Boothbay to Potts Harbar and the most hospitable marina - Dolphin Marina

While in Boothbay Harbor someone did the rounds of the docks and organized our, and other’s, docklines

From Boothbay we continued out track in a SE direction but decided to head over to Potts Harbor and stay at the Dolphin Marina. From Boothbay to Seguin Island we motored but then winds picked up out of the SSE that allowed us to sail to Potts Harbor.

Seguin Island has a couple of mooring balls – but they were taken, and one can go up to see the lighthouse. In addition there was a small coastguard vessel on a coastguard buoy, hanging out in case of mariners being in distress.

President George Washington signed the deed for this island and the lighthouse was manned for almost 200 years until it was automated in 1985. The Friends of Seguin Island negotiated with the coastguard to get a lease on coastguard buildings on the island and in 1997 they acquired the light through the Main Lights program. They have formed a museum that’s open to the public in the summer and now, through their activities, they have people living on the island again during these summer months.

After departing Seguin Island we sailed over to Potts harbor in Casco Bay. As we were passing through the narrow winding channel it was time for a Teleconference so Yolande was in charge and we sailed the snaking path and then circled for 30 minutes until the TC was over.  

We heard on the VHF radio one of the visitors from Boothbay Yacht club, they have a flotilla here, insisting that they want a starboard tie up. Good job I wasn’t on the dock otherwise I would have only given them a port tie up.

Potts harbor is quite remote but the best and least expensive marina we have been to. The owners and their staff a very friendly and helpful and go out of their way to do what is needed. We even had the dockstaff hunt us down in the evening to ask when we expect to disembark so that they can ensure they are available to help.

 Looking back to the marina from the deck outside the restaurant

The view south from Dolphin Marina restaurant over Casco Bay and the islands

A family has owned the land for almost 200years (we spoke to one of the family members and current owners). The property was destroyed by a hurricane in the 40s and then when they rebuilt they decided to add a marina. In 2011 they added the current restaurant. Views from within the restaurant are stunning with a beautiful overview of Casco bay.

A comment about water temp and lobsters
During this sailing period we have noted that it feels chilly on the water. One of the locals we talked to in Boothbay told us that the water temps are about 5degrees cooler than usual and that its causing problems for the lobster trade (We have noticed that there are way fewer lobster floats out than we have come to expect in Maine). Also due to the low water temperature there is less algae int he water. In fact the water is quite clear and you can see several feet down. There is concern among the locals that if the water temp doesn't rise soon that the winter will again be a bad one.