HURRICANES IN MAINE

SINCE the 1938 hurricane which devastated New England, Maine has been seriously affected by only seven other hurricanes, most recently by Hurricane Bob in 1991. Here is the recent history:
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September 21, 1938 Hurricane of ‘38
August 31, 1954 Carol
September 12, 1954 Edna
September 12, 1960 Donna
October 29, 1963 Ginny
September 27, 1985 Gloria
August 20, 1991 Bob
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The hurricane of 1938 came more or less as a surprise, in an era when observations of tropical storms and forecasting techniques were rudimentary. Today tropical depressions are usually identified shortly after they form and tracked by plane and satellite until they whirl off into oblivion. Frequent early warnings are broadcast on commercial radio and TV as well as on NOAA Weather Radio.
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Hurricanes can strike at any time from June through October, but for the past 50 years, all except two have hit Maine in September or close to it. Of course, hurricanes and their tracks are highly erratic, and there is no assurance that the next one will arrive in the fall.
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Preparations. Despite their infrequency, hurricanes do hit Maine. So if one is on its way, what should you do?
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The first decision is whether to haul the boat or leave her in the water. There seems to be a general consensus that boats ashore fare better than boats in the water because their safety is not jeopardized by storm surges, dragging anchors, chafe, and other drifting boats. If a hurricane is approaching sometime near the end of the season, the argument for hauling the boat becomes even more compelling. Make these plans early, though. Boatyards all along the coast will be hauling boats around the clock, but they still might not get yours out in time.
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If you decide to leave the boat in the water, then you must find the best possible harbor to protect your boat. Scattered along the coast of Maine are a number of coves, harbors, rivers, and hideaways that are so well protected by land, they are known as hurricane holes. Good ones are completely landlocked with good holding ground, depth deep enough but not so deep as to require excessive scope, and enough swinging room, but they are not so large that a serious fetch can build. Remember waves, more than wind, cause anchors to drag.
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Some places that meet these criteria are already crowded with moored boats, and a transient yachtsman wouldn’t have a chance of finding room (e.g. the western end of Boothbay Harbor). Others are difficult to enter even under the best conditions and impossible in bad visibility or heavy weather, particularly for strangers (e.g. Eastern Branch in Johns Bay). You might be able to use one of these if you arrived well ahead of time. Some of the best hurricane holes are not normally crowded, but they fill up quickly. Again, plan your strategy early and arrive before the last minute.
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If you stay in the water, should you stay aboard? Is there anything you can do? Opinions vary, but your decision should be an opinion based on your experience, your knowledge of your vessel, the condition of your crew, and the state of your insurance policy. If you are at anchor or on a mooring, you may be able to keep chaffing under control, reset the anchors if you drag, or fend off other boats dragging into you, but you might put your safety and that of your crew in danger. On the other hand, the forces involved in hurricanes can be awesome, and often there is simply nothing you can do. Some boatyard owners will tell you bluntly to put out every anchor you have and “get the hell off the boat.” In either case, make an informed decision and plan early.

Misery (or fear) loves company, and it is somehow comforting to be in the same harbor with a lot of other boats. But much of the damage in a hurricane is caused by boats dragging, catching anchor rodes, and crashing into each other. Ideally, you can find a safe harbor where you can anchor all by yourself or with only a few other boats. In Maine, that is still possible.
For each of the eight regions of this cruising guide, an overview chart identifies good hurricane holes. We have anchored in each of these hurricane holes and talked with people who have used them under severe conditions. Nevertheless, each blow is different, and you must make your own choice.

National Hurricane Center