Marblehead Harbor

Marinas near Marblehead Harbor

Introduction:

Marblehead, MA, is located just east of the towns of Beverly and Salem and about 15 miles northeast of Boston. Marblehead historically is famous for fishing and shipbuilding, but today is one of the largest yachting centers on the East Coast. Inside the harbor you will find a sea of moorings and a waterfront lined with marine services of all type; from old repair yards to full service luxury marinas with concierge service. Once tied up for the evening, Marblehead, Salem and beverly offer weeks worth of exploration opportunities to the traveling mariner.

History:

Set on the rocky shores of northeast Massachusetts, Marblehead is alive with over 375 years of history, including tales of rugged fisherman and intrepid mariners, enterprising merchants and skilled craftsmen, self-reliant women and courageous seamen.The town was founded in 1629 as a commercial fishing operation. In 1660, in an official report to the English king, Marblehead was acclaimed as "the greatest Towne for fishing in New England."

For most of the first decades, its earliest settlers were primarily from England’s West Country. They were a unique mixture of non-conformists whose hardiness and seafaring adventures brought prosperity to the town by the mid-1700s. A vigorous shore-based industry of rope-makers, sail-makers, ship’s block-makers, carpenters, and others supported the fishing and shipping fleets from the mid-1600s through the mid-1800s.

Marblehead mariners were crucial participants in America’s War for Independence, serving General George Washington and his army in several pivotal and famous operations on both land and sea. General John Glover’s Marblehead Regiment transported the Continental army across the Delaware River for the surprise attack on Trenton and rescued 9,000 men with horses and equipment from the British on Long Island.

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

Navigating the Water:

Use NOAA Chart 13275.

When approaching from the Atlantic Ocean, keep in mind that the east side of Marblehead Neck is dotted with numerous rock ledges. Luckily, most of them are either marked with nun buoys that are easy to see or pick up on radar, or they are deep enough to be safely out of reach for most all boats.

Once you have weeded your way through the ledges, you will want to pick up flashing red buoy "FR" just east of Marblehead Rock. From the aforementioned flashing red buoy, set your sights on green can "1" near Lasque Ledge, and then green can "1MH" off of Gordon Rock. From here, you can enjoy the very deep and very wide (and ewell protected) Marblehead Harbor.

Inside the harbor you will find a sea of moored boats, tons of marinas and marine facilities and the charm of marblehead which is handy to explore.

Things To Do/Local Events:

Along with boating, fishing and exploring the local scenery, Marblehead has regularly scheduled events and activities throughout the season. Check out the "Helpful Links" section below for a full calendar of events for the Marblehead region.

Transportation:

The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) runs a regularly scheduled "Marblehead/Haymarket" line that offers connecting service to Boston, Beverly Salem and other cities included on the MBTA's schedule. Check the "Helpful Links" section below for detailed schedules.

Logan International Airport in Boston is accessible via MBTA bus or via shuttle service that can be arranged through the airport.

Helpful Links:

Town of Marblehead

Marblehead Chamber of Commerce

Marblehead Calendar of Events

MBTA

Logan International Airport