South Portland, ME to Harpswell, ME

Wednesday, July 15, 2026

Departure: South Port Marine (South Portland, ME) Slip A62 11:30AM

Special Comments:

• The orange color of the sun reflects the Canadian wildfires from last evening.
• Observed a group of photographers board a transient vessel to our starboard early this morning. Curious Jacques, had to inquire about presuming dolphin sightings. Nope, crew for a T-Mobile commercial (LOL).
• A blue container drum floated by us. Known to float in from commercial vessels from Portland, ME.
• Heard a sonic plane fly overhead gone before I could capture a photo. Gosh, their loud and fast.
• Topping fuel before area departure, South Port Marine (South Portland, ME). Known to have some of the best prices in the area. No applicable discounts during peak season, $4.58/gal x 500 gal = $2,290.
• Swingin’ on the ball, clocked 17KN/+ winds. At times gusts has us leaning to port. YIKES!
• While Jacques was napping I noticed the port side mooring ball moving within 2′ of the hull, Jacques later saw 4′. He hailed the dock staff who quickly came out and drag the mooring ball. Eventually, it found it’s way back towards us. Surprisingly, one of the owners came and attempted to drag it as well, but that didn’t work so he offered to move us.

Arrival: Dolphin Marina & Restaurant – Mooring Ball #13 (Harpswell, ME) 1:30PM

Next Stop: Unknown? (Monday, 7/20/26)

Thursday, July 16, 2026

Moored: Dolphin Marina & Restaurant – Mooring Ball #23 (Harpswell, ME)

Special Comments:

• We were like two little kids on Christmas morning awaiting our blueberry muffin and coffee this morning. Blueberry muffins is a secret family recipe and their made fresh every morning. Surprisingly the coffee wasn’t bad, coming from someone who is pretty picky when it comes to my fresh brew. More surprising as two were about to leave and we thanked them, was a sincere, “we so glad you’re here and chose to stay with us, please let us know if there’s anything we can do for you during your stay“.
• For the first time, we actually sat on the bow sipping our morning coffee and just taking in the views. Eventually, even grabbed a blanket and pillow. We haven’t been this relaxed in awhile.
• Observed dock hand training this morning with the launch boat.
• Our starboard neighbors, M/V Speakeasy moved on to Boothbay, ME.
• OMG, saw a seal head breach the water as we sat on the bow sipping our morning coffee.
• Used the launch service to have lunch at the restaurant onsite Delicious! Had the pleasure of spending the afternoon chatting with Gwyn & Chris, full-time cruisers for the past 11 years onboard, S/V Denali.
• Our port side from South Port Marine (South Portland, ME) M/V Sempre Avanti arrived for overnight mooring.
• By late afternoon, rainy and windy. We were going to drop the tender to explore the surrounding area but, have squashed that idea. Come evening we were successful and enjoyed a tender stroll.
• Stopped by the reverse waterfall area, Basin Cove Falls (Harpswell, ME) located at Tide Mill Cove (aka: Grist Mill Landing). Tidal waterfall or “reversing falls” is caused by sea water from Potts Harbor surging through a shallow, narrow opening into a massive tidal inlet known as The Basin. When the tide comes in, the sea level becomes higher than the inlet, causing the water to rush inward like a waterfall. When the tide goes out, the process completely flips, and the water forcefully surges backward out into the harbor. Apparently in 1867, this powerful tidal rush was harnessed to power George True’s Grist Mill. While the mill is long gone, the underwater stones and remaining remnants of the old historic dam amplify the dramatic rushing water effect today.

Next Stop: Unknown? (Monday, 7/20/26)

Friday, July 17, 2026

Moored: Dolphin Marina & Restaurant – Mooring Ball #23 & #56 (Harpswell, ME)

Special Comments:

• Just like clockwork our morning breakfast arrived. Still like two little kids! It’s been so nice to sit outside and sip our morning coffee. This morning we opted for the view from the flybridge. First time, we used our custom made table too. Proof that our pace is slower and the views are spectacular. Observed Sea Tow take our neighbor away, not the way to start the day.
• Our port neighbors, M/V Main Course left their dinghy moored, picked up their elderly mother on the docks to take her for boat ride. Nice!
• S/V Denali fueled up and left by late morning heading northbound.
• Observed the marina staff inspect and untangle mooring balls around us. Heavy work, exhausting to watch them.
• With the incoming winds, they relocated us again to a different mooring ball (from #23 to #56), the best part they and Jacques did all the work with nothing for me to do. Bill, the owner is not only friendly but very much a sleeves rolled up boss/owner in the trenches with staff.
• Our port neighbors, M/V Victorious whom we met and chatted with yesterday are departing today.
• We had lunch at Erica’s Seafood (Boothbay Harbor, ME).
• Met local lobster folks who claim the water here is getting too warm so their heading further out to sea. Water felt pretty cold splashing up on me in the tender (LOL).
• This evening, a small sailboat moored off our starboard stern. Two girls onboard (guessing 4 – 6 years old), need I say more?!?
• Tender stowed in preparation of tomorrow’s southerly winds.
• This evening, M/V Janna (Leeds, ME) passed less than 3′ of us moored disrespecting the no wake zone. When Jacques yelled from our cockpit to slow down, it’s a no wake zone, the M/V Janna captain expressed some colorful language. Hearing him cursing at Jacques (who is NOT a cursor) I then proceeded outside to video record the encounter. He then left our vicinity to only back up to return and threatening and weaponizing his vessel. Such behavior also caught on our security camera. Presumably, because of Jacques spoken accent, on several occasions the Captain said, “go back, where you f came from“. Class act, buddy! We attempted to report the incident to the harbormaster but, the office is closed until Monday.

Next Stop: Carousel Marina (Boothbay Harbor, ME) (Monday, 7/20/26)

Saturday, July 18, 2026

Moored: Dolphin Marina & Restaurant – Mooring Ball #56 (Harpswell, ME)

Special Comments:

• After last evenings incident it was truly a restless night of sleep. If not for the rain and southerly winds we would have departed today, eating the cost of 2 nights of mooring.
• Both still unsettled it tainted our morning delivery of coffee and blueberry muffins. According to the launch marina staff, M/V Janna (Leeds, ME) is a frequent restaurant guest and that Bill, Marina Owner phone called and spoke with him last evening. Would have been nice for Bill himself to call, hail, or stop over himself instead of hearing it from a staff member upon mentioning the incident. We’re disappointed!
• BURR, it’s chilly 56°F. Rain, thunder, and 30mph southerly winds are forecasted for this afternoon. Quite a few sailboats have come in this morning to moor.
• Jacques has been inconsistent in wearing his hearing aids but, now when he does I’m screaming (LOL). So, now I’m learning to adjust my volume whether their in or out (LOL). Senior life!
• Our new port side neighbor, S/V Hideout.
• As of 5PM the southerly winds has been clocked at 19.7KN. Highest noted 29.1KN. Thus far, holding strong as the marina owner has assured us his mooring balls are capable of holding us. This is where Jacques and I differ, as I trust the Rocna anchor more. Highest speed clocked was 32KN.
• Since, we’ve already dined at the only two venues available. What’s for dinner on this rainy day? One of Jacques favorite comfort dinners, pork chops with homemade stuffing and cranberry sauce. The transient face dock has been empty since 2PM.
• During the height of the storm we watched the owner drag a floating dead tree to shore in the pouring rain.

Next Stop: Carousel Marina (Boothbay Harbor, ME) (Monday, 7/20/26)

Sunday, July 19, 2026

Moored: Dolphin Marina & Restaurant – Mooring Ball#56 (Harpswell, ME)

Special Comments:

• Winds lasted far beyond Jacques snoring. Highest winds clocked at 32KN.
• A bit of a windy morning, around 15KN which didn’t delay this morning coffee and blueberry muffin delivery. Coffee tasted different this morning.
• We weren’t disappointed to notice our neighbor, S/V Hideout leave late this morning as we seemed to swing in opposite directions and at times close during yesterday’s storm. Noticing him outside regularly inspecting during the downpour also suggested the same feeling.
• Restaurant is poppin today, learned there not much within a five mile radius of dining options.

Next Stop: Carousel Marina (Boothbay Harbor, ME) (Monday, 7/20/26)

Monday, July 20, 2026

Departure: Dolphin Marina & Restaurant – Mooring Ball#56 (Harpswell, ME)

Special Comments:

• Departure Day!

Arrival: Carousel Marina (Boothbay Harbor, ME) (Monday, 7/20/26)