This Week’s Call Theme, is Vermont
With our weather finally turning more seasonable, we are all thinking about the coming ice. Eyes are looking north as the crown of Maine gets snow and the frost in the NH lakes region. It’s Time to give some of our regular spots some consideration.
Let’s talk about Vermont. The Green Mountain state. Not about the mountains but the vast stretches of water that make up Lake Champlain and other other bodies of water.
Based on some feedback we have moved the start time of tomorrow’s call to 7:00pm. I will try to get the number later today. If you have misplaced the number just reach out to me.
Here is a post by Former NEIYA and IDNIYRA Commodore highlighting just how difficult and the level of effort that goes behind finding good ice. https://theneiya.org/2014/09/26/many-miles-to-the-2014-dn-north-americans/
Sail Fast and Think Ice,
John
DN5023
John@neiya.org
Eight Bells: Bob Dill New Englands Ice & Playa Legend
It is with heavy sorrow that I must share the news of the passing of Bob Dill (DN3904). He was a man with a passionate razor-tuned focus covering all things sailing at speed on ice and land and was committed to sharing all that he learned with others.
Many of us watched “The Iron Duck” and could feel his passion behind the record-breaking success. Over the past 30 years, I have spoken to Bob about ice in its many forms as well as sailing. I would see him every time there was an event on Northern Champlain. He was a fixture of the region and could often be seen leading a skating group along the shore or coming through the pits before or after racing. Bob’s Lake Ice Website is the go-to encyclopedia of all things related to ice and is but one of his many efforts to pass on expertly researched knowledge.
Bob’s passing leaves a great void in our community. Like the two memories of him that are burned into my consciousness, may he skate or sail to the vanishing point on black ice or playa.
I have included Deb Whitehorse IDNIYRA Secratary’s comprehensive and heartfelt write-up on Bob Dill below. Thanks Deb.
Please include your memories of Bob in the comments below or drop me an email with your Memories of Bob. Also please include any pictures you have as I could not find any in our archives.
Sail Fast,
John
Dn5023
John@neiya.org
Bob Dill US3904: Eight Bells
by Deb Whitehorse | Oct 30, 2023
The DN Community mourns with the family and friends of Bob Dill US3904, who passed away on October 28, 2023.
Bob served as IDNIYRA Class Secretary from 1988-1991 and Class Treasurer from 1999-1989. He has been nominated to the U.S. Sailing Hall of Fame.
Via Bob Schumacher, Bob’s DN road-warrior and land-yacht-speed-record colleague:
With much sadness I have to report that Bob Dill passed last night after a battle with Alzheimer’s disease. I am at a loss for words but Don Brush said it well.
‘A sad struggle for a unique person. He is, I am sure, in a better place now. He would not have wanted to be the person he had become. We all were better for knowing Bob. I don’t think I ever met a more inquisitive person with a passion for details. His passion for documentation assures his legacy will live on! It was an honor to know and have him as a friend.’ Don Brush
Bob Schumacher
Bob used his sharp engineering mind to quantify wind, ice, land, and speed in several articles. One of his most famous projects was designing and building the land sailing yacht IRON DUCK with his friend, Bob Schumacher. Together, they set a land-speed record.
Bob Dill has left a legacy of articles that have left a last impact on ice and land sailing. Below are some links to a selection of them and other articles about Bob.
Article’s About Bob Dill
National Sailing Hall of Fame Nominee
Bob Dill the Ice Man
Video: Iron Duck
Recognizing Bob Dill and the Iron Duck – Sailing Scuttlebutt
Bob Dill’s Articles
Iceboat Sailing Performance
Sailing Yacht Design for Maximum Speed
Lake Ice – Bob’s website with everything you need to know about ice.
List of Bob Dill Articles on IDNIYRA archived website
Quaboag Cable TV Video
I usually do not send out two posts in a day but someone reminded me about this video which appeared on a local Cable Channel in MA. Some of you might have seen Jackie Mushinsky from Spencer Cable Access, Spencer, MA, but with Quaboag fresh on our minds take another look. Some of you might remember her attending our swap meet back in 2020.
Sail Fast,
John
DN5023
John@neiya.org
P.S. If you want to get in on our Quaboag and Worcester region iceboating call it starts at 6:30 tonight. Drop me an email if you don’t have the number handy.
P.P.S While I have your attention, now is a good time to pay your 2024 Season Dues. Link are on the right at top of page.
What Makes The Wocester, MA Area Special?
Simple, Quaboag Pond and Lake Chargoggagoggmanchauggauggagoggchaubunagungamaugg better known as Webster Lake.
Quabaog Pond in Brookfield, MA is a special place holding many good memories for just about every NEIYA Member? Quaboag tends to be reliable year after year. At 550 acres she is not the biggest body of water but sits in a zone that tends to be colder than surrounding areas, is relatively shallow, and consistently delivers the only sailable ice in New England.
Webster Lake is made up of three distinct sections separated by tight generally unpassable narrows. The lake offers some decent areas with limited access. It is a quiet lake in the winter and we generally have the ice to ourselves for cruising and turning cones.
The green sailed boat was my first DN purchased in the early 90s and long ago sold. Was great to see it out enjoying a perfect day sailing on Webster and bringing thrills to a new group of people. Be sure to bring your old equipment to our Swap meet in November.
Has anyone ever traveled through all the narrow in an end-to-end run? Be sure to bring your stories to tonight’s call.
Bring your tales of Quaboag and Webster to tonight’s member and guest call at 6:30pm – 7:00pm tonight. Email me if you do not have the number.
Sail Fast,
John
DN5023
John@neiya.org
Iceboating Season’s Coming Are You Ready?
It’s hard to believe Halloween is almost here. With the leaves changing(ed) and falling, the shorter days and cooler nights we are all thinking about ice boating. Miles of black ice await us this winter. The clock is ticking as we all have many things to do before we hit the ice.
Most of you know what occurs prior to setting up your boat in the pits and pushing off toward a nice plate but here’s a reminder.
Someone watched as the lakeside trees shed their leaves.
All boat-building and tuning advice and help are freely given to all seeking information.
Boats and equipment are bought, sold, traded, and loaned by fellow sailors before first ice.
Runners are sharpened individually and en masse by skilled sanding volunteers.
Someone watched as fog and mists wafted over the body of water in the early morning hours.
Eyes were on the lake while morning frosts crept toward the water from the shore.
People gazed upon the first mirror of black ice to skim out from shore.
Individuals occasionally take the long way to work to check on ice conditions.
One or more people poked at the new ice with a stick even though they knew it would be some time before is it safe to sail on.
Swung blunt instruments, a wise man from Rockport swears by the blunt end of an axe safe ice test, and drilled test holes.
Talked to ice fisherman who is generally happy to break their solitude for a conversation about fish, the outdoors, or ice.
Scouted off shore with skates, or sailed carefully stopping periodically to check grade and thickness.
People logging ice conditions over time helps to make more informed decisions long term.
Who were those someones? Who were those eyes? Who spent countless hours helping others get ready to sail? Who communicated observations so that others might benefit?
The answer is simple. It is many of you in the NEIYA community. And We thank you
Please remember this when asked to contribute time, knowledge, and skills toward club activities. Ice may form all by itself but it’s a team effort to bring people as a group to the ice. Heed the call. Ready to help out? Don’t wait to be asked. Contact me or any of the other officers.
Be sure to check out the classified section. There are lots of boats suitable for every level. A couple would be ideal starter boats. I know that some will be at our swap meet on November 19th.
It’s been a few weeks since we had a group call. I will start things up tomorrow night at 6:30 on our designated line. General topic getting ready for the season. Next week November 2nd our central topic will be sailing in Southern New England. Followed by other areas like NH, ME, and the Adirondacks in NY. Other topics will be racing forums and more.
As we come into season let’s all get ready to sail and always Think Ice,
John
DN5023
John@neiya.org
P.S. Any guesses on the venue at the top of the page?
Green, Green, Green – Sun Nov 19th NEIYA Swap Meet, Lunch & Annual Meeting
Members, Guests, and anyone with an interest in Iceboating:
The green flag is waving and we are a go on Sunday, November, 19th 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. Yes you read that right we are going with a Sunday this year and a little later in the season.
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.
This is your go-to Northeast event for all things ice sailing, 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: Sunday, November 19th, 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 2024 dues and reserve your seat at our annual Luncheon and Meeting. All are welcome to attend.
Please Pay Your Dues
| Dues Time | Price | |
| 2024 Membership | $30 |
 |
| 2024 Membership + Lunch | $45 |
|
| 2024 Membership + 2X Lunch | $60 |
|
| 2024 Lunch (11/19/2024) | $15 |
|
| Mail in Form We prefer you pay online – Thanks | ||
This year’s event is a little later than usual so don’t wait till November 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? Nows 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. Block out Sunday November 19th and please pay your dues and reserve your seat for lunch
Cooler Thoughts
With the sun setting on one season the Ice chatter is increasing. Hints of new equipment acquired in and outside the North East are making their rounds. Don’t forget to check out and post equipment for sale in our Classified section. The two masts I had for sale last year are still for sale. No i’m not getting out of iceboating but do have my eye on something new. See the Moore Brother’s Company FB Post Below.
And the tales of Summer are circulating…
Our VC jay Whitehair tearing it up on the Ohio River in his Vintage Hydroplane.
While winding up for the pass and the green flag (see video below) the words of NEIYA founder played in Jay’s head “There’s no such thing as a ‘friend’ in front of you!”. Warner St. Clair
Jay’s vintage boat is running 100+ mph. That’s 2X’s faster than most iceboats and every large wave/wake is like a pressure ridge. We all look forward to sailing with you again Jay.
A couple of thoughts that came out of last week’s call.
For the season we need to be prepared to travel. Have everything packed up and ready to roll. Maybe that means loading up a dedicated trailer at the ready. Many in our group have some wonderful traveling gear. We want to be sure that opportunities are not wasted by staying home.
Our Line will be open same time this week. Thursday 6:30. We are looking to map out various topics. Let me know if you have any ideas.
This bit of art was created by a cousin-in-law of mine, probably in the mid-1930s when he was in his early teens. My best guess is that it’s on the Hudson (he grew up in NYC), and shows someone in a stern-steerer in the evening with a couple of lighthouses going, which obviously made a big impression on him. I think we should all, in the coming season, do our part in making a big impression on some youngster, although perhaps without sailing at night by the light of two lighthouses! — John Hughes
Does anyone, recognize Twin Lights? Any thoughts from the Hudson sailors? Or the adventure-driven dreams of a young man. Chime in.
Keep those projects going and spread the word. Talk with some of you tomorrow evening.
Think Ice,
John
DN5023
john@neiya.org
The Run To The Ice Is Upon Us
I hope everyone had a fun-filled summer full of sailing and other activities. Our membership has been busy cruising racing and generally staying busy and collecting silver on the podium. Congratulations to Milo Flemming on winning the Maine state C420 championship. Way to go Milo! Look for him on the starting line come winter.
Bill Buchholz is once again hosting a land sailing event at the former Loring Air Force Base in LImestone ME September 19th – 24th. Loring is a wonderful venue with a vast racing surface and seems to be frozen in time since the Cold War. Its a must see for any history and anyone who enjoys remote and wild places. Details here https://iceboat.me/2023/08/18/eastern-landsailing-championships-on/
We are securing a venue for our annual Swap, Lunch, and Meeting and narrowing down to three dates Saturday October 28th, November 4th or 11th.
With the days getting shorter I am going to hold an open conference call next Thursday, September 7th, 6:30pm. Details to be sent via email to all current member on Monday.
Enjoy your Labor Day Weekend and hope you get to set sail.
Think Ice,
John
DN5023
John@neiya.org
Last Opportunities of the Season are Upon Us
No secret we are getting to the end but I know people are still itching for one more day on the ice.
The CIBC recently updated their Pushaw lake potential to a NO but still believe Moosehead has possibilities in a couple days. If it is sailable I know the guys in Maine will find a way to make it happen and throw out the welcome mat.
Our Iceboating friends to the north are very hopeful for sailing outside Montreal.
Bertold Park in Baie d’Urfé, Quebec, just outside Montreal. It has a big parking lot with good ice access and is situated next to the Baie d’Urfé Yacht Club. This plate will be checked again tomorrow.
Both potential venues will be checked out over the next couple of days, and we will report back.
If you are looking for an ice adventure that is not sailing there is a world record attempt going on right now on Long Lake, Maine north of Caribou and Loring AFB (former) home of the Northeast’s biggest landsailing venue and regattas. There will be more Loring info in the next few weeks.
The Northern Maine Ice Busters group is currently attempting to construct the World’s Largest Ice Carousel. Finland currently holds the record at 1,692 feet (516 meters). The Ice Busters are aiming for an independence-like record of 1776 feet (541.3 meters). This should be quite a spectacle and not something one sees very often. Check out coverage of the attempt https://www.facebook.com/NMIB21
We will have our usual call at 6:30 tonight and maybe our last to discuss any breaking news, details, etc. The call may spawn a caravan to Montreal or Northern Maine.
Think Ice,
John
DN5023
John@neiya.org
Better Iceboating Opportunities Through Chemistry
Does anyone know where we might be able to get 900 million gallons of heavy water? It freezes at 39 degrees Fahrenheit and would be enough to fill a 500-acre pond to about five feet deep. That would surely extend our season on both ends. Start working on your deuterium-based steel runners for peak performance.
Spring is only days old and we are looking to make the most of it with some sailing. Some of the best iceboating days I have had over the years have been in spring-like or officially spring days.
After last week’s great Pushaw turnout and the CIBC’s successful completion of the Century Race (100 miles), the next venue rumors are again flying about where the next sailing opportunity will be. Moosehead Lake in Maine as well as locations in the greater Montreal area. The Canadian locations are typically just north of the St Lawrence River. Even though you will need a passport it is not that far and for some of us closer than domestic options.
Note, the above are just rumors at this point and will need to be confirmed over the next couple of days.
Don’t put your gear away just yet, as there is more hardwater sailing to be had.
Our regular call will be at 6:30 tonight. Not sure we will have any definitive weekend plans but show up to discuss.
Think Ice and Sail Fast,
John
DN5023
john@neiya.org
Opportunity Whispers From The Pine Tree State
It’s been quite a while, since I have been able to press fingers to keys with something hopeful. Well, there is a whisper coming out of the PIne Tree State. Bill Bichholz has reported potentially favorable conditions on Pushaw Lake. That name has been tossed around over the last few weeks during our open weekly discussions and reported on both here and on the Chickawaukie site.
At this point one should read what Bill’s condition report on Pushaw. I know that sometimes the best ice times, like skiing, are often the first tracks. Taking a chance and being rewarded is a rewarding and unique natural sailing experience.
Check out the Pushaw Report: ON post and decide if and when you want to travel North. More updates promised so check iceboat.me for the latest, including where people are considering staying.
Think Ice,
John
DN5023
john@neiya.org
Ice Opporutnities Down The Road
Typically the news of a winter storm is exciting, as they are all part of the winter experience and contribute to the freeze cycles of our lakes. The snow is for skiing, but we have not gotten in much local sailing this season.
Our ongoing mantra, “we are not done yet” or “I am not done yet” continues to ring. Black Ice prospects are gone, but there is some grey ice, in our near future.
According to fresh local intel, only a few inches of the white stuff fell on lakes surrounding Bangor. Purshaw Lake is often a first-ice mecca. The lake is outside Old Town, Maine home of Old Town Canoe. I stopped by to visit my canoe’s birthplace the last time I was there. I was not the only tourist doing the same thing and bet many readers of this piece have a canoe or two of the same heritage.
Why is this important? Looking across and a little outside our region the potential sweet spots look to be around Bangor and perhaps Pushaw in a few days. This is outside many people usual travel zones but this year has been a challenge and iceboat fever is raging.
Block some travel time, coordinate with travel partner(s), and stand at the ready for the call. It will likely be last minute and any day of the week, so have your travel bag ready.
We will again gather on the phone to help coordinate our next ice pilgrimage.
Think Ice,
John
DN5023
john@neiya.org
The Season is Not Over Yet
Greetings all. Even though many of our usual haunts are in liquid, slush, or in the snowed-in state the season is not over just yet and we continue to keep our eyes on venues to the north.
No current prospects at the moment but keep your gear ready to load up and hit the road.
The Lord of the Ice is keeping a watchful eye and looking to welcome us back to sailing.
There will be a call tonight for anyone who wants to attend at 5:30 pm the usual number.
Keep the faith and Think Ice,
John
DN5023
John@neiya.org
Sailing Museum Newport – Iceboating Lecture Friday (3/10)
All,
There is an iceboating lecture at The Sailing Museum in Newport, RI this Friday. The lecture is in support of Don Sanford’s book On The Lake about lake Mendota. Mendota is the quintessential iceboating lake featured in many iceboating images complete with the Wisconson State Capital on the south shore. lecture details https://thesailingmuseum.org/expert-in-the-museum-series-iceboating-with-don-sanford/
Expert in The Museum Series
Join us Friday, March 10th from 1-4 and Meet Iceboating Expert Don Sanford!
Visit The Sailing Museum on Friday, March 10th between 1-4 PM and hear about the thrills of hardwater sailing from avid iceboater and local legend, Don Sanford!
About The Expert:
Don Sanford grew up in Syracuse NY. His summers were spent at the family camp on nearby Cazenovia Lake where he first developed his interest in boats and social history. Don has a degree communications studies from the State University of New York at Oswego and a M.S. from Syracuse University in radio, television, and film. He moved with his wife Barb to Madison, WI in 1976 to take a job as a production manager with Wisconsin Public Television.
A sailor and iceboater, Don spends his free time racing sailboats and iceboats in Wisconsin, Minnesota and Michigan. He is a member of the Four Lakes Ice Yacht Club, past commodore of the Mendota Yacht Club, the International Nite Ice Yacht Class Association and the International Skeeter Iceboat Association.
His book, On Fourth Lake: A Social History of Lake Mendota tells the story of the people, places, and events that have shaped the lakeshore as we know it today. Published in 2015 it combines social, geological, technological, cultural, maritime and economic history in 340 illustrated pages.
Think Ice,
John
DN5023
John@neiya.org
P.S. Let me know how it was if you go.
Waiting For The Thaw/Freeze Cycle
With our recent snowfall, the scent of winter has returned, at least to the more southern parts of New England. I grew up in the NY Metro area, where people typically wouldn’t think about winter sports until there was local snow on the ground, even though winter was in full swing in the Adirondack, Green, and White Mountain areas. That being said, it is still cold up north, and our ice lies beneath the snow. The ice is just waiting to be exposed, resurfaced, and ready for us to sail.
Unfortunately, no matter which direction you look, there is no known ice to play on, at the moment. Even our most hardened hodophiles are staying put and tending to their equipment, shifting to snow sports, or catching up on things that need doing for the weekend.
It has been a challenging winter, but we are NOT DONE YET. Remember, late winter storms happen, and we usually return to our lakes after a thaw and freeze cycle.
Stay tuned, we are watching for the thaw which will come soon.
Our regular ice chat will take place tonight at 6:30 pm as usual. Reach out to me if you have a specific topic, or just come on and bring it up yourself. Email me if you have forgotten the #.
Think Ice,
John
DN5023
John@neiya.org
After Storm Look
As hyped over the past week and seen in the NOAA snowfall graphic, the snow did come and has exited or will exit soon. The system has left a mess in its wake and covered up the ice we had been playing on or intend to use soon.
All is not lost. Remember snow blocks and or reflects UV radiation preserving the ice below for another day. Also, a potential snow slushy freeze-up has been reported on Winni but the snow needs to stop and more freeze time needs to pass before any verification can be made.
NOAA data aside how much snow did you get? Chime in with location and depth measurements.
Take the snowfall survey below or better yet dial in 6:30 pm tonight and let us know what you got along with some encouraging words from others eagerly waiting for sailable ice NEIYA members. Talk at 6:30 tonight
Think Ice,
John
DN5023
John@neiya.org
NEIYA East / West Weekend Split
Pesidents Day weekend saw NEIYA members congregating in the east (Jefferson & Camden Maine) and to the west just outside of New England in the Attarondacks on Schroon Lake, NY.
It was all DNs with a heavy concentration of racers ushered in by Race Chair T with an assist from our secretary Binder. Multiple scratch races were held in a flaky breeze that filled in towards the end of the day. the last couple of starts had some rather lively gusts that pegged the fun meter and kept us on our toes. Remember you do not have to be nationally ranked, to sail with or near the DN race crowd. All Sailing takes a lifetime to master and we can all use a few go-fast tuning and boat handling tips. So don’t be shy sharing knowledge is built into iceboating at all levels. As the cover photo shows, most of us sailed till the sun touched the trees on the western shore. A great time was had by all.
Thanks to the Lake Saratoga iceboat group for drawing us all west.
As previously reported there was sailing in Maine On Damariscotta and Maguntacook let by Bill Buchholz. Since I didn’t get to Maine, catch up on happenings at iceboat.me.
There may have been some additional ice in the region but it was not thoroughly scouted and with the limited resource, we all congregated where we did. This is a reminder that we need human intel. Satellite images are nice but skilled scouting is a must before we draw people together to sail.
But for the incoming white stuff we are seeing some good prospects for the weekend. Just need to see what this system brings.
Remember our weekly conference call is Thursday 6:30 pm. Not sure any weekend call can be made at that time but at least we can get a baseline of how things looked before the white stuff started dropping.
Think Ice and Sail Fast,
John
DN5023
John@neiya.org
Ice Thoughts For the Week
Following up on Jay’s important words of caution, Take Heed! The above images were generated via AI using htps://openai.com/dall-e-2/ part of the ChatGPT website. I requested art for lake ice with a danger thin ice sign in watercolor. It did pretty well at borrowing elements from previous works created by humans. While the images are so-called AI-generated, the DANGERS are VERY REAL.
I wish I had great news to share but again the message is to wait and see. As we are all aware it has been a little warm lately even up north. This includes Champlain and Winnipausakee, Squam, etc. any other place you might have thought to look this time of year. In general, people are seeing ice coverage but it has not been cold enough to harden and thicken. Don’t be fooled, these surfaces are not stable and require some colder weather before being further assessed. Possibilities may abound when the cold returns.
We have two positive notes. Bill and the folks in Maine are hopeful and will share what they find before the weekend on iceboat.me. The other, as previously posted by T, some racing in the Montreal Canada area. Unfortunately, they are waiting to confirm the impact of the snow moving through the entire region. As always and be on the ready when the call comes.
We will have our regular call tonight at 6:30 pm. Not much ice so discussion topics are open. Be sure to call on time as we will get right into it. The line will remain open while there are things to discuss.
Think Ice
Johh
DN5023
John@neiiya.org
P.S. Bring your thoughts forward tonight.
Sacandaga Comes Through
Unfortunately, the timing and conditions did not allow us to hold the NEIYA Vintage Returns event this weekend. With all our planing fresh in minds Jay Whitehair and I could not pass up the opportunity to see what the Hudson River and NJ guys brought to Sacandaga.
Conditions on Sacandaga were the best that any of us could find and we were lucky to be on the ice at all. The rest of the NEIYA gang found sailable conditions on Damariscotta in Maine.
There was a great collection of stern steerers, and plenty of front steering craft all out to play. Spirits were high and the hospitality and shared interest in iceboats ruled the day.
Don’t put your boats away just yet we are monitoring several locations for next week and hope to get in our Vintage event plus a bit of racing. Remember racing is not just for DNs and the iceboat rivalry between NJ and the Hudson is over a century old.
Think Ice,
John
DN5023
john@neiya.org
Sacandaga Redux
While we postponed our Vintage Returns The guys from NJ and the Hudson set up and going to give it a go in the morning.
Come on up to sail. Come to watch. Come to talk about iceboating. See you there.
Think Ice
John
Dnus5023
john@neiya.com
Vintage Returns On Hold For a Week
Greetings all. Sorry for the false start and stop but we all know how hard this year has been. Due to uncertain conditions on Sacandaga and the lateness of the call we will push the event out another week. We have eyes watching a few locations on Champlain and believe it will improve over the week.
The western side of Sacandaga is being scouted and the initial reports are positive. Scouting parties come from the ranks of stern steerers, DNs and other classes. Not sure what the final conclusion will be but keep this lake in mind if you want to sail this weekend.
This has indeed been a tough year and we have had trouble with most of our standard lakes and ponds. I am placing the blam on la niña traviesa.
More info on sailing and racing later today.
Think Ice and regañar a la niña for putting us through all this,
John
DN5023
john@neiyalorg
P.S. Let me know if you have any ice info
Sailing This Weekend
Greetings all in season I do not typically get in my car in the morning and see the dashboard temp at 54 degrees on February 10th. The rodent from Pennsylvania really got it wrong this time or maybe he knows something we don’t. Wait and see is the answer.
We had thirteen people on our call last night and reporting from all around our region is not great. There is still ice but there are issues in most places with the exception of what our friends are sailing in Maine. There is however some hope for Graet Sacandage lake Broadabin, NY just west of Saratoga Springs and Saratoga Lake. We have eyes headed to both lakes. If Sacandaga pans out we will be calling the Vintage.
I know this is not much notice but with the disappointing season, we need to make whatever we can out of it.
As to New England sailing it is Maine all the way so keep an eye on Bill’s reports on iceboat.me.
We have some hopeful reports from Champlain that could be good for next weekend.
Next update sometime after noon today.
Think Ice,
John
DN5023
john@neiya.org
Let’s Get out and Sail
The scent of urgency is in the air. While is over a month away, and we typically sail after March 21st, this year’s La Niña has presented some challenging conditions. Even those who racked up a large number of sailing days have noted the difference in ice structure across all our region.
We have all been blasted with sensationalized weather news on a daily basis which really offers very little understanding and contributes to panicked behavior. There is a whole lot more going on behind our recurring El Nino and La Ñina patterns. I vound this and other Severe Weather Europe articles very interesting and im sure many of you will as well. https://www.severe-weather.eu/global-weather/sudden-stratospheric-warming-polar-vortex-collapse-effect-forecast-february-march-united-states-europe-fa/
Regardless of weather sensationalism or geek-level weather coverage, we still have ice and we will be out iceboating this weekend and in the remaining days of winter. We have miles of cruising to be done, laps to turn, and the “Vintage Returns” event to hold. We are currently looking at a few options in Maine, New Hampshire, New York, and maybe Vermont. Sorry people looks lke MA is out as well as CT which hardly started and RI never had a chance this year. Information on where there might be sailing for the weekend will be published tomorrow night after our weekly open ice call at 6:30 PM. The Ice call is your chance to hear it first and give you more time to reach out to friends and plan.
No matter what the ice does or doesn’t do, we will be putting on an all are welcome spring gathering. The when and where details will follow in a few weeks.
Think Ice,
John
DN5023
john@neiya.org
Sabago Didn’t Tip
Well, it just didn’t happen last night. Plenty of cold in the past 24 hours but the wind blew all night. There will be no big ice in the near term. Thanks to Dave Fortier for getting out earlier this morning in the negative air to check Segabo. Unfortunately, similar conditions stretched across our region.
Waiting on other regional findings. If you are thinking of taking a weekday off this might be a good week for it. That’s all for now.
Think Ice,
John
DN5023
john@neiya.org
