Swap Meets Are For Getting Ready
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
Snow, Ice, and Sailing: A Midwinter Check-In
The good news: It’s still winter. A winter that, for the most part, has behaved in a more traditional way than not. Looking back, many of our usual haunts delivered this year. Long Pond and S. Watuppa held strong, as did Webster, Quaboag, and Bantam. Even Red Bank, N.J., and the Hudson made brief but notable appearances.
The bad: We’re blanketed in snow, the result of back-to-back fronts, with another system on the way this weekend.
Let’s see what the weekend’s weather brings. Discussions last night suggested possible sailing opportunities by midweek. If you’re looking to satisfy your inner weather geek, check out Severe Weather Europe—if it’s not already part of your regular reading.
We also have an upcoming ice boat youth education opportunity next Saturday. More details early next week.
Until then, think ice—and, even more importantly, think resurfacing on the good ice that’s out there waiting.
Keep the faith,
John
john@neiya.org
New Years Greetings
Happy New Year! With no ice to sail on, the next best thing was a trip to Red Bank, NJ, for the North Shrewsbury Ice Boat and Yacht Club’s New Year’s Day gathering. The Rocket stood proudly on display in the parking lot. While we all enjoy talking about iceboats and in particular beatiful crafts like the Rocket we are looking forward to cold weather and ice-making returning to the agenda.
Founded in 1880, the club is one of the nation’s oldest, steeped in history and tradition. Its clubhouse feels like an iceboating museum, filled with vintage parts, historic photos, plaques, and memorabilia that tell the story of our thrilling sport.
On a related note, I was recently made aware of a recent Herreshoff Museum article on iceboating. It’s a quick read, packed with iceboat photos, and highlights Nathanial Herreshoff’s innovative designs. Enjoy the article. Read the article here.
Just got back from Quaboag, It’s still ice covered, didn’t get on to measure but it looked pretty good.
If the wind doesn’t blow it out tomorrow we could be good for the weekend, looks like the next week should be below freezing.
Will check in a day or two.
Bob S
The season is young so be careful checking in and around the ice. We need some cold. We can continue our ice discussions tomorrow night at 6:30 pm.
Think Ice,
John
John@neiya.org
Temp
Surviving ice.
Although it looks like water, Mirror Lake in Tuftonboro, NH survived the rains. I did not venture out yesterday but it’s looks like the best shot at local ice. Lake Wentworth blew out 1/2 way and will need time to glaze over. 3 Skimmers are anxiously awaiting. An early Christmas present perhaps?
Tomorrow’s The NEIYA Swap Meet 10/26 ~ Spreading the Word Far & Wide
Don’t forget, the NEIYA Swap Meet, Lunch, and Meeting is just a day away! Have you checked off everything on your to-do list? Make sure you’ve paid your dues, secured your spot for lunch, and sorted out what gear you’re bringing to the swap at Thompson Speedway. Don’t wait—take care of it today!
Donated Legacy Boats Update: I have spoken to several people who are interested in the four boats. Looks like they are spoken for, but they still have to be picked up. I can’t tell for sure but there may be some last-minute changes. Reach out to me for details and be sure to seek me out tomorrow morning early.
Event Details:
What: NEIYA Swap Meet, Lunch & Meeting
When: Saturday, October 26th, 10:00 am
Where: Thompson Speedway Golf Course,
205 E Thompson Rd, Thompson, CT 06277
Google Maps Link
Don’t miss this chance to kick off the season, reconnect with fellow members, and find gear to complete your setup. It’s also the ideal time to pay your 2025 dues and reserve your spot for our annual luncheon and meeting. All are welcome to join!
Please Pay Your Dues
| Dues Time | Price | |
| 2025 Membership | $30 |
 |
| 2025 Membership + Lunch | $45 |
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| 2025 Membership + 2X Lunch | $60 |
|
| 2025 Lunch (11/19/2024) | $15 |
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| Mail in Form We prefer you pay online – Thanks | ||
Do not wait till after the swap met to begin preparing for the season. It’s been a long summer and if you have not already shifted to thinking about iceboating, now is the time. Drag your gear out set it up in the driveway and be sure you have everything. Have anything extra in storage? Now is the perfect time to free up some storage. Put it up in the classified section. Remember your older equipment may be far better than what someone else has now.
Till then Think Ice,
John
DN5023
John@neiya.org
New England Ice Yacht Association 