Exactly where you should be.

That feeling. The feeling you get when you examine your surroundings and understand that you are exactly where you should be at that very moment in time. You’ve arrived in Maine to take in the natural surroundings, breathe the crisp, fresh air, and explore the quintessential coastal communities. America’s most north-eastern state, Maine is just 420 nautical miles from New York. Your primary destination is Fore Points Marina in Portland where you will be welcomed by a professional and dedicated team ready to curate a cherished experience for you and yours.

While the Fore Points Marina team will help manage your itinerary and daily activities, here are some hints about all you can be in Portland, Maine.

Be Authentic.

Nothing says authentic Maine like Lobsters and Lighthouses. We recommend you experience the bucolic lighthouses and the rugged Maine coastline with Summer Feet Cycling Adventures. Your guide will take you on a gentle ride directly from your Yacht to Fort Williams Park in Cape Elizabeth, the home of Portland Headlight. Commissioned in 1787, Portland Headlight is the most photographed lighthouse in the country and Maine’s oldest way finder. Whilst at the park, visit the museum and be sure to take the time to explore the historic forts speckled throughout the 90-acre property. Stroll along the cliff walk for the most striking ocean views. With a historical narrative at each additional stop along the way, Summer Feet Cycling Adventures will guide you to four other iconic Maine lighthouses. Not to worry about fuel, fresh lobster rolls will be served for sustenance! If a roll was delicious, but just enough to tease your tummy, the marina concierge will arrange for a traditional Maine lobster feast upon your return on site or your Yacht.

Be Crafty.

Drinking craft beer is pretty much a year-round sport for the locals. Portland, Maine has more craft breweries per capita than any other city in the United States. Not only is it bursting with local brew, the beer-loving team at Fore Points Marina can guide you to their favourite and hippest spots so you can enjoy like a local. Set out on Maine Brew Bus, “driving you to drink local” for the complete experience. Your entertaining and knowledgeable guide will safely take you to several local breweries for a behind-the-scenes look at the production and to meet the creative brewers. Ample tastings will ensue as you learn about each brew. Portland brewers and cicerones are happy to get out on the water as well. How about topping off the day with a private beer-paired dinner on your yacht? The marina concierge will make it happen.

Be a History Buff.

Once a trading and fishing settlement, Portland has maintained much of its 19th century architecture, landmarks, and flavour. Having adopted the nickname, “Longfellow’s City by the Sea” Portland treasures the poet’s birthplace and other significant landmarks. Visitors can spend the day strolling through impressive captain’s homes and historic mansions. You are invited to tour the home and gardens of Hendry Wadsworth Longfellow, the Morse-Libby House, referred to as the Victorian Mansion, and the Tate House with beautiful Georgian inspired gardens. Situated on Munjoy Hill in the East End of Portland, a short climb up from the marina, is the Portland Observatory, the country’s last standing maritime signal tour. A docent will explain the tower’s history as you climb together to reach the unobstructed 360-degree views at the top. And when you visit Maine in 2020, you become a guest of the state’s 200th birthday party. Parades, festivals, tall ship regattas, exhibitions, films and fashion shows are all part of the historic celebration.

Be Entertained.

Complimenting Portland’s casual nature, this small city comes with a sophisticated flare. Known for its professional excellence in theater, music, and attracting nationally recognized artists, you are welcomed to gussy up for an elegant night on the town. See Broadway-level plays in historic venues like the majestic Merrill Auditorium, watch expressive dancers soar at the Portland Ballet, or partake in the Chamber Music Festival. If a relaxed outdoor evening is more your style, head over to Thompson’s Point – a local favourite for its highly coveted performances, beer tent, local food trucks, and all-around fun vibe. The marina concierge will set you up with transportation and tickets, all you have to do is enjoy - and maybe dance along if the mood strikes you.

Be Artsy.

Art enthusiasts should not miss the Winslow Homer Studio in Prout’s Neck where the famous painter worked. Your docent will take you along the water’s edge where you can even sit on the rock where the masterpiece “Weatherbeaten” was painted. Begin the short trek to the studio from Portland Museum of Art after you have viewed their expansive collections created by various artists from Maine and around the world. The small city is a true art community where independence thrives and is widely celebrated. The first Friday of each month, hit the bustling arts district for on-street musical events, sidewalk art, and professional galleries, along with rising designers from the Maine College of Art.

Be a Food Snob.

With access to freshly caught seafood (like this-morning-fresh), dedicated organic farmers and food producers, and highly talented chefs with a passion for their craft, there is no wonder that Portland was deemed “Restaurant City of the Year” by Bon Apetit’ Magazine. From Fore Points Marina, you can walk to dozens of eateries. The marina concierge will procure reservations at the most popular spots or steer you off the beaten path to a neighbourhood joint should that be your preference. The Portland culinary scene includes everything from fine dining, white table-cloth service, to traditional multi-course meals, innovative tapas, juicy hamburgers, creative vegan fare, and picnic-table lobster bakes. Enjoy all the variety your palate can taste; the only constant will be quality. But don’t really be a snob, say hello to the chef! They always love to meet their patrons.

Be Well.

Mainers embrace their outdoor spaces, clean air, fresh food and spirit of nature. Immerse yourself in Maine’s culture to experience nature and recharge your body and soul. With over 70 miles of maintained trails within the city limits, at any turn you will find bicyclists, joggers, or

pedestrians with yoga mats in tow. The adventurous souls may want to plunge right into Casco Bay (the East End Beach is just down the pedestrian path, please do not swim in the marina). If you rather stay afloat, grab some kayaks and paddle over to Fort Gorges or tackle the bay on stand-up paddle boards with a guide from Portland Paddle. Just want to work out? Enroll in Yoga on the Docks at Fore Points Marina or join the marina staff and other guests for a morning group run. However you like to move, the marina team will assure you access to an authentic and vigorous Maine experience - complete with local, healthy nourishment to replenish and recharge for your next adventure.

Be Wine-Wise.

Aside from a winery you’ll find in a really cool unique setting at Thompson’s Point, Portland is not truly a wine producer. But Portlanders consume along with the best of them and have superb sommeliers to guide you toward your best taste sensations. Because of Portland’s foodie-city status, it has access to highly sought out vintages not typically available in smaller communities. Most servers are well versed in fine wines to pair with your meal, but we suggest you also make an event of the tasting experience and go on a wine walk or wine sail with Wine Wise Events. They will pour delicious wines that are purposefully paired with local fare at a series of great walkable restaurants. Or opt to take your wine experience on the water. Wines are paired and served with freshly shucked oysters as you enjoy scenic views of Maine lighthouses, waterways and islands from aboard a 74' Sailboat in Casco Bay.

Be an Island Hopper.

What do boaters want to do most? Get back on the water of course! Casco Bay is speckled with so many islands, they are collectively referred to as the Calendar Islands representing one island for every day of the year. Take your tender, hire a schooner, or paddle your way to nearby Peaks Island. Here you can borrow a bike to cruise around, hike into old army barracks, take a walk, and as they say on the island, not much else but absorb spectacular views. If you are up for a round of golf followed by fine dining, get over to Chebeague Island. Great Diamond Island is the home of former Fort McKinley, since converted to seasonal homes for the 77 island residents, and also offers an elegant meal on the water’s edge. Long Island and Jewell Island are also neat places to explore. Check out Fore Points Marina’s slip map and see if you can find a connection.

Be Here.

Be where you should be and be back soon!

Fore Points Marina is an IGY destination located just 10 minutes away from Portland International Jetport and a short walk into town. Newly constructed in 2019, the marina is in a safe, deep harbour, protected by concrete floating barriers. With a 545’ face dock, over 24’ of depth, and full-service amenities, Fore Points Marina can accommodate private yachts of any size. Go to www.forepointsmarina.com or call 207-517-4860 to reserve your space at Fore Points Marina, exactly where you should be.