Best chance to pick up a mooring July 4 in MV?

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tralee

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I know this is a bit of a ridiculous question, but can anyone offer advice on the best chance of picking up a mooring in Martha's Vineyard July 4th weekend? I've got a 42 ft Hunter. I've got a mooring reservation for July 2nd in Edgartown, but the 3rd and 4th are sold out.

Are there any first come/first serve moorings anywhere?

If so, how hard are these to come by/how early should I be stalking the Harbormasters ;)

Many thanks for any suggestions you can offer!
 
There are first come/first serve moorings in Edgartown. If I recall correctly, they have about 20 for which they make reservations and another 20 are just for people who show up. I also think that the 20 for first come/first serve have a two day limit. So, if you're there on the 2nd then you can keep a sharp eye out for anyone who might be leaving on the 3rd.

Let us know how the stay is. I heard the cut at Katama is even bigger this year so the tidal rip thru the harbor is heavy. Makes swimming off the boat difficult. But Edgartown is a great place. Have fun.
 
Edgartown has first come first served, 2 day max. The 4th weekend moorings for reservations usually fill up the first day they are offered in early spring - poor weather will make extending easier, or just watch the non-reserve town moorings (blue ball) for an opening and grab it. Plenty of outside anchorage, but can be uncomfortable. (personally, the current in Edgartown keeps us away - and that seems to be the trend - so you may find a blue ball pretty easily.) They may allow you to raft up as well.

So what I'd do is use the mooring reservation you have, then make coffee and cruise the blue moorings in the AM - if you have no luck, just anchor (you'll have a better view of the fireworks as well).

Oak Bluffs moorings are all first come first served.

Lake Tashmoo (15 minute walk [1 mile] to VH) has all the anchorage you'll need, but nothing around the harbor as far as provisions. Head into the end of the harbor, you'll see plenty of other cruisers there.

We plan on heading to Oak Bluffs to look for a mooring, if that fails - off to Tashmoo, Cuttyhunk or somewhere quiet.
 
Thanks very much for your great advice! We'll keep our eyes open for a blue mooring ball or head over to Oak Bluffs first thing in the morning. Many thanks!
 
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