Choices…

It’s nice to have multiple choices to sail once again. Not some kind of standardized test but loads of fun from NY to Maine.

Chickawaukie Pond was back in style and details and a big ice update are on the CIBC site.

Moving further south, an often overlooked plate, Lake Attitash in Merrimac, MA (just off I495) was sailed by local Paul Delnero and others who reported good conditions. Paul would like to extend an invitation to come up and sail anytime conditions allow.  Paul may even send in some pictures next time.

Long Pond in Lakeville, MA was buzzing with a number of groups and classes sailing about.  Most of the lake was sailable and should remain in good shape the rest of and going into the weekend. Ice is fluid and conditions WILL CHANGE. We await EOW reporting.

Jeff Soderholm Long Pond Lakville, MA 3-1-14 Click image for full album

NEIYA race honed Rich Cruchet unleashed his talents locally and took the Long Island Championship held on Lake Ronkonkama this weekend.  Congratulations Rich!

Over the past week, all forms of media, ice boat media, social and traditional, have been abuzz over the returning of ice and the Jack Frost after 11 years to the Hudson. This was soon followed up by word that that the North Shrewsbury Yacht Club’s Ice boat Rocket would sail for the first time since her restoration. The historic stage was set for a true Stern Steerer Palooza.

Seeing Jack Frost and Rocket gliding across the nearly shore-to-shore ice was a spectacular sight.  Had it not been for the channel being cut by an ice breaker and kept open by barge traffic, we could have sailed right to the western shore of the Hudson.  Let’s hope we do not have to wait another 11 years to see the grand Ice Yachts of the Hudson again.

Hudson River Stern Steer Palooza for full album click image

The wind was out of the south so there was no racing the trail like the fabled pictures we have all seen but it was a wonderful and historic day.

Myself and former secretary Ed Atkeson were onsite and we had a great day.

Here is a link to yesterday’s New York Times Article recapping the event: http://www.nytimes.com/2014/03/03/nyregion/reviving-a-rivalry-after-years-on-ice.html

Some are lucky to be able sail during the week without feigning sickness. For those that are not, here is a video shot on Long Pond taken by Bill Converse a few weeks ago to keep you going till your next sail.

There is big ice on Sebego off Nason’s Beach, Sebgo, ME. and it is likely there will be a great ice convergence there starting Friday. More on that as details emerge courtesy of the CIBC.

DN world updates are being fed in from the IDNIYRA.eu site on the top right. Check back tomorrow for Wednesday’s results. Go T, Oliver and Eben…

Sail fast and sail safe,

John Stanton
NEIYA Secretary