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DN Racing VT – 1/18/26 – Google Photos
Thanks to Danny Burger for these great photos from last weekend!
2026 New England Championship Results
Long before the New England Regatta concluded yesterday, and well before the first skipper’s meeting, weeks of scouting, sailing, and securing local access were already underway. Race Committee Chairman Paul Chamberland and Jeff Roseberry put in the groundwork that made this regatta possible.
With the DN North Americans approaching, it was important to grab this opportunity. As most of you know, an ice opportunity not taken is often a missed regatta or days cruise. Paul was clear in his recommendation. Sandbar State Park had the best ice, and with his extensive scouting behind it, the decision was easy. And as we now know most of the rest of New England was covered in white this weekend.
The ice delivered. Conditions were generally smooth, though there was a light snow layer from early Saturday’s snows. It was not deep and inserts ruled the day. Winds cooperated generally out of the south up and down and always enough to move.
Special thanks again to Paul Chamberland, who pulled off an excellent regatta. In his own words:
“At times I was overwhelmed by all the details needed to pull off a successful regatta. There were no on-ice incidents other than a broken headstay tang. A fantastic time was had by all.”
Racing was competitive and clean. Congratulations to our friends to the north, with John Curtis taking commanding first and Jacek Marzenski second. Jeff Roseberry finished third, followed by Paul Chamberland in fourth. Ed Demerest rounded out the top five, holding on despite the only incident of the regatta, a broken headstay tang that resulted in a dropped rig. On a personal note I was able to sort out a number of issues and test them (on ice) in real time.
As always, no regatta happens without volunteers. Thanks to the Race Committee team, and to Nina Fleming, who transformed handwritten results into the official standings. Whether on wheels or blades Nina is our go to RC person.
Sandbar was not exclusively about DNs. Steve Lamb and Peter Coward arrived with their boats to take advantage of the expansive ice. Given the snow that covered much of New England, they made the right call and enjoyed big ice and miles of speed while the DNs turned laps. Next time we call big ice consider spending an extra hour or so of travel time. It is well worth the drive time.
Side note and a testament to the NEIYA’s history, we have outgrown NEIYA’s Grand New England Championship trophy. We have run out of room on the Trophy. To continue the 56-year tradition, Jeff Roseberry has volunteered to craft additional panels to carry future winners.
Think Ice,
John
DN5023
John@neiya.org
Racers
Good luck this weekend in Vermont. May the ice and winds be ever in your favor.
Lake Wentworth
Resurfaced nicely but have not checked thoroughly yet. Safe sail but I’d like to check out Wolfeboro bay. Final weather check needed.
Long Weekend’s Fun Has Just Begun (1-16-26)
We had a record number of people on our call last night, and we know some participants experienced difficulties. I’d like to blame Verizon, but regardless, we’re looking into what went wrong.
Ice reports poured in from Northern Lake Champlain, Sunapee, and Quaboag, all of which are being sailed right now. Lake Wentworth will be surveyed, with more details coming in a separate post. Ice-in was declared on January 15 on one of New England’s biggest iceboating prizes, Lake Winnipesaukee, and scouting is already underway.
Farther north, sailors are out today on Great Pond in Belgrade, Maine. Check the Chickawaukie Ice Boat Club website, iceboat.me, for details.
There’s also word that Bantam Lake in Connecticut may be ready, with people checking it out today.
As previously reported, the New England Championships will be held on Lake Champlain out of Sandbar State Park in Vermont. Racing is open to everyone, from seasoned ranked racers to more casual sailors and those just getting started. There will be a special award for the best boat in the Vintage class. Separate starts will be given to any class that gets three boats to the line. Any takers from the Whiz class?
We could also use some race committee help. No experience is required, just a desire to have the best view of the racing. Reach out to me if you’re interested.
There is plenty of ice for both racers and cruisers, so come on up and sail.
Think Ice,
John
DN 5023
john@neiya.org
DN NE CHAMPS THIS WEEKEND! NOR, SI’s, AND INFO
Hello All! IT’S GAME TIME!
Paul, Jeff and Jascek sailed Champlain out of Sand Bar State Park today and are giving it great reviews, so the NE Champs are ON for this weekend!
Regatta location as stated above is Sand Bar State Park in Milton VT. Regatta HQ as it were will be the Hampton Inn in Colchester VT. The guys are working on getting us a regatta discount.
Read the NOR and SI’s below, and make sure you have your proof of insurance. NO EXCEPTIONS!!
Looking forward to seeing everyone tomorrow morning!
T Thieler on behalf of Paul Chamberland et al
DN NE CHAMPS ARE ON!
OK Gang, it’s on for this weekend!
DN New England Champs are ON. Sounds like Champlain is in good shape, wind forecast is good for the weekend. Chamberland and Roseberry have been sailing and scouting around Sand Bar State Park near Burlington tonight VT and will finalize a site by tomorrow afternoon.
Launch will likely be Sand Bar State Park.
Plenty of lodging in the area; the boys are scoping that out as well.
Skippers Meeting Saturday AM at launch, 10:30AM
First Race at 11:00AM
Be sure to have your insurance with you!!! NO EXCEPTIONS
Regular iceboating rules apply- familiarize yourselves with them at
https://www.idniyra.org/racing/rules-safety/
NOTE- some iceboating Right Of Way rules differ from soft-water rules so read them closely-
IF three of any class show up and want to race they will get a start and races of their own- all welcome!
In the DN Class a Vintage / Classic trophy will be awarded to the boat and skipper that has a certain combo of age / wear and tear / battle scars / character / and results!
We are looking for volunteers to run and score races- earn some karma and volunteer! If you are interesting in helping score or run races contact James “T” Thieler at t_thieler@yahoo.com
If not no big deal, we can use the Maine system (Regatta Chair runs first race, from there on whoever wins a race gets to run and score the next one. Average points awarded for the races missed. I think. Will figure it out when the smart people get there)
Feel free to contact me with any questions or to let me know what I’ve forgotten-
Stay tuned to NEIYA site for details and updates!
Think ICE and LINE ‘EM UP!!
Looking @ The Long Weekend Ahead
Sunapee 1-12-26 By Kate Marone
As reported earlier there has been some great sailing to be had across New England. From Champlain, to Sunapee, Wentworth and Quaboag as well as others. As we know there is a front coming through and as usual remain flexible and adapt.
Race Chair Paul Chamberland is currently assessing locations to hold our New England Championship Regatta. Top of the list Sandbar area Lake Champlain VT. We can always use more intel so chime in please.
OFFICIAL Regatta info will be posted here neiya.org. We expect to make the regatta call by tomorrow night.
To aid in race coordination we will open our call with a regatta segment during our usual Thursday 6:30 PM call. Call is open to all current NEIYA members. Membership includes most racing fees. Don’t remember the phone number drop me an email today or early tomorrow. Additional regatta info to follow.
This is looking like a really great ice weekend. See you out there whether racing or cruising.
Think Ice,
John
Skimming Wentworth
Lake Wentworth Update
Ice Welcoming Us Back
With the warm weather and rain pretty much behind us there are a few places ready to go tomorrow and early in the week.
We have reports from Quaboag in MA, Sunapee in NH and Sandbar State Park on VT’s Champlain.
As always but especially with fluctuating conditions check be careful there are always hazards. Sail heads up and talk to those who are familiar with the area.
From Quaboag
Just got back from Quaboag, 10 inches of ice in front of the ramp,the surface looks consistent across the pond. Temp is 37 at 4:00.
It’s going to be 32: at 11 and 24 in the morning.
I will be setting up around 10 am. It’s there if you want to sail.
Bob S
From Sunapee
The ice on Sunapee was wet today with pools of water on the ice. Lots of ice fisherman out, so the thickness and strength are not an issue. It is at freezing now and will be sub freezing all night. Wind tomorrow forecast for 13 to 11 mph from 11am to 3 pm. The ice may level significantly (I hope) and puddles freeze overnight.
I plan to be at the state beach at 11 AM (with my boat) to check it out. I would say there is a good chance for good sailing.
Mark
Think Ice,
John
John@neiya.org
New England Ice Yacht Association 