Maine Trip

planned for August 27 through September 11, 2005 (including travel days)

First a little overview of the area via an atlas.

Possible Itinerary, loose, of course, and very much dependant upon favorable weather. No one is expected to follow this or sail along as part of a group. If some alternative catches your eye then by all means go for it. This is just a possibility that may well be changed to suit our whims. We can talk at the start of each day to come up with a general plan so we can at least end up in the same anchorage that evening if we want. Many thanks to Doug, with his knack for itineraries, for coming up with this route and offering many suggestions and help with the tide data. Hopefully I haven't made too many typos. Red lettering is for those who are looking to hitch a ride for a daysail.

Sat, Aug 27           travel day
    Sunrise: 5:17AM
    Sunset: 6:45PM

Sun, Aug 28           travel day + set up at Rockland
    Sunrise:5:18AM
    Sunset:6:43PM

Mon, Aug 29           sail from Rockland over to the southwest corner of Vinalhaven Island, visiting around the White Islands, Hurricane Island, The Basin, and Carver's Harbor. We should have plenty of time for some good exploring among the islands.
    dist: 12-13nm
    high tide: 8 AM & 8:09 PM
    low tide: 1:20 PM
    Sunrise:5:19AM
    Sunset: 6:42PM
    Boatless Daysailor's Note: Possible one-way sail to the island, then catching the 4:30 PM ferry from Carver’s Hbr (Vinalhaven) back to Rockland. The ferry schedule for that route can be found here.

Tue, Aug 30           sail from the southwest corner of Vinalhaven Island over to Seal Bay on the northeast corner of Vinalhaven Island. Again, we should have plenty of time to explore some of the coves and channels among the islands. We may even get to see some seals, as they are reported to live in their namesake bay.
    dist: 10-14nm
    high tide: 9 AM & 9:08 PM
    low tide: 2:50 PM
    Sunrise:5:21AM
    Sunset: 6:40PM

Wed, Aug 31           sail from Seal Bay over to Merchant's Row with a possible stop at Stonington for restocking/charging (we'll have to confirm availability/location as it appears that facilities along this coast are frequently in flux). Plan on a cookout at McGathery Island, weather permitting. Since fire is a serious danger on the islands, especially in the dry late summer season, I'd just figure on cooking on stoves on the rocks along the shore rather than risk an open campfire. Some type of padding and/or seat would be a good thing.
    dist: 8-9nm
    high tide: 9:30 AM
    low tide: 3:10 PM
    Sunrise:5:22AM
    Sunset: 6:38PM
           Boatless Daysailor's Note: Possible sail among the islands of Merchant's Row w/ cookout at McGathery Island, weather permitting. Pickup and return at Stonington.

Thu, Sep 01           sail from McGathery Island to Frenchboro, Long Island. Instead of sailing directly there, it might be fun to swing around the south side of Isle au Haut and, if the weather cooperates, stop in at Duck Harbor for a hike before heading eastward towards Long Island.
    dist: 13nm or more
    high tide: 10:16 AM
    low tide: 4:24 PM
    Sunrise:5:23AM
    Sunset: 6:36PM
           Boatless Daysailor's Note: Possible one-way daysail trip from Stonington to Mount Desert Island if there is someone to meet you at Bass Harbor on Mount Desert Island. Option 2, if time is running short, would be to hop off at Swan's Island and catch the 4:30 PM ferry over to Bass Harbor. Ferry schedule here.

Fri, Sep 02           hike around on Long Island. Possible short sail from Frenchboro over to deserted Eastern Cove on the other side of the island for an afternoon cookout. Weather permitting, BuscaBrisas may depart on the afternoon low tide for MDI so her crew can have Saturday free to tour Acadia National Park
    dist: n/a
    high tide: 10:55 AM
    low tide: 5 PM
    Sunrise:5:24AM
    Sunset: 6:35PM

Sat, Sep 03           sail from Long Island over to Mount Desert Island. Southwest Harbor is one likely choice; Northeast Harbor is another. This would be a good night for eating out. Will have to see what might be available, preferably a short walk from the boat; perhaps longer if need be.
    dist: 10-12nm
    high tide: 11:30 AM
    low tide: 5 PM
    Sunrise:5:25AM
    Sunset: 6:33PM

Sun, Sep 04           sail from MDI over to Buckle Harbor. Remember the prevailing winds; there is a good chance this will be a beat to weather.
    dist: 10-14nm
    high tide: 12 PM
    low tide: 5:30 AM & 5:40 PM
    Sunrise:5:26AM
    Sunset: 6:31PM
           Boatless Daysailor's Note: Possible daysail trip to Swan's Island w/ 4:30 PM ferry ride back to Bass Harbor on MDI. Ferry schedule here.

Mon, Sep 05           sail from Buckle Harbor to Camp Island. At this point, anyone thinking of sailing up Eggemoggin Reach could head up that way instead of stopping at Camp Island. Woodenboat School is on the north side east of Brooklin and you can stop there and tour the place. If you've ever thought of building a wooden boat, this place will fire your imagination! Not far away is the harbor at Brooklin with all the beautiful boats on moorings. Ebb tide in the afternoon, so probably shouldn't plan on going too far. Perhaps the Benjamin River would make a good place to spend the night after a big day, although it doesn't seem to be especially scenic.
    dist: 7nm
    high tide: 12:45 PM
    low tide: 6:42 AM & 6:56 PM
    Sunrise:5:27AM
    Sunset: 6:29PM

Tue, Sep 06           sail from Camp Island to the Barred Islands and Pulpit Harbor. If up in Eggemoggin Reach, one could sail up under the Deer Isle Bridge and around the northern end and down, maybe stopping at Pickering or Butter Island for a stretch of of the legs.
    dist: 14nm
    high tide: 1:16 PM
    low tide: 7:07 AM & 7:25 PM
    Sunrise:5:29AM
    Sunset: 6:27PM

Wed, Sep 07           sail from Pulpit Harbor back to Rockland or, if the forecast is good, maybe some more exploring around some of the islands until it is time to, *sob*, haul out.
    dist: 10nm
    high tide: 1:50 PM
    low tide: 7:39 AM & 8:01 PM
    Sunrise:5:30AM
    Sunset: 6:26PM

Thu, Sep 08           buffer day.
    dist: ?nm
    high tide: 2:27 PM
    low tide: 8:14 AM & 8:42 PM
    Sunrise:5:31AM
    Sunset: 6:24PM

Fri, Sep 09           pull the boat midday and pack up for home.
    dist: ?nm
    high tide: 3:08 PM
    low tide: 8:53 AM & 9:28 PM
    Sunrise:5:32AM
    Sunset: 6:22PM

Sat, Sep 10           travel day
    Sunrise:5:33AM
    Sunset: 6:20PM

Sun, Sep 11           travel day
    Sunrise:5:34AM
    Sunset: 6:18PM