Maine Windjammer Cruising Area: East

Mt Desert Island and Swans Island represent the far eastern boundaries of a typical Maine windjammer trip.

Mt. Desert is famous for Acadia National Park, but also has several excellent anchorages and small towns to visit. Bar Harbor is the most famous, but is also the farthest and most crowded. A visit to Southwest Harbor is more likely.

This is a boat building center. Many fine yachts are constructed at several top builders. The Hinckley Company is based in Southwest Harbor. Also in the area are: Ellis Boat Company, Lee S. Wilbur, John M. Williams and legendary designer/builder Ralph Stanley.

On the extreme SW coast of the island is Bass Harbor. This is a quieter anchorage. Nevertheless, this little fishing town is home to the great sailboat building Morris Yacht Co.

Swan's Island is home to a yearly music festival that most of the vessels attend(July 31-August 2nd, 2007). This island is about as remote as it gets. Reaching here is possible by ferry, but not easy. There are few modern attractions, but Swan's is beautiful and a real treat to see. Few people travel here. LINK