ICE BOATING!!!!

The starting line:


If you've never seen or been for a ride on an ice boat - today's the day! Starting around 11 a.m. there will be races of the DN class on Maumee Bay. The races are viewable from any street that deadends into the bay in Point Place. Once they get the race course set up, I will post specific streets that will have the best views.

best viewing point: The starting mark is in the middle of the bay at the end of 116th Street. There's also a rounded parking area the end of this street. 117th will also be good. 125th St. is where most of the boats put on the ice so it's a good point to watch from, but parking may be an issue. However, there is Friendship Park just up the street. 125th is accessible via 124th off Summit and then around Friendship Park...I know, it doesn't make sense, but this is the Point.

After the DNs race the Greiner Open, many of the ice boats will race from Maumee Bay, around the end of the Point and down the Ottawa River to end up at Ottawa River Yacht Club for the rest of the Toledo Ice Yacht Club/ORYC Winterfest Regatta.

Beginning around 1-ish and after the 'race around the horn,' the sailors will offer rides to any interested. Many of the boats seat multiple people. The winds today aren't going to be too strong so this is a perfect time to bring your kids (even the ones who are just kids at heart) and go for a ride.

I shouldn't have to tell you to dress warmly, but a ski-mask type of face covering would be very wise to bring...

Tonight there is a band and, I believe, the Captain Morgan Morganettes (because, as I was informed last night, 'wenches' is not a p.c. term)...

For more information, including a map of the sailing area, visit the TIYC website.

Riding in an iceboat is really a lot of fun...most of the smaller ones will go around 20-30 mph with good air...the larger ones can reach speeds of up to 70 mph.

If you're looking for something to do on a cold Saturday, this is it!

p.s. On the TIYC facebook page is a short video of ride over the ice, in case you're interested in a aerial view.