Westbrook, CT to Martha's Vineyard

[Shrew]

Time the current through the Race and Block Island to be going with the tide if possible.

If you're going to anchor, Block Island is best for a midweek stop. Consider Lake Montauk which has plenty of anchor space, or Newport which is much easier to grab a mooring than block island.

If you're enter Nantucket Sound from Buzzards Bay through Woods Hole, then be aware of very strong current and pick a slack period. This is particularly an issue with the 'Straight Inlet'. When the tide is flooding in from Buzzards bay into Nantucket Sound the strong current can push you sideways into the shoal if you take the 'Straight Inlet'. In these cases the 'Woods Hole' inlet is preferred, but I would strongly suggest going at slack tide. Active Captain has a decent write-up that refers to it as 'scary'. It is accurate.

[Shrew]

Incidentally, I would choose Edgartown over Oak Bluff. The anchorage can often be on the leeward side of the bluff in common prevailing summer winds. This can make is hot with less air moving. They frequently double-up on moorings in there and it's tight.

Edgartown has more air moving through Katama bay, thought the dinghy ride is longer.

[annsni]

Originally Posted by Shrew

If you're enter Nantucket Sound from Buzzards Bay through Woods Hole, then be aware of very strong current and pick a slack period. This is particularly an issue with the 'Straight Inlet'. When the tide is flooding in from Buzzards bay into Nantucket Sound the strong current can push you sideways into the shoal if you take the 'Straight Inlet'. In these cases the 'Woods Hole' inlet is preferred, but I would strongly suggest going at slack tide. Active Captain has a decent write-up that refers to it as 'scary'. It is accurate.

Scary doesn't even begin to cover it if you do it wrong. Quicks Hole is much easier to go through.

[chuckr]

Go over to Brewers boat yard and look up Ted Novakowski who owns SoundYachts and is a good guy. He knows the area like the back of his hand. He sold us SoulMates over 13 years ago and really knows his stuff and is a former cruiser.
if you go tell him we said hi