Top 3 Casco Bay Spots

Solstice · Mar 13, 2013

JK_Boston_Catalina310 said:
Hello All,

We are planning on doing our first bit of Maine cruising this summer. Specifically, the last week in June and first week of July. I was hoping for a little help from those who know the area.

I was hoping you would share your top 3 spots in Casco Bay.

Thanks to all those who will help.

Fair Winds,

Jesse

Hi Jesse,

I'm sure others with local knowledge will chime in, but we have cruised to Maine every other year for the last 12 years. A good first cruise from the Boston area would be Isle of Shoals or Peperrell Cove to Falmouth. Use Falmouth as a base and from there the Haraseeket and the Basin would be my choices.
You have to remember the distances can be long and the weather needs to be factored in. Another option would be a straight shot to Portland and then pick a couple of stops like Jewell, chebegue etc from there.
Although we love Portland, we tend to skip it lately.
The reality is there are so many options that I am sure you will get *lots* of folks chiming in with their personal preferences....

Bob S · Mar 21, 2013

Jesse,

If you can put it off a few weeks the CANE group is planning their trip to Maine. Are you a member?
http://www.allcatalinane.org/

ooops! looks like you're a new member.

Muscongus · Apr 7, 2013

There is a nice restaurant on Great Diamond with a dock. Very nice place to stop for lunch. I have also heard thay you can grab a mooring owned by Dimillos restauraunt in Portland's old port.

Personally, I think the cruising is better a little further up the coast. Monhegan Island is a great place to visit, though you'll want to grab a mooring - poor anchorage.

chuckwayne · Apr 7, 2013

The saltwater grille in south portland - next to Sunset Marina - has great food and an unbelievable view of the portland waterfront. you could get a transient slip at Sunset and enjoy the sunset-what else?? over portland. no anchoring there, though
Further up Casco, the new Dolphin marina has a great restaurant and it's a nice peaceful spot. moorings and slips, and you can anchor.
As someone else mentioned, the great Chebeague Inn has moorings and good food

Roger F · Apr 13, 2013

Casco Bay recommendations

At the north end of Casco, Sebago is a great place to stop for a night. If you do, plan to go up river toward Winnegance Bay and hit the Basins for a lunch on anchor.

If you would like to explore downtown Portland for an evening, DeMillo's is a great spot with plenty of good restaurants and entertainment in walking distance from the dock.

And I agree with Chuck, Dolphin Marina - do try their blueberry muffins in the a.m. too!

chuckwayne · Apr 13, 2013

I think Roger means Sebasco Estates... Great heated saltwater pool and restaurant!

Roger F · Apr 15, 2013

Sebasco

Yes! Thanks Chuck, typing ahead of my thinking again.

TomY · Apr 16, 2013

Bob S said:
Jesse,

If you can put it off a few weeks the CANE group is planning their trip to Maine. Are you a member?
http://www.allcatalinane.org/

ooops! looks like you're a new member.

Hi Bob, I'm putting together an internet article, "Sailing to Maine" and your groups itinerary is very helpful. I have a few questions(if you would be so kind). Is this an annual cruise? If so, is it always 2 weeks? About how many boats go?

I also wonder do you ever jump across the Gulf to points east and then work your way back?

Thanks for your help. Your planned stops along the way and time-line are very helpful.