An Idyllic New England Anchorage You Must See

Explore the Elizabethan Islands

The south coast of Massachusetts is a sailor’s heaven in the summer with lots of beautiful harbors and coves where you can drop the hook.  The Elizabethan islands which lie northwest of Martha’s Vineyard are a fantastic place to explore if you are sailing in this area.

I was extremely fortunate to have the opportunity of sailing on a beautiful 48-foot Swan from Marion across Buzzard’s Bay to Naushon Island’s Hadley Harbor.  Starting from Marion Harbor gives you the chance to see this seaside town with its charming New England coastal vibe and is home to Beverly Yacht Club and Tabor Academy.  Naushon Island is close to the Buzzard’s Bay entrance to Woods Hole.

Buzzard’s Bay is known for being gusty and choppy and the day I was sailing was no exception. It was such a thrill to see the boat cut through the waves and head towards Naushon Island. If you’re prone to seasickness look at the marine forecast and take a Dramamine beforehand. We approached Naushon Island and did a little tour of the inner harbor as we checked to see if there were any available transient mooring balls. There weren’t, so we dropped the hook in the outer harbor which is still well protected and is a truly deep-water anchorage.  This is a popular anchorage so plan to get there early.

Naushon Island is privately owned by the Forbes family which earned their wealth in transoceanic trade in the 19^th-century. John Kerry is a Forbes family relation on his mother’s side. There are approximately 30 private homes on Naushon owned by various members of the Forbes family.  There are not any cars on the island and people get around by foot or by horse.

We remained in Hadley Harbor for a couple of hours and swam off the boat in the warmish water then had a boat picnic.  We saw several other boats there mid-week, so I can imagine that it can get many more boats anchoring on the weekend.  The small uninhabited Bull Island lies across from Naushon island with all the Forbes’ homes. Bull Island is the only place where you are allowed to go ashore.  Boaters with dogs often take them here for a little walk but be forewarned: this little island is known for lots of ticks. 

If you are on a cruising trip the bigger harbors of Cuttyhunk, Vineyard Haven, Oak Bluffs and Great Harbor in Woods Hole are all within 2 or 3 hours of Hadley, so you can do some hopping around between anchorages, but make sure you pop into Hadley. You won’t be disappointed.

Helpful Info:

• Refer to this website for specific anchorage info
• Click here to see my favorite UV shirt which is perfect for a day on the water over a bathing suit.
• Boating hat – this hat receives rave reviews and can be bought at REI

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