2008 REED’s East Coast Edition - Pilot Notes
Norwalk, CT: 41 06N, 73 24W ings jam the channel, but most are occupied.
(see chart on next page) Contact marinas in the upper river.
Pilotage: Norwalk is approached from Fuel: Easiest access for fuel is at Norwalk
Long Island Sound via a long, winding chan- Cove Marina; Norwest Marina on W side of
nel. Shoals surround the channel with depth the river also sells diesel and gas.
often less than 3ft. Obey buoyage. Dense rec- Supplies: Marine supplies, and groceries
reational and commercial traffic, including are available, but may require a cab ride.
the oyster fleet, towboats and oil barges. All Services: Extensive repair and haulout ser-
t
commercial traffic uses the main entrance vices, especially for larger vessels. Norwalk
ilo
channel N of Sheffield Island. Yachts may opt Cove Marina handles vessels to 135 tons. P
to use the Peck Ledge channel. Heading sea- Also a wooden boat specialty service.
ward, it splits from the main channel at day- Supplies: Available, but may require a cab
mark 14 and follows green can buoys 11 and ride.
9, proceeds S of Grassy Hammock, daymark
R8 and N of Peck Ledge Light before turning Stamford, CT: 41 02N, 73 32W
S between Peck Ledge and Cockenoe Island. (see chart on next spread)
This E entrance to Norwalk saves substantial Pilotage: Stamford is a large open harbor
sland
time over the Sheffield Harbor entrance. It that splits into two branches at its head. The
is well marked and suitable for vessels of approach from Long Island Sound is through
less than 6ft draft. Do not attempt to pass the main channel, between two large break-
anywhere else between the Norwalk Islands waters. Stamford Light, a white tower with
L
ong I
without local knowledge. privately maintained light, is useful for iden-
Waypoints
tifying Stamford, but care should be used at
Cockenoe Island Shoal Lighted Bell Buoy 24, SE of shoal
the entrance. Many vessels have hit the W
breakwater, particularly on very high tides,
41 04.5N, 73 19.8W Fl R 2.5s 4M Red
by assuming the light marks the entrance to
Georges Rock Lighted Buoy 1, on NE side of rock
the harbor. Use the red and green daymarks/
lights on the breakwater ends. Rocks and
41 05.2N, 73 19.5W Fl G 2.5s 4M Green
shoals run parallel to the channel on W side
Saugatuck River Entrance Lighted Buoy 3
of the harbor.
Waypoint
41 05.9N, 73 21.2W Fl G 4s 4M Green
The Cows Lighted Bell Buoy 32, on S side of reef
Norwalk Islands Lighted Bell Buoy 26,
off SE end of shoal
41 00.22N, 073 31.43W Fl R 6s 4M Red
41 03.7N, 73 22.0W Fl R 4s 4M Red
Harbormaster: Marine Police. VHF 16;
203-977-5720.
Anchorage: The best transient anchorage
Dockage/Moorings: Several huge facilities
for easy dinghy access to town is in the South
up both the East Branch and the West Branch
Anchorage Basin, as marked on the chart,
channels. Moorings may be available through
near the entrance to the East Norwalk chan-
the Stamford Yacht Club VHF 09. Launch
nel. Courtesy dinghy docks are located at the
service operates through the yacht club.
Visitors Dock and at the launch ramp. Good
Anchorage: Avoid the area around the
anchorages abound in the Norwalk Islands,
huge mooring buoy (just inside breakwater)
where the holding is mostly mud and sand.
reserved for barges. As many as a dozen
Harbormaster: VHF 09; 203-849-8823.
gravel barges can swing on this mooring at
Marine patrol: VHF 16; 203-838-0111.
a time.
Dockage/Moorings: Dockage at several
Fuel: Diesel and gas available in both
marinas behind Calf Pasture Point and up-
branches of the harbor.
river. The Norwalk Visitors Dock at Veterans
Supplies: Good marine supplies, but a cab
Park has 700 feet of dockage available for
ride away from groceries.
daily and overnight tie-ups. Contact the har-
Services: Extensive repair and haulout
bormaster. The city docks are on the river’s E
facilities, pumpout. Amtrak to Boston and
side just before the first bridge and within a
New York. Commuter rail to New York. Ac-
short walking distance of downtown. Moor-
cess to Westchester Airport (HPN)
83