The death of an old man is not a tragedy. It’s just the final act in a life we hope was well lived. He tries to tidy up before he goes, organizing his papers and disposing of things which he’d rather not burden those left behind. We all have our precious stuff, but at some point we need to be honest with ourselves about what we use and what we don’t. Such it was with a gentleman from Colechester, on the shores of Lake Champlain. He bought a brand new Arrow in the early sixties, the latest thing at the time. For over forty winters he sailed it with his children, friends, and those he loved to introduce to the sport. As a side-by-side two seater it’s a very social boat.

But as our fellow found his body failing and the Arrow used less and less, he considered it time to pass it on. Through our iceboat network the possibility fell into the laps of a wonderful couple who’d been out with the club a number of times this past winter, sailing whatever boats were offered. It seemed the perfect match. They travelled to Vermont this past spring, brought the Arrow back to Maine, and the gracious skipper of so many winters died just last week. Another small torch has been passed, helping to keep the larger fire of iceboating passion alive.