There are two general anchorages; the one in the northern part of the harbor behind the breakwater offers protection from easterly chop, and the other lies in the southern part and is sometimes affected by seas raised by winds from the northeast. The small-craft anchorage is in the western part and is convenient to local amenities. All are noted for excellent holding. Boaters should avoid anchoring between the cement silos in the south end of the harbor and the breakwater to leave a path open for cement barges.
Rockland Public Landing, with depths of 6 to 15 feet along its float landing, is on the west side of the harbor. Water and electricity are available at the float, and several dozen nearby moorings are maintained by the harbormaster on a first-come, first-serve basis. Dockage is also available at the Rockland Apprenticeshop.
There are more than 100 moorings available for rent through the city, Journey’s End Marina, Knight Marine Service, The Landings, and Ocean Pursuits.
Several marinas and boatyards serve the harbor and offer moorings, hull, engine, and electronic repairs. Both Journeys End and the Landings marinas offer pump out services.
The Rockland Port District Terminal Wharf, on the west side of Lermond Cove, is the ferry terminal. The wharf is 280 feet long and has a ferry slip, a lift bridge, and ramp; depths of 11 feet are reported alongside. A private light on the wharf operates only upon the approach of a ferry. In addition, there are several private and public wharves and piers on the west side of the harbor that are used by vessels and barges engaged in coastwise shipping. Depths at these facilities are reported to range from about 6 to 14 feet.
Navigation:
One of the busiest harbors in Penobscot Bay, Rockland sits on the west shore of West Penobscot Bay between Owls Head on the south and Jameson Point on the north. The breakwater extends from Jameson Point, with Rockland Breakwater Light showing from a red brick tower and building on at the end of the breakwater. A fog signal is also located at the light.
The most prominent objects in approaching Rockland Harbor are a radio tower, which is lighted at night, the aerolight at the Knox County Regional Airport, and the radio tower and signal mast at Rockland Coast Guard Station on Crockett Point. The light on Owls Head, the tower at the Dragon Cement plant in nearby Thomaston, and the light at the end of the breakwater are also conspicuous.
Approaches:
Approaching Rockland Harbor, the Breakwater Light may be steered for on any safe course, using the chart as a guide. Enter the harbor southward of the breakwater light, giving it a berth of 100 yards or more. The approach channel has three branch channels, all buoyed.
Hazards:
The southwestern side of the harbor is very shoal inside the line between Seal Ledge and Atlantic Point (where grain silos are located). “Even Rhodes 19s go aground here!” notes longtime local boater Dave Getchell.
The northernmost area of the harbor is also shoal inside a line between Jameson Point and the North End Shipyard (1 foot at mean low water).
Several rocks and ledges are in the harbor. The visible ones are Shag Rock, on a cluster of bare rocks, 0.3 mile northwestward of Owls Head and marked by a daybeacon; Lowell Ledge, a cluster of rocks awash at low water on the south shore of the harbor opposite Jameson Point; and Seal Ledge, which uncovers about 5 feet, in the southwest end of the bay and marked by a daybeacon. A buoy marks Spears Rock, covered 5 feet, about 300 yards northeastward of Lowell Ledge.
Dangerous wrecks are on the south side of the harbor entrance about 0.5 mile northeast of Spears Rock and in the southwest part of the harbor about 200 yards south of Seal Ledge.
Tides: The mean range of tide is 9.7 feet.
Customs:
Rockland is a customs port of entry. Contact the Customs Area Security Center for instructions 207-532-2131.
Rockland’s Harbormaster, Launch Service, and Other Information:
- Rockland Harbormaster Matthew Ripley can be reached on VHF 9, 11, and 16 or by calling 207-594-0312, by cell at 207-691-1952, and by email at [email protected].
- The Rockland Yacht Club operates a launch. The club monitors VHF 9; the telephone number is 207-233-2800.
- The Penobscot Bay Regional Chamber of Commerce also has helpful information at www.mainedreamvacation.com.
