In planning my trip of the “Down East Circle Route,” I purchased a number of cruising guides and all of them had some good, helpful information. The one I have found to be the best is “Down East Circle Route”, 2nd Edition, by Cheryl Barr even though she was sailing and of most help to sailors.

Here is what I did to prepare which has worked the very best for me. In today’s high tech world, planning a trip like the one we are on was made SO much easier by using three things:

1. Google earth…especially to zoom in on specific places to find otherwise unmarked marinas for docking and fueling.
2. The Internet to research specific marinas and towns in great detail.
3. Having detailed GPS mapping by Navionics with you.

These three, plus a good depth finder and radar, and you can go anywhere.

And one final bit of advice, when in doubt when navigating on a river or in the ocean or at a marina, go slower than you normally would. Take your time. Move in slow motion instead of rapidly. You only have one chance to do it right the 1st time. If you don’t succeed that first time, the consequences are often ugly. Avoid that 2nd try!!!

Good success with your trip.

iboats’ Captain,

Bruno