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More Westport MA shots and info

It's definitely worth the stop Tom. However the entry can be treacherous if there's a big swell running (so skip it if that's the case) and the current makes navigation even more of a challenge. We haven't been in there for a few years. There's shoaling at the entrance and in the river, so this is one harbor where the charts and CP should be used only as a "rough" reference, and the nav aids should be followed religiously. (Although the charts show the main entrance channel to be west of the large rock at the entrance, I have heard that the deeper water is now to the east of that rock and the channel now runs between it and the beach.) If in doubt hail the harbormaster on 16 before entering.

Entering the river, you will pass a spit of land to port-side terminated by a large rock hill (The Knubble). The channel runs close to the port-side shore and you'll pass close to many summer cottages along that shore. Go from buoy to buoy and do NOT short-cut the bend of channel, as there are shoals throughout the middle of the river. Also beware of cross-currents -- your COG will not match your heading, and currents can run up to about 5 knots. I recommend the Westport Yacht Club for a guest mooring for smaller boats (under about 33 feet, no launch service) (it is more social and they have nicer showers and snack bar) or FL Tripp is a friendly marina that has heavier transient moorings for larger boats and also provides launch service and offers full marine services and docks if you want that. Both are located behind Horseneck Beach State Park, and it's a short 5-10 minute walk through the woods to the beach (bring insect repellent for that walk, as the mosquitoes in the woods are voracious and might carry off small animals).

This is Horseneck Beach. Nice surf and fine sand. There's a paved bike path that runs through the dunes behind the beach for about 6 miles to Gooseberry Neck Light. Great for joggers and walkers too.

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