Monday, August 4th PYC Cruise Kick Off Party at Journeys End Marina
2025 CRUISE Ports of Call
8/5 Camp Island...2.1.24nm
8/6,7,8 Northeast Harbor....19.5nm
8/9,10,11 Southwest Harbor....2.1nm
8/12,13 Bucks Harbor....17.1nm
8/14,15 Castine ...11.0nm
8/16,17 Bucksport...17.1nm
8/18,19 Belfast....17.4 nm
8/20,21 Camden...7.26nm
8/22 Rockland...7.26nm
Ports of Call with activity notes 2025
Reservations PYC Cruise 2025
NE Hbr Instruction for 2025 reservation
Mount Desert Vacation tips for Cruisers C Cartnick
Mount Desert SWH Island Cruise Info C Cartnick 09.2024
Holbrook+Island+Sanctuary+Map+with+Trails
FOHIS+Bird+Checklist+2019
2024 CRUISE
The 2024 PYC Cruise traveled Down East this year. A pre cruise dinner was held in June where the cruise guides were handed out, and we talked about the trip. Twenty-eight cruisers/potential future cruisers attended.
2024 Cruise Report:
The PYC Cruise began with a kickoff cocktail party in Rockland at Journeys End on Sunday, August 4th, hosted by the Jones and McArdles. The cruise ended in Camden on Tuesday August 20th.
A total of ten boats joined in either all or some part(s) of the cruise: Semper Fi, Sea Legs, Running Spirit, Lionheart, Amber Sea, Reliance, Sky, Galateia, Eclipse and Sea Quest
This group includes our present Commodore Dan Gingras as well as five past commodores.
A total of twenty cruisers and two guests of the Duderewicz’s attended the kickoff party for the Cruise on Sunday August 4th.
The party took place on the docks at Journeys End Marina.
The first day of the cruise eight boats traveled to Camp Island (off Deer Isle thoroughfare). On day two, Tuesday August 6th, nine boats traveled to Northeast Harbor. That evening, we enjoyed a cocktail hour hosted by Galateia, Lionheart and Eclipse. On Wednesday, twenty cruisers including Pat Daly and Roy Briscoe went to the Nor’easter Restaurant for dinner.
On Friday August 9th seven boats traveled the short distance to Southwest Harbor. Land cruisers Pat Daly and Roy Briscoe joined us in Southwest Harbor. On Saturday evening, Carole and Cody Cartnick and Sherle Edwards provided us with what has become a tradition: a wonderful chili, salad and cornbread dinner, as well as some scotch and dessert. It is a highlight of the cruise. They have enthusiastically done this for many years and show no signs of stopping! Their continued solid and genuine support of the PYC Cruise and its cruisers is special to every one of us. Sunday, we gathered on the deck at Dysart’s for a cocktail hour with appetizers and a potluck dinner.
On Monday August 12th, we left Southwest, and six boats traveled to Holbrook Harbor, a beautiful harbor near Castine where we anchored. Two boats traveled to Castine and docked at Eaton’s Boat Yard. Those cruisers staying in Holbrook enjoyed a get together on shore for potluck appetizers. Marty and Russ Roth were able to create a temporary “cocktail table” on the beach. It was a beautiful evening.
On Tuesday, Galateia and Lionheart went to Belfast, Reliance headed to Searsport to spend time with family and Running Spirit came to Holbrook Harbor.
Also on Tuesday three boats, Skiya, Amber Sea and Sea Quest moved to moorings at Eaton’s Boat Yard. That evening in Castine, Kenny Eaton cooked a complete lobster dinner for ten of us PYC cruisers plus new acquaintances and sailboaters, Robert and Judy.
On Wednesday August 14th eight boats traveled to Bucksport Harbor for two nights. This was a new port for most of us last summer and we enjoyed it so much that we decided to return. On Thursday, Wendy Keller, Bob Martin and George and Nancy Kinser hosted a terrific cocktail party on the dock complete with Blueberry pie and ice cream! Cruisers enjoyed the restaurants, the farmer’s market, and the picturesque walkway along Bucksport harbor.
On Friday August 16th six boats traveled to Belfast where we spent three days. Pat and Roy Briscoe joined us in Belfast. On Saturday, some of the ladies spent time shopping. Two boats, Reliance and Amber Sea, departed for Rockland on Saturday. that evening twelve of us ate dinner at Delvino’s. On Sunday, one boat, Eclipse, departed for Camden.
On Monday August 18th three boats, Running Spirit, Semper Fi and Sea Quest traveled through the heavy fog to Camden and spent two relaxing days there. Pat and Roy joined us in Camden. On Tuesday evening four of us had dinner at the Water Front restaurant and six of us had dinner at the restaurant Fresh. From here, cruisers gradually made their way back to their home ports, stopping at various ports along the way: Rockland, Tenants Harbor, Boothbay Harbor, Potts Harbor, and Biddeford Pool on the way back.
A post cruise gathering with a potluck dinner and great music entertainment led by Wendy Keller and accompanied by several lady cruisers was held on Sunday September 22nd at PYC. Forty people attended.
In summary, PYC power boat and sailboat cruisers enjoyed a wonderful trip Down East, with great camaraderie!!
It is a really great time with a group that has so much spirit and together, over the years, have created so many wonderful memories of both fun and challenging times. We invite you to consider joining all or part of the PYC Cruise next summer either by land or by sea!
Respectfully Submitted,
Kenneth R. Jones, PC; Portsmouth Yacht Club Cruise Director
PYC CRUISE 2024 PORTS OF CALL
PRE CRUISE
8/1 Orrs-Bailey Yacht Club
8/2 Boothbay Harbor....25.4nm
8/3 Christmas Cove....5.75nm
8/4 Rockland...34.65nm (Cruise Kick off Party at Journeys End Marina)
CRUISE
8/5 Camp Island...21.7nm
8/6,7,8 Northeast Harbor...20.3nm
8/9,10,11 Southwest Harbor...2.1nm
8/12,13 Holbrook Harbor...37nm
8/14,15 Bucksport...15nm
8/16,17,18 Belfast...17.1nm
8/19, 20 Camden...7.45nm
8/21. Rockland...7.26nm
Ports of Call PYC Cruise 2024
Reservations PYC Cruise 2024 2
Mount Desert Vacation Tips
Holbrook+Island+Sanctuary+Map+with+Trails
2023 PYC Cruise Report
The 2023 PYC Cruise travelled Down East this year.
A pre cruise dinner was held in June where the cruise guides were handed out, and we talked about the trip. Thirty-four cruisers attended.
Cruise:
The PYC Cruise began with a kickoff cocktail party in Rockland at Journeys End on Sunday, July 30th, hosted by the Jones, McArdles and Roths. The cruise ended in Camden on Tuesday August 15th.
A total of nine boats joined in either all or some part(s) of the cruise:
Semper Fi, Sea Legs, Running Spirit, Lionheart, Amber Sea, Reliance, Skiya, Eclipse and Sea Quest
This group includes our present Rear Commodore Dan Gingras as well as six past commodores.
A total of twelve cruisers and two land cruisers attended the kickoff party for the Cruise on Sunday July 30th. Frank and Vernita Gage came by land to join us. The party took place on the docks at Journeys End Marina.
The first day of the cruise 7 boats traveled to Camp Island (off Deer Isle thoroughfare). On day 2, August 1st, 6 boats traveled to Northeast Harbor. We enjoyed cocktail hour on Lionheart that evening. On Wednesday, twelve (12) cruisers, including Land Cruisers Pat Daly and Roy Brisco,e went to the Asticou Inn for dinner. There we enjoyed cocktails with a great view overlooking Northeast Harbor and dinner in the Inn.
On Friday August 4th 6 boats traveled the short distance to Southwest Harbor. In Southwest Harbor we were thrilled to have the following land cruisers join us: Pat Daly and Roy Briscoe, PC Wes Smith and his wife Marty, PC Mike Coffey and his wife Anne and Bill and Sandy Miller. During the day on Saturday, several of the land and sea cruisers enjoyed a Cranberry Cove Ferry ride to Great and/or Little Cranberry Isles. On Saturday evening, Carole and Cody Cartnick and Sherle Edwards provided us with a wonderful chili, salad and cornbread dinner, as well as some scotch and dessert. It is a highlight of the cruise. They have enthusiastically done this for many years and show no signs of stopping! Their continued solid and genuine support of the PYC Cruise and its cruisers is special to every one of us. Sunday, we gathered on the deck at Dysart’s for a cocktail hour with appetizers.
On Monday August 7th, we left Southwest, and eight boats traveled to Castine – Eaton’s Boatyard. Unfortunately, with a storm forecast to hit the area on Tuesday morning, Eaton’s felt it was unsafe to have the four power boats on the dock. So, four power boats, Eclipse, Lionheart, Sea Legs and Semper Fi, found dockage at Belfast. The remaining four boats were on moorings in Castine Harbor or on anchor at Smith Cove. Four land cruisers, Joel and Donna Blumenthal and their friends came by land to the Castine Inn. Suzanne Eaton cooked lobsters for the 12 of us and that Monday evening we enjoyed a great lobster dinner on Eaton’s dock.
Tuesday was a day to hunker down.
On Wednesday August 9th we left Castine and traveled to Bucksport Harbor for two nights. This was a new port for most of us and the harbormaster, Mike Ormsby, could not have been more welcoming. Mike arranged a van to take us to Fort Knox and on Thursday August 10th, 14 of us were driven by Mike in a Senior Citizens bus to Fort Knox. Many of us walked to the Penobscot Narrows Bridge and Observatory, where we took the elevator to the top for spectacular views. We also spent time exploring the Fort. When we were ready to return to the marina, Mike came and picked us up. We thoroughly enjoyed our time in Bucksport.
Lionheart also hosted a cocktail party on their boat Thursday evening.
On Friday August 11th five boats traveled to Belfast where we spent three days. Pat and Roy Briscoe joined us in Belfast. On Friday, we enjoyed a potluck cocktail hour on the docks. On Saturday, some of the ladies spent time shopping and that evening twelve of us ate dinner at Delvino’s.
On Monday August 15th five boats traveled to Camden and spent two relaxing days there. On Monday we ate dinner at the Water Front restaurant. On Tuesday evening we gathered on Semper Fi for cocktails and snacks. From here, cruisers gradually made their way back to their home ports, stopping in ports along the way: Tenants Harbor, Boothbay Harbor, Potts Harbor, Richmond Island and Biddeford Pool on the way back.
A post cruise gathering with a potluck dinner was held on Sunday September 24th. Thirty-eight people attended.
Although the weather was somewhat different this summer, PYC cruisers enjoyed a great trip Down East, with great camaraderie!! We were thrilled to have so many land cruisers join us!
It is a wonderful time with a genuinely sincere and fun group – we already have more land cruisers planning to join us next summer in Southwest Harbor. We invite you to consider joining all or part of the PYC Cruise next summer by land or by sea!
2022 CRUISE
The 2022 PYC Cruise travelled Down East this year.
A pre cruise dinner was held in June where the cruise guides were handed out, and we talked about the trip. Thirty-six cruisers attended.
Pre-Cruise:
The pre-cruise from Portsmouth to Rockland consisted of four boats:
- PC George Kinser and his wife Nancy Kinser on Semper Fi
- David and Nancy McArdle on Sea Legs
- Joel and Donna Blumenthal on Blue Seas
- Wendy Keller and Bob Martin on Eclipse
On the way to Rockland, members of the pre cruise stopped at some of these ports: Orr’s Bailey Yacht Club in Casco Bay, the Tugboat Marina in Boothbay Harbor and Christmas Cove.
Cruise:
The PYC Cruise began with a kickoff cocktail party in Rockland at Journeys End on Sunday, July 31st, hosted by the Wells and the Jones. The cruise ended in Camden on Tuesday August 16th.
A total of twelve boats joined in either all or some part(s) of the cruise:
Peter Rabbit, Semper Fi, Sea Legs, Running Spirit, Lionheart, Amber Sea, Reliance, Skiya, Eclipse, Blue Seas, Mistral and Sea Quest
This group includes our present Commodore and Rear Commodore as well as five past commodores.
A total of twenty-two cruisers and four land cruisers attended the kickoff party for the Cruise on Sunday July 31st. Bill and Sandy Miller and Frank and Vernita Gage came by land to join us.
The party took place on the docks at Journeys End Marina.
The first day of the cruise we traveled to Camp Island (off Deer Isle thoroughfare). We enjoyed potluck appetizers on the rocky shore where the weather was warm. On day 2, August 2nd, 12 boats traveled to Northeast Harbor. Quite a few of us visited the Asticou Gardens which were spectacular. Eighteen (18) cruisers dinghied across to a dock and walked up to the Asticou Inn for dinner. We enjoyed dinner on the porch with a great view overlooking Northeast Harbor.
On Thursday August 4th 11 boats traveled the short distance to Southwest Harbor. In Southwest Harbor we were thrilled to have the following land cruisers join us: Pat Daly and Roy Briscoe, PC Wes Smith and his wife Marty, Pepper Sinkler and Dave Kenepp and Ellen Keefe. On Thursday, we gathered for dinner on the deck at Dysarts. Smiths came loaded with corn, tomatoes and blueberry pie. On Friday of that week, Carole and Cody Cartnick and Sherle Edwards provided us with a wonderful chili and cornbread dinner, as well as some scotch and dessert. It is a highlight of the cruise. They have enthusiastically done this for many years and show no signs of stopping! Their continued solid and genuine support of the PYC Cruise and its cruisers is special to every one of us. PC George Kinser and Betsy Bonde spearheaded a great lobster bake on Saturday.
On Monday we left Southwest, and nine boats traveled to Castine – Eaton’s Boatyard. On Tuesday evening, PC George Kinser and his wife Nancy and Bob Martin and Wendy Keller hosted a cocktail hour at Eaton’s. Following the cocktail hour, Kenny Eaton cooked lobsters and corn for the group.
On Wednesday August 10th we left Castine and traveled to Bucks Harbor for two nights. On the first night fourteen of us went to dinner at Buck’s Restaurant where the chef, Phil outdoes himself every year. We were all seated together on their porch. Bob Martin pre-arranged a wonderful birthday celebration for his wife, Wendy. It was a special evening – lots of fun with outstanding food. On Thursday evening, PC Russ Roth and his wife Marty hosted a cocktail hour on the deck at Bucks Harbor.
On Friday August 12th four boats traveled to Belfast where we spent three days. Pat and Roy Briscoe and Diane and Jack Myles joined us in Belfast. On Saturday, David and Nancy McArdle and Pat and Roy Briscoe hosted a cocktail hour on the dock. We were pleased that Diane and Jack Myles could join us.
On Sunday, twelve of us ate outside at Delvino’s.
On Monday August 15th the cruise traveled to Camden and spent two relaxing days there which stretched into four because of inclement weather. From here, four boats made their way back to their home ports, stopping in Boothbay Harbor on the way back.
A post cruise gathering with a potluck dinner was held on Sunday September 25th. Thirty-seven people attended.
Overall, PYC cruisers enjoyed a great trip Down East, with great weather and great camaraderie!! We were thrilled to have so many land cruisers join us!
It is a wonderful time with a genuinely sincere and fun group — we invite you to consider joining all or part of the PYC Cruise next summer by land or by sea!
Respectfully Submitted,
Kenneth R. Jones, PC
Click Here to View 2022 Cruise Photos
The 2021 PYC Cruise travelled Down East this year.
Covid continues to affect many aspects of our lives including cruising!
We knew that like last year we would spend more time on our boats and much less time eating out. With all our cruisers being fully vaccinated, this year was a little easier than last.
A pre cruise dinner was held in June where the cruise guides were distributed, and we talked about the trip. Thirty-two cruisers attended.
Pre-Cruise:
The pre-cruise from Portsmouth to Rockland consisted of four boats:
- Roger and Earldean Wells on Peter Rabbit
- George and Nancy Kinser on Semper Fi
- David and Nancy McArdle on Sea Legs
- Guests Wendy Keller and Bob Martin on Eclipse
On the way to Rockland, the pre cruise stopped at Orr’s Bailey Yacht Club in Casco Bay, the Tugboat Marina in Boothbay Harbor and Christmas Cove.
In Boothbay Harbor and in Rockland Dan Gingras and Phyllis Breitman came by automobile and joined the cruisers.
Cruise:
The PYC Cruise began with a kickoff cocktail party in Rockland at Journeys End on Sunday, August 1st hosted by Wells, Watters and Jones’. The cruise ended in Rockland on Monday August 16th.
A total of fifteen (15) boats joined in either all or some part(s) of the cruise:
Peter Rabbit, Barefoot Children, Semper Fi, Sea Legs, Rock a Buy, Running Spirit, Sedna, Mistral, Amber Sea, Reliance, Northern Light, Skiya, Merlot, Guest boat Eclipse and Sea Quest
A total of 31 cruisers attended the kickoff party for the Cruise on Sunday August 1st. Bill and Sandy Miller came by motor vehicle to join the kickoff party.
It was held on the docks at Journeys End Marina.
The first two days of the cruise we traveled to Seal Bay (Vinalhaven) and Camp Island (off Deer Isle thoroughfare). We encountered early morning fog which burned off to beautiful sunshine on both days. On day 3, August 4th 12 boats traveled to Southwest Harbor/Somes Sound.
In Southwest Harbor our commodore, Wes Smith and his wife, Marty came by car loaded with blueberry pies and plump tomatoes and joined the cruisers at Dysart’s Marina for 2 days. On Thursday of that week, Carole and Cody Cartnick, Sherle Edwards and Ted Dryzak provided us with a wonderful chili and cornbread dinner as well as dessert. We enjoyed the dinner and cannot thank them enough for their camaraderie, for providing the PYC cruisers with this dinner and for their continued genuine, solid support of the PYC Cruise and its cruisers. They have enthusiastically done this for many years and show no signs of stopping!
On Saturday we traveled to Bucks Harbor in Brooksville Maine. There many of us enjoyed at dinner at Buck’s Restaurant. We returned there on Thursday August 19th and had a potluck gathering on the deck at Buck’s Harbor Marina.
From Bucks Harbor we traveled on Sunday August 8th to Castine. On the first night, Kinsers, Wendy Keller and Bob Martin hosted a cocktail party on the dock. On our second night at Eaton’s, Suzanne Eaton cooked lobsters for us and we enjoyed them on their big deck – just beautiful weather for a lobster feast. We caught up with Suzanne’s dad, Kenny Eaton as well.
On Tuesday August 10th we traveled to Belfast where we spent two days.
Many of us enjoyed eating at Delvino’s in Belfast and the ladies spent time shopping.
On our second night in Belfast, Barclay Jackson and Dean Plager hosted a cocktail hour on the docks.
From Belfast, we were unable to secure moorings in Cradle Cove on Islesboro. Jessica and Jon Buck were able to accommodate us, so we headed back to Bucks Harbor for one night.
On Friday we traveled to Camden and spent two relaxing days there. Buys, Duderewicz’s, McArdles and Pat Daly and Roy Briscoe hosted a cocktail hour at a beautiful spot at Lyman Morse.
The Cruise officially ended on Sunday in Rockland. Several boats continued on, slowly making their way back to Portsmouth, stopping at Boothbay harbor and Sebasco or Biddeford Pool.
We managed to dodge a couple of hurricanes, and all returned safely to Portsmouth.
A post cruise get together with a potluck dinner was held on Sunday September 26th. Thirty-six people attended.
All in all, the largest PYC cruising group in quite some time PYC enjoyed a great trip Down East, with great weather and great camaraderie!!
It is a great time with a genuinely sincere and fun group — we invite you to consider joining all or part of the PYC Cruise next summer!
Respectfully Submitted,
Kenneth R. Jones, PC
Portsmouth Yacht Club
Cruise Director
PORTS OF CALL
PRE CRUISE: Portsmouth to Rockland
Wednesday, July 28 Orr’s-Bailey Yacht Club
Thur-Fri, July 29 & 30 Boothbay Harbor
Saturday July 31 Christmas Cove
Sunday August 1 Rockland
CRUISE
Monday August 2 Seal Bay 16.78 nm
Tuesday August 3 Camp Island 10.0 nm
Weds, Thurs & Fri Aug 4,5,6 Southwest Harbor 19.6 nm
Saturday August 7 Bucks Harbor 27.4 nm
Sun & Mon August 8 & 9 Castine 10.0 nm
Tues & Wed Aug 10 & 11 Belfast 9.7 nm
Thursday August 12 Cradle Cove 11.9 nm
Friday & Sat Aug 13 & 14 Camden 7.3 nm
Sunday August 15 Rockland 8.9 nm
2020 CRUISE REPORT
The 2020 PYC Cruise travelled Down East this year.
Covid has affected most aspects of our lives and cruising is no different!
In May of this year, we were unsure whether marinas would even be open to cruisers.
However, slowly marinas began to open and we found that almost every port that we planned to visit was going to be open. When prospective PYC cruisers were contacted, all were eager to take part.
We thought about how it would be different this year. Some of us practiced “getting together” at the Isles of Shoals. We did dinghy raft ups to one of our power boater friends and we each brought our own appetizers and beverages and kept our distance. We thought it could work.
We knew that we would spend more time on our boats and much less time eating out.
Overall, we found that most marinas and their personnel were exercising caution, wearing masks, using hand sanitizer and keeping distanced. We tried to do the same.
Pre-Cruise:
The pre-cruise from Portsmouth to Rockland consisted of three boats:
- Roger and Earldean Wells on Peter Rabbit
- George and Nancy Kinser on Semper Fi
- Guests Wendy Keller and Bob Martin on Eclipse
The pre cruise stopped at the Tugboat Marina in Boothbay Harbor on the way to Rockland.
Cruise:
The PYC Cruise began with a kickoff cocktail party in Rockland at Journeys End on Sunday, August 2nd and ended in Rockland on Monday August 17th.
A total of eight (8) boats joined in either all or some part(s) of the cruise:
Peter Rabbit, Barefoot Children, Semper Fi, Running Spirit, Amber Sea,
Reliance, Guest boat Eclipse and Sea Quest
A total of 12 cruisers attended the kickoff party for the Cruise on Sunday August 2nd.
It was held on the docks at Journeys End Marina.
There was much discussion about hurricane Laura and what our destination would be on Monday. At the radio call in on Monday morning we all decided the safest place to go would be Great Harbor Marina in Southwest Harbor, Acadia. Arrangements were made to arrive 2 days early at Great Harbor Marina.
We departed early and encountered some significant seas along the way, but all arrived safely that afternoon.
In Southwest Harbor we found that the owner of Sawyer’s, the hallmark food market in Southwest Harbor since 1946 had retired and the market was closed. Also, the buses that travel all over Acadia including Bar Harbor, were not running. Some of our dinners were cooked on the deck at Dysart’s marina. On Thursday of that week, Carole and Cody Cartnick and Sherle Edwards provided us with a wonderful chili and cornbread dinner, taking all sorts of safety precautions, which we appreciated. We enjoyed the dinner and cannot thank them enough for providing the PYC cruisers with this dinner and for their tremendous support of the PYC Cruise and its cruisers.
On Saturday we traveled to Bucks Harbor in Brooksville Maine. There we had a dinghy raft up – all of us tied up to Semper Fi! We each enjoyed our own appetizers and beverages in the comfort of our dinghies!! We also enjoyed Roy Briscoe’s drone as it flew around Bucks Harbor taking some phenomenal photographs.
From Bucks Harbor we traveled on Sunday to Castine. At Eaton’s, Kenny and his daughter Suzanne cooked lobsters for us and we enjoyed them on their big deck.
On Tuesday August 13th we travelled to Belfast where we met up with Running Spirit.
We enjoyed some outside dining in Belfast and the ladies spent time shopping.
From Belfast, we traveled to Cradle Cove on Islesboro. The incredible sunset and the stars were the highlight of the evening we spent there.
On Friday we traveled to Camden and spent two relaxing days there. It was sad to see some of the schooners covered up as many of the windjammer cruises had been canceled.
The Cruise officially ended on Sunday in Rockland. Three boats continued on, slowly making their way back to Portsmouth, stopping at Boothbay harbor, Five Islands and Biddeford Pool.
Amber Sea joined in at Five Islands and Biddeford Pool.
All in all, and despite the challenges that COVID brought, the PYC cruising group enjoyed a great trip Down East, with great weather and great camaraderie, even at a distance!!
It is a great time with a fun group — we invite you to consider joining all or part of the PYC Cruise next summer!
Respectfully Submitted,
Kenneth R. Jones, PC, Cruise Director
