BENJAMIN RIVER

Corrected waypoint: entrance channel at ledge, before nun "4": 44° 17.43’N 068° 37.71’W

4th ed. Cruising Guide page 283

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Charts: 13316

Chart Kit: 71

Mount Desert region overview chart Harbor chart

BENJAMIN RIVER is a remarkable, 50-foot-deep hole surrounded by mussel flats and guarded at the entrance by an awesome ledge. Once inside, there is excellent anchorage and protection.
COPYRIGHT 2002 DIAMOND PASS PUBLISHING
Approaches. Harbor chart. The key to entering Benjamin River is the long, low ledge that makes out from the east shore almost all the way across the channel, leaving an entrance only about 100 yards wide. Two nuns and a can mark the channel and make the entrance relatively easy, but don’t cut sharply around the last red nun. Even at dead low, you can’t see the end of the ledge, which extends under water an additional 40 feet or so.
COPYRIGHT 2002 DIAMOND PASS PUBLISHING
Here is the old rule of thumb used by local sailors when the channel was unbuoyed. Just as you enter from the Reach, you will see on your right a whitish rock slab climbing up into the trees on shore. Run a straight line from the slab of rock to the landward end of the town dock, and it will clear the ledge that obstructs the entrance. The town dock is shown on the chart on the west side of the cove.
IF YOU ARE READING THIS, YOU HAVE VIOLATED
Anchorages, Moorings. Benjamin River Marine maintains about 13 rental moorings. There usually is plenty of room to anchor in 7 to 18 feet at low along the eastern side of the cove. Holding ground is excellent, in mud. The cove provides protection in every direction except SSW, and the ledge at the entrance prevents most seas from entering.
INTERNATIONAL COPYRIGHT LAW.
Getting Ashore. Land at the Sedgwick town dock, on the west side of the harbor, or—except at the lowest tides—at the Benjamin River Marine float. On a high tide, you can take your dinghy up the river and land in the backyard of the general store.
PLEASE RESPECT AND SUPPORT THE WORK THAT HAS
For the Boat. Benjamin River Marine (207-359-2244). This small, serious repair yard has expanded its facilities on the east side of the cove. The yard hauls boats on a marine railway and provides storage and limited marine supplies. No fuel is available. There is water and electricity at the float, which dries out at extreme low tides.
BROUGHT YOU THIS INFORMATION. BUY THE GUIDE!
For the Crew. Unfortunately the Sedgwick General Store, which had been about 1.5 miles from either the town dock or the boatyard, closed its doors at the end of 2004. Please do not dinghy to the store's backyard anymore.

Thanks to Roger Ford for the corrected waypoint, above.