Lake Champlain: The Last Dance

Friend and neighbor, Mac MacDevitt, wraps up the 2010 Lake Champlain (TEQH9T65AVAA) sailing season with a chilly haul from Port Douglas to Essex, New York in his Windrider 17 trimaran. Compelling video footage and narrative capture that bittersweet hankering for one last sail despite the inhospitable conditions, and the admission that he's likely to repeat the foolhardy expedition next year. Great storytelling, Mac!

I'm familiar with Mac's conflicted yearning. Feeling it strongly these last few days. After a winter reprieve in Costa Rica windsurfing last month, I'm itching to get out on Lake Champlain for a polar bear session. I drysuit each spring and fall, but the 33 degree water is only part of the challenge. Half the lake is still covered in ice. And there are no boats out to rescue me if I get in trouble. And yet the allure of windsurfing along the edge of the ice sheet is singing like a siren in my mind day and night. I've resisted so far, but it's time to lash me to the mast, I'm afraid...