Bristol, Rhode Island · Narragansett Bay · 41°40.3′N 71°16.8′W · VHF Ch 68
Bristol is the friendly, low-key harbor at the top of the east passage — home of the Herreshoff legacy, a walkable waterfront town, and moorings a fraction of Newport's price.
Grab a harbormaster or yacht-club mooring (Ch 68) or anchor in mud just outside the field in 10–14 ft. The harbor is well protected from the prevailing summer southwesterly along the west shore, but a true southerly runs up the east passage and makes it lumpy — work north if it's forecast. The Herreshoff Marine Museum and the shops and restaurants of Hope Street are a short dinghy in.
It's an easy, sociable stop and a good jumping-off point for the head of the bay or a run down to Newport.
Hazards & cautions. Open to the south down the east passage — a southerly builds fetch straight up the harbor and makes it rolly. Favor the north end of the anchorage in any south wind.
No cruiser reports yet. If you've anchored here, be the first — your note helps the next boat in.
Augusto ratings and editorial are our own synthesis of public-domain sources and cruiser reports. Always verify against current charts and local knowledge before you rely on them.