New Hampshire

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Revision as of 19:38, 10 September 2014

New Hampshire

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The New Hampshire seacoast is less than 20nm in length.

However, that length includes the mouth of the Piscataqua River, which leads to Portsmouth, NH - the only safe harbor without a sometimes-hazardous entrance bar between Cape Elizabeth (ME) and Cape Ann (MA).

It also includes the Southernmost islands of the scenic Isles of Shoals, and the secluded Little Harbor, location of the excellent Wentworth Marina - which is shuttlebus-close to Portsmouth, but avoids the stiff river currents.

(Wentworth Marina is associated with the gloriously restored Wentworth-by-the-Sea resort hotel, where President Theodore Roosevelt hosted the 1905 Russo-Japanese peace conference that won him a Nobel Peace Prize).

Climate & Weather

Coastal climate

The more extreme temperatures of the North American continent are (somewhat) ameliorated by the coastal ocean waters. Winter sea temperatures are under 40F, warming to more than 60F in Summer. Winter can exhibit long periods where the temperature stays below freezing, and most days from January through March exhibit freezing at night. Boston averages 40in (100cm) of snowfall per Winter. Summer can exhibit a couple of weeks of humid temperatures ranging from 68F (20C) at night to 95F (35C) in mid-day. Both Spring and Fall (Autumn) are more moderate and variable.

From late October through April, one extra-tropical cyclone after another is swept NE by the jet stream from Cape Haterras to Nova Scotia - the notorious "Nor-easters." July and August exhibit extended periods of light SW-lies and flat seas, punctuated by strong afternoon thunderstorms. Late May and June, and September and early October offer slightly higher average sea states, and good winds - often NW-lies providing Force 4-to-6 beam reaches up or down the SW-to-NE coast.

Having sufficient sail area to move your hull in 5kts of wind, yet having enough reefing points to reduce that area to handle 30kt winds, will cover most any conditions from May through October, except for short storm periods. (My 36ft fractional sloop has a 500sq-ft mainsail with 3 reef points; a 300sq-ft jib with roller furling; and an 850sq-ft asymmetric spinnaker.)

• NOAA databuoys realtime wind/wave data

Sources for Weather forecasts:

• NOAA Coastal Waters Forecast (Stonington, ME to Merrimac River, MA)

Charts

ΟΑΑ

Chart No 13278 (Portsmouth to Cape Ann)

Chart No 13283 (Portsmouth Harbor - Cape Neddick Harbor to Isles-of-Shoals)

Local Radio Nets

Also see World Cruiser's Nets.

Special State Boating Bylaws or Restrictions

?

Ports and Popular Stops

• Portsmouth, NH
• Little Harbor (Wentworth-by-the-Sea)

Offshore Islands and Groups

• Isles of Shoals

Marinas & Yacht Clubs

Use this section only if there are few marinas not covered in pages under Ports and Islands above. Remove if not applicable.

Transportation

List transportation to other countries, etc.

Routes/Passages To/From

List popular passages/routes, timing, etc.

Cruiser's Friends

Contact details of "Cruiser's Friends" that can be contacted for local information or assistance.

Forum Discussions

List links to discussion threads on partnering forums. (see link for requirements)

External Links

• New Hampshire

References & Publications

Publications, Guides, etc.

• MapTech "Embassy" Crusing Guides If you can only afford one, this is it. (MapTech makes the NOAA digital charts)
• Waterway Guides Also good (especially for upscale marina-hopping), but fewer ports.
• Cruising Guide to the New Engand Coast excellent sailors' background supplement to either of the above.
• Guide to New England Marinas book + CDROM (excellent, but listed dockage rates are outdated and low)

Personal Notes

Personal experiences?

Last Visited & Details Checked (and updated here)

Date of member's visit to this Port/Stop & this page's details validated:

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