1. I anchored once in Basr Harbor. MISERABLE anchorage. Your draft is too great for one part (and it's rocky
there near the Pocupines as well) and the other area to anchor is deep and open to the S. Actually, I
like going to Bar Harbor - by (free) bus. Sorrento is nice a bit further North, though, and there are a
couple (?) of guest (free) moorings there. Not much to do ashore but walk. It is a pretty area, though,
and the sail up and back should be enjoyable - under normal conditions. (btw, there can be quite a
downdraft on the East side of MDI, caused by the mountains, so keep a weather eye open).

2. The trip further East is weather-dependent - especially if you are on a tight schedule (which you seem to
be). It's the kind of trip where the fog could roll in and last a while - even weeks. If visability is good,
though, it's easy - but there are a lot more lobster buoys out there (quite a ways offshore) than I
anticipated.

3. Don't really care for NE Harbor - but I'm prejudiced against places you can't anchor and have to
pay for moorings. I've spent quite a number of nights in Seal Harbor but I wouldn't recommend it.
Little Cranberry is a possibility - it's interesting ashore but isn't a cozy anchorage. 1 or 2 guest
moorings available there - sometimes. Overall, I like SW Harbor and Somes Harbor best for that
area. Swan's Island - Burnt Coat Harbor and Mackerel Cove and Buckle Harbor
- are possibilities in the hood as well.

4. Blue Hill Bay is nice - as is the inner harbor at Blue Hill. Your draft might be an issue with the
latter.

5. Have you gone through the Eggomoggin Reach? The Wooden Boat School and Center Harbor
should not be missed, imo. There is less to see in the Benjamin River. Not crazy about Bucks
Harbor - although I often stop there for an hr. or so for fuel and a bite to eat. Castine is
very interesting but you'd be better off anchoring for the night in nearby Smith Cove.

6. Isle au Haut? Loved it. As the song goes, 'there's no finer place to go'. REALLY like
Isleboro too. Of course, I might be prejudiced cause I made some friends ashore who live there.
I've anchored in several places there but the most interesting (and easy)
thing migft be to go to Warren Island where you should be able to pick up a free
state park mooring - if you arrive early enough.

7. Although the anchorage isn't great, I really enjoy Belfast. Unless it's just for a few hours
or less, take a pass on, Searsport, Camden and (sorry, Tom) Rockport. LOVE Rockland.
Lots of places to anchor - the best spots depend on which way the wind is blowing.
Spend some time - if you have it - in the Fox Islands Thorofare rather than just
rushing through. Seal Harbor (on Vinalhaven) is awesome, but it might be a problem
for your draft. I like Carver Cove.

8. Boothbay Harbor is quite interesting! I recommend stopping and spending some time
ashore. You can also break up the trip by heading up the New Meadows River -
possibly going to The Basin. Other interesting places nearby too. Casco Bay is way
under-rated as a cruising grounds, imo.

9. Although it's a real city, I enjoy Portland too. Lots to do ashore. No real place to
anchor there. As an alternative, consider anchoring near Peaks Island and then
taking the ferry into the City.

10. As you head South, possibilities include Richmond Island, Wood Island
Harbor (with your draft you're probably best picking up a mooring there) and
Isle of Shoals - a VERY interesting and beautiful location. arrive early
and not on weekends. You'll need to pick up a (free) mooring there. Check
out Star Island! ("you will come back, you will come back...."). Eating
in the dining hall for dinner isn't really cheap, but it's a fun social experience.
(If you know you'll be there on a Wednesday, call a few days ahead and
reserve a spot for the lobster dinner.)

11. Love Gloucester too but it's not like some quiet, peaceful anchorage in
Maine. Lots to do ashore and great place to provision too.

Hopefully, our wakes will pass. I want to show you this cute dinghy I
bought - and you can see my cat! (assuming she doesn't get seasick....).

Jerry