Hingham to Provincetown by boat

Pilotage Plan from Hingham, Massachusetts, United States to Provincetown, Massachusetts, United States

Overview

Embarking on a voyage from Hingham to Provincetown offers an exceptional opportunity to explore the beautiful waters of Cape Cod Bay. This route is particularly suitable for experienced cruisers who enjoy scenic views, interesting coastal landmarks, and potential shelter spots along the way. The roughly 50 nautical mile journey winds through a combination of sheltered bays, open waters, and picturesque seaside towns.

Departure: Hingham, Massachusetts

Start your journey at Hingham Harbor, a popular launch point known for its sheltered waters and stunning views of the surrounding area. Navigating out of the harbor requires careful attention to navigation aids, particularly the Hingham Harbor Light at the entrance, which marks the channel's approach.

Notable Points of Interest Along the Route

1. Nantasket Beach: Just southwest of Hingham, this beautiful beach is a good stop if conditions allow. It offers opportunities for swimming, picnicking, and enjoying local eateries.

2. Cohasset: As you progress along the route, passing Cohasset's rugged coastline, be on the lookout for the iconic Cohasset Lighthouse. This area provides ample photo opportunities.

3. Gloucester: While a bit out of the direct path, it's a charming town worth a visit known for its fishing industry history and the scenic Good Harbor Beach.

4. Scituate Light: This historic lighthouse marks the entrance to the Scituate Harbor and is another prominent navigation aid that doubles as a great spot for a brief exploration.

5. Duxbury Bay: If the weather deteriorates, Duxbury Bay offers excellent shelter from rough seas. The area is well-marked and has ample anchorage.

Essential Shelters

If weather conditions worsen, consider diverting to:

• Duxbury Bay: Well-protected and with good holding, making it an ideal stop to wait out weather changes.
• Plymouth Harbor: Provides a safe harbor for larger vessels and is equipped with amenities for boaters.

Route Outline

1.

: Exit the harbor while carefully navigating around buoys and vessels. Follow the channel towards the south, keeping an eye on the Hingham Harbor Light.

2. Heading to Hull: Once past Hingham, steer towards Hull, where you’ll encounter Hull Gut, the narrow channel that requires attention to tidal currents. Adhere to your chart and follow the marked buoys.

3. Crossing the Hull Gut: As you continue, keep a watchful eye on the tide conditions, and use navigational aids like the Hull Ledge Light to ensure safe passage.

4. Traverse Width of the Bay: Once through Hull Gut, head across to the eastern side of Cape Cod Bay. Pay attention to vessel traffic, especially around busy ports.

Navigational Aids

Throughout your journey, be certain to reference NOAA charts, and consider using electronic aids such as:
• Savvy Navvy: An excellent app that provides real-time navigation, detailed nautical charts, and route planning features.
• Navionics: For local charts and community updates.
• Windy: Useful for current weather conditions to aid in route planning.

Local Regulations & Guidelines

• Rules of the Road: As with all coastal boating, follow the COLREGS (International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea). Keep an eye out for fishing vessels, especially near prominent fishing grounds.
• Wildlife Protections: Be aware of seasonal restrictions around certain areas protecting nesting grounds, especially in areas like Cape Cod.

Arrival: Provincetown, Massachusetts

Upon arrival in Provincetown Harbor, pay attention to the numerous mooring fields, and heed local regulations regarding anchoring and mooring. The town is vibrant and full of life, with galleries, shops, and fine dining awaiting you ashore.

Conclusion

This route from Hingham to Provincetown merges safety, beautiful scenery, and memorable experiences. Whether you're an experienced sailor looking for a tranquil escape or a family eager to explore charming towns, this journey across Cape Cod Bay showcases the very best of Massachusetts’ coastal beauty while prioritizing navigational safety. Remember, always keep your weather app handy, assess changing conditions frequently, and most importantly, enjoy every moment on the water!