Watch Hill, Watch Hill Cove, Westerly RI
- Details
- Category: Moorings, Docks and Deals
- Published on Monday, 05 September 2011 03:33
- Written by George Boase
- Hits: 203
Watch Hill, a Five Star place to visit.
First let me say that Watch Hill is far from the cheapest place you can anchor or moor. The docks while reasonable are priced according to the area. I still call it a bargain because of all a visit here has to offer.
The municipal docks are not that bad, but when you break down the cost and consider the fact they have NO landside facilities, you're better off taking a mooring or anchoring in Watch Hill Cove.
When you take a mooring at the yacht club, you get full use of the club. They have heads, showers and all the usual you would find at a fine club. They have a launch service and dinghy dock as well. The launch service is NOT available to anchored yachts. If you choose to anchor, there's no shortage of places to land a dinghy.
For anchored yachts, the municipal docks can be had for $10 per hour for yachts under 50' and $20 per hour over 50'. Considering how much there is to see and do here, that's not a bad arrangement. Anchor overnight, dock during days you want to come ashore.
From a personal recommendation, mooring for $55 per night is how I would go. You get all the goodies and with more than enough to keep the whole family entertained. The paid beach here is excellent on the ocean side of the cove, and the smaller beach on the cove side is nothing to scoff at. There are public heads, no showers, concessions stands, stores, restaurants, beach shops and the main attraction, the Flying Horse Carousel. Hundreds of small shops can keep even the most dynamic shop-a-holic fixed for days.
The Oriental Tea House is a local favorite. If you don't feel like breaking out the mastercard, they have a pizza shop too. If all you want to do is veg out while the kids have fun at the beach, a fine park faces the harbor for yacht and people watching.
Hail the yacht club on ch 10, or call 401-596-4986. Pumpout boat is available from the town for $9. Hail on ch 08 for pumpout anywhere in Watch Hill and the Pawcatuck River.
This is a great destination, and the best stop-over for heading to Fisher's Island, Block Island or Montauk Point. You might just stop here, and stay a while.
