There’s Ice, Lots of it Some Ready to Sail On

One of the most common questions over the past couple of weeks and throughout the year, has been simple: “Where’s the ice?” and “Where can I sail?”

For much of the winter the answer has been frustratingly consistent: it’s under the snow. Thick ice has been there all along, but buried and difficult to access.

But things are changing

Moosehead: Drill Baby Drill

To get a sense of just how much ice has built up on Moosehead Lake, take a deep breath and hold it while watching the full video below. The auger just keeps going and going. Here is the direct URL https://youtube.com/shorts/LUedwtFlGog

Bill Buchholz and the crew in Maine have been closely monitoring conditions on Moosehead. The ice is clearly there, and with improving surface conditions the “ready to sail” call is coming. Stay tuned and be ready to hit the road.

Thanks to Bob S.’s son for capturing the Moosehead auger video.

Weekend Options

For those looking to sail sooner, a few locations are currently being checked or sailed:

New Hampshire

Sunapee
Crews are actively scouting and may already be sailing depending on surface conditions.

Winnipesaukee
Charlie S. checked Wolfeboro Bay and reports there is plenty of ice in most places and considers the surface to be rough but sailable.

Maine

Damariscotta Lake
According to ace ice observer Bill Buchholz (iceboat.me), boats will be sailing there today.

Moosehead Lake
Still in a holding pattern for now, but the ice thickness is impressive. If surface conditions cooperate, the call could come soon. Keep your boat and travel kit ready.

A Word on Safety

Conditions remain variable everywhere. Snow cover, pressure ridges, and changing surfaces can hide hazards.

As always:

• Assume all ice is untested until you personally verify it
• Talk to those who have been out
• Scout first
• Sail conservatively until you understand the surface
• Don’t sheet in hard and go full throttle until you know what’s under your runners

Stay tuned for updates and hopefully see you on the ice this weekend. Looking like we will have some good cruising and can say for sure that were ever DNs congregate they will be rounding the marks for silver or fun.

Think (clear) Ice,

John
DN5023
John@neiya.org