Day 3 – Seal Harbor to South Freeport

We have decided that the wind gods are against us. Put another way, we are really pleased we got our large headsail repaired as we need every square inch of canvas to get some speed. As we woke in Seal Harbor we were enthusiastic because there was a nice wind blowing of about 10 knots out of the west so we had the potential for a good sail NNE on a beam reach. Breakfast consisted of onion and cheese frittata – where I come from, its known as eggs on toast. Without fear of argument (the other half is still asleep) I can say that it was a delicious meal.

As we were cleaning up we noticed one of the other boats raise its mainsail and leave anchor and head north. So we decided that this could be a race. About 15 mins later we did the same and set off on a beautiful beam reach at about 6 knots. We followed the other boat and kept drawing closer and closer. Suddenly it was within 100yds. Why, you may ask. Because we are excellent sailors, of course. Well we let ourselves be fooled by this until we realized that they had hit a wall of no wind. However, being that we feel the first to turn on the engine loses the race, we kept sailing, as did they. We were inching closer and closer and finally overtook them at the lightning speed of 1.2 knots. But it was a clear victory. Our first race of the trip.

We had set sail at 9:30am, and managed to use the sails for an hour. Then we motored for two hours and then sailed for the final hour and a half. We motored up into Casco Bay and found our first example of Maine lobster pots. Given that we don’t want to foul one on our prop it resembles weaving through a mine field. You may ask how the local boats overcome this problem. Apparently the lobster boats have a metal net/cage around the propeller to stop the inevitable occurring. We did however see one lobster boat dragging a lobster float about 100 feet behind. I wonder if they are finding their fuel bill is rising? We headed up Luckse Sound across to the Harraseeket River and docked at the Brewers Marina in South Freeport. For the last hour and a half we were in no rush so we used what little wind there was to gently sail. Sailing in 3 knots of apparent wind is not my everyday method of getting an adrenaline rush, but it sure beats the engine when you have the time.

As we arrived at the marina we were told that the dock staff would guide us in. And they meant it. They came alongside with a small boat, tied up to us and pushed us into the slip. Given that we normally reverse into our slip at home we would have been fine. But I can see why they prefer to do this given that the mouth of the marina has a strong river and tide current.

It seems that L.L. Bean has its home in South Freeport. We got a taxi into the town and were told that L.L. Bean is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Yolande’s eyes lit up, I suddenly felt ill and suggested we get back to Prairie Gold. And there is not just one L.L. Bean there are many that specializes in different items. We had a great dinner at a local restaurant, went to L.L. Bean and then to a store that sells British stuff. We went in and purchased a can of Heinz Baked Beans (none of this L.L. stuff) some Curly Wurlys and Walker’s crisps. We had intended to cut out snacking on the trip. That’s gone out the window.

The scenery in Maine is really beautiful from the water. I will make an attempt to take some pictures today. Wildlife count – four harbor seals, one tuna, one mackerel (on a hook).