Welcome to the Winnipesaukee View. Where you can find information on Lake Winnipesaukee and the surrounding area.

April 2008

This issue will focus on getting ready for boating in the 2008 season. I will cover subjects on when ice out occurs, the mandatory boating course, boat safety checks and the Winnipesaukee boat show. So, sit back and enjoy.

Ice Out

Ice out is an unofficial start to the spring boating season in Lake Winnipesaukee. Many people have guessed when ice out will be. There is an official contest every year. Because of our almost record breaking snowfall this winter, ice out will probably be late this year. Most of the time, ice out occurs in April. But, there's still quite a lot of ice on Lake Winnipesaukee. Perhaps it could break the record for the latest ice out on record, which is May 12, 1988.

Find out more about ice out by going to www.lake-winnipesaukee-travel-guide.com/ice-out.html.

Boating Course

If you haven't taken the boating class yet, there isn't much time. If you've put it off until the last minute, well...the last minute is here. Everyone who operates a boat with greater than twenty-five horsepower in New Hampshire needs to take the class by this year (2008). You will need proof of documentation that you have completed the boating course.

Lakes Region Sail and Power Squadron will be holding the boating class at the Paugus Bay Marina showroom on the following Saturdays: May 24, June 21, July 12 and August 9. For more information you can call (603)279-5505. The cost of the course is $20 for one or $35 for two sharing a book.

You can also take the course online and set up a date for the test. Go to www.boat-ed.com/nh/index.htm for more information on the boating course.

Boat Safety Checks

For those who want to feel more secure about the safety of your vessel, the Lakes Region Sail and Power Squadron will be offering a free vessel safety check to boat owners in central New Hampshire. The following is the summer schedule for 2008:

• June 7 - Paugus Bay Marina, Lakeport; Lakeport Landing, Lakeport

• June 14 - Parker Marine, Alton Bay; Roberts Cove Marina; West Alton Marina

• June 28 - Town Dock Days: Alton Bay, Center Harbor, Meredith, Wolfeboro

• July 5 - Fay's Boat Yard, Gilford

• July 12 - Quayside Yacht Club, Moultonboro Neck

• July 19 - Channel Marine, Weirs Beach; Irwin Marine, Lakeport

• July 26 - Harilla Landing, Moultonboro

• August 2 - Silver Sands Marina, Gilford

• August 3 - Y Landing, Meredith

Boat Show

Looking to buy a new boat or are you just interested in seeing what's out there for the 2008 boating season? Now, you can enjoy a boat show without having to drive to Boston. Come and join the fun for the First Annual Winnipesaukee Boat Show being held from April 25 to April 27th.

There will be 14 participating marinas around Lake Winnipesaukee with more than 4,000 boats on display. For more information on the Lake Winnipesaukee Boat Show and participating hotels, visit: www.biglakeboating.com.

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