Day 3; Saturday; 3 August 2025
Billings Cove, ESE Deer Island, Maine
Day 3; Saturday; 2 August 2025
Billings Cove, ESE Deer Island, Maine
Port of Call Latitude & Longitude: 44º 11.96 N; 68º 35. W
Order of the Day
· See Table: Order of the Day.
Introduction
· Today is the third day of the Cruise
· The main events of the day are a leisurely sail down east to the E end of Eggemoggin Reach past the RW EE buoy and then a short segment to the S to enter the E end of Deer Island Thoroughfare. A final leg of ~ 2.5 nm will bring us to Billings Cove.
· One thing you will quickly learn from cruising Maine is that many locations share the same name for the harbors! I have lost count how many Seal Cove or Seal Harbors there are.
· Please do not go to the Billings Cove off Eggemoggin Reach about 7 miles away as the crow flies.
· We will be anchoring in Billings Cove which is to the north as you approach Southeast Harbor. The entrance is straightforward coming from Stonington or Merchants Row. Any dangers are well marked. Billings Cove is the first you will come to. It is larger (The New York Yacht Club Cruise frequents this cove)
· The holding to be good and depending upon the wind forecast one can pick the side of the cove to give adequate protection.
· Please note there is a 4' spot marked on the chart to the NE.
· On a future visit, if you want even more solitude, head past Billings Cove to Pickering Cove. It is smaller, and more reminiscent of the smaller harbors Maine cruisers love. The entrance is straightforward, notice the rocks outside the southwestern corner of the entrance-these will be visible at high tide. Run up the middle and find a spot anywhere up to the island in the middle. Lobster pots or moorings may limit the anchorage.
· As an added attraction the annual Eggemoggin Reach Regatta & Race will be ongoing today.
o This is the largest wooden boat regatta in the world since 1985!
o Wooden sailboats from 24’ + will parade down Eggemoggin Reach and the race will be held at the eastern end. See Chart
Port Captain(s)
· John Butler
Approach
· Billings Cove is located NE of Stonington at the E end of Deer Isle Thoroughfare (DIT).
· It is a large harbor with good protection for > 270º with good holding.
Marinas; Moorings: Anchorage
· See Table: Marinas, Moorings, Anchorages.
· See Table: Marine Services.
· Harbormaster: None in local area.
· Marinas: Billings Diesel in Stonington
· Anchorage: Large area. Good Holding. Pick a shore for shelter depending on wind direction.
· Launch Service: None in local area.
· Dinghy Dock: None in local area.
· Fuel: Billings Diesel in Stonington
· Water: Billings Diesel in Stonington
· Pumpout: Billings Diesel in Stonington
· Marine Services: Billings Diesel in Stonington
Provisioning
· See Table: Provisioning Opportunities.
· There are no provisioning opportunities in the local area. Stonington is a short trip away, W along the Row.
Restaurants & Libations
· See Table: Restaurant & Libation Opportunities.
· There are restaurants in the anchorage. It is possible to take a tender into Stonington.
Attractions & Activities
· See Table: Attractions & Activities.
Communications
· US Coast Guard: VHF Ch-16
· Corinthians Cruise Communications:
o VHF Ch-?
o Website: corinthianscruise.org/BreakingNews
Camaraderie
· A principal focus of today will be to enjoy sailing in the company of fellow Corinthians.
Fun & Games
·
Racing
· See Table: Racing Activities.
References & Links
· https://guides.cruisingclub.org/harbor/stonington/