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Race Rock Lighthouse

Fl R 10s🇺🇸Downstate New York, USOperational

Location & Light Range

About Race Rock Lighthouse

Constructed between 1871 and 1878, Race Rock Lighthouse stands on a hazardous reef in Long Island Sound, southwest of Fishers Island. The lighthouse features a 14-meter tower with its light positioned 20.5 meters above sea level. Its foundation, built on the reef, required seven years for completion, while the rest of the structure, including the keeper's quarters, was erected in a swift nine months. A fourth-order Fresnel lens was originally employed, and the light is now automated. The lighthouse emits a single red flash.

Why it matters: Recognized for its 19th-century engineering and design, Race Rock Lighthouse was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2005.

Background
Race Rock Light is a lighthouse on Race Rock Reef, a dangerous set of rocks on Long Island Sound southwest of Fishers Island, New York and the site of many shipwrecks. It is currently owned and maintained by the New London Maritime Society as part of the National Historic Lighthouse Preservation Act program. Race Rock Light was built 1871–78 and designed by Francis Hopkinson Smith (1838–1915). It is an excellent example of 19th-century engineering and design. The massive masonry foundations on the reef took seven years to complete, but the stone structure, the keeper's quarters, and the tower were built in only nine months once the foundation was secure. The lighthouse has a fourth-order Fresnel lens in a tower standing 67 feet (20 m) above the waterline. The United States Coast Guard automated the light in 1978. Race Rock Lighthouse was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2005.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
Fl R 10s
Flash Type
Flashing
Light Color
Red
Flash Count
1 flash
Interval
10s
Focal Height
20.5m

Construction & History

Year Built
1878
Heritage Status
National Register of Historic Places listed place

References & Identifiers

Wikipedia
Read on Wikipedia →
Wikidata
Q7278919 →
OpenStreetMap
View on OSM →

Tower & Structure

Tower Height
14m

Location

City
Downstate New York
Country
🇺🇸US
Latitude
41.2436°
Longitude
-72.0470°

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do mariners identify Race Rock Lighthouse at night?+
Race Rock displays the characteristic Fl R 10s — 1 red 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. The red color may indicate a specific sector or warning zone.
Which ports and harbors does Race Rock Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Race Rock Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is FISHERS ISLAND at 2.1 NM to the NE. Other ports served include NOANK SHIPYARD (5.2 NM NNE), Noank (5.8 NM NNE), New London-Groton Apt (6.6 NM NNW), New London (6.8 NM NNW). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Race Rock Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Race Rock 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.
What shipping routes pass near Race Rock Lighthouse?+
Race Rock Lighthouse is located within the US East Coast shipping lane — a major shipping corridor serving ports along the Atlantic seaboard of the United States. This makes it an important navigation reference for commercial shipping traffic in the region.
How can I track vessels near Race Rock Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Race Rock 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.