While Lake Chickawaukee in Rockport is our home ice, we benefit from a large variety of lakes and ponds within an hour’s drive. Each has it’s own micro climate such that if one lake is snowed out another may have been rained on and re-frozen. Our greatest asset as a club is our network of ice spies. Finding, checking on and reporting sailable ice both for cruising and racing is the foundation of ice boating as a group.
Chickie tends to get rain when others further inland get snow. It is easy to check, and mark hazzards, and makes an excellent racing venue. Access from Roberts Beach, with the fire pit and full sun, is easy and hospitable. http://maps.google.com/maps?msid=213763674592194048222.0004a9dbe4f7a996256d7&msa=0&ll=44.141694,-69.113399&spn=0.01854,0.043988&z=15
Damariscotta Lake is our local “big ice”. Its combination of wide open space and intimate coves and islands make it a favorite. Launch either at Damariscotta Lake Farm at the north end, or Vannah Rd. at the south end. http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?msid=213763674592194048222.00047e4477141d6b4ab47&msa=0
Plymouth Pond is about an hour north, very close to I-95 and is generally the first to freeze. It is behind a ridge separating it from the warm influence of the ocean, and is rather shallow. We watch this one very closely in early December.
Lake Megunticook can be more fickle, with inconsistent ice early in the season and tricky winds, but the raw beauty of the surroundings, sunny lees for lunches, and serpentine passages all create a very special sailing experience. Access is excellent from rt. 105 three miles outside of Camden at Bog Bridge. http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?msid=213763674592194048222.00049d8736f168131777f&msa=0
Moosehead Lake, launch from either Greenville Junction or The Birches at Rockwood, is the holy grail of Maine iceboating. Generally late March, early April when the snow has gone but the ice is still two feet thick. Miles of ice, warm sun, and big dinners with the whole gang. Check the archives for past reports.
Pushaw Lake, Orono, just off I-95. Perfect orientation to the prevailing winter north-west wind. Launch mostly at Goulds Landing. Our preferred course for the CIBC Hundred Mile Race.
There are a handfull of others: St. George, Pemequid, Unity, Clary, Walker, and of course the mighty Sebago, as well as numerous frog ponds too small for boats, but suitable for SkimBats and skating.
We report it all here!
Chickawaukie Ice Boat Club 