Conference unifix::sailing

916.0. "Penobscot Bay renting?" by DFCON1::FRENCH () Wed Jul 20 1988 12:15

[This is being posted to the SAILING and the Maine notes file]

We (family of 4) are interested in doing come coastal sailing in the 
Penobscott Bay area (or other protected bays along the Maine coast, given
    the right opportunity)

I thought about pulling my COM-PAC 19 from it's mooring in Lake Winnipesaukee
and towing it up, (which would give us a place to sleep, among other things)
but between the hassles of pulling it out and towing it (2000#) with a marginal
vehicle (Isuzu trooper) I have decided to start my salt water sailing
experiences slowly and have decided to rent something for a few days. 
(I have done some caostal sailing on other peoples boats, but have not
 been the primary decision maker in this environment).
Here's where I would like some help.

I'm sure there are "day sailers" available in the Camden area for rent by the 
day. I'm sure one could also charter a larger boat by the week. Does anyone
know what's available in between. A day sailer rental would probably have to
be back by 5:00 and I don't want to commit to a week's charter if the weather
isn't great. I also want the family to ease into this extension of the
    environment which we are used to.
    
I have significant experience on my own boat  - approx 100 days sailing in the
19, (as well as smaller boats) also have crewed on a Swan 41 (Bermuda to Woods 
Hole), have completed the Power Squadron Boating course and my wife just 
finished a 3 day sailing course at New Engalnd Sailing School (another happy 
story for the SAILING notes file)

Who can tell me more about the opportunities to rent a sailboat (say in the mid
20 foot range) for a few days up in Maine, where I can pick my days 
(weatherwise) carefully and be able to sail until dusk if we choose? A boat
with a motor would be highly desirable. A nearby campcround would be
    a plus.

Thanks,

Bill French

    AL PAPINEAU OF CAROUSEL MARINA IN BOOTHBAY HARBOR MANAGES RENTALS.
    CALL HIM AT (207) 633-2922

You might check the local papers/bulletin boards/boat yards/yacht clubs
when you arrive.  I've seen several adds for small boats 16-25 ft when
on vacation in various parts of Maine (Mt Desert Island, Blue Hill Bay,
Boothbay...) and rented a 24 ft Rainbow off Mt Desert a few years ago.

Of course the boat was nothing to write home about.....

Which was partly why we ended buying our Com-Pac 16 and bringing it
with us!

larry

    Harraseeket Marine in South Freeport USED to rent Rhodes 19's that
    would give you access to Casco Bay and all of it's islands. Ownership
    has changed hands but it would be worth a call. I think there'a a KOA
    campground off the road into South Freeport 
    
    Ed-who-has-many-fond-memories-of-Casco-Bay

    re .4  Haraseeket Marine has changed hands to So. Freeport Marine
    (207-865-3181), but they still rent Rhodes 19's for $90/day.  (Price
    includes outboard.)  A nice sailing boat, and a day rental gives
    you plenty of time to sail out to Eagle Island, picnic lunch ashore,
    and get back.