Chickawaukie Ice Boat Club

Now that the gear has been patched and the wounds licked we can get back to business. Winds building nicely throughout the day, rain not dripping until after dark.

Lloyd sent this observation from yesterday:

“That was John C. sailing Fred’s Gambit. I saw him fall out, no hike or anything. The Gambit was circling in maybe 50-100 foot circles. John, after a few near catches, figured out that he had to catch it on the up wind side just after it luffed. He fell in and resumed command none the worse for wear. Fred tried for the elusive 40 MPH award, now named “Cheap Thrills 40″ by Doug Raymond. Award design on drawing board. Fred got up to 35.4 MPH, probably good for 40 on clean ice, it is within reach.”

Thanks to everyone who took off their boots and cleats when going into the clubhouse. It’s a good thing to be a considerate guest…

The lake just keeps giving great conditions. Eleven boats braved the conditions with well bundled and foot warmered skippers. The Lambs did the lake top to bottom, through the narrows, a couple of times at full speed. With full size rigs in full size wind one can imagine the speed. Steve’s boat developed small stress cracks in the deck.

Cheapskates were out in force, their tiny 1/8″ runners slicing the thin snow nicely.

Even with regular plates, the dry snow didn’t bother much. It was great fun following behind other boats and watching the great trails of spiraling snow trailing off the stern.

Lee Spiller sends this from Winnipesaukee:

“Ten boats sailed a nice 20kt NW breeze today from Leavitts Beach. Lots of drag racing! A number of boats still on the ice hoping to sail Monday’s SW wind. Many big smiles today.”

Most of the Dammy gang is taking the day off tomorrow. But boats are still on the ice and will be sailed on Tuesday ahead of the rain scheduled for late afternoon. Then days above freezing, rain, etc. Popping out the other end should be nice ice again! Phew…

In spite of the light wind forecasts, sailors from far and wide are showing up to sample the joys of the wonderful lake. Just as Steve and James Lamb showed up the wind began to fill nicely from the NNW. It settled in at 6-8 which is plenty on this nice, smooth ice. A couple of boats got through the narrows, but didn’t dare take a chance on going further with the iffy wind. Bad call. When in doubt, go for it. Who knows: it might be worth a long walk home.

The snow has blown down to offer a nice psychedelic blur at speed. The three Whizz, taking a break from high speed chase, Doug Raymond photo. Doug and Guy were tuning and match racing; don’t know if they are going to the Doc Fellows on Champlain Sunday. Dan from Cape Cod matched up well with Brett from New Jersey, and there were a couple of Lockly Skimmers getting pushed around. Gagnon, Roberts, Fred Partritge and John Hale rounded out the fleet.

Thanks so much to David Lambton for opening up the club house and turning up the heat. It was bitter cold today and the warm house was a real treat: just the sort of thing an iceboat club needs! Boats are on the ice and hope to sail through the snow tomorrow.

Four boats and one wing sailed from Leavitts Beach on Winni Friday. Several other boats set up. The plate between 1 Mile and 3 Mile Islands was sailed. Beyond 3 Mile Island is sailable only by a Hobie Cat, as seen in the photo. The ice is a mixture of slightly rough and smooth. 1/2″ of snow this morning was blowing off by sunset. We will sail again Saturday the wind willing.  Lee Spiller

First, congratulations to Lloyd Roberts for setting the Cheapskate speed bar at such a respectable level. Bob MacEwan, got your GPS charged up?

Damariscotta continues it’s magic. The light air forecast today was fouled by a very nice 5-6kt breeze. Dusting of snow not an issue, and the edge has frozen up tight to the shore again.

Similar winds as today forecast for Saturday, but much better on Sunday. Lots of boats on the ice, but a chance of 1-3″ Saturday night.