Wickford Harbor, Jewel of the West Passage

Being the primary home port of the Safe/Sea fleet, it seems fitting that Wickford is the first harbor for us to discuss out of the many beautiful locations that abound in Narragansett Bay.

Certainly, a car trip to South County with a stop in Wickford is a great experience, but there is nothing like arriving by boat, especially if the Bay is a bit choppy in the afternoon. The wonderfully protected harbor offers excellent shelter and many activities.

There are several good size full service marinas to provide repairs should you arrive at the end of a towline behind a Safe/Sea towboat. As you proceed from the outer harbor into Wickford Cove, you will come first to the Wickford Shipyard and then, as the channel turns westward, Brewer’s Wickford Cove Marina. Both marinas offer full repair service and both gasoline and diesel.

Gas and Diesel is also available at Pleasant Street Wharf, just past Cornelius Island in Mill Cove. Further into Mill Cove, the New Wickford Marina offers brand-new facilities and even an outdoor jacuzzi.

The excellent town launching ramp is just past Wickford Marina in this branch of the harbor.

If you have just decided that this harbor is the place to spend a peaceful weekend and you want to simply sit on your boat and watch the world go by, that certainly is available.

If you are looking for good shopping, groceries for your boat, a pharmacy, good books, or whatever, the stores on Brown Street are busy, well stocked and easy to get to from a marina by foot or taxi. If you want to put your dinghy to use, there is dockage available right downtown at the end of Wickford Cove.

On Tuesday evenings from mid-June through early August, free concerts are held in the parking lot adjacent to the transient dock downtown.

The channel is well marked and easy to follow. Besides marina dockage, there are moorings available from the Wickford Yacht Club in the outer harbor on your starboard side as you enter, and you can anchor in the outer harbor as well. Space is somewhat limited, so it’s best to arrive early so you can relax and enjoy your visit.

Downtown there are several places where sandwiches and meals are available. One needs to check times, however, as Wickford is truly a village and late hours are not the general rule.

One restaurant does serve dinner and there are many other good eating establishments within a short taxi ride or 10 minute walk. Sometimes, restaurants and taverns that are not immediately downtown will provide transportation, if you call them on the phone. It never hurts to ask.

There is no place better to live or visit even though night life does not abound. If you plan your trip right, you may be in town for a weekly concert or the famous Art Festival.

Even if nothing special is going on when you visit, the scenery itself will make your stopover an adventure to remember.