Insider Information Mooring options - Marblehead Salem Beverly Harbors?

hazmat17 · #1 (**permalink**) 09-30-2008

Took a road trip last Sunday to visit Marblehead & surrounds. I'm sorry to admit that I've never been there before - most of my Sailing has been on Buzzard's Bay and nearby Cape & Islands. We drove by most of the clubs and Marinas in the area.

Anyway - based on DrB's "time to sail" metric discussed in an earlier thread, Greater Marblehead is the nearest "sailing" harbor to my house. While we are considering purchasing a boat in the 28-35 foot range, we don't yet own one. Before I buy I'd like some assurance that I will have a place to keep her.

The town of Marblehead is currently advertising 12-15 year wait on the main harbor, but no wait for a mooring on the West Shore (Salem Harbor) the problem there being a lack of land based facilities on that side of the harbor (at least a google search on Yacht Clubs, Marinas or Boat Yards, doesn't turn up anything). Basically looking for a place to park, store a Dinghy & take a shower at a minimum. A facility with fuel, ice, clubhouse etc. would be preferred, but you can always stop at another facility on the way out for a cruise. I'm assuming that pump outs can be accomplished via the harbor master's office.

So after much rambling - what are my options for getting a mooring in Marblehead, Salem or Beverley supported by land based facilities in the near term?

sailingfool · #2 (**permalink**) 09-30-2008

You can find the needed info here Harbormasters.org - Salem Harbormaster Department

My advice would be to look into membership at the local low-brow (no offense intended) yacht clubs, like Salem Willows or Hawthorne Cove. The purchse of your own mooring the first year is more expensive, but then you get it back in susequent years, plus you have thepleasure of hanging with other boaters.

I would also recommend you look into Cottage Park Cottage Park Yacht Club in Winthrop, although it may be more of a drive, it has a great location near the entrance to Boston Harbor and is a lovely facility with a big sailing population and a friendly group of people.