Scoop on Watch Hill RI

P

Prospective

Active member
Joined
Sep 7, 2006
RO Number
23085
Messages
1,343
Watch Hill, RI is one of the destinations for our summer cruise. It looks really cool on the Arial photos. Can anyone pass on any feedback or suggestions on this harbor. Things to do, deal on moorings, dockage or anchorage and any other tid-bits????

Thanks!
 
It is a fun place. We have only anchored there, just behind Napatree Beach, just one day each time. Good anchorage. Here are some log notes from our trip out, so reverse them for entering:

The trip out of Westerly/Wtch Hill past Stonington is a little tricky the first time. Coming across Little Narragansett Bay you must mind the channel, including looking backwards now and then to make sure you are not crabbing across it. You have to thread the needle off Sandy Point, coming closer to the beach hugging, but respecting the green "5" (keep to starboard coming out), than you might be comfortable with on a pure visual. Then respecting and hugging R4 and R2 (Academy Rock) while avoiding the charted 4ft shoal twixt them. My second time through here I got to do it on radar and the CP, so was glad I'd paid attention when we came in. Pretty clear sailing from then on.

You should have a great time and let us know how it goes. I look forward to any more experienced knowledge that others might add as we plan to come back and spend a few days sometime.

George
Hatteras 56MY
 
When we are not out cruising Watch Hill is our Home destination. Our Marina is right up the river. It gets "fun" crowded on the weekends. About 50% of the boats are day trippers, with the rest of us staying Friday and Saturday nights. Lots of smaller boats back right up the beach with two anchors, watch your toes as youwalk the beach on the "boat" side.

Wind direction is pretty constant over the land so swinging is not an issue. Good holding ground with Deltas or Danforths. Just watch out for anchor fouling as you set. The bottom is 50% covered with grass. Heavy chain is your friend. I know there are a few slips and moorings but not sure who owns them. Its a quiet harbor with not much of a town. I few nice restaurants, ice cream parlors, old wooden horse carousel,,,,,, Dogs are NOT allowed on the beaches between prime time hours. I think it is 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM. Atleast thats the way it was last year. This has caused quite a bit of controversy. The "sink" as they call it gets a little choppy when the wind is from the west, (most days and nights). Good place to walk the beaches and pick up shells.

Follow the channel from Stonington, DO NOT CUT BUOYS. Lots of rocks and skinny water.
 
Once past Watch Hill Passage, stick closely to the markers, there is a cut through at Napatree, but its best to have 'local knowledge' if utilizing this cut through.

Rounding the bend at Sandy Point can be a bit unnerving the 1st time. Hug the sand as there is plenty of water there, but rocks outside the channel marker.

Follow the markers closely all the way up to where Little Narragansett Bay and the pawcatuck River meet. here you need to decide whether to head south into Watch hill, or North up the river.

Like other have said, the village of Watch Hill is nice and like many other coastal NE towns, gets pretty crowded on weekends.

I know that the Watch hillYacht club maintains the moorings in the inner harbor and operates a launch, but as tom pointed out, most choose to anchor in the outer harbor, behind Napatree. It a kind of unique town in that you cna anchor/moor so close to a good beach and ave the town right there.

There are a few good places to eat in town such as the Olympia Tea Room ($$$). There is a good ice cream parlor (the Annex) which also serves breakfast and lunch. There is a coffee shop on the main street as well.

About a 1/2 mile North, up the river are several good marinas. Fuel is available at Avondale Marine and Frank Hall Boatyard (our home) has a 35T Travelift and almost always has mechanics on duty. They have clean bathrooms and showers.

Its a fun place.

Dan
 
Thanks folks, very helpful. This is the first year we'll be doing our club cruise. One reason we're going is to visit some new places. I have lived in RI all my life and never been to Watch Hill, let alone by boat. It sounds like our kind of place. Quiet, Beach, Ice Cream. What else do ya really need?
 
Is there transient dockage available in Watch Hill, with power and water hookups -- walking access to resteraunt and beaches? Must tolerate dogs if not dog friendly :) Sounds like a good weekend destination from Portmouth, RI

Tim
 
I've only anchored out, but there is a place, Watch Hill Docks (Boatyard?) that has slips and a dinghy dock. Lots of stuff in walking distance.

George
 
I was down to Napatree beach today and there were about a half a dozen decent sized boats anchored out. the mooring tender was busy resetting moorings. If the weather stays like today, that mooring field will be full from now on.

Dan
 
There is a fine restaurant further up the Pawcatuck River, past Ductboy's marina called Up The River. They used to have a dinghy dock you could tie up to, but not any longer. There is however a town dock with in walking distance to this restaurant. Below is the restaurant link and chart of the area. The web site also has some in town activities, and the menu.

I go there often on business, and would highly recommend - wonderful!

http://www.theuprivercafe.net/Contact.htm

http://maps.google.com/maps?sourcei...685904&sa=X&oi=local_result&resnum=1&ct=image
 
"I was down to Napatree beach today and there were about a half a dozen decent sized boats anchored out. the mooring tender was busy resetting moorings. If the weather stays like today, that mooring field will be full from now on."

Anyone know who owns/oversees the moorings in this field? Is the anchorage behind the beach suitable, in the right conditions of course, for a 36' boat.

Thanks.
 
Lot's of boats anchor behind the beach at Napatree. 36' should not be a problem. I am not aware of any public moorings but when we were there we were able to pick up a transient mooring from Watch Hill Yacht Club due to reciprocity w/ our club. We really enjoyed our night there. Would like to go back at some point.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top