Good morning, Doug. Picking a favorite anchorage in Maine is more difficult than picking out the best looking model in the Victoria's Secret TV Special. Within a four hour sail from Southwest Harbor alone there are at least 100 great spots. Often we just let the wind determine where it wants us to go. On the whole, however, I think that the greatest cruising is the area which extends from Camden to Mt. Desert Island. In that area you can stay in the bay system (Penobscot, Jericho, Blue Hill Bay), avoiding a lot of the summer fog, have your pick of nearly 3000 islands (no kidding), walk around a number of small towns, and never have to stick your nose out into the Gulf of Maine (read North Atlantic). There are a number of good cruising guides, and I will be happy to help you mark the charts when you get here. An accurate compass is a must and the remainder of navigation equipment depends upon your expertise with navigation in the sometimes fog and always current. If you are comfortable in the Pacific NW, you can do Maine just as well. I suggest a good motor because the winds tend to be light in the mornings. Incidentally, Southwest Harbor is a very good jumping-off place with good ramps and supplies, including a West Marine store. I hope that this stimulates some adventuresome spirits. Cheers. Skip