Thimble Islands

[SPIKE]

We are thinking about a trip to The Thimble Islands this weekend, but are very cautious about all the infamous rocks there. Can anyone be detailed enough to point out a good anchorage, and perhaps the best way to approach the place? Much appreciated.

 

[PascalG]

It's a fantatic stop / anchorage! yeah i know, sounds weird for a guy from Miami to praise an anchorage in CT but i stopped there for the night on the way north with a 70 footer a couple of weeks ago and loved it!

It's really straightforward, go slow, look at the chart, no big deal. rocks appear to be well charted. We first came in between the islands but there was a pontoon in the middle of the main anchorage by West Crib and there wasn't enough room for us for to anchor with overnight scope so we went back out and around and anchored on the east side, to the south east of Wayland.

depending on the wind, it looks like you can find some shelter in various spots, like on the west side in the winds are form the east and even north of Governor...

There are a couple of restaurants in stony creek and there is a water taxi as well if you dont' have a dinghy.

the Thimbles at dusk:

 

[SPIKE]

Thanks for that - and yes there are some really nice anchorages in CT. I see that you were on the eastern side for anchorage - and that would certainly work.

Wondering if there is advice about what some locals describe the anchorage between C G "11" off East Crib and C G "1" off High Island? It's interesting that this is a cable area. Hmmm...Pascal perhaps you were lucky about dropping a hook on the other side.

 

[PascalG]

yeah we anchored in the deeper water, outside the cable area.

 

[caltexfla]

I'll agree that this is a special place; on our list for "spend more time here" on our way back south. We tried anchoring in the pocket between West Crib, Money Island and High Island. I was having a hard time getting the set I wanted, and a nice guy came over from one of the nearby houses and showed us a mooring we could use. I think I would have got the set I want, (or gone to one of the many alternatives) but was definitely squeezing in amongst all the moorings. The cables are shown on the charts. All the islands have charming houses on them.

It was our anniversary and a great setting to celebrate in. Go mid week if you can, but go!

George

 

[smokeio]

Spike, The admiral and I are there almost every weekend. It's a beautiful place to stay. Come in from the west of Outer Island. Look at the picture above and you can see a boat coming it that way. Be careful of the rocks just west of Outer Island that are marked with a red buoy to the west and and green to the east of the rocks. It's a little confusing but if you look at it closely on your chart/GPS, you'll be fine. Make your way in between Pot Island and High Island. As you can see from the picture, anywhere in between these islands and Money Island is safe. I anchor off of Money island with no problems.

Let me know if you still have any questions and I can get my chart and plot it out for you.