Bonnet Shores, or Mackrel Cove, RI?

[searaycruisn]

I want to spend a night anchored near a beach close by to Newport. I have narrowed it down to either Bonnet Shores, or Mackrel Cove. I have been to Bonnet Shores (by car) and saw some boats anchored out, but I am worried that it could get rough overnight there. However, when I look at the pictures I could find of the beach at Mackrel Cove, it looks kind of rocky (vs, sandy at Bonnet Shores). Will only be there for one night, and then going in to Newport for the next night, so I want to be close by.

Other options, I guess, is First Beach, or Second Beach, but I would prefer to be closer to Newport Harbor.

I am hoping some local members will chime in here and give me some recommendations.

 

[db114]

Mackrel Cove is better protected then Bonnet Shores. If you have a southeast wind then it can get rough in Mackrel Cove. It is deep in there and you can get close to the shore. I have never gone to the beach in there, but have anchored quite a bit there. Hope this helps.

 

[Ididntdoit]

Mackrel cove should be fine, just go way in - the prevailing winds are from the west - first and second beach are out - third beach is nice and protectected but a bit of a ride back around the point into the harbor - the same holds true for dutch harbor on the other side of jamestown - don't expect much out of any of the above beaches as far as surf and sand are concerned. Why not stop at a beach for the day and then anchor right in newport harbor for the night? I don't know the route you plan to take, but how about stopping somewhere "on the way" like napatree if you want to enjoy the beach for a day/night and then continue on to npt in the morning?

 

[searaycruisn]

I think what I will do (based on the recommendations) is come in to Bonnet Shores on Friday morning and spend the day. Then make a decision about whether I want to stay there overnight on Friday night, or head up to Mackrel Cove for the night. I want to stay on the hook most of Saturday before going in to Newport for dinner and drinks Saturday night....which is why I am not anchoring in Newport Harbor.

 

[searaycruisn]

I thought I would check back in after completing this trip. Bonnet Shores was way too exposed for a calm overnight, so I continued to Mackrel Cove. Nice anchorage that is about 1/4 of mile wide and maybe 1 mile long with about 8 feet of water at low tide. At the end of the cove is a decent beach, but the lifeguards are a real PIA, and absolutely will not let you come in on a dinghy. They made me drag my dinghy to the far side of the beach (in front of a heavily rocky bank) and anchor it there, then walk in the water back to the beach. Not very friendly! Conditions in the cove were fairly calm, only soft rollers. We were the only boat anchored on Friday night. About mid day on Saturday, a number of other boats showed up, but most did not event attempt to approach the beach with the dingys (they must know the lifeguards are angry), and many were sailboats anchored closer to the entrance to the cove.

From there, it is about a 2 mile run to Newport Harbor, where we docked at the Newport Yachting Center marina, right in the heart of Newport. Had dinner at 22 Bowen Street ($63 for a 2 lb. lobster), and cocktails at 41 North ($20 cover charge and $25 for two drinks including tip) and The Pier (live band, but a bunch of Lounge Lizards!).....not a cheap date!