Hurricane holes in Maine?

[jen1722terry]

As Jose is looking like it could turn up the coast, any recommendations for good hurricane holes in the Mount Desert Island area?

We have used the Basin, off the new Meadows River, in the past, but that's a few days sail away.

Any ideas very appreciated,

Jenn and Terry

[Carl Thunberg]

Near you? How about Castine inner harbor? It's not quite a hurricane hole, but it is well protected, and a reasonable day sail. If you feel like going a little farther, my cove, Poorhouse Cove in South Bristol is as close to a hurricane hole as you are likely to find, east of the Basin. I have a vacant mooring with brand new chain, and you are welcome to use our dock to come to shore. Send me a PM if you're interested. Hopefully, none of this will be necessary, and you can stay put.

Update on 9/20/2017 - On the odd chance anyone was considering taking me up on the offer of a mooring, we will be winterizing both moorings this weekend. After Saturday, there will just be two Sully Sticks marking the location of the blocks.

[Tim Mertinooke]

The Basin up the New Meadows River is the gold standard in my mind, but if you are in the Penobscot Bay Area, how about tucking way into Seal Bay, Vinalhaven?

[Megunticook]

Could do worse than the inner harbor in Camden--fairly protected on all sides. Boat might bang around a lot on the floats (no moorings in inner harbor).

[Joe CD MS 300]

Jen, Terry,

Nice meeting you in Robinhood. Hope all the issues with your repower have been worked out.

The further south east you move the more likely you will be competing with other boats and also will be moving to the strength of any hurricane. if Irma or Jose does make it up to the Gulf of Maine they will be weaker further up in general. I'd investigate Somesville up at the end of Somes sound. Not sure how crowded the mooring field is there at present. Maybe not too bad this time of year. You will be burried right in the middle of Mount Desert and its considerable height. If you are in Northeast Harbor now you could check it out in an hour or two.

The Taft Crusing Guide to the Maine Coast also ranks harbors as to protection. Actually a new issue was just released. The first in about ten years.

Joe

[jen1722terry]

Thanks to all for the hurricane hole advice.

As of 9:30 Friday, it looks like Irma isn't headed up to Maine and Jose may hook over Bermuda then out to the central Atlantic.

We're now planning on hauling for the season early next week at a yard on inner Blue Hill harbor. They are well protected and allow mast up storage, which can save us quite a bit of money. The bills for the new engine came in so high that we have to save our pennies.

And, again, our very best wishes to all of our southern members as they face a much bigger than usual storm. We'll be thinking about you.

If any of you lose your homes/boats or lose the use of them for an extended period, get in touch with us. We have room at our Nova Scotia home and our New Hampshire condo is open from 9/14-29 and after 10-3. You'd be more than welcome as our guests.

Jenn and Terry

[Sailhmlri]

Pulpit Harbor, North Haven, Penobscot Bay. So beautiful.