Approaches
The Sandwich Boat Basin is about 3/4 of a mile into the Canal from the east end, and is labelled on the chart with its old designation "Harbor of Refuge". A man-made harbor within the man-made Canal, there are few intuitive clues to its whereabouts, and the Basin entrance can be difficult to spot, especially at night. The small opening in the bulkhead is just east of the brightly lit power plant.
Once you're abreast of the harbor, the way in is obvious, if a little narrow. Make plenty of allowance for the crosscurrent when you finally turn into the Basin -- it runs hard right up to the edge of the Canal, then goes slack just inside the bulkhead.
Anyone contemplating a visit to Sandwich should also read the Cape Cod Canal pages, and be familiar with the currents expected at the time of arrival and departure. It is possible to motor the short distance between the Boat Basin and Cape Cod Bay against a foul current, but it's slow.
Anchorages & Moorings
Anchoring is not permitted in the Boat Basin, and there are no moorings.
Slips
Slips in the Boat Basin are managed by the Sandwich Marina, with 24 set aside for transients. Tie-up is available for an hourly fee or an overnight rate.The marina office is staffed 24 hours a day, and marina policy requires that you contact the office before tying up.
A number of skippers, arriving in Sandwich late at night and unannounced, have reported a greeting from the dockmaster that runs something like:
"Do ya have a radio on that boat?"
"Yes" the sailor replies.
"Does it work?"
Remember that marina personnel are juggling transient boats of all sizes, headed in both directions, at all hours, based on the Canal currents. Calling the marina office on channel 9 as you approach the Basin entrance will make docking go more smoothly.
