The Big Loss (Gain) Day

Today (September 22nd) is the Autumnal Equinox. The Big Loss Day. We have reached the time of year when daylight is disappearing at its fastest pace.

But for iceboaters, it’s The Big Loss (Gain) Day.

Every minute of daylight lost is another small step toward winter. Every minute of daylight lost is paid back with fun and excitement over the winter’s ice.

As we move closer to first ice and another iceboating season, the clues are increasingly around us. The shadows are getting longer. Daylight hours are shrinking. Evenings are arriving earlier and the sun is riding lower across the sky.

For most people, these are signs that summer is over. For us, they are encouraging signs of what is ahead. The waning daylight and lower sun angle help drive the profound changes in temperature and weather that will eventually create our winter playground.

There is still plenty of soft-water sailing ahead and certainly no ice in the immediate forecast. But the seasonal machinery has started turning in our direction.

That also means it is time to start thinking about boats, runners, sails and all those projects we promised ourselves we would finish before next season. The time is here and now so get it done. I started last weekend have you?

We have an important date to put on the calendar. And YES its on a Sunday this year.

NEIYA ANNUAL MEETING & SWAP MEET
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 15

Our annual gathering is coming up quickly. It is a chance to reconnect with fellow iceboaters, buy, sell and swap boats and gear, talk about the coming season and take care of the Association’s annual business.

Venue information will be announced tomorrow.

For now, save the date and start looking through the shop, garage and where ever you have rat holed your ice program. Figure out what needs attention, what you need for the coming season, and what might be better off in another iceboater’s hands. Remember old stuff to you could be a huge step up for someone else. Help others go faster with some fresh equipment

The days are getting shorter.
The shadows are getting longer.

For an iceboater, that’s a gain.

Think Ice,

John Stanton
Commodore, NEIYA
DN5023
John@neiya.org