Looking for Maine Sailors

[breweraz]

Just received a call and it looks like I will be commuting from Phoenix AZ to Augusta ME for the next year or so to headi up a project. We are avid small boat sailors (Hunter 260 and MacGregor 26s) and are out 2-3 days per week on Lake Plesant AZ and frequent trips to San Diego and Catalina.

So this new asignment will lead to sailing withdraws. My wife is a school teacher and will be traveling with me through the summer.

If there are any Maine sailors that would not mind a few stowe aways for a day cruise we would appreciate some local knowledge. I have sent my resume in to a few charters to get established but always prefer some local knowledge before heading out.

Any advice as to good charters and sailing ports for day/overnight will be appreciated.

When your Maine weather breaks to the winter we would love to return the favor and show you some great desert lake sailing, San Diego or Catalina. Not listed as one of the top 10 in the world but not to shabby sailing in 80 degree weather in January.

Thanks in advance

Tim and Rhonda.

[Sahara]

Points East magazine has a crew match section, you can probably find them on line. It's a really good regional mag and is available free in many places in Maine.

[hanschristian38]

Points East also has a forum where you will fond more Maine participation.
Points East Parley - Index?

Rockland and Penobscot Bay are not too far from Augusta. Some of the greatest cruising ground anywhere.

[Curmudgeon]

Do they have fog and lobster pots in San Diego? Penobscot Bay is indeed spectacular, but there are challenges.

[breweraz]

Occasional fog but almost always gone by mid morning. No lobster pots, a few whales but we do have a lot of well tanned scenery.

The challenges you list are the reasons we are looking for some local experience to get us acustomed to these beautiful waters.

Tim

[Sahara]

For charters I'd check with Buck's Harbor Marine. The folks at Buck's Harbor are terrific, and they have a half dozen sailboats they charter:

Buck's Harbor Marine - Charter Rates 2007

Bucks's is also a nice overnight stop, with outdoor showers (magic!), laundry, a grocery and a nice restaurant in walking distance. If you're sailing in that end of the Eggemoggin Reach, you shouldn't miss Castine and Holbrook Island Sanctuary.

[Curmudgeon]

Blue Hill and Stonington (on Deer Island) are not to be missed either.