Anyone still sailing Maine?

[Evergreen]

Good day everyone:

Just wanted to let everyone know that "Evergreen" has returned from her cruise to the Canadian Maritimes, and is currently back in Maine. We will be cruising the coast of Maine for the next month. We would enjoy meeting any other Cape Dory sailors who are still sailing the Maine coast.

Hope to see you out there,

[gates_cliff]

I'm not now, nor have I ever had the opportunity to sail in Maine. However, I was in Belfast, Maine this past weekend for a wedding. Even though Saturday was overcast and rainy, the sheer beauty of the place and the lovely boats I saw in the harbor had me yearning to be sailing.

Ah well, someday!

Just wish I could convince my wife of the wisdom of living there. She's a lot more practical than I am so wisdom, on my part, might be the wrong word!!!!!

[NateHanson]

We've still got our boat in the water, in hopes of one last 3-day mini-cruise over Columbus Weekend. If the weather is good, we'll take her down to Stonington and pop around. (If the weather's bad, we'll probably haul her.)

[Ben Coombs]

I have one more sail left this year in Maine. The 28 mile trip from our mooring in west bath to the yard in south Portland that will delive her to our driveway for the winter.

Gotta pick your days this time of year! It can be an unpleasant trip on the wrong day...

[Maine Sail]

We don't have CD any more but will be in until mid to late Nov. We hope to do Thanksgiving at Jewell Island.

[Evergreen]

The weather hasn't been too good (rain and no wind) this week (before Columbus Day).

Hopefully the week after Columbus Day (our last week on the water) will be better.

Currently in the Boothbay area.

[lhyde]

Hi Phil and Sharon,

Nutmeg is still in the water. We were out today but just for a spin around Tenants Harbor. Burr. it was cold and damp. We hope to be out on the water Columbus Day and again next weekend. We plan to sail to Rockland next weekend and get hauled on the 16th. Love to get together and hear of you trip up North.

Be well,
Les and Anne

[Evergreen]

Les & Anne:

Great to hear from you. We just returned to the boat after a two day foray up to the Fryeburg Fair and the White Mountains to see the fall foliage. We are currently hanging on our mooring at Great Island Boat Yard (Harpswell). Tomorrow we head out for a few days of sailing. Must be back to Harpswell on Friday for the sad preparations of returning to work (oh well). We will most likely sail east a bit so be may see you. Once we have a better idea we will let you know. You can always check our SPOT link on our blog to see where we are.

Best wishes,

[lhyde]

Hi Phil and Sharon, See you are still in Harpswell. We are not planning to venture far form Tenants Harbor, but may take a couple of day sails this week. Give us a call if you get in the area. Les and Anne Home 207-372-6762

[tom ricks]

Yep, I was out today northwest of North Haven. It was sunny, cool and kind of lonely!
Best,
Tom

[NateHanson]

We had a beautiful afternoon sail in Blue Hill Bay - probably our last of the season, I'd guess. Nice way to end. Sunny, nice 10-15 knot breeze from the NW, making for flat seas. Should keep us smiling through the winter.

[tom ricks]

Yes, just had my last sail of the season today. It was surprisingly warm (I started in a wool cap and jacket, wound up just a sweater). I sailed down the west side of Deer Isle to get my little boat hauled at Billings' yard.

It was great.

Best,
Tom

[Mike Thompson]

I usually extend my sailing season in Maine by leaving for a trip when Merchants Landings (Thomaston) closes on Columbus Day. When I get back I go straight to Spruce Head Marine where HAVEN is hauled. Sailing in the protected waters north of the islands helps as there are often strong northerly winds. With luck there is plenty of wind, moderate waves and mostly blue skies.

This year the trip was from 6 to 16 October. I visited Owls Head (near Rockland), North Haven, Hell's Half Acre (Deer Island Thorofare), Mackerel Cove (Swans I). Next I went to the Eggemoggin Reach and spent several nights in Benjamin River, Center Harbor and Bucks Harbor. After that to Vinalhaven staying in Perry Cove and then back to Owls Head.

The winds was unusually strong this year. I had difficulty because of headwinds going down the Eggemoggin Reach and Muscle Ridge Channel. Motoring straight into very strong winds I could not get to up to 2 knots. Usually the wind was more manageable at dawn or just after rain so I could make short dashes to the next harbor.

Anyhow I got what I bargained for: lots of wind. A number of days were spent at moorings in various (very beautiful and nearly empty) harbors wait for the storm to pass. If you do this, don't have a tight schedule!