General Info
Brewer Marine has a network of Full Service Marinas along the coast that could accomodate wet or land storage. Contact them for rates. http://www.byy.com/ During the sailing season I have a mooring, so access to it in winter is non-existant. Those who have a slip at a marina can wet store. I've hauled my boat and had it stored at a local yard each year. The big thing (to me) is access during the winter to clean, repair, etc.). Makes repairs, engine service, winterization of plumbing, cleaning, etc. much easier. I usually have the spars removed for inside storage, and all the sails cleaned, repaired, and stored at a local loft, too. Come spring, the bottom is painted, new zincs installed, etc. prior to launching. We do get some nasty winter storms at times, too. So having the boat more protected is important. ....... For New England cruise planning purposes there are a number of good cruising guides covering various areas, AAA has some good regional guidebooks, and MapTech charts cover it (Region #2 covers Eastport, ME to Block Island, RI). http://www.maptech.com/water/index.cfm I use the MapTech Digital ChartKit (comes with the Chart Navigator software package) for route planning & loading my GPS with waypoints, and the book form of ChartKit under way. The digital package has tide & current calculators, charts, imagery, marine facilities, and the U.S. Coast Pilot. Each spring they publish a new, updated edition so make sure you get the latest editions before shoving off. And, watch the Coast Guard 1st District Local Notices to Mariners (LNMs) for the many changes that are happening weekly. http://www.navcen.uscg.gov/lnm/d1/ Another handy website to use has pointers to many NE ports, which then list various facilities, events, etc. http://www.marinersguide.com/regions/newengland/index.html Watch them lobsta' pots! They are everywhere -- layed like minefields around the coastline, harbors and channels. I've even encountered them 15 miles offshore in over 300ft of water! Generally, there are multiple traps (each with a common color scheme on the floats)laid in a line, and a field will include traps from many fishermen from the same town/port. The lines from the traps (on the bottom) to the floats on the surface(often two, separated by about 20-40 ft of line) are notorious for snagging the unwary on their keel, rudder, and/or prop. Getting untangled can often involve a dive, so bring a mask & wetsuit (water is cold north of Cape Cod). Good luck --Ron s/v Lady Jane
