Thoughts On Starts
You may have seen the article NEIYA rookie Karen Binder wrote on her starting learning curve- It was picked up by the folks at Scuttlebutt https://www.sailingscuttlebutt.com/ Very cool that they are giving iceboating so much coverage and we appreciate it a lot!
See the article here:
How they do it on the ice >> Scuttlebutt Sailing News
|
|
Boat moving dolly for a Whizz
John Pepper checks in with this idea to save wear and tear on your back and your wallet- take a look….
Hi guys,
I am putting together a system to set up a ‘big’ ice boat and not hurt my back, so here is a method to do so.
I copied a snowmobile dolly to make a lift for the Whizz. They work great and are genius in design simplicity. It is a big wheel lever that goes under near the balance point and has a long arm to create mechanical advantage.
The handle is tied to the rear deck. Varying rope length allows height change, maybe with blocks and a cleat in the future. The goal was solo unloading from trailer and lowering onto the plank. I need to tweak the geometry slightly to go higher, but its nearly there. It rolls easily. The force to lift the bow is about ten pounds. The lift bar is at the bulkhead at the front of the cockpit. Gravity holds it there. It moves, lifts and turns well, albeit on a smooth driveway.
After set up, it goes out over the bow.
Handle is bent from a 1 inch EMT ($10), the donor wheel chair was $30. The 1.5 inch square tube i had in the shop. The EMT slip fits, for storage.Total $40, Wheel chairs may be had cheaper, but i was in a hurry. Detailed pics to follow. I hsve some tube left over if anyone is going to build one.
I have an improved connection locking means in process, but as with the trailer lid, am excited, and wanted to share the progress.
Think ice.
Regards,
John
-
- 20200105 152359 resized 1
-
- 20200105 124053 resized 1
5 January, 2020 15:49
Headin’ east…
Sailwave results for 2020 WESTERN REGION at Lake Puckaway 2020
Western Regionals are in the books!
Three races today in good breeze saw tight racing at high speeds- the stuff that keeps us all coming back!
Nothing like flying down the run skate to skate w the next boat over at 50mph… can’t find that in the summer that’s for sure-
The battle for first was between Sherry and Struble- amazing to watch these two world champs push each other around the course- Struble was able to hold Sherry off for the win.
Close- and I mean CLOSE- behind the battle for third was between Berger and Thieler- After two very close races it came down to whoever beat who in the last race- It was an old-time-hockey style bloodbath of a race with high speeds, lead changes, and nothing left on the football field. (Tired of the mixed metaphors yet?) Thieler was ahead at the finish and goes home w the bronze.
GREAT weekend of racing- thanks to all RC, scorers, helpers, and competitors!
Results here:
http://dniceboat.org/idniyra/2019westernchallenge.html
Sailwave results for 2020 WESTERN REGION at Lake Puckaway 2020
Here is the regatta so far- five races yesterday in medium to strong breeze saw Struble and Sherry setting the pace with a whole pack hot on their heels- Great racing, great turnout too! NEIYA represented well by Atkins, Gordon, Miller, Kent, and Thieler.
Results so far here:
http://dniceboat.org/idniyra/2020westernregional.html
Looking forward to more races today- will see what the weather has in store for us-
Think Ice!
Western Regional DN Champs Update
Here’s a little photo essay on the trip so far:
Loading the gear into Jeff Kent’s amazing Sprinter van.
Big Ford vs Giant Mercedes… guess which one we took?
This is a rest stop in Illinois. Really.
This is the bathroom at the Acorn Lodge, Princeton, WI. Love the color scheme. Also the people that run this place are the BEST. No better spot if you’re out this way.
Stand by, more to come….
T
Western Regional DN Champs part two
Heading out to race course on Puckaway Lake
End of the day in the pit- five races for each fleet- not bad!
Chris Miller’s foot heating system, bottom view.
Miller’s foot system, top view.
More to come, stay tuned….
NEIYA Heads West
Western Regional DN champs were called ON (see IDNIYRA site) for Puckaway Lake in Princeton WI so the three dopes in the photo (Kent, Miller and Thieler- who all should know better) decided to abandon common sense and head on out.
Not surprising as common sense has little to do with sailing in general and iceboating in particular. As well all know!
Not to late to hit the road if you are interested in joining the fun- Will be sending updates from the road-
Stay tuned and if you know of sailable ice email info to ice@neiya.
From the road….
Oil Change!
Dave Fortier looking for the oil drain plug on Messolonski Lake on Saturday.
Really what he was doing was checking out the boom block adjustment system on Karen Binder’s DN.
Couldn’t resist posting and also check out the ice! Was a good plate- hope it survived the snow…. stay tuned
Good day in Maine
A good day in Maine for a bunch of Whizzes and few DNs, a CheapSkate, and a few Lockley Skimmers-
Light breeze on Messolonski Lake allowed all craft to rack up the miles on some ice that was a bit bumpy in patches but otherwise about an 8-10!
We will be keeping an eye on this lake for future events. Good launch ramp, lodging and food nearby, what more can you ask for!
Looks like snow on the way there but it’s New England, ya just never know!
Stay Tuned and if you have ice let us know at ice@neiya.org
Think Ice!
Messolonski Lake
Nice sailing on Messolonski Lake in Sidney, ME. Four DNS and and handful of Whizzes and other misc boats enjoyed good ice, albeit with one long pressure ridge down the middle of the lake. Will be there again tomorrow, hope we can do some scratch racing before the snow arrives- Launch from the ramp off Hosta Lane, just off Rt 23 on east side of lake.
Think Ice!
Sailing In Maine!!
Looks like we can salvage a day or so in Maine before the new year- take a look at the link and see what you think!
No Racing This Weekend
Sorry Folks, the weather just isn’t cooperating- warm temps and rain are giving us pause and we’ve decided to err on the side of caution and cancel racing for the weekend. As we all know, warm temps and water on the ice can be trouble…
Exercise caution if you are going out! Bring picks and rescue gear and don’t go out alone!
Stay tuned….
Racing This Weekend
We are getting optimistic reports on ice in Malletts Bay VT and Sunapee NH. Bodes well for the weekend…. That said there is a bit of challenging weather headed this way (a little snow, maybe some rain, some high winds and warm temps) which may throw a wrench in the works- so we will keep an eye on things-
IF we can find a safe plate we will try to have the 2019 Doc Fellows Regatta, possibly another race the next day. Would love to fill the NEIYA 2019 regatta slate…
As always this nit limited to DN class yachts- any class with three or more boats will get a start! And don’t forget the vintage/classic award; if you don’t have a boat that is exactly cutting edge you may still get a prize….
Stay tuned to this site for details- if you have ice let us know at ice@neiya.org and if you are out remember to know and obey all the safety protocols.
Think Ice!
IF No Racing In NE….
…Consider the central region champs. Keep an eye on IDNIYRA site and stay tuned….
https://www.idniyra.org/2019/12/23/2019-dn-central-region-championship-be-ready/
That said we hope to be sailing in NE that weekend so hopefully we can stay local and still have good racing and cruising-
Keep an eye here for updates on all!
5224
QUABOAG 12-22-2019
John Pepper sent this shot of Quaboag Pond at sunset the other day- A nice view after a great day!
Gotta love that little body of water, always seems to deliver early in the season and draws a great crowd-
Hopefully it will stay frozen over the next few weeks and we can get some more sailing in to wrap up 2019 and welcome in 2020.
Meanwhile we are hearing rumors of some good ice in NH- Stay tuned, more details to come….
If you have ice let us know about it at ice@neiya.org and we can all have an excuse to get out of the house over the holiday.
Think ICE!
Excellent Promo
Have to love the top of John Pepper’s trailer!
Well done- great to see the name on display in a big way-
Last Minute Shopping: Register for the 2020 North American Regatta Today! – DN North America
Take a look- sign up now, keep it cheap, and get some swag!
2020 North American Early Registration Deadline Dec 23
Hey Folks- A bit last-minute with this but here it is- sign up fast and save a few bucks- North Americans is always a great event- make this the year!
Click and sign up here-
https://www.idniyra.org/2019/12/20/2020-north-american-registration-deadline-dec-23/
Quaboag 12-22 2019
Good day on Quaboag Pond- 15 craft made it to the lake, the ice was still good, wasn’t too cold, but barely any breeze until about 3:30 PM.
Those who resisted the urge to pack it in early were rewarded with some good runs as a nice afternoon puff filled in-
A good time had by all, especially Jack Pepper who had his first taste of hard water speed- we hope to see him on the ice again soon-
The rest of us had a good day sailing the sucker puffs, shooting the breeze, and practicing starts and getting our cardio in!
Even with no breeze it beats the hell out of a good day at the office….
Warm temps and holiday stuff will make sailing over the next few days tough but stay tuned, good things are on the way-
If you have ice, send an email to ice@neiya.org and we can get the mojo working-
Think Ice and Happy Holidaze…..
T US 5224
No Racing This Weekend
Sad news sports fans, no race-able ice was reported in NE so we have to skip the racing this weekend. Stay tuned, there may be ice for scratch racing and cruising and/or something afoot in Canada…. Load your gear and cross your fingers!
Details as the come in…
The unofficial hard-water season kick-off >> Scuttlebutt Sailing News
Nice article about the GWC and a great photo of Colin Duncan duking it out with Rhea Nichols! Click and enjoy-
http://www.sailingscuttlebutt.com/2019/12/18/the-unofficial-hard-water-season-kick-off/
Racing This Weekend?
Hello All- We have some preliminary reports of sailable ice up north- as 2019 is winding down the temptation is to squeeze in a regatta or two to fill the slate for 2019.
More details to come but in the meantime get your gear prepped and loaded and be ready to race!
As ever if three or more boats of any class show up we will give them their own start and division. If you own an older DN know that we are toying with the idea of awarding a “Classic/Vintage Division” trophy to the skipper with the best result in an older boat.
This will be loosely defined, completely subjective, and at the whim of the race committee and an esteemed panel of judges assembled on site. So if you have an older boat and want to hit the race course make this the year!
Proof of insurance will be required for each competitor-
Watch this site for news and details.
Think ICE!!
T Thieler
NEIYA Regatta Chair
Mark Christensen DN US 4824
Sad news from MN as Mark Christensen rounded the top mark for the last time on Saturday. Those of us who knew him were lucky to know a guy who was soft-spoken and humble, yet free with information and as competitive as it gets once on the race course.
Mostly he was known simply as “The Doctor” due to his skills and profession as a safe-cracker and technician. He was a skilled sailor as well, spending a ton of time at the top level of DN racing in the winter and in the very competitive Flying Dutchman class in the winter.
Doctor, we are going to miss you something awful. Fair winds, sir….
New England Ice Yacht Association 