The 1981 Iceless Bonspiel

At one time, early in our history, the club hosted 2 winter bonspiels: The Doldrums and the Indian Summer.

In January 1981 we were hosting the Doldrums. The first draws were held Thursday evening. Friday morning when Bob Ottaviano opened the Club preparatory to the first draws of the day he was surprised to see water on the ice surface.  Further investigation showed that both compressors had "blown" ending their chance to maintain ice for the Spiel. As President Bob called a meeting of the skips attending the Spiel and informed them of the problem. Bob told them that any rink that wanted to leave would receive their rink fee back, if they stayed they would party for the weekend. Everyone decided to stay. 

They made paper sailboats and paper fans for the teams to compete in sailboat races along with other spur of the moment ideas. They kept the party going thru Saturday night when they had their dinner at Coonamesett Inn.  One of the members, Murray Appel, had some how gathered together 3 or 4 boxes of used rubber boots and galoshes. During the dinner he passed them out to various rinks for fictional feats of bravery and skill at "Water Spieling".

After the Spiel was over Bob designed a patch which was sent to every rink member who was there. Additional patches were presented to those members of our Club who bad been instrumental in pulling off our "Iceless Bonspiel"

If you see someone with this patch know that he or she helped to build Cape Cod's reputation for hosting great Bonspiels whether we have ice or not.

Submitted by Robert Ottaviano