(25 Aug
2023) In 2024 we will return to the marvelous mid-coast region of Maine.
The location, Hermit Island Campground at
Point Small, is a large privately
run campground on the very tip
of CapeSmall. HermitIsland is about 25 minutes south
of Bath and Bath is approximately 35 miles east
of Portland.
For anyone who has not previously sailed
this rugged coast, this will be a totally new and
exhilarating encounter. We
will enjoy the thrill of open sea sailing, the
scenic grandeur of Maine's bold granite coast, and
the opportunity to see what it's
like sailing an area with large tides
and occasional strong currents. The rally
dates are Saturday, August 10th through
Saturday, August 17th.
About the region. HermitIsland sits at the head of a 10-mile long
peninsula (CapeSmall) that juts far out into the cold,
clear blue waters of the Gulf of Maine. Though these
waters are frigid, they abound
with a multitude of sea creatures--sea birds,
water fowl,
seals, osprey, eagles and occasional families of
dolphins or porpoises.
CapeSmall marks the eastern boundary of Casco Bay, which is
beautiful, full of interesting
islands, and perfect
for Wayfarer cruising. Upon rounding
Small Point eastward, one encounters what is
referred to as the midcoast region. This
is where two of Maine's largest rivers, the Kennebec
and Sheepscot, meet the ocean. It is a prime
location for lobstering and fishing.
The rally
cruising will include island visits and beach
landings, as well as other sailing
activities.
The Bath area is steeped
in history with many interesting sites
worth seeing. There is no dearth of available
rainy day activities. One notable
attraction is the world renowned MaineMaritimeMuseum in Bath. In
the 18th and early 19th century, this
was the center of a booming ship
building industry. Many large wooden
ships, including some of
the famous clippers and Grand Banks schooners, were being
built along the banks of the Kennebec.Today the Bath Ironworks produces many of the
U. S. Navy ships.
About HermitIsland Campground.
This campground is unique and especially
attractive in many ways.There
is no other oceanside campground in this part of
Maine
that is so well suited for a Wayfarer
rally. Being situated right on Small Point, the campground's many
ocean overlooks offer particularly splendid vistas of
Maine's
magnificent bold coast.There
are 275 campsites.Much of the
campground is wooded,
with the majority of campsites located in a wooded
setting.There are a
limited number of sites situated on rocky bluffs with
an ocean view and others that are close to the beaches
on sandy meadows of thick, coarse high grass.These are priced at a
premium rate and are generally more exposed to the
elements. There is an outstanding small boat harbor which
includes a paved launch ramp, large dinghy float, and
several moorings. Space at the float and
moorings is free on a first-come basis. Near
the southern harbor entrance is a
marina where slips can be rented. The
dinghy float and moorings should be able
to accommodate many, but possibly not all,
of the Wayfarers. The other option is to anchor
out. (The tidal range is on the order
of 8 to 10 feet.) Other HermitIsland
amenities include a sizable camp store, restaurant,
and rainy day recreational building. For
more complete details see www.hermitisland.com.
The
Main Campground Rules: One car
per site, no pets. If more than one car is
needed, there is off-site parking at the trailer
park campground just outside the drive off the
main highway leading to Hermit Island. Cost is
$5/day. Consult the websitefor more
information on campground policies.
For rally planning there will be
additional emails and updates to this page
regarding:
