Reviews from Matt Claiborne (30)

  • Marina Review for Salt Ponds Marina

    Reviewed by: Matt Claiborne , Dulcinea, on Jun 21, 2024
    Vessel Type: Sail
    LOA: 41'
    Draft: 5.0'

    Rating: 2

    June 2024-Fuel dock has been closed for several weeks, and there is no indication when it will reopen. Call (on the phone) before coming in to check its status.
    New management. Rates going up, but they haven't updated their website--again, call to confirm all the details before you come in.
    Prior reviews stand--docks in need of maintenance, bathrooms in need of cleaning. Pool is nice but is open to the surrounding community, so it is very busy compared to other marina pools. We saw 5.5' coming in the entrance channel at MLW.

    View location on the Waterway Guide Explorer


  • Anchorage Review for Port Judith Harbor-Breakwater

    Reviewed by: Matt Claiborne, Dulcinea, on Sep 26, 2023
    Vessel Type: Sail
    LOA: 41'
    Draft: 5.0'

    Overall Rating:
    3
    Holding:
    5
    Wind Protection:
    2
    Current Flow:
    2
    Wake Protection:
    2
    Scenic Beauty:
    1
    Ease of Shopping:
    1
    Shore Access:
    1
    Pet Friendly:
    1
    Cell Service:
    4
    WiFi:
    1

    This is a popular stop for vessels transiting along the RI coast during fair weather. The breakwater will keep most of the swell out, but plenty of wraparound keeps you rocking and rolling. There's no wind protection here; this is a calm weather stop on your way someplace else--more properly, a roadstead, not an anchorage.
    Holding was good in 20 feet MLW.

    View location on the Waterway Guide Explorer


  • Anchorage Review for Squatum Point

    Reviewed by: Matt Claiborne, Dulcinea, on Sep 26, 2023
    Vessel Type: Sail
    LOA: 41'
    Draft: 5.0'

    Overall Rating:
    4
    Holding:
    5
    Wind Protection:
    3
    Current Flow:
    1
    Wake Protection:
    3
    Scenic Beauty:
    5
    Ease of Shopping:
    1
    Shore Access:
    1
    Pet Friendly:
    1
    Cell Service:
    2
    WiFi:
    1

    Beautiful spot with lots of wildlife: seals, porpoises, eagles, ospreys, etc. Some fishing boat traffic, but not much. Lots of room to anchor, but no shore access unless you go to Able's boatyard or into Somes Harbor. 20-25 feet MLW, good holding in mud. A few traps to contend with. Wind protection good west, north, and east. Exposed to the south, and southerlies will funnel up Somes Sound and produce a nasty chop here.

    View location on the Waterway Guide Explorer


  • Anchorage Review for Sargent Cove

    Reviewed by: Matt Claiborne, Dulcinea, on Sep 26, 2023
    Vessel Type: Sail
    LOA: 41'
    Draft: 5.0'

    Overall Rating:
    4
    Holding:
    5
    Wind Protection:
    3
    Current Flow:
    2
    Wake Protection:
    3
    Scenic Beauty:
    5
    Ease of Shopping:
    1
    Shore Access:
    3
    Pet Friendly:
    3
    Cell Service:
    2
    WiFi:
    1

    We anchored here for a strong trough that brought winds SE 20 knots gusting 40 knots for about 18 hours. Holding was excellent in mud at 12' MLW, and this cove lets you tuck in. A small amount of fetch built at high tide from the creek to the south, but it was generally fairly comfortable. The mountains, however, did create some swirling winds and amplified the conditions more than we expected. Good wind protection from the east and southeast, more exposed from the southwest through north. It was not a calm sojourn, but it was safe. We think this spot was more comfortable than we would've been at Able's moorings or anchored in Somes Harbor. The area is gorgeous, with tons of seals and porpoises cruising through. No shore access unless you take the dinghy up to Ables Boatyard.

    View location on the Waterway Guide Explorer


  • Marina Review for Hinckley Yacht Services Southwest Harbor

    Reviewed by: Matt Claiborne , Dulcinea, on Sep 26, 2023
    Vessel Type: Sail
    LOA: 41'
    Draft: 5.0'

    Rating: 3

    Hinkley has about 50 moorings available for rent in Southwest Harbor. They are the outermost ones, extending from the east all the way up to their docks. It makes a convenient spot to hang out and see MDI, and it's the only spot in the area that we found with parking (we had family visiting). The showers and restrooms are basic--more boatyard quality than marina quality. There are washers and dryers, too. Fuels and propane fills are available. The staff is very friendly and helpful. Southwest Harbor is a busy working port, and the lobster boat traffic is constant. They use the town docks on each side, so they are going to and fro from about 4 am to 5 pm. It is not a quiet place.

    View location on the Waterway Guide Explorer


  • Anchorage Review for Spurling Cove

    Reviewed by: Matt Claiborne, Dulcinea, on Sep 26, 2023
    Vessel Type: Sail
    LOA: 41'
    Draft: 5.0'

    Overall Rating:
    4
    Wind Protection:
    1
    Current Flow:
    2
    Wake Protection:
    1
    Scenic Beauty:
    5
    Ease of Shopping:
    3
    Shore Access:
    5
    Pet Friendly:
    5
    Cell Service:
    2
    WiFi:
    1

    There is room to anchor, but the town has complementary moorings available for visitors. They are clearly marked "Town Guest" and are on the outer edge of the mooring field. It's an exposed area with little protection from wakes, wind, or waves. The views of sunset over Southwest Harbor are stunning, however.

    You can land at the town dinghy dock and explore. There's a trail that leads to a beautiful pebble beach at Preble Cove. The town is in the process of rebuilding their general store, which burned down earlier this year (2023).

    View location on the Waterway Guide Explorer


  • Anchorage Review for Hadlock Cove

    Reviewed by: Matt Claiborne, Dulcinea, on Sep 26, 2023
    Vessel Type: Sail
    LOA: 41'
    Draft: 5.0'

    Overall Rating:
    5
    Wind Protection:
    2
    Current Flow:
    3
    Wake Protection:
    3
    Scenic Beauty:
    3
    Ease of Shopping:
    2
    Shore Access:
    5
    Pet Friendly:
    5
    Cell Service:
    2
    WiFi:
    1

    There is plenty of space to anchor, but the town has put out free, first come, first serve moorings for guests. They are clearly labeled "Town Guest." As of 2023, there were three available; they were some of the outermost, easiest-to-find in the mooring field. It's a very busy harbor with ferries and lobster boats running, so expect some early-morning noise and wakes.

    You can land your dinghy at the town dock and walk around. We didn't stay long as the mosquitoes were fierce!

    View location on the Waterway Guide Explorer


  • Anchorage Review for Buckle Harbor

    Reviewed by: Matt Claiborne, Dulcinea, on Sep 26, 2023
    Vessel Type: Sail
    LOA: 41'
    Draft: 5.0'

    Overall Rating:
    5
    Holding:
    5
    Wind Protection:
    3
    Current Flow:
    3
    Wake Protection:
    3
    Scenic Beauty:
    5
    Ease of Shopping:
    1
    Shore Access:
    5
    Pet Friendly:
    5
    Cell Service:
    2
    WiFi:
    1

    This is a gorgeous anchorage. Buckle Island was the first MITA trail site. It has a hiking trail all around and several picnicking spots. There are fairy houses and cute installations sprinkled in, and a gorgeous sandy beach on the south end of the island.

    Holding is excellent in mud in 8 to 10 feet MLW. Good wind protection from the west and east, fair from the north and south.

    View location on the Waterway Guide Explorer


  • Anchorage Review for Burnt Island

    Reviewed by: Matt Claiborne, Dulcinea, on Sep 26, 2023
    Vessel Type: Sail
    LOA: 41'
    Draft: 5.0'

    Overall Rating:
    5
    Holding:
    5
    Wind Protection:
    5
    Current Flow:
    1
    Wake Protection:
    4
    Scenic Beauty:
    5
    Ease of Shopping:
    1
    Shore Access:
    5
    Pet Friendly:
    5
    Cell Service:
    3
    WiFi:
    1

    Of all the Seal Coves/Bays, this is our favorite so far! This large area has tons of anchoring possibilities, very few moorings, and even very few lobster floats. What a find!

    We found excellent holding in mud everywhere, usually between 10 and 18 feet MLW. All rocks and ledges seem to be accurately charted. The area is popular with cruisers and locals as a getaway stop, but there is plenty of room for everyone. Schooners sometimes anchor near the Hen Islands to take their guests to the beach. It's a great place to ride out a blow or just hang out in nature for a week or more.

    Our favorite part of this anchorage is the beautiful sand and shell beaches that uncover at low tide. The boat dog loves the one that extends south of Davids Island.

    Another great thing about this anchorage is that public lands surround it. Davids, Penobscot, Hay, and the Hen Islands are open for landing and exploration. There are trails to explore on the mainland at the Huber Preserve.

    View location on the Waterway Guide Explorer


  • Anchorage Review for Outer Long Cove

    Reviewed by: Matt Claiborne, Dulcinea, on Sep 26, 2023
    Vessel Type: Sail
    LOA: 41'
    Draft: 5.0'

    Overall Rating:
    5
    Holding:
    5
    Wind Protection:
    4
    Current Flow:
    2
    Wake Protection:
    2
    Scenic Beauty:
    4
    Ease of Shopping:
    1
    Shore Access:
    1
    Pet Friendly:
    1
    Cell Service:
    1
    WiFi:
    1

    Long Cove is a gorgeous spot and easy to get in and out of. In the end, it was just a stop for us since there was no shore access of any kind for the boat dog.

    You can pick where to go for the best protection in the given conditions. There is no fetch here from open water, so it's well protected in a blow. No swell and also not much current.

    Long Cove proper was pretty crowded with moorings, so we anchored outside of it, just northeast of Fiddlehead Island. 12 feet MLW with good holding in mud. It was a peaceful and quiet stop with little boat traffic.

    View location on the Waterway Guide Explorer


  • Anchorage Review for White Islands

    Reviewed by: Matt Claiborne, Dulcinea, on Sep 26, 2023
    Vessel Type: Sail
    LOA: 41'
    Draft: 5.0'

    Overall Rating:
    5
    Holding:
    4
    Wind Protection:
    2
    Current Flow:
    4
    Wake Protection:
    3
    Scenic Beauty:
    5
    Ease of Shopping:
    1
    Shore Access:
    5
    Pet Friendly:
    5
    Cell Service:
    3
    WiFi:
    1

    Anchor in 20 feet MLW in the center between the islands. Good holding in sandy mud. The entrance is easy from the south and well charted.

    The area is much more exposed to wind and swell at high tide than the charts make it look, but it's lovely and snug at low tide. Still, you'll get some wraparound swell from any southwest wave action at all times. There is a fairly strong reversing tidal current running through here. All in all, it's a more comfortable lunch stop than an overnight anchorage. If I were to overnight, I'd put out a Bahamian mooring with two anchors.

    It's a beautiful area, with gorgeous sandy beaches that uncover with the tide. Lots of locals stop by to swim and picnic. Big White and Big Green Islands are open to the public. Little White and Little Green are private.

    View location on the Waterway Guide Explorer


  • Anchorage Review for Holbrook Island

    Reviewed by: Matt Claiborne, Dulcinea, on Sep 26, 2023
    Vessel Type: Sail
    LOA: 41'
    Draft: 5.0'

    Overall Rating:
    5
    Holding:
    5
    Wind Protection:
    4
    Current Flow:
    1
    Wake Protection:
    4
    Scenic Beauty:
    5
    Ease of Shopping:
    1
    Shore Access:
    5
    Pet Friendly:
    5
    Cell Service:
    3
    WiFi:
    1

    There are several anchorage possibilities near and around Holbrook Island. We anchored midway between Holbrook and Ram Islands at the WG marker. There are many rocks and ledges here, so give all banks a wide berth! If you come in at high water, the area will look very different at low tide.

    We anchored in 12 feet MLW and had excellent holding in mud. Good wind protection from the west and east and decent protection from the north and south. There is some current in the area, worst on the south side of the anchorage close to the park docks and Tom Cod Cove.

    Another popular anchorage spot is east of Ram Island, along the beachy isthmus on the mainland.

    There are also several first-come, first-serve orange guest moorings for visiting the state park. One is off the island's dock, and three are in the Tom Cod Cove mooring field. Land your dinghy at the floating docks, one on the island and one in the cove on the mainland. Park maps can be found at either location. Both areas have hiking options.

    For fast dinghies, it's an easy ride into Castine in settled weather.

    Finally, note that the area around Goose Pond is an EPA Superfund Site due to the Callahan Mine (long closed). Probably not the best place to take oysters or clams.

    View location on the Waterway Guide Explorer


  • Anchorage Review for Pulpit Harbor

    Reviewed by: Matt Claiborne, Dulcinea, on Sep 26, 2023
    Vessel Type: Sail
    LOA: 41'
    Draft: 5.0'

    Overall Rating:
    2
    Holding:
    5
    Wind Protection:
    4
    Current Flow:
    1
    Wake Protection:
    2
    Scenic Beauty:
    3
    Ease of Shopping:
    1
    Shore Access:
    4
    Pet Friendly:
    4
    Cell Service:
    4
    WiFi:
    1

    Pulpit Harbor was the most overrated spot we found in all of Maine. Perhaps it was amazing years ago, but we found it crowded with moorings and generally too busy with lobster boat wakes and noise. The lobster boats have constructed a staging float in Billys Cove, so they go back and forth from the town dock and there all day long, usually loudly while pushing a good wake, weaving in between the anchored boats.

    There is not much room to anchor, and where you can, it is deep--25-30 feet MLW—good holding in mud and good protection from all directions except north.

    We had read that there are some moorings for rent, but we could not figure out which ones or who you'd contact.

    The town landing dock (inner harbor just before the bridge) has ample room for dinghies but is still overcrowded. So, you'll wind up scrambling over other dinghies or getting on and off at the end of the pier. Walking on North Haven was pleasant. There is a very short hiking trail and a small preserve right at the town landing dock.

    View location on the Waterway Guide Explorer


  • Anchorage Review for Basin Cove - Potts Harbor

    Reviewed by: Matt Claiborne, Dulcinea, on Sep 26, 2023
    Vessel Type: Sail
    LOA: 41'
    Draft: 5.0'

    Overall Rating:
    4
    Holding:
    4
    Wind Protection:
    5
    Current Flow:
    4
    Wake Protection:
    1
    Scenic Beauty:
    4
    Ease of Shopping:
    1
    Shore Access:
    3
    Pet Friendly:
    3
    Cell Service:
    3
    WiFi:
    1

    Entering this anchorage area requires crossing an area of "reversing falls" and an old dam that dries at MLW. Needless to say, strong currents and rocks abound. If you are unfamiliar, seek local knowledge or sound the passage in your dinghy first.

    If you do make it in here, the area has good protection all-around and good holding. Shore access at Finestkind Boatyard.

    View location on the Waterway Guide Explorer


  • Anchorage Review for Bar Island

    Reviewed by: Matt Claiborne, Dulcinea, on Sep 26, 2023
    Vessel Type: Sail
    LOA: 41'
    Draft: 5.0'

    Overall Rating:
    4
    Holding:
    5
    Wind Protection:
    2
    Current Flow:
    1
    Wake Protection:
    3
    Scenic Beauty:
    4
    Ease of Shopping:
    1
    Shore Access:
    5
    Pet Friendly:
    5
    Cell Service:
    3
    WiFi:
    1

    There are several anchoring possibilities west and south of tiny Bar Island. The moorings north of here are mostly working lobster boats, which means motors and wakes at 4 am. The moorings south of here are mostly local residents and is a much quieter area to anchor.

    Anchor wherever you like in about 20 feet MLW. Good holding in mud. Some protection from the west, north, and east. Little to no protection from the south and southwest. It can get uncomfortably rolly in Potts Harbor, it's not as protected as it looks.

    Bar Island is a MITA picnicking site, so you can go ashore and walk the dog. There is also a town dinghy dock at Potts Point. You can walk a quiet residential neighborhood and walk down to Potts Point Preserve, which has pretty views and pebble beaches.

    View location on the Waterway Guide Explorer


  • Marina Review for Dolphin Marina & Restaurant

    Reviewed by: Matt Claiborne , Dulcinea, on Sep 26, 2023
    Vessel Type: Sail
    LOA: 41'
    Draft: 5.0'

    Rating: 5

    Beautiful marina facility with easy in-out fuel dock. Many moorings with launch service. The launch comes by every morning and offers up complementary fresh blueberry muffins and coffee...even to customers on the moorings! The lobster pound next door is also very good.

    There are no other services nearby. This is a destination marina/restaurant that is very busy on the weekends. We even saw three helicopters drop in for lunch one day, not to mention the many daytrippers. Needless to say, there are some wakes. Also, Potts Harbor is very open and offers scant protection from south quadrants--it gets very choppy in here when the wind is up.

    View location on the Waterway Guide Explorer


  • Marina Review for Lyman-Morse at Wayfarer

    Reviewed by: Matt Claiborne , Dulcinea, on Sep 25, 2023
    Vessel Type: Sail
    LOA: 41'
    Draft: 5.0'

    Rating: 5

    The new facility at Lyman-Morse is beautiful, and the staff are some of the friendliest and most helpful we've found during all our travels. The restaurants at the marina are top-notch. The bathrooms, showers, and laundry facility are excellent.

    We stayed on a mooring in the outer harbor, which is very exposed and will be rolly with any east component wind or swell. The moorings on the south side near Curtis Island are better. Download the mooring map off the LM website so you know where to go when you get there.

    Camden is a must-see town and a great place to walk around. Dozens of shops, restaurants, bars, and anything else. Easy walk to Walgreens and a small grocer. Instacart will delivery provisions to the marina.

    View location on the Waterway Guide Explorer


  • Anchorage Review for Inner Ledges

    Reviewed by: Matt Claiborne, Dulcinea, on Sep 25, 2023
    Vessel Type: Sail
    LOA: 41'
    Draft: 5.0'

    Overall Rating:
    4
    Holding:
    4
    Wind Protection:
    1
    Current Flow:
    1
    Wake Protection:
    1
    Scenic Beauty:
    4
    Ease of Shopping:
    5
    Shore Access:
    5
    Pet Friendly:
    5
    Cell Service:
    5
    WiFi:
    1

    Anchoring in Camden is tricky. Only one small area is outside the mooring field and inside the Inner Ledges. It's deep (20-30 feet MLW), and you'll often share it with large yachts. You are in the outermost area of the harbor and very exposed. The ledges do not protect from seas or wind at high water.

    It's much easier and less stressful to pick up a mooring from Lyman-Morse or the yacht club. All moorings in the outer can expect exposed conditions, and any wave or swell from the east or southeast can really get it rocking and rolling in here.

    All that said, Camden is a must-see. Don't miss Blue Barren Distillery and Restaurant at Lyman-Morse--their gins are the best!

    View location on the Waterway Guide Explorer


  • Anchorage Review for Rockland Harbor S

    Reviewed by: Matt Claiborne, Dulcinea, on Sep 25, 2023
    Vessel Type: Sail
    LOA: 41'
    Draft: 5.0'

    Overall Rating:
    5
    Holding:
    5
    Wind Protection:
    4
    Current Flow:
    1
    Wake Protection:
    3
    Scenic Beauty:
    3
    Ease of Shopping:
    4
    Shore Access:
    4
    Pet Friendly:
    4
    Cell Service:
    5
    WiFi:
    1

    Note that the charted anchorage areas in Rockland are more or less meaningless. Just anchor where the best protection from the wind is and where you are clear of mooring fields and channels.

    This anchorage should be located southwest of here, close to Seal Ledge daymark Green 3. This location provides the best protection from prevailing southerlies. It's very popular with visiting cruisers. Between G3 and the boat ramp is a mooring field, anchor just east of the outer moorings.

    Protection is good from the south through west. It is exposed north through east. Holding is good in thick, sandy mud.

    You can land at the town dinghy dock, but it's a long ride. A private dinghy dock near the boat ramp is associated with Sharp's Point South. Check with them for mooring rentals and dinghy landing in the area.

    View location on the Waterway Guide Explorer


  • Anchorage Review for Rockland Harbor

    Reviewed by: Matt Claiborne, Dulcinea, on Sep 25, 2023
    Vessel Type: Sail
    LOA: 41'
    Draft: 5.0'

    Overall Rating:
    4
    Holding:
    4
    Wind Protection:
    1
    Current Flow:
    1
    Wake Protection:
    1
    Scenic Beauty:
    2
    Ease of Shopping:
    4
    Shore Access:
    4
    Pet Friendly:
    4
    Cell Service:
    5
    WiFi:
    1

    Note that the charted anchorage areas in Rockland are pretty meaningless. In practice, everyone anchors wherever they like, so long as they're outside the mooring fields and not blocking a channel.

    This marker is located in the middle of a large mooring field. You can anchor just outside of the field; to the south is the more popular and quieter choice. All of the traffic in and out of Rockland Harbor passes just north of here. The channel south of here is not used much.

    The outermost moorings in this area are available to rent from Safe Harbor Rockland. They have a courtesy car, plus you can avoid the crowded town dinghy dock.

    Like all Rockland mooring/anchoring areas, this one is wide open and exposed from pretty much all directions. Consider tucking up in the corners of the harbor depending on forecast conditions. No current.

    It's a long dinghy ride to the town dinghy dock from here. $5 per day tie-up fee, paid at the harbormaster's office.

    View location on the Waterway Guide Explorer


  • Anchorage Review for Spectacles - Long Cove

    Reviewed by: Matt Claiborne, Dulcinea, on Sep 25, 2023
    Vessel Type: Sail
    LOA: 41'
    Draft: 5.0'

    Overall Rating:
    5
    Holding:
    5
    Wind Protection:
    4
    Current Flow:
    1
    Wake Protection:
    3
    Scenic Beauty:
    5
    Ease of Shopping:
    3
    Shore Access:
    5
    Pet Friendly:
    5
    Cell Service:
    4
    WiFi:
    1

    Nearly all areas of Long Cove can be used for anchoring. There are a few scattered moorings in the SW and SE corners to avoid and some workboat moorings along the western shore. Other than that, pick your spot based on wind conditions. Holding is very good in gravel and mud.

    High Island is an MCHT site with a nice hiking trail circling the island and a few group camping sites. It makes a great place to stretch your legs and walk the dog.

    The dinghy ride into Tenants Harbor isn't too long, even with a slow dinghy. Fuel is available at the boatyard, and you can walk to the stores and restaurants.

    View location on the Waterway Guide Explorer


  • Anchorage Review for Dix and High Islands

    Reviewed by: Matt Claiborne, Dulcinea, on Sep 25, 2023
    Vessel Type: Sail
    LOA: 41'
    Draft: 5.0'

    Overall Rating:
    4
    Holding:
    3
    Wind Protection:
    2
    Current Flow:
    3
    Wake Protection:
    3
    Scenic Beauty:
    5
    Ease of Shopping:
    1
    Shore Access:
    5
    Pet Friendly:
    5
    Cell Service:
    3
    WiFi:
    1

    Finding a spot here can be a little tricky...there's not much wind protection and there are often many other boats anchored for the night. Holding is mixed, make sure your anchor sets well and expect reversing current.

    Dix Island is privately owned, but the owners maintain a mowed trail system and welcome visitors so long as they stay on the trails. Birch Island (immediately east of Dix) is a MITA site. You can land for camping or picnicking; it has gorgeous beaches on the north side.

    View location on the Waterway Guide Explorer


  • Anchorage Review for Seal Cove

    Reviewed by: Matt Claiborne, Dulcinea, on Sep 25, 2023
    Vessel Type: Sail
    LOA: 41'
    Draft: 5.0'

    Overall Rating:
    5
    Holding:
    5
    Wind Protection:
    4
    Current Flow:
    3
    Wake Protection:
    3
    Scenic Beauty:
    5
    Ease of Shopping:
    1
    Shore Access:
    3
    Pet Friendly:
    4
    Cell Service:
    3
    WiFi:
    1

    Anchored outside of the bar in 20 feet MLW. Plenty of swing room on one anchor, excellent holding in mud. Not even many lobster floats when we were there! Beautiful, quiet spot to spend a few days. The seals are the noisest thing around, plus a few slow wakes as people stop by the inner cove to see the seals on their rock.

    Hodgsons Island, Plummer Point Preserve, and Seal Cove Preserve all offer hiking trails to get off the boat. Plummer Point was our favorite, with about 1.5 miles of trails and beautiful views of the river. It is better to go around the unnamed island and approach from the north at MLW...the rocks between the anchorage and the Preserve are tricky even in the dinghy!

    View location on the Waterway Guide Explorer


  • Marina Review for Safe Harbor Great Island

    Reviewed by: Matt Claiborne , Dulcinea, on Sep 25, 2023
    Vessel Type: Sail
    LOA: 41'
    Draft: 5.0'

    Rating: 4

    It is a beautiful facility with a friendly and accommodating staff. The food at Iris Eats is out of this world delicious! But, the marina is not near any other shopping or dining. Walmart will deliver provisions to the marina.

    The mooring field is exposed to the south and can get pretty choppy. Great protection from west, some protection from north through east. The fuel dock is an inside dock area that looks pretty tight for bigger sailboats.

    View location on the Waterway Guide Explorer


  • Anchorage Review for Snow Island

    Reviewed by: Matt Claiborne, Dulcinea, on Sep 25, 2023
    Vessel Type: Sail
    LOA: 41'
    Draft: 5.0'

    Overall Rating:
    5
    Holding:
    5
    Wind Protection:
    5
    Current Flow:
    1
    Wake Protection:
    3
    Scenic Beauty:
    5
    Ease of Shopping:
    3
    Shore Access:
    3
    Pet Friendly:
    5
    Cell Service:
    4
    WiFi:
    1

    Beautiful bay with tons of anchoring options; pick your spot based on draft and forecast winds for best protection. Holding is excellent in mud. Many spots to anchor between Snow and Little Snow, south of Little Snow, and in 8 feet MLW southeast of Bens Island.

    Little Snow Island is a MITA camping site. You can land there to explore and walk the dog.

    You can also dinghy to Safe Harbor Great Island. Consider renting one of their moorings to be a little closer (unfortunately, the moorings are very exposed to the south). Beautiful, friendly marina. Iris Eats has excellent food. Walmart in Brunswick will deliver provisions to the marina.

    There is a free, on-demand pump out boat available thanks to the Quahog Bay Conservancy on Snow Island. Call or text 207-522-1105 for info. https://quahogbay.org

    View location on the Waterway Guide Explorer


  • Anchorage Review for Onset Bay

    Reviewed by: Matt Claiborne, Dulcinea, on Sep 25, 2023
    Vessel Type: Sail
    LOA: 41'
    Draft: 5.0'

    Overall Rating:
    5
    Holding:
    5
    Wind Protection:
    3
    Current Flow:
    1
    Wake Protection:
    3
    Scenic Beauty:
    4
    Ease of Shopping:
    4
    Shore Access:
    4
    Pet Friendly:
    4
    Cell Service:
    4
    WiFi:
    1

    Plenty of room to anchor outside of mooring fields and outside of channels. Good holding in heavy, muddy sand.

    Wickets Island is a city park. The shores are lined with small boats hanging out on busy weekends. You can land on the beach on the north side or on the floating dock on the west side. Great spot for boat dogs!

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  • Anchorage Review for Bull Island

    Reviewed by: Matt Claiborne, Dulcinea, on Sep 25, 2023
    Vessel Type: Sail
    LOA: 41'
    Draft: 5.0'

    Overall Rating:
    5
    Holding:
    5
    Wind Protection:
    5
    Current Flow:
    1
    Wake Protection:
    4
    Scenic Beauty:
    5
    Ease of Shopping:
    1
    Shore Access:
    2
    Pet Friendly:
    3
    Cell Service:
    3
    WiFi:
    1

    A beautiful spot to get away from it all or wait out a blow. Holding is very good in mud south of Bull Island. Some wakes but generally very quiet. Lots of cruisers passing through use the moorings inside the harbor, which are available on a first come, first serve basis.

    Tiny Bull Island has a short trail and offers some shore time for your crew, but beware of ticks.

    View location on the Waterway Guide Explorer


  • Anchorage Review for Cuttyhunk Harbor

    Reviewed by: Matt Claiborne, Dulcinea, on Sep 25, 2023
    Vessel Type: Sail
    LOA: 41'
    Draft: 5.0'

    Overall Rating:
    4
    Holding:
    1
    Wind Protection:
    1
    Current Flow:
    1
    Wake Protection:
    1
    Scenic Beauty:
    5
    Ease of Shopping:
    4
    Shore Access:
    4
    Pet Friendly:
    4
    Cell Service:
    4
    WiFi:
    1

    Holding is mixed in the area. We were unable to get a set in what seemed like scoured rock--we wound up taking a mooring. Anchoring vessels should take note of the charted cable area. As other reviews have stated, the wakes are bad, and there is no wind protection from any north quadrant.

    There are moorings north and south of the channel, all installed by local families. They are first come, first serve; a boat will come by in the evening to collect the fee. Those moorings south of the channel are operated by the raw bar, and they will offer up oysters and treats when they come around.

    Use the town dinghy dock next to the lobster shack by the marina.

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  • Anchorage Review for Price Bend

    Reviewed by: Matt Claiborne, Dulcinea, on Sep 20, 2023
    Vessel Type: Sail
    LOA: 41'
    Draft: 5.0'

    Overall Rating:
    4
    Holding:
    4
    Wind Protection:
    4
    Current Flow:
    5
    Wake Protection:
    1
    Scenic Beauty:
    4
    Ease of Shopping:
    1
    Shore Access:
    3
    Pet Friendly:
    3
    Cell Service:
    5
    WiFi:
    1

    Anchored in 15 feet MLW east of Sand City Island. Holding is very good in sand and gravel, so long as you make sure your anchor is set. There are shallower areas (although not quite as shallow as charted) where you can use less scope. Good wind protection from the west and north, depending on where you tuck in. Exposed northeast through southwest. The beach and island are closed April through August for bird nesting but open otherwise, check city website for rules (https://www.huntingtonny.gov/hobart-preserve). Many destination moorings for small boats here, so it's probably very hectic with wakes on nice weekends, but we've found it almost peaceful during the week.

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  • Marina Review for Willis Marine Center

    Reviewed by: Matt Claiborne , Dulcinea, on Sep 20, 2023
    Vessel Type: Sail
    LOA: 41'
    Draft: 5.0'

    Rating: 4

    Docks and moorings with launch service in a very well-protected inner harbor. No dinghy dock, but they will point you to an empty spot where you can tie up. The marina is rough with only basic facilities landside—this is really a working boatyard and sales office, not a transient marina. Bathrooms and showers are boatyard standard—serviceable and clean but poor by marina standards. Walking distance to restaurants, groceries, drug store, laundromat, and two marine chandlaries. Ride shares and delivery available—closest spot to Huntington you can get.

    View location on the Waterway Guide Explorer