Chickawaukie Ice Boat Club

I first met Lloyd and Bill on the ice at Damariscotta Lake many years ago now, I was skate sailing with a kite at my father had built, and watching the Iceboats fly by. After striking up a conversation with Lloyd and Bill I was offered to take a sail on a DN which I happily agreed to. As I remember, it was like sailing through a doorway that I could never return back through, the hook had been set.

Shortly after I joined the club, Lloyd asked me if I would be willing to take on the responsibilities as treasurer, as he was wanting to step back a little. He also asked me to be purveyor of his and Warner‘s book. I happily agreed.
“Think Ice” has traveled the world as did Lloyd. It has opened up the world of Iceboating to so many people, and today it is still considered the essential book for iceboating.

A tip of the helmet to you Lloyd for the trust you placed in me, and for being my mentor and friend. We will find trusted souls to pass your club and legacy onto and we’ll keep it going as long as there’s ice.

“Vaya con Dios” my friend.
I’ll see you on the ice again one day.

Sent from my iPad

Lloyd Roberts died peacefully during an afternoon nap last week, a peaceful ending to a long and vital life, which was so much a part of my own. Lloyd was a skilled pathologist at Pen Bay, a solid father and husband, but he was also the most avid hobbyist I have ever known.
Strangely, we shared a deep passion for four hobbies: amateur radio, motorcycles, sliding-seat rowing, and–most especially—a total obsession with all ice activities, mainly iceboating. He was also a flier, and hands-on builder of anything. Here he is in 2003, patiently overseeing my building of an iceboat:

Lloyd could combine a strong passion for hobbies with his other obligations. I remember hearing tales of Marge and the kids driving in rural Cooperstown, New York; to bring Lloyd home as he landed his piloted glider in farmer’s fields.
I have so many stories of our many hobbies, i can’t begin to begin. His real slowdown only began in his early 90’s. With all his expertese in healthcare, he was able to survive and thrive through so many heart-related crises.
This man–this amazingly energetic and connective being–how can I sufficiently praise him? Sometimes, as I foolishly crashed through the ice, he was there escorting me, protesting, into a hot shower.
I like to think of him now traveling on, full of elan, so naturally helping others live likewise.
jory

Iceboating legend Lloyd Roberts died peacefully at home this past Wednesday. He’d had a few small strokes in recent months and on this particular day he laid down for a nap and never woke up.

It’s no exaggeration to say that without Lloyd’s guidance, support, deserved criticism and encouragement, iceboating in Maine wound not be what it is today. His influence was felt worldwide through his excellent book “Think Ice”, the intro to iceboating for many hundreds of sailors.

Lloyd was 92. There is a service planned for September 23 at the house. Details and confirmation to follow.

What better place to be than a cool basement or well insulated garage on these blistering days of August. Naturally, you will be pulling the iceboat from storage and going over all the parts. Can you find that list of required jobs that you made at the end of last season? Don’t let this heat fool you: ice is coming.

Don’t forget to keep an eye on the NEIYA classifieds for any of the great parts or boats that show up there. And if you are selling, be sure your info is accurate.
On these sweltering days there are no better thoughts you could be thinking than Thinking Ice!

And the boat above? Anyone know of a fast orange DN?

And we’re still talking about it!

https://www.yachtingworld.com/special-reports/long-read-a-polar-vortex-the-thickest-ice-seen-in-decades-on-the-navesink-a-100000-tiffany-and-co-trophy-and-longest-deferred-grudge-match-in-sports-history-162699