Maine Harbors

From MITNA

Jump to: navigation, search

Maine Harbors

Bass Harbor

Bass Harbor is located on the southwest portion of Mount Desert Island about 2.5 miles cross-island from Southwest Harbor and 16 miles southwest of Schoodic Harbor. Inside Bass Harbor are a variety of marine service and marina facilities. Of the five marinas located here, two of them accept transient guests, two others pump both gas and diesel fuel, and one has a lift for haul-out and related repairs. Moorings are also available for the night if you prefer to tie up in the harbor.

The image above is a view from the north-northeast looking south-southwest over where Bass Harbor meets Blue Hill Bay. Off in the top portion of the image are Placentia, Black, Little Gott and Great Gott Islands. A variety of marina and marine service locations can be seen along the waterfront, but most notably, Morris Yachts, builder of fine sailboats, is visible on the left-hand side of the image.

Navigating the Water: Use NOAA Charts 13316 and 13318.

Bass Harbor is reached via an approach from the southwest through Blue Hill Bay. If you are approaching at night, Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse has an occulting red light (every four seconds) that stands 56 feet above the water. On your initial approach, first set a course to arrive in the area of waypoint N44 13.311 W68 20.946.

Once you have successfully navigated to the area of the waypoint, set an approximate course of 003 degrees magnetic for about .8 mile to arrive just south of the narrowing piece of water that leads into Bass Harbor proper. Make sure you honor green can buoy “1” and red nun buoy “2” at Weaver Ledge on your way north.

Green can buoy “5” marks the entrance back into the harbor and town wharf where most of the marine service and marina facilities are located. Depths in the primary portion are reported on the chart at 10 feet, but begin to shallow gradually north of Johns Island.

Transportation: A local ferry provides regular service to nearby Swans Island for those visitors who would like to explore the nearby island.

Like most of the outlying harbors and coves on Mount Desert Island, Bass Harbor is remote, and the only way to get around is by bike or on foot. Much like the rest of Mount Desert Island, you will have to be fairly self-sufficient to get around efficiently.

Morris Yachts: 207-244-5509, 207-244-5511
Bass Harbor Public Landing: 207-244-4564
Up Harbor Marine: 207-244-4033

Belfast Harbor

The town of Belfast and Belfast Harbor are located off Penobscot and Belfast bays, south of Searsport and north of Islesboro Island. A more specific description places Belfast 28 miles west of Mount Desert Island and 78 miles northeast of Portland.

The image above is a view from the northwest looking southeast over the town of Belfast and the Passagassawkeg River where it meets Penobscot Bay. (Penobscot Bay is the large area of water that is located in the upper right-hand portion of the image.)

There are two marinas in town (the Belfast Boatyard and Belfast Public Landing) and they both have transient dockage for visiting boaters. Additionally, both facilities administer the moorings in the harbor--look for instructions on the individual mooring you tie up to. If you need repairs, the Belfast Boatyard has a 30-ton lift, and if you’re low on fuel, Belfast public landing pumps both.

History: Belfast Area history dates back more than 200 years. In 1765, John Mitchell was making a voyage from Boston to points east and was captivated by the wilderness at the head of Penobscot Bay. He decided the area would be ideal for a settlement and relocated to the area along with 35 friends. Many of the founding fathers wanted to name this new settlement Londonderry, but a strong-willed settler, John Miller of Belfast, Ireland, made a protest and a coin was flipped. Belfast won.

The harbor and waterfront was the hub of commercial activity. The Belfast area had many active shipyards. Searsport alone, just to the north of Belfast, was home to eleven yards and to more shipmasters than any other town in America. Between 1810 and 1890, more than 200 ships slid down the railways in Searsport and in 1887 alone, more than 1,200 vessels arrived in local ports.

Bustling Belfast carried the spirit of enterprise into the 20th century. Shipbuilding declined as road and rail travel improved. During the 1940s the area embraced the shoe business and two busy poultry processing plants were built. Waldo County took to chicken rearing in a big way as local farms supplied the factories with up to 200,000 birds a day.

Navigating the Water: Use NOAA Chart 13309.

The town of Belfast is approached from the east via a passage through Penobscot and Belfast bays. Even though you can use a more direct route (along the southern or northern shorelines of Belfast Bay), we will discuss a central route that allows boaters coming in from the north (Penobscot Bay) or south (West Penobscot Bay) to safely make their way into Belfast and the mouth of the Passagassawakeg River.

From Penobscot Bay or West Penobscot Bay, first set a course to intercept flashing red, red and white Morse (A) buoy “II,” which is located off the northwestern and of Isleboro Island. The buoy is located at an approximate position of N44 23.196 W68 54.912.

Once you have successfully made you way to flashing red, red and white Morse (A) buoy “II,” set and follow a new course of approximately 325 degrees magnetic for about three miles. Here you will find flashing red bell buoy “2” marking Sleets Ledge in Belfast Harbor.

Lastly, chart your way toward Belfast by setting and following a course of about 319 degrees magnetic for 1.1 miles until you reach red nun buoy “4,” which is just off the Belfast waterfront.

Blue Hill Harbor

Blue HIll Harbor is located off the northwest end of Blue Hill Bay just west-northwest of Long Island and due west of Union River Bay. The town of Blue Hill (located on Blue Hill Bay) Has three marine service and marina facilities and one of those three has slips for transient guests. If you plan on using the Blue Hill Town Wharf, keep in mind that the docks are dry at mean low water.

The image above is a view from the southeast looking northwest over the entrance to northwest Blue Hill Harbor. Off to the right (east) at the opening, Sculpin Point can be seen, while Parker Point is off to the left. In the upper right-hand side of the image, a large mooring field is visible. Up and to the left, is the town of Blue Hill, and all of the marine service an marina facilities for the area are located here.

History: Started out as a township granted to the veterans of the last war against the French, other settlers followed, and in 1789, a town charter established Blue Hill.

Sea trade and the Maine tradition of fine wooden shipbuilding provided Blue Hill with its first real economic foundations, and saw mills and lumbering sprung up beside the shipyards to provide timber for ship construction and repair.

Today, Blue Hill serves as a pleasure and commercial fishing harbor, receiving many visitors each summer season.

Navigating the Water: Use NOAA Chart 13316.

Blue Hill Harbor is reached via an approach from the south or west via the West or East passages from Blue Hill Bay, respectively.

If you are arriving from the East Passage where it turns into Union River Bay between Newbury Neck and Long Island, first set a course to intercept the area around waypoint N44 23.4298 W68 30.523. Once you have safely navigated to the waypoint, set an approximate course of 308 degrees magnetic for about 2.5 miles to pickup green can buoys “1” and “3,” which both mark a rock shoal to their west.

If you are arriving from the south via East Passage, first set a course to arrive in the area of waypoint 44 22.938 W68 31.830. Once you have arrived in the area of the waypoint, set an approximate course of 336 degrees magnetic for 1.7 miles to pickup green can buoys “1” and “3.”

After leaving green cans “1” and “3” to port, set a new course toward the harbor opening to intercept green can buoy “5” and red nun buoy “6” (both visible in the image above). It is especially important to leave red nun buoy “6” well to starboard, as a long rock shoal extends out into the harbor from Sculpin Point (visible in them image above center right). Once you are clear of Sculpin Point Shoal, a mooring field with available tie-ups opens up to starboard.

Farther in toward the northwest, you will find green can “7” and red nun buoy “8,” which lead around a rock ledge area known as “The Triangles.” From here you can work in toward Blue Hill Town Wharf or Raines Marine, which offers transient slips. Both are situated in extremely shallow water, however; some areas bare to dry at low tide.

Boothbay Harbor

Boothbay Harbor is located northeast of Southport Island off Booth Bay and Boothbay Harbor. In geographical terms, Boothbay is 34 miles northeast of Portland and and about 44 miles southeast of Vinalhaven Island.

The image above is a view from the east looking west over Boothbay Harbor from a position over Linekin Bay. The long stretch of water near the hazy horizon is the Sheepscot River, while closer in you can see an excellent overview of the town of Boothbay.

There are 11 marine service and marina facilities in Boothbay, which means just about any repair, provisioning, or dockage need is at your beckon call. That said, mooring and dock space can get tight; make sure you call ahead and make arrangements before your arrival. The moorings in the harbor are maintained by the town and a few private facilities--instructions are usually on the mooring ball.

History: English fishermen originally discovered this area of Maine, back in the 17th century. Fishing, ice cutting, shipbuilding, and lumber were the local industries in the 18th and 19th century. By the 1800s visitors started coming to the area. Since then, Boothbay has become the largest boating harbor north of Boston.

Navigating the Water: Use NOAA Chart 13293.

Boothbay Harbor is reached via an approach from the south through Booth Bay, a close by, but differently spelled body of water than its cousin to the north.

The passage from the Atlantic Ocean through Booth Bay starts near a large grouping of rocky islands known as “The Cuckolds.” The Cuckolds are located at the southern end of Southport Island, and are marked with Cuckold Lighthouse (59 feet above water; flashing white every six seconds; horn)--an excellent aid to mariners approaching from offshore at night or during fog.

The specific aid to navigation you are shooting for is green can (bell) buoy “1C,” which is located near the following position: N43 46.382 W69 39.003. Once you have safely navigated to green can “1C,” set and follow a new approximate course of 034 degrees magnetic for about 2.3 miles to intercept red daybeacon “2” at the southwest end of Squirrel Island.

Leave red daybeacon “2” well to starboard as you pass it, and then set a new course to the north--making sure to stay clear of Squirrel Island's western point--to pick up flashing red buoy “4” off the northwest end of Squirrel Island.

From flashing red buoy “4,” point your boat to a heading of about 043 degrees magnetic, and then follow this course for about nine-tenths of a mile to reach red nun buoy “6,” which is west of Spruce Point.

You might feel like you are playing connect the dots at this point, but there are only two more markers left. Once you have cleared previously mentioned red nun buoy “6,” head toward the northwest to intercept flashing red buoy “8,” which is located northwest o Turner Island--a geographical hazard you will need to stay clear of.

You’re almost there. Past flashing red buoy “8,” set your final approach course of about 052 degrees magnetic and follow it for approximately seven-tenths of a mile where you will find flashing green buoy “9” at the base of Boothbay Harbor.

Bucks Harbor

Bucks Harbor and the town of South Brooksville are situated on the western mouth of Eggemoggin reach. Bucks Harbor is a favored choice among many cruisers due to its scenic views, good holding ground, and the relative protection afforded by Harbor Island.

Bucks Harbor is located off Eggemoggin Reach and Penobscot Bay east of Cape Rosier and north of Little Deer Isle. In terms of geography, Bucks Harbor is about 15 miles northwest of Vinalhaven Island and 16 miles west of Mound Desert Island.

The image above is a view from the south looking north over Bucks Harbor and Harbor Island--the small bushy piece of land in the center of the harbor. The heavily forest strecth of land on the right-hand (east) side of the image is Garys Point, while Condon Point is directly across the Bucks Harbor opening to the left (west).

There are two marine facilities in Bucks Harbor (Bucks Harbor Yacht Club and Bucks Harbor Marine) and while neither of them have transient dock space, both maintain portions of the mooring field. Moorings are generally rented on an overnight basis for a daily fee. Additionally, Bucks Harbor Marine sells both gas and diesel fuel.

Navigating the Water: Use NOAA Charts 13309 and 13305.

Bucks Harbor is reached via an approach from the east (Eggemoggin Reach) or the south (Penobscot Bay). Both routes are reliable; the one you use just depends on where you are coming from.

Southern Approach:

From upper Penobscot Bay, first set a course to intercept red and white buoy “ER,” which is located at an approximate position of N44 17.996 W68 46.469. Once you have successfully navigate your way to red and white buoy “ER,” set a new course of about 071 degrees magnetic and follow it for about eight-tenths of a mile to green can buoy “31.”

Next, chart a new course of approximately 074 degrees magnetic for about six-tenths of a mile to intercept green can buoy “27.” The last step in the southerly approach to Bucks Harbor is to head to the north-northeast on a course of about 044 degrees magnetic for 1.5 miles; this will bring you to the opening of Bucks Harbor where it meets Eggemoggin Reach.

Eastern Approach:

The eastern approach is quite simple. First set a course to intercept red and white buoy “EG,” which is located at an approximate position of N44 19.217 W68 44.565. From here, simply head north for about seven-tenths of a mile to the Bucks Harbor opening.

Burnt Coat Harbor

There are three marine facilities on Burnt Coat Harbor: The Swans Island Fishermans Co-op, the Swans Island Boatshop and the Burnt Coat Harbor Town Dock. The Swans Island Fishermans Co-op does offer transient slips, but availability is based on the number of lobster fisherman using the docks; this is the only transient facility on the harbor. The Burntcoat Harbor Town Dock allows for temporary tie ups, but overnight stays are not permitted. Both gas and diesel fuels are available from the fisherman's co-op.

Accessible from land only by ferry or boat, Burnt Coat Harbor cuts a swath of water into Swans Island, which is located 8 miles to the southwest of Mount Desert Island.

The well-protected harbor is a popular stopover for mariners and cruisers due to its north coast setting and mild temperatures during the summer season. Beautiful homes and buildings line the pine and conifer forests of the island, which is most famous for its old lighthouse at Hockamock Head.

History: Swans Island history is closely associated with its namesake, James Swan who, in 1784, purchased a number of islands off Mount Desert Island known as the Burnt Coat group. The explorer Champlain had visited these islands 150 years before Swans arrival in the area.

Fishing and lumber were once major industries on the island, but have since been replaced with tourism, the island’s main revenue generator.

Navigating the Water: There are two entrances into Burnt Coat Harbor: One from the south side of Swans Island near Southwest Passage and one from Toothacher Bay to the west of Swan Island. The western approach is preferred.

West Approach Via Toothacher Bay:

From Toothacher Bay, first set a course to intercept the area near waypoint N44 07.484 W68 27.538. Once you have safely negotiated near the waypoint, set an approximate course of 064 degrees magnetic for about .8 mile. This will take you past green can buoy “3,” which marks the location of Gooseberry Island Ledge, and then on to red daybeacon “4” on the north end of Harbor Island. If you need assistance navigating in at night, the Hockamock Head Lighthouse (75 feet above water, occulting white every four seconds) is visible for many miles and is located on the port side of the entry channel at, as the name suggests, Hockamock Head.

Once you have cleared red daybeacon “4,” green gong buoy “5” shows up close by. Past this point, the harbor opens up and the three aforementioned marinas should be visible. See the introduction above for details on the services offered.

East Approach from Southwest Passage::

From Southwest Passage, first set a course for the area near waypoint N44 07.157 W68 23.529. Once you have arrived in the area of the waypoint, set an approximate course of 301 degrees magnetic for 1.1 miles to intercept red gong buoy “2.” Once you have safely picked up red gong buoy “2,” set a new course of approximately 310 degrees magnetic for about .9 miles until you will find green can buoy “3.” From here, navigate your way north up into the narrows between Stanley Point and Harbor Island. This area is peppered with many lobster trap floats; be sure to keep an eye out for them. Green can buoy “5” marks a steep rock ledge just east of Harbor Island; both the ledge and green can buoy “5” are visible in the image above (lower portion). Once you have cleared Stanley point and the narrows, you can bend off to the northwest in the main portion of the harbor.

Camden

Camden Harbor and the town of Camden are located off West Penobscot Bay just North of Ogier Point. Camden is 13 miles northwest of Vinalhaven Island and 35 miles west of Mount Desert Island.

There are three primary marine service and marina facilities in Camden Harbor. Wayfarer Marine Corp is by far the biggest and offers a lift for haul-out and related repairs, both gas and diesel fuel, a laundry and transient slips. Camden Town Docks may have transient slips available, but be sure to call ahead to make sure you can be accommodated on your arrival. The Camden Yacht Club is private, but may be able to offer reciprocal privileges to members of participating yacht clubs. If you prefer to tie up to a mooring, there are plenty scattered around the harbor, but be aware that the harbor is exposed to winds from the east.

History: Captain George Weymouth of the Archangel first sighted the Camden Hills on his voyage to Maine in 1605, and Captain John Smith is also known to have visited the area in 1614. It was 155 years later, though, that the first people to settle Camden arrived. At that time, the area was known as part of the "Megunticook Plantation", from an Indian name meaning "great sea swells."

Camden was named for Charles Pratt, first Earl of Camden, in 1791.

Navigating the Water: Use NOAA Chart 13305.

Camden Harbor is reached via an approach from the north or south through West Penobscot Bay north of Rockport. From West Penobscot Bay, first set a course to intercept red nun buoy “2,” which is located at an approximate waypoint of N44 12.005 W69 02.407. If you are arriving at night, or from a far distance out in West Penobscot Bay, Curtis Island Light (52 feet above the water, occulting green light every four seconds) is an excellent guide.

Once you have picked up red nun buoy “2,” set an approximate course of 329 degrees magnetic for about .3 mile until you find red nun buoy “4” at the southern edge of Northeast Ledge (this buoy is visible in the image above). If you are heading north to Sherman Cove, set a new course of around 334 degrees magnetic for about .3 mile to intercept red nun buoy “6.” If you are heading straight into Camden Harbor, set an approximate course of 312 degrees magnetic until you intercept green can buoy “7,” and then head in toward Camden Harbor, making sure to keep a watch out for moored boats.

There is also an alternate northern approach to Camden Harbor, but it is a bit narrow and lined with rock ledges on either side. Certainly do not attempt this passage in fog or bad weather, and especially not at night. First set a course to intercept red and white buoy “CH,” which is located at an approximate waypoint of N44 12.679 W69 020.272. Once you have safely navigated to red and white buoy “CH,” set an approximate course of 248 degrees magnetic for about .4 miles until you see green can buoy “1.” From green can buoy “1,” set a course to the west between the narrows, passing flashing red “2” along the way. Once past flashing red “2,” you will be in deep water and can head north toward Sherman Cove or south toward Camden.

Cape Porpoise Harbor

Cape Porpoise Harbor is located south of its namesake geographical point (Cape Porpoise) and about 2.5 miles northeast of Kennebunkport and nearly eight miles south of the Saco River.

Cape Porpoise Harbor has traditionally been used by lobstermen and fishermen, but today it is often used by recreational boaters looking for safe harbor. The entrance and harbor carry depths of about eight feet, and there are both mooring and anchoring spaces available along the entire length of the harbor.

History: Explorer Samuel de Champlain visited the islands defining Cape Porpoise harbor in 1604 and named it “Le Port aux Isles” (Island Harbor).

Cape Porpoise was uninhabited except for a few fishermen until 1718, when descendents and new settlers petitioned the Massachusetts legislature to settle a fishing village. The legislature approved, and the town of Arundel was incorporated in 1719. From the early seventeenth century, small vessels plied the harbor of Cape Porpoise for the prime fishing. As mills began to appear on the Mousam River, shipbuilding for trade and for lumber export became a primary industry.

Today, Cape Porpoise is primarily a lobster and fishing port, but also relies on nearby Kennebunkport for tourism revenue.

Navigating the Water: Use NOAA Chart 13286.

Approaching offshore at night, you will probably first see the flashing white light from the Goat Island Lighthouse, which stands 38 feet above the water. Once you have the area in sight, set a course to intercept red bell buoy “2,” which is located at an approximate position of N43 21.124 W70 25.107.

Having successfully picked up red bell buoy “2,” set an approximate course of 330 degrees magnetic for about two-tenths of a mile to pick up red nun buoy “4.”

The next step is to head farther northwest toward red nun buoy “6”--about two-tenths of a mile away--and then head into the harbor, which is lined by a series of red and green can buoys that mark the shoal areas outside the dredged mooring and anchor area.

Carvers Harbor

Carvers Harbor is located on the southwestern end of Vinalhaven Island east of Greens Island. Carvers Harbor is 30 miles southwest of Mount Desert Island and 32 miles northeast of Monhegan Island.

The image above is a view from the southwest looking northeast over the entrance to Carvers Harbor. Off to the left (northwest) is the edge of a rock outcropping spilling down into the water. This is Dodge Point. Off to the extreme lower right-hand (southeast) corner of the image is Potato Island (one of the two that can be seen), while off the image to the right (east) is Lane Island. Note the hundreds of lobster pot floats that are scattered across the entrance.

There are two marine service and marina facilities in Carvers Harbor and one of them accepts transient guests. Hopkins Boatyard can arrange for a transient slip with advance notice and has a repair staff on-site for mechanical in the water repairs. The Vinalhaven Fisherman’s Co-op does not accept transient guests, but depending on how many fisherman and lobsterman are tied up for the evening, you may be able to talk your way into a slip. There are about a hundred moorings in the harbor; see mooring flats for instructions.

History: The first people known to visit Vinalhaven were the Red Paint People, some 3,800 to 5,000 years ago. Abenakis and other Native Americans came later. Europeans first settled Vinalhaven in 1763 at the end of the French and Indian Wars. The first occupations on Vinalhaven centered on fishing, farming, logging and boatbuilding. Women supported these industries by knitting fishnets and horse nets to protect the farm horses from flies. The quality of Vinalhaven’s granite was discovered in 1826. For the next 100 years, men primarily from Scandanavia and the British Isles quarried, cut, polished and carved granite to be shipped on schooners, sloops and barges to ports as far away as New Orleans.

Information Courtesy Maine Windjammer Association.

Navigating the Water: Use NOAA Chart 13303.

The primary, and preferred route into carvers Harbor is a southern approach past Heron Neck Ledge and Greens Island.

If you are approaching from offshore, the Heron Neck Lighthouse (92 feet above water, flashing red) is located on the southern end of Greens Island and is an excellent target at night and during fog (equipped with horn). Heron Neck Ledge and Colt Ledge, along with a few other outcroppings can be dangerous if you don’t mind them properly. Most of them are marked with a series of red nun buoys, but additionally, some are not marked. Use extreme caution as you work your way in toward Carvers Harbor.

Once you have made your way through the rock ledges, head toward the Carvers Harbor Lighthouse (19 feet above water flashing red every four seconds), making sure you avoid the rock shoal that extends southeastward from Green Island at its southern end.

After you have made your way around Greens Ledge, set a course to intercept flashing red buoy “4” and green can buoy “5”, which lead you the rest of the way into the harbor. The entire entrance route is peppered with thousands of lobster pots and fish traps. If you don’t want one of these wrapped around your propeller, be sure to keep a close watch out for them.

Castine Harbor

The town of Castine and Castine Harbor are located on upper Penobscot Bay east of Isleboro Island and north of Cape Roster. Castine is 18 miles north of Vinalhaven and 25 miles west (as the bird flies) of Mount Desert Island.

There are four marine service and marina facilities on the Castine waterfront, and of the four, two of them accept transient guests. Both gas and diesel fuels are available at Eatons Boatyard, and they can also undertake any in-the-water repairs you may need, but unfortunately, they have no lift. In fact there are no lifts for haul-outs in Castine at all. There are moorings in the harbor (exposed), and additionally, there are plenty of places to drop the hook in the surrounding areas.

The image above is a view from the west looking east over the entrance to Castine Harbor near Dice Head. Off to the right (south), a group of islands including Naultilus Island, Grays Island, High Tide Island, Hospital Island and Great Island can be seen. To the left (north) is the town of Castine waterfront. Lastly, off in the upper right-hand corner is the entrance to Smith Cove, which has an excellent and pristine anchorage.

History: More than 100 historic markers can be found in this town, which is characterized by its 18th century architecture. Major landmarks include Fort George, built by the British in 1779 and partially restored as a state memorial, and Fort Madison, earthwork remnants built by the Americans in 1811, occupied by the British during the War of 1812 and reconstructed during the American Civil War.

Navigating the Water: Use NOAA Chart 13305.

Castine Harbor is reached via an approach from the west through Penobscot Bay just east of Isleboro Island. If you are approaching at night or from farther out in Penobscot Bay, the Dice Head Light house stands 27 feet above the water with a white flashing light every six seconds.

Red and white buoy “CH” is located at an approximate waypoint of N44 22.489 W68 49.062, and marks the location of the initial approach into Castine Harbor. Once you have picked up red and white buoy “CH,” set an approximate course of 61 degrees magnetic for about .3 mile to pickup green nun buoy “1,” which marks the location of Otter Rock Shoal south of Dice Head. From here, the Castine waterfront should be clearly visible to port.

If you decide to head farther up toward South Bay or Smith Cove, be sure to honor red daybeacon “2,” which marks the location of Hosmer Ledge on the south side of the passage.

Center Harbor

Located off the sapphire blue waters of Eggemoggin Reach, Center Harbor provides the town of Brooklin, Maine, with a safe, quiet refuge behind the shelter of Chatto Island. The town of Brooklin is located on the southern-most portion of Hancock County and is 26 miles from Ellsworth and about 48 miles from Bangor.

The image above is a view from the west looking east over the northern entrance to Center Harbor at the north end of Chatto Island (the other entrance to the south of Chatto Island is quite shoal). Off to the right (south) is Chatto Island, which, while to the left (north) are the towns of Haven and Brooklin.

There are two marine facilities in Center Harbor. One is the Center Harbor Yacht Club, which does not advertise the availability of transient slips, but may have space available to members of reciprocating yacht clubs. The second facility is the Brooklin Boatyard, which does have a lift for haul-out and related repairs, but does not advertise space for transient guests.

If you are more inclined to tie up offshore for the night, check or radio ashore to either marina for information on the moorings here.

Navigating the Water: Use NOAA Chart 13316.

Center Harbor is approached from the west via a passage through Eggemoggin Reach. Torrey Island and a series of rock outcroppings make arrival from the south highly inadvisable. We’ll discus the approach to Center Harbor from both the north.

If you are arriving from the north on Eggemoggin Reach, first set a course for the area near waypoint N44 15.551 W68 36.357. This should put you just north of red nun buoy “12,” which marks the location of nasty, and potentially dangerous, Torrey Ledge. Be sure to give red nun buoy “12” some room as you pass.

Once you are about .1 mile east of red nun buoy “12,” set an approximate course of 091 degrees magnetic for about .7 mile to intercept red nun buoy “2” at the entry into Center Harbor northwest of Chatto Island. Green daybeacon “3” is the last aid to navigation into the harbor.

From green daybeacon “3,” the harbor continues back to the east for about .2 mile before shallowing rapidly to two-foot depths.

Christmas Cove

Christmas Cove is not located at the North Pole. More accurately, it is located west of Pemaquid Neck and east of Linekin Neck off the Damariscotta River on Rutherford Island.

The image above is a view from the southwest looking northeast over the entrance to Christmas Cove where it meets the Damariscotta River. Foster Point is visible in the left-hand portion of the image, while the lower part of Rutherford Island is visible to the right.

Navigating the Water: Use NOAA Chart 13293.

Christmas Cove is reached via an approach through the Damariscotta River from the Atlantic Ocean.

Red and white Morse (A) buoy “HL” marks the beginning of the approach to Christmas Cove in the Atlantic Ocean just east of Fisherman Island Passage. Red and white Morse (A) buoy “HL” is located at an approximate waypoint of N43 48.384 W69 34.809.

Once you have safely navigated to Red and white Morse (A) buoy “HL,” set an approximate course of 030 degrees magnetic for about 2.4 miles to arrive in the area of red and green nun buoy just south of Foster Point and the entrance to Christmas Cove.

Past red and green nun buoy “FP,” head to the northeast to find red daybeacon “2,” which marks the location of a ledge that is semi-submerged at times of high water, but normally visible. Past red daybeacon “2,” green daybeacon “3” is visible just to port.

Inside Christmas Cove is the Coveside Inn, Marina and Restaurant, and excellent facility that accepts transient guests, administers the moorings in Christmas Cove, and also pumps both gas and diesel fuel. There is also, as the name suggests, and excellent restaurant onsite.

Cundy's Harbor

Maine’s oldest lobstering village, Cundy’s Harbor is a small, rugged “Down East” town with about two hundred permanent residents. The town’s main industry is lobstering and fishing and many of the town’s residents are working lobstermen. Although fairly small and remote, Cundy’s Harbor is only a twenty-minute drive to Bath or Brunswick with equally convenient access to the township of Harpswell to the west.

Cundy Harbor (the body of water) and Cundys Harbor (the town--note the addition of an “s”) are located off the New Meadows River north of Cape Small and northeast of Orrs Island. To get an idea geographically, Cundy Harbor is 20 miles northeast of Portland and 13 miles southwest of Bar Harbor.

Although there is not much in the way of facilities here (Cundys Harbor is primarily a fishing and lobstermen village), you can generally arrange for a mooring with the Holbrook Store (if space is available).

History: Easy access to prime lobster grounds has kept Cundy Harbor (the town is properly called Cundy’s Harbor while the harbor itself loses the “s”) thriving for over five generations. More recently, along with lobstering, tourism has begun to play an increasingly important part in the local economy. The town’s relative closeness to Brunswick and Bath has made it a popular stopover for cruisers.

Navigating the Water: Use NOAA Chart 13290.

Cundy Harbor is approached from the south via a passage through the New Meadows River.

To reach Cundy Harbor, first set a course to intercept red nun buoy “2,” which is located at the following approximate position west of Jenny Island: N43 45.866 W6954.176. (Make sure you leave red nun buoy “2” well to port heading north; there is a two-foot-deep rock ledge just to its north.) Once you have safely navigated to red nun buoy “2,” set and follow a new course of about 070 degrees magnetic for approximately a half-mile to intercept green can buoy “9,” which is south of Rogue Island.

From green can buoy “9,” head north to flashing green buoy “1,” which is about seven-tenths of a mile away on an approximate heading of 037 degrees magnetic.

The last step in making your way to Cundy Harbor is to set and follow an approximate course of 031 degrees magnetic for eight-tenths of a mile, which will lead you directly to green can “3” at the entrance to Cundy Harbor (Remember that green can “3” is part of the New Meadows River buoy system and should be left to starboard when you head into Cundy Harbor.)

Although Cundy Harbor is not particularly well protected (except from the west), the Hollbrook’s Store moorings are sturdy and well-placed. Cundys Harbor is mainly a lobstermen village, so make sure you radio ahead for specific availability of overnight moorings before your arrival.

East Boothbay Harbor

There are two marinas in East Boothbay. The large dock facility visible in the image above is the Ocean Point Marina. This facility not only maintains the buoys in East Boothbay Harbor, but also has transient dockage at floating docks, gas and diesel fuel, and a lift for haul-out and related repairs.

The only other facility in East Boothbay is the Lobsterman’s Wharf Restaurant and Inn, which only offers dockage while customers are eating in their restaurant.

Navigating the Water: Use NOAA Charts 13301 and 13293.

Reaching East Boothbay Harbor requires an approach from the south via the Damariscotta River. Since most boaters start their way up toward East Boothbay from the ocean, we will discuss that longer route in detail here.

From the Atlantic Ocean, first set a course for flashing red, red and white Morse (A) buoy “HL,” which is located at an approximate position of N43 48.394 W69 34.789.

Once you have successfully navigated to red and white Morse(A) buoy “HL,” set and follow a new course of 027 degrees magnetic for 3.5 miles until you reach red nun buoy “6,” which is located just west of Rutherford Island.

Lastly, from red nun buoy “6,” set and follow an approximate course of 326 degrees magnetic for eight-tenths of a mile until you reach green can “9.” You should be able to see the town and harbor of East Boothbay from this Point. Head north, leaving green can “9” to port, and then turn west into the mooring field and harbor area. Depths in the harbor are around eight feet in most places.

Kennebunkport

Kennebunkport, primarily known as the location of George H.W. Bush’s summer vacation home, but it is also a popular destination for recreational boaters. Kennebunkport is 20 miles northeast of the New Hampshire-Maine state line and 25 miles south of Portland.

The image above is a view from the east looking west over the town of Kennebunkport, and Kennebunkport River where it empties into the Atlantic Ocean. Coochs Beach is located on the left (south) side of the Kennebunkport River Inlet, while Old Fort Point is just out of the image to the right (north).

There are four marine service and marina facilities located in Kennebunkport, and all but two of them accept transient guests at their slips. Chicks and Kenenbunkport marinas are located very close to the Kennbunkport River Inlet. If you need gas or diesel fuel, the following marinas pump both; Chick’s Marina, Performance Marine and Yachtsman Marina.

Navigating the Water: Use NOAA Chart 13286.

The town of Kennebunkport and the Kennebunkport River are reached via a passage through the Atlantic Ocean from the south.

Arriving from offshore, first set a course for flashing green buoy “1,” which is located at an approximate position of N43 19.496N W70 28.042. Once you have safely reached flashing green buoy “1,” set and follow a new course of about 355 degrees magnetic for approximately nine-tenths of a mile until you reach green can buoy “3.”

From green can buoy “3,” you will start in on the final approach to the jettied Kennebunkport Inlet. From green can buoy “3,” set and follow a course of about 001 degrees magnetic for approximately six-tenths of a mile to intercept green can “5,” which is located just off the south inlet jetty. Flashing red “6” is located on on the north jetty and makes for an excellent guide in towards the inlet at night.

Once inside the inlet jetties, a series of can buoys lead you up into the Kennebunkport River and the town of Kennebunkport’s waterfront.

Kittery

Kittery is Maine’s first coastal town when traveling north, and is located just across from Portsmouth, NH, on the Piscatagua River. The image above is a view from the southwest looking northeast over the Piscatagua River. The city of Portsmouth is located in the bottom (south) portion of the image, while Kittery (Maine) is located across the bridge to the north. The small island between the bridges is Badger Island, and off to the right--with the pointy end--is Seavey Island.

There are two primary marinas on the Piscatagua River in Kittery, and both are located within two miles of the Piscatagua River entrance at the Atlantic Ocean. Both of these marinas are located on either side of Kittery Point, and both of them accept transient guests at their slips. Gas and diesel fuel are hard to find here, however, and you must travel up to the York River for fuel.

Navigating the Water: Use NOAA Chart 13283.

Kittery is approached via a passage from the south from the Atlantic Ocean through the Piscatagua River.

From the Atlantic, first set a course to pick up flashing red buoy “2KR,” which is located at an approximate position of N 43 02.959 W70 41.466. once you have successfully reached flashing red buoy “2KR,” set and follow a new course of about 344 degrees magnetic for approximately one mile until you reach flashing red buoy “2,” which is located southwest of Wood Island.

After you successfully find flashing red buoy “2,” head north on an approximate course of 341 degrees magnetic for about a half-mile until you reach green can buoy “3.” Past green can buoy “3,” head to the north--out and around New Castle Point--and once you are well north of the aforementioned point, steer toward the northwest to find flashing green buoy “5,” which is located at an approximate position of N43 04.471 W70 42.675.

The last portion of the passage into Kittery and Portsmouth involves changing course to the west on a course of about 284 degrees magnetic for approximately 1.3 miles. Along this route, you should be able to sight a range that is helpful for navigating and staying in the channel at night.

Once you have cleared the last course change, the water opens up past Seavey Island and heads toward Basger Island and the bridges that link Portsmouth and Kittery (Portsmouth if on the south side of the river and Kittery is to the north).

New Harbor

New Harbor is located on Pemaquid Neck off Muscoungous Bay about 3.5 miles north of Pemaquid Point and four miles south of Louds Island.

Mainly a small lobster and fishing village, there are no transient dockside slips in New Harbor, but you may be able to score a transient mooring by talking to one of the co-ops. If a lobsterman is away, they may arrange a mooring for you. There is a small, but well-protected anchorage in Back Cove, which is just to the left on entering New Harbor.

The image above is a view from the east looking west over New Harbor where it meets Muscoungous Bay. Off to the left-hand side of the image and the inlet, a small body of water can be seen moving off to the left. This is Back Cove, which has protected anchorage for boats that draw five feet or less. Farther up in the harbor are a series of lobster co-ops, moorings and small dinghy docks.

Navigating the Water: Use NOAA Chart 13293.

New Harbor is reached via an approach from the east through Muscoungous Bay about 3.5 miles north of Pemaquid Point. From Muscoungous Bay, first set a course for red and white, flashing white buoy “NH,” which is located at an approximate waypoint of N43 52.432 W69 28.716.

Once you have safely navigated to red and white flashing white buoy “NH,”set a course of about 299 degrees magnetic for approximately .3 miles. This course will put you just north of red nun buoy “4,” and clear of a dangerous three-foot-deep shoal that encroaches on the channel from the southern side of the inlet.

After reaching red nun buoy “4” (making sure to stay well north of the unmarked ledge on the south side of the inlet - this is visible just to the left of the exiting boat in the image above), head in toward green daybeacon “5” and into the harbor. Depths are eight feet at the opening to about three-quarters of the way back, and five feet to the head of the cove. Keep a watch for moored and anchored boats, as the space is quite tight in the cove.

North Haven Town Harbor

Fox Island Thorofare is a long, deep-water passage that runs east and west across the top end of Vinalhaven Island. It is bounded at its western terminus by West Penobscot Bay, and at its eastern terminus by East Penobscot and Isle Au Haut bays. In the middle of the passage is the town of North Haven, which lies on the south side of its namesake island.

The image above is a view from the west looking east over the Fox Island Thorofare at the town of North Haven. The heavily wooded mound of land on the right (south) side of the image is the northern end of Vinalhaven Island, while to the left (north) the town and island of North Haven can be seen. Off in the distance on the horizon, East Penobscot Bay can be seen working its way north and south.

There are two marine service and marina facilities in the town of North Haven, and they are essentially the only facilities of any substance on Fox Island Thorofare. The primary facility is J.O. Brown and Son, which has moorings for rent, gas and diesel fuel, and a lift for haul-out and related repair services.

You can tie up to one of J.O. Brown’s moorings or set the hook just off the town of North Haven in 12- to 14-foot depths. There is also good protected anchorages in Southern Harbor to the west of town and Waterman Cove to the east.

Navigating the Water: Use NOAA Chart 13305.

Approaching from West Penobscot Bay, first set a course for red and white Morse (A) buoy “FT,” which is located at an approximate waypoint of N44 05.298 W68 57.275. Keep in ind that buoys run “red right returning” from east to west, so on this approach, you will leave green markers to starboard and red markers to port.

Once you have safely navigated to red and white Morse (A) buoy “FT,” set a new course of approximately 066 degrees magnetic for about 2.7 miles to intercept green gong buoy “23,” which marks the location of a steep rock ledge east of Sugar Loaves. On your way to green gong buoy “23,” you can use the Browns Head Lighthouse (39 feet above the water, flashing white, horn) to guide you in.

After reaching green gong buoy “23,” set a new course of about 041 degrees magnetic for about a half-mile to pick up red nun buoy “20” at Calderwood Rock. At this point, the channel makes a turn toward the northeast and about a half-mile away, you will find flashing red buoy “18” and green daybeacon “19” at Young Point.

Clear of Young Point, continue farther to the east to intercept flashing green buoy “17,” and then flashing red buoy “16” at the North Haven Town waterfront.

J.O. Brown & Son - 207-867-4621

Northeast Harbor

Northeast Harbor is located on Mount Desert Island, just north of Bear and Sutton islands off Eastern Way. Situated on the south side of Mount Desert Island, Northeast Harbor is 27 miles northeast of Vinalhaven and 75 miles southwest of Grand Manan Island.

The image above is a view from the southeast looking northwest over the opening of Northeast Harbor where it meets Eastern Way. Off to the left-hand side of the image is Sargent Head (where the white dock and sailboat are), while Pierce Head is visible to the right (east). The entrance channel can be seen working its way through the lobster pots and lastly, if you look carefully in the upper left-hand portion of the image you can see Somes Sound, which is the only fjord on the U.S. East Coast.

Inside Northeast Harbor you will find four marine and marina facilities. Of these four, only one accepts transient guests. Northeast Harbor Marina has both slips for dockside tie-ups and administers the large field of moorings in the harbor if you prefer an offshore tie up for the evening.

If you need to top of your fuel tanks, Clifton Dock is the only game in Northeast Harbor and pumps both gas and diesel fuels. For repairs that require haul-out, you will need to visit Mount Desert Yacht Yard, which has a 20-ton lift for haul-out and related repairs. Asticou Landing offers a dinghy dock, but may charge a fee to tie up your tender.

Navigating the Water: Use NOAA Chart 13313.

Northeast Harbor is approached from the south via a route around Bear Island from Eastern Way.

From the Gulf Of Maine, first set a course to intercept flashing red gong buoy “2,” which is located at an approximate waypoint of N44 16.534 W68 13.048. Flashing red gong buoy “2” marks the southern extent of East Bunker Ledge, a large rock outcropping south of Ingraham Point.

Once you have safely navigated your way to flashing red gong buoy “2,” set a new course of about 295 degrees magnetic for about 2.3 miles to pick up flashing red bell buoy “10” just south of Bear Island. Next, you have a choice of two routes. Just west of Bear Island is a large rock ledge that is almost smack dab in the middle of the entrance to Northeast Harbor. You can go around either side of it, but passing it to its west is pretty much the most direct approach. If you decide to pass it to the east, a line of nun buoys marks the way.

From flashing red buoy “10,” set a new course to the northwest to intercept flashing red bell buoy “2,” marking the aforementioned rock ledge, and leave it decidedly to starboard as you pass. From here, you can set an approximate course of 359 degrees magnetic for .7 mile. This will drop you right in the middle of Northeast Harbor.

Pemaquid River

The Pemaquid River is located off Johns Bay on the west side of Pemaquid Neck about three miles north of Pemaquid Point and eight miles northeast of Damariscove Island. The river empties into Johns Bay at Fort William Henry and is about two miles in length.

The main round portion of the image above is sometimes called Pemaquid Harbor (the true Pemaquid Harbor is where the departing sailboat is located), while farther off in the upper-right-hand corner of the image is the continuation of the Pemaquid River. Notice the thousands of small dots (lobster pot floats) dotting the harbor on the apparoach.

There are three marine service and marina facilities on the Pemaquid River, but there are no overnight transient dockside slips available here. If you’d like to tie up at a mooring for the night, Pemaquid Beach Boat Works administers the moorings on the river near its mouth. If you need to top off with gas or diesel fuel, the Pemaquid Fisherman’s Co-op pumps both.

Navigating the Water: Use NOAA Chart 13293.

The Pemaquid River is reached via an approach from the west through Pemaquid Harbor. The main danger on the approach to the Pemaquid River is the obvious lack of aids to navigation. Although there is a south passage from Johns Island, the Knowles Rocks are an issue, and most boaters find the entrance from the west to be easier.

From Johns Bay, first set a course to intercept the area near waypoint N43 52.455 W69 32.335. Once you have arrive at your waypoint, set an easterly course of about 094 degrees magnetic and follow that heading for about .7 mile. This course will take you north of Beaver Island, through Pemaquid Harbor, and then to the entrance of the Pemaquid River at Fort William Henry.

Inside the river’s mouth you will find red and white buoy “P.” This marks a boundary between four-foot depths to the south (notice the small powerboats on the right side of the river above) and 14-foot depths on the north side (notice the sailboats). There are more moorings upstream, some private some owned by Pemaquid Beach Boat Works.

Port Clyde

Port Clyde is located on the lower St. George Peninsula near the mouth of the St. George River. Port Clyde is 13 miles northeast of Pemaquid Point and 22 miles southwest of Vinalhaven Island.

There are two marinas in Port Clyde, but neither have dock facilities for transient guests. The Port Clyde General Store administers the moorings in the harbor and there are sporadic areas to anchor. Keep in mind that ferry boats leave daily from here to Monhegan Island, so a clear channel must be maintained.

History: Primarily a shipbuilding and fishing village as far back as the 1800s, Port Clyde supported a large sardine fishing and canning economy until the turn of the century.

Today, Port Clyde is a typical working harbor with lobsterman and fisherman departing and arriving in the harbor at all hours of the day to tend their pots and nets.

Navigating the Water: Use NOAA Chart 13301.

Although there are technically two entrances to Port Clyde, the southern approach (Atlantic Ocean side) is the deepest and most well-marked. Some boats use the approach channel on the north side of Hupper Island, but unfortunately, it is not marked and there is an area of uncertain four- to five-foot depths just east of the Port Clyde waterfront. If you decide to use this entrance, do so only if you draw three feet or less and only with reliable, precise local knowledge. Playing it safe requires using the southern entrance, and that’s what we recommend.

Southern Approach

From the St. George River, first set a course for flashing green bell buoy “11,” which marks Gig Ledge and is located at an approximate waypoint of N43 53.865 W69 17.663. Once you have safely navigated to flashing green bell buoy “11,” set a new course of about 066 degrees magnetic for around .7 mile to pick up green can buoy “9,” which marks the location of The Sisters, a large rock outcropping you’ll want to avoid. From this area, if arriving at night or in fog, you should be able to sight or here the Marshall Point Lighthouse, which is 30 feet above the water and flashes a white light with horn during fog.

Clear of green can buoy “9,” set a course of about 045 degrees magnetic for approximately a half-mile to reach red nun buoy “8.” Leave red nun buoy “8” decidedly to port; there is a steep shoal just to the north of it. Another half mile to the northeast is green can “7,” which marks the location of the northern ledge off Hart Island. Next in line is red nun buoy “2” off Marshall Point, and then green can buoy “3” in toward the Port Clyde waterfront.

An alternate southern approach is between Hart Island Island and Gunning Rocks. If you can navigate your way between the two you can head north to intercept red nun buoy “6,” and then pick up the regular route into the harbor at red nun buoy “2,” making sure to give Marshall Point plenty of room.

Portland

Rockland Harbor

The City of Rockland has always benefited from a unique combination of geography and economics that has made it one of the most beautiful and practical destinations on the coast of Maine. Its nearly 8,000 residents live at the heart of Midcoast Maine, an area world famous for its mountainous and rocky shore with hundreds of harbors and inlets, and for some of the best cruising waters anywhere for sailing and boating for pleasure or sport. A nearly mile-long granite breakwater protects Rockland Harbor and lighthouse making it one of the finest shipping and recreational boating harbors on the East Coast of the United States.

Shipbuilding, lime processing, granite quarrying, and commercial fishing and lobstering have all figured in Rockland’s industrial past. Since the 1850’s, the City has served as the commercial center of Knox County and is the County Seat. An historic Main Street forms the core of retail shopping, while large modern outlying shopping centers provide the diversity required by today’s modern mobile customers. Both areas are active and diverse adding to the convenience of shopping in Rockland. The community’s proud past survives in many ways, including a newly restored and enlarged Carnegie library, traditional but modernized health care facilities, new and renovated schools and an incredible mix of traditional residential styles of architecture that rivals the historic homes of many larger cities.

History: Rockland Harbor is a major boating center that is located on the west side of Penobscot Bay in Knox County. Geographically speaking, Rockland Harbor is 10 miles west of Vinalhaven and 45 miles southwest of Mount Desert Island.

There are a plethora of marine service and marina facilities peppered along Rockland Harbor’s waterfront; eight it total from Jameson Point on the north side to Atlantic Point to the south. Of the eight facilities, three accept transient guests at dockside slips (Knight Marina Service; Journey’s End Marina; Rockland Landings Marina) and five maintain moorings in the harbor area. If you need to fill up with gas or diesel fuel, three facilities (Knight Marina Service; Journey’s End Marina; Rockland Landings Marina) pump both. Lastly if you need to be hauled out for repairs or related service, Knight Marine service and Journey’s End Marina.

Navigating the Water: Use NOAA Chart 13305.

Rockland Harbor is reached via an approach from the east from Penobscot Bay. If you are approaching at night or in fog, the Owls Head Light House stands 90 feet above its namesake geographical feature with a flashing white light and horn signal during forg or reduced visibility.

First, set a course from Penobscot Bay to intercept red and white Morse (A) buoy “PB,” which is locate at an approximate waypoint of N44 05.89 W069 00.20. Once you have safely navigated to red and white Morse (A) buoy “PB,” set an approximate course of 292 degrees magnetic for about 3.7 miles to pick up the Rockland Breakwater Lighthouse on the southern end of the breakwater itself.

From here, set a new course of about 284 degrees magnetic for nearly .8 mile to intercept flashing red “2,” and the beginning of the surrounding dredges channels that run along the Rockland waterfront.

Rockport Harbor

Home to 3200 permanent residents, Rockport, Maine, is snuggled in a well-protected harbor just west of North Haven Island on Penobscot Bay.

Rockport village-proper lies further north on U.S. Route 1 and offers an attractive harbor near Camden. The harbor was once the home of Andre the seal. Andre was a seal who spent winters at the New England Aquarium in Boston and summered in Rockport Harbor. For over 20 years the aquarium would free him and Andre would swim 150-plus miles north to Rockport. It was always a high point for local residents when he reappeared each year.

Rockport Harbor is located off West Penobscot Bay just north of Rockland Harbor and west of Vinalhaven Island. The image above is a view from the south looking north over the town of Rockport, Rockport Harbor and the Rockport waterfront. Off in the upper-right-hand corner of the image is 800-foot-high Mount Battle.

There are two marine service and marina facilities in Rockport Harbor, and one of them has both transient slips and moorings for overnight tie-ups--Rockport Marine. Rockport Marina also has gas and diesel fuel, and a 35-ton lift for haul-outs and related repairs.

History: Rockport was originally a part of its northern neighbor Camden until the two split on February 25, 1891 when the name Rockport was adopted. Later that same year, and again in 1893, it annexed land from Camden.

Lime production was once a major industry in Rockport and in 1817 three hundred casks of lime where shipped to Washington for use in building the Capitol, which had been recently damaged by the British in the War of 1812.

The Samoset Hotel, formerly a resort, has been a prime coastal resort location, renowned for spectacular and expansive views of Penobscot Bay, distant islands and the Camden Hills rising to the east since 1891.

Navigating the Water: Use NOAA Chart 13305.

Rockport Harbor is approached from the south via a passage through Penobscot Bay north of the town of Rockland. From Penobscot Bay, first set a course to intercept red and white bell buoy “RO,” which is located at an approximate waypoint of N44 09.485 W69 03.197. If you are approaching the area at night, Flashing red “2” stands watch over Lowell Rock.

Once you have safely reached red and white buoy “RO,” set a new course of about 303 degrees magnetic for approximately .9 miles. This will lead you to the center of the point where you will start heading toward the north. From your last waypoint, set an approximate course of 014 degrees magnetic for around 1.5 miles. This will put you right in the midst of the Rockport waterfront and the expansive mooring field outside of it.

Round Pond Harbor

Round Pond is a secure, protected harbor located off Muscongus Sound on upper Pemaquid Neck. Round Pond is 30 miles southeast of Vinalhaven and 12 miles northeast of Boothbay Harbor.

There are four marine service/marina facilities located on Round Pond, and you can find dockside transient slips at at least one. Another facility in the harbor has transient moorings for rent on a nightly basis. Gas and diesel fuel are available at Muscongus Bay Lobster Company and Padebco Boats. (A lift for haul-outs is also available at Padebco Boats.)

If you need to tie up your dinghy when coming ashore from a mooring or your own anchor, there is a public landing for tie-ups on the waterfront.

The image above is a view from the east looking west over Round Pond where it meets Muscongus Sound.

Navigating the Water: Use NOAA Chart 13301.

Round Pond is approached from either the north or south through Muscongus Bay west of Louds Island. If you are approaching from the south, you will fist need to clear a series of ledges, starting with red nun “6,” which is at the southern end of Louds island.

Once you have successfully navigated to red nun buoy “6,” set a course of approximately 023 degrees magnetic for about 1.1 miles to intercept green can buoy “7,” which marks Portland Ledge.

After you have cleared green can buoy “7,” head north-northeast toward green can buoy “9,” which marks the location of Poland North Ledge. Mind this mark carefully; it is shallow and dangerous.

The final approach from the south into Round Pond involves setting and following a course of about 19 degrees magnetic for 1 mile from green can buoy “9” (at Poland Ledge) to green can buoy “1” at the entrance to Round Pond.

Depths at the entrance and inside the harbor range from nine to 17 feet; the northern side of the harbor has the best depths.

Sebasco Harbor

Officially know as Sebasco Estates, the town of Sebasco is located on well-protected Sebasco Harbor about 11 miles to the southeast of Brunswick (as the crow flies).

Sebasco Harbor is open to the Atlantic Ocean to the south, but is protected from all other directions by Bear Island, which lies west of the harbor and town.

Navigating the Water: Use NOAA Chart 13288.

Sebasco Harbor is approached from the south past a number of rock ledges and granite outpost islands. Careful attention is called for, especially during foggy conditions.

Several ledges are marked by warning daybeacons on the approach to the harbor, and should be religiously honored. The harbor itself has six- to 42-foot depths and a bottom composed mainly of rock.

South Freeport

The Harraseeket River Inlet--gateway to South Freeport--is located just south of Wolf Neck off the town of South Freeport. South Freeport is 13 miles northeast of Portland and 40 miles east of Monhegan Island.

There are four marine service and marina facilities inside the Harraseeket River at the town of South Freeport. Brewer South Freeport Marine is by far the largest and is also home to the Harraseeket Yacht Club and Ring’s Marine Service.

Brewer South Freeport Marine has transient slips available for visiting boaters, transient moorings, gas and diesel fuel, and a lift for haul-out and related repair services. Additionally, Ring’s Marine service has a lift and performs extensive repairs.

Strouts Point Wharf Company is also located in the area with similar services like transient slips, transient moorings, gas and diesel fuel, a lift for haul-outs and on-site repair services.

History: Freeport is often credited with being the birthplace of the state. In fact, many meetings of Maine leaders took place at Freeport's Jameson Tavern, debating and planning the separation from Massachusetts, which took place in 1820.

Navigating the Water: Use NOAA Chart 13290.

The Harraseeket River is reached via an approach from the southeast past Crab Island. First set a course to intercept green can buoy “1,” which is located at an approximate waypoint of N43 47.484 W70 05.166 and marks the location of Moshier Ledge. Once you have safely navigated your way to green can buoy “1,” set an approximate course of 009 degrees magnetic for about .6 mile to pick up red nun buoy “2.”

From red nun buoy “2,” set a new course of about 314 degrees magnetic for .7 mile where you will find flashing red buoy “4,” which is visible to the lower right in the image above. Past flashing red buoy “4,” you will follow a winding passage past green can buoy “5,” green can buoy “7,” and then green can buoy “9” north of Pound of Tea Island.

After you have reached green can buoy “9,” continue north and follow a short string of red and green buoys (all unlit) toward the South Freeport waterfront, which should be clearly visible at this point.

Southwest Harbor

Southwest Harbor is located on the south side of Mount Desert Island just southwest of Greening Island and west of Sutton Island. Southwest Harbor is 45 miles east of Rockport and 38 miles southwest of Great Waal Island.

Not only is Southwest Harbor home to the famous Hinckley Company, builder of fine yachts, but there are also four additional marinas with varying levels of service. Of the five total marinas in Southwest Harbor, all of them accept transient guests - either at moorings or dockside slips. Two marinas sell diesel fuel (no gas available in Southwest Harbor as of this writing), and two have lifts for repairs and related services.

Navigating the Water: Use NOAA Chart 13313.

Southwest Harbor can be approached from two directions. One approach is from the south through Western Way, which works in from the Atlantic Ocean, and then passes between Cranberry Island and Seawall Point before meeting up with Southwest Harbor. The second route is to approach from the east via the Gulf of Maine, and then travel west toward Southwest Harbor passing either north or south of Sutton Island.

To approach Southwest Harbor via Western way, first set a course to intercept flashing green gong buoy “1,” which marks Long Ledge just off Benner Cove. Flashing green gong buoy “1” is located at an approximate waypoint of N44 13.269 W68 17.794. Once you have safely navigated to flashing green gong buoy “1,” set a new course of about 049 degrees magnetic for around 1.3 miles where you should find flashing red buoy “4.” Note that along the way you will pass South Bunker Ledge to the west. South Bunker Ledge is marked by red daybeacon “2.”

Back at flashing red buoy “4,” you should continue north, picking up green can buoy “5” as you proceed. Make sure you leave this mark decidedly to port as you head north. Past green can buoy “5,” set a new course of 028 degrees magnetic for 1.1 miles to intercept red nun buoy “6.” Flashing red buoy “8” shows up next to starboard. From here set a new course of 319 degrees magnetic for 1.6 miles and pick up a different flashing red buoy “8” south of Greening Island, and right at the mouth of Southwest Harbor.

If you are approaching from the east, first navigate to flashing red buoy “2,” which is located at an approximate waypoint of N44 16.537 W68 13.037. From flashing red buoy “2,” set a new course of approximately 267 degrees magnetic for two miles to intercept a different flashing red “2” buoy south of Sutton Island. Lastly, set a course of about 301 degrees magnetic for 2.6 miles where you will find flashing red buoy “8” at the entrance to Southwest Harbor.

Hinckley Yacht Services: 207-244-5572

Stonington

The Deer Island Thorofare is a long, somewhat undefined stretch of water that is located on the south side of Deer Isle. It starts from the west at Mark Island and winds east-northeast past dozens of islands until it empties into Jericho Bay at Potato Ledge. Deer Island Thorofare is seven miles northeast of Vinalhaven and 20 miles southwest of Mount Desert Island.Stonington is the largest town on this passage and is a quaint and well-equipped area.

Most of the Deer Island Thorofare is fairly remote and devoid of facilities except for Allen Cove and Stonington, which are located on the western end of the passage. Stonington has a public dock that you may be able to arrange space at, but most visiting boaters hang out on one of the many moorings just off the Stonington waterfront. Allen Cove is home to a large repairs and marina facility.

Navigating the Water: Use NOAA Chart 13313.

Passage through the Deer Island Thorofare is fairly easy and straightforward if you follow the well-placed aids to navigation. We do not, however, recommend transiting the passage at night, as two of the buoys or fixed markers are lighted. Additionally, Deer Isle and the Deer Island Thorofare are in lobster country. Most of the passage is peppered with thousands of lobster floats, which can make for a real challenge if you wrap one of them up in your propeller. Yet another reason not to travel here at night.

Approaching from the west, the beginning of the Deer Island Thorofare is announced by the Deer Island Thorofare Light (52 feet above the water; flashing white every six seconds; horn). Once you have safely left Mark Island to starboard, set an approximate course of 072 degrees magnetic for .6 miles until you reach green can buoy “27,” which marks the location of a small rock ledge to its south; leave the mark to starboard if you are heading west.

From green can buoy “27,” set a new course of 080 degrees magnetic for .8 miles. Along the way, you will pass green daybeacon “25” to starboard and red nun buoy “24” to port. Shortly after you clear red nun buoy “24,” green nun buoy “23” should be visible to starboard. Just past green nun buoy “23,” Allen Harbor should be visible just off your port side. This is the location of Billings Diesel and Marine, where, as the name suggests, most any repair can be undertaken (35-ton lift available). Additionally, Billings Diesel and Marine had both gas and diesel fuel and accepts transient guests.

If you are heading to Stonington, proceed northeast toward green nun buoy “19” (visible in the image above), which is just north of Peggy’s Island, and then head toward the mooring field, anchorage and town waterfront about a half-mile farther northeast.

Harbormaster - 207-367-5891
Old Quarry Ocean Adventures - 207-367-2328 (moorings for depth up to 6 feet)

Tenants Harbor

Tenants Harbor is located east of the St. George River just north of Hart Neck and south of Long Cove. Geographically speaking, Tenants Harbor is 17 miles southwest of Vinalhaven Island and 59 miles northeast of Portland.

As of this writing the town of Tenants Harbor reports that there is no anchoring allowed in the town harbor. If you want to drop the hook, you can do so outside of the mooring fields, or head up into Long Cove, which is just north of red nun buoy “2” on the approach. There are no real transient slips in town, but you can fill up with both gas and diesel fuel at Cod End Market. Tenants Harbor Town Dock administers the moorings in the harbor.

Navigating the Water: Use NOAA Chart 13301.

Tenants Harbor is reached via an approach from the east through the Atlantic Ocean south of Long Cove and Clark Island. Approaching from the east or south, first set a course for flashing green buoy “1,” which is located at an approximate waypoint of N43 57.693 W69 10.879. Once you have safely navigated to flashing green buoy “1,” pass it decidedly to port, and then head west into the harbor area.

Note: If you are approaching from the east, make sure to mind red nun buoy “2SB,” which marks a rock ledge south of Whitehead Island and farther on to the west, green nun buoy “1.” If you are approaching from the south, be sure to keep an eye out for green nun buoy “1,” which marks the location of Hart Ledge, about one mile south of Southern Island.

The Gut

The Gut is a narrow passage of water that not only allows passage between Johns Bay and the Damariscotta River, but it also divides and creates Rutherford Island away from the mainland. The Gut is located off the town of South Bristol and situated three miles northwest of Pemaquid Point and four miles northeast of Boothbay Harbor.

Despite its relatively small geographical size and narrow channel, The Gut is home to four well-equipped marine service and marina facilities. Two of the facilities are located on the west side of the aforementioned swing bridge and two are located to its east.

If you are looking transient slips, Gamage Shipyard Storage and Repair and Osier’s Wharf both have slips available for visiting boaters. Both of these facilities also pump gas and diesel fuel. The moorings in the Gut are maintained by the Bittersweet Landing Boatyard and Gamage Shipyard Storage and Repair. Bittersweet Landing Boatyard and Gamage Shipyard Storage and Repair both have lifts for haul-outs and related repair services.

History: One of the oldest towns in Maine, Bristol is named after the city of Bristol, England. Bristol was incorporated in 1765, while Maine was still part of Massachusetts.

Shell heaps left by early inhabitants date back to the 4th millennium B.C. and Norse explorers may have reached Maine in about 1000 A.D. By the time the French and English explorers reached Maine during the seventeenth century the land was occupied by Abnaki Indians. Early European settlement of the coastal region was hindered by repeated conflicts between the French, English, and Native Americans.

In the 18th century, Maine’s prosperous fishing, lumbering, and shipbuilding industries flourished. In 1915, South Bristol incorporated and separated from Bristol.

Navigating the Water: Use NOAA Chart 13293.

East Approach

The east side of The Gut is approached via an easterly approach from Johns Bay south of Corvette Ledge. First set a course to intercept green can “1,” which marks the location of Corvette Ledge, a three-foot-deep, dangerous rock ledge. Green can buoy “1” is located at an approximate waypoint of N43 52.310 W69 32.766. Make sure you give green can buoy “1” considerable room; Corvette Ledge is quite dangerous.

Once you have cleared green can buoy “1,” head north, and then around the north wide of Witch Island to the west, making sure to stay well north of the northern tip of the island, where a rock shoal lies. After you are well west of Witch Island, head south and follow the unmarked, but fairly easy to see channel toward the swing bridge (three-foot vertical clearance).

West Approach

Use NOAA Chart 13293.

The western side of The Gut is approached through the Damariscotta River just east of Farnham Point. Minimum depths in the Gut are between five and eight feet, with the shallowest depths occurring at the swing bridge in South Bristol. The only other major challenge to navigation is a strong current that runs here on both tides and hundreds, if not thousands of lobster pot floats on the approach.

From the Damariscotta River, first pick up red nun buoy “6,” which is located at an approximate waypoint of N43 51.420 W69 34.039. Once you have successfully picked up red nun buoy “6,”set a course to the northeast to intercept red daybeacon “2,” and then farther on to green daybeacon “3.” The swing bridge normally opens on signal, but if you need to pass through, make sure to radio ahead and verify, especially if there is a strong current running.

Wells Harbor

Wells Harbor is a protected cove located on the lower Maine Coast. Additionally, the Wells Harbor Inlet is the point at which the Webhannet River empties into the Atlantic Ocean. Wells Harbor is 4.5 miles southwest of Kennebunkport and 19 miles north of the New Hampshire/Maine state line. The image above is a view from the west looking east over Wells Harbor and the Wells Harbor Inlet.

Navigating the Water: Use NOAA Chart 13286.

Wells Harbor is approached from the east through the Atlantic Ocean. Navigating the inlet is fairly simple and straightforward. There are six-foot depths between the jetties and those depths carry most of the way back to the town dock where depths shallow to four to five feet.

From the Atlantic Ocean, first set a course to intercept red and white buoy “WH,” which is located at an approximate position of N43 18.834 W70 32.868. Once you have safely navigated to the aforementioned buoy, set and follow a new course of about 321 degrees magnetic for approximately three-tenths of a mile. This will put you directly between flashing green “1” and flashing red “2” on the south and north inlet jetties, respectively.

After negotiating the inlet, head father back to the northwest (keeping to mid-channel, note the darker water in the image above) until you reach green daybeacon “3.” Past green daybeacon “3,” the harbor channel curves sharply south toward the town dock and mooring field.

York Harbor

York Harbor is the first major harbor in Maine past the New Hampshire/Maine state line heading north.

There are three marine service and marina facilities in York Harbor and at least one of them accepts transient guests and another administers some moorings in the harbor area.

Navigating the Water: Use NOAA Chart 13283.

York Harbor is reached via an approach from the east via the Atlantic Ocean. Coming in from the Atlantic, first set a course for red and white Morse (A) buoy “YH,” which is located at an approximate waypoint of N43 07.761 W70 37.026. Red nun buoy “2” is located just northwest of red and white Morse (A) buoy “ Once you have safely navigated to red and white Morse (A) buoy “YH,” set a new course of about 287 degrees magnetic for approximately .8 miles to arrive between green can “3” and red nun buoy “4.”

About a quarter-mile west of green can “3” and red nun buoy “4” is red nun buoy “6,” which is followed closely by green can “7,” red nun buoy “8,” and then green daybeacon “9” at the turn past Stage Neck. Depths on the approach and in the harbor area range from eight to 11 feet.

A fixed bridge with a 15-foot vertical clearance limits travel upstream for all but the lowest clearance boats. Marine facilities line the north and south shores of the river.

Retrieved from "https://sailing.mit.edu/wiki/index.php?title=Maine_Harbors&oldid=5192"