1 and 110.47, chapter 2, for limits and regulations.)

, entered just south of , extends about 4 miles to Westerly. A federal project provides for a depth of 10 feet for nearly 4 miles thence 7 feet to the end of the channel. (See Notice to Mariners and latest editions of charts for controlling depths.) The channel is well marked.

 Current

About 1 mile above the entrance to Pawcatuck River the tidal current has a velocity of 0.6 knot on the flood and 0.5 knot on the ebb.

 Ice

The river is generally closed by ice from January to March.

, 0.5 mile above Pawcatuck Point, has a boatyard with a marine railway that can handle craft up to 50 feet for hull and engine repairs. Berths with electricity, gasoline, diesel fuel, water, ice, storage facilities, a pump-out station, marine supplies and a 30-ton lift are also available. Mariners enroute to the boatyard should use the chart as a guide.

 Anchorages

A special anchorage is in Thompson Cove, 2 miles above Pawcatuck Point. (See 33 CFR 110.1 and 110.48, chapter 2, for limits and regulations.) A yacht club pier is in the cove. Private seasonal buoys mark the approach to the pier.

, 4 miles above Pawcatuck Point, is an important manufacturing town.

 Small-craft facilities

There are numerous small-craft facilities along both sides of the Pawcatuck River and at the head at Westerly and Pawcatuck, just across the river. The largest marine railway in the area is at Avondale, and it can handle craft to 55 feet. Berths, electricity, gasoline, diesel fuel, water, ice, storage facilities, launching ramps, lifts, some repairs and marine supplies are available. Depths of 7 to 9 feet are reported at the town dock at Pawcatuck.

is a shallow cove at the northern end of Little Narrangansett Bay. A narrow unmarked channel leads eastward of into the cove. A depth of about 4 feet can be taken as far as , about a mile above Sandy Point. A fixed railroad bridge with a clearance of 6 feet crosses the cove about 0.2 mile above Goat Island. A small-craft facility is on the west side of the cove near the head. Water, ice, berths, gasoline, storage facilities, launching ramp, 4-ton forklift, marine supplies and hull and engine repairs are available. In 1981, a reported depth of 2 feet could be carried to the facility.

, 3 miles northwestward of Watch Hill Point, is protected by breakwaters on each side. Each of the breakwaters is marked at its seaward end by a light. The controlling depth to the inner harbor is about 11 feet. Anchorage can be selected inside the west breakwater in depths of 15 to 18 feet, taking care to keep the south end of Wamphassuc Point bearing northward of 270°. Vessels drawing up to 8 feet can find anchorage in the inner harbor. A rock that bares at low water is about 50 yards southward of the fishing wharf and is marked by a private buoy.

 Anchorages

Special anchorages are in Stonington Harbor. (See 33 CFR 110.1 and 110.50, chapter 2, for limits and regulations.)

Stonington Harbor is approached from southeastward and westward. Vessels with local knowledge sometimes cross Noyes Shoal from southwestward. The southeastern approach is best, with fewer dangers, and the navigational aids serve as excellent guides to avoid them. In daytime with clear weather, no difficulty should be experienced in entering any of the approaches.

From southeastward, the course from south of Napatree Point Ledge should be west-northwestward until off the buoy at the southwest end of Middle Ground, from which a northerly course can be shaped past the breakwater lights and into the harbor.

From southwestward, a northeasterly course can be shaped from the lighted bell buoy south of Ram Island Reef to south of White Rock, and thence eastward past the north side of Noyes Rock to the harbor.

The inner breakwater, about 400 yards northward of Stonington Point on the east side of the entrance, extends westward about 250 yards and is marked by a light.

is on the east side of the harbor. Traffic is mostly fishing and recreational craft. The wharves have depths of 7 to 12 feet alongside. Following southerly weather, a surge is felt by vessels tied to the southern side of the seaward pier.

A boatyard is in the northeast part of the harbor. Berths, electricity, gasoline, diesel fuel, water, ice, storage, 40-ton lift and marine supplies and hull, engine and electronic repairs are available. In 1981, a reported depth of 7 feet could be carried to the yard.

A harbormaster is at Stonington.

A railroad causeway with two fixed spans crosses Stonington Harbor 0.4 mile above Stonington; the east span has a clearance of 5 feet and the west span has a clearance of 4 feet. Overhead power cables at the openings have clearances of 41 feet.

, 0.4 mile southward of , has a least depth of 7 feet. , with 10 to 18 feet over it, is nearly 1.5 miles long in a west-northwesterly direction; it is marked by a gong buoy near its eastern end.

 No-Discharge Zone

The State of Connecticut, with the approval of the Environmental Protection Agency, has established a No-Discharge Zone (NDZ) in the Connecticut portion of the Pawcatuck River, Little Narragansett Bay, portions of Fishers Island Sound and Stonington Harbor. The area covered extends from Wamphassuc Point due south past Noyes Shoal to the boundary between Connecticut and New York, easterly following the state boundary to the intersection of the Connecticut, New York and Rhode Island State lines, and following the boundary between Connecticut and Rhode Island to U.S. Route 1 over the Pawcatuck River and including all Connecticut waters seaward of U.S. Route 1.

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).

, about 0.6 mile south of Noyes Shoal, is a very broken and rocky area 0.4 mile long. It is marked by a light at its west end and a buoy at its east end. The eastern end of the reef has a least found depth of 6 feet.

Latimer Reef Light (), 55 feet above the water, is shown from a white conical tower, brown midway of its height, on a brown cylindrical foundation. A sound signal is at the light.

A detached 11-foot spot, marked by a buoy, is about 0.4 mile northeast of Latimer Reef Light.

, about 0.8 mile northwestward of Latimer Reef Light, is a shoal with a least depth of 6 feet, marked by buoys. , about 0.8 mile northeastward of Eel Grass Ground, is bare and prominent. , covered 2 feet, is 0.2 mile north of White Rock and marked by a buoy. , 0.4 mile northwestward of Eel Grass Ground, is marked on its east side by a daybeacon.

Mason Island, 2.5 miles west of Stonington Harbor, is joined to the mainland by a fixed bridge with an 18-foot span and a clearance of 3 feet; the sound end of the island is strewn with boulders. A special anchorage is on the east side of Mason Island. (See 33 CFR 110.1 and 110.50a, chapter 2, for limits and regulations.) An anchorage for small craft is on the west side of the south end of Mason Island where depths range from 8 to 11 feet; caution and local knowledge are required to use this anchorage because of the boulders in the area. A dangerous rock is off the east side of Mason Point, the southern extremity of Mason Island, in

, 0.3 mile eastward of the southern end of Mason Island, is connected to it by a fixed bridge with a 15-foot span and a clearance of 6 feet.

Ram Island Reef, 1.8 miles westward of Latimer Reef Light, has two detached parts: the southerly section is covered 8 feet and marked by a lighted bell buoy, and the northerly section, covered by 6 feet, is marked by a daybeacon. Passage between the reef and island is unsafe because of shoals.

, about 0.4 mile southwest of Mason Island, is wooded and grass fringed. A shoal, on which are two rocky islets, extends about 0.2 mile northeastward from Ram Island. , extending nearly 0.5 mile westward from Ram Island, has little water over it, and many rocks bare at low water. and the islet 300 yards northwestward of it are bare.

The narrow but deep channel along the north side of Ram Island Shoal is the easterly entrance to Mystic Harbor. Between the shoal and Groton Long Point is an area of foul ground and several dangerous rocks, including , which bares at low water, at the northwesterly end of Ram Island Shoal. This rock is marked by a seasonal lighted buoy. Leading across the shoal is the buoyed channel, good for about 11 feet, which is used by vessels entering Mystic Harbor from westward.

A rock covered 6 feet is about 0.5 mile southwest of Whale Rock; about 0.65 mile southwest of that rock is , with 19 feet over it and marked by a buoy, which should be avoided. , marked by several dwellings, is 150 yards southwestward of Morgan Point.

In 1983, a rock, covered about 2 feet, was reported 0.2 mile west of Mouse Island in about

is located on the west side at the entrance of Mystic Harbor. A privately maintained and marked channel leading to the piers in at Noank westward of the point had a least depth of 4 feet reported in 1981.

, on which is a summer settlement, is about 0.9 mile southwestward of Morgan Point. A reef extends nearly 300 yards southwestward from the point and is marked by a buoy. About 0.3 mile to the west a rock awash at low water is 175 yards off the southwest end of Groton Long Point. It is marked by a buoy.

, about 6 miles westward of Watch Hill Point, is the approach to the towns of Noank and Mystic. A federal project provides for a 15-foot channel from Morgan Point through Mystic Harbor and into Mystic River to the bascule bridge thence a 12-foot channel to Mystic Seaport Museum Wharf, about 0.6 mile above the bascule bridge. An anchorage basin with a project depth of 9 feet is on the east side of the river opposite Willow Point.

 Anchorages

Special anchorages are in Mystic Harbor. (See 33 CFR 110.1, 110.50b, and 110.50d, chapter 2, for limits and regulations.)

 Routes

To enter from eastward, lay a west-northwesterly course from south of the lighted bell buoy marking Napatree Point Ledge for a little over 3 miles to about 400 yards south of the buoy marking the south end of . From here steer 261° for 0.8 mile until Mason Point is abeam. Then follow the buoyed channel.

From westward, proceed cautiously from about 100 yards or more southward of the buoy southward of Groton Long Point on an easterly course for about 0.5 mile to Mystic Harbor Channel Buoy 1, then steer a northerly course through the buoyed channel into Mystic Harbor, rounding Noank Light 5 at a distance of about 75 yards.

is a town on the west side of the channel through Mystic Harbor. There are several small-craft facilities at Noank and in . Berths, electricity, gasoline, diesel fuel, water, ice, storage facilities, launching ramps, a pump-out station, 30- and 60-ton lift and marine supplies are available; hull, engine, sail and electronic repairs can be made. A harbormaster is at Noank.

flows into Mystic Harbor from northward just below Mystic. The river is used by recreational craft, the local fishing fleet and by transient craft visiting Mystic Seaport. An anchorage area with depths of 3½ to 7 feet is in the lower part of the river between Willow Point and Murphy Point. Ice usually closes the river during January and February.

, 0.6 mile below Mystic, has several small-craft facilities that can provide berths, electricity, water, ice, some engine parts and marine supplies. A 12-ton crane and 30-ton mobile hoist are available; hull and engine repairs can be made.

A channel, privately marked by daybeacons, leads from the vicinity of Willow Point for 0.3 mile in an easterly direction, thence about 0.4 mile northeastward to a marina on the west side of the mouth of , just below a railroad bridge. Berths, electricity, water, ice, storage, marine supplies, a 12-ton mobile hoist and hull and engine repairs are available. In 1981, a reported depth of 4 feet could be carried in the channel to the marina.

 Small-craft facilities

Several small-craft facilities are on the northern end of Mason Island. Berths with electricity, gasoline, diesel fuel, water, ice, storage facilities, marine supplies, a pump-out station, 35-ton lift and hull and engine repairs are available. In 1993, a reported depth of 4 feet could be carried to the facilities.

The railroad bridge over Mystic River below Mystic has a swing span with a clearance of 8 feet. The U.S. Route 1 highway bridge at Mystic has a bascule span with a clearance of 4 feet. (See 33 CFR 117.1 through 117.59 and 117.211, chapter 2, for drawbridge regulations.) The bridgetenders monitor VHF-FM channel 13; call signs KJA-842 and KXR-912, respectively.

, a town about 2 miles above Noank, has several small-craft facilities. Berths, electricity, gasoline, diesel fuel, water, ice, marine supplies, storage facilities, mobile hoists, a 60-ton lift and marine railways up to 110 feet are available; hull and engine repairs can be made.

A harbormaster is at Mystic.

The Mystic Seaport Museum is about 0.6 mile above the highway bridge at Mystic. The whaler CHARLES W. MORGAN, full-rigged training ship JOSEPH CONRAD and Grand Banks fishing schooner L. A. DUNTON are permanently moored at the museum and open to the public. Along the waterfront of the museum property, a mid-19th Century coastal village has been recreated with shops and lofts of that period. Collections of maritime relics are on exhibit in several formal museum buildings.

Above the Mystic Seaport Museum, the channel is very narrow and is marked by privately maintained seasonal buoys; boats of about 5-foot drafts can be taken to the Narrows, and thence depths are 1 and 2 feet to Old Mystic. Twin fixed highway bridges crossing the Narrows have clearances of 25 feet. The stream follows the east bank to the next narrows and the west bank to a marina in the bight about 0.3 mile below Old Mystic.

 Mumford Cove to Avery Point

is entered about 2 miles west of Mystic Harbor. A privately dredged channel leads northward from the entrance to the head of the cove; two spur channels lead eastward from the main channel, about 0.3 mile and 0.6 mile, respectively, above the entrance. The channels are marked by private seasonal buoys and daybeacons. In 1981, the channels had a reported controlling depth of 2 feet.

Special anchorages are in the cove. (See 33 CFR 110.1 and 110.50c, chapter 2, for limits and regulations.)

Venetian Harbor is a yacht basin on the east side of the entrance to Mumford Cove. A channel 75 feet wide leads through stone breakwaters into a basin with depths of about 3 to 7 feet. A submerged jetty extends along the channel from the outer end of the east breakwater. The entrance to the harbor is marked by a light on the outer end of the west breakwater.

, 0.5 mile southward of Mumford Cove entrance, is awash at low water and is marked by a buoy. Broken and rocky grounds extend from the reef to the shore eastward of Mumford Point.

, with a depth of 10 feet and marked by a buoy, is about 1 mile west of Horseshoe Reef. is bluff and grassy, about 1.3 miles west of Mumford Point. It is surrounded by shoal water and rocky bottom and is marked off the southwest side by a lighted bell buoy. A rock, covered 6 feet, in , is about 0.3 mile northwestward of Vixen Ledge.

A special anchorage is on the north side of Pine Island. (See 33 CFR 110.1 and 110.51, chapter 2, for limits and regulations.)

Avery Point Light () is shown from a white octagonal concrete tower at . An unmarked rock awash is 0.3 mile south of the light. A cove indents the mainland north of Pine Island and east of Avery Point; the entrance is marked by two buoys eastward of Avery Point. Depths shoal from about 10 feet in the entrance to 1 foot at the head of the cove. A breakwater, marked by a private light, extends southeasterly from the east end of Avery Point. A 5 mph speed limit is enforced in the cove.

A yacht club, marina, and launching ramp are in the cove. Berths, guest moorings, gasoline, electricity, water, ice, marine supplies and a 14-ton mobile hoist are available at the marina; hull and engine repairs can be made. In 2000, a reported depth of 7.5 feet could be carried to the marina.

A special anchorage is in the cove. (See 33 CFR 110.1 and 110.51, chapter 2, for limits and regulations.)

For planning, not navigation. Verify current information before departure.