Kids on Ice – Quaboag and Watuppa

Spectators and fellow sailors shared in the excitement and enthusiasm of seeing several youth sailing on Quaboag in Massachusetts and Watuppa in Fall River, MA. Chad Atkins’s son, Mason, was rounding marks in his Opti DN. Brian Langley’s teenage daughter, Bella, was cruising the lake her mini-whizz. Bob S. and Bob Haag helped a group of three girls from scout troop 1175 from Simsbury, CT build their own ice boat on Quaboag.

Bob S., fully prepared as always, brought his sidecar and put on his "skunners" (Ski-like Runners) so each scout and their leader could enjoy a ride around the pond. Bob Haag was especially impressed that while the leader was getting a ride the young ladies, hauled a pile of wood, a couple of hand saws and other tools, a sunfish rig, and built an ice boat perfect for the Styrofoam conditions. After a day of sailing the troop headed on their way to enjoy a winter camp out.

Bob H. said he was particularly excited to see the kids working on a project, having fun, and seeing their parents supporting them.

Enjoy the photos from Quaboag! Great day for so many…

2 X4s, skis, and a sunfish rig.

Bob’s skunners. Look aft and you will note the ski like flat edge and the plate runner sitting inside the body of the skunner. Clever!

In a final note, Watuppa is likely done for the season with open water, leads, and some significant holes. I know Bob S. will continue to check and report on Quaboag.

There is still plenty of thick ice to the north and we just have to be patient for the snow to melt. As my son, Luke, said one evening desperately wanting to try out his brother’s new birthday tricycle, "It’s hard being patient." Yes, it is.

Best,

Karen Binder
Secretary