Time was, Maine would get snowed out about this time of the season, get cold and stay cold. All the ice covered with snow. In southern New England the cold would build ice and all the favorite lakes would be good to go, often with a few desperate Mainers seeking sailable ice.

Well here we are again. Great ice throughout the south. Even poor old New Jersey will be sailing this weekend. Below is a synopsis. Pick a lake, any lake.

Webster Lake, above, is being sailed today, and looks very nice through the weekend. Nice breeze Sunday-Monday. Check with Bob Strzelewicz for details.

The Jersey guys take ice checking seriously. Their result, and I quote, “ the ice is so thick we don’t need to check it!”. This lovely plate is in Ocean Grove and will be the venue for an Icebird regatta this weekend. Jim Gervolino for details. Budd Lake has also been sailed already.

Watuppa in Fall River is another old favorite, sailing today by Steve Lamb and Co. They plan to head to Webster tomorrow.

Lastly, Long Pond Lakeville. Wonderful lake, and the site of many memorable gatherings. One of the high points is the Eagles Club, up along the west shore. Bar and restaurant reported to be open. Sail in-sail out. Check with Doug Sharp for further details. Boats are on the ice today.

In Maine it is snowing as we speak. Sebago is still open so there is a glimmer of hope there, although in the best of years it didn’t freeze until President’s Day.