Iceboating Season’s Coming Are You Ready?

It’s hard to believe Halloween is almost here. With the leaves changing(ed) and falling, the shorter days and cooler nights we are all thinking about ice boating. Miles of black ice await us this winter. The clock is ticking as we all have many things to do before we hit the ice.

Most of you know what occurs prior to setting up your boat in the pits and pushing off toward a nice plate but here’s a reminder.

Someone watched as the lakeside trees shed their leaves.

All boat-building and tuning advice and help are freely given to all seeking information.

Boats and equipment are bought, sold, traded, and loaned by fellow sailors before first ice.

Runners are sharpened individually and en masse by skilled sanding volunteers.

Someone watched as fog and mists wafted over the body of water in the early morning hours.

Eyes were on the lake while morning frosts crept toward the water from the shore.

People gazed upon the first mirror of black ice to skim out from shore.

Individuals occasionally take the long way to work to check on ice conditions.

One or more people poked at the new ice with a stick even though they knew it would be some time before is it safe to sail on.

Swung blunt instruments, a wise man from Rockport swears by the blunt end of an axe safe ice test, and drilled test holes.

Talked to ice fisherman who is generally happy to break their solitude for a conversation about fish, the outdoors, or ice.

Scouted off shore with skates, or sailed carefully stopping periodically to check grade and thickness.

People logging ice conditions over time helps to make more informed decisions long term.

Who were those someones? Who were those eyes? Who spent countless hours helping others get ready to sail? Who communicated observations so that others might benefit?

The answer is simple. It is many of you in the NEIYA community. And We thank you

Please remember this when asked to contribute time, knowledge, and skills toward club activities. Ice may form all by itself but it’s a team effort to bring people as a group to the ice. Heed the call. Ready to help out? Don’t wait to be asked. Contact me or any of the other officers.

Be sure to check out the classified section. There are lots of boats suitable for every level. A couple would be ideal starter boats. I know that some will be at our swap meet on November 19th.

It’s been a few weeks since we had a group call. I will start things up tomorrow night at 6:30 on our designated line. General topic getting ready for the season. Next week November 2nd our central topic will be sailing in Southern New England. Followed by other areas like NH, ME, and the Adirondacks in NY. Other topics will be racing forums and more.

As we come into season let’s all get ready to sail and always Think Ice,

John
DN5023
John@neiya.org

P.S. Any guesses on the venue at the top of the page?