I've only been there once. It was VERY crouded (I share the concern). Further, several of the areas seemed to have poor holding from the chart and Cruising Guides. We had a MILD thunderstorm -- we didn't drag our anchor, but a few boats shifted a bit (no banging that I could tell). Maybe on a weekday in non-prime season? If you get-in early, you'll likely have a lot of company. Your 10-1 scope will be cutting through the "fleet" that will croud you as the harbor fills-up.

Todd's comments seem to make sense to me. If you have a big ass mooring and no one whose going to drag down on you, then maybe Rockland will work. (But it looked a bit open in there to me for my taste. Like they say, I like deep sheltered places with room to swing.) The opening from the SE, East, and NE seem to me most problematic. Anything with much fetch is asking for problems. Anyplace that's crouded is also an issue.

If you're going to seek shelter -- There are few places that have huricane hole feelings (example off the West side of Vinelhaven); or up nearer Castine.