Day 2 – Salem to Seal Harbor near Portland Maine

Winds were expected to be low the whole day until the evening and any wind that was going to be present was from the SW. Since we were to head north our apparent wind would be low, very low. You guessed it, we had to motor, and motor and motor. We had to motor for almost the total 79nm to our destination. However, in the last hour the wind picked up a little so that we could motor sail, and then the last 20 minutes we managed to sail with the engine off. What a relief.

We have been here once before and that time one of the friends who was with us caught a bluefish just before arrival. We had been dragging a lure since Salem and caught a lot of weed. I was reluctant to bring the lure in just in case there was something special about this area. But then the lobster pot density started increasing so I had to start winding the lure in. I thought I had some more weed. However, when I got the lure near the back of the boat we could see a mackerel. It was a giant – well it about twice the size of the lure.

The day started in Salem with predictions of 1nm visibility. By the time we got to Gloucester the forecast was true. We had considered heading north at Gloucester and taking the short cut through the Annesquam river. However we would be in the Annesquam at low tide in fog. If you have been there, you know that’s not a good idea. So we went around Cape Ann.

As we were passing Kennebunkport area we noticed a lot of peculiar boats. Phil has been a fan of the TV series Wicked Tuna. Jokingly he mentioned to his brother, another fan, that he would look out for Tuna boats on this leg. We saw 6 or 7 of them. The activity on one was very different from the others. With the binoculars we could see that they had caught a tuna. Well you could see the tail fin. There was rope around the tail fin holding it to the starboard stern of the boat. The photo is with an iPhone, so there is no telescopic lens. The fish was likely caught by spear. There is a very high lookout on these boats to aid in spotting the tuna. Off the bow there is a long plank (I don't know what its called) that allows the spear thrower to get out far in front of the boat. I assume that a low wind day, a bad day for sailing, is a great day for seeing tuna.

When we got to Seal Harbor we watched a great sunset and grilled some fish for dinner. With this stop we can see the look and feel of Maine. Today’s destination - No Idea. Now we are north we will take it easy. Talking of taking it easy, what day is it?

You will notice that the layout is different. This is because of feedback that its difficult to find Prairie Gold with SPOT on the previous layout as well as difficulties in applying comments. Lets see if this one works better.