Chickawaukie Ice Boat Club

I met Lloyd about 1990. Inspired by a decrepit Skimmer on Clary Lake, a friend and I built an iceboat out of muffler tubing with a blue tarp sail.
In a gale of wind it went fast enough, the downside being that after a wreck it was impossible to beat it back into alignment. I have forgotten
how we connected, but Lloyd came to my farm to view the boat, sat in it, tested the tiller, and was very diplomatic in his appraisal.

I was doing business as Organic Heavy Bulldozing, specializing in digging farm ponds and cranberry beds, and clearing farmland, using large elderly
bulldozers. These could be bought cheaply and would pay for themselves on the first or second job if they didn’t break down. They had to be home repaired,
and I bought several old RR box cars to store parts and tools in. The truck driver who delivered the cars said that he also had an iceboat, which had sold at
the Brunswick Air Base auction, and for which he wanted $200. It was then under some bushes in Calais, having belonged to the rec department of the
Winter Harbor base. It turned out to be a Nite, #86, sloppily painted blue over a red gelcoat, with a riveted label reading “Property of the US Navy.”

After paint removal and a new sail, I brought it to the Roberts’ Heron Beach, and for a number of winters afterwards parked it there, Chickawaukie being
the hot spot of Maine ice boating. I often sailed alone, with Lloyd keeping an eye on me from his shop. But the most memorable sail was on Sebago after the
excitement surrounding the resurrection of the stern-steerer Slipper. It was Lloyd’s idea. The ice was perfect — mirror smooth but with grip —and the northeasterly
wind was steady and occasionally strong enough to lift a runner. The Nite and Lloyd’s Northeaster Raven were perfectly matched, and the runners ran silently.
We sailed on and on, mesmerized, until, when almost out of sight of land, it occurred to us that it would be a very long push back, following our runner tracks
in the dark, if the wind died with the last of the sun. So we came about and the wind stayed true and carried us back to Nason’s Beach, empty but for a few groggy
stragglers loading up their DNs.

My father, Henry Bunting, died at 42, when I was 9. He was a pathologist — as was Lloyd — and de facto small town emergency doctor. He and Lloyd
were of similar build and temperament, both with dry humor, broad interests, multiple practical skills, and highest character. (Dad had also been a ski jumper
and skate sailer). It is said that when a child loses a parent they spend they rest of their life searching for a replacement, and perhaps it is so — there were surely
ways in which Lloyd served in that role to me. It does not seem possible that Lloyd and I were only ten years apart in age — thirty would seem about right.
Lloyd is greatly missed, with my thanks for all that he brought to my life.

Bill Bunting

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?