It doesn’t get any better than cruising Maine in September and October. It just doesn’t.

Let’s compare fall cruising to the other shoulder season – May.

Average wind strength is about the same, 10 to 13 knots, but the direction of that wind is what’s so special. In May (as in the summer), the predominant direction is South. In September and October WNW and NW is the rule. When the wind is from the S or SW, one finds that you are often sailing dead downwind or slogging to weather. You may find the occasional NW breeze in the morning but, almost always, it is overruled by the sea breeze in the afternoon. In the fall one can have a full day or even multiple days of NW breeze interspersed with Southerlies. Variation in wind direction means a quantum leap in sailing versus powering.

Water temperature is dramatically different as well. In May, the average water temperature is 48F; in September the average is 61F (sometimes the peak water temperature for the year is attained in September). In May, when greeted with a bright sunny pleasant day, your hopes soar for a fun day on the bay, but when the sea breeze kicks in, nature’s air conditioning comes on with a vengeance and you’ll be donning a heavy jacket, watch cap and gloves. Not so in the fall. While the nights are often cool, there’s a consistency in temperature that is generally quite pleasing.

Air temperatures are similarly pleasant by comparison. In May the average high and low temperatures are 55 and 46F. In September, it’s 65 and 55F. We start cruising in May with two blankets and a comforter and over the summer that gets pared down to one blanket. We recently added the second blanket again and have in reserve the comforter. Hats and gloves are always aboard regardless of the season. A good thick fog in August makes hats and gloves welcome. Of course, a reliable heating system is a game changer when the weather becomes cooler or foggy.

The days are significantly shorter in the fall – 2 hours shorter than in May and the sun angles are lower. You might be wise to be nearing your destination by 3:30 or 4:00 pm in the fall. The benefit is those lower sun angles create far more dramatic landscapes and breathtaking photography opportunities.

Despite all the advantages of cruising in the fall, most cruisers fail to take advantage. My unscientific observation is that there is a 50% reduction in cruising density around mid August due to families needing to focus on back to school, another 50% reduction around Labor Day and a steady decline thereafter until mid-October when only the hardiest 10% remain, and many shore-side amenities close. Over Labor Day weekend we shared the iconic beauty of Bold and Devil Islands in perfect weather with one other boat, versus the usual 10 or 15. In another choice anchorage, two weeks ago there were four boats, now none. The good news is that while in July/August one may feel the need to make the next harbor by early afternoon to secure a prime location, in the fall or spring, one can sail all day and still be almost guaranteed an open field at your destination.

In our younger days we sailed until Thanksgiving; in our dotage we pack it in mid- October. But those last few weeks of autumn cruising are just as sweet as ever.