Maine Cruise 2026
August 1–15, 2026
The Blue Water Sailing Club invites you to experience the very best of cruising Downeast with our 2026 Maine Cruise—a relaxed, social, and scenery-rich adventure through iconic Maine harbors, islands, and villages.
This year’s cruise is designed as two exceptional weeks that can be enjoyed individually or together, with a seamless flow from Casco Bay to Mount Desert Island and beyond.
Whether you’re drawn by quiet anchorages, spirited sailing days, shore-side exploration, or simply good company at the end of a rewarding passage, this cruise delivers Maine at its finest.
Week One: Casco Bay to Merchant Row
August 1–7, 2026
Cruise Captains: Susan Vayda & Erik Greven
Saturday – Dolphin Marina, Harpswell
The cruise begins with boats gathering at Dolphin Marina in Harpswell. We’ll kick things off with a welcoming happy hour and group dinner, giving crews a chance to meet, reconnect, and settle into Maine cruising mode.
Sunday – Dolphin Marina to Boothbay Harbor (22 nm)
After enjoying Dolphin’s famous blueberry muffins and morning coffee, the fleet departs for a beautiful coastal sail to Boothbay Harbor. Activities include provisioning at local gourmet shops and Hannaford Supermarket, strolling along the harbor and enjoying the shops and local ice cream. The Boothbay Harbor Trolley is a lovely way to spend the afternoon.
Monday –Boothbay Harbor to Linekin Bay (5 nm)
We depart Boothbay Harbor at 10 AM to reach Linekin Bay before noon. Options are securing a mooring from Linekin Bay Resort or anchoring in Linekin Bay. At noon we will bring our picnic lunches and dinghy 1 mile to Linekin Bay Boat Ramp. Shipbuilders Park is a short walk (5-10 minutes) and a wonderful way to enjoy the lively shipbuilding industry while enjoying lunch.
At 1:30 we take a short 10 minute walk to Bigelow Laboratory for Ocean Sciences, where we’ll learn about cutting-edge ocean research spanning from the Arctic to the Antarctic—and its importance to global marine health.
Afterwards, we dinghy back to our boats and enjoy Happy Hour aboard Reflections.
Tuesday – Linekin Bay to High & Dix Island, Muscle Ridge (28 nm)
We continue east into the picturesque Muscle Ridge archipelago, anchoring at High and Dix Islands—once active granite quarry sites in the 19th century. Dinghies head ashore for a potluck gathering on Dix Island, a perennial cruise favorite.
Wednesday – Dix Island to Seal Bay, Vinalhaven (21 nm)
Today features our popular Pursuit Race to Seal Bay, designed so boats of all speeds finish together—no handicap math required. The evening is spent relaxing in Seal Bay after a rewarding sail.
Thursday – Seal Bay to Swan’s Island (18 nm)
The fleet sails on to Swan’s Island, where participants can enjoy the Sweet Chariot Music Festival (tickets obtained individually online). A classic Maine island evening awaits.
Friday – Swan’s Island to the Camp, Bold & Devil Islands (9 nm)
We settle into a protected anchorage for a star raft, happy hour, and potluck, sharing stories and celebrating the close of an outstanding first week.
Week Two: Merchant Row to Mount Desert Island
August 8–15, 2026
Cruise Captains: Len Thibodeau & Chris Aubin
Saturday – Bold/Devil Islands to Pretty Marsh (18 nm)
Anchoring in Pretty Marsh on the “Quiet Side” of Mount Desert Island, crews dinghy ashore to explore Acadia National Park. The evening includes cocktail hour aboard Breakaway.
Sunday & Monday – Blue Hill (9 nm from Pretty Marsh)
We transit to Blue Hill and secure moorings at the Kollegewidgwok Yacht Club for a two-night stay. High tide access makes it easy to provision and stroll the charming village. Activities include a potluck dinner and a visit to the Shaw Institute to learn about their environmental research on marine life, plastics, PFAS contamination, and water quality.
Tuesday – Blue Hill to Buckle Harbor (16 nm)
A peaceful anchorage sets the stage for a dinghy trip ashore, entering through the famous “Green Door” to hike the perimeter of this enchanted island. The evening features a hosted cocktail hour.
Wednesday – Buckle Harbor to Somesville (18 nm)
We anchor in Somesville for a three-night stay, providing ample opportunity to explore Mount Desert Island. Using the free Island Explorer buses, crews can venture to Bar Harbor for dinner or sightseeing.
Thursday – Somesville Lay Day
A flexible day to hike, bike, or relax—followed by a walk to the Somesville Repertory Theatre for an evening performance.
Friday – Somesville Lay Day
Another full day on MDI, including a trip to Echo Beach and Echo Lake, capped off with independent dinners and sunset relaxation.
Saturday – Somesville to Southwest Harbor (6 nm)
The Maine Cruise concludes with a short sail to Southwest Harbor and a joint cruise dinner, celebrating the end of the Maine Cruise and the beginning of the St. John River Cruise 2026 - 8/14/2026 adventure for those continuing north.
Why Join This Cruise?
- Thoughtfully planned distances and sheltered anchorages
- A welcoming mix of sailing, social events, and shore exploration
- Flexible participation—join one week or both, as much or as little as desired
- Ideal for experienced coastal cruisers and newer club members alike
For boats, crews, and prospective members seeking a memorable Maine cruising experience, this is summer sailing at its very best.