Ice Opportunities Abound This Weekend

Last night’s call included 22 people and was charged with excitement and anticipation as ice sailors from across the region shared updates and plans. While some have already taken to the ice, many have been eagerly waiting for the perfect conditions to arrive.

Reports came in from all corners, including the Adirondacks, as the ice sailing community gears up for a promising weekend.

Maine: A Prime Spot for Action

Bill Bucholz, has been sailing Pusahaw Lake, just north of Orono, Maine. He is there now and looking forward to a great day. Sailors from around New England will be meeting up there today. Conditions look favorable through the weekend, weather permitting.

Bucholz also noted additional opportunities, including Lake Damariscotta in Lincoln, Maine, which is ready for exploration but requires further scouting. For the latest updates from Maine, visit iceboat.me, the home of the Chickawaukie Ice Boat Club.

As previously reported by Bob S., Quaboag Pond in Brookfield, Massachusetts, still needs more time for safe sailing. Conditions will be reassessed next week.

Meanwhile, Race Chair Paul Chamberland and his network are monitoring Squam, Saratoga, and Sacandaga Lakes. These spots will be scouted and potentially sailed today and throughout the weekend.

Weather Challenges: Cold, But Windy

While temperatures have been low enough to form ice, strong winds have disrupted large areas, breaking up newly formed ice. Despite these challenges, the season is still young, and the community remains optimistic.

New Hampshire: A Growing Hub

New Hampshire offers a few strong options for the weekend.

• Lake Wentworth: VC Charlie has been actively sailing here, just outside Wolfeboro. He reports smooth, four-inch-thick ice, although there are some hazards to watch for. He will be sailing there today and throughout the weekend.
• Lake Sunapee: This lake has been a consistent hotspot over the past week. Mark Friedman, keeping a close watch, plans to refine his condition report today. Sailing is expected to continue throughout the weekend, pending inspection of known hazards.

Good luck to the NEIYA’s top tier race contingent that is or will be on the road soon to compete in the Canadian Nationals. Our Canadian friends have been doing quite well at the top of the DN fleet so it will certainly be some lively racing eh.

Scratch Racing: Stay Tuned

Scratch racing and maybe an official club race is planned for Saturday, with the venue to be confirmed based on scouting reports. The leading contenders are Lake Wentworth and Lake Sunapee. Stay tuned for updates, and get ready to hit the ice.

Tech Update: Website and Directory

Some members have noticed that the Member Section, including the club directory, is missing from the website’s top menu. I am working to restore it, and members will receive an email with updated access details and passwords later today. Apologies for not noticing myself.

On the bright side, the website now resolves to the shorter NEIYA.org, although theneiya.org will still work for existing bookmarks.

Final Thoughts

Final thoughts, as the legendary ice sailor Leo Healey always said, “There Is Thin Ice Someplace.” Wherever you go this weekend, sail fast, stay safe, and enjoy the season!

Sail Fast,
John Stanton
DN5023
john@neiya.org