Helpful times on the ice.

So the fall meetings are over and many of us have checked our gear. Let’s see, that’s boat complete, now where are those stays at? Where’s my helmet and pics? Do I need to buy that drysuit this year? Where’s the trailer registration. Why is that light out? Eventually you are satisfied that you’re ready, just need ice.

So you are now on the ice and ready to step the mast and notice a frayed end on the head stay. You holler to your buddy and sure enough, he’s got a spare.

You just got to the ice with your first DN. (New to you.) You’ve been assured that all the parts were there. Joe has already set up his boat, his wife’s boat, and his new friend’s boat. He notices that perplexed look he has seem so many times over the years. He’s drawn to you like a magnet and asks,”Can I help you with that?”

I can remember my dad being bitten by the ice bug and several trip to Attitash lake near Amesbury. He was gathering information and it seemed like everyone had something to contribute.

Ask any newbie racer has he ever shared or taken in knowledge from other racers. Everyone always seems ready to talk about it, brag about it, even try to be a boat broker.

As you’re starting to sail, your first thought goes to, “What’s out there?” Time to check the report. Usually some one has scouted it and given an update. If you find something out there, you think of a way to warn others. Everyone seems to be as helpful as they can. Hope to see you on the ice.

Keep up the good PR and the great friendships on the ice.

Charlie