Where do vessels anchor in the head of the St. Lawrence to avoid going out onto the lake during bad weather?

Anchoring in Cape Vincent, NY, at the head of the St. Lawrence River is a strategic choice for vessels seeking shelter from adverse weather conditions before venturing out onto Lake Ontario. The geographic location of Cape Vincent offers a natural harbor that provides protection against strong winds and rough waters that are common on the lake during storms.

In contrast, Kingston, NY, while a significant port, is located further down the river and not as close to the head of the St. Lawrence. Rochester, NY, is on the southern shore of Lake Ontario and does not serve the same purpose for vessels looking to anchor before entering the open lake. Sacket's Harbor, although it has historical significance and a sheltered harbor, is located east of Cape Vincent, making it less ideal for vessels approaching from the west or those looking specifically to avoid Lake Ontario's conditions immediately.

Thus, the favorable positioning of Cape Vincent allows vessels to safely anchor before facing the potentially hazardous conditions of the lake.