Chickawaukie Ice Boat Club

The moat was thick enough to walk across early this morning, so if it’s thick enough for a couple a guys a trailer should be fine, right? Apparently not. Not only did the trailer drop through, creating two large holes, but the water began to well up and within the hour had soaked the entire marge.

Nonetheless, we turned to carrying boats over the bank. The sun was shining, the temps were low thirties and the beginnings of a breeze was tickling the trees. Jeff gets the prize for setting up his boat on the road side of the moat and then hauling her through the water to the other side, runners riding nicely on the submerged ice.

There were a few more boats that didn’t make the line up; probably about fifteen in all. The SE wind reversed the sailing directions for the lake, which is always fun. The ice is about like what you see here all over the south end, eight inches reported by a nearby fisherman. No drain holes or new pressure ridges. About how we left it last week.

One of the hight points of the day was the launch and maiden voyage of Mini Skeeter #103, skippered with gusto and aplomb by Katie Cousins. The wind was measured at a steady 15 with gusts into the low 20’s. She took her out and brought her back all in one piece. Well, actually two pieces: one of the sheet blocks abandoned ship when its shackle threw the pin.

Thanks to Rob Dmitriof for donating the sail.

Boats are on the ice, planning to sail for a couple of more days. We didn’t manage to organize an expedition to the north end; the pressure ridge will need some work to get over this time. Snow forecast for Tuesday night might put an end to this round but until then it looks like smooth sailing.

We haven’t gotten final word on access, but since Megunticook’s moats are now passable it’s safe to assume Vannah Rd is as well.

So, sailing looks good for the next few days. Small chance of some precip during the day tomorrow but nothing major.

Hope to see you there!

The couple of inches of rain yesterday more than wetted out the lakes. The runoff has left wide moats around access spots at Megunticook and Damariscotta. Temps tonight are unlikely to freeze them. The ice on both Dammy and Megunticook looks nice:

If there was a better wind forecast for tomorrow there might be interest in attempting a crossing. Sunday looks better for wind, but includes a small chance of precipitation. The moats will have shrunk by then as well.

Lee Spiller sent this from Jordan Bay with comment below:

This is Jordan Bay off Raymond Beach Friday afternoon. The hole has 7″ of ice. There is some wet shell near the ramp but farther out seemed ok at least where I went. Should be great Saturday.

Wind forecast for Segago is 4-6 mph tomorrow.

But just to put this lovely plate in perspective, here’s grade -3, Rt.52 launch ramp:

Rob Dmitriof has discovered a stash of new Skimmers and is offering at least two for sale.

$750.oo each. The Skimmer is a great way to get into the sport. The picture below is not one the boats for sale. They have never been on the ice.

Contact Rob at 207-350-6219

Meanwhile, today in Rhode Island:

Lake Worden. Any more good ice hiding down there?

Way to go, guys! Bryce Geele sent in this report:

“After some volunteer work this morning, then some preparations for the storm at our place in Nobleboro, I headed down the East Pond Road a little after noon, intending to go home to Thomaston for lunch and maybe a snooze on the couch in front of the wood stove. On a whim when I got to Rt One, I took a short detour over to the Vannah Rd. There were a couple of vehicles at the landing, and two familiar sails across the lake. Fast food at the little store in Nobleboro village, a quick trip back up the East Pond Road to pick up my Cheapskate, and I was sailing by about 1:30. We had light but very sailable air for the hour and a half or so that I was there. Bob MacEwen said that he and Tony and Joel had had good moderate air since they arrived soon after 10am until just before I got there. They were taking turns in the two boats. There was nearly as much bare ice as earlier in the week. I didn’t think about pix till we were back at the pits.”