Some observations from the summer of 2026 from Tom and Jane Babbitt aboard Bravo.
Notably, the number of boats out cruising has continued to moderate from recent years. Over the steamy-hot Fourth of July weekend, we found just a couple of boats in Perry Creek and had Long Cove on Vinalhaven all to ourselves.
Occasionally there have been exceptions, such as more than 30 boats comfortably anchored in Seal Bay the next weekend, when it appeared that most of Boothbay had arrived. The following weekend, however, there were only six boats enjoying that idyllic and commodious anchorage.
We’ve been reminded why cruising Maine fits our “No Plan” mantra so well, with multiple destinations always at hand no matter the weather or other variables.
On the first day of our most recent cruise, our goal was solely to turn left upon departing Camden. The wind was variable in direction, starting from northwest to west to southwest and finally to south-southwest in the 20s! Over the first hour, our possible destinations evolved from Perry Creek to Barred Islands, Eggemoggin Reach, Buck’s Harbor and Holbrook, finally settling on Pickering Island an hour or so later.
The next day, we set a goal of sailing to the Torrey Islands on Eggemoggin Reach. When we saw the first ripples appear on the bay, we slowly motored to the northwest end of the Reach near Buck’s Harbor, turned off the engine and began our slow progress in a fitful breeze. Would we make it to Benjamin River or the Torrey Islands at this rate?
By the time we finally got to the Deer Isle Bridge—never look up!—the breeze was settling in nicely, and we had a glorious, tack-free sail. We couldn’t bear to stop, so we continued across Jericho Bay with a thought of stopping at Buckle Island, but there were already several boats anchored there.
We carried on past Orono Island to spacious Mackerel Cove. Again, with numerous options always ahead, we were able to let the wind be our guide.
On another day, we saw multiple forecasts of wind all day from the west and decided that our only goal was to sail north and south in the delightful breeze.
We visited Eastern Cove on Long Island, checking on the smooth stone and adjacent driftwood berms, then reversed course and sailed north while considering Blue Hill, Great Cove and, ultimately, our final destination choice of Pretty Marsh.
Nearly five hours of champagne sailing with a total of only two tacks was accompanied by a lively discussion of which of the fabulous choices would be our destination. We had Pretty Marsh—which could accommodate an armada—all to ourselves except for the pogies, eagles and seals.
Finally, when cruising in Maine, expect the unexpected. While on a mooring in Northeast Harbor, the most posh harbor on the coast, and a stone’s throw from the ever-present megayachts, the rugged Fish Eye passed within a few feet of our transom as the crew set their net around a huge school of pogies!
“Just another day on the Fish Eye,” the jubilant crew exclaimed as they filled every barrel they possessed.
And for us, it was just another spectacular day in Maine, made easier by the Cruising Club of America Cruising Guide to Maine.
CCA Maine Guide Again Achieves the Impossible!
By the Fourth of July, with the help of our 30 dedicated contributors, we had updated every harbor and anchorage for the fifth time in five years—assisted in no small part by you, our readers, sending in a steady stream of feedback as you cruised the coast.
These feedback comments are frequently updated while we are cruising and are most valuable. Thank you!
Looking Ahead to 2027
While the 2026 cruising season is starting to wind down, why not start planning next year’s trip? Plenty of itineraries, tips and anchorage guides are available on the CCA Cruising Guide to Maine website.