Coming In To New Bedford Harbor

There may be some lingering prejudices about New Bedford Harbor.  I have not met a sailor, though, who has come in lately who has not been impressed with the harbor.  Since the harbor is set so deep into the coast, visiting represents a time commitment that many avoid.  More and more people are appreciating it as a distinct destination, though, and it deserves that reputation.

The approach to the harbor from the middle of Buzzards Bay is easy enough by following the channel which begins at G1 and R2.  This channel is a super highway.  It is relatively straight and well marked.  Like any super highway it can be crowded, so you've got to keep a good lookout, 360 degrees, for what is coming from any side.  Ferries are active in the channel as they service Martha's Vineyard and Cuttyhunk from the harbor.  Tugs and barges are around.  New Bedford has one of the country's largest commercial fishing fleets, so you will pass, or be passed most likely, by large fishing boats.  Also in the channel will be charter fishing boats of all sizes.  Add to that pleasure craft of all types.  Sailboats, powerboats, jet skis.  As you progress down the channel, the shore on your right (Sconticut Neck) represents the town of Fairhaven.  Soon, the land on your left, with a fort on the end (Taber/Rodman) represents the town of New Bedford.  A little past the fort on your left, you will make out the Butler Flats Lighthouse, which is not on land, but to the left of the channel.  If you don't already have a picture of this light on a calendar or a towel or post card, take a picture.  It's a nice light.  If you lose the channel in rain or fog, but can get a fix on the Butler Flat Lighthouse, the channel can (G11) is just to the east of the structure.

 

As you get close to Butler Flats in the channel, I shy away from the water to the east.  The chart shows a lot of 1's, 3's, 4's and such.  You will see boats there and I know there is good water there in places, but for me it requires too much concentration to have fun.  The shore on the east side (Sconticut Neck) is all residential with some local beaches.  Conversely, on your left (the westerly,  New Bedford side) as you are entering, has plenty of good water.  In fact, if you are tired of the channel, or just want to give the commercial shipping some relief, get on over to the west between Butler Flats and the hurricane barrier and do some sailing.  The shore on this side is a mix of public beach, old factory sites, residential, and one good shore side restaurant named Davy's Locker.  If you are hungry, anchor off the small beach adjacent to Davy's Locker and row in and get some seafood.  In the summer, they open an outdoor section on the edge of the water to create a beach club type vibe.

Back to the channel and entering the harbor, you will approach the hurricane barrier, which will be obvious to you as an opening in the massive dike that protects the harbor.  Since this is a choke point for all the traffic that I describe above, you should be alert as you approach and go through the barrier.  There is plenty of room.  More than one boat can pass through at the same time (depending on the boats).  It is well marked, and sort of fun.  Depending on what the tide and current is doing, the water can get a little weird as you pass through the barrier.  You can go through with your sails up, but if you've got a motor, you may want to have it running or able to start quickly.  The barrier is large enough to block most of the steady breeze you were just enjoying as you entered the opening.  It is possible, under sail, to come barreling into the opening and find yourself becalmed with not enough momentum to get through the break.  If you have no power, you can do it, but look for a break in traffic first and get in a position on entry where you've got some leeway to play with while you wait for the wind to catch you on the other side.  The barrier is run by the feds and you don't hear much chatter from them.

 

Now you are in the harbor and I'll talk more about that in the next post.  I will mention that the commercial fleet in New Bedford are universally kind and considerate to sailors.  They may contact you, or you may want to contact them at or around the barrier to be sure of your intentions.  The Martha's Vineyard ferries are high speed.  While you may have the right of way at the barrier, you may also want to give them or others the go ahead.  They appreciate it, but do not insist upon it.  Everyone shares the harbor well.