Chickawaukie Ice Boat Club

The drain holes from yesterday froze hard last night and gave us a go fast go far surface over the entire lake. The ice stayed hard throughout both days, with temps just over freezing, although it was just soft enough for the runners to emit a low growl. I was basking in the sun during one of the frequent holes in the wind when I heard some one coming by fully wound up. The only way I could think to describe the sound was of a large box dragging across a rough concrete floor.

There were over twenty boats on the ice today, and in addition to the wonderful tours to the south end, the strong west wind made for some extreme reaching in the broads. Up and down, drag racing at full speed. Activity generally frowned upon, but oh what fun!

This looked like a sauna enthusiast’s insulated hole with ladder, but it turned out to be a float sunk in the snow. The surface is about like this everywhere. No complaints.

Forecast promises two more sailing days, though with lighter winds, before warmth and rain on Thursday. As always, what and where comes after that is anyone’s guess. Might just be that Winnipesaukee wets out and we get a Hardway. Lets hope those responsible for that event aren’t sailing up in Maine or something…

Lee Spiller and Karin Wilson, ever the naturalists, found this poor critter. Looks like the sands of time are wearing away, offering up treasure. And just below this guy there might be a layer of pure black gold.

Dammy is a mine field of drain holes. BEWARE.

The water has drained and evaporated away and left behind granular ice. The surface is rather hard today, with areas of soft stuff but by tomorrow will be good to go. Certainly by Monday the cold in the teens forecast for Sunday night will finish the job. Looks like smooth sailing from there on out.

We will be launching from the beach at the north end.

There is a trailer width cut in the ice heaved up along shore. Enter the loop road from the south entrance, then back down.

If the ground is soft please don’t park where you’ll create ruts.

Ice is 24” in this drain hole. There are two holes like this just off the beach. Please keep you eyes open for others. The pressure ridge that has been separating the north and south broads appears to still be there. Proceed with caution until the layout is determined.

The bad news is that the inn has been closed for the winter. We’ll need to bring our own drinks and lunch, and those from away will find The Senator in Augusta be the best bet for accommodations.

Sensors indicate a nicely evolving surface. The forecast for rain has been reduced to showers, which will be fine because too much rain won’t do us any good, especially as the temps Saturday night are not super cold. But by Monday we should be in good shape for a few days of sailing.

This could be the Spring Fling we’ve all been waiting for. An update will be posted by Sunday at noon after the plate has been checked. Mark Allen photo from March 12, 2017, Lake Farm launch.

There have been a few questions about slush runners recently as the spring sailing season heats up. Denis Guertin shared these photos of his building process.

The edge is 1″ stainless angle, nicely polished. Northwind Iceboats supplies these pre bent.

The bodies 36″ x 5″ and are made from two layers of 1/2″ birch ply. It’s actually 12mm, which leaves room for the formica facing on both sides but check that before you glue everything together. A small notch is cut into the front of the body to receive the end of the angle and fair it in.

Add the formica skins. Fiberglass or carbon fiber can also be used. The final thickness needs to fit easily into your chocks.

Denis used a 45 degree bit to both flush trim the formica and cut the angle on the bottom of the body.

Check the fit. There should be about 10″ of flat on the bottom, centered over the bolt hole just like hard ice runners. (.007 from the pivot 5″ in either direction) You can make the bottom of the runner straight and shim the angle to get the crown.

3M 5200 is a good choice to bond the edges to the bodies. If you don’t use the fast cure version, leave it in the clamps for a couple of days.

Drill the bolt hole an inch down and 1/3 of the way forward measured along the edge. Paul Zucco always keeps his very sharp so he can sail on the hard ice before is softens, and can keep sailing while every one else has gone back to the pits to change runners.

Sailing on slush is really fun, especially if there’s lots of wind. The little bow wave of ice pellets peeling off the front of your runner is mezmerising. The leading edge of your plank takes a beating, though. If you have a softwood core it will erode from ice chips pounding on it, but it will be worth it!