Even though
Rockport Harbor is
small, it is well worth placing on your cruising itinerary. Located on the northeastern
side of Cape Ann, MA , Rockport is well known as a
small New England village where artists and the local fishing and lobstering fleets blend
in a quaint yet vibrant atmosphere. The harbor is located in the central downtown area,
and you'll find delightful shops, galleries and restaurants within easy walking distance.
All
transient vessel tie-ups in Rockport Harbor are under the direction of the Rockport
Harbormasters, Rosemary Lesch and Scott Story, who may be reached by calling the Rockport
Harbormaster on VHF Ch. 9. You may wish to call ahead for reservations (especially on
summer weekends) at (978)546-9589. The fee for overnight tie-ups is $1.00 per foot per
night. Because of our tides and harbor depth, the maximum draft which can be
accommodated
is about 6½ feet. If there is no available space for tying up, there is a nice anchorage
to the northwest of Bearskin Neck off of Front Beach (no fees). One caveat - if the wind
is blowing strong from the east or northeast, the anchorage and tie-up spaces are
uncomfortable or even dangerous.
Services which can be found in Rockport include groceries, an apothecary, a laundry,
taxi service, bus service and a
train to
Boston and points between. Rockport has been a dry town
since 1856, so if you would like an alcoholic beverage, you need to BYOB. Also, Rockport
has no fuel docks, marine stores, or shipyards at this time, so plan accordingly.
Sandy Bay Yacht Club can provide you with fender
boards (for tying up alongside the pilings), a shower, ice, a Snack Bar and a friendly
staff to assist you with your lines or answer your questions.
For more information on North Shore harbors,
visit Harbormasters.org.
