Day 71, August 27 -- Harmon Harbor to Potts Harbor -- 21 NM

10:30 to 1:45. A fast passage. We had entered what they call Maine's "Mid-Coast" during our passage from Tenants Harbor to Christmas Cove. Our next two nights, Boothbay Harbor and Harmon Cove, were also along the Mid Coast. Today we left that coast when we entered Casco Bay, in which Portland is the principal, let's say the only city. On the first of our four cruises to Maine so far, in 2002, (during a nor'easter) Casco's Portland was our first Maine landfall. The early part of the passage today was windless. Believe me, I tried; I threw up the genny -- but it was useless. Later I tried again and it gave us a couple of tenths. But at last, for over an hour, we sailed with just the genny at good speed over the open water (except for occasional lobster floats-- single ones, not toggled) across the open mouth of Casco Bay. Part of our speed was tide, pushing us from our port quarter. A mile from the harbor there is a very tricky narrow passage with one huge 160 degree turn and the wind somewhat blocked by the islands and behind us and the current pushing us out of the channel. Play it safe, Roger; use the engine -- to get enough speed to not be pushed sideways onto the rocks.

Potts Harbor has the benefit of being rather centrally located in Casco Bay, but from the looks of it on the chart and from what I had read, it appeared to be exposed in a blow and primarily used for lobster boats, not cruisers. But Lene checked it out in the website Active Captain and the newish Dolphin Marina and Restaurant in Potts Harbor had many rave reviews. The islands we had to get around to get here, and others, are reported to provide good protection in a blow. No blow occurred during our night there; perhaps Hurricane Harvey sucked up the entire continent's wind. Much of Dolphin's popularity comes from the extra freebie services for the same $35 per night mooring fee that others charge: they come out to your mooring ball in a launch and hand you the eye of your mooring, provide launch service, give out blueberry muffins and coffee via launch in the morning, have a great free shower and no charge for use of their washing machines, and provide kayaks and bicycles to boaters, all free. What else can you ask for?  Dinner was well prepared, nicely served in a room with a great view of many nearby islands (sorry, no pics)  and reasonably priced.

We spent the afternoon cleaning, in advance of the arrival of our niece tomorrow evening.

We will be back to Potts Harbor on our next trip to Maine.