A hopeful group showed up to Brewster Beach in Wolfeboro NH to give Winnipesaukee a shot yesterday.
The ice was about 18” where we checked, a bit of slush on top. Very sailable!
BUT…. Not a bit of breeze. Apart from one or two “sucker puffs” there was nada.
Ah well, it was good to hang out and socialize a bit and we got to see Sean break out his summer wardrobe (you have to admit he’s got the legs for it) and the passing birds made good use of the mastheads!
Weekend Ice Sailing Report: Spring Conditions Beckon on Winnipesaukee
A dedicated group of ice sailors is set to take on Lake Winnipesaukee this weekend, launching from Brewster Beach in Wolfeboro, N.H. Vice Commodore Charlie Silfvenius has been closely monitoring conditions and believes the spring ice is primed for action with plenty of base ice and a hard(ish) surface to sail. There are no condition guarantees except that if you don’t show up you will not get to sail for sure.
For those who have sailed spring ice, you know the drill. As the sun climbs higher in the sky, conditions can change rapidly—what starts as a firm, fast surface in the morning may soften as the day progresses. The takeaway? Arrive early, rig fast, and get on the ice while it’s at its best. Some boats are already staged in the launch area, ready to capitalize on the prime morning conditions. If you have slush runners, pack them they could prove invaluable as temperatures rise if not don’t worry.
Eyes on Moosehead: Maine’s Next Big Ride?
Bill Buchholz, and other sailors have been racking up miles this week on Lake Pushaw, taking advantage of prime conditions. Now, all eyes are on the remote and expansive Moosehead Lake—one of the NEIYA’s must-sail destinations. If current forecasts hold, Moosehead could be ready for action late next week. If you’re considering the trip, start making plans this is one you won’t want to miss. Don’t forget to check The Chickawaukee Ice Boat Club website, iceboat.me, regularly for the latest happenings in Maine.
Sunapee: The Comeback Continues?
Whispers abound that Lake Sunapee may once again be sailable, with reports of sailors eyeing the ice for tomorrow. As of now, confirmation remains elusive, but we’ll provide updates as soon as more information becomes available.
Sail Fast, Sail Safe, and Embrace Spring Ice
There are no condition guarantees except that if you don’t show up you will not get to sail for sure. Spring ice sailing is a fleeting thrill. Stay safe, sail smart, and enjoy every run. More info as it materializes and we will have our regular call next Thursday 6:30 pm
This time of year is always last minute, as most of us know. The big lakes are there, waiting for the early morning attempts. Assemble a group and head north when the call goes out. Sure to be a topic tonight.
Other ice happenings this weekend: The Northern Maine Ice Busters (NMIB) are at it again with another record-breaking Ice Carousel attempt. This year, they’re going international with a spinning disk in the middle of the St. John River, spanning the United States and Canadian border.
I witnessed the world-record disk at 1,777 feet in diameter on Long Lake, St. David, Maine, back in 2023. It was quite a sight—an incredible feat of manpower, technology, and machinery.
This year’s International Ice Carousel is ready to start spinning starting tomorrow at the earliest. Good thing our Passports (Cards) have RFID chips to keep track of our entry and exit as the disk spins in the middle of the St. John.
An International Feat of Ice and Engineering
The NMIB are gearing up for their most ambitious project yet: the 2025 International Ice Carousel Attempt. March 14-16, 2025, this groundbreaking event will be held on the St. John River, bridging Van Buren, Maine, and St. Leonard, New Brunswick. Here is a link about the carousel construction
This attempt is unique not only for its scale but also for its international collaboration. NMIB plans to carve and rotate a massive 207-foot-wide ice carousel, marking the first time an ice carousel will span two countries. This effort is more than just an engineering challenge—it’s a symbol of unity and community spirit across borders.
The NMIB team hopes to attract visitors from both the U.S. and Canada, fostering cross-border connections and celebrating the region’s rich winter traditions.
So, grab your passports and keep driving past Loring AFB, site of many landsailing regattas, to the Crown of Maine—this is one icy adventure you won’t want to miss!
Think Ice,
John DN5023 John@neiya.org
Posted by Commodore John Stanton |
03/13/2025 | Categories: 2025 Season | Comments Off on The 2025 International Ice Carousel Attempt
For iceboaters, planning never stops. Off-season, we build, acquire, and refine equipment. As ice forms, we tune rigs, align chocks, and keep a go-bag ready to travel at a moment’s notice.
Non-iceboaters have asked why there is a boom and sail in my dining room and boxes of runners in my hallway holds a boom and runners. The answer is simple: to be ready and well, the light is best in the dining room.
That readiness was on display last weekend at Lake Sunapee. A seasoned crew, were ready to inspect the unsailed surface. It had only been visually inspected—no skates, no sails—but their instincts said go. They were right. The ice held, and the sailing was on.
Hats off to these intrepid sailors, who embody iceboating’s core: calculated risk, trust in preparation, and the relentless pursuit of the perfect ride. Below are their experience from Sunday and Monday
Five of us sailed Sunapee on Sunday – Kate, Bob S, David, Jim and myself. Ice fisherman there had 30″ of ice. Surface was a bit rough but we were able to sail from the state beach through the narrows and across the main lake. Great day! Some of the group went back early on Monday but I’ll leave that to them to update. Peter
Sunnapee 3/10/25 – Kate Marone
We were able to sail all the way to the north end of the lake today. It was a fast trip up and back, we were done by 11:15 and the ice had turned to a soft slush fast. There were 4 of us. We didn’t waste time working our way back south covering eighteen miles round trip.
Kate Marone
Sunnapee 3/10/25 – Kate Marone
Sunrise Tuesday morning temp 27: the surface looks better than yesterday, very little wind and close to 50 today. We spoke to a fisherman yesterday, he said there is 30 inches of ice near great island, there should be more sailing in the future. The launch at the beach is very good, keep your eye on the weather and take a chance if it looks good.
Bob S P.S. On the way home there was a nordic skater at Newbury, the ice looked good.
A thaw-and-refreeze cycle provided prime—if fleeting—conditions across New England. Sailors took to the ice in multiple locations, making the most of what could be one of the season’s final rides.
Massabesic Lake, NH: A Morning of Speed Before the Slush
A dozen or so iceboats—DNs, Whizzes, Skimmers, and skate sailors—buzzed across Massabesic Lake in the early hours, powered by a strong morning breeze. As is often the case with late-season ice, conditions deteriorated quickly, with the surface softening by midday and turning the gathering into a social affair.
Special thanks go to Dick B. for scouting and relaying intel for the group. Without his keen eye and timely reports, the sailing wouldn’t have been possible.
Massabesic Lake 3-9-25 – Chip Goodhue Massabesic Lake 3-9-25 – Chip Goodhue
The early hours provided prime conditions for speed, but by 11 a.m., the westerly gusts and slushy surface made control increasingly difficult. The ice, though rough, was deemed safe aside from a few small open patches in the northeast corner. Remember no ice is completely safe. Writup based on info relayed by Chip Goodhue. DN 1300.
Lake Champlain, NY: Scratch Racing on Black Ice
Lake Champlain, Westport NY 3/9/25
On the western shore of Lake Champlain, DNers Paul Chamberland (KC5700) and Jeff Roseberry (US5687) continued their relentless pursuit of speed and precision. The duo spent the day locked in a series of scratch races, pushing their boats and skills on an expanse of stunning black ice. Few sailors have logged as much time on the course this season, and their commitment was evident in every tack and gybe. And I am sure will show on the starting line next season.
Lake Champlain, VT: Inner Malletts Bay Delivers Miles
Further north in Vermont, John Zierman and a small contingent took to Inner Malletts Bay, determined to make the most of what could be the season’s final weekend. With miles under their blades, they sailed deep into the afternoon, and hope the ice will hold for just a little longer.
Elsewhere in New England and the Northeast
Reports of sailing on Damariscotta Lake in Maine are still incoming, though details remain scarce. Lake George in NY was sailed from nearly end to end in epic winds. Look for info in Facebook Group “Iceboats of Saratoga NY region“
For those who made the effort to venture out on Sunday, the rewards were well worth it. Iceboating is never a sport of convenience; it demands patience, persistence, and a willingness to chase fleeting windows of ideal conditions. As temperatures fluctuate in the coming days, the larger lakes may still offer another chance. For those craving one last ride, the time is now.
Carpe Glacies, more opportunities may materialize but only if you show up and yes it will likely be last minute. Don’t pack up your gear just yet and be ready to travel at a moments notice.
Couple more ice reports to consider for tomorrow or Monday. From VP Charles Silfvenius.
Rechecked Wentworth. Top layer is more solid. I can still chop through but it takes effort. Checked off Albee beach and the 109 launch. I would call it sailable. Still tight to shoreline. I think I’ll try a sail there tomorrow probably in the skimmer.
Will try to round someone up to check Winni too.
Jeff Roseberry with Paul Chamberlain are out scouting Champlain at Button Bay.
Jeff Roseberry Button Bay VT Jeff Roseberry Button Bay
And do not forget Bill Buchholz has called Damariscotta. Details on iceboat.me
Think Ice and get it while it lasts. It’s gonna get warm next week.
Inner Mallets Bay: According to John Zierman, Inner Mallets Bay is currently sailable, with a decent surface and no known hazards. However, the launch area at the state boat ramp is somewhat rough.
Lake Massabesic: The ice remains sailable with a solid base measuring between 10 and 18 inches. However, sailors should remain cautious, as drain holes and other hazards have been reported. A full scouting of the area is recommended before sheeting in for speed.
Wolfeboro Bay, Lake Winnipesaukee: Conditions are rough, with shell ice in some areas and slush or water trapped between the base ice and surface. Sailors are advised to seek better conditions elsewhere.
As always, safety is paramount. With spring approaching, ice conditions can change rapidly. Stay alert and sail with caution.
Our call last night reaffirmed a familiar pattern: Recent weather has once again pushed our potential ice conditions into “must-check-and-confirm” status. That’s exactly what we’ll be doing today and Saturday.
Several lakes have experienced surface wetting and are undergoing inspections over the next 36 hours. Areas of focus include Webster, Quaboag, Massabesic, Winnipesaukee, and Great Sacandaga (N.Y.), with potential assessments also in Dameriscotta and Bantam.
Be sure to monitor iceboat.me for conditions in Maine as well as Facebook group Iceboats of Saratoga NY region for Adirondack NY regional ice info.
Expect further updates through Saturday as conditions develop. If the outlook holds, Sunday and the coming week could present fresh opportunities.
There may be an icy kind of flu spreading in the region next week. Stay tuned.
Remember, ice is never 100% safe, particularly as we enter into spring conditions. Our ice can turn to nothing in a very short time, so be vigilant and be safe.
Quaboag 2/22/25 Bob S. Scout and the girls from Scout Troop 1175
As expected, it’s been a mild and occasionally wet stretch, with just enough warmth to soften and wet out the surface but not quite enough to get us back on the big lake ice this week.
That said, there are a couple of bright spots: Quaboag Pond and Webster Lake, both under the watchful eye of our intrepid scout, Bob S. A cold snap is here and should help firm things up with potential opportunities this Sunday. Not tomorrow as the ice needs another day to set up. If you head to Webster, be sure to swing by Waterfront Mary’s for a coffee or a beer. They have supported us so lets turn the favor.
We’re also keeping tabs on a few other regional spots, including Bantam Lake in Connecticut and Lake Massabesic in New Hampshire. If things take a turn for the better, we’ll be sure to share the good news.
As we transition from meteorological to astronomical spring, one thing is certain: caution is key. The ice is in decline, and a night or two of freezing temperatures won’t bring back the solid black ice of midseason.
Quaboag 2/27 AMWebster Lake 2/27/ AM
I checked Quaboag this morning and the snow is gone, the ice is wetting out, two trucks on the ice on the left side of the ramp.
The parkinglot is almost bare, but the ramp has ice standing up, it may lay down by the weekend, there is good ice bout sides of the parking lot.
Webster also is snow free,and i’ve been working on the access by Waterfront Marys, it should be good enough to back up to the ice by the weekend.
The narrows from middle pond to south pond are still in good shape, cold weather Sunday and Monday.
There should be enough wind to run around the islands like two weeks ago.
Bob S
Stay patient, stay safe, and keep the Ice Faith—there’s still a chance we get one last run before the season slips away.
Pre-Spring’s fickle touch is in full effect, and all eyes are on our big lakes along with a few smaller ones that still hold suitable thickness. With daytime temperatures consistently above freezing and overnight refreezes, conditions are in flux. A bit of precipitation is expected Thursday to help the resurface process, but come Friday and into the weekend, colder air will return, firming up softened surfaces and if luck is on our side offering up a large sailing surface.
That said, smaller lakes and ponds won’t fare as well. The rapid swings in temperature mean they simply won’t recover to a safe, sailable state. These venues won’t survive the volatility, so don’t take unnecessary risks.
Stay tuned, keep your gear ready, and be prepared to travel on short notice. Follow the forecasts closely, and join us tomorrow night at 6:30 for the latest updates, a recap of the past week including Bob S’s youth (Scout) outreach last Saturday, and an open discussion on all things iceboating.
New England Ice Yacht Association 