U-Haul Art
Saw some very tasteful art on the side of a U-Haul trailer in RI this morning….
BAIKAL- Wind Has Arrived!
Mike Bloom just sent an update- looks like a feast or famine situation there…. From not enough breeze yesterday to 10 meters per second today! That’s just shy of 20 kts to those of us on this side of the ocean. Anyway they are delayed for a little while until things calm down a bit.
Hang in there Mike! Good conditions will arrive soon…
MEANWHILE IN BAIKAL….
From Mike Bloom, having his patience tested in Baikal…. The sailing may be leaving a little to be desired so far but I’m sure the parties are making up for it!
Bottom line: no sailing today.
After being served lunch in the pits, the fleet was instructed to assemble a few miles down the lake on the other side of a huge rock island. Once there, a silver qualifier was attempted but black flagged due to an expired time limit on the 3rd Lap. Next it was the OptI fleet’s turn to be blacked flagged when nobody made it to the weather mark.
No gold fleet races were attempted. We can’t sail till the silver qualifier takes place.
Finally, at about 5 pm we were excused for the day. And yes, no sooner were we told to go home then the wind came up. Since the sun doesn’t set till nearly seven Chris Berger convinced Peter Hamrak, a Russian named Sergei and Mike Bloom to sail multiple hot laps back near the pits.
The ice on Baikal is less than ideal. I’d rate the ice a 6. The lake is full of snow drifts that are deep and hard. It takes some great steering and lot of luck to navigate the course. Hopefully, our evening session will serve us well tomorrow, when the wind is predicted to reappear.
It’s been another long day. Time for a shower and some shut eye.
Mike
RUNNER TRACKS MARCH ISSUE ONLINE
Check it out gang, another masterpiece from Deb Whitehorse- This issue features an article by Kingston’s own Peter Van Rossem!
March 2020 Runner Tracks Now Online – DN North America
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GREAT POND REPORT
Bill Bucholz shares his thoughts on Great Pond, which delivered the goods in a big way yesterday!
“Great Pond is one of the three fabulous lakes in Maine that iceboaters cherish. All three have their times and attractions. Damariscotta has it’s intimate charm, Pushaw it’s great north south orientation, but Great Pond is just, well, great. The majesty of big Hoyt Island dividing the lake into two halves, and then the two deep ends beyond Oak Island south of Hoyt. When the plate is as flawless as it was today you just rack up the miles with a smile frozen to your face. Deep downwind gybes going on forever. Long upwind tacks with an occasional self-indulgent peel off into a power gybe just because you can offers an amazing sense of freedom. And this with well matched boats side by side the whole way.
The great photo of the day was missed due to a frozen phone, but it was of Gee Whizz, W-5, the red boat against a blue sky in a long, tall hike which, from the view from my cockpit, put his windward runner above the horizon, miles away at the top of the lake. The air was crystal clear and the colors vivid. Time stood still.
Perhaps twenty boats showed up, including a clutch of hot DN’ers training around the marks. The NEIYA is hosting the DN Worlds in the eastern region next season so if you’re not in training to get the gold then please consider helping out with the operations end. Stand by for details over the course of the off season.
Not that this is the start of the off season yet. There is still scads of ice up north, so tank up on the ridiculously cheap gas and come quarantine on the ice! We’re all good: we already wear masks and gloves!’
ICE IN BELGRADE MAINE!!!
See below for photos and correction re location and launch!
Great Pond Belgrade Maine
Posted on March 14, 2020 by Jim Gagnon
Here are some photos taken this morning from the Great Pond launch site off RT 27, in Belgrade Maine.
As you can see in the second photo the condition of the ice which looked to be fairly consistent. Still lots of ice. See you tomorrow.
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More Baikal….
More from Mike Bloom in Baikal- Sounds like he is waking up a little bit…..
“First day.-
Nice breeze when I got up.
Having traveled through 13 times zone my body is so confused from jet lag I don’t know what time it is. So today, getting to ice very early was easy.
A few folks came down to empty the shipping containers so we could all set up.
The amount of gear in the containers was impressive. 35 hulls, masts, planks, sails and runners take up a ton of shoreline. Here’s a picture when we were about 1/2 way done.
The best part was watching the sailors get to the ice. It looked like Christmas morning as the sailors all picked out their gear.
Opening ceremony was at 11. Then wind died.
We’ll try again tomorrow.
Should be wind tomorrow!”
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BAIKAL Report
Minnesota DNer Mike Bloom checks in from the other side of the world in Baikal- He sounds a little worn out at the moment!
“All good here. Except I’m exhausted and sleep deprived. Jet lag is hitting me hard.
Arrived at Lake Baikal yesterday. All it took was an 8 hour flight to Amsterdam followed by a 4 hour flight to Moscow followed by an 8 Hour flight to Irkutsk followed by a 5 hour bus ride down a dirt road Lake Baikal.
Don’t want to say this place is in the middle of nowhere but the town is so small and so remote the locals haven’t even bothered to name it.
Lake Baikal it is literally half way around the world. There is a 12 hour time zone difference from Minnetonka to Baikal.
75 sailors are here. Upon arrival saw many familiar faces and meet many new ones. This place is so remote I’m not sure the locals have even heard of the coronavirus. Every Russian greets you with a big, full on, Russian Bear hug.
Today the fun begins. Must get boat out of shipping container. They containers were sere shipped via Semi from Germany via semi truck nearly a month ago. They arrived last week. They were brought down to the lake by Semi truck last night.
First order is to set up boat Opening ceremony at 11 then then it’s off to race course.
More later.
Mike Bloom”
Photo 1 is a DN on the roof of a car. With the plank on and the mast stepped. Something tells me this would be a bad idea anywhere but there!
Photo 2 The Road To Utopia
Photo 3 Looks like a lake ahead….
Photo 4 The Lake
Photo 5 A town on the way that Bloom claims is so small that no one has bothered to name it!
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What Are These?
Hello All- I found these tags in the NEIYA regatta kit along with the starting blocks and number chips. Anyone have an idea of what they are and what they are for? Please email me at t_thieler@yahoo.com if you have any insights… Thanks, T
Runner Polishing Secrets
There are endless theories and discussions about runners- How long, what kind of steel, how much flat, 90 or 100 bevel, what should lead in and exhaust look like, how thick, and on and on….
There are still more endless discussions on how to get the perfect shape on them. I start by sending them to Duhamel and letting him work his magic…. He once wrote an essay about a bumper-mounted sharpening jig that would tune your runners up on the drive to the ice. You’d drive on different surfaces to shine it up to perfection- It was a source of great amusement to all! Happy to say he has an even better method in place at the shop.
Then there is the question of how to get the perfect surface- and what IS the perfect surface? Sharp edge or dull? Shiny and smooth as you can get them or leave a satin finish? What to use? Diamond stones? Blue or brown? Is sandpaper better? Which grits? What kind? And what kind of fluid? I’ve used everything from the proper Boride stuff to blue windshield wiper fluid (I’m convinced it’s the same stuff, just re-labled) to soapy water to Windex, WD-40 and even coffee.
Everyone has their own secret sauce as it were, and here we see world-class Polish sailor Robert Graczyk revealing his special formula…. I reckon if you speak Polish you’ll get a lot out of this but even if you don’t you’ll learn something!
Click and learn….
https://www.facebook.com/bojery/videos/vb.128091410578775/457466190974627/?type=2&theater
Extreme Bendy Rigs….
We all love how bendy rigs work on an iceboat, and the photos we all love usually have the boat loaded up and the mast popped way out…. Such a cool look!
Take a look at this photo collection and see some serious mast torture going on…. As Jeff Kent says it looks like a few people “voided the warranty” that day!
Click and take a look….
Bend It Like…a DN Mast – DN North America
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James “T” Thieler
12 Channing St.
Newport, RI 02840
401 258 6230
t_thieler
Iceboating Podcast!
There is a boat shop in Bristol RI called East Passage Boatwrights http://www.epbws.com/ that restores classic yachts and builds new ones out of wood.
The owner/proprietor is an interesting guy named Carter Richardson- When not making old boats seaworthy and beautiful again he does a podcast that covers all things sailing and yachting….
I was flattered that he asked me to sit down and be interviewed about ice boating and as I hate to miss a chance to pimp the sport (or talk with a captive audience) I gladly agreed. It was a lot of fun and hopefully entertaining for the listener!
For those of you who haven’t heard me go on and on enough about iceboating yet have a listen here:
https://aroundthebuoy.com/ep-41-hard-water-sailing/ The iceboat talk begins at about four minutes in. And trust me, it’s riveting!
Be sure to check out the other episodes as well- all interesting and informative!
Happy listening! Think ICE
Maple Syrup and Iceboating
John Bushy is a Minnesota DN sailor who, like most Iceboaters, has other unique interests in the off season…
One of his is making maple syrup! He says they made 15 gallons in a day last week. They just ordered 1000 bottles…. they must be on a roll!
He works with his sons Zane and Sam. Here they are keeping an eye on things
And here is the works- or whatever the proper name is…. John says they throw in “an armful of wood every three-four minutes!”
If you’re lucky he will fill one of these for you- I recommend it highly!
Moscow….
Mike Bloom is walking around Moscow and notes that you see cool stuff like this around every corner…. Look forward to more from him as he makes his way to Baikal!
More Livng Room…..
Lee Spiller saw the photos of Valentine and Truesdell working on planks in the living room and couldn’t help but send his own along for us- He says:
“After your post showing the guys working in the living room I had to send you this. My living room right now! You could probably be sent a number of simular photos!
Lee Spiller
PS I partially tore off the bottom layer of glass on my gambit plank in a deep slushy shell ice pit while sailing Winni the long way a week ago.”
Looks like the fix is well under way…. Thanks Lee!
DN Candian Champs Photos
Thanks to Eben Whitcomb for sending these in from the Canadian Champs last weekend- Champagne sailing!
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Plank Project
Had to share this….
Here we see Scott and Pete back in February lining up and installing a new plank.
In a garage? No. In a workshop? Come on, be serious.
Of course they are in a living room, where all the important DN work seems to take place!
Gotta love it!
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Atkins And Moore In Scuttlebutt
Good to see that https://www.sailingscuttlebutt.com/ picked up the North Sails Newsletter about Atkins, Moore, and DN sailing in general.
Scuttlebutt has been a terrific supporter of our sport and it is much appreciated! Look forward to seeing more iceboat news on their site in the future.
DN Iceboating: Innovating for speed >> Scuttlebutt Sailing News
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Mike Bloom In Moscow
Minnesota DN sailor Mike Bloom is on his way to Baikal for the big spring event there-
He promised to send photos and reports as the trip goes on and here is the first one, looks like he is spending the night in Moscow- not a bad idea after a long flight from Minnesota.
He sent this photo from his hotel room:
His comment with this photo is ”I can’t remember the last time I traveled to an iceboat regatta and the first night on the road the hotel overlooked the Kremlin and Red Square!”
Has to be a thought provoking sight but I can’t help but wonder if the hotel has a good waffle iron in the breakfast area.
Looking forward to more- stay out of the gulag Mike!
Atkins And Moore In North Sails Newsletter
Some good insights from the RI duo in this article- Click and read!
DN Iceboating New England Champs: Family Fun | North Sails
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2020 Canadian DN Champs Report And Results
https://www.idniyra.org/2020/03/08/2020-canadian-nationals-report/
UPDATE March 9, 2020: The results have been updated.
2020 DN Canadian Championships Regatta
March 7, 2020Saturday morning saw cold temperatures from the night before which delivered hard ice for the duration of the regatta. Wind at 9:00 am was from the north and thanks to the race committee, the line was set for the 10:00 am start. Unfortunately, the wind dropped and backed to the west, southwest direction which meant that setting the line was just for practice. The line then was set in the middle of the Bay and two races were sailed. Unfortunately, a crack which was marked, grew beyond the marked area and found Ron Sherry which caused his plank and deck to be compromised. Fortunately, he was able to put together another boat and finish the regatta. The course was moved to beyond the crack and sailing resumed in the same location for the duration of the regatta.
Seven races were scheduled with one drop race after 7 races sailed. Races were banged off one after another, by the Race Committee who managed to get all 7 races in before the time limit of 16:00 pm. Peter Kraszewski, ran a tight ship as PRO along with his crew of scorers thanks to Louise, Andrew, Tom, Paul and Cindy. Spending the day on the ice, allowing the fleet to sail an awesome day of racing is much appreciated by the fleet. Thanks to everyone for stepping up.
The fleet also helped with setting marks, scouting, helping with the line and this was also a great help to make the regatta memorable. Thanks all for stepping in, asking what needed to be done and doing it.
The fleet thanks Colin Duncan for scouting the ice…turns out he also has talent in scouting restaurants as the fleet all enjoyed a private room in a nice Italian Restaurant. The results were presented at the dinner with James “T” Thieler winning the 2020 Canadian Championship. ‘T” is still having an awesome year after winning the North American Champs as well. Congratulation again T!
Just a note to some of the competitors that after the scores were tabulated in the parking lot with dimming light, I found a few small position changes today which effect some. I apologize for this. Final standings.
Thanks to the Halifax, Montreal, Michigan, New York, Rhode Island, New Jersey, and Kingston fleets who participated, making this a great regatta.
Peter Van Rossem
KC 2766
2020 DN Canadian Championship Final Results
Sail # Race 1 Race 2 Race 3 Race 4 Race 5 Race 6 Race 7 Total All Total ‐ Drop Over All Sail #
1 5224 5 1 1 1 2 2 1 13 8 1 5224 James T Thieler
2 5629 4 5 2 3 3 3 2 22 17 2 5629 Robyn Lagraviere
3 2766 3 2 4 5 1 4 6 25 19 3 2766 Peter Van Rossem
4 4 7 3 3 9 6 6 3 37 28 4 4 Griffin Sherry
5 1 24 24 2 4 1 4 60 36 5 44 Ron Sherry
6 4536 2 4 10 7 8 9 9 49 39 6 4536 Bob Crinion
7 5247 8 7 6 14 9 5 5 54 40 7 5247 Jacek Marzenski
8 5514 10 8 7 8 5 7 7 52 42 8 5514 John Curtis
9 5508 12 6 5 4 7 10 10 54 42 9 5508 Morgan Lagraviere
10 4360 9 11 9 6 10 12 24 81 57 10 4360 Andre Baby
11 5358 16 9 8 16 11 11 11 82 66 11 5358 David Frost
12 524 6 10 13 11 12 14 14 80 66 12 524 Karen Binder
13 637 15 14 15 12 13 8 8 85 70 13 637 Joe Meade
14 3786 11 12 12 13 16 13 15 92 76 14 3786 Warren Nethercote
15 4775 13 15 11 10 17 15 12 93 76 15 4775 Eben Whitcomb
16 5478 14 13 14 15 15 17 13 101 84 16 5478 Jack Goritski
17 18 5591 19 16 16 19 14 16 16 116 97 17 5591 Mike Webber
19 5127 17 20 17 20 24 19 17 134 110 18 5127 Hugh Stephens
20 3475 21 19 18 17 20 18 19 132 111 19 3475 Lester Druiven
21 5242 22 18 19 18 18 20 18 133 111 20 5242 Gord de Vries
22 5457 18 17 20 21 19 22 20 137 115 21 5457 Colin Duncan
23 5512 20 21 21 22 21 21 21 147 125 22 5512 Fred ?
24 4604 23 24 23 24 23 23 22 162 138 23 4604 Julian ?
Flying on the Bay of Quinte | Belleville Intelligencer
Nice write up about the Canadian DN champs here- click and read!
https://www.intelligencer.ca/news/local-news/flying-on-the-bay-of-quinte
CANADIAN DN CHAMPS LAUNCH AND DETAILS
Canadian DN Champs are ON for Saturday, March 7 2020!-
The site will be in Belleville, Ontario. Launch will be at the Potter’s Creek Conservation Area, on the south side of Old Highway #2 just across from Quinte Conservation, that address is
2061 Old Highway 2, Belleville, ON K8N 4Z2, Canada
Directions to the ice in case your digital gizmos aren’t working:
401 to Belleville
Exit 538, Wallbridge-Loyalist Rd. Head South
Turn Right on Dundas Street (Old # 2 Hwy)
First Left is Potters Creek Parking Lot
You can launch straight south to Bay of Quinte or there is Potters Creek to the East of the Parking Lot which might be shorter distance to the ice but requires crossing a ridge with boards.
Schedule of Events:
•Saturday at 8:00-9:30 on ice registration in the Pits
•Saturday at 10:00 am Skippers Meeting (On Ice At Start Line)
•Saturday after skippers meeting , First Start
•No race will start after 1600 Saturday
More details, NOR, SI’s in attachment.
The closest hotel to the launch is
RAMADA BY WYNDHAM BELLEVILLE
HARBOURVIEW CONFERENCE CENTER
11 BAY BRIDGE ROAD, BELLEVILLE ON K8P 3P6
Phone number for guests 613 968 3411 ext 0 or 1800 420 3555 ext 0.
Rates from Alison (Manager) are as low as $97.99 plus taxes, however rates are based on room availability at time of calling and which side of the Hotel you want.
Sailing Instructions are Attached. Copies will not be supplied on the ice at registration as stated in the Sailing Instructions.
Principle Race Officer will have a copy if required.
Again, if you plan to sail Friday, hug the North Shore until you are more than 1.5 mile or two KM West of the Green Nav Bouy or launch site. We have only scouted 1.5 miles West of Can and Launch site so please be careful sailing beyond. If you don’t know or understand, please call me.
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Peter Van Rossem Sr613.572.2232
petervanrossemsr
2020 DN Canadian Championship Sailing Instructions and NOR Final Draft BofQ.docx
Orienteering Video and Weekend Sailing….
Once again Bill Bucholz is on the prowl up there in Maine…. See what he has to say below- Thanks Bill!
Denis and Frank put this vid together… Take a look!
https://youtu.be/qWxVVBIuk7E
Looking to the weekend, both Pushaw and Kezar Lake appear to have fairly good surfaces and the forecast for both places is colder than what we’ll have on Damariscotta, with the best cold at Kezar. Big winds due north called for, which meants its coming right down the lake. Could be epic conditions for the I00 Mile Race.
Expecting pictures and a report later this morning.
Orienteering Video, Weekend Sailing
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New England Ice Yacht Association 