Penobscot Bay on midcoast Maine offers some of the most spectacular cruising grounds found along coastal US. The large number of outlying islands assures cruisers of finding that private yet protected gunkhole, sought by both seasoned and novice sailors alike. On balmy bright summer days, the waters are shared by fishing boats, island ferries, windjammers, sail and power craft, all maneuvering to, around and between the numerous granite and green islands dotting the bay. The same holds true for foggy days, when navigation becomes extremely important.
The coast is lined with several small New England villages, each with strong historical links to our nation's history. Most of these ports retain their link with the sea, the lobster fisherman and the boat-building industries still being a primary source of revenue for many local residents.
Although some of my ancestors were among the early settlers of western Maine, my early childhood days harken to upstate New York. For this reason, I shall always be "from away." However, like so many other "people from away", Peter and I have never regretted our move from southern New England, down the coast, to our home in Thomaston, Maine.
During the summer season, Panacea resides on a mooring in Rockland Harbor, a five-minute drive from our home. In all our cruising days, we have found that Maine has some of the finest cruising we have ever experienced. For more on cruising in Maine, see Publications on this website for my book, Maine Sail, which outlines a Maine cruise in illustrated text.