The Rowe family doesn’t do shopping malls, crowds or long, sit-down meals.  We have two very active boys (Gavin, 11 and Keegan, 9) who require constant activity.  We’ve adapted our sailing practices to serve these demands by planning short day trips with activities at each destination.  Here are some of our favorite daysails out of the Great Island Boat Yard marina.

Sequin Island – 15.3 nautical miles

Activities:  Climb the lighthouse with the keeper.  Have a picnic lunch with breathtaking views.  Explore the trails down to the rocky south beach.

Good to Know:  No anchoring is allowed.  Pick up a coast guard mooring.  The dinghy landing can be an adventure in itself.  Be prepared to get wet.

Small Point Harbor – 9.1 nautical miles

Activities:  Explore the narrow harbor.  Dinghy ashore and walk the trail around Hermit Island.

Good to Know:  The entrance to the harbor is tricky.  Go slowly and north of the island that protects the entrance.  There is only 5′ to a sandy bottom at low tide.  We anchor off the north end of Hermit in 12′ when going ashore.

Sebasco Harbor Resort – 7.2 nautical miles

Activities:  Swim in the salt water pool.  Play croquet.  Eat ice cream.  Explore the harbor by kayak or dinghy.

Good to Know:  Rent a day mooring for access to all resort facilities.  Reserve ahead.  Leave the dinghy behind as they have a launch service.  Enjoy outdoor brunch on Sundays.

Eagle Island – 11.7 nautical miles

Activities:  Explore Admiral Peary’s house – a Maine State Historic Site – and island trail system.  Open June 15 – Labor Day.

Good to Know:  Go north of the monument (Little Mark Island).  It gets choppy quickly to the south.  The Park Service provides a launch and free day moorings.

The Basin – 7.8 nautical miles

Activity:  Swim in the warmest water in Maine.

Good to Know:  This is a well protected little harbor and while it looks narrow on approach, it’s very navigable.

Little Snow Island – 0.8 nautical miles

Activities:  Camping, cooking over a camp fire.  Fishing.

Good to Know:  This is a Maine Island Trails island just east of Snow Island.  Approach into the cut on the north side of the island by dinghy.  Leave no trash behind.

This is some basic information for several great local trips.  Please ask Steve or Stephanie if you have any questions on the details.  Enjoy!