DEER ISLAND THOROFARE and Merchant Row, running to the north and south respectively of the splendid Merchants Row archipelago, are two of the three major passages from East Penobscot Bay to Jericho Bay. The third major passage, Eggemoggin Reach, is discussed later in this chapter.
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The Thorofare is a narrow, well-marked channel no wider than 100 yards in several places. On the north side is the busy fishing village of Stonington. On the south side are the granite quarries of Crotch Island. Farther south lie some three dozen spruce-clad islands, largely uninhabited, with the shelving white-granite shores characteristic of this area.
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The current through Deer Island Thorofare is not very strong, and it is influenced by the wind. With no wind, the tide floods eastward and ebbs westward. With westerly winds, both flood and ebb set eastward. With strong easterlies, both set westward.
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Approaches from the west. Emerging from Fox Islands Thorofare in clear weather, you will often find the east side of Penobscot Bay shrouded by fog. Assuming good visibility, however, look for the standpipe north of Stonington and the tall crane, derricks, and granite tailings on Crotch Island. As you cross East Penobscot Bay, Mount Desert will be visible in the distance ahead, Blue Hill to the north-northeast, and high Isle au Haut to the southeast.
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Approaching the Thorofare, check to make sure you are clear of the Brown Cow, an isolated ledge barely visible at high. The Thorofare’s western end begins between West Mark Island Ledge to the north, marked by nun “2,” and high Mark Island to the south, marked by a small lighthouse standing no taller than the trees. Its foghorn matches its size, only a decibel or two louder than the waves on the rocks.
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After passing Mark Island, find green can “27,” critical for passage between the outer ledges. Green marks are left to starboard, red marks to port. Thereafter, the passage is easy and well marked.
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Approaches from the east. Coming from Casco Passage, north of Swan’s Island, the easiest route is north or south of Egg Rock and then between Long Ledge and Potato Ledge, all of which are well marked. To the north, you will see the distinctive Lazygut Islands—one large wooded island and two small ones to the west, like a dash and two dots.
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Deer Island Thorofare starts at the green can north of Eastern Mark Island, which is distinguished by the bold, shelving shores on its eastern side. In this direction, green marks are left to port, red marks to starboard.
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Anchorages, Moorings. If you are overtaken by fog or darkness on your way through Deer Island Thorofare, there are several alternatives to consider. You can anchor in Webb Cove, or among the islands of Merchants Row, or on the north side of the Thorofare. You may also be able to get a mooring or tie up at Billings Marine, on the north side, west of Stonington.