Our exploration is based on limited experience with around 180 nights spent cruising Maine. Transit time from Long Island Sound to Maine accounts for a significant portion of the time. While T&R describe 280 unique spots, personal experience covers only 75 locations. This exploration unveils some favorite locations, focusing on destinations listed within the “A Cruising Guide to the Maine Coast 6th Edition” that showcase Maine’s nautical allure.
Serenity at Bunker Cove, just inside the western end of the Roque Island Thorofare.
Bunker Cove at Roque Island offers a tranquil and scenic anchorage, perfect for a peaceful retreat along the Maine coast.
Roque Island’s Great Beach: Downeast Serenity
Venturing beyond Bar Harbor leads to Roque Island, a worthwhile destination for those seeking unspoiled beauty. The island’s Great Beach is a striking natural crescent, stretching a mile. Sheltered from easterly winds by smaller islands, it resembles a lagoon formed within an ancient volcanic cone.
While the island is privately owned, visitors are welcome to enjoy the beach, a mix of sand, pebbles, and rocks. Despite the idyllic setting, the water temperature may not be ideal for swimming for everyone. The anchorage, accessed via The Thorofare between Roque Island and Great Spruce Island, is spacious, often with few boats present. The friendly atmosphere encourages socializing with fellow cruisers. The H-shape of the island offers additional sheltered coves, like the northwest cove opposite Great Beach.
Winter Harbor: Lobster, Racing, and Hospitality
Located on the eastern side of Frenchman Bay, Winter Harbor provides a quieter alternative to the bustling Bar Harbor. The approach to the harbor offers scenic views, leading to an elegant clubhouse overlooking the mooring field. Launch service is available to the town, or members of the club are known to offer rides.
Winter Harbor’s layout features three coves: Sand Cove, Inner Winter Harbor, and Henry Cove, offering a variety of anchorage options. The town provides amenities such as restaurants, a supermarket, and a hardware store.
A visit to Winter Harbor may coincide with the annual Lobsterfest, a celebration of the local fishing community. Lobster boat races showcase the durability and camaraderie of the lobstermen, followed by a traditional lobster dinner. The Winter Harbor Yacht Club, home to the “oldest complete, continuously raced fleet of sailboats in the country,” extends a warm welcome to transient cruisers, making it a memorable stop on your Maine coast itinerary.
Somes Sound: A Fjord-Like Retreat on Mount Desert Island
Somes Sound, a deep fjord-like bay cutting into Mount Desert Island (MDI), offers a unique cruising experience. The entrance lies south of the island, west of Northeast Harbor. The sound leads four miles north through a well-marked passage into Somes Harbor, near Somesville. Somes Harbor, provides excellent protection.
Anchoring is possible, but utilizing vacant private moorings is a common practice. The courtesy of the locals shines through, with offers of advice and even the use of a car. Access to the main road is a short walk from the mooring field or anchorage.
Valley Cove is on the western side of Somes Sound.
The free Island Explorer bus system provides convenient transportation to explore MDI. Southwest Harbor offers a library, the Easy Side Diner, and marine services. Northeast Harbor provides access to the beautiful Asticou Gardens. Bar Harbor offers shopping and tourist activities. Somesville itself is home to the Acadia Repertory Theater, adding a cultural dimension to your visit.
Valley Cove, an anchorage on the west side of Somes Sound, offers a natural escape. A hike up Flying Mountain provides views of southern MDI. Spending a night on the hook in Valley Cove is a worthwhile experience.
Continuing the Journey
The Maine coast offers a wealth of cruising destinations, each with its unique charm. Armed with “A Cruising Guide to the Maine Coast 6th Edition” and a spirit of adventure, you’re sure to discover your own favorite anchorages and create lasting memories on the waters of Maine.
Cruising is a matter of personal taste. Locations with nightlife and shopping do not interest all cruisers. The best location for one person may not be the best location for another person.
Resources
- Taft, Hank and Jan Taft and Curtis Rindlaub. A Cruising Guide to the Maine Coast, 6th ed., 2017.
- Kurlansky, Mark. Cod: A Biography of the Fish that Changed the World. Vintage/Ebury, 1997.
