Greetings Wayfarers:

 

The 2011 cruising rally will take place at Hermit Island, Maine, starting Saturday, Aug. 20 and ending Saturday, Aug. 27.  This is the same location where we held the 2005 and 2008 rallies.  Hermit Island, a private campground with a long history (I was there as a youngster with my parents more than 60 years ago), is a remarkably beautiful, unspoiled, and scenic.  It is located on the tip of Small Point which lies at the eastern extremity of Casco Bay.  The attached 008 scan - a page from a flier - provides more background about Hermit Island.  As before, cruising activities will take place on Casco Bay as well as other points of interest, such as Seguin Island just east of Small Point.  The Hermit Island web site www.hermitisland.com/ 

By special arrangement with the campground manager we are able to reserve a group of campsites together.  These are next to the water along the Branch and near the boats.  Assignment of sites needs to be coordinated through me by email; which will be done on a first come basis.  I have tentatively asked for 12 sites:  Branch no.s 4-5-6-7-8-9-10-12-14 and East Tack Way no.s 4-5-6.  I can add or subtract sites as needed.  See map above for the location of these sites.  A minimum reservation of 7 days is required, beginning Aug. 20.  If you wish to add days (before or after) let me know.  If you want to make a different arrangement you'll need to do that on your own.  (Reservations for less than 7 days aren't accepted until February.) 

 

I would like to receive all responses by December 11, at which time I need to notify the manager.  I'll do my best to meet your preferences.

 

How it works is - once I've received all the applications, I will send the names and addresses that have been assigned to specific campsites to the campground manager.  Following that some time in January you will receive a bill in the mail.  You are required to pay an initial deposit (previously this was US $125) with the balance due some time in February.  At this time you can also arrange (by phone) to rent a boat slip in the marina if you wish.  The number of slips is limited.  (In the past some participants have chosen this option in order to avoid some of the hassle at the dock or the moorings.)

 

The above campsites are designated as 'Choice'.  The 2010 rate was: $38/day Sun-Thurs and $41/day Fri-Sat.  When replying please to be sure to give me your complete mailing address.

 

We plan to enjoy all the fun activities we did in 2008......evening campground get togethers, great seafood dinners at local restaurants (via water and land), the fabulous lobster/clambake cookout on Sailboat Beach, and much, much more!  The details of which will all become apparent in future email.

 

Sincerely...........DICK H.