Menemsha harbor is a tiny dredged basin just inside the breakwater entrance. It is dedicated to fishing, both commercial and sport, but there are a few moorings (rafting mandatory) and dock spaces too. Be prepared with a plan before you come in from outside because there is not a lot of room to maneuver once inside.
The harbormaster can direct you to a mooring on the inside, or you can pick up one outside northeast of the entrance channel. In calm summer weather with the wind in the south the outside anchorage is pleasant, though always a bit uneasy. In a blow from the north it becomes rough and uncomfortable. There is infinite room to anchor either north or south of the entrance channel, on the outside, and further down in Menemsha Bight off of Lobsterville Beach.
Ashore you’ll find a few nice little seafood shops, a sushi bar, a couple of cafes, and some other local shops. The fuel dock is convenient and there are public restrooms.
Coast Guard Station Menemsha is primarily a search and rescue unit that has specialized skills in heavy weather work. These are the folks who will head out into a gale in February to find and rescue mariners in trouble!
The channel into Menemsha Pond is narrow and shoal, and should only be attempted with local knowledge. Most big boats won’t venture there.
Harbormaster VHF Channel 09, 508-645-2846
Dockage and Moorings: Menemsha Harbormaster VHF Channel 09, 508-645-2846
Fuel, water, and pumpout: Contact harbormaster or Menemsha Texaco 508-645-2641
