This is the initial call for participants for the 2024 NA Cruise Rally at Hermit Island.  This will be the seventh time we have held a rally at Hermit Island (starting in 2005) so the reservation and planning process will be familiar to those who have attended before.  We are again fortunate to have the cooperation and support of the Hermit Island management for the Wayfarer Rally.

If you are not planning on attending and do NOT want to receive future emails about the 2024 Rally, please reply and let me know that.

Hermit Island Overview

Hermit Island Campground at Small Point is a large privately run campground on the very tip of Cape Small.  Hermit Island is about 25 minutes south of Bath, and Bath is approximately 35 miles east of Portland.  Cape Small marks the eastern boundary of Casco Bay.  Casco Bay is beautiful, full of interesting islands, and perfect for Wayfarer cruising.  There are rally write-ups and photos from past years available on the CWA site for those not familiar with the setting and available cruises. Future emails will be provide more information as well.

See www.hermitisland.com

and

https://hermitisland.com/reservations

Maine Sailing

This is cold water, coastal sailing with 10 foot tides and exposure to the Atlantic Ocean.   All boats and crew need to be prepared with proper options for rigging and anchoring, as well as suitable clothing.  More details will be included in future updates.

There are a variety of options for day cruises out of Hermit Island, including familiar destinations:

• Cundy’s harbor—sail to great seafood restaurant on the New Meadow River or via Ridley Cove
• Elm Island landing mid-Casco Bay (south of Yarmouth Island)
• The Basin—lunch spot with famous/infamous drain out tide 😊.
• Sail around Seguin Island

Docking & Mooring

As noted in past rally announcements, Hermit Island has limited space compared to the other two regular venues (Wellesley Island and Killbear).

The main option for dockage is at the public first-come first serve Yardarm dock co-located with the put-in ramp, both adjacent to the block of sites we plan to reserve. 

There is virtually no space at the marina.  So whereas in the past we have had several boats at the marina, in 2024 that is not an option and this will constrain the number of boats for this rally to about 15, pending review of those who are prepared to moor their Wayfarer. 

There are two available HI moorings and in the past some Wayfarers have set their own mooring, and this has been a help with the limitations.   

In your reply to this email please indicate if you are willing to set your own mooring.

Campsite Reservations

Hermit Island supports our group by allowing us to send in one letter with a list of requested sites.  Hermit Island then emails individual bills to all the parties listed in that request.  Deposit of $125 is required followed by full remittance. You can reserve independently if you so choose, but please let me know your intention to do so.  Rates for 2023 were apx. $50-$65 night for choice/prime sites.

I will compile the list and send it to Hermit Island at the beginning of December.  I would like to complete the initial reservation list by November 1.

As in the past, for 2024 we have been allowed to request sites grouped together along the Branch, including East Tack Way site numbers 2, 3, 4, 5 & 6 and Branch Site numbers 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 12, 13, 14.  We also have had some folks on Harbor Grove 2.

If you have not been to Hermit Island their website now has pictures of the sites online. Please review the Hermit Island rules for cars etc at campsites.

What I'll need from you:

1. Reservation first night/last night dates (Rally runs Saturday August 10-Sat August 17)
2. The name/number of your first and second choices of campsites.  
3. Number of people and type of equipment (tent, etc.)
4. Full name, US Mail address and email address for billing.  (Please also send names of attendees in your party)

If you are participating, but do not require a campsite reservation please let me know your dates of attendance, number/names of people and boat name/number.

Once the draft registration/reservation list is complete, I’ll send it out for your final review before I send it to Hermit Island.

Cancellation/change & refunds

Standard cancellation policy for Jan/Feb weeklong reservations is a fee of $125, deposit amount.

Staying Offsite?

Hermit Island has very strict rules about campground access and an around the clock gate person as well as car limits on campsites.  I think Uncle Al is the expert on this, so if you are considering staying outside the campground I suggest consulting him.  In the past it has not been a problem for our group.