2/4/04-Since the last update:  9PM Monday through 3PM Tuesday we had sustained temperatures on the Maumee bay of above freezing.  Add to that a little rain, and you have the Zamboni effect.  Ice is still rough where the old frozen drifts were, but has to be substantially better.  Temperatures will not be as high for the rest of the week, but high enough to continue some leveling during mid-day sun.

NCYC - Dave Zoll, Bob Foeller, Kent Baker, and Jason Hall went to NCYC to investigate the ice there.  There are a few ridges that have to be traversed, but was the best ice seen in a while. New black spots were 8-9 inches.  HOWEVER, there are still some rough spots, and there were some fresh cracks (which will happen on a big lake) that would swallow a runner.  Also there is the risk that the ice could blow out - with people on it.  (USCG will rescue you, but not your equipment)  In summary it is day-sailable, but with risks. 

2/2/04-This just in : I've been sailing my DN out in front of NCYC, North Shores and Grandview Beach the last week.  About 1,500ft in front of NCYC there is an area maybe 0.5-0.75 mile by 1 mile of very smooth ice, maybe 9-12 inches thick. 

I leave the beach in front our Grandview home so not sure about launching at NCYC and what its like getting out to the good ice... but once there its great!  I moved the DN from Sam Thurber's home (my brother) where we've been sailing on the Bay this year...but lately its been a bit bumpy.  Will keep you updated as ice in our area changes.... I haven't been over to Luna Pier but looking south from Toledo Beach... it looks promising.  Safe sailing, Neal.       

We also need to investigate a report of good ice off of Turtle Island, though access to the are is still by way of the bumpy stuff.

2/1/04- Ice on the bay is rough.  Saturday quite a few boats went around the horn from the bay to the river.  Only one went around on Sunday that I know of.  There was a 15 meter, a DN, a Sweet 16, and the A-Frame boat all sailing th bay on Sunday.  More in the river. Looking forward - temperatures will be higher this week - hopefully allowing for some of the high spots to smooth out.  There is snow in the forecast, but hopefully we will see enough wind or sun with it to keep it off the ice.

1/30/04- 3 DN's sailed around from the bay to the mouth of the river.  Ran out of daylight or they would have sailed all the way up the river and back.  There is a lot of rough stuff.  You must keep your speed down and eye on the terrain in front of you.  Some of them drifts are solid and will make for a bumpy ride.  Avoid the big ones as they might be steep enough to stop a runner.  River looks real good.  Should be a place to launch right at ORYC if you dont want to sail the bay.  Call the hotline for any additional info as this is the could be the last report for the weekend...   ***419-726-9811***

1/29/04- Ice is about 9 inches thick in the black smooth areas.  Drifting is prevalent near shore.  Drifts are frozen to the extent where they are hard and could be potentially dangerous or damaging.  Sailing might be possible as long as the wind is not too strong and the boat may be easily steered to avoid the drifts.  It appears that there may be some clear lanes for sailing further off shore.  Will investigate this Friday Evening and have a full report.  The Ottawa River looks pretty good and there was a boat sailing it today.  Will investigate how safe it is to make the trip "round the horn".   Visit this site Friday evening to see how the ice is.

1/27/04- Got a call from Nat Kolling declaring an "Ice Boat Emergency"  he said the water was up and any boats within 20 feet of shore would be frozen in if they were not dug out soon.   I dropped what I was doing at the shop and headed over to find he was not exaggerating.  The snow had drifted around the boats then the water came up and saturated the snow. With the help of John and Eddy Gibson and Ryan Lashaway, we dug out 6 DN's,  the front runner of a Renegade and the steering runner of the A-Frame "roast beef".   Both 15 Meters had to be put back on their horses.  We did pretty well, as we saved almost all the horses, and even rescued Bob Foellers firepit.  One of the DN's suffered some deck damage and had its bobstay plate ripped out when it was pulled out of the ice.  Mine got one good gouge in the paint when the shovel deflected off the ice. 

Nothing to do now but wait and see.  The weather is changing rapidly.  As of last night there was about 50% clear ice, the rest was drifted snow 1-3 inches with big drifts occasionally up to one foot deep. 

1/26/04- The wind is still blowing in the mid-20's gusts probably into the 30's   The ice now appears to be at least 50% clear.  The bad news is many our boats are now buried in snow from the drifting near shore.  Small price to pay for the improved ice conditions.  Forecasts call for snow/freezing rain - lets hope we get  very little.

1/25/04- Wow! what a day it was.  15-25 MPH winds.  We had about 8 DN's, a Sweet-16, an Arrow, a Skimmer, and the legendary Roast Beef all sailing at break-neck speeds.  This was not about how fast you could go, but staying in control.  The snow slowed us down a bit during tacks and jibes, but there was just so much speed you never had to get out and push.  I didn't witness it for myself, but Ryan "Crash" Lashaway said the ole Roast Beef was going faster than the Arrow that day.  Around 4PM everyone got cold and tired and began de-rigging.  Ah, but we all had one more shot at it on the Skimmer!  What a hoot!.  Nat Kolling was trying to stay hiked up and got knocked all the way over, giving himself a nice raspberry on his arm.  It was pure entertainment.  After everyone had a turn (who was nuts enough) we went in to warm up.  The wind had now increased to the point that it was blowing the snow off the ice and it was like a great white dust storm out there.  Corey Wisniewski suited up again just before dark and made a few more runs on the skimmer before putting it away.  We all stood, safe and warm inside and watched and laughed as the little craft shot around the bay, occasionally spinning out.  This was not an ideal day for beginners for sure, but a lot of fun for everyone to watch.  We had some cut-throat boot-hockey games also - we all gotta practice for next weekend!

1/24/04- 2PM -  There are 15 meters and DN's sailing!  Consider the snow more an inconvenience than a problem.

1/23/04- Some junior sailors will be rigging between 3 and 4 PM after school for a short ride.  We will also be scoping out the bay for trouble spots to mark or break open, although it is probably very solid at this point.  Join us if you can knock off early...  Outlook is good for the whole weekend.

In case you missed it - there is a new report of 4" of black ice at Alumn Creek, Just North of Columbus, OH.  The area they are sailing in is about .75 mile across and runs just over 1.5 miles north and south between pressure ridges.

Check back here, or better yet check the Hotline after 10PM tonight to find out if and where the Greiner open will take place.

1/22/04- Walked the bay this morning.  Ice appears to be hardening and getting thicker.  Checked out the known trouble spot from Sunday and it all seems to be solid now.  Wind and Sun are doing quite a job on the snow.  Drifts are generally 1.25" or less,  Occasionally there is a rogue drift of up to 4 inches, but they are the exception not the rule.

Several of us will be sailing tomorrow afternoon on the Bay.  Can you knock off early and join us?

Race-wise the commitee is still looking for the best ice to hold the Greiner Open this weekend.  Any ideas please: email us or call our HOTLINE 419-726-9811 and leave a message.

Sand Lake - Report is that Wind and Sun have also had a favorable effect on the snow up there.  Should also be quite sailable.

THIS JUST IN - There is a report of 4" of smooth Black Ice at Alumn Creek (North of Columbus, OH) is about 1.5 miles north and south between pressure ridges and .75 miles across the width of the lake.  They are launching off of a small unmarked access road off of Lewis Center road at the south west corner of the lake.  This is just over 2 hours drive from the Toledo area. 

1/21/04- We are looking for the best raceable ice, preferably within an hour of the Toledo area.  If you know of any places please email us or call our HOTLINE 419-726-9811 and leave a message.  There has been talk of investigating locations as far south as Columbus, Ohio.  Another location we are hoping for a report on is Lake Erie right off North Cape Yacht Club.  It has been said there is a giant slab of sailable ice out there.

Maumee Bay - still appears solid.  Many boats are still rigged and ready to go.  About an inch of snow on top of the ice.  We will be walking the ice tomorrow to check for any more "bubbles" and break them open.  They are often impossible to see, so no guarantee that we can find them all.  Remember we sailed all weekend and did not find our trouble spot until 4:15 Sunday evening.

These "bubbles" we are talking about are spots 1- 4 foot across that have about .25-.50" inch of ice on top - in most cases it sticks up higher than surrounding ice.  With the snow cover they are almost impossible to spot.  The area immediately surrounding these holes are at least 4+" inches thick.  The trapped Air, in combination with insulation of the snow and solar heat seems to keep the water under these bubbles from freezing as quickly as it should.  How do these "bubbles" form?  Well there are several theories, the most probable is that most of our ice formed during high winds and low water which caused some water to be scooped up into a freezing pile that ended up being weak and crusty (kind of like frozen slush) when the water came back up, the water eroded the ice from underneath forming the weak spots.  Others suggest pollution, such as oil at the surface could have caused it.  And of course, swamp gas is another possibility.

1/18/04- Maumee Bay - Beautiful sunny day.  15-25 MPH.  Not too cold.  Snow is one to two inches and there are lots of bumps in some areas.  We had 3 Renegades, one 15 meter, one skimmer, and about 10 DNs sailing.  Found a hole early somewhere around 140th street out maybe 1/4 mile or less.  Wasn't a problem as there was no wind in there so nobody was going there.   Best Ice is out toward the island at least halfway.  Little after 4PM one of our sailors found a hole with his runner and plank not far from our Weather mark.  No serious injuries, but needs a new plank and some repairs on his hull.  One of the people that came to his aid found another hole 20 feet away and went in up to his chest.  Was able to pull himself out and sail to shore and change.  After that Most of us went in.  Several people are planning on going Sailing Monday.  This is not safe Ice be careful.  The snow cover makes it impossible to find the thin spots to mark them or bust them open so they can freeze hard.  .

No word about Sand Lake.  Should have been sailable if there was enough wind to drive through the snow.

1/17/04- Sand Lake had little wind and a bit of snow.  Races were called after the first one didn't make its time limit.

Maumee Bay - By 10:44 AM there were two DN's out moving well through the snow.  5 more DN's and a Renegade joined the fun  A little work to get the boats moving in the light wind and snow, but we all got some great rides.  Sailed till the wind died around 4PM.  Then three of us had to walk in about a mile.  Nice day. The forecast is for WNW 17MPH Gusts to 32 on Sunday. Should be good weather to try out the "Skimmer Rodeo" contest.

1/16/04- Walked the ice this afternoon with Randy, Jason,  and Lester.  There are some holes which we busted them open - they should freeze up with about 2 inches of ice by tomorrow.  They are not too big but big enough to swallow a runner if you are going too slow.  There are certain areas on the bay to avoid, but it is sailable, not raceable.  Air was too light for sailing in the snow.  Thought we had about 10 DNs ready for action all afternoon.  Word is that Sand Lake is looking good but does have some snow and drifts.  Might be raceable if there is the right amount of wind.  Race committee will make that determination at the meeting tonight.

1/15/04- 2 DNs and a Skimmer sailed last night in the snow.  light wind probably 7-10.  While there is some accumulation, off shore where the better ice is, much of the snow has been blown clear.  It is confirmed that there will be at least 4 DN's and and 1 skimmer on the Bay Friday.  So any of you that feel "a little flu" symptoms start workin it now so you can join us tomorrow.  Hoping for 3 day weekend of sailing.  The Greiner Open is the next scheduled race.  May or may not be this weekend, and may be at Sand Lake or at Maumee Bay - Race Committee's call.

1/13/04- The bay is sailable quicker than I thought it would be.  The recent warm weather has melted down most of the high spots, low spots filled in with new clear ice.  You need to sail out about 1/4 mile from shore to get to the best ice.  Closer in you may come across some mud and shells at the surface.  It is much improved and already hard.  Expected lows of 16 tonight and single digits tomorrow night should thicken it beyond the 4 inches we have now.  Shoreline as usual has about a 4 foot rim of thin or soft ice requiring use of ramps.  Junior sailors may be on the ice by 3PM Wednesday.

1/12/04- Warm Temperatures and a brief period of snow/rain mix is giving the Maumee Bay a "Zamboni Effect"  Not sailable ice at this time.  Temperatures expected to drop below freezing every night with a Tuesday low of 16 degrees.  Temperatures will stay down for a while after that meaning the outlook is good so far for this coming weekend

1/11/04- Sand lake has nice green ice (3+ inches) once you get into the area that was once a hole 3 days ago.  (don't stand around in big groups though....)  Sunday racing was "blown out" but a few hardy souls did sail.

Maumee Bay is continuing to improve each day.  We had two skimmers, 3 DNs, one Renegade, and Lashaway's had an old A-Frame boat out...  moving along real fast.  Ice is mostly Hard, but white spots are small holes with frozen slush on top.  We saw a three wheeler plant its front wheel in one.  Nobody on ice boats reported any problems with the holes other than bouncing over them.  Sailed clear out to Grassy.  Most of the private ramps are in now.

1/10/04- Sand Lake was great got 7 races off for the Mielink.  First two were light-air, the rest a little heavier - typical puffy shifty small lake conditions.  Where the hole was two days ago was about 3 inches of fantastic Green Ice.  Some people will return to Sand Lake on Sunday.

The Maumee Bay continues to improve.  Nat Kolling walked the ice, then put his Renegade on and sailed.  There are a few places to look our for - a slush hole or two.  It looks like many of the club members will be at the bay Sunday.  Possibly starting the day at ORYC for breakfast.  Ramps need to be put on at 125th (they are there, just not in place).  As far as I know none of the private ramps are in yet, but should be by Noon.

AS ALWAYS CALL THE HOTLINE FOR THE MOST UP-TO-DATE INFO   419-726-9811

1/9/04- From Glen Betzoldt: 2pm At the access 4.5 to 5" snow type ice and then 10' of  slush type ice from the wind blowing water on to this snow ice, You have to cross over this Ok? now we are on brand new black ice witch is 2.25" and covers 3/4 of the lake, real nice ice you can walk on it with out any cracks. So last night it made 3/4" of ice. Tonight another 3/4 will give us 3" of goood ice.  So thats  the ICE STORY. I'd sail it.  The WIND STORY. for tomarrow on acu-weather calling for light winds 0 to 6 I think but getting windy later and real windy on Sunday 17+ with big gust.

With forecasted lows at 2 degrees tonight, ice should continue to thicken and get safer.   Call the hotline before you take off just in case there are any new developments.

Maumee bay was checked at Noon Today.  Ice is around 3.5" But along shore some spots may only have half an inch up to 10 feet from shore.  We got on at the 125th street access where the wind pressure is pushing the ice into shore there.  Ice is still too lumpy for anything other than light air cruising.  If anyone sails the Bay this Weekend we would appreciate more details from you.
 

1/8/04-  Glen reports that Sand lake is now frozen over and has 1.5 inches 4.5 inches near the ramp.  He is confident that the continued cold weather will allow for safe, sailable ice by Saturday. 

Maumee Bay is only about 1.5 inches thick. Not safe.  Difficult to get onto with the typical rim of water and slush along shore.  Will check it again tomorrow.  Still a bit lumpy although it looks like it would be sailable toward man-made island.  Anticipated 40 degree weather on Monday may help smooth out the surface.

1/7/04-  Bay is frozen.  Too windy and it looks pretty lumpy.  Will look at it a little closer Thursday and Friday and give more information.

Word from Sandlake is the wind kept churning it up and it is still open.  Looking for word on how Wamplers Lake looks.

1/6/04-  As predicted, the temperatures dropped.   Unfortunately it was a little windy, so the bay didn't freeze over yet, but it is trying.  Hopefully wind and snow will be minimal the next few days.   The Plan is until further notice - Sand Lake this weekend.  As always call the Hotline 419-726-9811 before you leave to make sure that is what is going on for sure.

1/2/04-  We are currently looking for the best (or is it any ice) ice we can find.  If you know of any please leave a message at our hotline.  I will post updates ASAP Friday night.  Check the hotline for the most current updates.

The Maumee Bay is does not have a lick of ice on it currently.  Temperatures are expected to drop beginning Saturday night, so sailable ice is possible in the near future if wind and snow stays to a minimum for a while.  Sorry no, picture today - it was a beautiful sunrise, but no ice, so I wont bother you with it.

12/27/03-  Commodore Rich Potcova called in this report today:  Ice at Wamplers lake (click for map).   Sailing there Saturday and Sunday.  This will be considered tune-up weekend and there will be scrub races.

12/22/03-  This Report came in today from Commodore Rich Potcova:  George Reis got a report  about some ice up north late Saturday.   George, Tom and myself  took off at 8:00am yesterday and made it to 8 Mile lake (near Claire, MI ) by about noon.  Lots of sailing.  Gusty wind - 10-20 knots and sticky ice - about 2" of melting snow.   When you sailed into a hole you were toast because there wasn't any coasting thru it.   Not perfect but it was the first ride !!     I spun out in a gust going down wind  w/ a tangled sheetline - Randy Rogoski got tossed out of his boat during one race.     Sun glare was real bad at the weather mark -  I lost track of it and perfectly impaled a construction cone with my steering runner.   Just real out of shape and sore today.   My brother Tom went up with George and I  and did real well.  He'll be tough this year when its blowin'.   George is showing some good speed too.    I just showed up !!    Sailing with the Gold fleet  is very humbling.....

12/19/03-  People would say I was nuts yesterday if they saw the bay...  by noon it was all open water.  No more reports until I see people walking on it...

12/14/03-  East winds and waves turned the ice to mush...  well it was only maybe a half-inch thick.  There are some slush islands floating about, and the duck hunters are back out in full force.

12/13/03 - ICE!  Thanks to calm conditions and cold weather last night, the bay is at least 95% frozen.  However, It is quite thin - I wouldn't walk on it if I were a duck!

12/11/03 - No ice yet, although some ice has been seen on calm, cold mornings.  These migratory ducks are enjoying one of their twice-a-year visits on the Maumee Bay.  They will be well on their way south by the time the ice freezes.