Home |
Search |
Today's Posts |
|
#1
![]() |
|||
|
|||
![]() |
#2
![]() |
|||
|
|||
![]()
Dean B wrote:
I ... would like to charter a boat on the east cost ... next summer. I am looking for a place with wind; more than anything else ... I expect to anchor every night and don't intend to go on any offshore passages. Cute little ports are nice if you need to pick up groceries or a little resturaunt food. I also like anchoring at state parks that have day hikes. Chesapeake Bay looks promising or Florida may have something to offer as well but I have little idea about the wind and park situation. So far mentioned are Buzzards, Long Island Sound, the Maine coast, Chesapeake Bay, and perhaps a few others. You haven't given many details (experience, length of cruise, crew, boat size, when in the season, etc.) so it's hard to pin things down. Even so, some valid generalities are possible. For beauty (when you can actually see it) the Maine coast is perhaps at the top of the list, but this depends to some extent on one's preferences. The Chesapeake Bay _in_season_ is to many folks the best looking place to dawdle. Certainly there are more nooks and crannies on the Bay than in most other places, but the Bay may not meet your sailing expectations depending upon when you visit. Southern New England is fine looking to my eye, but except for Gay Head there really aren't many spectacular or "charming" vistas compared to other locales. Different strokes. Long Island Sound is notorious for calm winds in season. Even the daily thermal sometimes doesn't appear. I'd say the most common sight on LIS in summer is a sailboat scurrying east or wet under power. That's been my experience over the last 25 or so years. Mind you, I'm not a resident. Southern New England (aka "Buzzards") can be relied upon for wind (sometimes more than necessary). The problem for me is that, although there are many places to stop, actual anchorage is not always available. Many of the overly-used harbors are filled with expensive moorings, and crowds are guaranteed in places like Marthas and Nantucket. Same for Newport, the Elizabeth Islands, and so on. Of the lot, Block Island will usually offer room to anchor, and even in mid-season it may not _seem_ crowded. But Block is a place to sit for most folks, not to merely overnight. It's a destination rather than a stopover in that limited sense. Depends on your taste. Above the CC Canal, there's perhaps not enough variety to satisfy some tastes until you get to the Maine coast. I have been in most of the harbors on Mass Bay and Cape Cod Bay. I like them quite a bit, but often enough there's not the wind you seem to require. Also the scenery when crossing Cap Cod Bay isn't in the same league as further north and east. That's also the case on LIS. Then there's Maine. Maine for many folks begins east of Muscongus Bay, and gets better the farther east one goes. The problem with this coast is that (a) it takes a more experienced hand (and a better prepared vessel) to really enjoy it, and (b) sometimes you cannot see it. I know many folks who've spent 2 full weeks in fog on this coast. I know just as many who've had clear weather for their entire cruise (well, not _that_ many). I am a Maineiac and have been for some time, but I can understand why some folks would not agree. I go on my own boat and never have anything that resembles a schedule. I would say your short list should include Southern New England and Penobscot Bay, depending on the specifics I mentioned at the beginning of this post. Look for a copy of Bill Robinson's "Places to Cruise." It covers just about all the possible spots on the East Coast (plus some other well known areas). It's long out of print but often available in local libraries. He says it a lot better than I have, although I suspect our conclusions are not very far apart. -- Good luck and good sailing. s/v Kerry Deare of Barnegat http://kerrydeare.tripod.com |
#3
![]() |
|||
|
|||
![]()
In article ,
"Armond Perretta" wrote: Dean B wrote: I ... would like to charter a boat on the east cost ... next summer. I am looking for a place with wind; more than anything else ... I expect to anchor every night and don't intend to go on any offshore passages. Cute little ports are nice if you need to pick up groceries or a little resturaunt food. I also like anchoring at state parks that have day hikes. Chesapeake Bay looks promising or Florida may have something to offer as well but I have little idea about the wind and park situation. For beauty (when you can actually see it) the Maine coast is perhaps at the top of the list, but this depends to some extent on one's preferences. The Chesapeake Bay _in_season_ is to many folks the best looking place to dawdle. Certainly there are more nooks and crannies on the Bay than in most other places, but the Bay may not meet your sailing expectations depending upon when you visit. snip The Chesapeake CAN be frustrating some days, particularly if you're trying to "get" some place, but if you can work light to moderate air, you can usually get to some nice anchorage as the distances are short. Within 10 nm of our marina (near Rock Hall, one of the rental centers), we have 7 overnight anchorages. Another 5 or so miles and the number at least doubles. We usually stop sailing when VMG goes below 2-3 knots. YMMV. To really get to know the Bay's treasures, check out Shellenberger's "Gunkholer's Guide" to the Chesapeake. -- Jere Lull Xan-a-Deux ('73 Tanzer 28 #4 out of Tolchester, MD) Xan's Pages: http://members.dca.net/jerelull/X-Main.html Our BVI FAQs (290+ pics) http://homepage.mac.com/jerelull/BVI/ |
#4
![]() |
|||
|
|||
![]()
In article ,
"Armond Perretta" wrote: Dean B wrote: I ... would like to charter a boat on the east cost ... next summer. I am looking for a place with wind; more than anything else ... I expect to anchor every night and don't intend to go on any offshore passages. Cute little ports are nice if you need to pick up groceries or a little resturaunt food. I also like anchoring at state parks that have day hikes. Chesapeake Bay looks promising or Florida may have something to offer as well but I have little idea about the wind and park situation. For beauty (when you can actually see it) the Maine coast is perhaps at the top of the list, but this depends to some extent on one's preferences. The Chesapeake Bay _in_season_ is to many folks the best looking place to dawdle. Certainly there are more nooks and crannies on the Bay than in most other places, but the Bay may not meet your sailing expectations depending upon when you visit. snip The Chesapeake CAN be frustrating some days, particularly if you're trying to "get" some place, but if you can work light to moderate air, you can usually get to some nice anchorage as the distances are short. Within 10 nm of our marina (near Rock Hall, one of the rental centers), we have 7 overnight anchorages. Another 5 or so miles and the number at least doubles. We usually stop sailing when VMG goes below 2-3 knots. YMMV. To really get to know the Bay's treasures, check out Shellenberger's "Gunkholer's Guide" to the Chesapeake. -- Jere Lull Xan-a-Deux ('73 Tanzer 28 #4 out of Tolchester, MD) Xan's Pages: http://members.dca.net/jerelull/X-Main.html Our BVI FAQs (290+ pics) http://homepage.mac.com/jerelull/BVI/ |
#5
![]() |
|||
|
|||
![]()
On Sat, 17 Jan 2004 10:23:04 -0500, "Armond Perretta"
wrote: Then there's Maine. Maine for many folks begins east of Muscongus Bay, and gets better the farther east one goes. The problem with this coast is that (a) it takes a more experienced hand (and a better prepared vessel) to really enjoy it, and (b) sometimes you cannot see it. I know many folks who've spent 2 full weeks in fog on this coast. I know just as many who've had clear weather for their entire cruise (well, not _that_ many). I am a Maineiac and have been for some time, but I can understand why some folks would not agree. I go on my own boat and never have anything that resembles a schedule. I would say your short list should include Southern New England and Penobscot Bay, depending on the specifics I mentioned at the beginning of this post. Look for a copy of Bill Robinson's "Places to Cruise." It covers just about all the possible spots on the East Coast (plus some other well known areas). It's long out of print but often available in local libraries. He says it a lot better than I have, although I suspect our conclusions are not very far apart. I agree with most of what Armond says. Exceptions: I would say Maine begins at Cape Elizabeth, not Muscongus Bay. There are some lovely anchorages in Casco Bay if you are willing to sail north for some distance, and aren't trying to make time along the coast. Richmond Island, at Cape Elizabeth, offers a pleasant anchorage even if you are trying to make time along the coast. Same for the Sheepscot River. Cruising in September, we have had as many as 13 days straight of super-clear weather. When Labor Day is early, we have often arrived to meet thick fog, sometimes lasting 2 or 3 days. Usually clear for the remaining time. Rodney Myrvaagnes NYC J36 Gjo/a "Religious wisdom is to wisdom as military music is to music." |
#6
![]() |
|||
|
|||
![]()
"Rodney Myrvaagnes" wrote in message
... I agree with most of what Armond says. Exceptions: I would say Maine begins at Cape Elizabeth, not Muscongus Bay. There are some lovely anchorages in Casco Bay if you are willing to sail north for some distance, and aren't trying to make time along the coast. Richmond Island, at Cape Elizabeth, offers a pleasant anchorage even if you are trying to make time along the coast. I agree completely - Casco Bay may not be considered "Down East" but its still very nice. We always stop a Richmond Island - because it has two harbors and fairly easy approaches its a good target for the end of a long haul. Same for the Sheepscot River. Cruising in September, we have had as many as 13 days straight of super-clear weather. When Labor Day is early, we have often arrived to meet thick fog, sometimes lasting 2 or 3 days. Usually clear for the remaining time. By Labor Day the fog can be clearing out. However, in the Summer its not a matter of whether there's fog, but where its sitting. Some years it mostly stays offshore, other years it comes in close. We've only been socked in for several days once, at Jewell Island. We later found there was no fog about a mile towards shore from where we were. Last year we had planned a long Maine trip but punted because of the rain. We heard from cousins that Down East was totally socked in much of the early summer; others said Casco Bay was pea soup much of August. The best thing is to have radar, but no fixed itinerary. BTW, I've never had black flies in coastal Maine, but I have suffered nasty attacks off of Plum Island. |
#7
![]() |
|||
|
|||
![]() I spent mostly all last summer cruising and fishing between Kennebunk and Raymond Islands off the coast of Maine and once on the water the flies and mosquitoes were none existent. It's sheer paradise. You could venture north and head for Boothbay Harbor and Bar Harbor. These are great places to fish, relax, and enjoy the scenery. Both have great restaurants, are very picturesque and a must to visit. Don't overlook Cadilac Mountain if you get to Bar Harbor. "Jeff Morris" wrote in message ... "Rodney Myrvaagnes" wrote in message ... I agree with most of what Armond says. Exceptions: I would say Maine begins at Cape Elizabeth, not Muscongus Bay. There are some lovely anchorages in Casco Bay if you are willing to sail north for some distance, and aren't trying to make time along the coast. Richmond Island, at Cape Elizabeth, offers a pleasant anchorage even if you are trying to make time along the coast. I agree completely - Casco Bay may not be considered "Down East" but its still very nice. We always stop a Richmond Island - because it has two harbors and fairly easy approaches its a good target for the end of a long haul. Same for the Sheepscot River. Cruising in September, we have had as many as 13 days straight of super-clear weather. When Labor Day is early, we have often arrived to meet thick fog, sometimes lasting 2 or 3 days. Usually clear for the remaining time. By Labor Day the fog can be clearing out. However, in the Summer its not a matter of whether there's fog, but where its sitting. Some years it mostly stays offshore, other years it comes in close. We've only been socked in for several days once, at Jewell Island. We later found there was no fog about a mile towards shore from where we were. Last year we had planned a long Maine trip but punted because of the rain. We heard from cousins that Down East was totally socked in much of the early summer; others said Casco Bay was pea soup much of August. The best thing is to have radar, but no fixed itinerary. BTW, I've never had black flies in coastal Maine, but I have suffered nasty attacks off of Plum Island. |
#8
![]() |
|||
|
|||
![]() I spent mostly all last summer cruising and fishing between Kennebunk and Raymond Islands off the coast of Maine and once on the water the flies and mosquitoes were none existent. It's sheer paradise. You could venture north and head for Boothbay Harbor and Bar Harbor. These are great places to fish, relax, and enjoy the scenery. Both have great restaurants, are very picturesque and a must to visit. Don't overlook Cadilac Mountain if you get to Bar Harbor. "Jeff Morris" wrote in message ... "Rodney Myrvaagnes" wrote in message ... I agree with most of what Armond says. Exceptions: I would say Maine begins at Cape Elizabeth, not Muscongus Bay. There are some lovely anchorages in Casco Bay if you are willing to sail north for some distance, and aren't trying to make time along the coast. Richmond Island, at Cape Elizabeth, offers a pleasant anchorage even if you are trying to make time along the coast. I agree completely - Casco Bay may not be considered "Down East" but its still very nice. We always stop a Richmond Island - because it has two harbors and fairly easy approaches its a good target for the end of a long haul. Same for the Sheepscot River. Cruising in September, we have had as many as 13 days straight of super-clear weather. When Labor Day is early, we have often arrived to meet thick fog, sometimes lasting 2 or 3 days. Usually clear for the remaining time. By Labor Day the fog can be clearing out. However, in the Summer its not a matter of whether there's fog, but where its sitting. Some years it mostly stays offshore, other years it comes in close. We've only been socked in for several days once, at Jewell Island. We later found there was no fog about a mile towards shore from where we were. Last year we had planned a long Maine trip but punted because of the rain. We heard from cousins that Down East was totally socked in much of the early summer; others said Casco Bay was pea soup much of August. The best thing is to have radar, but no fixed itinerary. BTW, I've never had black flies in coastal Maine, but I have suffered nasty attacks off of Plum Island. |
#9
![]() |
|||
|
|||
![]()
"Rodney Myrvaagnes" wrote in message
... I agree with most of what Armond says. Exceptions: I would say Maine begins at Cape Elizabeth, not Muscongus Bay. There are some lovely anchorages in Casco Bay if you are willing to sail north for some distance, and aren't trying to make time along the coast. Richmond Island, at Cape Elizabeth, offers a pleasant anchorage even if you are trying to make time along the coast. I agree completely - Casco Bay may not be considered "Down East" but its still very nice. We always stop a Richmond Island - because it has two harbors and fairly easy approaches its a good target for the end of a long haul. Same for the Sheepscot River. Cruising in September, we have had as many as 13 days straight of super-clear weather. When Labor Day is early, we have often arrived to meet thick fog, sometimes lasting 2 or 3 days. Usually clear for the remaining time. By Labor Day the fog can be clearing out. However, in the Summer its not a matter of whether there's fog, but where its sitting. Some years it mostly stays offshore, other years it comes in close. We've only been socked in for several days once, at Jewell Island. We later found there was no fog about a mile towards shore from where we were. Last year we had planned a long Maine trip but punted because of the rain. We heard from cousins that Down East was totally socked in much of the early summer; others said Casco Bay was pea soup much of August. The best thing is to have radar, but no fixed itinerary. BTW, I've never had black flies in coastal Maine, but I have suffered nasty attacks off of Plum Island. |
#10
![]() |
|||
|
|||
![]()
On Sat, 17 Jan 2004 10:23:04 -0500, "Armond Perretta"
wrote: Then there's Maine. Maine for many folks begins east of Muscongus Bay, and gets better the farther east one goes. The problem with this coast is that (a) it takes a more experienced hand (and a better prepared vessel) to really enjoy it, and (b) sometimes you cannot see it. I know many folks who've spent 2 full weeks in fog on this coast. I know just as many who've had clear weather for their entire cruise (well, not _that_ many). I am a Maineiac and have been for some time, but I can understand why some folks would not agree. I go on my own boat and never have anything that resembles a schedule. I would say your short list should include Southern New England and Penobscot Bay, depending on the specifics I mentioned at the beginning of this post. Look for a copy of Bill Robinson's "Places to Cruise." It covers just about all the possible spots on the East Coast (plus some other well known areas). It's long out of print but often available in local libraries. He says it a lot better than I have, although I suspect our conclusions are not very far apart. I agree with most of what Armond says. Exceptions: I would say Maine begins at Cape Elizabeth, not Muscongus Bay. There are some lovely anchorages in Casco Bay if you are willing to sail north for some distance, and aren't trying to make time along the coast. Richmond Island, at Cape Elizabeth, offers a pleasant anchorage even if you are trying to make time along the coast. Same for the Sheepscot River. Cruising in September, we have had as many as 13 days straight of super-clear weather. When Labor Day is early, we have often arrived to meet thick fog, sometimes lasting 2 or 3 days. Usually clear for the remaining time. Rodney Myrvaagnes NYC J36 Gjo/a "Religious wisdom is to wisdom as military music is to music." |
Reply |
Thread Tools | Search this Thread |
Display Modes | |
|
|
![]() |
||||
Thread | Forum | |||
Summer cruising | General | |||
Wanted: Info on St. Lawrence River / East coast N.B. | Cruising | |||
Cruising West Florida Coast | Cruising | |||
Cruising Grounds Search | General |