quote:
Originally posted by Comogene
John:
So much depends upon the weather and particularly, wind direction. Typical summer wind is from S/W. If so and you like seeing nothing, set the autopilot and head straight up off the outside of Cape Ann (Halibut Point) and go for it. The cut through Gloucester Harbor and the Annisquam River can be a nice break or a real pain. Entrance to the river is under a draw bridge that can have an interminable wait on a summer weekend. It is narrow and current can be strong on an ebb. Bridge tender will tell you how long a wait. If you have time to spare, glance over at Ten Pound Island, the home of the USCG's first air station (used version of PBY flying boats) and the statue of the Gloucester Fisherman honoring those who perished at sea.
Just inside, quite narrow and shallow. Zig-zag around bouys off launching ramp and then a blind 90-degree port turn after the railroad bridge which will also require opening. Use your horn before you commit to the bridge. Low tide on the Annisquam requires constant attention to channel markers and they are not always where you think they are. That being said, hundreds of boats use the Annisquam every day and it is a respit from the coastwise run.
45 minutes of no wake speed in the river or 30 minutes around Cape Ann. Of course, when you go around you'll past Thatcher's Island's twin lighthouses that have a great history of guiding fisherman home.
From the canal, you will pass Gurnet Point Light at Plymouth, Minot's Light off Cohasset, Boston Light, Graves Light, Marblehead Light, Baker's Island Light off Beverly and Eastern Point Light at Gloucester.
If you haven't been to Newburyport before, it is a great town for marine visitors. If the wind is from the E or NE and the current is ebbing - DON'T! 4-6 knot current out, wind blowing in has a tendency to set up breakers on the sand bar. Most days, it is an easy entrance with dozens of small boats fishing between the jettys. If there is any question about the bar condition, contact USCG Station Merrimack River as they have a remote camera looking at the bar.
When are you heading north? We are in Beverly and regularly cruise around the North Shore now that our teenage grandchildren have discovered they can go boating without their parents hanging around.
Gene
