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 |
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| 2025 Membership + Lunch | $45 |
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| 2025 Membership + 2X Lunch | $60 |
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| 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 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
Dodged the White Fluffy Bullet
As the snow falls across coastal New England we can look at its beauty knowing our more northern (inland) lakes have been spared this time around and waiting to be scouted and or sailed again.
With Tuesday’s pending storm in the forecast, three members sailed Sunapee from State Beach yesterday. Their diligence paid off and had a great day of sailing. Very possible there will be more to come on Sunapee in the coming days. To the victor goes the spoils. In this case, a great day of sailing when the odds didn’t look great. This was not an accident but the result of watchful efforts on Mark Friedman’s part. Mark thanks for your dedication to keeping track of Sunapee.
More first-hand conditions coming in over the next couple of days.
Stay tuned and check in on Thursday’s 6:30 PM call for weekend activities.
Thanks all who have tirelessly kept a watchful eye and scouted venues across the region.
Think Ice,
John
DN5023
John@neiya.org
Between The Refreeze and Snow
It’s Superbowl LVIII and we are often sailing somewhere this time of year. I have often listened to the start of the game on the way home and rolled up to a SB party sometime around halftime.
As we know this year is different. We watched as temps have crept up this week and are peaking right about now. Temperatures are dropping tonight and then we have some snow event. How much? Just wait and see.
With the snow coming sometime Tuesday a small group of people will continue scouting Sunapee at State Beach Tomorrow Monday. Sunapee has been scouted today and is 7-9 inches thick and smoothing. There is no guarantee what the actual conditions will be but get it in before the storm comes. Might be the last shot for a few days, so if you have off come out. There are tricky conditions so be careful and buddy up for sure.
Think Ice,
John
DN5023
John@neiya.org
Feb 9th Recap & Update
Last night’s well attended call focused much on the quality ice time that was had by so many across the region rather than the near future i.e. this weekend. People have been sailing all week with crowds gathering on Chickawaukie and Damariscotta in Maine, Leavitt’s Beach on Lake Winnipesaukee, and Mallets Bay on Lake Champlain as well as an old stand-by Quaboag Pond in MA.
All venues saw good crowds full of race folks, cruisers, and in a couple of cases the next generation of iceboaters gliding across Chhickawauki and Winnippusaki.
With the warming trend and overall warmer weather over the weekend, people have pulled their boats off the ice and we have paused activities for a few days. I know some of us will venture down to the water’s edge for a look. This is important to understand what condition the various plates are in before it gets cold again in a couple few days.
Stay tuned we will have more to talk about early to mid-next week.
Think Ice,
John
DN5023
John@neiya.org
P.S. Please be sure to pass along ice status over the next few days and share your pictures too.
Good Weekday Ice Opportunities
Sailors have found ice and will be sailing for the next couple of days.
Starting in the north Chickawaukie Pond and Damariscota Lake at the north end have been and remain sailable. There are some details on the Chickawaukie Club site iceboat.me and do check with people who have already sailed it.
As previously reported People sailed inner Mallets Bay in Colchester VT.
Leavitt’s Beach on Lake Winnipesaukee has been sailed all weekend and boats remain set up on the ice. Seek out local if you go as there are always hazards somewhere.
Quaboag Pond has been sailed and some people will be headed there for more today. Do check with those who have sailed it.
There are reports of people sailing a smaller-than-usual plate at Bantam yesterday they are likely to return today. Note, bigger boats have not set up there yet. Be careful and consult with those at the launch area.
That’s all that can be or has been relayed to others at the moment.
Think Ice,
John
DN5023
John@neiya.org
Weekend Sailing
During our usual call with news from around the region including the Adirondacks. All leads have been chased down and many miles driven to confirm. We do not have a lot of opportunities but two have surfaced. Leavitt Beach on Lake Winnipesaukee and Chickawaukie Pond in Rockland, ME.
Our VC Charlie S. has already set up at Leavitt and intends to sail on Saturday. There may be more updates before Saturday so check here for further announcements.
Bill Buchholz has been busy scouting in Maine and reports via iceboat.me that Chickawaukie is on for the weekend.
For anyone itching to line up on the starting line, the Don Doc Fellows or other NEIYA race(s) are being considered for Saturday. More on that tomorrow.
For those in the Adirondack region or inclined to travel there check out the reports coming from the Lake Saratoga Iceboat group https://www.facebook.com/groups/213710780392547
See you on the ice,
John
DN5023
John@neiya.org
Early Week Reports
Still sorting out what fell on top of the various surfaces and what impact it had across New England.
We do know that Quabaug needs some more cold weather to solidify the slush resting on top of the surface. Late info the surface has improved since yesterday but needs some cold.
Various places on Champlain are being watched by our ace spotter John Zierman and have a possibility of coming in. More on Champlain locations later in the week. A few more cold nights will help things along.
Bill Buchholz has been reporting conditions on Damarascota. Check out https://iceboat.me for updates from the source.
There is greyed out ice can be found in the various bays on Lake Winnipesaukee and we are waiting on a couple area spotters for additional intel.
Lots of unknowns at this point and we are waiting to build some ice everywhere over the next couple nights. Stay tuned, from the looks of things there will be some sailing this weekend. Will be confirming positive news through the week and discussed on Thursday night.-
Think Ice,
John
DN5023
John@neiya.org
Melt Down —> Refreeze –> Sail
“We engaged in a spirited discussion, encompassing our customary sailing locales in ME, VT, NH, MA, CT, and venturing into the Adirondack region of NY. A significant amount of effort is devoted to consistent monitoring of the entire region, involving observations from the shore, as well as walking, skating, and sailing to assess thickness and identify potential hazards. It’s crucial to note that ice is never entirely safe; there are always hazards, some known and visible, while others remain less apparent. Be sure to thank all those who have spent time scouting ice so that we can sail.
Currently, we find ourselves in a thaw and melting process—a resurfacing akin to a Zamboni on the ice between periods at a hockey game. Regrettably, the natural processes take a bit longer than a Zambonis fifteen minutes to resurface Dammarascota, Winni, Quaboag, Saratoga, Bantam, and many others. Thus, we wait patiently, anticipating that, according to regional forecasts, we just need to navigate through a couple more warmer days before we can resume the ice-making game.
Yet, it’s not solely about thickness; the quality and composition of the ice hold significant importance. Our scouts will be vigilant in the coming days, keeping an eye out for drain holes, puddle holes, shell ice, and various hazards.
Below, you’ll find a selection of links from the late Bob Dill’s Lakeice site knowledge base at http://lakeice.squarespace.com. If you haven’t visited the site before, I recommend setting aside a couple of hours to delve into its exhaustive and in-depth information.
Here are some current conditions, among others, currently in play:
We already have a robust roster of regional racers signed up for this year’s DN North American Championships. The event is just a month away, and if you weren’t aware, New England is slated to be the host location—provided we can secure a suitable plate of ice. It’s important to clarify that this is not a guarantee the event will be held in the east, but there’s a near certainty that it will take place from February 25th through March 2nd somewhere. Don’t miss the opportunity to sign up today at https://www.idniyra.org/2024-north-american-championship/“
Remember, one of the most important iceboating attributes is PATIENCE. The dictionary definition truly fits.
pa·tience
/ˈpāSH(ə)ns/
noun: patience
1. The capacity to accept or tolerate delay, trouble, or suffering without getting angry or upset.
Think Ice,
John
DN5023
John@neiya.org
Queue Quaboag Again
Over the past two days, we had a couple dozen people on the ice on several venues. I should take some of my own advice and here it is. If you want to sail mold your schedule around the ice.
Queue Quaboag again. Sailers from NH, CT, MA, and Long Island NY gathered and sailed on a steady light to moderate breeze. Snow rolled in about 2:00 and the day wound down. A great day was had by all. us.
Quabaog 2-23-24 Credit Eben Whitcomb
Outlook for the rest of the week does not drive our ice position forward but will help rejuvenate the lakes that froze before the last couple of snows. Thompson Lake in Maine has lots of skater chatter and gorgeous ice. Has anyone wandered by this lake or intends to soon? Give me a shout or bring your findings on Thursday’s call.
Think Ice,
John
DN5023
John@neiya.org
Where Are We Post Monday Sail?
A great day was had by many on Monday. Getting out across several locations. From Quaboag Pond to Massabesic lake and on Lake Winnipesaukee off Leavitt’s beach. While we are well into our season we are a little behind in building thickness, so please always confirm that conditions are sound and sail heads up till you are very sure of conditions. And of course always inquire about known hazards.
Nine boats sailed today, light winds in the morning, black ice with some crud. Wind picked up in the afternoon and made for some great sailing.
Two boats still on the pond and others may come, may be the last time this week. Remember there is a lion’s club fishing derby sat 27th. I will keep checking it and give a report if it comes around again.
Bob S
Quaboag 2/22/24 Credit George Neyssen
As most of you know there is a change in the weather moving through. How will it effect our ice? Talk of and forecasting weather is a constant din for us all and i’m sure a topic of discussion Thursday night.
Think Ice,
John
DN5023
John@neiya.org
Start Your Week on Quabaug
We have been talking about ice building and being at the ready. Well, that time has come once again. A small group is gathering at Quaboag Pond to thoroughly check out and sail the plate. If you plan to join them do so with caution. Seek out others who have been scouting and sail heads up.
We have improving conditions across our region and expect more opportunities to open up in the next few days. Keep your runners sharp and equipment ready to roll.
Think Ice,
John
DN5023
John@neiya.org
No Known Sailing for this Weekend 1/20-21st
As mentioned this morning we had a slim chance that Schroon in NY would be sailable. As mentioned this morning we had a slim chance that Scroon in NY would be sailable. We are unfortunately skunked for the weekend. The plate was checked and is not think enough and unsailable at this time. The area will see single-digit and negative overnight temps the next few nights so better prospects next week.
We have eyes all over the Northeast and into Canada watching and reporting back so keep the faith. So, if you see something do say something. Remember historic ice conditions are important in making a call. When did it first freeze how much snow fell etc. are all important data points.
Think Ice
John
DN5023
John@neiya.org
Slim Sailing Opportunites This Weekend
A good crowd showed up online last night most knowing that suitable ice conditions were a long shot. This was confirmed with a quick confirmation on a region-to-region basis. One location was a maybe and is being checked out this morning. Schroon Lake in the Adirondack region of NY might just have the goods we are seeking.
The Adirondack region came through last season when we were blocked out of our regular haunts. The area has a growing group of enthusiastic iceboaters who have been welcoming of their New England neighbors. Like many lakes, access can be a challenge, and respect for the launch area and surroundings is key.
Our Cruise Chair (south) Bob S. has secured access to Webster Lake from the launch at Waterfront Mary’s for this season. The owner noted that we as a group had been polite, policed our garage, and left her with a very positive impression of the NEIYA crowd. Once there is ice on Webster be sure to patronize Waterfront Mary’s.
Stay positive we have lots of winter to sail and will update you if the exploration of Schroon Lake turns out to be a GO for the weekend.
Think Ice,
John
DN5023
John@neiya.org
Ice Awaits – Are you Ready?
This cold snap has been making ice for us and we just need our usual conditional window to get out and sail. There is a general consensus that maybe just maybe there is a body of water that was just ready to turn when the snow fell and may get a chance to sail soon. Eyes are out from the Adirondacks across all of New England from the north down the shore. Could we see something happening on the Cape?
Snow covers much of our recent ice over most of the countries but that will melt or evaporate and this cold is increasing the thickness. The bigger lakes are cooling down awaiting our return to their launches.
Iceboating is about optimism. Sailing faster than the wind at one point the fastest human-piloted vehicle and still fastest without nonengine driven.
Remember our call tonight Thursday at 6:30 PM. If you forgot the number reach out to me. Bring your questions and thoughts for a short update on ice in New England and surroundings.
Think Ice,
John
DN5023
John@neiya.org
New England Ice Yacht Association 