Just curious if anyone can give advice on which winds are the safest for venturing out on the waters of Southern Maine? I think the prevailing winds are from the southwest, but honestly not sure if those create the larger waves or if it's better from them to be coming from the East/Northeast (or whatever). Thanks for any info you can share.
Ocean conditions are affected by Wind, Weather and Tide.
Generally speaking direction wise, East is least.....West is best
"Wind" generated waves tend to be localized but exacerbated by the direction of tidal flow. Conditions for a given "wind" can very substantially depending on location and direction of tide.
"Weather" generated waves are a problem because of the size (of the affected area) and duration of the event. A persistent 15-20 kt. wind (Nor'easter) over 3-5 days causes more damage and problems than passing hurricanes that generally hit and run.
Storms passing offshore kick up huge waves (rollers/swell) that can travel for hundreds, if not thousands of miles from the offending storm. Have come out of the inlet under absolute perfect conditions only to be met with 6-8 ft. seas from a storm 300 miles offshore more than once.
Tide has the biggest influence on local conditions.
Tide with wind is good.....Tide against wind.....not so much.
Don't forget the sea breeze...... It can get down right nasty an hour or so before sunset, especially in a wind opposite tide sitaution
