EP 172 Cruising the Maine Coast, Fog Navigation & The Blue Water Sailing Club with Tom Greaves

In this episode of Sailing and Cruising the East Coast of United States, host Bela Musits sits down with Tom Greaves, a longtime sailor and member of the Blue Water Sailing Club. Whether you are planning a coastal cruise or dreaming of offshore adventures, this conversation offers essential insights into navigating the beautiful but challenging waters of Maine and beyond. Sailing the Coast of Maine Tom shares his sailing evolution, from his first time on a Laser clone in Ontario to cruising the Maine coast on his 1984 Bristol 35.5. Sailing out of Casco Bay and Peaks Island, Tom discusses the realities of navigating this region, including dodging lobster pots and managing the notorious Maine fog. He emphasizes the importance of using both Radar and AIS when dealing with commercial traffic and lobster boats. Tom also reveals his favorite cruising destinations, including Penobscot Bay, Eggemoggin Reach, and the breathtaking Merchant Row near Stonington. For those planning a trip, Tom recommends visiting in August and utilizing the "Cruising Guide to the Maine Coast" by Curtis Rindlaub. The Marion to Bermuda Race Beyond coastal cruising, Tom details his experience preparing for and completing the 2023 Marion to Bermuda Race. He shares how the race served as a confidence builder and a catalyst for getting his boat offshore-ready, a process managed meticulously by his wife through a detailed preparation spreadsheet. The Blue Water Sailing Club & Future Generations Tom provides an inside look at the Blue Water Sailing Club, a "virtual" club founded in 1959 that focuses on cruising, camaraderie, and mentoring sailors for offshore events. The episode concludes with a thoughtful discussion on the importance of passing the torch to the next generation of sailors and creating opportunities for youth to experience offshore sailing. Key Topics in This Episode: Maine Cruising: Best destinations including Penobscot Bay and Isle au Haut. Navigation Safety: Tips for handling lobster pots and heavy fog. Offshore Preparation: Lessons learned from the Marion to Bermuda Race. Sailing Community: The benefits of joining the Blue Water Sailing Club. Resources Mentioned: Blue Water Sailing Club: bluewaterc.clubexpress.com If you enjoyed this episode, please hit the like button and subscribe! Email: sailingtheeast@gmail.com Happy Sailing! Bela and Mike