Eight Bells: Bob Dill New Englands Ice & Playa Legend

It is with heavy sorrow that I must share the news of the passing of Bob Dill (DN3904). He was a man with a passionate razor-tuned focus covering all things sailing at speed on ice and land and was committed to sharing all that he learned with others.

Many of us watched “The Iron Duck” and could feel his passion behind the record-breaking success. Over the past 30 years, I have spoken to Bob about ice in its many forms as well as sailing. I would see him every time there was an event on Northern Champlain. He was a fixture of the region and could often be seen leading a skating group along the shore or coming through the pits before or after racing. Bob’s Lake Ice Website is the go-to encyclopedia of all things related to ice and is but one of his many efforts to pass on expertly researched knowledge.

Bob’s passing leaves a great void in our community. Like the two memories of him that are burned into my consciousness, may he skate or sail to the vanishing point on black ice or playa.

I have included Deb Whitehorse IDNIYRA Secratary’s comprehensive and heartfelt write-up on Bob Dill below. Thanks Deb.

Please include your memories of Bob in the comments below or drop me an email with your Memories of Bob. Also please include any pictures you have as I could not find any in our archives.
Sail Fast,

John
Dn5023
John@neiya.org

Bob Dill US3904: Eight Bells

by Deb Whitehorse | Oct 30, 2023

The DN Community mourns with the family and friends of Bob Dill US3904, who passed away on October 28, 2023.

Bob served as IDNIYRA Class Secretary from 1988-1991 and Class Treasurer from 1999-1989. He has been nominated to the U.S. Sailing Hall of Fame.

Via Bob Schumacher, Bob’s DN road-warrior and land-yacht-speed-record colleague:

With much sadness I have to report that Bob Dill passed last night after a battle with Alzheimer’s disease. I am at a loss for words but Don Brush said it well.
‘A sad struggle for a unique person. He is, I am sure, in a better place now. He would not have wanted to be the person he had become. We all were better for knowing Bob. I don’t think I ever met a more inquisitive person with a passion for details. His passion for documentation assures his legacy will live on! It was an honor to know and have him as a friend.’ Don Brush
Bob Schumacher

Bob used his sharp engineering mind to quantify wind, ice, land, and speed in several articles. One of his most famous projects was designing and building the land sailing yacht IRON DUCK with his friend, Bob Schumacher. Together, they set a land-speed record.

Bob Dill has left a legacy of articles that have left a last impact on ice and land sailing. Below are some links to a selection of them and other articles about Bob.
Article’s About Bob Dill
National Sailing Hall of Fame Nominee
Bob Dill the Ice Man
Video: Iron Duck
Recognizing Bob Dill and the Iron Duck – Sailing Scuttlebutt

Bob Dill’s Articles
Iceboat Sailing Performance
Sailing Yacht Design for Maximum Speed
Lake Ice – Bob’s website with everything you need to know about ice.
List of Bob Dill Articles on IDNIYRA archived website