Polar Vortex Ushers in Our Season
The returning cold and the impending (so called) polar vortex set the tone for last night’s call, filling the air with anticipation
Today through the weekdnd are dedicated scouting days, as spotters assess conditions across the region. Remember: any ice we encounter is relatively new, forming in the wake of recent warming events. While some lakes and ponds have held onto their ice cover, others have been compromised by warm rain and wind. Every surface must be thoroughly inspected and tested before it can be deemed safe for sailing.
Current Scouting Updates:
- Massachusetts: Eyes are on Quaboag Pond, with scouts monitoring conditions closely.
- New Hampshire: Sunapee, Wentworth, and Mirror Lake are under active review.
- Maine: Scouting efforts are ongoing; check updates on iceboat.me for the latest Maine reports.
- Adirondack Region, NY: The Saratoga group remains optimistic and monitoring continues.
- Connecticut: Bantam Lake, which initially held its ice cover, experienced a blowout and now requires reformation. However, the predicted cold snap over the next week could bring it back into play.
Looking ahead to next week, there’s potential for both recreational cruising and competitive racing, with marks set up for those ready to line up and compete. While it’s too early to pinpoint exact locations, sailors should remain prepared—when conditions align, the call will come.
As expectations peak during this time of year, it’s crucial to temper enthusiasm with caution. Thoroughly inspect ice conditions, sail with vigilance, and stay mindful of hidden hazards. DO NOT SAIL ALONE!
Look for updates later tonight.
Let’s make this season as safe as it is exhilarating.
Sail Fast and Think Ice,
John
john@neiya.org
In Santa’s Wake
Santa didn’t quite deliver what I asked for at launch sites throughout the region, but hope is on the horizon as ice continues to build. Maybe, just maybe, we’ll be out there soon. Spotters have been going to great lengths to assess the ice conditions, from the ground to the tops of neighboring peaks. A big thank you to Mark for taking a moment between carving turns and amassing vertical drops to capture a shot of Lake Sunapee from the ski mountain. Here’s to icy adventures ahead!
The picture is Lake Sunapee (from the mountain). All the white areas are 1 inch of snow from last night. The blue is presumably still open water. The ice just off the State Beach launch area made cracking noises under my weight and is probably little more than an inch. I punched through with a hammer blow. The ice in Newbury harbor, which is older, is solid and at least 3 inches thick. I could not break through the hammer in some spots. I did not venture out on the plate to test it further from shore. My guess is anywhere from 1 to 3 inches. Subfreezing days and colder nights are forecast til Friday. Over the weekend it is supposed to warm up and rain. Light winds are forecast till Friday. Not encouraging, but I will continue to monitor.
I skated Squam Lake yesterday. There is a good expanse of solid gray ice in the coves and thinner (2 inches) black ice further out that may be thicker now.
Newfound lake is iced over but I did not check it.
Hopefully, we will have additional info by tonight’s call and out on some ice in the next few day.
Think Ice,
John
John@neiya.org
Like a Lion
Winter wasted no time announcing her arrival on this, her first official day. Here is to everyone that got out today in any capacity. Drive by, quick shorline check a skate or a sail.
Peter Boynton reports in from Little Sunapee, NH.
Dick Boisvert, Henry Kavle, and Peter Boynton joined Mark Friedman sailing Little Lake Sunapee today in New London NH. Ice a bit bumpy but good wind, and good company!
Henry suffered a broken mast – perhaps someone can help him out with a replacement!!
VC Charlie S. reports on happenings in NH
Skated Mirror lake. Mostly 3″ with about 1/3 2-3. One more night. Hope for wind tomorrow.
There is a Small launch site off rt 109 in Tuftonboro,NH. Another site is off Lang Pond rd. by the Libby Museum.
Have some spare time betwee December 23 – January 5th The FDR Presidential Library is delighted to host a display of authentic Hudson Valley Ice Yachts from December 23, 2024 through January 6, 2025. The display is presented by the Hudson River Ice Yacht Preservation Trust and Hudson River Ice Yacht Club.
Think Ice,
John
John@neiya.org
Winter Solstice Sail
How fitting to get a sail in on Winter Solstice Day. Very fitting in a Druid kind of way.
Mark Friedman has bee watching Little Sunnapee for a few days and finally got boat out. Here is what he found.
Little Sunapee was good today and will be good tomorrow.
It’s pretty good here today. There’s some snow on the ice, but the wind is starting to scour it. On the other hand, it’s still snowing a little. The ice is a little bit rough but not too bad. There are some wingers here today, but no ice boats besides mine.
Forecast is 7 to 10 degrees f. witn winds 12-10 mph. Bring your woolens,
I left my boat there , so I will be back
Access is from the parking lot at bucklin Beach in New London. The lot is open but unplowed. Snow is only a few inches deep. If the lot is full you can park on the “Dump road” , perpendicular to rt 114. DO NOT park on 114 or you may get towed.
Mark
Also Reporting in was Bob S. with his ever vigilant eye on Quaboag
“Stopped by quaboag today. it still has ice but the south end is open, about one third is open and the wind is blowing and it looks like the hole is getting bigger.
The shoreline is filling in near the ramp, cold weather coming we may black ice where the water is, i will keep an eye on it.
Bob S”
Other lakes are catching on a a rapid pace more as things progress.
John
DN5023
John@neiya.org
Real Cold Is On Our Doorstep
With the crisp taste of ice and competition still fresh, the anticipation for the coming cold front grows. Winter is bearing down, bringing the promise of smooth, black ice and the exhilarating conditions that define our sport.
Iceboating teaches us one lesson, again and again: success favors the ready. When the ice calls, you must answer. Paul Chamberland, and Jeff Roseberry, answered that call in MN and others heeded Bill Buchholz’s rallying cry at Plymouth Pond. They seized the moment and reaped the rewards.
Their efforts paid off, with Jeff picking up a fourth in the competitive DN Western Regional Championship. His result serves as a reminder of the spirit and skill required to compete at the highest levels.
As the temperature drops and the ice forms, we are reminded: the thrill awaits those who dare to chase it.
Bob S. our Cruising Chair sums it up in two sentences.
Don’t wait until you get to ice to look for all the parts. Nice day to set up and make sure everything is there and ready to go.
Bob S.
Think Ice,
John
john@neiya.org
P.S. We will have out regular 6:30 call tonight. No I can’t promise sailing on Saturday but we always have something to talk about. Email me if you have forgotten the number.
Ice is coming
Bob S reports on Quaboag today.
Looking like we may have some ice around the region to talk about on Thursday evening.
Thanks Bob keep it coming.
The pond is frozen again, no holes spotted , 1 and half inches in front of the ramp.
will check again
Bob S
Think Ice,
John
P S. Report on Landfall gathering later tonight.
The Speed and Spirit of Iceboating
Iceboating has always been synonymous with speed. A visceral, wind-driven thrill across frozen landscapes. Yet, beyond the thrill of gliding on ice at breakneck velocity lies an equally compelling draw: the camaraderie of a shared passion. This unique sport unites kindred spirits, blending the forces of nature, wind, water, and ice with a profound sense of community.
This past weekend, with plans for Minnesota not an option, Eben Whitcomb and I turned our focus closer to home. We ventured to two annual gatherings of iceboating enthusiasts: one on Long Island, N.Y., and the other along the Hudson River in Kingston, N.Y.
Both groups, as we expected but were happy to confirm, are tight-knit communities within the larger world of iceboating. On Long Island, the historic Weeks Yacht Yard buzzed with energy, its storied past lending an air of timelessness to the event. Up the Hudson, the backdrop of the Catskills and the historic Hudson reflected the true heritage of iceboating in the United States.
While it’s the adrenaline of high-speed dashes across the ice that initially captivates us, weekends like these serve as a reminder of iceboating’s true draw: the people. The sport is as much about forging bonds in the cold as it is about the rush of the ride, a balance of heart-pounding excitement and heartwarming connection.
For those eager to immerse themselves in this unique world, don’t miss the upcoming iceboat-themed open house at Landfall Navigation in Stamford, Conn. Join us this Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., at 151 Harvard Avenue, just off I-95 at Exits 6 North and South. Whether you’re a seasoned sailor or simply curious about the sport, it’s a perfect opportunity to learn more and share in the spirit of iceboating.
Think ice, and we hope to see you Saturday!
Warm regards,
John
John@neiya.org
I have invited a few local soft water sailors to Landfall to talk iceboating next Saturday, December 14th. Looking forward to seeing some familiar faces and welcoming new ones. Come join in and help spread the word from 10am to 3pm Landfall Navigation 151 Harvard Ave, Stamford, CT 06902.
Paul and Jeff have checked in from Starbuck, Minnesota—a town without a Starbucks but full of sailing grit. With over 400 miles logged behind the tiller and hours of fine-tuning under their belts, they’re setting a high bar for the rest of us.
Gentlemen, your efforts put many of our East Coast numbers to shame. Best of luck this weekend at the Western Regionals on Lake Minnewaska—a place that seems tailor-made for your style.
Looking like an excellent venue for the DN Western Championship this coming weekend
On Saturday the Lake Ronkonkoma Ice Yacht Club held their annual swap meet at the historic Frank M. Weeks Yacht Yard in Patchogue NY. Weeks was founded in 1889 and specializes in building and repair of wooden boats big and small. The gathering featured homemade chili, desserts, and a good collection of iceboats and parts for sale. We look forward to seeing the Long Island gang out on the ice this winter.
Found in a back corner of the Weeks Yacht. I didn’t ask but looks like a wonderful project if one has the time and money. And no it did not come home with me
This past Sunday, the Hudson River Ice Yacht Club (HRIYC) held its annual meeting at the Hudson River Maritime Museum (HRMM) on the banks of Rondout Creek, a tributary of the Hudson River in Kingston, NY. The HRMM, is home to a a collection of historic iceboats as well as a history of the Hudson River. It is well for enthusiasts of nautical history.
The meeting was an inspiring gathering of sailors united by a shared passion for preserving historic iceboats. Many of these vessels, dating back to the turn of the 20th century, have storied legacies tied to prominent figures of the industrial age, including the Roosevelts and Astors.
The HRIYC serves as custodians of this unique maritime heritage, maintaining a living, functional museum on ice. Their dedication ensures these magnificent vessels remain a vibrant part of Hudson River history.
Special thanks to the HRIYC for once again voting in favor of supporting the NEIYA by renewing their paid membership.
Looking Around Dec Week One
It’s great to see some member activity out in Starbuck, Minnesota! Back home watchful eyes are scanning birdbaths, puddles, and ponds for any signs of ice. As previously reported Bob S. has shifted to hunting ice after bagging this season’s limit. Not to be outdone Peter Boynton has been searching and hoping as well. Anyone else see anything of interest?
I have invited a few local soft water sailors to Landfall to talk iceboating next Saturday, December 14th. Looking forward to seeing some familiar faces and welcoming new ones. Come join in and spread the word 10 to 3pm Landfall Navigation 151 Harvard Ave, Stamford, CT 06902.
Sail Fast,
John
The snow wet out but we have quite a bit of open water, about one third of the pond has open water, checked the grey ice 2 1\4 inches. warm weather week, we could lose it, just wait and see,
Bob S
Jeff Kent Reports from Minnewaska – Day 3 for Bernd Zieger and I. Conditions yesterday light air 1 ” stiff snow patches Turnout reasonable.
In answer to Bob S’s plea Peter Boyngton captured some skim ice on a North Andover, MA pond.
Ice Checkers Checking In
Quaboag is looking better today, with a half inch of ice where open water was two days ago.
There should be about an inch further out, snow tonight 3 to 6 inches it may help it or sink it and grey out, only time will tell.
It’s early December, we can just keep checking.
Bob S
Meanwhile, two of our members, Race Chair Paul Chamberland and Jeff Roseberry, are mixing it up on Lake Minnewaska in Starbuck, MN. Good luck sorting out your rigs this weekend and bring some cold back east with you.
Think Ice,
John
John@neiya.org
Skim Ice Observed On Quaboag Pond
Bob S reports that Quaboag in Brookfield MA has skimmed over. Cold is here!
Stay tuned saliable ice is on its way.
Don’t forget the member call on Thursday 6:30 this Thursday. You should or will have the info in your email already of shortly.
Think Ice,
John
NEIYA, Commodore
john@neiya.org
Happy 2024 Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving Kicks Off the Ice Sailing Season
Happy Thanksgiving to all! Today, we celebrate gratitude, good food, family, friends, and football. But for ice sailing enthusiasts, it also marks the unofficial start of the season. While no secret pond in New England is quite ready for sailing yet, the countdown has begun. Our friends in Minnesota are gearing up, and we know it won’t be long for us here in New England and the Northeast.
Are You Ready?
With the season upon us, it’s time to prepare. Our first NEIYA Thursday call is scheduled for next Thursday, December 5th, at 6:30 PM. Current members will receive call details via email over the weekend. If you have not paid your dues, now is the time to take care of it! Visit the NEIYA website at www.neiya.org and use the membership section on the right-hand side of the homepage.
If your boat is still in storage, this weekend is the perfect opportunity to haul it out and get it ready. And don’t forget to connect with your winter ice buddies—it’s always better to prepare as a team.
Upcoming Off-Ice Gatherings in New York
For those in the New York region or anyone eager to connect with fellow ice sailing enthusiasts, two off-ice gatherings are scheduled for next weekend:
- Lake Ronkonkoma Ice Boat and Yacht Club (LRIBC)
When: Saturday, December 7th, 12:00–3:00 PM
Where: Frank M. Weeks Yacht Yard, 10 Riverview Ct, Patchogue, NY 11772 - Hudson River Ice Yacht Club (HRIYC)
When: Sunday, December 8th, 1:30–4:30 PM
Where: Hudson River Maritime Museum, Kingston, NY
Details: This potluck event is a must for fans of vintage stern steerers.
Questions?
If you have any questions, feel free to reach out via email.
Think ice, prepare your boats, and let’s make this season one to remember!
John Stanton
NEIYA, Commodore
John@neiya.org
2024 Swap & Meet: A Good Time Was Had by All
Title: 2024 Swap & Meet: A Good Time Was Had by All
A lively crowd turned out for the NEIYA’s annual Swap Meet and meeting, making for a memorable day. A big thank you goes out to everyone who helped make it a success.
By 10 a.m., the parking lot was packed with sellers, browsers, and iceboating friends reconnecting ahead of winter. Boats of every budget were on display, from vintage models from the 70s to brand-new parts and iceboats.
Four vintage DN iceboats found new homes, with plans to bring them back to cruising form to help introduce newcomers to the sport. The boats went to New Hampshire, two in Massachusetts, and one in Albany, near the Adirondack lakes. We’ll have updates on these classic crafts in the coming weeks. Their heritage will go on.
Lunch kicked off around 12:30, followed by the annual meeting, which I led with support from our new and returning officers. I highlighted the sailing opportunities from last season and paid tribute to Treasurer Bob Haag, who served the NEIYA tirelessly for twelve consecutive seasons. Bob, on behalf of all of us, thank you for your dedication—now it’s time to see you more often on the ice.
This season, we welcome Treasurer Ed Demerest and Race Committee Chair Paul Chamberland to the team. Returning are John Stanton as Commodore, Charlie Silfvenius as Vice Commodore, and Secretary Karen Binder. Bill Buchholz will continue to support our northern area in Maine, while Bob S. will cover central Massachusetts around the Worcester area.
Attendees represented all six New England states, as well as New York, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey. Special thanks to the Lake Ronkonkoma Ice Boat Club for donating a 1938 copy of Wing on the Ice, which quickly found a new owner in a mini-auction.
Stay tuned as we kick off our weekly Thursday evening calls in the next two weeks. We’re also planning some communication updates to help us locate and access the ice faster this season.
Think ice and get ready for the first black ice of the season.
John
NEIYA Commodore
DN5023
john@neiya.org
Just a Couple Weeks – Till NEIYA Swap Meet and Meeting – Saturday, Oct, 26th
Members, Guests, and anyone with an interest in Iceboating or getting onto the ice:
Join us at NEIYA’s annual event—an ice enthusiast’s dream! Reconnect with old friends, plan future adventures, and revel in the warmth of camaraderie, sans helmets and goggles.
we have acquired a few vintage DNs. They came from loving homes down in New Jersey and their former owners wanted to pass on the iceboating heritage. Some are spoken for but we have a couple looking for a new home and custodian. This offer is open to anyone that is looking to start iceboating and does not have a craft yet. We will have some of our resident experts available for guidance and help. Reach out to me if your interested. I will be transporting the boats to the swap meet.
NEIYA Swap Meet, Lunch & Meeting Information:
When: Saturday, October 26th, 10:00am
Where: Thompson Speedway Golf Course, 205 E Thompson Rd, Thompson, CT 06277
https://goo.gl/maps/DbGpTekm4ZLNnV8n7
Now is a perfect time to pay your 2025 dues and reserve your seat at our annual Luncheon and Meeting. All are welcome to attend.
Please Pay Your Dues
| Dues Time | Price | |
| 2025 Membership | $30 |
 |
| 2025 Membership + Lunch | $45 |
|
| 2025 Membership + 2X Lunch | $60 |
|
| 2025 Lunch (11/19/2024) | $15 |
|
| 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 on 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
Green, Green, Green – Sat Oct 26th NEIYA Swap Meet, Lunch & Annual Meeting Is A Go
Members, Guests, and anyone with an interest in Iceboating or getting onto the ice:
The green flag is waving and we are a go on Saturday, October, 26th for the New England Ice Yacht Association’s annual Swap Meet, Lunch, and annual meeting. We will be once again returning to The Golf Course area at the Tompson Speedway in Thompson, CT.
Join us at NEIYA’s annual event—an ice enthusiast’s dream! Reconnect with old friends, plan future adventures, and revel in the warmth of camaraderie, sans helmets and goggles.
Our secretary, Karen, will be engaging in an outreach to any and all ice enthusiast groups. The NEIYA is extending the welcome mat to all ice enthusiasts. Including but not limited to Nordic Skaters, Kite and Wing Sailors, and anyone interested in getting out and enjoying the winter at speed on a horizontal surface.
This is your go-to Northeast event for all things ice sailing, and Ice, whether you’re a novice or a seasoned pro. From masts to sails, planks to runners, gear up and go faster with us! Don’t miss out—be part of the vibrant NEIYA community.
NEIYA Swap Meet, Lunch & Meeting Information:
When: Saturday, October 26th, 10:00am
Where: Thompson Speedway Golf Course, 205 E Thompson Rd, Thompson, CT 06277
https://goo.gl/maps/DbGpTekm4ZLNnV8n7
Now is a perfect time to pay your 2025 dues and reserve your seat at our annual Luncheon and Meeting. All are welcome to attend.
Please Pay Your Dues
| Dues Time | Price | |
| 2025 Membership | $30 |
|
| 2025 Membership + Lunch | $45 |
|
| 2025 Membership + 2X Lunch | $60 |
|
| 2025 Lunch (11/19/2024) | $15 |
|
| 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 on the classified section. Remember your older equipment may be far better than what someone else has now.
Our Thursday calls will resume next week. More on that coming shortly and stay tuned for a calendar of events.
Till then Think Ice,
John
DN5023
John@neiya.org
P.S. The Classified section is being worked on at the moment and any old ads from last season will be purged. If you still have the item(s) for sale let me know so we can keep them up.
Not Done Yet
The weather balance once again turned against us. In the Nort Woods of Maine, we have had warmer temps setting up the potential to sail on Moosehead and the counterbalance was a good dose and more of the white stuff. We are shut out for the weekend with more of the white coming Saturday. Don’t give up just yet. According to Bill Buchholz, a foot of good solid ice is waiting to be uncovered. There are warmer temps and rain next week which could get us out late next week.
Last night’s call also included discussions on communication improvements for next season as well as a post-season gathering. Stay tuned for gathering details and if you have ideas on how we might communicate more clearly please reach out.
The first notice will likely go out on Chickawaukee Ice Boat Club’s site and of course here and Thursday night’s call.
Keep the faith the next time we sail could be next week.
Think Ice,
John
DN5023
John@neiya.org
The End is Nigh
I have not put pen to paper or fingers to plastic keys since our last piece of sailing most of us did in late February or early March. This would be the time we talk about the proverbial fat lady. The inevitable post that is written with the passing of another iceboat season.
Well, I’m not ready just yet. Not ready to tear down and stow my DN. There is a slim chance that Moosehead Lake will give us one last grand send-off. The weather of course will play her hand and we will see. While we await word from the North Woods, we have a few planning details to tackle for next season.
It has been a couple of weeks since we had a full-scale Thursday evening call and tomorrow we will be on again. We have a few things to talk about first can we sail again this spring, second a couple informal end of informal end-of-season gatherings and discuss web-based communication improvements. Anyone who has a desire to help with our website and related communications infrastructure, please make a point of dialing in. Deane Williams and I are the current force behind our web communications. We need more help to improve things. Reach out to me or dial in on Thursday if to help.
Thinking Ice,
John
DN5023
John@neiya.org
Looking at the Weekend 2/21/24
We are coming up on the weekend and in front of our Thursday call here is what we know.
MA:
Quaboag Pond as reported by Bob S. has lost most of its snow but left a bumpy but looks to be sailable for the weekend. Bob will keep a watchful eye on it between now and the weekend.
NH:
Sunapee just keeps getting better and better according to people who sailed on Tuesday
Wentworth boats are still set up there more info to come out tomorrow
Winnipesaukee is looking good off of Leavitts and may well be a prime weekend destination more info to come
ME:
As reported by Bill Buchholz on iceboat.me Maine has a couple of venues with Damariscotta bubbling to the top
This year’s DN North American Championship was scheduled to take place in the Eastern Lakes Region. Despite the extraordinary efforts of James “T” Thieler, Bill Buchholz, Paul Chamberland, and Jeff Roseberry— who scoured both large and small lakes in Maine and John Zierman and Charlie (S) Silfvenius, who monitored conditions on Lake Champlain and Lake Winnipesaukee, respectively, suitable ice was not found. A contingent of NEIYA sailors is already en route or soon to depart for Lake Waconia, Waconia, MN. Updates on their westward progress and racing will be provided.
The sun is getting higher on the horizon every day. Don’t put off getting on the ice.
Think Ice,
John
DN5023
John@neiya.org
P.S. More content from Janet will be up soon.
Opportunities Await Early Week
Sunapee was once again by an assortment of boats on Sunday. Reports from the ice noted the wind has scoured much of the snow off the surface but there are still snow patches to steer around.
Maine has several opportunities available now and a couple new options being investigated. Check out the Chickawaukie Club’s site for details iceboat.me.
Boats are still set up on Wentworth in NH. This includes a newly restored stern steerer.
Echoing James “T” Thieler’s appeal for regatta-sized ice. If you see something say something. Scouters have been searching high and low but maybe something was missed.
We are heading into a mid-week warm-up phase so be alert for change.
More info as it come.
Think Ice,
John
DN5023
John@neiya.org
Sunapee 2/17 Update
A good time was had by twelve boats. Multi classes represented from BDX to Wiz, DNs and a brand new pilot tearing it up on a lockley
Conditions varied with steady breaks from 10 to 15 and gusts in low 20s and some snow squalls in the heavier air.
The surface was light crusted snow on top that plates got a good smooth grip on. There are some soft boat stopping snow drifts.
People will be returning to state beach launch tomorrow. Come on down. If you are coming leave a comment to encourage others.
Sail Fast,
John
DN5023
John@neiya.org
What’s On For The Weekend 2/17-18
Sorry for the late response here’s the scoop. If its not listed I either know it to be uninhabitable or have no information. As always if you see something say something. My email is at the bottom.
Sunapee: Possible for the weekend. Sailed today by a small group it was quite windy and rough. Good time was had by all and some will return on Saturday
Visiting artist and filmmaker Janet Biggs (https://www.jbiggs.com/) and husband Bob with Mark Credit Peter Boynton
More on the filming in another post
Wentworth: Maybe – Boats are set up but snow needs to evaporate. There will be attempts at sailing. Give it a try.
Scouting and Photo Charlie S.
Quaboag (The Q) was scouted by Bob S. this afternoon and he reports. the snow has blown off the north end but the south end is still covered. Not sure what it will be like to sail. Cut new holes that measured 5 in. Bob says he may go out if a few people want to give it a go. Sorry no picture is available but we all know what a half-snow-covered lake looks like.
Points Maine:
Check out what Bill has written on iceboat.me Basically Damariscotta sounds good if anyone wants to venture up there.
As to who is going where well we know some people will be back at Sunapee so round up a buddy or two and drag them out. It has been reported to be rough but I have not personally been on it so make your call. People are also likely to show up at Quaboag to see it for themselves. Take a run-over if you need a break to get outdoors.
Think Ice and Sail Fast,
John
DN5023
john@neiya.org
Friday 2/16 Post Snow Initial Update
The consensus on last night’s well-attended call was to wait and see what the snow brings us. Reports are coming in:
Great Sacandaga West end got 4 plus inches and is done for now, as reported by Paul Chamberland. The East end is being checked and will report back if the prognosis is positive.
Sunapee received 2-3 inches and the snow is currently being blown around and my clear up in a few hours. More news as it comes in.
Wentworth area received a few inches and as Charlie S. said “Have to see how the “wind” broom does” throughout the day
No word on the various Maine Lakes. Check iceboat.me for the latest
That’s all that we know for now. Updates will follow later today when we better understand the snow’s impact. Remember there are big winds today so a big sweep could occur.
Think Ice without snow,
John
DN5023
John@neiya.org
Thursday Check In
As you read this some people are setting or sailing across our region. There was some urgency expressed as we have another system bearing down on the previously spared areas of NH and ME. To those who got out today have a great day.
I received a request from a NY artist and filmmaker Janet Biggs (https://www.jbiggs.com/) who is interested in filming some ice boating activity on Friday and Saturday in NH. I invited her to join us tonight at 6:30 and she can provide details on the call. Keep this request in mind when you tune in tonight.
Fingers crossed that we can carry the current good fortune into the weekend. With a little luck, we will have some great cruising and some scratch racing and maybe some silver on the line.
Think Ice,
John
DN5023
John@neiya.org
Current Ice Addendum
Not sure how I left it off our ice list last night but Levitt Beach on Lake Winnipesaukee is still in play with a good surface waiting to be sailed. Please note caution is required as new hazards are likely.
There should be lots to talk about condition-wise tomorrow night at 6:30 pm and hopefully even more options.
Think Ice,
John
DN5023
John@neiya.org
Ice Awaits – Ready To Sail?
We have moved through a warm spell and the storm didnt dump snow atop our ice. So line em up, more opportunities are right off the beach.
VP Charlie S’s scouted Wentworth and found an 8″ average with a minimum of 6″ over all. the surface is a little bumpy but a very sailable grade seven. The only problem found was a pressure ridge on the north side of Triggs Island to the shore and another off Turtle Island. People will begin gathering tomorrow
As reported yesterday Sunapee was sailed Monday and people will be returning to State Beach in the coming days.
Bill Buchholz is pumped about the conditions and writes “The lake has improved measurably since our last sailing there. The pressure ridges have calmed down, the surface is a strong 7, and the quality of the plate is flawless.” Read the full report on iceboat.me.
There is more ice out there so don’t keep it a secret
Think Ice,
John
DN5023
John@neiya.org
New England Ice Yacht Association 