Best East Coast Summer Cruising Grounds
 

On the HYC site, first sentence, they refer to the only fjord in the East.
There actually is a freshwater fjord in Gros Morne National Park,
Newfoundland...but it might be expensive to have your sailboat flown in. :-)
see: *** http://parkscanada.pch.gc.ca/pn-np/n...ne/index_E.asp ***

Wwso149874 wrote in message
...
Try Hinckley Yacht Charters:
http://www.acadia.net/hyc/
While you aren't quite far enough to the NE, you will be on the doorstep
to
god's country. I have been throughout the Caribbean, almost all of the
Bahamas, and the entire east coast of the US from Key West to New England.
These are the finest cruising grounds on this side of the Atlantic, BAR
NONE!

PS: I have no affiliation with HYC, nor have I ever chartered with them,
but I
have cruised this coast many times, and plan to be back again soon. There
are
also other charter outfits in the area.

Best East Coast Summer Cruising Grounds
 

In article ,
says...
On the HYC site, first sentence, they refer to the only fjord in the East.
There actually is a freshwater fjord in Gros Morne National Park,
Newfoundland...but it might be expensive to have your sailboat flown in. :-)
see: *** http://parkscanada.pch.gc.ca/pn-np/n...ne/index_E.asp ***


My personal experience is that fjords are not really a top attraction
for sailors. The winds in them usually end up right on your nose
and you spend a lot of time on short tacks. At least that was my
experience in trying to SAIL up to Princess Louisa Inlet in BC. IIRC, I
motored more than half the time. Of course, the extreme tidal currents
at the entrance make it necessary to time your arrival at Malibu
Rapids--which gives you little slack for coping with fluky winds.

Oh, and the fjords in BC are not much for anchorages--water depths are
often several hundred feet just a few hundred feet away from the
rock wall.

When I finally do get the chance to cruise in Maine, the fjord
will not be a great attraction. ;-) Scenery, anchorages, and
attractions ashore will be the reason for the trip.


Wwso149874 wrote in message
...
Try Hinckley Yacht Charters:
http://www.acadia.net/hyc/
While you aren't quite far enough to the NE, you will be on the doorstep
to
god's country. I have been throughout the Caribbean, almost all of the
Bahamas, and the entire east coast of the US from Key West to New England.
These are the finest cruising grounds on this side of the Atlantic, BAR
NONE!

PS: I have no affiliation with HYC, nor have I ever chartered with them,
but I
have cruised this coast many times, and plan to be back again soon. There
are
also other charter outfits in the area.


Mark Borgerson

Best East Coast Summer Cruising Grounds
 

In article ,
says...
On the HYC site, first sentence, they refer to the only fjord in the East.
There actually is a freshwater fjord in Gros Morne National Park,
Newfoundland...but it might be expensive to have your sailboat flown in. :-)
see: *** http://parkscanada.pch.gc.ca/pn-np/n...ne/index_E.asp ***


My personal experience is that fjords are not really a top attraction
for sailors. The winds in them usually end up right on your nose
and you spend a lot of time on short tacks. At least that was my
experience in trying to SAIL up to Princess Louisa Inlet in BC. IIRC, I
motored more than half the time. Of course, the extreme tidal currents
at the entrance make it necessary to time your arrival at Malibu
Rapids--which gives you little slack for coping with fluky winds.

Oh, and the fjords in BC are not much for anchorages--water depths are
often several hundred feet just a few hundred feet away from the
rock wall.

When I finally do get the chance to cruise in Maine, the fjord
will not be a great attraction. ;-) Scenery, anchorages, and
attractions ashore will be the reason for the trip.


Wwso149874 wrote in message
...
Try Hinckley Yacht Charters:
http://www.acadia.net/hyc/
While you aren't quite far enough to the NE, you will be on the doorstep
to
god's country. I have been throughout the Caribbean, almost all of the
Bahamas, and the entire east coast of the US from Key West to New England.
These are the finest cruising grounds on this side of the Atlantic, BAR
NONE!

PS: I have no affiliation with HYC, nor have I ever chartered with them,
but I
have cruised this coast many times, and plan to be back again soon. There
are
also other charter outfits in the area.


Mark Borgerson

Best East Coast Summer Cruising Grounds
 

On Sat, 17 Jan 2004 09:08:33 -0500, "Jeff Morris"
wrote:


wrote in message
.. .

Although it is a bit calm in the summer, LIS is actually has the most wind on
an
annual basis.

Boston actually is the windiest seaport in the lower 48 (Chicago isn't close):

http://lwf.ncdc.noaa.gov/oa/climate/...d/avgwind.html



Chicago got the name 'windy city' because of its politicians, not
because of its winds.
---------------------------
to see who "wf3h" is, go to "qrz.com"
and enter 'wf3h' in the field

Best East Coast Summer Cruising Grounds
 

On Sat, 17 Jan 2004 09:08:33 -0500, "Jeff Morris"
wrote:


wrote in message
.. .

Although it is a bit calm in the summer, LIS is actually has the most wind on
an
annual basis.

Boston actually is the windiest seaport in the lower 48 (Chicago isn't close):

http://lwf.ncdc.noaa.gov/oa/climate/...d/avgwind.html



Chicago got the name 'windy city' because of its politicians, not
because of its winds.
---------------------------
to see who "wf3h" is, go to "qrz.com"
and enter 'wf3h' in the field

Best East Coast Summer Cruising Grounds
 

On 18 Jan 2004 20:51:55 GMT, (Wwso149874) wrote:

Try Hinckley Yacht Charters:
http://www.acadia.net/hyc/
While you aren't quite far enough to the NE, you will be on the doorstep to
god's country. I have been throughout the Caribbean, almost all of the
Bahamas, and the entire east coast of the US from Key West to New England.
These are the finest cruising grounds on this side of the Atlantic, BAR NONE!

PS: I have no affiliation with HYC, nor have I ever chartered with them, but I
have cruised this coast many times, and plan to be back again soon. There are
also other charter outfits in the area.


I second this, if you are willing to pay for a really professional
management. I chartered from Hinckley in 1992 when I damaged out boat
on the way to Maine and had to save scheduled vacations in a hurry.

They came thorough in spades. I have not broken our boat since so have
no further charter experience to tell.



Rodney Myrvaagnes NYC J36 Gjo/a

"Religious wisdom is to wisdom as military music is to music."

Best East Coast Summer Cruising Grounds
 

On 18 Jan 2004 20:51:55 GMT, (Wwso149874) wrote:

Try Hinckley Yacht Charters:
http://www.acadia.net/hyc/
While you aren't quite far enough to the NE, you will be on the doorstep to
god's country. I have been throughout the Caribbean, almost all of the
Bahamas, and the entire east coast of the US from Key West to New England.
These are the finest cruising grounds on this side of the Atlantic, BAR NONE!

PS: I have no affiliation with HYC, nor have I ever chartered with them, but I
have cruised this coast many times, and plan to be back again soon. There are
also other charter outfits in the area.


I second this, if you are willing to pay for a really professional
management. I chartered from Hinckley in 1992 when I damaged out boat
on the way to Maine and had to save scheduled vacations in a hurry.

They came thorough in spades. I have not broken our boat since so have
no further charter experience to tell.



Rodney Myrvaagnes NYC J36 Gjo/a

"Religious wisdom is to wisdom as military music is to music."

Best East Coast Summer Cruising Grounds
 

"Bob" wrote in message
...
Boston actually is the windiest seaport in the lower 48 (Chicago isn't
close):

http://lwf.ncdc.noaa.gov/oa/climate/...d/avgwind.html



Chicago got the name 'windy city' because of its politicians, not
because of its winds.

Boston's reputation is because of the beans. ;-}

Best East Coast Summer Cruising Grounds
 

"Bob" wrote in message
...
Boston actually is the windiest seaport in the lower 48 (Chicago isn't
close):

http://lwf.ncdc.noaa.gov/oa/climate/...d/avgwind.html



Chicago got the name 'windy city' because of its politicians, not
because of its winds.

Boston's reputation is because of the beans. ;-}

Best East Coast Summer Cruising Grounds
 

"Mark Borgerson" wrote in message
My personal experience is that fjords are not really a top attraction
for sailors. The winds in them usually end up right on your nose
and you spend a lot of time on short tacks. At least that was my
experience in trying to SAIL up to Princess Louisa Inlet in BC. IIRC, I
motored more than half the time. Of course, the extreme tidal currents
at the entrance make it necessary to time your arrival at Malibu
Rapids--which gives you little slack for coping with fluky winds.

Oh, and the fjords in BC are not much for anchorages--water depths are
often several hundred feet just a few hundred feet away from the
rock wall.


Somes Sound is not a great sailing spot, but its only 4 miles long. The
attraction is the view, which includes an anchorage under a 600 foot cliff.
There is also a quiet anchorage at the head that's a short walk from the best
bookstore on the island.

Frankly Mt Desert is nice but it is a bit hectic. If you want quiet beauty
there are dozens of other spots, within 20 miles.

-jeff

Best East Coast Summer Cruising Grounds
 

"Mark Borgerson" wrote in message
My personal experience is that fjords are not really a top attraction
for sailors. The winds in them usually end up right on your nose
and you spend a lot of time on short tacks. At least that was my
experience in trying to SAIL up to Princess Louisa Inlet in BC. IIRC, I
motored more than half the time. Of course, the extreme tidal currents
at the entrance make it necessary to time your arrival at Malibu
Rapids--which gives you little slack for coping with fluky winds.

Oh, and the fjords in BC are not much for anchorages--water depths are
often several hundred feet just a few hundred feet away from the
rock wall.


Somes Sound is not a great sailing spot, but its only 4 miles long. The
attraction is the view, which includes an anchorage under a 600 foot cliff.
There is also a quiet anchorage at the head that's a short walk from the best
bookstore on the island.

Frankly Mt Desert is nice but it is a bit hectic. If you want quiet beauty
there are dozens of other spots, within 20 miles.

-jeff

Best East Coast Summer Cruising Grounds
 

In article , jeffmo@nospam-at-all-
sv-loki.com says...
"Mark Borgerson" wrote in message
My personal experience is that fjords are not really a top attraction
for sailors. The winds in them usually end up right on your nose
and you spend a lot of time on short tacks. At least that was my
experience in trying to SAIL up to Princess Louisa Inlet in BC. IIRC, I
motored more than half the time. Of course, the extreme tidal currents
at the entrance make it necessary to time your arrival at Malibu
Rapids--which gives you little slack for coping with fluky winds.

Oh, and the fjords in BC are not much for anchorages--water depths are
often several hundred feet just a few hundred feet away from the
rock wall.


Somes Sound is not a great sailing spot, but its only 4 miles long. The
attraction is the view, which includes an anchorage under a 600 foot cliff.
There is also a quiet anchorage at the head that's a short walk from the best
bookstore on the island.

600 feet! They must be really cliff-deprived back there!

http://www.oes.to/ships/PLouisa.jpg

Princess Louisa Inlet and the approaches often have 600 foot cliffs
under the water---but no bookstore within 20 miles, though. ;-)


Frankly Mt Desert is nice but it is a bit hectic. If you want quiet beauty
there are dozens of other spots, within 20 miles.

It was certainly hectic when I drove around the area in the summer
about 15 years ago.

-jeff


Mark Borgerson

Best East Coast Summer Cruising Grounds
 

In article , jeffmo@nospam-at-all-
sv-loki.com says...
"Mark Borgerson" wrote in message
My personal experience is that fjords are not really a top attraction
for sailors. The winds in them usually end up right on your nose
and you spend a lot of time on short tacks. At least that was my
experience in trying to SAIL up to Princess Louisa Inlet in BC. IIRC, I
motored more than half the time. Of course, the extreme tidal currents
at the entrance make it necessary to time your arrival at Malibu
Rapids--which gives you little slack for coping with fluky winds.

Oh, and the fjords in BC are not much for anchorages--water depths are
often several hundred feet just a few hundred feet away from the
rock wall.


Somes Sound is not a great sailing spot, but its only 4 miles long. The
attraction is the view, which includes an anchorage under a 600 foot cliff.
There is also a quiet anchorage at the head that's a short walk from the best
bookstore on the island.

600 feet! They must be really cliff-deprived back there!

http://www.oes.to/ships/PLouisa.jpg

Princess Louisa Inlet and the approaches often have 600 foot cliffs
under the water---but no bookstore within 20 miles, though. ;-)


Frankly Mt Desert is nice but it is a bit hectic. If you want quiet beauty
there are dozens of other spots, within 20 miles.

It was certainly hectic when I drove around the area in the summer
about 15 years ago.

-jeff


Mark Borgerson

Best East Coast Summer Cruising Grounds
 

Wow! what great responses. I think I owe it to you to fill in some
more details about myself and my needs.

I will be sailing with just my wife with whom I race in Portland. She
has limited cruising experience. Boat size is always a compromise of
a number of factors so we tend to prefer a boat in the 30-35 foot
range. We're both athletic and don't like being stuck on-board for
days at a time so shore activities are important. State Parks, like
those in the San Juans, are ideal because the better ones have nice
trails that one can spend considerable time walking around and
exploring the entire island.

I expect that we'll use just one week but two weeks are not out of the
question. Because it's going to be a charter we'll need to schedule
in advance. We are pretty flexible about what time of the season. Of
course the longer days, earlier in Summer give you more time to travel
and go ashore.

All of my sailing has been in the PNW. I have probably a year on-board
sailing the leeward side of Vancouver Island: Puget Sound, San Jauns,
Gulf Islands, Strait of Jaun de Fuca, Strait of Georgia, Desolation
Sound, Johnstone Strait, Queen Charlotte Strait, and probably 100 days
on the Columbia river between Portland and Astoria. I have sailed in
fog (prefer not to repeat). My chart reading and dead reckoning
skills are fine, of course GPS with built in charting make those
skills less important these days. I have lots of experience coping
with strong currents. I have no real offshore Pacific coast
passage-making experience as I'm not a big fan of the sea-sickness
that seems enevitable with the Pacific swell.

Dean

Best East Coast Summer Cruising Grounds
 

Wow! what great responses. I think I owe it to you to fill in some
more details about myself and my needs.

I will be sailing with just my wife with whom I race in Portland. She
has limited cruising experience. Boat size is always a compromise of
a number of factors so we tend to prefer a boat in the 30-35 foot
range. We're both athletic and don't like being stuck on-board for
days at a time so shore activities are important. State Parks, like
those in the San Juans, are ideal because the better ones have nice
trails that one can spend considerable time walking around and
exploring the entire island.

I expect that we'll use just one week but two weeks are not out of the
question. Because it's going to be a charter we'll need to schedule
in advance. We are pretty flexible about what time of the season. Of
course the longer days, earlier in Summer give you more time to travel
and go ashore.

All of my sailing has been in the PNW. I have probably a year on-board
sailing the leeward side of Vancouver Island: Puget Sound, San Jauns,
Gulf Islands, Strait of Jaun de Fuca, Strait of Georgia, Desolation
Sound, Johnstone Strait, Queen Charlotte Strait, and probably 100 days
on the Columbia river between Portland and Astoria. I have sailed in
fog (prefer not to repeat). My chart reading and dead reckoning
skills are fine, of course GPS with built in charting make those
skills less important these days. I have lots of experience coping
with strong currents. I have no real offshore Pacific coast
passage-making experience as I'm not a big fan of the sea-sickness
that seems enevitable with the Pacific swell.

Dean

Best East Coast Summer Cruising Grounds
 

The most encouraging destinations discussed so far are on the New
England coast. I have a few questions that I'd like to push back
about Maine:
Is the Maine fog less of a problem in September? Is the high season
fog all that bad? Does it burn of in the afternoon?
Do the winds hold up in Maine in Sep.?
What is the public land situation in Maine? Are there public parks
where one can wander around?

Thanks,
Dean

Best East Coast Summer Cruising Grounds
 

The most encouraging destinations discussed so far are on the New
England coast. I have a few questions that I'd like to push back
about Maine:
Is the Maine fog less of a problem in September? Is the high season
fog all that bad? Does it burn of in the afternoon?
Do the winds hold up in Maine in Sep.?
What is the public land situation in Maine? Are there public parks
where one can wander around?

Thanks,
Dean

Best East Coast Summer Cruising Grounds
 

I also have a few questions about Southern New England:
Do the winds hold up in Sep.?
It sounds pretty commercialized. I'm worried about not finding a
place to anchor. Is there much hope for a primitive experience or are
you at the mercy of the local property owners?
Don't get me wrong, I do like to stop in at the occasional small port
but there are only so many gift shops and book stores that I can put
up with.

Dean

Best East Coast Summer Cruising Grounds
 

I also have a few questions about Southern New England:
Do the winds hold up in Sep.?
It sounds pretty commercialized. I'm worried about not finding a
place to anchor. Is there much hope for a primitive experience or are
you at the mercy of the local property owners?
Don't get me wrong, I do like to stop in at the occasional small port
but there are only so many gift shops and book stores that I can put
up with.

Dean

Best East Coast Summer Cruising Grounds
 

Dean B wrote:

Is the Maine fog less of a problem in September?

Usually, but maybe not when _you_ are there.

Is the high season
fog all that bad? Does it burn of in the afternoon?

Usually, but maybe not when _you_ are there.

Do the winds hold up in Maine in Sep.?

Usually, but maybe not when _you_ are there. BTW September is cold in Maine
(but maybe not when _you_ are there).

What is the public land situation in Maine? Are there public parks
where one can wander around?

Now for a "straight" answer. Acadia National Park is accessible from your
boat at 2 locations: Mount Desert Island and Isle au Haut. It's not to be
missed, and your views on the Rockefellers may chjange after your visit.

BTW I was obviously "joshin'" you above, but there is no _real_answer to
your questions. Read the cruising guides and make your best guess. If
someone offers you a sure-fire answer to such questions, make sure you get
a _written_ guarantee.

--
Good luck and good sailing.
s/v Kerry Deare of Barnegat
http://kerrydeare.tripod.com

Best East Coast Summer Cruising Grounds
 

Dean B wrote:

Is the Maine fog less of a problem in September?

Usually, but maybe not when _you_ are there.

Is the high season
fog all that bad? Does it burn of in the afternoon?

Usually, but maybe not when _you_ are there.

Do the winds hold up in Maine in Sep.?

Usually, but maybe not when _you_ are there. BTW September is cold in Maine
(but maybe not when _you_ are there).

What is the public land situation in Maine? Are there public parks
where one can wander around?

Now for a "straight" answer. Acadia National Park is accessible from your
boat at 2 locations: Mount Desert Island and Isle au Haut. It's not to be
missed, and your views on the Rockefellers may chjange after your visit.

BTW I was obviously "joshin'" you above, but there is no _real_answer to
your questions. Read the cruising guides and make your best guess. If
someone offers you a sure-fire answer to such questions, make sure you get
a _written_ guarantee.

--
Good luck and good sailing.
s/v Kerry Deare of Barnegat
http://kerrydeare.tripod.com

Best East Coast Summer Cruising Grounds
 

"Dean B" wrote in message
om...
The most encouraging destinations discussed so far are on the New
England coast. I have a few questions that I'd like to push back
about Maine:
Is the Maine fog less of a problem in September?

Yes.

Is the high season fog all that bad?

It can be. Out of roughly 20 Maine trips I don't think I've had one that didn't
involve some serious fog. Our joke is that although we've passed within 200
yard of Matinicus Light several times, we haven't seen it yet!

On the other hand, we've only been "fogged in" for more than a day once. As I
mentioned before, the fog tends to be spotty, usually staying a few miles
outside of the interesting islands, but sometimes getting pushed in. We've
learned to take advantage of the drier travel days, and to cope when it doesn't
work as planned.

Does it burn of in the afternoon?

You can almost count on a light fog in the morning, which often burns off by
noon. We usually wait until the first sign of thinning to take off, but I
confess we've used the "bread crumb" feature of the GPS a few times to retreat!

Do the winds hold up in Maine in Sep.?

Yes. And you'll find that they alternate between the summer SW and the winter
NW breezes, with the ocasional NE gale for added spice.

What is the public land situation in Maine? Are there public parks
where one can wander around?

There are hundreds of islands that are either deserted or public, or have small
towns that you're free to wander. Plus a number of formal parks. Acadia is a
"must see" place but it does get crowed. However, the island has a free public
bus system, so you can stay in a quiet harbor, like NE harbor, and use the bus
to see the major sights. After a few days, you can head in any direction and
find a beautiful spot with 10 miles.

An example: 6 miles south of Mt Desert is Long Island, with the town of
Frenchboro, pop 37, half named Lunt. You get a mooring from Lunt Marine in Lunt
Harbor, and make your Lobsta order from Lunt Restaurant on the VHF. You can
walk the town, visit the museum (one of the nicer "one room museums"), then sit
down for a great dinner. My wife had ordered a 1.5 pounder; they apologized
that there were none so they gave her a 2.5 pound monster. $15 with the
trimmings.

Check out the Hinckley Charters site - I think they have sample itineraries.

Best East Coast Summer Cruising Grounds
 

"Dean B" wrote in message
om...
The most encouraging destinations discussed so far are on the New
England coast. I have a few questions that I'd like to push back
about Maine:
Is the Maine fog less of a problem in September?

Yes.

Is the high season fog all that bad?

It can be. Out of roughly 20 Maine trips I don't think I've had one that didn't
involve some serious fog. Our joke is that although we've passed within 200
yard of Matinicus Light several times, we haven't seen it yet!

On the other hand, we've only been "fogged in" for more than a day once. As I
mentioned before, the fog tends to be spotty, usually staying a few miles
outside of the interesting islands, but sometimes getting pushed in. We've
learned to take advantage of the drier travel days, and to cope when it doesn't
work as planned.

Does it burn of in the afternoon?

You can almost count on a light fog in the morning, which often burns off by
noon. We usually wait until the first sign of thinning to take off, but I
confess we've used the "bread crumb" feature of the GPS a few times to retreat!

Do the winds hold up in Maine in Sep.?

Yes. And you'll find that they alternate between the summer SW and the winter
NW breezes, with the ocasional NE gale for added spice.

What is the public land situation in Maine? Are there public parks
where one can wander around?

There are hundreds of islands that are either deserted or public, or have small
towns that you're free to wander. Plus a number of formal parks. Acadia is a
"must see" place but it does get crowed. However, the island has a free public
bus system, so you can stay in a quiet harbor, like NE harbor, and use the bus
to see the major sights. After a few days, you can head in any direction and
find a beautiful spot with 10 miles.

An example: 6 miles south of Mt Desert is Long Island, with the town of
Frenchboro, pop 37, half named Lunt. You get a mooring from Lunt Marine in Lunt
Harbor, and make your Lobsta order from Lunt Restaurant on the VHF. You can
walk the town, visit the museum (one of the nicer "one room museums"), then sit
down for a great dinner. My wife had ordered a 1.5 pounder; they apologized
that there were none so they gave her a 2.5 pound monster. $15 with the
trimmings.

Check out the Hinckley Charters site - I think they have sample itineraries.

Best East Coast Summer Cruising Grounds
 

Dean B wrote:
I also have a few questions about Southern New England:
Do the winds hold up in Sep.?

See the Maine response and associated details.

It sounds pretty commercialized. I'm worried about not finding a
place to anchor. Is there much hope for a primitive experience or
are you at the mercy of the local property owners?

Forget trespassing. You will get into trouble fast. In Southern New
England one simply does not land on private property.

The issue instead is usually the availability of space in the standard
harbors. Years ago the trend switched to moorings, and it's only gotten
worse. At least in September you will be pretty sure to find a mooring, but
most harbors of interest are so clogged with mooring balls that lying to
your own steel is not simple. I try to do it most of the time, but I have
been using these harbors for many years and I can usually make an educated
guess about what's possible and what's trouble. In some harbors you will
definitely draw the ire of the local constable if you get creative.

Now for a fee I will give you the coordinates of some really neat places to
drop a hook not matter what the situation (smile).

--
Good luck and good sailing.
s/v Kerry Deare of Barnegat
http://kerrydeare.tripod.com

Best East Coast Summer Cruising Grounds
 

Dean B wrote:
I also have a few questions about Southern New England:
Do the winds hold up in Sep.?

See the Maine response and associated details.

It sounds pretty commercialized. I'm worried about not finding a
place to anchor. Is there much hope for a primitive experience or
are you at the mercy of the local property owners?

Forget trespassing. You will get into trouble fast. In Southern New
England one simply does not land on private property.

The issue instead is usually the availability of space in the standard
harbors. Years ago the trend switched to moorings, and it's only gotten
worse. At least in September you will be pretty sure to find a mooring, but
most harbors of interest are so clogged with mooring balls that lying to
your own steel is not simple. I try to do it most of the time, but I have
been using these harbors for many years and I can usually make an educated
guess about what's possible and what's trouble. In some harbors you will
definitely draw the ire of the local constable if you get creative.

Now for a fee I will give you the coordinates of some really neat places to
drop a hook not matter what the situation (smile).

--
Good luck and good sailing.
s/v Kerry Deare of Barnegat
http://kerrydeare.tripod.com

Best East Coast Summer Cruising Grounds
 

Buzzards Bay and the Cape and Islands are great, but they're not exactly
"primitive." We used to go to Maine for the primitive escape, but switched to
the sound when our daughter was born. Martha's Vineyard is a lot more fun for a
child, especially being able to swim off the boat and go in for ice cream and a
carousel every day.

There are more primitive places, but you'll always be sharing them with lots of
other cruisers. This is not a problem if you like to anchor outside away from
the crowds, but getting an "inside" spot at the head of the little hurricane
hole is an art form. Our itinerary is often designed around arriving at the
optimal time to get the ideal spot.

As for the wind, its hard to predict. Last Labor Day we came back in about 30
knots, but often as not we've had to power to make time. September is the heart
of the hurricane season here. Its very rare they strike north of Boston, but
Buzzard Bay usually gets at least one scare every season.

Frankly, its sounds to me like Maine is what you're after. Just don't plan on
swimming.


"Dean B" wrote in message
om...
I also have a few questions about Southern New England:
Do the winds hold up in Sep.?
It sounds pretty commercialized. I'm worried about not finding a
place to anchor. Is there much hope for a primitive experience or are
you at the mercy of the local property owners?
Don't get me wrong, I do like to stop in at the occasional small port
but there are only so many gift shops and book stores that I can put
up with.

Dean

Best East Coast Summer Cruising Grounds
 

Buzzards Bay and the Cape and Islands are great, but they're not exactly
"primitive." We used to go to Maine for the primitive escape, but switched to
the sound when our daughter was born. Martha's Vineyard is a lot more fun for a
child, especially being able to swim off the boat and go in for ice cream and a
carousel every day.

There are more primitive places, but you'll always be sharing them with lots of
other cruisers. This is not a problem if you like to anchor outside away from
the crowds, but getting an "inside" spot at the head of the little hurricane
hole is an art form. Our itinerary is often designed around arriving at the
optimal time to get the ideal spot.

As for the wind, its hard to predict. Last Labor Day we came back in about 30
knots, but often as not we've had to power to make time. September is the heart
of the hurricane season here. Its very rare they strike north of Boston, but
Buzzard Bay usually gets at least one scare every season.

Frankly, its sounds to me like Maine is what you're after. Just don't plan on
swimming.


"Dean B" wrote in message
om...
I also have a few questions about Southern New England:
Do the winds hold up in Sep.?
It sounds pretty commercialized. I'm worried about not finding a
place to anchor. Is there much hope for a primitive experience or are
you at the mercy of the local property owners?
Don't get me wrong, I do like to stop in at the occasional small port
but there are only so many gift shops and book stores that I can put
up with.

Dean

Best East Coast Summer Cruising Grounds
 

Something to consider:
The West Coast tends to have "climate" more than weather.
ANY place on the East Coast will have far more variation in the
weather than what you might be used to. ANY place on the East Coast
can have God-awful weather for the entire week that you are there.
Joe

Best East Coast Summer Cruising Grounds
 

Something to consider:
The West Coast tends to have "climate" more than weather.
ANY place on the East Coast will have far more variation in the
weather than what you might be used to. ANY place on the East Coast
can have God-awful weather for the entire week that you are there.
Joe

Best East Coast Summer Cruising Grounds
 

In article ,
says...
Dean B wrote:
I also have a few questions about Southern New England:
Do the winds hold up in Sep.?

See the Maine response and associated details.

It sounds pretty commercialized. I'm worried about not finding a
place to anchor. Is there much hope for a primitive experience or
are you at the mercy of the local property owners?

Forget trespassing. You will get into trouble fast. In Southern New
England one simply does not land on private property.

The issue instead is usually the availability of space in the standard
harbors. Years ago the trend switched to moorings, and it's only gotten
worse. At least in September you will be pretty sure to find a mooring, but
most harbors of interest are so clogged with mooring balls that lying to
your own steel is not simple. I try to do it most of the time, but I have
been using these harbors for many years and I can usually make an educated
guess about what's possible and what's trouble. In some harbors you will
definitely draw the ire of the local constable if you get creative.


That brings up some questions:
1. Here in Oregon, and IIRC, Washington,
the land between high and low tide lines is considered public property
and you can anchor in any water not othwise restricted. That means
you can put down the lunch hook and dinghy ashore for a trip
through the tide pools. Are the laws and regulations similar
in Maine?

2. What's the expected tidal range and are the tides diurnal or
semi-diurnal? (OK, I know the ranges may vary widely in different
areas, but assume I'm asking about common anchorages).



Now for a fee I will give you the coordinates of some really neat places to
drop a hook not matter what the situation (smile).


Hope the fee would be less than the equivalent of the Waggoner's guide
out here! ;-)


Mark Borgerson

Best East Coast Summer Cruising Grounds
 

In article ,
says...
Dean B wrote:
I also have a few questions about Southern New England:
Do the winds hold up in Sep.?

See the Maine response and associated details.

It sounds pretty commercialized. I'm worried about not finding a
place to anchor. Is there much hope for a primitive experience or
are you at the mercy of the local property owners?

Forget trespassing. You will get into trouble fast. In Southern New
England one simply does not land on private property.

The issue instead is usually the availability of space in the standard
harbors. Years ago the trend switched to moorings, and it's only gotten
worse. At least in September you will be pretty sure to find a mooring, but
most harbors of interest are so clogged with mooring balls that lying to
your own steel is not simple. I try to do it most of the time, but I have
been using these harbors for many years and I can usually make an educated
guess about what's possible and what's trouble. In some harbors you will
definitely draw the ire of the local constable if you get creative.


That brings up some questions:
1. Here in Oregon, and IIRC, Washington,
the land between high and low tide lines is considered public property
and you can anchor in any water not othwise restricted. That means
you can put down the lunch hook and dinghy ashore for a trip
through the tide pools. Are the laws and regulations similar
in Maine?

2. What's the expected tidal range and are the tides diurnal or
semi-diurnal? (OK, I know the ranges may vary widely in different
areas, but assume I'm asking about common anchorages).



Now for a fee I will give you the coordinates of some really neat places to
drop a hook not matter what the situation (smile).


Hope the fee would be less than the equivalent of the Waggoner's guide
out here! ;-)


Mark Borgerson

Best East Coast Summer Cruising Grounds
 

"Jeff Morris" wrote in message
...
Buzzards Bay and the Cape and Islands are great, but they're not exactly
"primitive." snipped bit was here

Frankly, its sounds to me like Maine is what you're after. Just don't
plan on
swimming.

Or you could come a little further north to Cape Breton and cruise the Bras
d'Or. Fog is almost unknown and you CAN plan on swimming. Always some
other yachts around but never crowded. Lots of public land and most private
land owners don't mind anyway. Lots to see & do. I like it, that why I
live here.

A site by a fellow rec.boats.cruising poster:
http://www.jimthompson.net/brasdor/
A small charter company: http://www.alongshore.com/cblake/about.htm
--
Ken Heaton & Anne Tobin
Cape Breton Island, Canada
kenheaton AT syd DOT eastlink DOT ca

"Dean B" wrote in message
om...
I also have a few questions about Southern New England:
Do the winds hold up in Sep.?
It sounds pretty commercialized. I'm worried about not finding a
place to anchor. Is there much hope for a primitive experience or are
you at the mercy of the local property owners?
Don't get me wrong, I do like to stop in at the occasional small port
but there are only so many gift shops and book stores that I can put
up with.

Dean

Best East Coast Summer Cruising Grounds
 

"Jeff Morris" wrote in message
...
Buzzards Bay and the Cape and Islands are great, but they're not exactly
"primitive." snipped bit was here

Frankly, its sounds to me like Maine is what you're after. Just don't
plan on
swimming.

Or you could come a little further north to Cape Breton and cruise the Bras
d'Or. Fog is almost unknown and you CAN plan on swimming. Always some
other yachts around but never crowded. Lots of public land and most private
land owners don't mind anyway. Lots to see & do. I like it, that why I
live here.

A site by a fellow rec.boats.cruising poster:
http://www.jimthompson.net/brasdor/
A small charter company: http://www.alongshore.com/cblake/about.htm
--
Ken Heaton & Anne Tobin
Cape Breton Island, Canada
kenheaton AT syd DOT eastlink DOT ca

"Dean B" wrote in message
om...
I also have a few questions about Southern New England:
Do the winds hold up in Sep.?
It sounds pretty commercialized. I'm worried about not finding a
place to anchor. Is there much hope for a primitive experience or are
you at the mercy of the local property owners?
Don't get me wrong, I do like to stop in at the occasional small port
but there are only so many gift shops and book stores that I can put
up with.

Dean

Best East Coast Summer Cruising Grounds
 

On 19 Jan 2004 11:27:27 -0800, (Dean B) wrote:

Wow! what great responses. I think I owe it to you to fill in some
more details about myself and my needs.

I will be sailing with just my wife with whom I race in Portland. She
has limited cruising experience. Boat size is always a compromise of
a number of factors so we tend to prefer a boat in the 30-35 foot
range. We're both athletic and don't like being stuck on-board for
days at a time so shore activities are important. State Parks, like
those in the San Juans, are ideal because the better ones have nice
trails that one can spend considerable time walking around and
exploring the entire island.

Both Mount Desert and Isle au Haut have hiking trails. They are part
of Acadia National Park. Isle au Haut has Park Dept moorings in Duck
Harbor in the summer time, or so I am told. They were pulled by the
time we got there in Mid Sept. It is not a comfortable harbor for
sleeping.

Better, perhaps, to anchor in the thorofare east of the
lighthouse/b&b. You can row to the town dock from there.

Great Wass Is. (The Mudhole) (67-35 W, 44-29 N) belongs to The Nature
Conservancy and has trails. In September you are likely to have the
Mudhole to yourself, but I don't know about summer.

For long days June might have some of the advantages of September for
lack of crowding, but the water will be really cold. Bring gloves for
weighing anchor.





Rodney Myrvaagnes NYC J36 Gjo/a

"WooWooism lives" Anon grafitto on the base of the Cuttyhunk breakwater light

Best East Coast Summer Cruising Grounds
 

On 19 Jan 2004 11:27:27 -0800, (Dean B) wrote:

Wow! what great responses. I think I owe it to you to fill in some
more details about myself and my needs.

I will be sailing with just my wife with whom I race in Portland. She
has limited cruising experience. Boat size is always a compromise of
a number of factors so we tend to prefer a boat in the 30-35 foot
range. We're both athletic and don't like being stuck on-board for
days at a time so shore activities are important. State Parks, like
those in the San Juans, are ideal because the better ones have nice
trails that one can spend considerable time walking around and
exploring the entire island.

Both Mount Desert and Isle au Haut have hiking trails. They are part
of Acadia National Park. Isle au Haut has Park Dept moorings in Duck
Harbor in the summer time, or so I am told. They were pulled by the
time we got there in Mid Sept. It is not a comfortable harbor for
sleeping.

Better, perhaps, to anchor in the thorofare east of the
lighthouse/b&b. You can row to the town dock from there.

Great Wass Is. (The Mudhole) (67-35 W, 44-29 N) belongs to The Nature
Conservancy and has trails. In September you are likely to have the
Mudhole to yourself, but I don't know about summer.

For long days June might have some of the advantages of September for
lack of crowding, but the water will be really cold. Bring gloves for
weighing anchor.





Rodney Myrvaagnes NYC J36 Gjo/a

"WooWooism lives" Anon grafitto on the base of the Cuttyhunk breakwater light

Best East Coast Summer Cruising Grounds
 

On 19 Jan 2004 11:33:01 -0800, (Dean B) wrote:

The most encouraging destinations discussed so far are on the New
England coast. I have a few questions that I'd like to push back
about Maine:
Is the Maine fog less of a problem in September?

Yes, much less.It can still happen, but the odds are with you.

Is the high season
fog all that bad?
Sometimes it socks in for days at a time. Average fog days are highest
in July and August.

Does it burn of in the afternoon?

Sometimes. But you are more likely to get out of it by going in
between islands. For example, you might be sailing west by Great Wass,
Steele Harbor Is., and Head Harbor Is. without seeing much of
anything. Then you turn the corner toward Roque and everything opens
up ahead of you.

Also, Casco Bay can be nice when it is foggy outside. So can the
Sheepscot or Damariscotta rivers.

Do the winds hold up in Maine in Sep.?
What is the public land situation in Maine? Are there public parks
where one can wander around?

Thanks,
Dean


Rodney Myrvaagnes NYC J36 Gjo/a

"WooWooism lives" Anon grafitto on the base of the Cuttyhunk breakwater light

Best East Coast Summer Cruising Grounds
 

On 19 Jan 2004 11:33:01 -0800, (Dean B) wrote:

The most encouraging destinations discussed so far are on the New
England coast. I have a few questions that I'd like to push back
about Maine:
Is the Maine fog less of a problem in September?

Yes, much less.It can still happen, but the odds are with you.

Is the high season
fog all that bad?
Sometimes it socks in for days at a time. Average fog days are highest
in July and August.

Does it burn of in the afternoon?

Sometimes. But you are more likely to get out of it by going in
between islands. For example, you might be sailing west by Great Wass,
Steele Harbor Is., and Head Harbor Is. without seeing much of
anything. Then you turn the corner toward Roque and everything opens
up ahead of you.

Also, Casco Bay can be nice when it is foggy outside. So can the
Sheepscot or Damariscotta rivers.

Do the winds hold up in Maine in Sep.?
What is the public land situation in Maine? Are there public parks
where one can wander around?

Thanks,
Dean


Rodney Myrvaagnes NYC J36 Gjo/a

"WooWooism lives" Anon grafitto on the base of the Cuttyhunk breakwater light

Best East Coast Summer Cruising Grounds
 

On Tue, 20 Jan 2004 02:43:23 GMT, Mark Borgerson
wrote:

In article ,
says...


That brings up some questions:
1. Here in Oregon, and IIRC, Washington,
the land between high and low tide lines is considered public property
and you can anchor in any water not othwise restricted. That means
you can put down the lunch hook and dinghy ashore for a trip
through the tide pools. Are the laws and regulations similar
in Maine?

2. What's the expected tidal range and are the tides diurnal or
semi-diurnal? (OK, I know the ranges may vary widely in different
areas, but assume I'm asking about common anchorages).


Semidiurnal, and normal range is in the 11-13 foot range along most of
the Maine Coast. It rises steeply as you enter the Bay of Fundy, with
a mean range of 28 ft on Grand Manan.


If you are serious about Maine you would do well to get all the
cruising guides you can lay your hands on. Read them at home with
planning charts. (The Johnson guide comes with planning charts.)

Also get an Eldridge or other book with tide tables.



Rodney Myrvaagnes NYC J36 Gjo/a

"WooWooism lives" Anon grafitto on the base of the Cuttyhunk breakwater light

Best East Coast Summer Cruising Grounds
 

On Tue, 20 Jan 2004 02:43:23 GMT, Mark Borgerson
wrote:

In article ,
says...


That brings up some questions:
1. Here in Oregon, and IIRC, Washington,
the land between high and low tide lines is considered public property
and you can anchor in any water not othwise restricted. That means
you can put down the lunch hook and dinghy ashore for a trip
through the tide pools. Are the laws and regulations similar
in Maine?

2. What's the expected tidal range and are the tides diurnal or
semi-diurnal? (OK, I know the ranges may vary widely in different
areas, but assume I'm asking about common anchorages).


Semidiurnal, and normal range is in the 11-13 foot range along most of
the Maine Coast. It rises steeply as you enter the Bay of Fundy, with
a mean range of 28 ft on Grand Manan.


If you are serious about Maine you would do well to get all the
cruising guides you can lay your hands on. Read them at home with
planning charts. (The Johnson guide comes with planning charts.)

Also get an Eldridge or other book with tide tables.



Rodney Myrvaagnes NYC J36 Gjo/a

"WooWooism lives" Anon grafitto on the base of the Cuttyhunk breakwater light

Best East Coast Summer Cruising Grounds
 

On Mon, 19 Jan 2004 23:23:50 -0400, "Ken Heaton"
wrote:

"Jeff Morris" wrote in message
...
Buzzards Bay and the Cape and Islands are great, but they're not exactly
"primitive." snipped bit was here

Frankly, its sounds to me like Maine is what you're after. Just don't
plan on
swimming.

Or you could come a little further north to Cape Breton and cruise the Bras
d'Or. Fog is almost unknown and you CAN plan on swimming. Always some
other yachts around but never crowded. Lots of public land and most private
land owners don't mind anyway. Lots to see & do. I like it, that why I
live here.

A site by a fellow rec.boats.cruising poster:
http://www.jimthompson.net/brasdor/
A small charter company: http://www.alongshore.com/cblake/about.htm

Not a bad suggestion if there is a charter available there. A very
relaxed, sheltered place. THe emotional experience is completely
different from the outside coast, of either Maine or Nova Scotia.

You could spend a week in Bras d'Or without a single
sphincter-tightening event. Lots of Eagles.

Still, if I had to choose only one, it would be Maine in September.




Rodney Myrvaagnes NYC J36 Gjo/a

"WooWooism lives" Anon grafitto on the base of the Cuttyhunk breakwater light