M.B. Marsh Design

To my knowledge, today was the earliest in the year we have ever launched the boat (March 19^th). Typically on our spot of Lake Ontario, we're still waiting for ice-out day at this time. Since it never actually froze anywhere except for a few sheltered, shallow bays, we didn't have to wait this time.

Despite my fears of the lake levels from the lack of snow, it wasn't too bad. Still about 30cm lower than at the melt last year but much higher than it was at the end of August. It was enough to get the boat into the water and out again without any trouble.

It's February. It's Canada. There should be ice.

But this is what Collins Bay looks like today:

And here's the same place last week.

The marina down the road, Collins Bay, had a bit of trouble with their crane on Friday morning. A bit of bad luck, as far as I can tell; this facility is well-known for being among the most careful, meticulous yards around.

Here's the story according to the Whig-Standard.

Reports are that nobody was hurt when one of the crane's stabilizing legs gave way, but the boat it was lifting, along with one adjacent boat, are now in pretty rough shape.