After the rain & several days in the 50s, ice at a local Hudson Valley Lake managed to hold on and Friday night's cold firmed up ice and, just as important, the mud in the front yard.
Whirwinds I, II, and III, L-R.
There was a harmonic convergence of Whirlwinds outside of Newburgh as Whirwinds I, II, & III took to the ice. 2 of the 3 put runners to Hudson Valley ice for the first time ever. A few puffs of wind mid-afternoon got 2 of the 3 out for a few nice runs across the Lake. We have about 40 hours until the next "January thaw" puts the boats on blocks for a spell. ( How many January thaws are allowed??).
Take the opportunity while one can.
Brand new plank for Whirlwind.
Whirlwind. Built by George Buckhout, circa 1920. 31' 350 sq ft of sail. She's fast!
Whirlwind II, circa 1920, originally from Vermont.Was discovered in a barn in Maine and restored by Chickawaukie Ice Boat Club wizards Bill Buchholz & Lloyd Roberts ( and one other craftsman I can't remember).
I acquired her last winter and this was her first time on the ice. She's a beauty!
Whirlwind II is 22' long. A storm sail was rigged initially to finish her restoration. Plans are to convert it back to gaff-rigged
perhaps a cat boat or sloop rigged. Not enough wind today to push the small sail area. That's where teenagers come in....
Whirlwind III, circa 1930; ~250 sq ft of sail; 30' long.
Whirlwind III was built in Syracuse and sailed on Lake Onondaga.
Now sailed by the Lawrence family, 2nd owners.
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