By Land:

• From Route 95: Take exit 86 for Newburyport & follow signs to downtown Newburyport. Approximately 1 mile on your left is a GLOBAL Gas Station at the top of Ashland Street. Take Ashland Street to the bottom. Merri-Mar Yacht Basin is directly in front of you.
• From Route 495: Take exit 55 for Salisbury/Route 95. Take 95 South to exit 86 for Newburyport & follow directions above.

By Water:

• Use NOAA Chart #13282.
  Latitude: 42°49.463'N
  Longitude: 070°53.272'W
  Merri-Mar Yacht Basin is located on the Merrimack River, 3.5 miles from the river's entrance, just beyond buoy # 26. Heading "up river" from the entrance you will see the old Coast Guard Station at Plum Island Point. Further "up river" you will pass the active station, "Station Merrimack River". The Gillis Bridge, which connects Newburyport and Salisbury, also known as the US1 drawbridge @ mile 3, has a vertical clearance of 35 ft @ mean high water and 42 feet at mean low water in the closed position. The bridge schedule for opening is as follows:
  • May 1st through November 15th, 6 am to 10 pm on request.
  • Memorial Day through Labor Day, 6 am to 10 pm on the hour and 1/2 hour.

The Bridge-tender can be reached on VHF Channel 13.
Unscheduled openings should be requested at least one hour in advance.

Get Directions