Distance Travelled: 9.1 nm | Seal Bay, Vinalhaven (Near Hay Island) to Merchant Harbor

With a favorable forecast we decided to head out for a new location. After a bit of discussion, we decided on Merchant Harbor between Merchant Island and Harbor Island along Merchant Row.

From the log: Up at 0630. Coffee and bagel. Light 3-5 knot Northerly and many intersting wispy couds left over from previous evenings front. Nearby boat was playing Pachobel's Canon. Idyllic. ¶ Pulled up anchor around 0930 and headed out. Had a nice sail across the bay to Merchant Row at about 4.7 knots or so. Talked to Heather on the cell. [Cell phone coverage was a constant nightmare for the entire trip.] In Merchant Row however, the wind died altogether and eventually I had to motor. ¶ Arrived Merchant Harbor at noon. Dropped anchor, but later boats swung around and I was closer than I wanted to a large Beneteau [who was there first]. Had trouble with anchor the second time as current/wind conspired to keep boat from falling back on its anchor. ¶ Grilled a pork chop and made it into a sandwich. Spent the afternoon rowing and reading. ¶ Nice night. Slightly rolly.

Harbor Notes: One of my favorite spots. Harbor Island is wonderful, and the harbor is idyllic with views out to Merchant Row and Jericho Bay. Can be rolly. Plenty of room for shallow draft boats to tuck up in close to Harbor Island or the ledges that block the opening to Merchant Row.

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