[TomMaine]

Most sailors agree, the miles we cover under sail, are the best.

A few special sails - due to unique factors; a course that follows a beautiful coastline - threads some special islands - a unique event of sailing conditions somewhere at sea perhaps - are the exceptional sails that sailors never forget.

The greatest sails may be close to home and well known, or a one time encounter far away, that may never happen again. Most of all, the worlds greatest sails, are made, under sail.

It's a long winter here in the Northeast, please describe your greatest sails here. Thanks!

 

[TomMaine]

My current favorite: Slicing Penobscot Bay.

No surprise, this exceptional sail starts in my back yard, Rockport Maine in Western Penobscot Bay.

Conditions on this sail may vary between open ocean with rolling Atlantic swells, to spruce lined protected glassy backwaters, that can be a challenge to sail.

Like a slide show, the scenery flows by. Open water, an island thoroughfare(or two), summer estates, fishing wharfs, harbors and anchorages, undeveloped shoreland and near countless islands.

Winds are variable throughout. In thoroughfares, it's typical to just carry enough way to coast through a dead calm, to be instantly heeled fiercely by a wind gust over the treetops. Hold on! Suddenly you're slicing through flat water, at hull speed.

Most of all, what makes this sail exceptional; in ideal conditions, the prevailing winds(S-SW) in the Bay may make this approximately 20nm route, a one tack sail.

Once at the end of this memorable sail, we followed a Pinky Schooner into the coast ahead. As you approach, the land appears to drift apart exposing an enchanting island region known as the Merchant Islands.

Choices for the night in these islands, are too many to list. Once well inside, if you look back over your stern, the islands will close back in over your distant wake. I promise.

 

[sandy stone]

Sure looks pretty up there. In the last pic, are those lobster pots on the water up ahead?

 

[SJ34]

Sailing home from Santa Cruz island after a long weekend. I usually come back in the afternoon when the winds are strongest. Predominant conditions mean beam - broad reaches, 15-20 knots true and following seas. Sporting conditions that have us clipping along at 8.5+knots. On our last trip this winter we had light conditions, 70 degree Temps, lots of dolphins, laid back and steering with my toes.

 

[SJ34]

On the way home

 

[CarbonSink62]

Sure looks pretty up there. In the last pic, are those lobster pots on the water up ahead?

I'm sure they are. Doesn't threading a course through that look like fun?

My favorite buoy colors? Sky blue with white accents. It makes them so easy to see!

 

[TomMaine]

Sure looks pretty up there. In the last pic, are those lobster pots on the water up ahead?

Sorry, I missed this, Sandy. They sure are. Thin in some areas, thick as candy Jimmies on blue ice cream, in others. It all depends upon how sticky your boat is, but if you sail through them, they're a lot less trouble. We bonk them regularly under sail.

 

[Omatako]

I guess one's perspective plays a part in this.

From a purely sailing perspective, nothing beats a downhill run in the trades wherever they may be. 20 knots on the quarter, set the boat up and sail for weeks without adjusting anything.

From a "pretty" perspective personal experience has to play a part so for me the east coast of New Zealand's North Island is hard to beat. Very beautiful, pristine clean, literally hundreds of anchorages on scores of islands - sailing paradise. Can't really show a pic, it's hundreds of miles of coastline but . . .

This is where I live



The arrow points at my other home


And there are about 100nm of similar coastline and about 5 islands/groups between the two.

I can't imagine it getting much better than that

 

[RainDog]

My best sail was my first New Years eve sail. I was supposed to go to a party, but did not feel like socializing. It was cold and windy, but the wind was steady. I decided to go sailing. It was my first time single-handing at night. The wind was perfect for it. I sailed for hours huddled under a blanket behind the wheel. People were letting off fireworks on shore. I was being hit by repeated waves of elation. If any heard me they would of thought I was mad from my maniacal laughing. One of the great moments of my life. Single-handed sailing became my New Years Eve tradition after that, but it is never quite as sweet as the first time.