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The Sailing Club, Inc.


It’s a beautiful, beautiful bay!
Spruce-covered headlands jut boldly from its shores,
Jewel-like islands float on its surface,
And the gentle, glacier-rounded contours of the Camden Hills
Look down on its broad reaches.

                    Louise Dickenson Rich
             Coast of Maine

When glaciers sculpted Maine’s shoreline into sheltered inlets, deep, broad bays and coastal hills, they created one of the loveliest sailing areas in the world. Penobscot Bay is a crown jewel amongst Maine’s coastal regions. It is pristine and spectacular, with over 200 rocky islands set against the backdrop Mount Megunticook, Mount Battie, and the rolling Camden hills. This coming September, The Sailing Club embarks on a seven day adventure to explore Penobscot Bay’s coves, islands, lighthouses, harbors, and historic sites. The Bay’s harbors have a delightful mix of New England Yankee charm, scrumptious seafood, and shopping opportunities that exhibit Maine’s finest craftsman and artisans.

September is by far the best time of year to sail in Maine. The summer fogs have given way to the autumn season’s brisk winds, the lobster catches are in full swing, and the tourists have gone home after the Labor Day holiday!

Three boats have been reserved from Johanson Boat Works in Rockland, and we will be able to board them on Saturday afternoon, September 15th. After boat check out, stowing our luggage and provisions (which we can buy in town at the IGA), we step ashore for dinner. We will be sleeping aboard our boats, but if you arrive at Rockland early enough, you may wish to visit the Farnsworth Art Museum and Wyeth Center, the local galleries and shops, the lighthouse museum, the Owl’s Head transportation museum or the Owl’s Head lighthouse

Although our itinerary for this trip remains flexible, we can count on lots of fun and great sailing, as well as time ashore. Here is a preliminary view:

Sunday Sept. 16th:Sail up the coast a short distance to Cradle Cove on Seven Hundred Acre Island, just off of Islesboro Island. Take the dinghy to go ashore and explore.

MondaySept. 17th Sail about 14 miles to historic Castine.  With luck we will find space at the Town Dock, near the Maine Maritime Academy. Go ashore and visit Dice Head Lighthouse, the Academy campus, or a walking tour of some classic Victorian architecture. All trip members are welcome to enjoy the lobster dinner at Dennett’s Wharf, which is included in the trip price.

Tuesday Sept. 18th:Our destination today is a full day’s sail, about 25 miles, to Duck Harbor at Isle Au Haut. It is a lovely spot, and has the easiest access to trails in Acadia National Park’s smaller unit. It is a small and cozy harbor, but since peak season has passed, it shouldn’t be to crowded.

Wednesday Sept. 19thA layover day at Duck Harbor.In addition to Acadia, a ferry runs the approximately eight miles to Stonington.

Thursday Sept. 20th:Either a short sail to the east side of Vinalhaven Island, or a longer one of about 18 miles across the bay to High Island Harbor at Dix Island

Friday Sept. 21st:It’s off to Pulpit Harbor, a spacious, well-protected anchorage. Our fleet should have no problem setting up a raft far from any of the local boats. A memorable sunset on our last night on Penobscot Bay should be a splendid way to close out a week of stellar sailing.

Saturday Sept. 22nd: Sadly we depart for our return to Rockland and the charter base, but not after a full day of sailing! The charter doesn’t officially end until Sunday, so feel free to sleep aboard, and enjoy a tour of the town.

Estimated car travel time from northern New Jersey to Rockland Maine is about eight hours. There is also direct air service to Portland or Bangor, Maine from Newark.  A shuttle bus can then take you to Rockland in about two hours and it has reasonable fares. Air service to Rockland’s airport via Boston is possible, but more expensive than other ways.

The price per person of the trip is $950.00 per person (Skippers $545.00. This price covers charter fees, insurance, slip fees and a dinner in Castine. Food, fuel, and other incidental expenses are additional, and will be handled by each boat’s crew. A deposit is required to hold your position. Please make your check payable to TheSailing Club, Inc and mail it, along with your completed reservation form , to Jon Stufflebeem at the address below. Reservations will be processed beginning April 13, 2007 with a random draw of those received by that date. All reservations received after that date are on a first come, first served basis. A second payment of $375 will be due on May 15, 2007 and a final payment of $375 will be due on July 15, 2007 .

A pre-trip meeting will be held at a time and place to be announced. All crewmembers should make every effort to attend in order to meet your crewmates, plan your meals, and make travel plans.

Trip Leader

Assistant Trip Leader

Jon Stufflebeem
115 Redmont Road
Watchung, NJ 07069
(908) 822-8701
jonsailor@earthlink.net                  
Jeff Hamer
372 S. Post Road
Princeton Junction, NJ  08550
(609) 890-1104
jhamer@njn.org

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