Chickawaukie Ice Boat Club

While it’s probably not time yet to cue the corpulent contralto, today sure had the feel of a late season day. Sun in the face, mud on the feet, and open water around the edge. But the ice was still in full winter mode: hard, smooth and fast. Drain holes were an issue after all. One Lockley got ripped apart, but the skipper was ok. And whoever made these tracks below ought to buy a lottery ticket.

You must admit his aim was spot on. Couldn’t of hit it any better.

Wind was ten to fifteen and held all day. The marge held all day as well. The south wind had packed the plate tight up against the shore, eliminating the wide “mortar joints” between the drifting plates. Close to twenty boats got on and off with no problem. Much thanks to Jack, who lives in the old clubhouse, for opening the ramp for us. Made all the difference today.

Here’s the spring centerfold.

This ice here probably won’t last through next week, so all eyes are looking north. Reports from Moosehead are contradictory, to say the least, but there sure are lots of them. Once we know something for sure, you’ll be the first to know!

The storm left Damariscotta Lake with one of the best surfaces of the season. The forecast calls for light to moderate SW winds, nice temps and sunshine, The only issue is access. As you can imagine, the Lake Farm beach is a mess, as is most of the perimeter of the lake.

But if you can get your boat down the beach and across some planks, this is what awaits you:

The ice is 4-5” at the beach and 8” further out. No drain holes other than skimmed fishing holes were observed. That doesn’t mean there are none out there.

There might be another launch option but I need a head count to make that work. Please let me know if you’re coming. Text 207-975-6980 by the ned of today.

The old pressure ridge has become a major lead, but it is easy to see and in by Wavus there is a sail over spot. We might not get down the narrows but that big south bay is pretty nice.

This will most likely be the end of Dammy for the season. At least we will have made it into March, barely!

After yesterday’s jamborie a half dozen boats were left on the ice hoping for one more sail before the tropical onslaught. The photo is from yesterday. This morning a snow squall blew through early, leaving a light white dusting on the ice. Perfect set-up for a day due to hit the high forties. The snow will protect the ice from the sun, keeping it from softening. Ideal for a light wind day.

Two boats crossed the pressure ridge and headed for the narrows. One quick dip down and back. Not too much to ask. But alas, by noon the runners were breaking through and the wind was dying.
Bill Bunting was there for his second sail of the season, Yellow Bird and crew, Ben Fuller in the Lake Skeeter, Linc Davis in Cheapskate, and Ralph Ferguson in his Pocket Skeeter.

Now we just wait and see.

In Minnesota the North Americans are under way in challenging conditions. Check out the standings from day One here:

The New Englanders are putting on a fine performance! Paul and Jeff are still one point apart, just like the at NW regatta!

Unlike yesterday, today at Lake Farm didn’t disappoint. The sun was out, the ice was pretty smooth and hard, and the wind blew a steady 8 mph out of the southwest with occasional gusts from 10 to 12 mph. There were at least fifteen boats along with skaters and wings. Some of the boats were sailing for the first time this season. We all stuck to the north plate and had a great day. At least four boats were left on the ice with plans for one last sail tomorrow before the forecasted warm weather begins on Tuesday. I am sorry there are no new photos because I was having so much fun that I forgot to stop to take any.

Well things didn’t workout as planned today. Ten boats showed up to sail. There was plenty of wind and, at times, way too much. Combine that with skim ice over the areas where the snow drifts had melted into puddles and you have some hairy sailing because either your rear runners would break loose from the ice and the boat would skid sideways or your steering runner wouldn’t bite so you couldn’t turn while you were barreling towards shore. The forecast called for the wind gusts to slowly drop but I saw no sign of that happening while I was there. Most of the boats went out several times to see if things improved, but by 14:00 it was pretty clear that we wouldn’t be comfortable sailing today. However, it wasn’t all bad because everyone hung around and gabbed in the bright sunshine. Eight of the ten boats were left on ice so we could do it all over again tomorrow. (See Photo Below) The forecast is for temperatures as low as 10 degrees tonight and more moderate SW winds tomorrow. So I’m looking forward to a better day tomorrow.