Newburyport Harbor

Marinas near Newburyport Harbor

Introduction:

The Merrimack River Inlet and the town of Newburyport are located on the upper Massachusetts Coast about a 50-mile journey north of Boston and about 19 miles south-southwest of the Massacusetts-New Hampshire state line.

The Merrimack River gets its start in Franklin, NH, and then flows some 110-odd miles down to the Massachusetts coast at Newburyport where it empties into the Atlantic Ocean. Safe in most weather conditions with a deep and wide channel, entry into the Merrimack allows access to Newburyport, a town with an excellent selection of marinas, and additionally, provisioning and shopping opportunities ashore.

History:

The area was originally inhabited by the Pawtucket Indians, and was later settled in the 1630s by European immigrants who founded the city of Newbury. The small port of Newbury was quickly settled and became a fishing and trading settlement with the rest of Newbury turning to agricultural pursuits. 

By 1764, the port was so prosperous and densely settled that it broke off from Newbury to become Newburyport. Maritime trade fueled the city’s economy, sparking extraordinary building activity in the decades following the Revolution as evidenced by the stately and elegant Federal styles along High Street.

Many traces of the past can still be found and admired in the vibrant, modern city. Churches and cemeteries evoke remembrances of local personalities. The Tannery district, close to downtown is an extension of old steam mills and tanneries of the past. All over town you can imagine the locations of former ropewalks and clammers’ shacks. You can see shipyards, as well as the saltbox and Victorian houses, Federal mansions and colonial houses that are today’s cherished homes. Today Newburyport draws visitors from around New England and the world, who flock year-round to this seaport rich in history and beauty.

[i]Portions courtesy Newburyport Chamber of Commerce[/i]

Navigating the Water:

Use NOAA Chart 13274.

The approach to Merrimack River begins about one mile southeast of the inlet at Morse (A) buoy “MR.” Morse (A) buoy “MR” is located at an approximate waypoint of N42 48.568 W70 47.050. Once you have safely navigated to Morse (A) buoy “MR,” set a course of about 313 degrees magnetic for approximately .7 miles to intercept green can buoy “3” (flashing red buoy “2” is available if you are approaching from the north).

Once you have navigated to green can “3,” continue on toward the northwest until you find green can buoy “5” just east of the south inlet jetty (flashing red “4” is available on the north inlet jetty. Inside the inlet (reported channel depths of 10 feet), the passage continues to to the northwest until you come upon flashing green buoy “7” and a flashing white bar guide light. This white light is marked “Rough Bar,” and when it is active, the Coast Guard Has determined that the channel has shifted in such a way that makes the passage safer farther south toward flashing green buoy “7.” Note the two-foot-deep shoal just southeast of flashing green “7.” If in doubt, call ahead to the Coast Guard for advice.

After you have rounded the corner past flashing green buoy “7,” plot a course of about 267 degrees magnetic for approximately .5 mile to intercept flashing red buoy “8,” which marks the location of a nasty rock and sand shoal. Having successfully avoided the rock shoal and sand bar at flashing red buoy “8,” set your sights toward green can buoy “11” and flashing green “13” farther to the west. From flashing green buoy “13,” set a course of about 264 degrees magnetic for approximately .7 miles to pickup flashing green buoy “15,” red nun buoy “16,” flashing red (North Pier) “18,” and then green can buoy “17,” which marks a ledge to its south.

Having successfully navigated the approach channel from the Atlantic Ocean, you are now smack in the middle of Newburyport, where there are eight marinas at your disposal. Four of these marinas are located before a set of opening bridges that allow further travel upstream. Dawn Marina, Newburyport Central Waterfront Park and the Windward Yacht Yard accept transient guests at their slips. Additionally, the Windward Yacht Yard has a lift for haul-outs and repair.

Past the bridges there are four additional marinas, and while only two of them accept transient guests, three of them have extensive repair facilities and capabilities. The first bridge heading upstream is a 35-foot closed vertical clearance bridge that opens on request between 6 a.m. and 10 p.m. from May to October, and between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. from November to April. The bridge opens with a one-hour advance notice at all other times. Hail the bridgetender on VHF Channel 13.

Local Notices to Mariners:

Local Notices to Mariners are available online from the U.S. Coast Guard.

Things To Do/Local Events:

In addition to water-related activities, Newburyport has a rich Historic District, miles of walking trails at several local public parks and tons of shopping opportunities downtown. For a full schedule of local events, see the "Helpful Links" section below for more details.

Transportation:

The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) offers rail service to and from Boston's North Station on its Newburyport/Rockport Line on regular schedules. See the "Helpful Links" section below for detailed schedules.

The Plum Island Community Airfield is just a short drive from the center of town, but Logan International Airport has major service on a busy daily schedule. You can get to Logan via the MBTA train, or also by arranging a shuttle with the airport. See the "Helpful Links" section below for detailed schedules.

Helpful Links:

Newburyport Chamber of Commerce

City of Newburyport

Newburyport Calendar of Events

Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority

Logan International Airport