We arrived Sunday at dusk , called Harbormaster to let them know we were here. In Cape cod it’s very important to check in with the local Harbormaster upon arrival. We anchored behind the mooring field. At first they said we were ok until someone complained. They asked us to move north and east of the field. When we complied, we discovered our anchor and chain had been fouled by a debunked mooring which we marked for the Harbormaster after a 2 hour battle to get free. We moved north and east of the mooring found 8’ water when we anchored. Next day at low tide we were on the bottom. Yes it is sand😢. Be careful of your depth (9’ tide and shoaling) and location when anchoring. Difficult to come in to port except to be dropped off or to eat at the Mattakeese Wharf Seafood restaurant which has 3 slips for patrons only. The food was excellent, portions large, price $$$. We are a 43’ cat with a 4.5’ draft. Also worth note: in New England they use Marinas.com over navionics or aquamaps. The local boats including the whale watch speed through the channel and the larger sport fishers can rock you pretty substantially we leave nothing breakable out while here. Nothing in the way of amenities(laundry, trash, dinghy access, groceries) quaint harbor, pretty views, and sunsets
We love coming to visit Gloucester. The Harbormaster and his crew are so friendly and helpful. We utilized the launch to bring family on board. Super convenient. We also found the dinghy dock by the harbormaster’s office super convenient to restaurants, laundry, and a free concert every Thursday in the summer months. The mariners lounge is clean, and a nice respite from the heat. We stayed both on the moorings and anchored in front of the mooring field. When anchoring be mindful to stay inside the triangle of the channel markers. The schooners, large fishing fleet, and whale watchers and cruise ships frequent the inner harbor and need maneuvering room. I highly recommend a stop here on your way north or south. It’s a very protected harbor, with rich history, and friendly people.
Very Nice quiet anchorage, dinghy dock very close, public restrooms were clean, the little grocery store new and just setting up. Highly recommend this mooring field well worth the $20/nt. We had a couple nights of high winds and thunderstorms slept well.