Variety is the Spice of Life
Finishing my coffee and checking today’s forecast, I shivered a bit and decided to give my bones another day of rest after last weekend. Predicted 20+mph winds and temps in the teens just doesn’t have the draw it did twenty years ago. Although the last Hardway had gusts to 35, I think I’ll wait a day or two. Thus time to post my ramblings.
My dad always urged me to try everything I had the chance to. He made sure our family travel by car, trains, busses and planes just to have the experience. As a kid sledding, ice skating, and skiing were a standard part of us kids growing up. We even had cross country skis in the 1960’s! Financially we were limited, but what we had gave us many enjoyable days.
When dad fashioned our first ice boat, it was an eclectic mix with as many home made parts as he could craft. My mother even helped by sewing the sail, although flat and wrinkly, it sufficed. The old straight stitch Singer got a workout on that one. It took several attempts and a decent breeze to meet with success, but yes it sailed.
Fast forward 20 years and my move to Wolfeboro, with my teaching career started, house building started, and of course family started, the flames of Iceboating were rekindled as I saw locals zipping about. The old boat was revived with a new DN fuselage and runner plank, ok I used the old plans from the 1960’s still. But I was back on the ice.
Two years later I built a modern DN and I could keep up with the Jones and sometimes even pass them. My wife picked up an older DN that I fine tuned as best as I could and she was happy. As the children grew, sidecars were added to save daycare costs. Next came a Gambit that could take one adult and 2 small passengers. As the children grew, they were itching for their own ride. ( long before ice opties.) At one of the NEIYA swaps there was this tubular monstrosity up for silent auction. With a $25 dollar bid I ended up with the Ice Beetle. Triangle sail, canvas platform, rope steering and the ability to hold 4 small bodies. Top speed, maybe 20 mph. But fun and safe for the little ones. Next step I figured would be a new design 2 seater trainer know as the TN 50. Enough said on that design, but I built one and sailed it until the plank snapped and body rotted out. I saved the hardware just in case something else could be built.
After a couple Winni Frolics, I became smitten with the big lumbering stern steerers from the Hudson River group. A friend of mine called one evening and said he had a free boat for me but we have to get it immediately. ( Some vague rumor of a divorce of something.) Thus I had my very own 26’ stern steerers called “Boreas”. After a year of rehabbing the twisted beam, checked mast, dull runners, new rigging, and varnish where paint had been, she made it to the ice. After a half dozen trips or so, the family would groan whenever I talked about setting it up. I’ll admit without a team, it was tough. It still sails though down on the Hudson where it is happy. I thought I could piece together a Madison style boat using the parts of the TN 50 that had met its demise. So I crafted a little 12 footer to play with. I worked but not like I hoped. Sold it at the NHBM auction to some young guys to play with. Fate is unknown at this point.
As I was aging by this time and I thought, “wouldn’t it be nice to sit in a nice warm cockpit.” I’d been eyeing Renegades, but they seemed a little too much. Creative locals came up with the BDX design and thus the Red Baron was created, complete with Snoopy and bullet hole decal’s courtesy of my wife. I will admit it was cozy and I liked the foot steering and two hands on the sheet. I did take a little more effort to pop out of it at the end of the day.
So now I take a step backwards as very kind soul said, “ Have I got a deal for you! “ Based on my email, Boataddict, you know I should have run far and fast, but no I just couldn’t resist. Besides who can say no to a gaff rig? Thus Cyclone made its way into my heart. A new backbone and standing rigging with a fresh coat of varnish and I was back to the ice with another stern steerer. Need some more time at the tiller but I think she’ll do just fine.
Now you may think that it should end here, but as the title says, variety is the spice of life. My wife was itching to get a small boat she easily set up and play on. A summer sailing friend had just picked up a Skimmer and Ann thought she could use some company. So we found one at the swap, serviceable but she wanted it purty. Powder coating is very cool I’ll admit. So silly me thinks well if it’s just her sailing, my DN or BDX will be miles away in no time. So for safety’s sake I should probably have one too as her wing man. I suppose there are worse things to be addicted to and yes I now have my own skimmer which was a hoot sailing on a small lake all last weekend.
If you’ve been counting you’ll see that this body has been in quite a few different crafts. I would even begin with the soft water fleet. I may even have the opportunity for a closed skeeter someday and if conditions are right, I’ll add that to my list. Although I will say some have given me more enjoyment than others, they were all fun to play with.
I’ll end this lengthy post saying that I’m a jack of all trades, master of none, but feel I have grown with each different craft I have sailed. I have only been in one race, DN, and find I definitely need some coaching in that area. Maybe the septuagenarian vintage regatta will happen with a handicapping system that will place me in the middle of the pack and my racing skills will I prove. In the mean time, those plans I have for a Whizz keep ending up on the work table and perhaps it might end up as part of my Viking funeral.
Safe smooth ice and fair winds to you all.
Ice opti
The New Hampshire Boat Museum in Center Harbor is having an exhibit on ice boating for the upcoming season. We are in need of ice opti to be loaned for the summer season. If you would like to help out, please contact me. We could also use some pictures of the Winni Frolics that used to occur and any photos of early days of Iceboating on any NH lakes. Thanks.
Armchair Iceboating
As many of us are waiting for the local ice to shape up, we whet our appetites with two dimensional teasers. For those of us with age, this may include VHS tapes or maybe even 8mm home movies, to start the adrenaline flowing. Today’s generation has a much broader selection for the video fix. A simple Google search will find you glimpses of every facet of Iceboating you can imagine. Racers can find videos of any class that’s out there. DIYers can find many how to vids of everything from home made rig such as, “cheapskates” to race quality DNs. Vintage fanatics can find posts from the ‘40s where stern stearers are racing cars on the ice. Foreign travel buffs will find lakes from the Midwest US to Lake Baikal in Russia. Scandinavian countries always seem to get early ice.
Instruction videos from the experts will cover everything from fine tuning runners and runner planks, to setting up for different wind and ice conditions. Some like Ron Sherry, have a whole series often giving away tricks of the best. ( Remember the helpful brotherhood post?) the foreign experts are there and, although I haven’t tried it yet, Google translate is supposed to be pretty good.
For the super tech savvy sailor, several action cameras mounted in strategic locations give a super perspective of the thrill of sailing on ice. AI and drones that follow you on their own give a solid view similar to an eagle flying behind or above you. (I assume that is the view of several of these birds I’ve seen on the ice.) The handheld phone is handy for those first time rides or of your buddies sailing by.
Even those of us who want to try our hand at video production can use our phones and presto, a YouTube video! (Check out DN Preflight by No Budget Productions, for your basic amateur show. Done by yours truly.)
I do have an issue that after watching one, or several, of these teasers that I need to putter with something having to do with my fleet. (Now up to 4 boats plus 2 of my wife’s.) it may be as simple as lubricating the blocks or sail track, or a new paint job. I have 2 sets of Greatful Dead dancing bear decals that need to go on my super DN. Snoopy needs to have a touch up paint job in my BDX. I just replaced my yoke on my storm sail boom.
As I sit in my recliner and the sun has dropped with the temperature, and I’m through with all the Hallmark Christmas movies, and I found my, “Endless Winter“ dvd for tonight’s viewing. I hope many of you can find something that appeals to you while you sit in the warmth of your living room sipping on a glass of good scotch, that will take you away to either happier times or future adventures.
Happy New Year to you all and may you find thick black ice and moderate winds for the season.
Instruction 101
Talk often centers around attracting new sailors to our sport. Anyone who has seen us zipping around on the frozen expanses, has the curiosity bug and as we are usually a chatty group, will often give them the low down. Sometimes if we judge them dressed for the cold, and we have a helmet that fits, and either a spare boat or a two seater, we may provide their first lessons in sailing on ice. The Gambits or Nites are great for this type of indoctrination. A DN with a sidecar can also do but tougher to trade the helm. Hopefully you have conditions that lend to a leisurely sail, smooth safe ice, relatively warm temps, and something less than hurricane force winds. After the test ride with you at the helm, you may ask your newbie if they want to take over. If they answer yes, you are now in the official role of instructor. Iceboating is one of the few remaining sports where there are no professional schools for instruction nor a certificate qualifying you. Here is where common sense and safety concerns should instantly pop into your head.
Hopefully you have tried to ascertain the sailing abilities of your new convert. Do they sail soft water, are they aware of the rules of the road, do they know points of sail, are they aware of ice hazards and rescue. (Hopefully you have lent them a set of picks and have a throw line handy,) Understand too that communication is limited at this point. The more information you can give while stopped and helmets off, so all instructions can be heard, the better the lesson. At this point hand signals could be agreed upon such as sheet in, ease off, right turn, tack, jibe, and most importantly STOP! If you’re frantically pounding on their shoulder, they may have no idea what you want. When in doubt, stop and talk. Start with just enough speed to keep the boat moving nicely, keep the speed down until tacking, jibing, and stopping have been practiced. This may be an hour or more but please be as careful and knowledgeable as you can with new converts. Good habits make for more enjoyment and safer forays. Once the novice begins building confidence, they will generally start improving their skills and the performance capabilities of the craft. If it’s your boat, you may have to set some limits.
If you’re helping someone with a first time on ice scenario, things are not quite so controlled. You may want to do a quick check to see if everything is set up correctly. I always carry a spare set of picks to lend just in case. After the basic instruction and rules have again been reinforced, you might try a game of follow the leader. Head up and do a few easy tacks and then stop. Your student should not be allowed to pass you and stop where you do. Talk about the short ride. Does everything in your boat seem to be working right? Did you have trouble with the boom shifting over? Does the sheet run through the blocks freely. Do you fit comfortably in the cockpit? (As comfortable as possible, depending on the boat.) This might mean a trip back to the pits to correct anything you need to. Going back though now introduces the student into jibing. Depending on conditions, this can be quite intimidating as they go broadside to the wind. Too tight a sheet has caused many an OBE. Out of boat experience. I’ve had several in my lifetime, fewer of later years. I must have learned.
A few more rounds of up and down in a good practice area, usually gives the student enough confidence to go for more. If you’re there with your buddies, you could join the group. You could be his wingman and keep an eye on him. If it’s just the two of you, you might want to do a little cruising. Keep a constant eye out for each other and take frequent breaks to converse. Remember helmets and face masks can muffle voices quite well.
At this point you should be recognized as doing your best to keep our sport alive. Thank you.
After a few times on the ice, you may see him doing quite well and you’ve got a new sailing buddy. He may also be the competitive type and foster an interest in racing. If you are a racer yourself, you may continue to be his teacher. If not, be sure he knows about the IDNIYRA, and tell him of any regattas you know of. I’ll leave racing lessons to those more qualified than myself.
For those of you who have had the opportunity to teach, thank you. You have taught someone a life long sport and help our sport survive a little longer. Think ice and remember what your runner plank is tuned for when the holidays hit. A Christmas Wish for smooth safe ice and fair winds.
Helpful times on the ice.
So the fall meetings are over and many of us have checked our gear. Let’s see, that’s boat complete, now where are those stays at? Where’s my helmet and pics? Do I need to buy that drysuit this year? Where’s the trailer registration. Why is that light out? Eventually you are satisfied that you’re ready, just need ice.
So you are now on the ice and ready to step the mast and notice a frayed end on the head stay. You holler to your buddy and sure enough, he’s got a spare.
You just got to the ice with your first DN. (New to you.) You’ve been assured that all the parts were there. Joe has already set up his boat, his wife’s boat, and his new friend’s boat. He notices that perplexed look he has seem so many times over the years. He’s drawn to you like a magnet and asks,”Can I help you with that?”
I can remember my dad being bitten by the ice bug and several trip to Attitash lake near Amesbury. He was gathering information and it seemed like everyone had something to contribute.
Ask any newbie racer has he ever shared or taken in knowledge from other racers. Everyone always seems ready to talk about it, brag about it, even try to be a boat broker.
As you’re starting to sail, your first thought goes to, “What’s out there?” Time to check the report. Usually some one has scouted it and given an update. If you find something out there, you think of a way to warn others. Everyone seems to be as helpful as they can. Hope to see you on the ice.
Keep up the good PR and the great friendships on the ice.
Charlie
P7 or P to the seventh power
Anyone who has a few years under their belt has adopted a few acronyms in their vocabulary. Granted most of these are used in texting to relay quick items such as lol or ttfn as my students used often. (Junior high). The army term,”SNAFU” is actually used in some cartoons during WWII. In any of my major undertakings, the P7 has played a major part. For the uninitiated P7 (P to the 7th power), refers to “Proper Prior Planning Prevents Piss Poor Production”. ( I used P6 with my students but we’re all adults here, right?) I’ve incorporated some adaptations as I plan my projects these days such as the rule of thumb to triple the time and cost from your first estimate. This makes the overrides at the end seem not that bad. The time management fact needs more than the time limit. One also needs to factor in the impromptu BarBques, extended shopping trips because your wife, (partner) decided to join with her own shopping agenda, that breeze that came up that wasn’t predicted so you just had to sail, etc. So as the summer days seem to be passing, and your plan to spruce up that iceboat that your lovingly made 30 years ago, are continually on your mind, perhaps it’s about time for P7 to go into effect. Thus I calculated approximately a 40 hr week should do it. The task did not seem all that daunting. Strip the hardware, some good 80 grit sandpaper with a lite touch, and a few hours outside in the shade should get everything ready for a new clear coat of epoxy and some accent paint to cover a few boo boos. I figured by our road trip in September it would be ready to put back in the trailer.
This is where you forgot to factor in those other time eaters. Okay the 5 days at the music festival was great and the week camping on the Maine coast with a group of life long friends was super too. The meniscus knee surgery snuck in there. (Recovery going well.) Oh yeah and then we need to move everything out of downstairs to have our wood floors refinished. And don’t forget to pull the sailboat off the lake before we go. The our island friends will want to see us before we go and I probably should cut the grass. Somehow I think that 40 hours may take 3 months to squeeze in. The good news is I have other iceboats if needed when the early ice gets here.
So as I continue to let life get in the way of my plans, I am an Iceboater which means I’m an eternal optimist and with more practice, P7 will improve with every project. Besides this is what puttering is supposed to be like, right?
I hope the rest of you are properly planning your projects to avoid the dreaded piss poor production. Wish me luck!
Seasonal Reflections
I know many of you are still seeking that, “last sail”of the season, but I have started the transition from hard water to soft…….at least in my mind. I,myself, am satisfied with the season. Although late in arriving, it came in with some sweet plates of ice nearby. this allowed me to leave the rigs, (yes multiple) set up for extended periods. If I arrived and there was no wind, the skates were on in minutes to provided miles of gliding over some wonderfully smooth ice. I even managed to get in a few bike rides with the studded tires pumping more of that fresh air into the body. I was also happy to hear of other groups finding ice to play on. There were many “first rides” locally as well as resurrected classic boats that made it to the ice. Some fun sails for a couple stern stearers also happened.
It is now time for those good intentions to begin. That final sharpening of the runners and then a coat of wax to ward off moisture, the replacement of that fraying shroud, or the repair of the tack on the sail are all on the list. I might even add a strip and refinish the hull and runner plank to the off season list. A double check of the tool box for the replacement of extra parts or tools loaned to fellow sailors so their day was a happy one is on the list. The storing of sails in a mouse proof area is always a challenge.
The question of should I build that “Whizz” that I bought the plans for 5 years ago……or not. Should I try and sell at least one boat in the fleet? But maybe a friend would want to sail it next year. maybe plane down that runner plank that’s a little too stiff, or add a leaf spring layer to keep my butt off the ice. Maybe a new paint job or set of graphics could be added.
And don’t forget the media! Time to organize all those photos taken into folders with dates and places and definitely names! There’s nothing like a cold rainy spring day to start editing all those GoPro videos.
Yeah I’ll get to it all…..someday before next year……or maybe not. But for now, I still have fresh memories of a nice season with friends and fresh air. And as I sip a little whisky or rum by a warm wood stove on a damp early spring day, I might just doze off skimming across black ice with blue skies.
Happy seasonal memories.
Beware the Ides of March
7 hardy souls ventured cautiously onto lake Wentworth today for a march sail. The lake was definitely alive as cracks opened, water seeped up, and barely covered drain holes jumped at you. A safe area for play was established and fresh air and sunshine prevailed.
Freeze Frame!
The Zamboni has visited lake Wentworth and has made a great improvement. Not quite a 10 but a definite sailable 7. Tight to shore still at the 109 launch areas but a few things not perfect. There is a big lead area about 100 meters off of Albee Beach. Don’t know about the backside of Stamp Act Island either. I plan on one more sail, setting up tomorrow.
Hang on!
8 boats on Wentworth today with wind to spare. Barn find stern steerer joined Cyclone for a thrilling day. One casualty as a BDX had a few issues. A ride on my gaffer helped make his day better. Back tomorrow as tonight’s low temps should give hard ice.
Wentworth strong
Lake Wentworth seemed to have survived the light snow which reflected the sun and kept ice firm. Depending on wind, could be a good sailing day tomorrow. A few hazards are growing so beware.
Old is new
This weekend not one but TWO rehabbed stern steerers made the ice on Lake Wentworth in NH. Dusty, the latest to rise from the ashes, just had a new set of sails sewn last spring. A few tweaks needed to fine tune her. But she sailed ok after stretching her bones. Cyclone makes her second showing since the restoration and performed as well as the skippers old bones would allow. To add to the celebration a newly rehabbed gambit glided over the ice as well.
Winnin Fun
Great day of sailing off Leavitt’s Beach in Meredith. Great ice once you got out of the pits and winds all day to get to the 40mph range. 15 boats of all types from vintage DNs to the newly renovated Black Fly. Clear sailing out to beyond 3 mile island with solid orange peel surface. Freeskaters and wings join the fray with a goodly bunch of well equipped wild skaters to add to the mix. Many to return tomorrow and beyond as long as the ice and weather hold.
Winni ice
There is a sailable chunk of ice out of Leavitt’s beach in Meredith, NH. There is a rough area at the launch where slush trudgers marched through but smooths out nicely within 100 meters. There is a weak line about 30 meters out that has surprised 2 people already. Hug the shore and go left gets you by it. There looks to be about 3-4” black with 2-3 grey on top. Most has a nice orange peel surface with it getting bumpier beyond 3 mile island. There are some healed over holes to be alert to some marked but many not. There is thin ice that would eat a runner and some a boat. They are a darker grey and may have a snow hummock. Beyond 3 mile it gets tricky with the holes, leads and some pressure spots building. The area is not without its hazards so scout carefully and thoroughly at slow speed before heavy play. There are 3 boats there now waiting patiently for wind. Sorry I don’t have a current pic.
Who is that behind the helmet and goggles?
Some of us are blessed, (cursed) with the inability to remember names and faces when they are not encumbered by protective gear. When you add full winter paraphernalia to the equation, we become hopeless. There are those who are super when it comes to numbers and names. Thus sail numbers are very helpful. I’m lucky to remember my own let alone any that are above two digits. Occasionally there are clues that allow me to recognized fellow sailors as we gather in the pits. Unusual craft seem to catch my eye which sometimes help to recall the names of their owners. Local sailors that I’ve been on the ice with numerous times also have a better chance with me. Unique clothing and colors also seem to trigger the brain cells of recognition. As far as I know, no one has has AIS on their craft yet. Then there are the individuals that continually change the facial design ie beard, no beard, partial beard, different partial beard…..you get the picture. Ladies stand a better chance with me in that area. Colorful gear also helps. Some of you will remember my early sailing outfit.
This worked for many outings until for some reason it shrunk around the middle. One sailor was recognized by his red mittens that he always wore. A good mate, (now over the bar) had a lime green jumpsuit AND an iron cross on his sail and flew the German flag from his forestay.
(Notice the two digit sail number) Three clues seemed to be the hat trick to remember the name. (Truth, he was actually a good friend too.)
So anyway, if you see me on the ice and need some help with identity, this is now my standard garb. (note beard may be covered by face mask) Feel free to read the name and if you see me look at your helmet, I’m hoping your name will be on it to help avoid embarrassment. Please don’t be offended if I ask………maybe several times, “Who are you again?”
I am amazed at many of you that do recognize me from all the events we’ve been together on and thanks for your understanding if I have to ask your name. It’s even worse for me on the ski slopes. There are so many grey beards, red jackets, and black helmets out there that I almost hit the shutdown mode on recognition. Hope to see you and whatshisname on the ice soon.
Not the sharpest tool in the shed.
Okay, so some of you have been on the ice already while the rest of us are waiting optimistically for that any day now moment to come. Many new comers who have just acquired a barn find or new to you boat, may be faced with the fact that the runners may not be all that sharp under those layers of rust. If you have some simple wood working skills and a belt sander, you can bring those blades back to life. Obviously the jig is geared for plate runners. Insets should have a more qualified person and device for that race quality edge. With hours of practice and a good light box, I have done a reasonable job putting a sharp edge and rocker using this set up. The rig is simple using a piece of 4×4 squared off, and scrap plywood. A few bolts are used to allow adjustments to get the edges parallel and even in height. The distance between the edges should be wide enough to allow the sander to sit flat and level but not slide off. I used a couple different sanders and they all seem to work with this setup. Warning! You want to remove the bag so sparks won’t set any residual sawdust on fire. I use belts that have passed their useful life for wood. Different grits can be used depending on how much you need to grind. I find a used 120 grit gives a pretty good final edge. Honing would be the final step if you feel you need that mirror image for that little extra speed.
With practice you’ll feel the best way to move the sander over the edges. Start with going the full length of the runners in a smooth movement. After about 10 sweeps I will flip the runners side to side and work on the matching edge. I also have a damp rag to keep the edges cool. Don’t destroy the temper. Adjustments can be made for areas that may need a little more material removed. Checking on the light box will give an idea how well it’s going. If you don’t have a light box, I have used the table saw top with a light behind it.
This method has worked for years with me but I’m just a cruiser and the edges seem sharp enough for my sailing. I hope this helps for those just getting started and may not be around someone with a fine detail machine.
Stay sharp and catch you on the ice……soon.
Size matters
Some of us may be limited in our lifestyles, ie by not having storage room, or a car/truck big enough to haul our toys, or the size of our bank accounts. When it comes to ice fun, you don’t have to, “Go big or go home!” Whenever I could borrow my dad’s book, Ice Boating, by S. Calhoun Smith, I was drawn to these little guys. This looked about the right size for me, a ten year old, at the time. My dad was too busy building his rig, (see post First Ride) so I never mention the Icebird to him as a project. However being an aficionado of the unusual, this small craft was always in the back of my mind. Somewhere along the line I acquired a crude set of plans and in my adulthood built the, “Ironing Board” as my wife used to call it. I can’t say that it had many long distant voyages, but it was always an attraction when set up.
Obviously I took some leeway with the design, but it would still scoot around the ice fairly well. The size was agreeable to just chucking it into the van and the weight such that my wife or young children could easily haul it to the ice. It only took 10 minutes to set up and the fun began. It provided the wonderful experience of, “first ride” to all who asked although maybe not the adrenaline rush of bigger boats.
A few years later while freezing myself on Moosehead Lake with beautiful black ice and temperatures that never made it above zero degrees, that’s Fahrenheit for clarification, I met a fellow DNer who came up from New Jersey with his mother and……her Icebird. Although this was a while back, I believe there is still an active class of these that when ice happens, they gather. As we all know, the definition of a race is, “two boats on the same lake”. Naturally if I had one and another one showed up here in the lakes region oh NH, I’m sure we would sail up next to one another and…………? I might need to check my parts stock and piece together one of these for poops and giggles. Maybe even try for the Hardway record as the smallest craft.
Fun is fun, no matter what the size. Think ice.
First Ride
Many of us remember our first sail on ice regardless of our age at the time. I never got to ride with someone as a first timer. Prior to the days of the internet, information was on this sport was sketchy at best. My dad first got the bug from seeing a short blurb on WBZ news with Don Kent. Being a DYI sort of guy, he fashioned the boat pictured. All hardware was fabricated as well as the homemade sail. (Note the wrinkles. Granted mom helped with the sewing. She did a much better job on clothing.) Although he had been to Attitash Lake in MA, to chat with others prior to the build, the maiden voyage occurred on a small brackish pond in Rye, NH. There were a couple of other homemade rigs playing around when ice came in. After setup and some light wind push around, dad decided it was somewhat safe for me to take the tiller. At 11 years of age, I was a little apprehensive but the light air was very manageable and definitely not to exciting. But it was my first ride. Shortly after this the family moved to New York and things got stored for a few years. In high school and with a drivers license and borrowed car, I introduced my buddy to the sport. We found a nearby lake with a strip of ice that we ice fished on and set the rig up. Still a rookie, I manage a few tacks with an increasing breeze. Now I understood the adrenaline rush you hear about. Time to let my friend give it a go. He made it across and turned for the run back. It was exciting to watch him pick up speed, then he got hit with a gust and up he went. Out went the sheet and down came the boat hard. Things folded up quickly as the runner plank broke and things collapsed. Okay, Bob got the prize for the most exciting first ride. We called it a day and packed up the pieces to go. This was in the ‘60’s and life moved on. Parts of the boat were saved and made their way back to New Hampshire where they retired. Life found me with a family and in Wolfeboro, NH where on a winters day I saw some of these craft zipping around the local lakes. This was in 1988. The spark was still there and grew to a flame. A phoenix arose from the ashes and I was on the ice again.
Since that time, I have lost count of the number of first timers I have given a ride to and exposed to the sport. I have enjoyed introducing young and old to this special activity with many converts. The youngest being my daughter at about 2 years of age, (slow ride with safe ice and well wrapped) to an 80 year old just last year who bought a rehabbed DN I just finished.
As things are changing in the world today, I seem to always find time to talk and give that, “first ride” to all I can. I hope in a small way I am contributing to the growth of this sport whether for just fun or to feed into the racing program. While waiting for local ice, take yourselves back to that day of your first ride. I see many smiles out there.
Think ice and Happy New Year.
Definitions
Something to show friends if they want to know about ice boating, especially the stern steering vintage crew.
Different
I’ve always been intrigued by, “different” kinds of craft. Not that I don’t have traditional boats in my fleet, but sometimes I like out of the ordinary. When I first got “back into” Iceboating and attending NEIYA meetings in the early 1990’s, I made an old Sarns style DN and used left over crude parts from an iceboat of my youth. It needed about 10 knots of wind to keep it going but I digress. Anyways, at one of my introductory meetings this rig was set up. A little out of the ordinary you might say, but I figured my two girls could have some safe fun with it. This is an original, one of a kind deal, designed and constructed by the late, great Leo Healy. It was a silent bid auction with a coffee can to put your bid in. Soooooo with my daughters name and a $25 bid I figured what the heck. I didn’t stay around too long after the meeting, but when I got home, there was a message on the answering machine. (Pre-cell phone era) I was the only bid. Factoring another tank of gas to go pick it up, I was now the proud owner of, “something different”. As you can see this was a family boat and we had some nice excursions tooting around the local lakes. The children grew and went out on there own as they are supposed to. I did set it up a few times for nostalgia, but eventually let it go to a new home. I hope the new owners get to play on it and have as much fun as we did. Yes you steer it with a rope.
Flagstaff
Just got this post. Usually this area gets the snow. Flagstaff is one of those, “Dam the river, drown the town”, types of lakes. Much shallow water in a definitely colder part of Maine. Not sure of a good launch site except maybe the main road. There could be moving water there though. Great camping in the summer too and a Main Hut just a short ski in.
Vice Commodore
I figured it was time to start my new job. Thank you for voting me in as vice commodore of the NEIYA. It is a wonderful organization that I’ve been a part of for many years. Settling down in Wolfeboro in 1986 was by a stroke of luck . Within a couple years I was back on the ice with parts of a rig my dad had made in 1962. The following years always seemed to have local ice and many a Frolic was to be had. I hope those times will return and fun times can be had by all. I’ll try to keep all posted of local conditions and keep the group informed of happenings of this great activity.
Thank you again and hope to see you on the lakes this year.
New England Ice Yacht Association 