Approaches
Great Misery has two distinct harbors, an unnamed cove to the Southwest between Great and Little Misery, and to the Northwest the so-called Cocktail Cove. Both have moorings, good beaches and protection on two sides; pick your cove based on expected conditions.
To enter the Southwest cove, head for flashing R"10" off Little Misery, leaving it to starboard, then aim for the middle of the cove. Check the tide and watch your depth sounder -- not all moorings are in deep water.
Cocktail Cove is unmarked, but the shore is bold and easily eyeballed in daylight. On a dark night, however, the shores can be hard to gauge and unlit Sauli Rock looms uncomfortably close.
The green daymark on Sauli Rock, missing for the past few years, was replaced in 2008.
Anchorages
In either cove, anchor just outside the moorings, though you may feel a little exposed and roll with any swell; Cocktail Cove is flatter in most conditions. For a smoother night and quicker trip to the beach, head in for a mooring.
Moorings
The moorings at Great Misery are unusual -- privately owned, organized by the Beverly Harbormaster, and by custom free to all on a first-come basis. Used primarily by the islands' daytime visitors, most are empty at night.
With no one around to vouch for their groundtackle, the moorings at Great Misery, like the coves themselves, are suitable only for a mild night. If it threatens to blow, head for a more secure mainland harbor.
