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.

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

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.

Think Ice,

John
DN5023
John@neiya.org

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.

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.

John

John@neiya.org

Tried to get on Quaboag today but the shoreline is melted away, i can see water in some of the pressure cracks and a few small holes.

The plate is shifting because there is no shore to but up against .We may be done for the season unless there’s a big change.

Webster has the same conditions, no need to get hurt on bad ice when we may have sailing up north.

Bob S

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.

Think Ice,

John
DN5023
John@neiya.org

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.

Think Ice,

John
DN5023
John@neiya.org

I will be sailing Webster on Tuesday, launch waterfront marys.

Bob S

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.

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.

Think Ice,
John
DN5023
John@neiya.org

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.

This is our community. Let’s stay connected.

Think Ice,
John
DN2023
John@neiya.org

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

While most of New England’s lakes and ponds remain buried under layers of snow, we continue to search for ice. A small group will be scouting and assessing the ever-changing conditions on Watuppa tomorrow Saturday 2/21.

Another possibility is Webster Lake, as reported by Bob S. last night. However, launching may be challenging, and a fishing derby is underway, which could complicate access.

Meanwhile, an iceboat demonstration for a group of Scouts is planned on Quaboag. As of now, the ice has not been confirmed as sailable, but boat(s) will be displayed onshore regardless. If you’re available, come by and help spread the word—setup begins at 11 a.m. on Saturday. Bob could use some help so get out to Quaboag for a couple hours.

A reminder: Although we’ve had a stretch of cold days, the lengthening daylight signals the transition to spring ice conditions. Ice is in a constant state of flux, and shorelines are beginning to pull away. this is especially true of bodies of water in the southern regions of New England. I this time of year is here today and gone tomorrow. Stay safe—never venture out alone, and treat all ice with caution until it has been thoroughly evaluated.

Speaking of spring we have eyes on our bigger lakes and maybe just maybe with a couple thaw and freeze cycles big lakes like Winni might make themselves available for a right around the corner Spring event.

Think Ice,

John
DN5023
John@neiya.org

Bob S. has been scouting locally two days ago and offers his observations.

Stopped by Quaboag today, some grey ice and some snow, it could come around in a few days, not sailable yet .temp today 20: wind 40 + snow squalls

Webster was all greyed out with 1/5 of frozen slush with 1/5 wet slush under the top layer, looks  promising  will check again tomorrow.

Access is messed up at Marys and parkinglot is not plowed , but can be carried on,access from 193 at waterski club has some spots to get on.

Think Ice,

John
DN5023
John@neiya.org

The good news: It’s still winter. A winter that, for the most part, has behaved in a more traditional way than not. Looking back, many of our usual haunts delivered this year. Long Pond and S. Watuppa held strong, as did Webster, Quaboag, and Bantam. Even Red Bank, N.J., and the Hudson made brief but notable appearances.

The bad: We’re blanketed in snow, the result of back-to-back fronts, with another system on the way this weekend.

Let’s see what the weekend’s weather brings. Discussions last night suggested possible sailing opportunities by midweek. If you’re looking to satisfy your inner weather geek, check out Severe Weather Europe—if it’s not already part of your regular reading.

We also have an upcoming ice boat youth education opportunity next Saturday. More details early next week.

Until then, think ice—and, even more importantly, think resurfacing on the good ice that’s out there waiting.

Keep the faith,

John
john@neiya.org