Swap Meets Are For Getting Ready

Ice boating is about the people – Photo Credit John Pepper

Getting ready is an integral part of the iceboating game, and this past weekend delivered perfect fall conditions for our annual NEIYA gathering. The lot filled early with familiar faces and newcomers alike. Some with race-ready programs, others with boats in need of a little love. A few classic iceboats were on hand, looking for new homes. One 1936 impeccably preserved ready for the ice example and the other in need of repairs. Boats are still available, seek out Brian Langley or Bill Buchholz respectively.

As always, the swap meet served as both a social and a trading hub. Boats, parts, and stories changed hands freely. I even managed to move a few aluminum mast extrusions north and west to good homes in Maine and New York.

Smiles for Ice –

After lunch, Bob Wills, President of the Hudson River Ice Yacht Preservation Trust and Past Commodore of the Hudson River Ice Yacht Club, shared updates on the Trust’s plans for a museum and vintage boat storage. He also spoke about the historic yachts under their care. Many trace their lineage to the Roosevelt family and other notable industrialists of the Hudson River’s Gilded ice-sailing era.

Continuing the wooden-boat theme, Frank Morris, Vice Chair of Lowell’s Boat Shop, gave an update on the donated DNs from the Davidson family, including DN 1220, built by Kerr Davidson. After a cleanup and careful runner alignment, DN 1220 now resides in New Hampshire, awaiting its first sheet of black ice. Frank also shared an inspiring overview of Lowell’s mission “to preserve and perpetuate the art and craft of wooden boatbuilding.” In many ways, that’s what we do too.

Frank Morris Takes the stage

Following our guest speakers, the annual business meeting convened. Full minutes and financials will be posted on neiya.org in the coming days.

Eben Whitcomb, chair of the nominating committee, presented the 2025–26 officer slate, which was approved by the membership:

  • Commodore: John Stanton
  • Vice Commodore: Charlie Silfvenius
  • Secretary: Karen Binder
  • Treasurer: Ed Demarest

Looking ahead, we’ll hold an off-ice gathering near Wolfeboro, NH, on Saturday, December 6, hosted by Vice Commodore Charlie Silfvenius. The venue and agenda will be announced soon. This event will be open to all. This includes ice veterans, newcomers, and anyone curious about the sport. NEIYA members are especially encouraged to attend.

Members in good standing will receive details this week for our weekly conference calls, scheduled to resume in November.

Another highway sunset/sunrise with my mast on the roof pointing the way down the road. Heading from or to home, usually north, but any direction can happen. Always chasing the next hardwater horizon.

The picture is on way home from Maine following the Chickawaukie Ice Boat Club Meeting on Sunday. Great conversation and atmosphere. They are starting a Plymouth Pond black ice vigil. Stay tuned for first ice In Maine.

Time to prep your gear, sharpen your runners, and ready the trailer. The ice season is coming!

Think Ice,

John
DN5023
John@neiya.org

This entry was posted on 10/27/2025 by . It was filed under 2025 Season .

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