Oriane log July 17-26, 2025

Day 1 July 17

Arrived in Rockland and raced on Tannis at the Friendship Sloop Homecoming. Foggy and windy. 

Tannis is a 1937, 38’ on deck, 60’ overall sloop. 1400 sq ft of sail when all sails are flying. It was too windy for all 5 sails so the 10 member crew sailed with the Main, Jib and Staysail. It was pretty sporty with the rail buried a number of times. To sail Tannis is to sail a museum piece of history.

We took second behind Rights Of Man. 

Jeff Cronin steering with two of the crew controlling the main sheet

Tannis Crew

After the race and G&T’s with my good friend Jack Cronin on his lobster boat Effie M, we loaded Oriane with gear and food and spent the night on our mooring. 

It’s been a good day. 

Day 2 July 18

Windy over night.  NW whistling in the rigging. After breakfast we did a last minute mission ashore then moved Oriane to the fuel dock to top up the tank and take on water before heading out. 

As we crossed the harbor the wind was blowing high teens/low 20’s and gusting to 27 knots NW. Perfect for making a passage to Perry Creek for the night. The bay was pretty lumpy but settled down in the Fox Island Thorofare. The jib was rolled up just outside of the anchorage. 

It’s been a good day. 

Oriane crew relaxing post sail - Perry Creek 

12nm under the keel

447nm for the season 

Day 3 July 19

Cool overnight required2 blankets but up and at ‘em at 6 with coffee in the cockpit in brilliant warming sunshine. Morning daily games of sudoku and Wordle were accomplished. After a breakfast of cottage cheese with granola and strawberries with an orange juice chaser, Kathy went paddling and I did dishes and straightened out the cabin. Today’s festivities finds us moved to Seal Bay to meet others at the now annual Maine Pacific Seacraft GAM. 

A four o’clock dinghy raft up astern Oriane gathered. 

GAM crews enjoying the raft up

A feast of goodies were passed as stories were shared. As the crews departed back to their respective vessels, the crew of sv Harmony lingered as we gave a tour of  several aspects of Oriane’s interior and deck gear that was of interest. 

Dinner was Norwegian salmon with fixings. Delish!

Reading completed.

It's been a good day. 

6.4nm for the day 

18nm for the cruise 

453nm for the season 

Day 4 July 20

Dawn broke with clouds scudding above the trees surrounding the anchorage. 

Breakfast of poached eggs on avocado toast and coffee in the cockpit proceeded the decision to stay put for another day. 

Charts, weather and preferences were considered and tomorrow we will likely sail to Tenants Harbor for the night then to Monheghan, Criehaven, Matinicus then ?? over the next week. 

Rich from sv Kelly Mae delivered homemade apple biscuits - a tradition. 

Our crew ventured over to sv Harmony another PCS37 for coffee and conversation. 

A community lunch aboard sv Mad Jack was enjoyed by all with discussions ranging from sailing to health care. 

Severe afternoon storms loomed so I advised increased anchor scope which the other crews agreed was a good precaution against predicted winds. 

When the crews returned to their boats all followed through by letting out more anchor chain. 

I activated our anchor alarm to make sure that if we dragged we would know instantly. 

The radio issued severe storm warnings. 

Heavy rain and wind in the low 20’s hit around 3:10 pm. No big deal. The worst thunderstorms went north of us. Another round is expected to hit around 6:30 pm. 

Not fog but rain impacted visibility. 

While the wind did get frisky - in to the 20’s our anchorage never got the predicted extreme winds. Tea was brewed and enjoyed during the storm. One clap of thunder was really, really loud from a close by strike but most of the heavy storms went around us. The rain, however, was torrential and diminished visibility. 

We got word that our friends Lee and Karin on Traveler are in the Bras d’Or Lake in Cape Breton and that Tom and Robin on Althea have successfully reached Shelburne, NS after crossing the Gulf of Maine. 

A delicious dinner of homemade crab cakes and salad preceded watching A Star is Born. 

All of the weather festivities concluded by about 10 pm and the crew enjoyed a good night sleep. 

It's been a good day.

Day 5 July 21

Up at 4:30…..Coffee? Why yes please. 

My phone tried hard to reach a cell signal and gave up. These isolated harbors don’t have modern conveniences and sometimes that’s okay. 

After breakfast we plan to say “See ya later” to our friends here at the GAM and head to Tenants Harbor. 

As planned, we weighed anchor at 7:00 am and raised the main with a reef based on the forecast of 10 to 15 knots with 20 knot wind gusts. Outside of the harbor we added a reefed jib. We sailed past North Haven and headed out into the bay. An out going tide added to our speed. Oriane is a safe boat proved again when the gusts hit 28+knots with apparent winds of 35 knots over the bow, shouldering 4’ seas with at times a firehose of salt water coming across the deck. Glad we have a stout dodger which kept us dry, mostly. 

12:10 pm found us finally on a snug mooring in Tenants Harbor. 

After cleaning up the lines and gathering shower supplies we headed Porcine, our inflatable dinghy, towards the town dock to walk to the village market for takeout lunch and eventually then over to the boat yard for showers. 

Feeling refreshed we got back to Oriane. Kathy put in work time; I relaxed and read after a rather energetic passage. 

Oriane continues to tack back and forth on the mooring due to the high wind in the harbor. We believe that the wind will blow itself out as evening arrives 

A call was put out to Nick Lunt to see if he had any lobsters for sale. He’s going to drop some off around 6:00. Perfect. 

Until then it’s cocktail hour as the high stakes cribbage tournament continues. 

Actually the cash is to pay for the lobster being delivered

 

Lobster feast accomplished. 

I suspect a movie and continuing to read “The Boat Who Wouldn’t Float” is on the agenda tonight. 

It’s been a good day. 

26nm for the day

44nm fort the cruise 

479nm for the season 

Day 6 July 22

4:00 am and them lobster boys fired up their big Cat diesels and moved about the harbor as they prepared for their day of fishing. 

Cold overnight. It was a 3 blanket night and I only had 2.  

View from my berth with morning sun streaming in.

After breakfast the crew went ashore. A friend, Dyan, hunted and gathered a small bit of groceries for us while she was in Rockland and brought them to us as we walked the road to the library. Kathy had work to do. I opted to go to Dyan’s farm and see her miniature horse and visit. 

The crew looked at the marine weather forecast and a change of plans is in order. Predicted winds in the 30 knot range aren’t very appealing- we’re not in it for the terror- so alternate destinations were evaluated and a new plan was made. The new plan is:

Tenants tonight

White Islands for a night Wednesday 

Pulpit for two nights -Thursday and Friday 

Long Cove Saturday night 

Return to RKD Sunday then home. 

We dinghy over to pay a visit to our friend Steve who is working on his house on the shore of the harbor. We rode in his car to see another of his houses that he just restored. Then walked back to our dinghy and returned to Oriane for a light dinner. 

For those keeping score, Kathy won the nightly cribbage game. 

It’s been a good day. 

0nm for the day. 

44nm fort the cruise 

479nm for the season 

Day 7 July 23

After a morning walk ashore and a shower at the marina, lunch was prepped back on board for eating underway. 

Out of the harbor, past Southern Island, we set sail bound for Hurricane Sound. A very relaxing broad reach on a flat calm sea. Sometime after passing Two Bush Island, Kathy looked at a real time photograph of the parking lot at the Harbor Master’s office. The parking situation around the Lobster Festival chaos was questioned. Our heading changed to take Oriane back to Rockland in case immediate action was necessary. It took a bunch of time on the phone and text to make sure that our vehicle was properly parked. We finally verified that yes we were okay until Sunday as we had planned. Crisis averted, Oriane immediately turned back northeast with a modified destination of the lovely and secure Long Cove at the top end of Hurricane Sound. 

This is the first time I have approached from this angle. Navigating through an unfamiliar, rock strewn stretch of water, we finally were able to intersect a familiar route which would take us into Long Cove. A few minutes later we rounded up and struck the sails and headed to the cove. 

Post sail chores were completed after securing in the cove and thus the crew began the serious duty of relaxing. 

Here there is no connectivity. My phone displays “SOS”. I guess that stands for “S&%t Outta Signal”. 

Dinner - Lobster pasta and roasted vegetables with red wine. 

Dishes done. 

I finished “The Boat Who Wouldn’t Float”….again. A fabulously funny story. 

Sunset cribbage game. For those keeping score, Kathy won....again.

Long Cove Sunset

Went below and watched an episode of “House”. 

It’s been a good day. 

20nm today

64nm for the cruise 

499nm for the season 

Day 8 July 24

Slept in. Woke up at 4 but went back to sleep and got up at 7:00. Been a while since I have been in bed that late. 

Coffee and banana/blueberry pancakes in the cockpit while watching the world come alive. 

Prepping for breakfast 

 

Good morning Long Cove

Plan is to move to Pulpit Harbor later this morning to allow Kathy to work at the Market while this weather blows through. We will head back to Rockland and home on Saturday. Looking forward to seeing the kitties. 

We made the run as hoped. Most of the short passage after leaving Long Cove was broad reach and wing on wing run with a following sea in 14-21 knots of wind. A fast, delightful sail further aided by the current from a rising tide. 

We arrived in Pulpit Harbor, doused sails and secured on a friend’s mooring. A fast, delightful sail. 

We plan to stay here for two nights waiting out high winds and wet weather. We return to Rockland Saturday to head home. 

Went for a 2.8 mile walk R/T to the North Haven Oyster Farm. Had 7 delicious oysters which were artisanally opened by the sustainability conscious owner. 

 

It’s been a good day. 

8.2nm for the day

72nm for the cruise 

508nm for the summer 

Day 9 July 25

Lazy start to the day. The crew was up and busy preparing breakfast while I lazed  cozily in my berth. Finally got up and into the cockpit for coffee and eventually a mushroom omelette with homemade sweet potato hash browns. 

We’re going to hang here for the day to wait out the afternoon’s predicted severe  weather. 

Stephen Tabor

With an eye on the weather, Porcine made a slow morning pass of the schooner Stephen Tabor (built 1871), through Cabot Cove aka Ministers Cove with surrounding lands possessed by the extended Cabot family. Porcine eventually sidled up to the town dock whereupon the crew walked up to the Market for a second cup of coffee.  

coffee.  

Boathouse Cabot Cove

Pulpit Rock from Cabot Cove

Coffee at the Market

Island Time Chevy

Back at Oriane we buttoned her up for weather and for heading home tomorrow morning. Sail cover on and Bimini/Dodger connector zipped in. Gilguys, little lines that stabilize the halyards, were checked and adjusted. 

Lunch of farro/sweet potato/papita/spinach salad with a tahini dressing was served. Mmmmmm. 

Kathy went off exploring on her inflatable kayak, I’m taking a break after lunch dishes. 

The wind has been variable all day. The forecast is for afternoon thunderstorms. Maybe. 

Scrabble game won by Kathy, I won the cribbage game with a lucky 4th ace in the pegging which put me within 2 points of the finish line with counting still to score.  

Winds have abated quite a bit and we swing on the outgoing tide.  

Schooners Heritage and the Grace Bailey came in and have anchored nearby. 

Grace Bailey & Heritage

During dinner prep storm clouds threaten but it looks like they will stay south of us. Fingers crossed. Homemade mushroom and green olive pizza for dinner. 

The forecasted storm went several miles south of us with not a drop of rain here. The clouds, however, were both lovely and impressive.  

After dinner the wind calmed down to a wheeze, so off went the kayak with Kathy aboard and I decided to follow in Porcine. We had separate conversations with a nice couple on Remedy. This is their first time to Maine. Advice on some fun places was offered and seemingly gratefully received. 

Back onboard I did the dinner dishes and cleaned the galley. The ensign was struck at a gorgeous sunset and Oriane set her anchor light to warn of her presence to any after dark traffic. 

Planning an early start tomorrow morning.

It’s been a good day. 

0 boat miles for the day

72nm for the cruise 

508nm for the summer 

Day 10 July 26

Our mid-July cruise is complete. Back in RKD mid-morning. Water and fuel taken on in preparation for our August cruise. Boat interior sparkled and secured. 

Time to head home and kiss the kitties. 

Oriane back in Rockland

                                                                       

Nothing further of consequence to report. 

It’s been a good day. It’s been a good cruise. 

11nm for the day

83nm for the cruise 

520nm for the summer.

Oriane’s 4th of July cruise

July 2, 2025
Day 1 – Daily log

Planning and packing for an extended cruise takes a bunch of time. Variable weather clothing, food, gear and maintenance lists are involved. These tasks always take longer than hoped. 

After loading the truck, we got underway at 7:45 AM arriving in Rockland at 10:30 AM at low tide to bring Oriane to the dock. We finally headed out of the harbor at nearly high tide 5 hrs later. Before we left Rockland harbor we needed to do the following in nearly 90f sweaty weather:

    • General engine check including oil level
    • Bring Oriane to the town dock
    • Get groceries, load on and store 
    • Load on and store gear
    • Install a new solar panel (170 watt old to 300 watt new)
    • Clean the house battery terminals and re-tighten 
    • Clear tank vents (not a simple task)
    • Move to Journeys End Marine dock
    • Fill water tanks
    • Check fuel level
    • Park car for long term absence 
    • And finally showers. 

Tasks done, we finally cleared the JEM dock at 4:30 pm. As soon as we got out into the harbor the sweltering temperature dropped. 

Sails were raised, Johann the Phantom (our trusty diesel engine) was stopped and we enjoyed a wonderful downwind 11nm sail to Pulpit Harbor arriving at 7:20 pm. Fleece sweaters were donned as the temperature dropped during the passage. Dinner was served, dishes washed and our daily cribbage game ended with Kathy winning. With the anchor light turned on, we retired for the night. 

It’s been a good day. 

11nm for the cruise
325nm for the season.

July 3
Day 2 – Daily log

Pulpit Harbor was like concrete overnight; calm as could be. We had a leisurely morning, starting with coffee and breakfast in the cockpit. Kathy successfully tried out her new paddle board/kayak in salt water. I puttered on a couple of minor maintenance items and did the navigation prep while keeping an eye on the timing of the predicted late afternoon severe thunderstorms. We left Pulpit Harbor just before noon at the change of tide for the 14nm passage. The wind was light but the incoming tide produced a positive current. Our speed and distance calculations indicated that we would beat any storms to Tom Cod Cove Holbrook Harbor. We hoped that one of the three guest moorings would be available. 

Lunch underway was a delicious salad.

I took a nice nap while Kathy took the helm all the way to the entrance to the harbor. 

We doused sails and found one of the moorings open. After taking care of the boaty things upon arrival, both Scrabble and Cribbage boards were put into action. Kathy trounced me in scrabble and I took today’s edition of cribbage. 

Our good friends Tom and Robin got in touch having successfully sailed their Tartan 38 “Althea” up from CT. As planned, they will be buddy boating with us for a couple of weeks. They will be joining us tomorrow after recovering at Matinicus from the overnight crossing the Gulf of Maine from the Cape Cod Canal. We plan to meet in Castine where we will enjoy the town’s festivities including a kids costume parade, town party and evening fireworks. 

Dinner – Baked Halibut with artichoke hearts and herbs and boiled baby red potatoes. 

It had been an easy good day. 

14nm for the day
25nm for the cruise
339nm for the season

July 4
Day 3 – Daily log

Dawn broke and I was up and at’em at 4:30 AM. I’m an early riser. 

Coffee comes first on this boat so it was prepped. The crew assembled in the cockpit to enjoy the still, warm summer morning. Eggs with red potatoes and avocado toast was next. 

Kathy took advantage of the calm and paddled for a spell while I did the dishes and sparkled the galley. 

The guest mooring was cast overboard at 9:00 AM to make the short run to Castine’s town dock.

The 4th of July festivities in Castine include the amusing kids costume parade, sack race, and more small town thingies. We did not escape the gravitational pull of the Castine Historical Society museum. Very interesting. The gravitational pull also involved take-out lobster roll lunches from the Trinity Church and beer from the town store for consumption on the boat. Upon getting back to the dock, we topped up the forward water tank and cast off and made the half mile trip across the harbor to a mooring for lunch, await the arrival of Althea and to position ourselves for the evening fireworks. 

Waves of close friendship were exchanged as Althea arrived at 4:00 PM. We will get together on Oriane to watch the fireworks. 

The NW wind blew up with a steady 20+ knots with the fireworks barge directly upwind. The forecast is for diminished wind backing to the West which will be okay for enjoying the show and not have any erratic sparks falling on the boat. We will keep the deck wash hose at the ready just in case. Or move if the wind stays up from the NW. 

Kathy and I tried out a new song, listened to another to see if it would fit us and then played a couple of songs from our past repertoire to dust off some cobwebs. 

Cribbage and wine in the cockpit. I won a squeaker with Kathy vowing to trounce me at scrabble later. 

Fabulous fresh diver scallops are on the menu for the dinner. 

The fireworks touched off at dusk to put a period to a really good day.

2.7nm for the day
28nm for the cruise
341.8nm for the season

July 5
Day 4 – Daily log

After coffee and breakfast in the cockpit we took the dinghy to pick up Robin and Tom at Althea to cross the harbor to town. 

More coffee and a scone treat were consumed then the two crews commenced to wander around investigating a couple of gardens, viewing the town’s massive rare elm trees, the historic town square and the historical museum. 

At the museum we found a display about Captain James H. Hale (1792-1821). My mother was a Hale. We are descendants of Thomas Hale (Nathan Hale’s brother). Seems likely but I don’t know if there is a family connection. 

One of his log entries reads, “On the west coast of NW America “,“1819”, “Still a strong northwest gale and rough sea. Under short reefs + tumbling about at a great rate — nothing occurs of import.”

James H. Hale

James' Ship Log

The decision was made to have a short day today. After getting back to Oriane, we prepped for departure and dropped the mooring at 12:10 pm and headed out of the harbor. Destination Bucks Harbor. We had a delightful sail in 15 knots of wind tacking almost to Isleboro then back east across the bay. Once we cleared Cape Rosier the wind dropped for a while and we ghosted along until the wind picked up for a relaxed broad reach/run into the harbor. We picked up a Bucks Harbor yacht club guest mooring. 

Our dinghy “Porcine” (inflatable which rows like a pig) was prepped for a trip to the newly upgraded outdoor shower at Bucks Harbor Marine. It’s a tradition to dream about during the non-sailing seasons. 

Happy hour was enjoyed in conversation with Tom and Robin aboard Althea during which tomorrow’s destination options are discussed. Decision - Blue Hill Bay 

I hear from my cousin Nan Hale that she and Ellie are vacationing close by and we will see them tomorrow for coffee at the town store. 

Dinner was delicious- special sauce shrimp tacos with rice and beans. 

13.4nm for the day, 3 hrs of nice sailing
42nm for the cruise
355nm for the season

July 6
Day 5 – Daily log

Up at 4:55 AM and there is a stillness blanketing the Bucks Harbor. 

Bucks Hbr

Coffee and a simple breakfast of granola, berries and yogurt while watching the comings and goings of fauna and boats. 

Kathy did a bit of work that needed attention then went about the harbor on her kayak before we headed to the yacht club dock in Porcine to meet up with the cousins. 

Coffee deprivation occurred when we found after the short walk that the store was closed. Okay, no worries Nan, Ellie, Kathy and I dinghy back to have coffee and conversation on Oriane. 

Nan and Ellie

Nan and Thom at Bucks Hbr Marine

With the time to depart for Blue Hill Bay approaching, crew and guests took Oriane to Bucks Harbor Marine fuel dock to say goodbye to Nan and Ellie and to top off the fuel and water tanks. The tide was turning favorable and waits for no man. 

Althea was ready to go as we cleared the dock. Sails were raised and we pointed the bow Southeast into Eggemoggin Reach. The wind was squirrelly for 15 minutes or so requiring many tacks finally settling in so that we could point down the Reach to proceed under the Deer Island bridge and past the Wooden Boat school. At the southern end of the Reach, Oriane turned east and proceeded downwind through Pond Island Passage into Blue Hill Bay. 

Althea passing under the bridge

Progress was going smoothly until Althea got into a fight with a lobster trap buoy. Our sails were dropped and we circled back to offer assistance. 15 or 20 minutes of various attempts to free their boat finally produced the desired result of freedom. 

Oriane’s track during the Althea’s lobster incident:

We resumed our journey passing north of Hardwood Island and finally into Bartlett Narrows. We veered north around the end of Bartlett Island and arrived in one of our very favorite destinations - Galley Cove and found the two huge moorings vacant as hoped. After settling in, Tom and Robin rowed over for cocktails and dinner aboard Oriane. G&T’s and a dinner of chicken/grape/green olive kebabs with corn on the cob and brown rice were enjoyed. 

Just after Althea’s crew departed, a cloud of mosquitoes descended. A murderous rampage involving what we call our electric fly swamper occupied our time. Innumerable determined critters sacrificed themselves in the assault as the crew wielded the weapon of choice in our successful defense.

It’s been a good day. 

25nm for the day
67nm for the cruise
380.3nm for the season

July 7
Day 6 – Daily log

The day was spent swinging to the breeze and tide while hanging on the mooring in Galley Cove. The morning was spent relaxing, reading, planning and general lounging. Kathy and Robin explored the shoreline on their boards. A picnic ashore is in the offing for the afternoon. 

3:30 pm the two crews went ashore and carefully created a beach fire below the high tide line. Beer, snacks and conversation ensued. 

Back on the boat our crew had dinner and a spirited game of Scrabble followed by reading and bed. 

It's been a good day.

Nothing further of consequence to report. 

0nm for the day
67nm for the cruise
380.3nm for the season

July 8
Day 7 – Daily log

The wake up alarm went off at 5:00 so that there would be time to get coffee and breakfast before a 6:00 AM departure from Galley Cove bound for Blue Hill. Resupply of food stuff depends on getting to the town dock when the tide allows. It is accessible for 4 hours - 2 hrs either side of the predicted 10AM high water. The harbor dries out to mudflats and becomes impassable if you don’t get the time right. Today that means in order for us to walk to the grocery store and back we need to be at the Blue Hill Town dock by around 8:30 and be back before noon. 

During the hour and a half crossing to Blue Hill thick fog didn’t give us much warning of lobster pots. Our nav lights were on and our trusty fog horn alerted early risers of our presence. 

Kathy keeps lobster pot watch.

Althea went in and out of sight even though they remained 1/8th mile behind us. 

Nav buoys appeared out of the gray surrounding us one after another right where my calculations said they would be. Only one boat showed up on radar finally revealing itself as it passed at considerable speed off our starboard. In due time we arrived at our destination of the Kollegewidgwok Yacht Club where we rafted together on a mooring. The four of us gathered both our gear and our wits and struck off in our dinghy for the mile trip to the dock.

Ashore – coffee first. Then a side trip to the interesting Blue Hill Library where we would see what was once thought to be Magellan’s armor 

A serious uphill trek commenced after visiting the library to the BH Food Coop to replenish our food supplies. The thought was to get there by foot then get an Uber back to the dinghy to an avoid carrying the load. The Uber was a no show so we steeled ourselves and headed back on foot for the 1.2 mile return trip. Good exercise. 

We made it back in time to successfully dinghy back to our boats before the harbor dried out. On the way back we saw a loon, a bald eagles, a great blue heron, jumping pogies, a seal and a myriad of gulls and cormorants. 

As soon as we got the food stowed Kathy went ashore to put in several business hours of work that needed to be done. 

At 3:45 I went ashore in the yacht club launch and tried out their outdoor shower. Primitive but effective and refreshing.

Back on the boat I watched bald eagles battling over a fish. Bird songs and calls abound all around the boat. 

It’s miller time. 

Kathy and Robin arrive back to our rafted boats by catching the last launch around 6. And soon thereafter happy hour occurred. 

Tales, lies and stories are enjoyed. 

Paper charts are consulted for destination options for tomorrow’s move. Camp Island anchorage in Merchant Row southeast of Stonington is selected as our first option. A lovely spot. Hell’s Half Acre is the primary backup. Tomorrow’s weather will determine the anchorage location. 

Dinner onboard – pan fried fresh sushi grade salmon on a bed of lettuce with a blueberry salsa.

Afterwards a little Antiques Roadshow then bed.

It’s been a good day. 

8.3nm 1.5 hours travel for the day plus 2nm dinghy ride.
75nm for the cruise
388nm for the season.

July 9
Day 8 – Daily log

The day started in Blue Hill with the destination of Hell’s Half Acre Island in Merchant Row south of Stonington. After breakfast and some aquatic activities, the crew went ashore, one to finish some necessary work, the other to go for a good, hilly 45 minute walk. 

Friendly locals say "hi' during my walk

When I got back to Oriane I did some prep work for the day’s sail. Weather – check, nav route planned -check, considerations for separating the rafted boats impacted by the strong incoming tide – check. The destination was set, the route programmed. When Kathy arrived back by launch we began our departure. The mooring was passed from Althea to Oriane. As planned, the boats separated without incident or stress. Althea headed to the dock to top up water. We got all set to go and released the mooring line. It had been a fun stop. 

The wind was predicted to be light out of the east so of course it was south-southwest at 13 just the wrong direction for our course. We sailed upwind on a best course tacking before hitting Long Island. Tacking again before “hitting the beach” on the mainland. Back and forth slowly making progress. After all these years, I’m still discovering new ways how to make this little ship go upwind faster. Today, I discovered some new finer points. 

We didn’t want all this tacking upwind fun to impact cocktail hour so we decided to motor sail to where the wind would allow us to sail towards our destination rather than away from it. When we turned the corner around the green can that marks Green Ledge at the SE end of Eggemoggin Reach the jib was relaunched and Johann the Phantom was shut down. Oriane avoided all the lobster pots and numerous rocks and ledges. We struck the sails just outside our anchorage at Hell’s Half Acre Island. The anchor was dropped and set. Post sail chores were completed and a cribbage game broke out (the captain won) complete with a cocktail and extraordinary blue cheese on pecan crackers with green grapes on the side. 

Dinner-vegetable egg rolls on a base of olive oil and lime coleslaw. A crab cake completed the repast. With fingers of fog beginning to envelop the surrounding islands we retreat below. Kathy threatens Scrabble. I decide to continue rereading Farley Mowat’s hilarious “The Boat Who Wouldn’t Float”. 

It’s been a good day. 

18.8nm course direct
22.7nm over the ground – 5.5 hrs. underway
97.7nm for the cruise
411 for the summer

July 10
Day 9 – Daily log 

Slept in till 6:00. Fog was setting in hard. 

Daily options were considered and it was decided to not move to another anchorage today. It was further decided that at 11:45 a 2.1nm dinghy mission to Stonington was an excellent idea. Kathy worked for a time and I fixed our anchor windless remote. I cleaned the corroded deck connection with drill bit, carburetor cleaner, a Q-tip and bronze wool. 

At 11:45 the two crews climbed into Althea’s dinghy and headed to the big city. I showed Tom and Robin how to find the town dock. After securing the dink, we drifted about in the village and finally anchored ourselves in the 27 Fathoms Waterfront Grille where we enjoyed a fabulous lunch. Options for tomorrow’s destination wove its way into the conversation. The preferred anchorage, Perry Creek, was unanimously selected. 

The Stonington granite museum was interesting and well worth the visit. 

By the time the sailors wandered back to the dinghy dock fog had closed in tight. Off we go armed with a fog horn. Out in the Thoroughfare only two lobster boats pass by appearing out of the fog having previously announced themselves with their unmuffled exhausts. Both slowed courteously to reduce their wake. Avoiding lobster pots and rocks we made it back to the anchorage looking for our boats. Suddenly, two hundred feet away, Althea appeared and finally Oriane. Mission accomplished. 

We hear stories of the heat inland but we are spending our time in fleece and coats. Last night was a 2 blanket night. I took the cover off the Charley Nobel enabling us to light up the cabin heater to take the chill off. 

The Friendship sloop Gladiator, built in 1902 and owned by Andy and Kandice Zuber came in and anchored next to us. Sailing the coast of Maine is such a treat. We get to see some excellent old and classic crafts. Works of art really.. Next week is the Friendship Sloop Homecoming in Rockland. I’ll have the chance to see long time friends and perhaps race on Tannis, owned by the Cronin family, on Friday before heading to the Pacific Seacraft GAM in Seal Bay over the weekend. I’ve raced on the 1937 sloop Tannis nearly every year for the last 30 years. It’s like sailing a museum piece. No winches - block and tackle only. 38’ on deck 60’ overall with a 33’ boom and 1400 sq. ft. of sail. Wicked fun. 

Headed to bed to continue reading my book. 

It’s been a good day. 

Nothing further of note occurs. 

0nm. 4.2 nm by dinghy.

July 11
Day 10 – Daily log

Rain overnight 

Up at 6:00 AM, check weather. 

Avocado toast with egg and red potatoes, coffee. 

Predicted thunderstorms evaporated as they approached the coast so we hoisted the anchor at 10 AM. We must have sucked either one of the myriad jellyfish or some kelp up into our wash down pump because the water stream became not so much as a stream but rather a trickle. With the anchor stowed Kathy continued on the fore-deck to get everything shipshape for the crossing of Isle au Haut Bay. 

The visibility was OK, not great but quite manageable. I saw rain on the radar which likely was just a reflection off the low hanging clouds and fog. 

The Deer Island Thoroughfare takes us past Stonington, Crotch Island granite quarry, Billings Diesel and exits at Mark Island where the lighthouse bleats a fond farewell to our little ship. Out in the bay we found a lobster pot free area where we could come to a stop, jump down into the dinghy and pump the collected rain water out. It was slowing us down by a knot. 

Completed, Oriane continued on course to the eastern entrance of the Fox Island Thoroughfare. Soon thereafter we found ourselves on a mooring in Perry Creek. 

Kathy launched her kayak joined up with Robin and the disappeared up the harbor. 

I washed the dishes, performed other minor boaty tasks then got the main sail cover out. Putting it on involves repositioning the main halyard keeping an eye on potential chafe points. 

Kathy got back in time to help finish with the cover. Simple lunch then a good walk ashore with Tom and Robin followed by happy hour. The weather had turned clear and bright. 

While we were enjoying our beverages, ninety year-old John McLeod motored in on his tug Cloud Dancer. Several people including us went to say hello to the ”Mayor of Perry Creek”. It was nice to see John back at it. 

Dinner was served, dishes were done, the kayak lifted and stowed on deck, the electric dinghy motor was disassembled and passed up to Kathy for stowage. 

The cribbage board was brought out and Kathy beat me bad. 

Reading in bunks ended the day as a new batch of fog whispered in. 

It’s been a good day. 

12nm for the day
112nm for the cruise
423nm for the season

July 12
Day 11 – Daily log

5:00 AM and I’m up and at ‘em. 

Coffee and a breakfast of cottage cheese, blueberries and homemade granola. Deck prepped, navigation programmed, Johan the Phantom started, running and steaming lights on instruments on and fog horn at the ready we cast off for the push to Rockland. 

Tom stopped by and we will see he and Robin on Thursday before they head off to Nova Scotia and Cape Breton. 

The fog horn was activated as the visibility lowered as we passed the Sugarloafs near Browns Head Lighthouse. The North Haven Ferry Capt. Neil Burgess passed us off our port beam after radio contact agreement. 

The two hour crossing was spent cleaning, organizing and straightening up below decks. 

After picking up our mooring we caught the launch to bring us ashore for the ride home. 

We saw many wonderful things and visited some of our favorite places. Our fun 4th of July cruise came to the end. 

It’s been a good day, it's been a good cruise.

11.8nm for the day
124nm for the cruise
435nm for the season

sv Oriane’s 2025 run to Portland

sv Oriane's 2025 run to Portland

We decided to take sv Oriane to attend the June 21st Jon Stewart show in Portland rather than just drive to the show in our car. It was a rare opportunity to travel west and visit the my old Casco Bay cruising grounds. 

We arrived at Oriane late morning and after loading on gear and goodies left the Rockland public landing dock at 1200. The opportunity to go meant ignoring the foul current resulting from the incoming tide. The impact on ground speed ranged from .6 to 1.5 knots as we made the passage through Muscle Ridge with 1/10 mile visibility adding to the fun. But we soldiered on. Cold scattered showers ranging from mist to short intense bursts lasted for all of the 4hrs 20 minutes it took to cover the 19.7nm to the new Port Clyde Town Dock. Foul weather gear earned its keep. 

That's the way sailing goes when you're out for a longer trip. Good weather/lousy weather it's all part of the game. 

We spent a comfortable night on a friend's mooring. 

Day two

Updated of plans for the day. Based on forecast of high winds on the nose on Friday, we decided to bypass Damariscove and make the 40nm, 7 hr hop to Little Snow Island in Casco Bay with a close pass by Eastern Egg Rock Island on the way to see the Puffins. 
We dropped the mooring line at 0910 with the main raised to help dampen the southerly waves and headed out in 400' viz fog. 
We passed through narrow Davis Strait with the nun buoy finally emerging from the fog 200' away as we passed it close by on the Starboard side. 
Next goal was seeing Puffins at Eastern Egg Rock Island. 5 Puffins sighted with the island only looming as a darkened shape close to Port. 
Pemiquid Point passed unseen with several boats showed on radar with a couple actually emerging from the fog. 

Pemiquid is out there somewhere!

The mouths of the Sheepscot and Kennebec rivers were successfully traversed and we're amused at the 11 degree magnetic disturbance as we passed Ellingwood Rock. We continued along to Small Point then turned to the NW on final approach to Quohog Bay and the anchorage at Little Snow Island. 
The main was dropped and the anchor was set at 1535. Two nights here nicely protected from the forecasted winds. 

Beer time.  

Day Three

A laid back day was enjoyed by the crew as we remained on anchor to wait out the high winds. The close by oyster farm was investigated as it was being tended by the workers. The process for growing oysters was explained as they scraped muscle growth from the cages holding the oysters. 

Oyster farming 

The crew braved a wet dinghy ride to Great Island Marina to find out that not only were the showers free but were the nicest facilities ever encountered in the 4 decades of cruising the coast. Even nicer than NE Harbor which is hard to beat. 

Oriane was comfortable overnight with the wind dying off overnight. 

Breakfast and coffee in the cockpit was enjoyed as we considered the upcoming final leg to Portland. 

All this way to see the Jon Stewart performance only to get word yesterday afternoon that the show has been postponed until November. Oh well. 

Onwards to the city! 

Day 4

After traveling from Snow Island to Dimillo's we walked to Yosaku restaurant for lunch and then experienced the extraordinary Gay Pride Parade in the city with well over 10,000 people having a great time. We spent the night on the dock. I rediscover why it is a very rare thing for us to be on a dock overnight. I just don't like the noise, lights nor motion. We're 165 nm for the season and 81 nm for this trip. 

Day 5

After Kathy got back from walking to Whole Foods, we got cleaned up and straightened out.  Kathy's sister came on board and we sailed around and hijacked a mooring off Falmouth. 

Kathy & Sue with lobster roll lunch

After homemade lobster roll lunch we headed back to drop off Sue passing through Great Diamond and take on 15 gallons of diesel back at Dimillo's.  We're now sitting off the Eastern Prom for the night.

Sunset - Eastern Prom anchorage Portland

We're 183 nm for the season and 99 nm for this trip. 

Day 6

We docked at Dimillo's again to pick up our friend Raetha. 

Raetha

After the logistics of meeting and parking were done, we headed out bound for a night at historic Damariscove Island. I haven't been to Damariscove for around 20 years. We passed north of Halfway Rock Light and off Small Point the wind finally came up and sails were raised and we bubbled along making a delightful 6 knots. After securing Oriane in the narrow slot of harbor, the crew went ashore for a walk to the museum and Flat Ledge. We enjoyed a conversation with the Boothbay Harbor Land Trust caretakers before going back to the boat. 

sv Oriane in Damariscove Harbor

Flat Ledge Damariscove Island

Dinner consisted of lightly seared Sushi grade tuna from Harbor Fish Market on a bed of lettuce with a delightful white wine. 

32.6 nm for the day, 132 nm for the trip 215.6 nm for the summer. 

Day 7

After coffee and breakfast in the cockpit the crew went ashore to hike to the wooden navigation monument on the SE arm of the island. I stayed behind to get the water system working (it turns out that the prefilter was clogged), dishes were washed, dried and put away, the propane stove burner elements reamed out, luggage rearranged to clear up the cabin, and the port lights washed. 

Upon the crew's return we headed out, put up sails and had a dashing sail with the bow pointed to the Sheepscot River to anchor in the Sawyer's Cove on the Back River. A light lunch was enjoyed along the way. Herds of seals were spotted basking on rocks and cooling off in the water. 

A downwind wing on wing course up the river brought us to the time to douse the sails. 

Wing on Wing up the Sheepscot River

We turned the boat into the wind and the sails were dropped smartly. Oriane motored into the narrow winding entrance to the anchorage. Anchor down, snubber line attached and its beer time. 

Sawyer Cove

Morning fog Sawyer Cove

The nightly Cribbage Tournament continued. 11.2 nm for the day, 143 nm for this cruise, 226.4 nm for the summer.  

Day 8

The forecast of rain and thunderstorms never materialized overnight but heavy fog did. As the day broke, the fog lifted and coffee before breakfast to start the day was enjoyed in the cockpit. 

Today is crew change day. The route and timing was calculated to determine anchors up at 1010 to make the 1100 Southport bridge opening then complete the passage to Boothbay. Kathy and Raetha will be leaving and my friends John Tidd and Kelly Kahler, both fellow cross country ski industry pioneers, will be joining me for the balance of the cruise. 

Turns out that it's Schooner Festival weekend in Boothbay and the town is completely clogged up including the closure of the town dock. 

There are schooners circling Oriane as she sat on the guest memorial mooring just off the town dock. Deafening cannon fire from the Lynx and fife and drum band on a circling cruise boat added to the hubbub of the schooner parade. We finally figured out a change of crew plan with the generosity of the Tub Boat Inn allowing us to use their dock to offload/onload gear and crew. 

With crew change complete and navigation calculations complete we are off. 

A fine passage past Pemaquid with puffin sightings at Eastern Egg Rock Island and a glimpse of the Wyeth village on Allen island, we continued on to Tenants Harbor for the night. 

33nm  for the day,  176nm  for this cruise, 259nm for the summer.  

Day 9

After breakfast we raised sails and departed Tenants and headed for Perry Creek on Vinalhaven. The crew enjoyed a sparkler of a sail all the way until the "noon shift" when the wind dropped to nil and we drifted for a half hour in the Two Bush Channel. We decided to fire up the iron jenny and get to the anchorage and to enjoy seeing the summer cottages along the Fox Island Thorofare along the way. Coming in, I showed the crew how the red and white sectors of the Browns Head lighthouse worked to help boats from going onto the rocks without having to relying on any nav instruments. 

We arrived to find one of my favorite coves nearly empty. Only three other boats were in the anchorage instead of the normal fifteen to twenty or more.

 We arrived at 1535 and it was time to relax. John cooked another delicious meal we played cribbage and Rummycub and reminisced about how each of us were involved with the creation of the American  cross country ski industry. 

Another 33 nm day and 209 nm for the trip

282.0 nm for the season. 

Day 10

After a quiet and cold night John and I worked on replacing a failing head sink faucet. 

With that accomplished we motored  to Winter Harbor to sightsee. There was no wind to sail we proceeded under power and we took the sharp turn to starboard to enter Seal Bay where we enjoyed lunch. In the return through the Thorofare we were able to sail. Destination: Long Cove. We arrived to find it completely empty. 

Sail cover on. Bimini/dodger connector reinstalled. General deck cleanup. Another delightful dinner, more games and conversation all while enjoying the magical environment of Long Cove. 

22 nm for the day, 231nm for the cruise and 303.9 nm for the season

It's been a good day. 

Day 11

The crew got up later than planned but that was okay by all measures of civility. Oriane's interior got a good "sparkle" cleaning in preparation for our leaving the boat. The sail back to Rockland was rather uneventful except for the rain. It was coming down hard when we tied up to the dock. Final cleaning and organizing of gear took time and lo and behold when we finally got ready to offload the rain had ceased. Our preparation for waterproofing everything turned out to be unnecessary. After all gear was transferred into my car, John and I put Oriane back on her mooring and rode the launch ashore.  Only the drive home remained of Oriane's adventure to Portland.  

It was a good trip. 

10.9 nm for the day, 242 nm for the cruise. 

314.2 nm for the season

 It's getting to be the time to start thinking about our summer cruise adventures and for getting sv/Oriane ready to go back in the waters of Maine.

Weekend weather is challenging our ability to get boat prep done.

 Latitudes and Attitudes Magazine has published my follow-up article to the Coast of Maine Favs.

The my favs of adventuring into the Bay of Fundy  is in the just-released Jan/Feb issue.

Check it out online or even better, pick up a copy.