Among the most inviting stops for overnighting in Somes Sound are these:
- Valley Cove under Eagle cliffs. One of Somes Sound’s most popular anchorages, this historic spot is on the western side, not far from the Norwood Cove anchorage. Proceed through The Narrows into Somes Sound, then just beyond Sand Point to starboard, turn to port and head into Valley Cove, looking for about 30 feet MLW along the south side. The bottom tends to be rocky and pebbly, but I’ve always managed to find enough good, sticky Maine mud to hold my anchor well. Protection from prevailing winds is excellent, but don’t be surprised by shifting winds with occasional gusts coming down the mountains. Even with her all-chain rode and a snubber terminated at the waterline, my 100,000 lb. boat tends to dance around the anchor a little while anchored here.
- Hall Quarry, an inactive quarry is about 1.7 NM north of Valley Cove to port. It’s too deep for anchoring, but the John M. Williams & Co. Boatyard (207-244-7854) offers rental moorings in July and August and a float (about 20 feet alongside) where water can be taken on. The yard has a 50-ton Travelift and offers full-service repair and restoration services, with indoor and outdoor storage and service, accommodating up to 200 boats. Close attention to detail and quality for boat services of any level of complexity on both power and sailboats as large as 55 feet in length and up to 7-foot draft. Offering complete woodworking, fiberglass, metal, composite, paint, and varnish capabilities, plus repairs and installations of mechanical systems, electronics, electrical, engine, and plumbing. Heated and unheated winter storage.
- Proceeding North past Hall Quarry one will find Abel’s Yacht Yard and Abel’s Lobster should the crew be ready for a great dinner ashore. The Henry R. Abel & Co. Yacht Yard (207-276-5057) is a full service yard offering summer rental moorings through Dockwa and slips for lease, and there’s plenty of room for anchoring in good-holding mud off Abel’s at the head of the sound. With two Marine Travelifts and nine inside storage buildings, Abel’s offers mechanical, electrical, fiberglass, engine and generator, gel coat, painting, buffing and waxing, rigging services, and carpentry, plus winter and summer storage. Also located on the property is Able’s Lobster (207-276-8221), which is open mid May through October serving lunch from noon to 2:30 pm and dinner from 4:30 to 8:00 pm.
- Somes Harbor (Somesville) is another 0.8 NM to the north. The beginning of the entrance is very narrow. Leave the red nun marking Myrtle Ledge to starboard, then pass the green can close aboard to port and proceed up to Sheep Island. Quiet, well-protected, and serene, this is a favorite harbor of refuge in nor’easters, tropical storms, and hurricanes. You’ll find a fine anchorage between Sheep Island and the mainland in about 15 feet MLW. All the moorings are privately owned and best avoided unless you know the owner.
