Barrow

General.    If you are up here you have probably already done a lot of homework as one does not get blown here by accident. Barrow is a good introduction to the hunting society of the north. Bones and skins of animals and bowhead whale parts lie all about. It is not advisable to plan on re supplying here as it may not be possible to stop with bad ice conditions. If you have a shoal draft vessel then you may be able to tuck around behind Point Barrow and hike to town.

Reported.    July 2004 by Fine Tolerance

Charts.    NOAA 16082.

Approach.    There are no fixed off-shore dangers here. Being an open roadstead your problems are going to be weather and ice. The mud map  below is really just to show you the positions of the shore side attractions.

Anchoring.    Anywhere in front of town, weather and ice permitting. There is no truly accurate depth charting here as ice can change the sea floor every year. Use your depth sounder to select a spot. The bottom is good holding mud. Be aware that ice conditions may make it impossible to stay safely anywhere in front of town. The photo shown below has Fine Tolerance anchored in front of the main commercial part of town. This is easily identified by the large buildings. However approximately 1 mile further east is a better place for cruisers as this is where fuel can be purchased. It can be easily recognized by a substantial launching ramp/landing area. The main supermarket is also in this area, two blocks in from the beach.

Points of Interest.   If heading east this is the last place to buy fresh supplies for quite some distance and by far the best choice of fresh fruit, vegetables and supermarket goods for at least the next 3000nm. The museum is also near the supermarket and is well worth a visit.

 
Open roadstead anchoring off the main centre of town..

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