Weekend Happenings 3/27/26

Weekend Happenings

A return of cold air is settling across the region, and with it comes one more go at late-season ice. Conditions are trending in the right direction for spring sailing this weekend but as always this time of year, nothing is guaranteed.

As of last night, plans were still taking shape. That’s part of the rhythm of March ice. Success now isn’t measured in miles logged or races, it’s in rigging up, stepping onto the ice with friends, and taking a run or two after the Ides. Getting on the ice is a big win.

Current chatter points to activity in both Maine and New Hampshire, with groups gathering on Moosehead and Sunapee. Primary launches are expected out of Greenville, ME behind Kelly’s Landing and Mount Sunapee State Beach, Newbury, NH.

A reminder, this is late-season ice. All the usual cautions apply, and then some. Thickness alone doesn’t assure safety. The ice may still measure well, but its strength has changed. Holes, seams, and soft spots from earlier in the season are unlikely to have healed thoroughly, even with this recent cold. Stay sharp, check as you go, and keep your head up. NEVER SAIL ALONE!

If you head out, don’t go it alone grab a buddy, share observations, and keep it safe.

Apologies to our friends at the CT Ice Yacht Club for missing their spring season recap and lunch. You all understand the ice makes the call, and and we follow.

Think Ice,
John
DN5023
John@neiya.org

P.S. We will have one maybe two Thursday Night recap calls to go. Topics will shift to what and how we do things once the cold returns.