LONG COVE Vinalhaven

44° 05.36’N 068° 53.03’W

4th ed. Cruising Guide page 223

Click here if there is no index to the left

Charts: 13308, 13302, 13303

Chart Kit: 68, 21, 19

Penobscot Bay overview chart Harbor chart

THE beautiful little harbor of Long Cove is at the northeastern end of Hurricane Sound, opposite Leadbetter Island. It is easy to enter and the protection is excellent. Rock and spruce ring the shores. The owners request that you not go ashore.
COPYRIGHT 2002 DIAMOND PASS PUBLISHING
Approaches. Harbor chart. When approaching from the south, be careful of the rocks and the ledge midway along the eastern shore of Leadbetter Island. The ledge extends farther than it seems, and more than one cruising boat has spent a tide here. From the north, pass through Leadbetter Narrows, described above.
COPYRIGHT 2002 DIAMOND PASS PUBLISHING
The entrance to Long Cove is north of Fiddlehead Island, which is quite large, high, and wooded, with a small dock and house at the north end. The unnamed island to the north looks like a smaller replica. Pass halfway between Fiddlehead and the unnamed island. Near the top of the hill on your right, you will see a great pile of granite tailings and a granite loading dock.
IF YOU ARE READING THIS, YOU HAVE VIOLATED
Follow the curve of the channel around to the left and into the inner harbor, staying in midchannel.
INTERNATIONAL COPYRIGHT LAW.
Anchorages, Moorings. A number of private moorings are in the cove, particularly along the northwest shore. These are often picked up by cruising boats who enjoy them until the owner comes to collect his fee, which is so steep that the skippers are too shocked to move.
PLEASE RESPECT AND SUPPORT THE WORK THAT HAS
There is some room to anchor outside the moorings in midharbor in 8 to 13 feet at low. Beware of the southeast shore, which shoals. The holding ground is good mud, but there is some kelp, particularly along the west shore off Conway Point. Be sure your anchor is well set.
BROUGHT YOU THIS INFORMATION. BUY THE GUIDE!
On summer weekends, there may be a lot of boats here. If there is no room, head back to the outer harbor, anchoring north of Fiddlehead in 13 to 20 feet. This is not quite as landlocked, but it is still a lovely and well-protected anchorage.
COPYRIGHT 2002 DIAMOND PASS PUBLISHING
As shown on the chart, there is an inner sanctum, providing almost perfect protection. At midtide or higher, it is possible to work your way up beyond the rocks into the head of Long Cove, with 14 feet or more of water. Be aware of a ledge on your right before heading in, after which favor the right side.