BETWEEN spectacular Schoodic Peninsula and equally handsome Grindstone Neck, Winter Harbor has three distinct populations: fishermen, summer people, and, until recently, the Navy. Here, in the space of less than half a mile, are the vastly different ways of life that make Maine so interesting.
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In 1935, John D. Rockefeller, feeling that the Navy installation on Otter Cliffs on Mount Desert was unsightly, paid out of his own pocket to have it moved to nearby Big Moose Island, at the end of Schoodic Peninsula. In the last couple of years, however, the facility was deemed unnecessary for our national defense. It was vacated, and the property was transferred by the government to Acadia National Park. John D. would have liked that. The residents of Winter Harbor, whose businesses and tax base depended heavily on the Navy personel, may not feel the same way.
COPYRIGHT 2002 DIAMOND PASS PUBLISHING
Every August, the Winter Harbor Lobster Festival draws a large crowd of spectators, especially for the main event, the annual lobsterboat races, with 13 classes rated by size and power. Speed is the objective. Not only do the races generate intense rivalries and devoted fans, but they teach fishermen and boatbuilders how to improve hull design and engines.
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The harbor provides varying degrees of protection depending on which part you choose. There are three coves. To the west is Sand Cove and the Winter Harbor Yacht Club, quite deep and wide open, province of the summer people. The fishermen, who were here first, sensibly chose Inner Winter Harbor, a tight, almost landlocked hole in the middle. Henry Cove, to the east, is exposed to south and southwest winds and is the least used. The anchorages and facilities of these three coves are considered separately.
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Approaches. There are several good landmarks as you approach Winter Harbor—the big, white lighthouse building on Egg Rock to the west, the white abandoned lighthouse on Mark Island at the entrance to the harbor (visible a long way), and a green water tank on Big Moose Island, at the end of Schoodic Peninsula.
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Starting with red-and-green bell “MI” (Fl (2+1) G 6s, 44° 21.49’N 068° 05.11’W) off Mark Island, the approach to Winter Harbor is wide and easy. Follow Grindstone Neck around into Sand Cove, or follow the buoys to Inner Winter Harbor and Henry Cove.
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