We called ahead to let Steve know we were going to be early. He was very apologetic because he wasn't going to be there to assist us. We didn't have long to wait and he arrived and directed us to our slip. There is a breakwater to reduce the wave action. The marina is quiet except for the geese that our dog ran off. Steve was very helpful, giving us the lay of the land. The facilities were very nice. We walked to the local shopping plaza for ice cream and water. There is no grocery store there, but we had sufficient supplies. I would definitely stay there again and take advantage of the car rental or train into NYC.
The west side of Jamestown is not a harbor. A harbor is supposed to offer a respite from wind, waves and wakes. Jamestown does none of these. The constant tossing of the boat never stopped. In fact, in the early hours of the night, it sounded like something was trying to tear the boat apart. Needless to say, we didn't get any sleep. The Conanicut Marine was a friendly place. They run a tight ship which we witnessed when someone came and moved a mooring ball they felt was too close to us. The launch service is essential because the waves makes it almost dangerous to try and use your own tender. They are quick and competent when ferrying people around. I would recommend this location only if there is no wind and you don't mind being tossed around by wakes of large vessels travelling the busy waters of Newport.
The boatyard directed us to the visitors moorings. The harbor is very nice, protected and very few fishermen to roll past you early in the morning. Had a great sleep. Visitors are directed to register with the Harbourmaster. Ince that is done, your dinghy is permitted to tie up at the public wharf free for 3 days. The downside to Mattapoiset is the lack of amenities. There is no grocery store nearby, no laundry service, both of which we needed. The people at the Harbourmaster office where very friendly. It is a nice place to unwind.
The reservation confirmation was sent without a mooring number. Called the harbourmaster and got the number and directions to the mooring ball. The town is nice, but we struggled to find a place to eat because we had our dog with us. There was no place to get groceries nearby. Staff were very friendly and there is a tourist information center just across the street from the dock. Very sheltered harbor. Lots of fishermen getting up early so best to imitate them.
The process of finding the mooring was made easier by looking at the pictures supplied in the marina description. It is a very busy commercial harbour so it wasn't surprising to be rocked by fishing vessels. There is a nice public wharf to take your tender to and it is conveniently located near restaurants, drug store with some food. There is a shuttle service as well. If you need fuel, go to the opposite side of the harbour. Say hello to Brian, the very friendly dock attendant.