Two groups sailed today on Lake Sunapee and Newfound Lake in New Hampshire and passed on pictures and their first-hand accounts.
Brian Langley Reports from Sunapee
About 10 boats enjoyed sunny clear weather on Sunapee Lake today. Winds were around 8-10 with higher winds later in the day.
Ice was bumpy and rough on the lake. Combo of snow ice, windblown ice, and some refrozen windblown funky ice, that almost looked like open water? The lake is locked up solid. We found areas where the ice was glass. and other areas of smooth gray ice. There is one pressure ridge right from the river at the beach, all the way to the far shoreline. We managed to find a crossing and marked it with a cone I had brought out with me. Ice was a better grade of smooth gray running down the narrows to the island. We sailed up to the northern part of the lake where we found one pretty nasty pressure ridge with open water on the other side. We decided it could not be crossed. We sailed along the ridge down towards the mouth of Sunapee harbor to see if we could find a spot to cross and head up to George’s mills. But the ridge ran 90 degrees to the other and we could not safely go any further.
Sunapee 2/5/20 by John Pepper
Sunapee 2/5/20 By Brian Langley
Sunapee 2/5/20 by John Pepper
Sunapee 2/5/20 By Brian Langley
Sunapee 2/5/20 By Brian Langley
Sunapee 2/5/20 By Brian Langley
Sunapee 2/5/20 By Brian Langley
Sunapee 2/5/20 By Brian Langley
We did find a beautiful glass section up by the mouth to the bay and we all enjoyed sailing that glass-smooth plate for awhile. We headed back by late afternoon to make it through the narrows and the island. We all safely crossed at our return cone marking.
The wind had picked up nicely off the beach, and we all enjoyed some fast runs late in the day before breaking down at the beach.
Brian Langley
Next up, the report from Newfound Lake near Bridgewater, NH
Jay Whitehair and I sailed Newfound Lake today.
The ice was AWESOME with smooth expanses of gray ice and even some black ice in places. The wind was perfect (10mph or so). Beware the huge open lead at the north end of the lake. Also some wet pressure ridges and assorted other hazards, but all in all great ice from Wellington State Park north. The south end of the lake is only suitable for ice fishing.
Mark Friedman
Guys thanks for sharing your day with everyone. hopefully, we will get on either of these venues when the front passes. There was also activity on Winnipesaukee.
Stay tuned and keep your runners sharp and your powder dry,
John
DN5023
john@neiya.org
P.S. Please remember to share your experience and pictures with those who could not make it on to the ice.
02/05/2020 | Categories: 2020 Season | Comments Off on Sailing In NH Ahead of the Storm
Bob S., Ron Buzzel and others will be sailing Sunapee tomorrow Wednesday 2/5/20.
Predictions look favorable with temperatures below freezing all day with winds @ 8 to 9 mph. Come on out, as there is weather coming in towards the end of the week and who knows how this will effect our ice.
After a fairly epic bike ride the length of the lake today and consultation with several of the wise ones we’ve decided not to try a Hardway on Wednesday. The ice is fairly thin right now especially considering there is little if any open water and there are many hazards large and small. Every day the pressure ridges are different and new ones pop up. The ice from 3 Mile Isl. to Center Harbor is very very rough, and blocked by one of the biggest pressure ridges we encountered.
Our feeling is Wednesday might be a great sailing day from Wolfeboro, and there will be boats sailing, but none of us familiar with the lake on a daily basis and making this call feel like now is the time for a Hardway.
We are hoping to do a 3rd Hardway in 3 years so stay tuned.
Lee
02/03/2020 | Categories: 2020 Season | Comments Off on Winni Hardway Off For Now
On Monday Lee and Karin and perhaps others will be riding bikes on the ice from Center Harbor to Wolfeboro to scout for a potential Hardway on Wednesday. Wednesday the last day before snow. We know the ice is very rough out from Center Harbor for quite a ways. We will further check the pressure ridges which are changing daily. After consulting with Charlie Sylvanius and a further check on the weather we will make a call Monday night or Tuesday morning. Stay tuned.
I have three items on this update. Our participation in a local MA Winter event, an upcoming event at the NH Boat Museum in Wolfeboro and a review of ice etiquette.
A couple months ago the NEIYA was asked to participate in the Andover MA Winterfest. The purpose of the festival was to promote winter outdoor activities. How could I say no? Local iceboaters Frank Morse and Peter Boynton agreed to bring boats down and sail if the conditions allowed. Since I was not driving home from MT and had fled Winni before the torrential rains came Saturday night I was able to attend as well. The crowds began to build a little after 10am and the winter demonstrations began. There were talks and demos on ice fishing, harvesting ice, winter hiking and geocaching, ice rescue drills by the local fire department and talk about ice boats of course. I spoke about the history of iceboating, safety, and cruising and racing today. We were well received and there were many questions from the audience. There were a couple interested people both from the audience and the firefighters. I am hoping one or two of the families in the audience comes out on the ice real soon. We agreed to come back next year and perhaps schedule a local demo day when conditions allow.
Charlie Silfvenius our Hardway Chairman will be dong an iceboat demo at winter festivals in Wolfeboro February 16th and 22nd. More details to come. I am sure Charlie could use a hand or extra tongue or two to talk up iceboating to the crowds. More details to follow shortly.
Looking back we had a great one, two, three four or more days on Winnipesaukee. Over the course of the week we had 25 boats on Wednesday, 30+ on Thursday, 40+ on Friday and 25+ on Saturday. With all the coming and going I estimate we had between 60 and 70 unique boats sail over the four days. That is a pretty great gathering and the largest I have seen in some time. With all those boats running around courtesy and caution is a must.
A couple thoughts in no particular order
Sail heads up and in control
Be aware of other ice users
Skaters
Kites They move pretty quickly and their kites if on the ground may have thin line stretched out from the kite. Stay Clear of it our blades are sharp
Kite Wings
Ice Boards they are fast so aware
Motorcycles fast and may not be traveling in a direction that one would expect from a wind-powered craft. Give them room
Snowmobiles same as motorcycles but a little bigger so easier to see.
Walkers
Ice fishermen and their Tip-ups. Stay well clear and if you do accidentally run one over stop and offer to replace (pay) if it is damaged
Anything else out there
If we are sailing near public launch areas we have to share. Sail heads up and with courtesy.
Looking ahead we have people out checking Winni today, there are many eyes on Bantam in Litchfield CT, there is news that Jordan Bay on Sebago might come it (watch iceboat.me for news), there is positive progress on Sunapee and a few other choices. The weather that came through is presenting some new possibilities so if you know something let us know via ice@neiya.org and or post to the forum.
Sail Fast & Sail Heads Up,
John
DN5023
john@neiya.org
P.S. I like all of us are eager to hear more about the NAs and sailing on Peck Lake. There will be more to come from our the latest North American Champion and others that attended.
01/28/2020 | Categories: 2020 Season | Comments Off on Growing the Herd
I came upon this ice formation near the leeward mark and it best describes yesterday (Friday 1/25) perfectly. 40 sailors gathered at the intersection of ice and Ice and Fun.
Blessed by ice
Sailors came from all over New England, Long Island NY, The Jersey Shore, and Andre’ Baby brought six Canadians down on his coattails two from far away Hamilton This almost invalidated thier participation in the Common Sense regatta but as we know ice draws us to the extreme. We were thrilled to host the MIT iceboating team with their four Buchholz build DNs. They were thrilled to take their first spin on an iceboat. Remember your first iceboat sail? Those smiles should remind you. We look forward to sailing with the MIT team again soon.
MIT Iceboating Team
The day started out with some light breeze as shown on the NEIYA burgee at the top of my mast (yes we reordered let me know if you want one). This a gave everyone a chance to familiarize themselves with the ice conditions. The wind speeds increased at about noon and the real fun began.
The NA orphans and many others gathered around the leeward mark and ran numerous scratch races to complete the Small Sky (common sense) Regatta. Racing continued till about 3:00 and we followed the dying breeze back into the pits.
Some views from the pit. We had a couple pro photographers out there shooting who promised to send us their pics so more to come. If you have some favorite shots send them my way.
We have a front moving in today and it could prep us for some great sailing in February. Winni again? We will see…
The NA’s in Montana are still going on with one more day of races. In the Gold Fleet, Chad and T are still first and second follow by Ron Sherry. Bill Bucholz is currently in 8th place with an impressive 2nd place yesterday in the Silver fleet. Wishing the NEIYA and all competitors the best of luck on this final day of competition and a smooth ride home. Preliminary results here http://dniceboat.org/2020/na.html
That’s all for now as the ice is calling…
See you on the ice,
John
DN5023
john@neiya.org
P.S. If you are not receiving posts in your email box please let me know.
01/25/2020 | Categories: 2020 Season | Comments Off on Wow, What a Day on Winni!
Nature delivered the ice. Invites have gone out for days and today they came. Ellacoya was packed. Packed with 30 iceboats. Sailors came from all over New England, New Jersey, Long Island NY and four boats from Canada. People hit the ice but were unrewarded, the ice was smooth and fast and th wind never came up. As most of us know the next best thing to iceboating is talking about iceboating and of course, that is what we did. Remember not all iceboating stories happen on the ice.
Many in the crowd are NA orphans and in their honor, the NEIYA will hold the Small Sky (Common Sense) regatta in Ellacoya tomorrow. The wind forecast is favorable and with the current conditions, it will be fast. Remember races are open to any class that can put three boats on the line. Not racing? There is plenty of cruising space to wind up the fun meter.
See you on the ice tomorrow,
John
DN5023
john@neiya.org
P.S. How about Chad and T currently in 1st and 2nd place in MT NA’s with racing tomorrow. Way to go boys and huge kudos to Karen for earning her way into the Gold Fleet. All three of their ears must have been ringing today. I will let T and Karen elaborate further over the next few days.
01/23/2020 | Categories: 2020 Season | Comments Off on Today and Tomorrow on Winni
Spread the word. There is big ice on Winnipasauki launching from Ellacoya State Park.
The area has been skated and sailed with a consistent 4 – 5 inches (3.6 to 10.2 cm) over the areas that were checked. As you can see there is a nice smooth milky surface with some black ice. This is a big plate of ice and there are pressure ridges present and forming, cracks and other hazards lurking. Heads up out there. Talk to people who have been out and buddy up.
We are expecting sailors from the southern iceboat reaches of NJ, Long Island, and CT and to our Northern neighbors who have expressed a strong interest in making the drive south. Bienvenue et nous nous réjouissons de partager notre glace.
A team will be on the ice tomorrow late morning to do a deeper check. We expect to be sailing this plate for the next few days or at least till the snow comes in and makes a mess of things on Saturday.
Come out and play there is a racing event in the works likely Thursday and I know lots of cruisers, boards and skaters. Big ice for all to enjoy.
Additional information on lodging and evening refreshments and dining TBD.
Please leave a comment below if you intend on coming or leave a note in the forum section for more general questions.
Think Big Ice and see you there,
John
dn5023
john@neiya.org
P.S. If you are new or interested in the short of iceboating Thursday would be a good time to come.
01/21/2020 | Categories: 2020 Season | Comments Off on Big Ice on Winni! Cruising and Racing on Miles of Ice…
The NEIYA was asked to participate in the Andover Massachusetts Winter Fest and they gave us top billing!
NEIYA locals Peter Boynton and Frank Morse have volunteered to bring a couple boats and hopefully a sailing demo on Pomps Pond. It’s kinda small and hopefully, the boats can get on the ice. Peter and Frank will act as ambassadors and look forward to welcoming new iceboaters into the fold.
If your interested in the sport of ice boating, in the area or just want to hang out with other winter enthusiasts do drop in on Sunday, January 26th, 10-2pm Pomps Pond, 147 Abbot St, Andover, MA.
Put it on your calendar rain or shine,
Think Ice,
John
DN5023
john@neiya.org
01/14/2020 | Categories: 2020 Season | Comments Off on Winter Fest Andover, MA Sunday January 26th
Things are looking promising we have had a couple preliminary reports in from New Hampshire but they both need a closer look.
Charlie S reports on Wentworth, Nice resurface of lake Wentworth in Wolfeboro, NH.
Smooth grey ice top grade 6-7. All drain holes solid with 4+ inches of clear. Most ice 6+. That’s as deep as my drill goes. No shell ice. Just need wind.
VC Jay Whitehair sent in the picture of Lake Mascoma but has not set foot on it yet. A resident on the lake described “it looks like glass”.
Excellent public access with ample parking at the Shaker bridge. Stay away from the bridge area for the thin ice due to current. Before recent weather, there was plenty of ice thickness. It needs to be reassessed but should be awesome. New surface.
Treasurer Bob Haag reports that Bantam in Litchfield, CT took a major hit from yesterday’s weather and needs some sustained low temps to bring it back into play
There are additional reports of developing conditions at Sunapee and a couple nights of cold still needed. Like the others additional scouting must be done.
Anyone want to buddy up and check these prospects? Leave comments on this post or drop a not on the Forum at the top menu. Find someone to scout with DO NOT go out alone. If we want to sail this weekend the ice has to be checked.
After a short hiatus, NEIYA burgees are available once again. Show your iceboating spirit fly it from your halyard in the pits or your car antenna in the parking lot. They are hand made right here in Guilford CT by the Sail Bag Lady and made to last in a stiff breeze and will be around a long time. They are priced at our cost which is $40.25. Click here to purchase online
Let’s communicate about finding, scouting and sailing together. Comments in this post or in the forum. Several newbies have reached out to me in the past several weeks and they just need a little guidence. Eben Whitcomb helped out newbie Spencer Sprecker on Friday at Quaboag and he is sold on ice boating! Looking forward to seeing you out again Spencer.
There is a good crowd planning to head to the mid west for the DN North Anericans at the end of the week so some of the usual suspects will not be sailing locally but there are more iceboaters here than will be traveling so buddy up and have fun.
Think Ice where ever you go,
John
DN5023
john@neiya.org
01/13/2020 | Categories: 2020 Season | Comments Off on It’s Out There But Needs Scouting
After what was a spring-like weekend temps are coming back to freeze up the Zambonied lakes and ponds. Venues need to be checked thoroughly but reports are coming in of some great potential.
We are keeping an eye on Sunapee in NH.
There were eyes on Bantam in Litchfield CT over the weekend and local wisdom a few cold nights might make it ready to sail. Again this is just a tease, we need some more cold and have it thoroughly checked out.
If you are planning on checking it out please double and triple buddy up. People have been leaving notes in the comments section below as well as the Forum at the top of the page.
Many of us (current count is 10) are planning to head out to the midwest for DN North Americans but I am betting we will have sailing choices closer to home. Be vigilent, scout safely and communicate with the rest of the group. And don’t forget to check in on the guys in Maine https://iceboat.me.
Think Ice,
John
DN5023
john@neiya.org
P.S. Don’t forget to report back on your scouting activities.
01/13/2020 | Categories: 2020 Season | Comments Off on Ice Is Coming Back To Us
Decisions, decisions, decisions. Lots of ice has set up over the past couple of days but conditions are challenging. We were on Quabag before Christmas recent weather puts it in the unsafe till proven otherwise status.
New Hampshire has a number of rumors and people have skated including Otter pond, Squam and Winnipesaukee off Leavitts Beach and Wentworth. Sunapee though sailed yesterday is not considered safe now by those who were there a little over 24hrs ago. There have also been reports of ice on Sebago and Mallets Bay in VT has reports of decent ice.
T is trying to find the best option for the remaining unsailed regattas from 2019. His call will be made later in the day. Remember just about anyone can get on the course and if your not racing they can always use scorers or just sail outside of the course.
With so many new plates coming in all at once it is hard to say where the best and safest conditions are. Remember there is safety in numbers. We need further information from people on the ice. Buddy up scout and sail with extreme caution. There have been a lot of pretty ice pictures from skaters (some sail too) floating around on social and the web but we need a little higher confidence level.
I believe there are good sailing venues out there but things just need to be checked and please share so that we can spread the word.
Thinking about checking out ice leads and following the skaters? Buddy up. Don’t have a buddy post a comment below. Report back your findings via comment below or ice@neiya.org. You will be rewarded when others come out to sail with you.
Sail Fast and Sail Safe,
John
DN5023
12/27/2019 | Categories: 2020 Season | Comments Off on Looking for Ice This Weekend…
Miss out on anything today? Didn’t get what you had hoped for? Well, dig way down to the bottom of your sticking for a super present. Jay and locals have been keeping an eye on Sunapee off of the State Beach and reports that there is solid black ice all the way across to the far shore with a surface of about a 9!
The rest of the lake has not been scouted so be very cautious if you venture into the larger body but plenty of space without wandering off.
Launching is from the state beach with carry on access from the parking lot to the pit area. People will congregate around 10 am.
Come to cruise come to tune up whatever just come. There will be cones for those looking to hone their skills.
Before setting foot on the ice seek out local recent knowledge. Remember the season is young.
Sail fast and safe,
John
DN5023
12/25/2019 | Categories: 2020 Season | Comments Off on Boxing Day Sailing Tomorrow Lake Sunapee NH
Charlie S. has just gotten off of Lake Wentworth in NH and reports that the ice is a solid grade 5 to 6 but much rougher near shore. Launch areas are near the state beach off of Rt 109 near Wolfesbor Center, NH.
While Wentworth has ice it needs further scouting. Bring an experienced scouting team or assemble with locals. This is a notice of what was found not a general invitation to sail.
Be safe people,
John
12/20/2019 | Categories: 2020 Season | Comments Off on Recent Cold Continues to Deliver…
Quabaug Pond in Brookfield MA has been checked this morning and is ready to go. The usable plate is smaller than we see later in the season as well as the usual trouble spots exist. Before sailing off, seek out advice from those that have ventured out. It is early and there are know regular issues as well as some current observations.
Looking like light wind tomorrow Saturday and maybe more on Sunday. This is a good opportunity to clear out the summer cob webs. Cruise around have fun and im am sure if there are like minded folks a few orange cones will go out for scratch racing. Everyone is welcome and everyone at any levels will learn something.
There is bound to be a good crowd out there so sail heads up!
Please let us know you plan on coming in the poll below and leave your fellow iceboaters a comment below.
Think Ice,
John
DN5023
12/20/2019 | Categories: 2020 Season | Comments Off on Quaboag Pond Ready to Sail
The day started out with warm rain and pretty much stayed that way the entire day.
The NEIYA fellowship began gathering, to set up, well before the official start time of official start time. From the start young, experienced, novice, and nubies began talking iceboating. A call to order to review the agenda was made at about 11:15am. First up Jay on ice safety review, followed by plank building with Paul Zucco and runner stoning with Eben. Along the way a break out team found time to help Bruce from NH rig his new, to him, DN for the first time inside the shop. Believe it or not only the battens were missing.
NEIYA veteran and founding member Leo Healey made an appearance. Leo was the voice of the hotline so long it’s hard not to think about that when one talks to him.
Jay Whitehead opened up talking about the effects of cold on the human body. Jay laid out simple steps in identifying, treating and preparing a hypothermic victim for the arrival of EMT personnel. People remained attentive for the entire presentation and through the question and answer session. Way to go guys for attention.
Paul Zucco was up next and had a number of plank building steps laid out so we could see how and understand. I overheard a comment from an experienced woodworker that he took away a number of tips from paul. Thanks, Jay we all learned a lot.
Eben Whitcomb was closer with a demonstration on stoning one’s runners. Eben stressed the importance of patience, consistency and attention to detail while slowing honing blade edges to perfection.
Have a question for Jay, Paul or Eben to leave a comment below.
None of this would be possible without the continued support of Steve and Linda Lamb and Linda’s sister Sharon.
Up next, conditions dependent, the the unraced races and the return of early season cruising.
Think Ice,
John
DN5023
john@neiya.org
12/15/2019 | Categories: 2020 Season | Comments Off on Sharing Knowledge With The Friendship
It seems like that is all I have been doing the past few weeks. Talk about iceboating with friends, family, fellow softwater sailors and of course all of you ice devotees. Some of the non-devotees have lost interest so I was forced to go on the road this past weekend.
Saturday, first stop Week’s Yacht Yard Patchogue NY on Long Island. Located about halfway between the Throgs Neck Bridge and Montauk right on the Great South Bay. Thanks to all the guys at the Lake Ronkonkoma Iceboat club for good conversation and a freshly grilled burger. My first iceboat sail was on Lake Ronkonkoma so I always have fond memories of the place and people. Great to see all the LI people in one place and know our conversations will continue on the ice somewhere.
Sunday, brought me to Hudson NY and the Hudson River Ice Yacht Club‘s annual meeting. The HRIYC are iceboat historical custodians for the Jack Frost, Vixen and so many other boats. From time to time over the past 20+, I have ventured onto the Hudson to sail with the museum boats. The Hudson sailors might be the most patient iceboaters in the northeast as their venue does not freeze ever year and its a real chore to cart 1000’s of pounds of boat parts and gear to a new venue. We all share a passion for iceboating whether piloting a craft made of carbon fiber and constructed in an autoclave or rescued from a barn and lovingly restored to 1800’s splendor.
I let the group know that we have been keeping a keen eye on Winni over the past couple of years and wanted them to once again bring some of the big boats up for a Frolic. All were keen on the idea and pledged to make it happen if conditions cooperate.
The 2020 Wooden Boat Calendar featured Vixen one of the HRIYC’s boats for January. Nice to see an iceboat make the cut. Here are a couple places to check it out or just Google. NOAH Publications and Landfall
SO ENOUGH, TALK TALK and on to the doing part. Good luck to the NEIYA members that have ventured out to the Western Challenge to tune with the top tier. We look forward to hearing about what looks like near-perfect conditions.
Lastly, reports are coming in from all over and some are venturing out for a look and test. Careful out there with new ice and keep the information flow coming so we can gather when conditions allow.
Think Ice,
John DN5023 John@neiya.org
P.S. FYI as some have noted Yahoo is about to turn off the Yahoo Groups including the Iceboating group many of us have been on for quite a few years. Doug Sharp and I are in the process of archiving all the content so it is not lost forever. I encourage everyone that has content on the Yahoo Iceboating group to download their own content HERE and follow the instructions. last call is December 14, though there are rumors they will extend that through the end of January but I would not bet on it. Now is the time to get your stuff before Yahoo does a big purge.
12/12/2019 | Categories: 2020 Season | Comments Off on Talk Talk…
It is early in the season and we have already begun the cycles of winter. Cold, Snow, Melt and wait. The folks in Maine sprinted up to Plymouth Pond for the last sail before the white dump, some shoveled and plowed and others watched the meager snow melt away in the hard rain. The common thread is we all thought about iceboating, worked on our boats and watched the weather forecasts for some miracle or miracles.
As most of you know, Steve Lamb has once again graciously opened his shop up for our annual off-ice tune-up clinic. If you have not come before it’s a great chance to catch up with fellow sailors, ask a question, learn a new skill, pick up equipment, and of course feast on the food Linda puts together for us. The short of it.
There will be sets of Boride Stones some safety equipment as well as other items for sale. New this year VC Jay Whitehair will be demonstrating ice safety equipment.
See you all there and Think Ice,
John DN5023 John@neiya.org
P.S. If there is sailable ice do what you need to do, get some tiller time but there will be a crowd at Steves regardless.
P.P.S. Keep an eye on your local ice and spread the news to all! We have only a couple weeks to get some of the 2019 races in and it’s always great to start the season before Christmas.
12/07/2019 | Categories: 2020 Season | Comments Off on Winter Flexes Her Icy Fingers
We have all been thinking about iceboating and thanks to a good cold snap some sailed Plymouth Pond in Maine earlier this month. For the rest of us it is just the waiting business as usual.
Thanksgiving marks a real change in the season and if you have not already drag your boat and gear out. put the boat together fix the stuff you never go around to when it was warmer and get ready.
A note from our dedicated Web Guy Deane Williams, please contact the seller for any information, there should be a phone or email on each ad. Replies like, “is it still for sale”, “send more info”, “send pictures” will not be posted on the website. They just clutter things up and make it hard for people to find what they want. We will be featuring the best of the best on the classifieds on our home page next week so get your ads in.
Is your NEIYA sticker getting worn and tattered or sold the car with the sticker? The will be available at the Tune-up or give me a shout and either Secretary Karen Binder or I will get a new one out to you.
Enjoy your holiday with family and friends and thankful for all that we have.
See you at the Tune up in two weeks and on the ice.
Think Ice,
John
DN5023
john@neiya.org
Commodore, NEIYA
11/28/2019 | Categories: 2020 Season | Comments Off on Happy Thanksgiving!
Sunday, brought me to Hudson NY and the 
New England Ice Yacht Association 