Don’t Miss the NEIYA Annual Swap Meet! Saturday October 25th

The Ice Is Calling…

Members, guests, and anyone with even a spark of interest in iceboating: the green flag is waving!
We’re a GO for Saturday, October 25th. The New England Ice Yacht Association kicks off the season with our annual Swap Meet, Lunch, and Meeting at the Thompson Speedway Golf Course in Thompson, CT.

This isn’t just another Saturday, it’s the launch of the iceboating season in the northeast. A full day of boats, equipment, stories, laughs, and anticipation for the first ice (hopefully BLACK) of the season.

And yes, there’s a prize for whoever travels the farthest to join us. So come on up (or down, or over) from New Jersey, the Hudson Valley, the Adirondacks, or beyond.

The Event
When: Saturday, October 25th, 10:00 a.m. (Vendors set up early, so plan to arrive ahead of the crowd!)
Where: Thompson Speedway Golf Course, 205 E Thompson Rd, Thompson, CT 06277
https://goo.gl/maps/DbGpTekm4ZLNnV8n7

Reconnect with old friends, meet new sailors, and talk all things ice. From tuning tips to trip planning. Whether you’re a seasoned veteran, just starting, or just ice-curious, this is the place to kick off your first or next season.

Special Guests
This year we have some special guests from the Hudson River Ice Yacht Club (HRIYC) and the Hudson River Ice Yacht Preservation Trust (HRIYPT) . Many of us have seen the Hudson stern steering crafts including the Jack Frost and others over the years and the impression never wanes. My love for the classic ice yachts was solidified when I sailed near the Jack Frost and Rocket on the Hudson back in 2014. My DN was not happy with the hummocks but the pair of classics plowed smoothly through without a noticable drop in speed. Never under estimate the raw power of momentum.

Bob Wills from the HRIYC and HRIYPT will talk about their unique iceboating mission, sailing vintage iceboats, and maybe share some bronze casting techniques.

Check In and Catch Up
When you arrive, check in with Secretary Karen Binder DN5630 to make sure your contact info is current. We want every sailor in the loop when it’s time to sail.

Swap, Shop & Sell
Where vintage meets innovation and everyone leaves inspired, . Looking for parts? Need a new plank, mast, or sail? Or maybe you’ve got gear that needs a new home. Bring it!

Lunch & Annual Meeting
After the swapping winds down, stay for our annual lunch and meeting, a great chance to catch up, make plans, and share your passion with fellow sailors. Bob Wills will talk as well as racing and cruising reports and other fun discussions.
All are welcome! Please pay upfront for lunch or let us know you are coming.

Please pay online.
Now’s the time to pay for lunch, renew your membership and secure your lunch seat.

Please Pay Your Dues

Dues Time	Price
2025-26 Membership	$30
2025-26 Membership + Lunch	$45
2025-26 Membership + 2X Lunch	$60
2025 Lunch	$15
Mail in Form We prefer you pay online – Thanks

Prep for the Season
Don’t wait until the lakes freeze, get ready now.
Pull your gear out of storage, set it up, check every bolt and blade, and see what’s missing. If you’ve got extras, post them on our Classifieds (we’re cleaning out old listings this week, so let us know what’s still available). What you’re done with might be exactly what another sailor needs to get started.

Stay Tuned and Tune up
We will have a couple additional off ice gatherings this year. If we get a good pre Christmas freeze we will gather on the ice. It’s never too early to talk conditions, stories, and strategy with a like-minded crowd.

Reach out if you have any questions.

THINK ICE!

John Stanton
DN5023
John@neiya.org

P.S. Post your items in the classified section and let people know you will be brining the item(s) to the swap meet.