April Mystery Harbor: Sandwich, Mass.

I know it well: It’s Sandwich

That’s Sandwich Boat Basin, in Sandwich, Mass. (aka: the Harbor of Refuge at the east end of the Cape Cod Canal). I’ve visited this harbor many times over the years by car, but back in 1994 I spent several Saturdays there doing “Bravo-Zero” duty [in which a rescue boat is sent out within 30 minutes of a search-and-rescue call being made] at the U.S. Coast Guard Station Cape Cod Canal. Lately, our family has enjoyed many great meals at Seafood Sam’s, a local seafood place in nearby Falmouth. We love watching the passing ships while eating.

Rodney Johnson

Plainville, Mass.

Harbor was part of the canal build

Since I was a kid we called this the Harbor of Refuge. It was built when the Cape Cod Canal was constructed. For years you could pull in at night, drop the hook, and leave early in the morning before the fishing boats started to leave. When the town of Sandwich made expansions to the marina, overnight anchoring was no longer allowed.

Dave Foynes

Sagamore Beach, Mass.

Not just refuge from the weather

It’s the Harbor of Refuge in Sandwich at the east end of the Cape Cod Canal. Stopped there many times on a transit to Buzzards Bay to wait for the current to change in the canal. Also known as the Sandwich Boat Basin to some sailors.

Peter Dragonas

Marblehead, Mass.

Friendly and helpful staff

This is one of my favorite places – a “must-stop”– whenever I transit the canal. Friendly and helpful staff there. Just a great spot for Sweet Pea, my Nordic Tug, to spend a few days.

Charles Maclaughlin

Revere, Mass.

Shot taken at Sandwich Marina

Looks like Sandwich Marina at the east end of the Cape Cod Canal with the Coast Guard station in the distance and the Pilot House restaurant in the upper right. I live on Onset Bay and have been there many times.

Bruce Marcel

Wareham, Mass.

A harbor worth visiting

The March/April Mystery Harbor photo was taken at Sandwich Marina, located at the east end of the Cape Cod Canal. We keep our Albin 34 Paumanok in the parking lot there each winter and are very familiar with the view of the harbor. The green Albin 28 Stella Maris is to the right. The Coast Guard Station is just off of her bow in the photo. This is a wonderful marina to stop over at on your way north across Cape Cod Bay or south to Buzzards Bay. There are multiple restaurants, and a grocery store and a hardware store all within walking distance. There are also several historical sites in Sandwich, including the Sandwich Glass Museum. It is definitely a marina worth visiting!

Marcy Klattenberg

Falmouth, Mass.