Please note that mush of the information in this report may be out of date
Flying Fish ArticlesBaddeck – 46°10.00'N, 60°46.00'W
Bridgewater – 44°22.00'N, 64°30.00'W
Chester & Mahone Bay – 44°32.00'N, 64°15.00'W
Halifax – 44°40.00'N, 63°35.00'W
Lunenburg – 44°22.00'N, 64°18.00'W
Mahone Bay & Lunenburg – 44°28.40'N, 64°17.30'W
Baddeck – 46°10.00'N, 60°46.00'W
Pictou – 45°41.00'N, 62°43.00'W
Sydney – 46°20.00'N, 60°07.00'W
Yarmouth – 43°49.00'N, 66°08.00'W
Baddeck – 46°10.00'N, 60°46.00'W
1) INFORMATION SUBMITTED BY Harry Anderson - OCC Port Officer
2) DATE 1998
3) HARBOUR OR AREA COVERED Baddeck, Bras d’Or Lakes, Cape Breton, Nova Scotia, Canada. 46°10’N, 60°46’W approx.
4) SUITABILITY AND ATTRACTION FOR YACHTS The Bras d’Or Lakes are a delightful stopover going either way. Baddeck is the chief town. There are many sheltered anchorages on this great inland sheet of water. When entering from the SE through St.Peter’s Canal there is one lock and one overhead cable with 100ft clearance. The lock operates from May 14th to 18th, 0800-1630 FREE, June 19th to August 5th from 0800-2030 FREE and from then until September 5th 0800-1930 FREE. Yachts must arrive ½ hour before closing time.
5) MARINAS, BERTHING OR ANCHORAGE Cape Breton Boatyard at the west end of town (owner & manager -Henry Fuller Tel 902 295 2664, Fax 1459, E mail boatyard@capebretonnet .com), Baddeck marine (owner & manager Charles Weaver 902 294 2434) & the Bras d’Or Yacht Club have limited pier and/or dock space, although draught may be a problem. Cape Breton Boatyard have slips and moorings available, larger yachts lie alongside main bulkhead. On entering hug mooring area, giving point to port wide berth before turning to port to the main bulkhead, identifiable by tall ‘A’ frame at spar shed. Baddeck Marine has limited slip space but if deep draught lie off outboard end of dock vis-a-vis on sides. It is also possible to use one of the mooring buoys or to anchor close to the west of Kidston Island which protects the waterfront at Baddeck.
6) ENTRY PORTS Sydney, Port Hawkesbury, Shelbourne, Lunenberg or Halifax
7) FORMAL REQUIREMENTS FOR YACHTS ENTERING/DEPARTING a) from/to same country None b) from/to abroad By phone 888 - CANPASS (888 226-7277 FREE) for a reporting number or, at discretion of customs, arranging an inspection, by furnishing identification of skipper and crew. c) visa requirements
8) LOCATION/EXISTENCE OF
a) harbour master The wharfinger’s name is William Ross, Tel 902 295 2862
b) customs/immigration ) Normally handled by same office, or officer.
c) health authorities )
d) police
9) CONTROL OF FOREIGN YACHTS Permit usually good for 3 months with extensions possible, or conversion to an E999 Permit for winter lay-up based on furnishing a work order from boatyard.
10) ATTITUDE OF OFFICIALS TO VISITING YACHTSMEN Courteous and friendly but strict on immediate reporting.
11) REPAIR/HAULING FACILITIES Cape Breton Boatyard at west end of town. Hauling on marine railway limited to 6ft draft.
12) SAILING DIRECTIONS OR CHARTS Canadian chart 4278 coming in from the NE or Canadian chart 4275 if coming in from the SE through St. Peter’s Canal. BA chart 2727. ‘Cruise Cape Breton’, if updated, would be excellent. Tidal currents - the current peaks at entrance and under highway bridge in the Great Bras d’Or passage at 4-5 knots. Also it changes several hours differently from along the coast so refer to special table in Vol. 1 of Canadian Tidetables or Reed’s US Nautical Almanac.
13) PORT RADIO SERVICES
14) WEATHER FORECASTS Continuous in English on VHF.
15) YACHT CLUB(S) Bras d’Or Yacht Club, adjacent east of town pier, welcomes visiting yachts if their floats have space and draught is a problem. Showers, bar and light luncheons.
16) OTHER FACILITIES -
a) drinking water Baddeck Marine & Cape Breton Boatyard
b) fuel Baddeck Marina & Cape Breton Boatyard
c) gas (propane)/gaz/ Propane at Irving station, one mile west of town on main highway. Kerosene at local Ultramar station
d) chandlers Cape Breton Boatyard & Baddeck Marine who specialise in outboard motors.
e) bank Royal Bank of Canada in town
f) shops/market In town - reasonable
g) restaurants/hotels Lots, but crowded in summer so book ahead
h) post office/telephones PO In town, public telephones near Information Centre at Legion Post & near Yacht Club.
i) best mailing address
j) showers Yacht club and Cape Breton Boatyard.
k) laundry Multiple units below Gisele’s Motel and one combo at Cape Breton Boatyard.
l) transport/air services) Car rentals only from airport at Sydney & taxis limited. Can arrange locally for transport to airport (1 hour’s drive) for crew changes.
m) hospital In town
n) anything else Mosquitoes and bugs need screens for ports and hatches and Deet for persons.
17) FIRST HAND RECOMMENDATIONS OR WARNINGS Traditional Attractions - Alexander Bell Museum in Baddeck. Day’s drive around the Cabot Trail - a combination of the Scottish Highlands and the Amalfi Drive. Drive to Fortress Louisbourg (1½ hours) finest fort restoration in N. America and animated. In general the various lakes and their extension offer weeks of unmatched cruising and bald eagle watching subject to a mix of sunshine and rain typical of an ocean climate. Maskell’s Harbour Harry Anderson writes that any OCC members planning to go to the Bras d’Or Lakes, is welcome to contact us in Newport, and we will furnish them with the combination on the padlock on the barn. If neither myself nor my partners are there, they can avail themselves of showers, telephone and other amenities - also the mooring with ANNIE B. & CCA on it, if not occupied.
Bridgewater – 44°22.00'N, 64°30.00'W
INFORMATION SUBMITTED BY S. Grant, OCC Port Officer, Halifax, NS & R. Pietrzak (Canadian Hydrographic Service – 902-426-2477)
2) DA TE 1999 HARBOUR OR AREA COVERED Bridgewater, Nova Scotia, Canada, 44° 22 'N, 64° 30 'W SUITABILITY AND ATTRACTION FOR YACHTS Bridgewater is situated at the head of navigation on the LaHave River.
The river is sometimes called the 'Rhine of Nova Scotia ', a simply beautiful run. Bridgewater is a major commercial centre. MARINAS, BERTHING OR ANCHORAGE The 'Artificial Reef Society of Nova Scotia ' has aquired the marine shipping terminal (port wharf). HMCS Fraser, a retired Canadian destroyer, is permanently berthed alongside this terminal, and is used as a permanent floating museum and community activity centre. Visiting vessels are welcome to the wharf.
A marina is planned at this site in future years. ENTRY PORTS Yarmouth, Halifax, Sydney FORMAL REQUIREMENTS FOR YACHTS ENTERING/DEPARTING
a) from/to same country from/to abroad – On arrival, Skipper Calls 1-888-226-7277 FREE for a reporting number or, at the discretion of customs, arranging an inspection.
c) visa requirements – not required for British or US citizens
8) LOCATION/EXISTENCE OF
a) harbour master - contact Richard Welsford 902 - 543 1169 customs1immigration health authorities - South Shore Regional Hospital
9) CONTROL OF FOREIGN YACHTS - none ATTITUDE OF OFFICIALS TO VISITING YACHTSMEN Very good REPAIRIHAULING FACILITIES Alongside repairs. Snyders Shipyard operates on the east side of the LaHave River at Dayspring, a few miles from Bridgewater. SAILING DIRECTIONS OR CHARTS Sailing Directions, Nova Scotia Atlantic Coast, CHS charts 4391, 4395
13) PORT RADIO SERVICES - nil
14) WEATHER FORECASTS - Continuous VHF. YACHT CLUB(S) LaHave River Yacht Club on west side of LaHave River, a few miles from Bridgewater. LaHave outfitters/ Bakery on west side of river at LaHave, just north of the river mouth.
16) OTHER FACILITIES -
a) drinking water - delivered
b) fuel - delivered
c) gas (propane)lgaz - delivered
d) chandlers - hardware store nearby
e) bank - in major shopping centre, 10 min. walk
f) shops1market - in major shopping centre, 10 min. walk
g) restaurants1hotels – several in town, 10-15 min. walk post office/telephones – in town centre, 15 min. walk best mailing addressHMCS FraserBox 233, Unit 17450 LaHave Street Bridgewater, NS B4V 3T2, Canada showers - YMCA & HMCS Fraser laundry - centre of town and HMCS Fraser transport/air services – bus service to Halifax hospital - South Shore Regional Hospital in town
17) FIRST HAND RECOMMENDATIONS OR WARNINGS The LaHave River is one of the jewels of Nova Scotia cruising. I have sailed here on numerous occasions and the warm water and weather, the people and the scenery make it well worth the hour or so it takes to get into the river from seaward. Be aware of a river current of a few knots in the upper reaches.
Chester & Mahone Bay – 44°32.00'N, 64°15.00'W
1) INFORMATION SUBMITTED BY Mike & Pat Pocock - Blackjack Steve Grant - OCC Port Officer, Halifax
2) DATE 1994 & 1999
3) HARBOUR OR AREA COVERED Chester & Mahone Bay, Nova Scotia, Canada 44° 33’ N 64° 15’W
4) SUITABILITY AND ATTRACTION FOR YACHTS Beautiful bay dotted with islands under which anchorage may be found. Chester is not an Entry port from abroad - Lunenburg or Halifax are the closest.
5) MARINAS, BERTHING OR ANCHORAGE Government wharf. Private mooring buoys in Chester Mahone Bay Town marina near the town (government) wharf.
6) ENTRY PORTS In Nova Scotia - Yarmouth, Liverpool, Lunenburg, Halifax. Sydney & Baddeck.
7) FORMAL REQUIREMENTS FOR YACHTS ENTERING/DEPARTING a) from/to same country None b) from/to abroad Usual clearance documents & passports c) visa requirements Not for UK passport holders.
8) LOCATION/EXISTENCE OF
a) harbour master
b) customs/immigration In some ports it is just one official that copes with all paperwork.
c) health authorities
9) CONTROL OF FOREIGN YACHTS 3 months but extensions may be possible. Dry land storage for the winter can be found at South Shore Marine, Marriot’s Cove, near Chester.
10) ATTITUDE OF OFFICIALS TO VISITING YACHTSMEN Excellent
11) REPAIR/HAULING FACILITIES Yes
12) SAILING DIRECTIONS OR CHARTS BA 730 ‘Cruising Guide to the Nova Scotia Coast’, ‘Yachting Guide to the South Shore of Nova Scotia’ by Arthur Dechman. Sailing directions - Nova Scotia Atlantic Coast.
13) PORT RADIO SERVICES None
14) WEATHER FORECASTS VHF Continuous
15) YACHT CLUB(S) Yes, in Chester
16) OTHER FACILITIES -
a) drinking water Yes
b) fuel Yes
c) gas (propane)/gaz/ Hubbards. Irving gas station nearby Mahone Bay Town marina.
d) chandlers Yes
e) bank Yes
f) shops/market In Chester - half mile walk
g) restaurants/hotels Yes
h) post office/telephones Yes
i) best mailing address General Delivery, Chester, Nova Scotia, BOJ 1JO
j) showers
k) laundry
l) transport/air services) Local bus to Halifax or a taxi. Chester is about 50 miles from Halifax International Airport.
Halifax – 44°40.00'N, 63°35.00'W
1) INFORMATION SUBMITTED BY Gareth King - Merlin of St. Peter Port Steve Grant - OCC Port Officer, Halifax.
2) DATE 1997 & 1999
3) HARBOUR OR AREA COVERED Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada 44° 40’ N 63° 35’ W Also Dartmouth, on the eastern side of the harbour.
4) SUITABILITY AND ATTRACTION FOR YACHTS Large harbour and city. Good shopping. Replica of the famous yacht Bluenose to be seen. Marine Museum.
5) MARINAS, BERTHING OR ANCHORAGE Moorings available at several yacht clubs and the City docks. Gareth King used Dartmouth Y.C. who have moorings at $5 per night. (1997) Tel 908.468.6050.
6) ENTRY PORTS Halifax, Sydney and Lunenburg
7) FORMAL REQUIREMENTS FOR YACHTS ENTERING/DEPARTING
a) from/to same country
b) from/to abroad Call 1.888.226.7277 FREE. this is Customs Ottawa covering all ports of entry in Canada. They will issue a Report No and have local Customs & immigration visit the boat. Immigration will need to see and stamp passports for non-US or Canadian citizens.
c) visa requirements Not required for U.S. & U.K. passport holders.
) LOCATION/EXISTENCE OF
a) harbour master
b) customs/immigration .Will visit the yacht
9) CONTROL OF FOREIGN YACHTS The easiest way of dealing with the formalities is to use the free dock next to the Marine Museum and it can all be handled there very easily.
10) ATTITUDE OF OFFICIALS TO VISITING YACHTSMEN Very friendly and helpful officials
11) REPAIR/HAULING FACILITIES
12) SAILING DIRECTIONS OR CHARTS BA charts 2028 & 2029 or CHS charts 4201, 4202, 4203, 4237 ( from which the BA charts are derived). A new Cruising guide for Nova Scotia has been published, written by Peter Loveridge. this is very detailed and up to date. Sailing directions - Nova Scotia Atlantic Coast
13) PORT RADIO SERVICES
15) YACHT CLUB(S) Royal Nova Scotia Yacht Squadron near entrance to North West Arm on western side of harbour entrance. Dartmouth Yacht Club On eastern side of Bedford Basin. Shearwater Yacht Club & Army/Navy Sailing Association at Eastern Passage to east just inside harbour entrance. & Bedford Yacht club at head of Bedford Basin.
16) OTHER FACILITIES -
a) drinking water Fuel dock
b) fuel Fuel dock
c) gas (propane)/gaz/
d) chandlers
e) bank In city
f) shops/market Excellent Sobeys n centre of Halifax
g) restaurants/hotels Many of all varieties
h) post office/telephones Yes
i) best mailing address General Delivery, Halifax.
j) showers
k) laundry
l) transport/air services) International airport.
m) hospital Yes
n) anything else
17) FIRST HAND RECOMMENDATIONS OR WARNINGS The waters north of Cape Cod are COLD and foggy. I would not visit this area without radar and GPS or Loran. Many fishing boats offshore! Visit the citadel whilst in Halifax. A well preserved fortress dating from the earliest North American settlements Presentations give an excellent overview of the history of this part of Canada.
Lunenburg – 44°22.00'N, 64°18.00'W
1) INFORMATION SUBMITTED BY Walter T. Flower - OCC member Mike & Pat Pocock - Blackjack Steve Grant - OCC Port Officer, Halifax, Updated by Bob Groves
2) DATE 1994, 1999 & 2010
3) HARBOUR OR AREA COVERED Lunenburg, Nova Scotia, Canada. 44°22’N, 64°18’W
4) SUITABILITY AND ATTRACTION FOR YACHTS Lunenburg is the largest fishing port in Canada and had many useful facilities. The town is delightful and the houses have many unusual architectural features. The harbour can be rough in a southerly storm.
5) MARINAS, BERTHING OR ANCHORAGE It is possible to berth alongside the fishing wharves, or alongside the Fisheries Museum wharf, but the dock pilings are filthy dirty and much cleaning will need to be done on leaving. Better to anchor off the commercial wharves on the other side of the fairway .
6) ENTRY PORTS Halifax, Sydney, Lunenburg, Shelburne & Baddeck
7) FORMAL REQUIREMENTS FOR YACHTS ENTERING/DEPARTING
a) from/to same country None
b) from/to abroad Usual Ship’s papers & Passports
c) visa requirements Not for UK passport holders
8) LOCATION/EXISTENCE OF
a) harbour master
b) customs/immigration Phone Customs office which is in PO building, or local Police. In smaller ports just one official will cope with all paperwork.
c) health authorities Not seen
d) police At former train station near head of public wharf
9) CONTROL OF FOREIGN YACHTS 3 month Cruising permit usually granted by Customs Office
10) ATTITUDE OF OFFICIALS TO VISITING YACHTSMEN Excellent
11) REPAIR/HAULING FACILITIES Excellent engine work by Lunenburg Foundry at head of harbour or at Scotia Trawler. Large slipways capable of hauling boats up to 200ft length. 3 large marine railways and one smaller one for average yachts. Cranes for mast and engine installation at dockside.
12) SAILING DIRECTIONS OR CHARTS Canadian Hydro chart 4328 or BA 340 ‘Cruising Guide to the Nova Scotia Coast’, ‘Yachting Guide to the South Shore of Nova Scotia’ by Arthur Dechman. Sailing directions - Nova Scotia Atlantic coast.
13) PORT RADIO SERVICES VHF Ch 16
14) WEATHER FORECASTS Continuous on VHF 162 Khz, also hourly on local CKBW 1000 AM frequency.
15) YACHT CLUB(S) Lunenburg Yacht Club (Prince’s Inlet) , east of Lunenburg, is seasonal, but very nice. Fuel avaiable here.
16) OTHER FACILITIES -
a) drinking water Irving Oil Dock, Scotia Trawler Dock or Adams & Knickle wharf.
b) No fuel on docks in 2010. Jerry Jug from Gas Station or can be delivered by tanker truck to docks for larger oreders
c) gas (propane)/gaz/ Irving Oil Dock or Scotia Trawler Dock
d) chandlers On Lower St, near wharves. Yacht hardware available at Scotia Trawler ‘Yacht Shop’
e) bank In town
f) shops/market Plenty in town
g) restaurants/hotels Good variety
h) post office/telephones King Street, just above waterfront.
i) best mailing address General Delivery, Lunenburg, Nova Scotia, BOJ 2C0
j) showers Local Tourist Bureau until mid October and then local motels, or hotels or friends.
k) laundry Laundromat a distance out of town by the hardware store.
l) transport/air services) Daily bus (TriUs) to Halifax or Yarmouth, good local taxis and only 65 miles from Halifax International Airport.
m) hospital
n) anything else
17) FIRST HAND RECOMMENDATIONS OR WARNINGS Walter Flower urges OCC members to ring him or his son, Bill, on (902) 634 3814 or 3536 if any help is required.
Mahone Bay & Lunenburg – 44°28.40'N, 64°17.30'W
The South Shore of Nova Scotia is well known to sailors for its many anchorages, picturesque scenery, and welcoming residents. Mahone Bay and Lunenburg are about 50 miles west of Halifax.
Terry Folinsbee and Peter Dodd are the OCC Port Officers in this area. Our house is on Young Island in Mahone Bay. We have one guest mooring and there are other anchorages nearby, so depending on the wind direction, shelter is usually available.
Our coordinates are approximately N44 28.4, W064 17.3. You can reach us by email at occ@youngisland.ca.
The nearest public dock is at Indian Point, about a mile to the southwest. The dock is 5 miles by road or 3.5 miles by boat to Mahone Harbour and the town of Mahone Bay.
Anchoring in Mahone Bay Many of the islands have sheltered bays or leeward sides that make for good anchoring. Some islands are privately owned, others belong to the Nature Conservancy or are Crown Land. This is a great area for gunkholing.
Lunenburg Yacht Club (LYC) is located on Herman’s Island in Mahone Bay proper, not in Lunenburg harbour. The club welcomes visiting yachtsmen, and is an authorized clearing in point for Canadian Customs and Immigration. (www.lyc.ns.ca or phone 902-634-3745)
Indian Point Marine Farms has mussel beds in several areas, well marked by yellow and blue buoys - avoid these areas. Unfortunatly due to an infestation of tunicates (sea squirts) fewer than usual mussels have been harvested recently.
The Town of Mahone Bay provides moorings, provisioning, laundry and the three most photographed churches in the country! Tuesday 1000 to 1400 is Market day in the parking lot in front of the churches. Mahone bay hosts a Pirate Festival and Regatta on August 3-5, 2012. See also www.mahonebay.com.
Lunenburg, a Unesco World Heritage Site, was established in 1753, and is the best surviving example of a planned British colonial settlement in North America. Much of the architecture of the wooden houses has been protected by the inhabitants. Great sight seeing, good provisioning and a range of marine services can be found. A busy Farmers’ Market operates every Thursday morning. A number of festivals are held during the summer, and it’s a very popular tourist town, with lots of stores and restaurants. See also information under Lunenburg in this site, or visit www.explorelunenburg.ca.
This information is also available at www.youngisland.ca/occ.
Pictou – 45°41.00'N, 62°43.00'W
1) INFORMATION SUBMITTED BY Bill Sterns - OCC member Steve Grant - OCC Port Officer, Halifax.
2) DATE 1986 & 1999
3) HARBOUR OR AREA COVERED Pictou, Nova Scotia, Canada. 45°41’N 62° 43’W
4) SUITABILITY AND ATTRACTION FOR YACHTS Pictou has a fine harbour, well sheltered from all winds and seas.
5) MARINAS, BERTHING OR ANCHORAGE Berthing and anchorages are available on both sides of the harbour. Temporary berthing at Stright-MacKay marina. Berthing available at Hospitality dock at the Town’s waterfront (see sketch). New marina (1999) - Hector Quay marina (Pictou NS Marina office (seasonal Tel 902-485-6960.) Owner Pictou waterfront Development Corporation, P.O.Box 179, Pictou, Nova Scotia, B0K 1H0. Tel 902-485-8028,Fax 485 1488. OpenJune to October, 31 berths, minimum depth 12 feet, maximum length of vessel - 55ft.
6) ENTRY PORTS In Nova Scotia - Yarmouth, Liverpool, Lunenburg, Halifax, Sydney, Shelburne & Baddeck
7) FORMAL REQUIREMENTS FOR YACHTS ENTERING/DEPARTING
a) from/to same country None
b) from/to abroad Usual ship’s papers and passports
c) visa requirements Contact nearest Canadian embassy or consulate for visa requirements. No visas required by US or UK citizens.
8) LOCATION/EXISTENCE OF
a) harbour master Ring Pictou 485 5170
b) customs/immigration Both in New Glasgow
c) health authorities
d) police RCMP, 80 High St, Tel 485 4333 9) CONTROL OF FOREIGN YACHTS 3 months but extensions maybe possible.
10) ATTITUDE OF OFFICIALS TO VISITING YACHTSMEN Excellent
11) REPAIR/HAULING FACILITIES Stright-MacKay marina - wood & fibreglass repair, painting, & electronics installed. This marina has a Travelift and can lift a boat of 36-38ft & 10 tons approx. Pictou Industries has a marine railway that can haul large ships (ice breakers, trawlers etc).
12) SAILING DIRECTIONS OR CHARTS BA 2034. Canadian chart 4437. Sailing Directions - Gulf of St. Lawrence
13) PORT RADIO SERVICES None
14) WEATHER FORECASTS VHF Continuous
15) YACHT CLUB(S) Pictou Yacht Club - situated at the entrance of Stright-MacKay marina
16) OTHER FACILITIES -
a) drinking water Hector Quay Marina & Stright-MacKay marina
b) fuel No fuel at marina in 1986 - filling stations in town
c) gas (propane)/gaz/ Propane at Harbour light Trailer park
d) chandlers Stright-MacKay marina store
e) bank
f) shops/market IGA market on Front Street & Sobeys on Haliburton Road.
g) restaurants/hotels Various restaurants & snack bars in Pictou. An excellent dining room at Pictou Lodge, 4 miles east of town. Nice pub adjacent to Hector Quay marina.
h) post office/telephones Front Street near IGA supermarket.
i) best mailing address General Delivery, Pictou, Nova Scotia
j) showers One shower stall at Pictou Y.C. Male & female showers at Hospitality wharf. Hector Quay marina
k) laundry Laundromat in Water street, Pictou & Hector quay marina
l) transport/air services) Halifax International Airport is 150 kms away. Acadia lines (coach) travels to and from there, one a day (Acadia Lines 755 5700) m) hospital Sutherland-Harris Memorial Hospital Tel 485-4381 n) anything else Pump out at Hector Quay marina.
Sydney – 46°20.00'N, 60°07.00'W
1) Information Submitted by Bob OBrien – Port Officer Sydney Nova Scotia
2) Date Jan 2004
3) Harbour or Area Covered Include Lat & Long Sydney, Nova Scotia 46°20’N 60°07; W
4) Suitability and Attraction for Yachts All Services; Pleasant town
5) Marinas, Berthing or Anchorage Dobson YC Marina Royal Cape Breton Yacht Club marina
6) Entry Ports Royal Cape Breton Yacht Club
7) Formal Requirements for Yachts Entering/Departing:
a) from/to same country None
b) from/to abroad Entry at Royal Cape Breton Yacht Club
c) visa requirements Check with Canadian Embassy at your country
8) Location/Existence of:
a) harbour master Sydney Marine Terminal
b) customs/immigration Close to Royal Cape Breton Yacht Club
c) health authorities Close to Royal Cape Breton Yacht Club
d) police Close to Royal Cape Breton Yacht Club
9) Control of Foreign Yachts
10) Attitude of Officials to Visiting Yachtsmen
11) Repair/Hauling Facilities
12) Sailing Directions or Charts
13) Cruising Guide and where Obtainable. Include Phone and/or E-Mail Cruise Cape Breton, Cruising Nova Scotia – available all book stores in Nova Scotia. Publisher Phone 902 453 4093, e;mail Diversity@fox.astn.ca
14) Port Radio Services
15) Weather Forecasts
16) Yacht Club(S) Royal Cape Breton Yacht Club - Sydney Dobson YC - Westmouth Northern YC – North Sydney
17) Other Facilities: drinking water fuel At Dobson marina or delivered to RCBYC or Norhten YC gas (propane)/gaz chandlers bank shops/market restaurants/hotels post office/telephones including mobile facilities internet cafes best mailing address showers laundry transport/air services medical facilities/hospital
18) Recommendations or Warnings Stay in channels during Lobser season
19) Other Information – please include here general impressions, opinions, comments or any other matter which might be of use to those visiting.
Yarmouth – 43°49.00'N, 66°08.00'W
INFORMATION SUBMITTED BY
S. Grant, OCC Port Officer, Halifax, NS &
R. Pietrzak (Canadian Hydrographic Service
– 902-426-2477)
DATE 1999
HARBOUR OR AREA COVERED
Yarmouth, Nova Scotia, Canada, 43°49 'N, 66°08 'W
SUITABILITY AND ATTRACTION FOR YACHTS
Yarmouth is the main commercial centre for southwest Nova Scotia. A desirable destination and convenient stopover point for vessels crossing the Gulf of Maine or proceeding into the Bay of Fundy. The harbour provides very good shelter in most severe weather circumstances. The Yarmouth waterfront has undergone a transformation from fishing/warehousing ' to service/tourist/recreational activities.
MARINAS, BERTHING OR ANCHORAGE
Killam Brothers Wharf (marina) is operated by the town of Yarmouth. Floating docks with depths of 4 to 8 feet alongside at low water. Moorings on the west side of the channel also available. Seagulls and other birds have taken over a small island directly across from the marina, beside the moorings, so it can be (usually is!) quite noisy around the clock.
ENTRY PORTS Yarmouth, Halifax, Sydney
FORMAL REQUIREMENTS FOR YACHTS ENTERING/DEPARTING
Important to report to Fundy Traffic on VHF Ch. 14 for information on the locations of large ferries that operate between Maine, USA and Yarmouth
a) from/to same counrty
b) from/to abroad – On arrival, Skipper Calls 1-888-226-7277 FREE
for a reporting number or, at the discretion of customs, arranging an inspection.
c) visa requirements – not required for British or US citizens
8) LOCATION/EXISTENCE OF
a) harbour master – See attached list.
b) customs/1immigration Customs Office is at the Ferry Terminal nearby.
c) health authorities Regional Hospital (at head of harbour, but beyond head of navigation)
CONTROL OF FOREIGN YACHTS 3 months, extension possible
ATTITUDE OF OFFICIALS TO VISITING YACHTSMEN Excellent!
REPAIRIHAULING FACILITIES Alongside repairs, and a marine railway are available.
SAILING DIRECTIONS OR CHARTS Sailing Directions, Nova Scotia Atlantic Coast. CHS chart 4245
PORT RADIO SERVICES See note on Fundy Traffic
WEATHER FORECASTS VHF Continuous
YACHT CLUB(S) Local boaters use moorings on the west side of the harbour but there is no Yacht Club.
16) OTHER FACILITIES -
a) drinking water - by delivery
b) fuel - by delivery
c) gas (propane)lgaz/ - Irving gas station 2km away
d) chandlers - several marine hardware and supplystores catering primarily to the fishing industry nearby
e) bank - Main St.– 2 min. walk
f) shops1market - Main St.– 5 min. walk at Shopping Mall
g) restaurants1hotels - Various. Rodd 's Grand Hotel is the largest building in town.
h) post office/telephones - Federal Building – 5 min. walk & pay phones around the town.
i) best mailing address - General Delivery, Yarmouth, NS
j) showers - YMCA on main street - nominal charge
k) laundry - on main street
l) transport/air services - Yarmouth airport has flights to Halifax and connections elsewhere, bus service to Halifax, ferry service to Maine, USA.
m) hospital - Regional Hospital – see above
17) FIRST HAND RECOMMENDATIONS OR WARNINGS
A busy 'transhipment ' place for summer tourists. The Yarmouth Cup is a yachting race from Maine, USA to Yarmouth every summer. A busy fishing harbour, though most activity is carried out at the wharves to the south of the Killam Marina. Many wonderful old captains’ houses in town beyond main street. Yarmouth County Museum is recommended. Fog is common in this area, particularly in May-July, but often 'burns off ' in the harbour. Owing to location, sea breezes prevent temperatures from climbing too high in summer. Cannot emphasize need to contact 'Fundy Traffic ' regarding ferry traffic, as main channel isn 't terribly wide. Tidal Range of 15 - 20 feet - floating wharves and moorings most desirable. Areas immediately adjacent to the sides of the channel dry at low water. Tidal currents of up to 4 knots are common outside the harbour.