Maine Island Trail Solo

I took off recently for a quick two day sail in Casco Bay along the Maine Island Trail, stopping for the night and quickly day visiting some other islands.  Casco Bay is nice because it has more sheltered areas to duck behind when the wind and waves really quick up, or one can vote to sail topsides, and have a spirited good time on the ocean side of the island groups.  Regardless, its a beautiful, FUN, and multi-faceted place to sail.

This trip was characterized by hot, beautiful weather, and dissapointing light airs and calm seas.  As some of you may have gathered, I usually do not enjoy sailing my boat on sheltered flat water, but rather large wild windy lakes with enough fetch to kick up 2-3 foot steep and tightly packed seas in a few moments, or out in the Atlantic surfing some good ol oceanic rollers.  I definitely like excitement, speed, and big water-- I want that salt spray on my face.  Its good for my complexion.  So the light winds were a disappointment, but it was still quite relaxing and enjoyable.

The first day:

South Portland (A) to Little Chebeague Island (B) to Bangs Island (C) for the night. (You may have to grab and scroll map to see)


View Larger Map

On Little Chebeague Island

On the way to Bangs Island

On the hard on Bangs for the night.

Day Two started with a row around Bangs (A), a quick row to Crow Island (B) between Bangs and Chebeague Island, and a brisk sail to Chebeague (C) for muffins.  Then, a sail to Jewell Island (D) to Little Cheabeague (E) back to South Portland (F).


View Larger Map

A boy and his boat and an Atlantic sunrise

Lobstermen doing their lobstering thing.

Big Chebeague from Bangs... muffins await me here!

After Big Chebeague I sailed to Jewell Island.  Jewell is a large state owned and MITA managed island with multiple campsites, anchorages, historical military installations, and natural splendor.  However, the big win for me on this island was running into this Michalak designed Cormorant named "Sea Fever" and built by Garth from New York.  Garth and his family cruise "Sea Fever" around New England and have even done an epic multi-month cruise from Florida to the Bahamas.  Hell Yeah!

"Sea Fever" in Cocktail Cove, Jewell Island

Two rad boats!

After Jewell I ghosted back to South Portland via Little Chebeague, and sadly, back to my car and home.

Casco Bay = Awesome.

Ship Shape and Bristol Fashion!