The "down" in "Down East" actually refers to downwind, as in a sailing direction. The prevailing winds in the area in the summer are form the southwest. So to

The "down" in "Down East" actually refers to downwind, as in a sailing direction. The prevailing winds in the area in the summer are form the southwest. So to go to Maine from Boston, one would sail "down"(wind) and east. Likewise from Maine to PEI, it would be "down"(wind) and east.