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Pine Point Overview
The launch at Pine Point is into a south facing, open bay. Conditions can range from light chop to breaking waves, depending on wind direction and sea state. The preferred directions for wind are typically Sourtherlies. West and NW winds tend to be very choppy in this region due to land masses and buildings. However, predominant NW (side-off) winds work well but are safest during warmer weather and at low-tide. East and NE conditions are usually extreme. Catch it with a swell and down the line wavesailing is possible, especially at the sand bar at the mouth of the harbor.
There is good beginner (or cold weather) sailing in NW winds in the Scarborough River around high-tide. It's the bulge of water behind Pine Point on the Mapquest map. Park at the boat landing instead of the beach.
Where the river narrows, just as it enters the bay, the current can be very strong. Catch a southerly with an outgoing tide and expect a jump in apparent wind. A sandbar runs SE next to the river. At low tide it's above water level so you can walk out 1/2 mile and get a good downwinder in a seabreeze - handy for beginning kiters, or a walk back to shore in a dying NW.
The beach is crowded in the summer, making it practically impossible to safely launch or land a kite on a hot weekend day June through early September except sometimes within an hour or two of low tide.
KITERS, Scarborough's Piping Plover Protection Ordinance prohibits kite flying within 650 feet of a marked enclosure.
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Regional Directory
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Shops,
Schools,
Clubs,
Events,
Food,
Lodging,
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| Season: |
April - January |
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| Ability Level: |
Intermidiate to Advanced |
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| Familiness: |
Bathrooms and Concessions |
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| Parking: |
$10 in season |
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| Launch: |
Sand beach |
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Maps & Directions
From the South:
Take the "Saco/Old Orchard Beach" exit (36) off I-95. Shortly thereafter, take "Route 1 North" exit (x2-B) and head north on Route 1. After 4.5 miles, take a right on "Route 9 East" (see sign for Pine Point). At "T" intersection go left on "Jones Creek Dr". At "Avenue 5 Ext" take a right and then another right into the parking lot. $10 to park during summer months.
From the North:
Take "Scarborough" exit (42) off I-95 and then straight through first light. Go to the end and turn right onto Route 1. At 4th set of lights, turn left onto Route 9 East and follow above directions from Route 9.
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Sensor Notes
The sensor was recently relocated so that it now overlooks Pine Point Beach. Readings are most accurate for Southerly wind directions. West and Northwest wind speeds are usually much stronger on the water than what the meter is reading.
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