Best Anchorage in Connecticut

[Maravilla]

Any suggestions for a place to visit and anchor off of in Connecticut?  Thank you!

[ForGrinsToo]

There isn't a lot, unfortunately, where you can anchor with some protection along the CT shore. There are places up the rivers, like Hamburg Cove on the Connecticut. You're going to find most potential anchorages loaded with moorings. You know SW winds prevail, so most open roadsteads won't be comfortable. All the rivers have a pretty good tidal current, too.

Good luck,
Geoff

[frankc64]

If your in the Mystic area, I suggest the eastern side of Ram Island. I don't have my chart with me, but I think there are a couple of designated anchorages in the Mystic River.

I often see boats anchored on the eastern side of Groton Long Point and off eastern side of Bluff Pt - basically Mumford Cove (watch out for Horseshoe Reef). 

Also, not technically Connecticut but very close to Mystic area - Watch Hill, RI along the western side of Napatree Pt. Northern side of  Fisher's Island is usually well protected - East Harbor or West Harbor in particular - and boats are often anchored the eastern side of Flat Hammock. 

[tsenator]

Aug 26, 2020 16:57:03 GMT Maravilla said:

Any suggestions for a place to visit and anchor off of in Connecticut?  Thank you!

"Best"  as in most protected/safe ?  Or most things to see and do ?

Either way here is a short list.

Mystic/Mason Island - Lots to see & do around there (I anchored east of Mason Island tucked up around moorings it felt secure to me)

Old Saybrook CT Free Moorings available (harbor of refuge pretty and protected)

Up the Connecticut river from Old Saybrook CT is Hamburg Cove (Fresh water anchorage !) and Essex Ct is pretty cool too

Charles Island off of Milford CT (Unless Winds/Weather from East)

Norwalk CT is pretty nice & cool town, not a lot of anchoring right next to town but the islands and area are great to hang around .  There is a town dock to pull up to, Even with electricity and water but it charges $1 per foot for 8 hour segments

Branford and Guilford is nice too

Stamford, CT - Breakwater protects you fairly well and not far from some water way bars restaurants & downtown if need be.

etc etc

[Maravilla]

Stonington CT has shrunk their anchorage area down to a postage stamp.  They do not seem to want to welcome people anchoring, so please come here.  The anchorage is small,  and the holding is good.  There is a public dock for dinghies that is right near some restaurants and shops.