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Race Point Lighthouse

Fl W 10s🇺🇸Southeastern Massachusetts, USOperational

Location & Light Range

About Race Point Lighthouse

First lit in 1816, Race Point Lighthouse stands on Cape Cod in Southeastern Massachusetts. The original structure was replaced in 1876 by the current 14-meter iron-plated tower. Its light has a geographic range of 16 nautical miles. The property is now operated by the American Lighthouse Foundation, with the Coast Guard maintaining the actual light. Access to the site typically involves a 45-minute walk over sand.

Why it matters: This lighthouse is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Background
Race Point Light is a historic lighthouse on Cape Cod, in Provincetown, Massachusetts; it is on the National Register of Historic Places. The original tower, first illuminated in 1816, was replaced in 1876 with the current 45-foot-tall (14 m) tall iron-plated tower and a new keeper's dwelling. The American Lighthouse Foundation operates the property and rents out two buildings for overnight stays. The actual light is maintained by the Coast Guard. The site is reached by walking about 45 minutes over sand; with a National Park Service Oversand Permit, a four-wheel-drive vehicle can be used.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
Fl W 10s
Flash Type
Flashing
Light Color
White
Flash Count
1 flash
Interval
10s
Focal Height
20m
Geographic Range
16NM

Construction & History

Year Built
1816
Heritage Status
National Register of Historic Places listed place

References & Identifiers

Wikipedia
Read on Wikipedia →
Wikidata
Q7278912 →
OpenStreetMap
View on OSM →

Tower & Structure

Tower Height
13.5m

Location

City
Southeastern Massachusetts
Country
🇺🇸US
Latitude
42.0623°
Longitude
-70.2431°

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do mariners identify Race Point Lighthouse at night?+
Race Point displays the characteristic Fl W 10s — 1 white flash every 10 seconds. Each lighthouse has a unique flash pattern published in the List of Lights, allowing mariners to positively identify it and distinguish it from other navigation aids in the area.
Which ports and harbors does Race Point Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Race Point Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is Provincetown at 2.8 NM to the ESE. Other ports served include Wellfleet (12.1 NM SE), Duxbury (19 NM W), Brewster (19.1 NM SSE), PLYMOUTH (19.6 NM WSW). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Race Point Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Race Point Lighthouse is currently operational. It is actively maintained and continues to emit its characteristic light signal for marine navigation. Most modern lighthouses are automated and monitored remotely by the national maritime authority.
How can I track vessels near Race Point Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Race Point Lighthouse in real time using MarineRadar. The platform shows live AIS positions of ships in the area, including vessel name, type, flag, speed, and course. Use the "Track Vessels Nearby" button on this page to open the live map centered on this lighthouse.