Endless slips, a vibrant boating industry and the chance to explore the swampy backwaters of multiple National Wildlife Refuges tempt thousands of visitors to Westbrook each year, with the highlight of their trip a chance to sample offshore life in the Sound, one of America’s premier sailing and fishing destinations.
At the southern reaches of Westbrook Harbor you will find the huge Pilots Point Marina, a multi-harbor facility with four large artificial coves in a protected setting and a separate riverside docking area with full-service amenities and up to 840 slips. This Marina also offers a seafood restaurant, boat chartering, warehouse storage and a sociable club-house with a tennis court and an outdoor pool. Right across the water there’s yet more places to park up at the Duck Island Yacht Club, the Freedom Boat Club of Westbrook and Harry’s Marine Repair, three locations that offer a combined 187 slips, dry storage facilities and plenty of boat rental options for members. A minute or two further north brings you to Pier 76 Marina, the city’s oldest marina located in an artificial harbor with 254 slips. There’s also the Marshview Marina and Dick’s Marina located here, two characterful independent facilities with a homespun feel, plenty of local know-how and space for up to 125 boats.
Neighboring Clinton also offers a profusion of marinas and harbors perfect for accessing the Sound. Located on a vast natural harbor you can explore facilities like the 400-slip Cedar Island Marina or the 140-slip Port Clinton Marina, among others, that are ideally placed for offshore fishers looking to land prime bluefish. Clinton is also home to Arrigoni Design, one of America’s leading boat furniture brands that specializes in crafting high-end custom helm seats.
Westbrook is known to host a regular calendar of boating events and races organised by the area’s many yacht clubs, with some of the most celebrated including the Thundermug Regatta held each year in October, as well as the annual Bill’s Cup race, a competitive sailing tournament usually held in September.
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