I am helping a guy take an old 55ft metal sailboat, 8 ft draft, from
Boston to Nova Scotia. He just bought the boat and it has some
problems. Until he is more comfortable with the boat, he only wants to
move during daylight hours. Which harbors/anchorages would you suggest
for easy in/out? How long, weather permitting, should this trip take?
We can easily cruise at about 6MPH. We are planing on leaving this
weekend if possible. Thanks

Richard,

I would suggest a route that approximates the following, it presumes about
fifty miles a day with anchorages that are not too far inland.

Boston to Kittery, Maine
Jewell Island (east of Portland, ME)
Port Clyde
Northeast Harbor
Cutler
North Head on Grand Manan
Digby or Westport on Brier Island, end of Digby Neck (depending on where in
Nova Scotia he wants to end)
Yarmouth and then points east

I have been to all of these places. Email if I can help.

Cheers

Ansley Sawyer
SV Pacem

Ansley W. Sawyer wrote:
Richard,

I would suggest a route that approximates the following, it presumes about
fifty miles a day with anchorages that are not too far inland.

Boston to Kittery, Maine
We frequently stop here, anchoring or getting a mooring in Pepperell Cove.

Jewell Island (east of Portland, ME)
Jewell is certainly a lovely spot, one of the "not to be missed"
places in Maine. However, it is a tight spot, a bit of a challenge to
anchor in, and problematic in thick fog, which is always a possibility.

As a target for the end of the day, Richmond Island, just south of
Cape Elizabeth is better: there are easy anchorages on both sides of
the breakwater, so its a good refuge in both NE and SW blows, and
there are no major hazards getting in or leaving. And, if I'm not
mistaken, our Roger Long is the Harbormaster.

If you leave from Cape Ann, you might be able to reach Richmond I in
one hop.

Port Clyde

Northeast Harbor
Another great spot. If you want a slip or mooring, call well in
advance. There are many alternatives nearby, Southwest Harbor, Somes
Sound, etc.

richard wrote:
I am helping a guy take an old 55ft metal sailboat, 8 ft draft, from
Boston to Nova Scotia. He just bought the boat and it has some
problems. Until he is more comfortable with the boat, he only wants to
move during daylight hours. Which harbors/anchorages would you suggest
for easy in/out? How long, weather permitting, should this trip take?
We can easily cruise at about 6MPH. We are planing on leaving this
weekend if possible. Thanks


Too bad he can't come right across. What an opportunity to do a dry run
of the Marblehead/Halifax race...assuming you are coming this way. Now
if you could only count on the weather cooperating.
http://www.marbleheadtohalifax.com/

this is so great
it is very reasurring to have a starting plan, knowing it is from
someone with local knowledge. I will re-study my charts and guide books
and start planning. I will also run this by my friend and may take you
up on your offer to email

"Jeff" wrote

As a target for the end of the day, Richmond Island, just south of
Cape Elizabeth is better: there are easy anchorages on both sides of
the breakwater, so its a good refuge in both NE and SW blows, and
there are no major hazards getting in or leaving. And, if I'm not
mistaken, our Roger Long is the Harbormaster.


Yup. That's me.

It's a great spot if you want to anchor out of the way and close to
the straight lines between everywhere else. Richmond Island is
beautiful and undeveloped except for a sheep farm but it is a long,
long, row and walk to get anything on shore. This is not a place to
stop for supplies.

Watch for the extensive ledges as you round the eastern side of the
island into Seal Cove. I've seen a few boats up there.

No need to call the Harbormaster to anchor. They don't give me a boat
so I don't do any patrolling or on the water supervision.

--

Roger Long