September 22, 2025 Through the Cape Cod Canal

Monday Sept. 22, 2025 Boston to Buzzards Bay Silvershell Anchorage 73 miles and 7.3 hours

Been watching the super extended forecast on my weather apps. Getting nervous about possible hurricane activity picking up again after a slow summer. Looks like potential for 2-3 storms to develop one after the other. It would essentially shut down the possibility of our required offshore transit around New Jersey. So, we'll start heading south a little faster than our original plan and necessitate skipping a few places. Today was just a day to start that move south. Early morning departure trying to time the current through the Cape Cod Canal. This canal saves the 100+ mile trip around Cape Cod but due to tidal time differences at each entrance, it can have significant currents. Decent day running offshore down the Massachusetts coast. Pretty calm conditions, sunny, light breeze. Not too many lobster traps but the ones out there are scattered around, so no time to be lazy. Still needed to keep a sharp lookout. The shore is lined with beach houses making a marked difference from the rugged natural coast of Maine with its scattering of homes. Still plenty of lighthouses.

Boston Light

Minots Light

Scituate Lighthouse

Not a lighthouse. I thought it was maybe an old WWII submarine lookout tower.
It's actually an old tower built in the 1940's but it was used as a fire observation tower

Race Point Lighthouse (?)

Cuttyhunk Light Oil House (?)

Timed our arrival at the eastern canal entrance perfectly. We had a strong 3 mph push through the entire 10 mile length. Speed limit is 10 mph and even in idle we were oftentimes going a little faster. Exiting the canal onto Buzzards Bay can be very unnerving if there is a strong SW wind against the outgoing flow. Can build big 4-5' standing waves. Our light SW breeze today resulted in some confused swirling waters but no real waves or issues.

Heading through the canal.

Two bridges over the canal. First is fixed so easy passage.
Second is a railroad lift that was at least up so no issues getting through.

A turn to starboard a few miles down the bay and up towards the town of Marion. Found an anchorage with positive reviews off Silvershell Beach. Dropped the hook for a nice peaceful night. Watched the local sailing club Junior Regatta, then a nice sunset after dinner to finish the day.