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by Charlie Cassidy
Wickford was the first place we sailed
Seven C’s, our MacGregor 26X, and
remains one of our favorite destinations
.
Wickford is the quintesential small Rhode
Island fishing village, with several
good marinas and lots to see and do. It
was the inspiration for John Updike’s
famous book The Witches of Eastwick. It was also the  boyhood home of
Gilbert Stuart, whose portrait of George
Washington graces the $1 bill.
The town maintains a nice dock at the head of
Wickford Cove, one block off of Main Street
and easy walking distance from several
restaurants and an interesting mix of shops.
You can tie up for up to two hours without charge. We especially like the
Harborside Grill for lunch, next to Ryan’s Market. And be sure to take the
little ones to The Toy Cellar on Main St.
 Wickford Harbor is a busy place,
with many moored boats,
kayakers, sailing dinghys,
commercial and recreational
fishing boats. And if that isn’t
enough, the harbor is known for
shoaling. You need to keep your
charts and your wits about you.
As you enter the outer harbor through the
breakwater, look to port to see Wickford Light,
constructed in 1831 and now a private residence. Slow down, as the entire
harbor is a No-Wake zone. A little further, the channel splits. Wickford Cove,
the Wickford Shipyard, Brewer’s Marina and the commercial fishing dock are
to port. The town dock is at the end of this branch at the head of the cove.
Wickford Marina and the boat ramp at Wilson Park are on the starboard
branch. The ramp at Wilson Park is a good one with a small dock. Be aware
that it is very shallow (learned from experience). Raise your centerboard
before leaving the channel. 
Although I haven’t experienced it myself, I’ve
heard great things about Pleasant Street Wharf,
a marina located between Wickford Marina and
the yacht club to port just beyond G C “9”.
Family-owned and family-oriented, the owners
Chris and Erik Collins are always there. It’s a
friendly place that will accommodate,
somehow, any visiting cruiser.They have
heads, showers, ice, gas and diesel available.
There are grills on the dock and on any night there are people cooking there.
Just bring your food and join in the fun. Even if you forget your food you
will eat if you want to, as everyone shares.
Given the prevailing southwesterlies in Narragansett Bay, Wickford is usually
a nice broad reach across the bay from our home marina in Melville.You may
want to visit during the annual art festival (second weekend in July) or the
International Quahog Festival held in August. Or pick a quiet weekend after
Labor Day like we do, and just soak up the atmosphere of this wonderful
village.
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