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From the water
Coming to Bristol Harbor from the northwest You'll have good water on the way south from Conimicut point and Nayatt points. Once between Prudence Island and the mainland, begin looking for the green and red junction buoy at the southern tip of Poppasquash point. Round the buoy to the south and you will see Hog Island ahead. The water is deep, the channel well-marked, and there is almost always a breeze. The 25-foot red 6sec flasher "2" at Castle Island will be to the starboard ahead. Be sure to stay mid-channel, because the northern tip of the island extends quite a distance under water and is mostly solid rock. Farther north, don't cut green can "3," because this area is rocky, as is much of Usher Cove. Just north of Hog Island, there's another red and green junction buoy. Stay out of the very rocky waters south of this mark. North of the junction buoy you will find deep water leading the rest of the way into Bristol Harbor. Much of Bristol Harbor is spotted with moorings, but a path called the "fairway" is left open along the western shore, leading up to Bristol Yacht Club. Look for the red and green channel markers that mark the fairway and lead right to Bristol Yacht Club. It's best to call ahead for information about moorings or slips at the Bristol Yacht club if you're a member of another club with reciprocal privileges. Coming to Bristol Harbor From Mount Hope Bay Stay to the middle beneath the Mount Hope Bay Bridge. The currents sometimes reach 4 knots here, and the wind can be stiff. Once under the bridge, head for red nun "2" off Bristol Point. Don't cut this point or you may end up on the submerged rocks. Stay mid-channel between Bristol Point and Hog Island. Ahead, you'll see green can "3," which must be kept to port. Stay north and east of the red and green junction buoy north of Hog Island, and you'll head right to Bristol Harbor. Look for the "fairway" to the west, a channel through the mooring field marked by red and green bouys and left open for easy passage. Coming to Bristol Harbor from the south You have a clear shot up the East Passage. Follow the Buoys and sail right up into the channel entering Bristol via the west side of Hog Island.Stay mid-channel between Bristol Point and Hog Island. Ahead, you'll see green can "3," which must be kept to port. Stay north and east of the red and green junction buoy north of Hog Island, and you'll head right to Bristol Harbor. Look for the "fairway" to the west, a channel through the mooring field marked by red and green bouys and left open for easy passage.
From land
From Newport Take Route 114 North to the Mount Hope Bridge, after the bridge continue on 114 North through downtown Bristol, turn left onto Poppasquash Road (look for Coggeshall Farm Sign) and follow around the harbor to the Bristol Yacht Club. From Boston & Cape Cod Take Route 24 South to Exit 8A (Tiverton / Newport), continue on 24 to Exit 2 (Bristol / Mount Hope Bridge), then follow directions above. From I 95 North or South Take I 195 East to Exit 7 ( Seakonk / Barrington ), follow Route 114 South through Barrington, Warren and Bristol -- turn right onto Poppasquash Road (at the Coggeshall Farm Museum sign) and follow around the harbor to the Bristol Yacht Club.
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