I have often wondered about the possibility of organizing a Hunter owners rendezvous and maybe a weekend or weeklong summer flotilla along the coast of Maine. Has anyone had any experience organizing such an event anywhere? Could you share your thoughts and advice? Are there any readers interested in participating or even helping put something like this together? Something to think about during these long winter days. Peter Poulin Rhythm & Blue
- Status
- Not open for further replies.
P
Paul Akers
Below theCape
Many sailors from below (south of) Cape Cod have shied away from cruising Maine because of four things: 1) Fear of fog. 2) The coastline looks rocky and scary (unfamiliarity of coastline). 3) The time it takes to do the trip (2 weeks or more). 4) The possibility of an overnight run from the Cape Cod Canal to a potential rendezvous point. Controlling of some (or all) of these factors could be done if a flotilla was organized. Flotillas bring together a wealth of experiences and makes it possible for all to share and gain some valuable experience. Maine has fantastic cruising grounds. My wife and I have been looking forward to planning a trip up the Maine coast some time during the summer of 2002. We take off-season car trips up the coast to "scout" the areas and this just heightens our enthusiasm. I would be interested in joining a flotilla, as you suggest.
Many sailors from below (south of) Cape Cod have shied away from cruising Maine because of four things: 1) Fear of fog. 2) The coastline looks rocky and scary (unfamiliarity of coastline). 3) The time it takes to do the trip (2 weeks or more). 4) The possibility of an overnight run from the Cape Cod Canal to a potential rendezvous point. Controlling of some (or all) of these factors could be done if a flotilla was organized. Flotillas bring together a wealth of experiences and makes it possible for all to share and gain some valuable experience. Maine has fantastic cruising grounds. My wife and I have been looking forward to planning a trip up the Maine coast some time during the summer of 2002. We take off-season car trips up the coast to "scout" the areas and this just heightens our enthusiasm. I would be interested in joining a flotilla, as you suggest.
C
Carl Dupre
Coast of Maine
The coast of Maine is a GREAT place to sail! A few years ago we sailed as crew on a 52' ketch (s/v Samana) out of Portland, stopping at such gorgeous places as Bailey Island, Monhegan Island, and Boothbay. We would LOVE to do that again and much more on our own boat. The summer of 2002 sounds good to us. The summer of 2001 will be spent commissioning and getting to know our new H340; I don't think we will be ready to undertake a major voyage from RI up the coast of Maine just yet. But 2002 sounds possible. If you want to try to pull a plan together, let us know. (duprenow@crocker.com). Carl and Juliana Dupre s/v Syzygy
The coast of Maine is a GREAT place to sail! A few years ago we sailed as crew on a 52' ketch (s/v Samana) out of Portland, stopping at such gorgeous places as Bailey Island, Monhegan Island, and Boothbay. We would LOVE to do that again and much more on our own boat. The summer of 2002 sounds good to us. The summer of 2001 will be spent commissioning and getting to know our new H340; I don't think we will be ready to undertake a major voyage from RI up the coast of Maine just yet. But 2002 sounds possible. If you want to try to pull a plan together, let us know. (duprenow@crocker.com). Carl and Juliana Dupre s/v Syzygy
B
Bob Peters
I'd go back
The past 2 Augusts I have vacationed to Maine. This year in own 336 and previous year in a club boat a Cal 33. Boothbay was focus but we did day sails almost every day including to Sequin and Monhegan Islands as well as along Coast. Did overnights each year, about a 30 hour sail from Boston area in very variable conditions, to get up there and first year took 5 days to return along coast visiting and overnighting in various little harbors. We were warned about fog but the only encounter was one Sunday AM and we decided to leave boat at mooring and rented kayaks instead. I would look forward to a rendevous and meeting fellow Hunters and look forward to expand my Maine horizons and maybe get to Camden or spend a few days in Casco Bay. Our 2 trips went well although we did have a few challenges and the overnights were wearing since I was only experienced person on board and couldn't sleep when others were on watch. Boothbay is an excellent little harbor frequented by the rich and famous (and people like us also). Peter, you mention a weekend or week long trip and I see you are from Portland. If we from Southern NE wanted to join you, to make it wothwhile, I would say at least a week (my trips were 10 and 11 days). Although a southern contingent could coordinate a trip to coincide with the northerners' plan and we meet up for a period of time. Now, how do we put it together? Bob & Carolyn Pilgrim
The past 2 Augusts I have vacationed to Maine. This year in own 336 and previous year in a club boat a Cal 33. Boothbay was focus but we did day sails almost every day including to Sequin and Monhegan Islands as well as along Coast. Did overnights each year, about a 30 hour sail from Boston area in very variable conditions, to get up there and first year took 5 days to return along coast visiting and overnighting in various little harbors. We were warned about fog but the only encounter was one Sunday AM and we decided to leave boat at mooring and rented kayaks instead. I would look forward to a rendevous and meeting fellow Hunters and look forward to expand my Maine horizons and maybe get to Camden or spend a few days in Casco Bay. Our 2 trips went well although we did have a few challenges and the overnights were wearing since I was only experienced person on board and couldn't sleep when others were on watch. Boothbay is an excellent little harbor frequented by the rich and famous (and people like us also). Peter, you mention a weekend or week long trip and I see you are from Portland. If we from Southern NE wanted to join you, to make it wothwhile, I would say at least a week (my trips were 10 and 11 days). Although a southern contingent could coordinate a trip to coincide with the northerners' plan and we meet up for a period of time. Now, how do we put it together? Bob & Carolyn Pilgrim
P
Peter Poulin
Keep the ideas coming
Thanks to all of you who have responded so far. I am intrigued and hope others will respond. We own waterfront property on Long Island in Casco Bay where we could possibly gather. It is on the lee side of the island and there is quite a bit of room with decent mud for holding. It's three miles from downtown Portland and a number of marinas. We also have a powerboat that we could use to shuttle people into town if any supplies are needed. I am leaving for Florida for a few days but will check back in when I come back. I typically sail Casco Bay, Boothbay and Penobscot Bay areas. All are just beautiful areas. There are also a number of different routes up the coast depending on whether we sail inside or outside the islands. Depending on the number of boats that would participate, I see the biggest problem finding harbors that could possibly accommodate all of us at the same time. It would definitely take some advance planning and checking in with certain areas. Best time of year would likely be middle July to middle August. Least likely to run into fog during those times. Please keep the ideas coming. Peter
Thanks to all of you who have responded so far. I am intrigued and hope others will respond. We own waterfront property on Long Island in Casco Bay where we could possibly gather. It is on the lee side of the island and there is quite a bit of room with decent mud for holding. It's three miles from downtown Portland and a number of marinas. We also have a powerboat that we could use to shuttle people into town if any supplies are needed. I am leaving for Florida for a few days but will check back in when I come back. I typically sail Casco Bay, Boothbay and Penobscot Bay areas. All are just beautiful areas. There are also a number of different routes up the coast depending on whether we sail inside or outside the islands. Depending on the number of boats that would participate, I see the biggest problem finding harbors that could possibly accommodate all of us at the same time. It would definitely take some advance planning and checking in with certain areas. Best time of year would likely be middle July to middle August. Least likely to run into fog during those times. Please keep the ideas coming. Peter
P
Pat Spino
Maine cruise
Have done the Block Island cruise and want to further the New England "horizions". In fact, am planning a voyage "up" from Chesapeake this coming summer. Would like to make it at least to Providence/Cape Cod if not further. Count me in as interested for a Maine cruise in 2002.
Have done the Block Island cruise and want to further the New England "horizions". In fact, am planning a voyage "up" from Chesapeake this coming summer. Would like to make it at least to Providence/Cape Cod if not further. Count me in as interested for a Maine cruise in 2002.
L
larry mckay
Very interested--------
Peter,great idea. An opportunity for other Hunter sailors to enjoy the magnificent coast of Maine. Please E Mail me if I can help.----lgmckay@cybertours.com (GLORIA,27')
Peter,great idea. An opportunity for other Hunter sailors to enjoy the magnificent coast of Maine. Please E Mail me if I can help.----lgmckay@cybertours.com (GLORIA,27')
W
Wanderlust
Interested
While I am very interested such a trip is much more than I have previously done. A flotilla might be one way of extending the cruising range/ability of sailor's like me. I currently have a Hunter 23 which we mostly used for day sailing. I just traded in for a Hunter 290 which will greatly extend our curising range. We vacation frequently in Maine and I would really like to cruise it. (Ken_P69@hotmail.com)
While I am very interested such a trip is much more than I have previously done. A flotilla might be one way of extending the cruising range/ability of sailor's like me. I currently have a Hunter 23 which we mostly used for day sailing. I just traded in for a Hunter 290 which will greatly extend our curising range. We vacation frequently in Maine and I would really like to cruise it. (Ken_P69@hotmail.com)
P
Peter Poulin
On to the Next Step!
OK, I think this preliminary response is enough to move me to the next step. A couple of other sailors in Maine are interested and after the holidays, I will try to get a group together to look at the feasibility and planning of the 2002 Hunter Owners Rendezvous and flotilla. Mark your calendars for midsummer! I will also look into the possibility of creating an independent web site for this event for further dialogue and general information as we pull the event together. I have written to the regional Hunter dealer to see if they or Hunter would sponsor a BBQ and flags for the boats. Please go to the Hunter Owners directory and email me directly if you want to be included on the list of prospects. Thanks to those who responded!
OK, I think this preliminary response is enough to move me to the next step. A couple of other sailors in Maine are interested and after the holidays, I will try to get a group together to look at the feasibility and planning of the 2002 Hunter Owners Rendezvous and flotilla. Mark your calendars for midsummer! I will also look into the possibility of creating an independent web site for this event for further dialogue and general information as we pull the event together. I have written to the regional Hunter dealer to see if they or Hunter would sponsor a BBQ and flags for the boats. Please go to the Hunter Owners directory and email me directly if you want to be included on the list of prospects. Thanks to those who responded!
- Status
- Not open for further replies.