Chickawaukie Ice Boat Club

Just to the east of Pushaw lays Perch Pond. It’s a mile long by a half mile wide. Right now it has six inches of hard ice and no obvious flaws. Pushaw has similar ice but with a few big open holes, easy to see, and some runner sized ones that vary between full thickness and no thickness. Basically, land mines. With temps above freezing all night they will not heal.

So, with a light north wind forecast Perch is the Place. Snow appears to be on its way later in the week and will cover everything, so this will be the last chance for a while. Rain overnight might leave the plate wet, but probably won’t affect its integrity.

The ice on Pushaw today. Very nice stuff.
Exit 193 from I95. Kirkman Rd to Poplar Rd. Launch at Sewell Park.

There’s not much good news to report as we move into 2023. The ice we had last week after the big freeze is in retreat. But the season is still young and we have many great days of sailing ahead. Later in the week we get back to cold temps and if the ice survives up north then we might find something. A few of the shallower lakes around Millinocket have frozen, and Pushaw might come back. Quebec is still in play.

Meanwhile, here’s a nice tease from last week somewhere in New York state. Follow the black ice road:

https://youtu.be/mLLIyFldfqs

The DN World Championships and North Americans are starting January 23 somewhere in the Western Region. We have an impressive contingent from New England participating, probably the biggest for a distant regatta in a long time. Here’s who’s signed up so far:

Ed Demerest, Jay Whitehair, Paul Chamberland, T. Theiler, Rick Bishop, Eben Whitcomb, Karen Binder, John Stanton, Bill Buchholz, Jeff Roseberry, Milo Fleming, Peter Truesdale, Richard Gluckman,
Chris Gordon, Chad Adkins, Jeff Kent, Chris Miller, Scott Valentine, and a few others still on the fence.

Go Team New England!

o

A wonderful gift appeared under the heavenly tree this morning. Barnegat Bay skimmed over from shore to frozen shore. Ice in New Jersey isn’t generally big news here at CIBC but the Jersey guys deserve a little attention every now and then. They’ve been making the long drive north for ice since they have found less local ice in recent years.

This Christmas plate appears to be a grade .5, half inch thick. It will probably grow over the next few days before locally seasonable temps return.
Back in Maine there will be a number of possibilities for sailing this week. Plymouth is locked in with plate of smooth black ice, and we are awaiting a report from Pushaw later today. If anyone can have a look at Sabattus, that would be great.
Meanwhile, wishing everyone lots of sails and runners under the tree, and great cheer with family and friends.

O

Upon reading the inspiring story of David Jansen, in the latest CIBC newsletter, a question was proposed to the CIBC board of directors.

Should CIBC use club funds, for a donation be made to David Jansen to support him in his pursuit to build the worlds largest iceboat?

David is just a regular guy with big dreams. He’s come this far paying as he goes. The last big expense is the sail.

I am pleased to announce that the board unanimously voted to help out and send support.

Following is a copy of the letter sent to David.

Hi David,

We here at CIBC we are following your build and quest to construct and sail the world’s largest iceboat. Our recent club newsletter (a copy included) had a wonderful article about you and your boat.

While reading the article I noticed that you are at the point where sails are needed and I had the thought that we might join in and help you out.

The board of directors for the club took a vote and unanimously approved a donation.

Enclosed please find a check for $500.00 to assist you in procuring the sails you will need to power this magnificent beast. I am assuming that she is still unnamed?

Please keep us informed and send a few pics as you can.

Sincerely,

Jim Gagnon

CIBC Treasurer

W5

Email: jiminsouthport

PS. I will be posting a notice on our club web site, to our members, to include them and share the news of their donation.

If you permit, I will include your mailing address in the post, so that if other clubs or individuals that follow us, and might wish to contribute, can. 



Sent from my iPad

Here’s a little video made by Denis Guertin from footage taken by Courtney. Don’t worry about the incident; the Guy is fine aside from a broken tiller. The bottom mark was very lively yesterday, made especially morso by the open water if you rounded it too deep.

https://youtu.be/yvJPJoPBYuE