Picnic at McCormack Cove

McCormack Cove is is Kennebecasis Island's most striking feature; a huge gouge in the southern flank of the island that almost splits the island in two. It is named after the most notable of the families that farmed the island in the 19th century.

When the wind is in a northerly direction the cove can be a sheltered spot for a picnic. But I was surprised with the choice this evening given the south westerly wind, that meant that all the gusts would enter directly into the cove without any shelter.


However, the purpose of this trip, it soon became clear, was not only to have a picnic in scenic surroundings but to provide testing conditions for some tacking practice by the crew.


McCormack Cove is wooded with a prominent headland jutting out from its centre, and a few of the island's summer cottages add to the pleasant surroundings. One particular cottage reminded the first mate and crew of their cottage they once owned in Northern Ireland.

Temperature: 22C
Wind: Moderate
Length: 6 miles
Duration: 1.5 hours