| NORTH HAVEN |
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| Penobscot Bay | ||||||||||||||||
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| 44° 07.50’N 068° 52.33’W |
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| Charts: 13301, 13302, 13305 | ||||||||||||||||
| Chart Kit: 68, 19, 20, 21 | ||||||||||||||||
| Harbor chart |
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| Penobscot Bay overview chart |
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NORTH HAVEN is a pleasant village on the north side of the Fox Islands Thorofare. This was one of the first summer communities in America, founded by Boston yachtsmen who saw it as a wonderfully protected but challenging area to race small boats.
COPYRIGHT 2006 DIAMOND PASS PUBLISHING
The 14 1&Mac218;2-foot, gaff-rigged North Haven dinghies started racing in 1887 and are still racing today—probably the oldest formal class boat in the country. Another popular class in North Haven is the beautiful little Herreshoff 12 1&Mac218;2.
COPYRIGHT 2006 DIAMOND PASS PUBLISHING
Although the Thorofare is lined with private docks and floats, most of those of interest to visiting yachtsmen are clustered around the ferry landing. The car ferry from Rockland makes frequent trips, so keep your eyes open.
COPYRIGHT 2006 DIAMOND PASS PUBLISHING
Approaches. Harbor chart. North Haven is midway through the Thorofare, centered on the ferry landing. While maneuvering among the moored boats, do not ignore nun “14,” marking 2-foot Lobster Ledge to the east.
COPYRIGHT 2006 DIAMOND PASS PUBLISHING
Anchorages, moorings. The yacht club here is officially known as the North Haven Casino. It has several guest moorings, marked “NHC,” and extensive floats west of the ferry landing. Tie up to the yacht club floats, with 5 feet alongside at low, for short periods only. The J.O. Brown & Son boatyard also has moorings (marked “JOB”) opposite the yard, at very reasonable rates.
COPYRIGHT 2006 DIAMOND PASS PUBLISHING
If no mooring is available, anchor outside the moored boats in 16 to 25 feet of water at low. The holding ground is good, in mud. Exposure is to the west and southeast.
COPYRIGHT 2006 DIAMOND PASS PUBLISHING
Getting ashore. Row in to Brown’s float, the town landing, or the yacht club floats . The small building at the seaward end of the yacht club dock is the Casino. The buildings on shore are private homes and not part of the Casino, so don’t wander in looking for showers.
COPYRIGHT 2006 DIAMOND PASS PUBLISHING
For the boat. J.O. Brown & Son, Inc. (Ch. 16; 207-867-4621). Located east of the ferry landing, this yard was started in 1899 at the old clam and lobster processing factory. Fourth-generation Foy Brown is still building wooden boats here, ranging from traditional lobsterboats to a radical Phil Bolger design. In addition to their moorings, there is space alongside, in 5 feet of water at low.
COPYRIGHT 2006 DIAMOND PASS PUBLISHING
Gas, diesel, water, ice, and electricity may be obtained at the floats, and there is a chandlery. The yard has a 15-ton boatlift and can handle hull and engine repairs. Or you can do them yourself.
COPYRIGHT 2006 DIAMOND PASS PUBLISHING
The water comes from an island well, and may be a bit skunky. Taste before you tank.
COPYRIGHT 2006 DIAMOND PASS PUBLISHING
North Haven Casino (207-867-4696). Water is available at the floats.
Town Landing. There are no facilities at the town landing, which is tucked inside the ferry slip on the west side.
COPYRIGHT 2006 DIAMOND PASS PUBLISHING
For the crew. In the last few years, there have been some big changes in North Haven—big changes, that is, for a little town. The landmark Waterman Company market and variety store has closed and has since been reincarnated as Waterman’s Community Center (867-2237). Waterman’s market has been replaced by Browns Market, at the east end of the boatyard, which offers one-stop shopping for yachtsmen—showers and laundry are available in the same building.
COPYRIGHT 2006 DIAMOND PASS PUBLISHING
Walking east on the main street from the casino, you will find the small library and the post office. A pay phone and restrooms are at the ferry landing, and The Landing takeout and ice cream bar is directly across the street. Walk through the boatyard to find Brown’s Coal Wharf Restaurant, which serves dinner (867-4739).
COPYRIGHT 2006 DIAMOND PASS PUBLISHING
Things to do. The little town has several craft shops and galleries. Eric Hopkins, noted for his abstract aerial paintings of Maine islands, has a gallery just west of the ferry landing. The Calderwood Hall Gallery, at the east end of town, occupies what once was the community center.
COPYRIGHT 2006 DIAMOND PASS PUBLISHING
If you have your own bikes, there are 27 miles of paved roads and much to enjoy, from sparkling coves to archaeological sites.
COPYRIGHT 2006 DIAMOND PASS PUBLISHING
This is a great area to explore by small boat. Take your dinghy and poke around in the Thorofare, or up Perry Creek. An interesting run, well seeded with rocks and ledges, goes through the Mill River (dry at low tide), under the bridge, and into Winter Harbor. Both sail and powerboats can be rented at Brown’s yard.
From A Cruising Guide to the Maine Coast
COPYRIGHT 2006 DIAMOND PASS PUBLISHING
Gas, diesel, water, ice, and electricity may be obtained at the floats, and there is a chandlery. The yard has a 15-ton boatlift and can handle hull and engine repairs. Or you can do them yourself.
COPYRIGHT 2006 DIAMOND PASS PUBLISHING
The water comes from an island well, and may be a bit skunky. Taste before you tank.
COPYRIGHT 2006 DIAMOND PASS PUBLISHING
North Haven Casino (207-867-4696). Water is available at the floats.
Town Landing. There are no facilities at the town landing, which is tucked inside the ferry slip on the west side.
COPYRIGHT 2006 DIAMOND PASS PUBLISHING
For the crew. In the last few years, there have been some big changes in North Haven—big changes, that is, for a little town. The landmark Waterman Company market and variety store has closed and has since been reincarnated as Waterman’s Community Center (867-2237). Waterman’s market has been replaced by Browns Market, at the east end of the boatyard, which offers one-stop shopping for yachtsmen—showers and laundry are available in the same building.
COPYRIGHT 2006 DIAMOND PASS PUBLISHING
Walking east on the main street from the casino, you will find the small library and the post office. A pay phone and restrooms are at the ferry landing, and The Landing takeout and ice cream bar is directly across the street. Walk through the boatyard to find Brown’s Coal Wharf Restaurant, which serves dinner (867-4739).
COPYRIGHT 2006 DIAMOND PASS PUBLISHING
Things to do. The little town has several craft shops and galleries. Eric Hopkins, noted for his abstract aerial paintings of Maine islands, has a gallery just west of the ferry landing. The Calderwood Hall Gallery, at the east end of town, occupies what once was the community center.
COPYRIGHT 2006 DIAMOND PASS PUBLISHING
If you have your own bikes, there are 27 miles of paved roads and much to enjoy, from sparkling coves to archaeological sites.
COPYRIGHT 2006 DIAMOND PASS PUBLISHING
This is a great area to explore by small boat. Take your dinghy and poke around in the Thorofare, or up Perry Creek. An interesting run, well seeded with rocks and ledges, goes through the Mill River (dry at low tide), under the bridge, and into Winter Harbor. Both sail and powerboats can be rented at Brown’s yard.
From A Cruising Guide to the Maine Coast