Martha's Vineyard, Massachusetts · Vineyard & Nantucket Sound · 41°23.3′N 70°30.8′W · VHF Ch 09
Edgartown is the Vineyard at its most polished — white captains' houses, the Chappy ferry crossing back and forth, and a harbor packed with beautiful boats. It's stunning, and it runs on current.
The tide sluices through between Edgartown and Chappaquiddick at up to two knots, so boats lie to the current and the sandy bottom holds only fair — set well and give yourself room. Take a harbormaster mooring (Ch 09) if you can; anchoring is pushed to the outer harbor and the Katama end. In a hard northeaster the harbor can get uncomfortable, but it's generally well sheltered.
Ashore is worth the fuss: the shops and restaurants of Main Street, the Chappy ferry, and a bike or dinghy out to Cape Poge. Watch the current on every maneuver and you'll love it.
Hazards & cautions. Strong tidal current runs through the harbor between Edgartown and Chappaquiddick — up to 2 kn, so set your anchor for it and expect boats to lie to the current, not the wind. Sandy bottom holds only fair; a well-set anchor is essential. The harbor is busy and the mooring field dense.
Coast Pilot notes the strong tidal currents in Edgartown Harbor between the town and Chappaquiddick Island; vessels lie to the current.
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.