Plymouth Opener 12/16

Five boats braved the boring forecast to make the trip to Plymouth with hope. The worst that could have happened is we push the boats around, searching for a puff and getting some good exercise. Not to mention catching up with old friends and making sure all the pins are in place and the alignment right. And then there’s the greasy pizza at the Plymouth Store for lunch.

As it turned out the wind came on strong and blew all day, first from the west and then later backing to the south where it was forecast. But the windspeed was easily double: steady ten with some hiking gusts. The ice was a solid four inches with one small patch of 2” which, as we were marking it, Dave sailed across to stress test it. What a guy!

In addition to Fortier, we had CIBC Secretary Jim Turner, Event organizer Michael Young, Videographer Dan Stillman, and your correspondent.

At Sabattus Lake, Lee Spiller found a fabulous plate of black ice. He reports that the lake has been lowered five feet. Is it the drought, or an intentional draw down?

We haven’t sailed Sabattus for many years now. Let’s hope this plate survives the coming week.