A Cruising Guide to Narragansett Bay and the South Coast of Massachusetts: Including Buzzard's Bay, Nantucket, Martha's Vineyard, and Block Island

Preface to Narragansett Bay

Preface to the South Coast of Massachusetts

How to Use This Book

Part One Narragansett Bay

Background on the Bay

The Lower Bay, with Block Island

The Middle Bay

The Upper Bay, Including Mount Hope Bay

The Sakonnet River and Aquidneck Island South Coast

Part Two The South Coast of Massachusetts

Background on the South Coast

The Southeast Corner

Buzzards Bay

Woods Hole and Hadley Harbor

The South Cape

Nantucket

Martha's Vineyard

The Elizabeth Islands

Part Three Matters of Interest

More About Narragansett Bay

More About the South Coast of Massachusetts

Appendices

Appendix One Cookery

Appendix Two Further Reading

Appendix Three Marina Listings and Mooring Services

Appendix Four Launch Ramps on Narragansett Bay

Appendix Five Launch Ramps on the South Coast of Massachusetts

Appendix Six Some Cruise Suggestions for Narragansett Bay

Appendix Seven Chambers of Commerce and Other Resources for the South Coast of Massachusetts

Appendix Eight Harbormasters on the South Coast of Massachusetts

Appendix Nine Tidal Current Charts

Aerial Photograph of Narragansett Bay

Index

Between Long Island Sound and the elbow of Cape Cod lies a richly varied cruising ground. A Cruising Guide to Narragansett Bay and the South Coast of Massachusetts is the definitive cruising guide to these waters. Its coverage extends to the headwaters of Narragansett Bay and miles offshore to the solitude of Block Island and Nantucket.

Longtime area boaters Lynda and Patrick Childress and Tink Martin take you on a personal tour with all you need for a day, a weekend, or several weeks of cruising. They provide essential information on weather, tides, currents, and pilotage, as well as the availability of moorings and the closest place to pick up provisions. The unique harbor rating system shows at a glance what each anchorage offers in facilities, protection, beauty, and interest. Maps and charts help negotiate tricky channels or find that hidden marina.

When you've dropped anchor and are sitting back in the cockpit after a day's cruising, the guide continues to inform you, pointing out places to go for food and entertainment, where to find hiking trails, picnic and fishing spots, wildlife sanctuaries, museums, and more. In addition, the authors give cruisers the historical context in which to view the passing scenery, and they impart a deep affection for the region's unique character.