Resources for Cruisers in Maine

Tides and Weather from US Harbors

A leading source in detailed information for every US Harbor in the America also has a map of all the Tides and Weather along the coast of Maine.

Windy and Weather Forecasts

Windy is a great resource for pinpointing wind direction and speed with accompanying forecasts for every spot.

Marine Traffic

Find out where other boats are with boats transmitting their location via the AIS (Automatic Identification System). The AIS-Receiving stations that comprise the MarineTraffic network pick-up such data and share it with the MarineTraffic central database.

Maine Trails

Maine Trail Finder is a free, interactive mapping site designed to help Maine residents and visitors find hiking, walking, snowshoeing, mountain biking, cross-country skiing, and paddling trails across the state.

Acadia National Park

The majority of the 47,000 National Park acres encompass Mount Desert Island but portions of the park are on the Schoodic Peninsula and Isle au Haut. It’s the perfect outdoor playground full of hikes and places to explore.

Maine Island Trail Association

MITA is a membership organization dedicated to the protection and enjoyment of the wild islands of coastal Maine. MITA members include paddlers, powerboaters, sailors and non-boaters alike. Members receive comprehensive information about the Trail, helpful tips for safe and responsible boating, and guidelines for low-impact recreation. You can join them to become a part of this inspiring group of enthusiasts and advocates who love the wild islands of Maine.

Maine Coast Heritage Trust

Maine Coast Heritage Trust (MCHT) is a nonprofit land conservation organization protecting and caring for vital lands on the coast of Maine. Through the generosity of donors, MCHT has made an extraordinary impact since its founding in 1970, working with partners to protect over 170,000 acres and 330 islands, including over 150 MCHT public preserves offering over 100 miles of hiking trails.

Mapping Ocean Stories

Mapping Ocean Stories is a collaborative project between the College of the Atlantic, Maine Sea Grant, Island Institute, The First Coast, and

Bates College that seeks to document and honor the voices, perspectives, and knowledge of Maine’s coastal and fishing communities. Through interviews with community members and the preservation of historical archives, the project captures firsthand stories and insights that

enrich the understanding of coastal life. By creating biographical and ecological maps, the initiative reflects the deep connections between people and the sea, celebrating Maine’s coastal heritage while ensuring its preservation. Mapping Ocean Stories also engages students in meaningful, community-based work, strengthening their connection to

local history and culture and training the next generation of oral historians.

Tips for Cruisers In Maine

nav table with chart, CCA cruising guide on iPad, computer screen showing chartplotter image
How to Plan a Maine Cruise
There’s good and bad news about planning a cruise in Maine. The good news is that there are over 1000 destinations and 3,500 miles of coastline from which to choose. The bad news is that there are so many choices that it may seem impossible to come up with an enjoyable cruise itinerary. Fortunately, this […]
Tips for Sailing in the Fog
Fog is Fun! Someone out there has been giving Maine fog a bad name. They say it’s treacherous, dangerous, difficult to navigate in and to be avoided at all costs. Perhaps with some tips and perspective adjustment, we can change all that negative energy that fog seems to attract. My wife, Jane, and I have […]
view of many lobster buoys on still water
How to Deal with Lobster Pot Buoys
In calm water, at slack tide, in daylight, lobster pot buoys and their warps present only a moderate problem. The buoys and toggles are easy to see, and the warps drop straight down from the buoy or toggle, so steering around them is easy, even if you pass close aboard. You still must keep a […]

Safety Resources from the Cruising Club of America for Cruisers

Safety and Seamanship

After thousands of miles and places visited, many of our members take a moment to share what they have learned. We offer the articles and courses for cruisers of all types.

Cruising with Couples

The book is aimed at the less-experienced crewmember and promotes partnership and teamwork between skipper and crew to ensure they can handle an emergency on their own boat.

Environment of the Sea

As members of the CCA, we sail and explore the oceans of the world with a spirit of adventure and a strong sense of stewardship for the oceans we love. We are looking to be a part of the solution.