POINT JUDITH NORTH

• USWJK
• Latitude: 41.4273
• Longitude: -71.4955
• US East Coast
• Marina in US

Location: Narragansett RI US

Point Judith Harbor of Refuge, commonly referred to as Point Judith North, is located on the southern coast of Rhode Island, United States. This facility serves as a significant harbor of refuge for vessels navigating the treacherous waters around Point Judith. Here is a detailed description and specification of Point Judith North:

Location:

• Coordinates: Approximately 41.3619° N latitude, 71.4871° W longitude.
• Region: Situated within Narragansett Bay, Rhode Island.

Harbor Features:

1. Type: Harbor of Refuge.
2. Courses: The harbor is essentially a man-made structure designed to provide safe anchorage during storms and rough weather conditions, leveraging breakwaters to create sheltered waters.
3. Access: Accessible from the Atlantic Ocean with navigational aids to guide ships safely into the harbor area.

Infrastructural Elements:

1. Breakwaters:

   • East Breakwater: Approximately 6,970 feet in length.
   • West Breakwater: About 8,380 feet in length.
   • These structures offer substantial protection from ocean swells and waves.

2. Water Depth:

   • Maintained depths within the refuge typically range around 25-30 feet, suitable for accommodating various sizes of vessels, including fishing boats, recreational yachts, and small commercial ships.

3. Anchorage:

   • Designated anchorage areas are present with good holding ground.
   • Suitable for short-term anchorage particularly during adverse weather conditions.

4. Navigation Aids:

   • Lighted buoys and markers.
   • A lighthouse stationed at Point Judith (Point Judith Light) serves as a crucial navigational aid.

Facilities:

• Mooring and Docking: Limited mooring facilities are present. Most anchoring is done on a temporary basis.
• Fuel and Supplies: Nearby ports and marinas, such as Galilee and Jerusalem, offer fuel, provisions, and other marine services.
• Emergency Services: Coast Guard presence to provide emergency assistance, particularly during severe weather events.

Usage:

1. Fishing Industry: The harbor serves as a hub for the local fishing industry, providing shelter to vessels.
2. Recreational Boating: Popular among recreational boaters exploring Narragansett Bay and the surrounding areas.
3. Commercial Traffic: Though primarily a refuge harbor, it also sees some commercial use given its strategic location along major navigation routes.

Environmental and Safety Measures:

• Environmental Protection: Efforts are in place to protect the local marine ecosystem, including water quality monitoring and pollution controls.
• Safety Regulations: Adherence to U.S. Coast Guard safety standards for vessel operation and harbor usage.

Connectivity:

• Adjacent Ports: Close proximity to Port of Galilee (a major fishing port) and other local marinas which offer additional services and connectivity.
• Land Access: Easily accessible by road, facilitating the movement of goods and personnel to and from the harbor.

Point Judith Harbor of Refuge stands as a critical maritime infrastructure, providing vital shelter and support services to vessels operating in the often challenging marine environment of the northeastern United States. The harbor’s well-engineered breakwaters and strategic location considerably enhance maritime safety for a wide range of users.