March 8-9th Weekend Picture Recap
The weekend report is running a little late as I had one eye on the weather and was hoping to bring good news for this coming weekend. Well, lesson learned don’t delay as this season continues to challenge us all.
Reporting from Long Pond in Lakeville Jeff Soderholm and Bill Converse both got some sailing in challenging spring like conditions.
Ice softened to slush over the weekend by early afternoon. Some people started out at dawn to get the most in for the day. If there is ice they will come, even setting up in the dark. Proving once again that in tough years extra efforts are required to get in ice time.
Click images for more from Long Pond and Sebago
As promised by the CIBC gang Sebego had a good surface and easy drive on access. We got to fly the NEIYA banner for the first time, thanks to Greg Cornelius for securing this for us. Looking forward to having it and it’s counter part proudly flown when and where ever we gather.
As previously reported the Don “Doc” Fellow was held on Saturday and the Maine State Open on Sunday. Thanks to Steve Madden and Dave Fortier for their advance scouting and officiating. I don’t know who to thank from Nason’s Beach & Campground but thanks just the same for the convenient access. All that’s left to talk about is where the clipboard went, the good competition (no Bob, I don’t count this one as a win over you) and the pictures.
Special thanks go to John Hayes from Pownal, ME for sharing his photography with us. Even though I said everything I could to discourage him, John wants to get a boat and join us. Anyone have a decent reasonably priced craft that needs a good home? The full album is available here https://picasaweb.google.com/103350528193706233828/SebagoLakeDNIceboatRacing?authuser=0&authkey=Gv1sRgCJ2Ev_qHm8PaRw
I was reminded recently of something we all know from someone who has logged 40+ years of ice time. Keep an eye out not only for yourself but your sailing buddies as well. This is especially important during spring-like and other unstable times to. Keep a sharp watch out during the day. If anyone gets in trouble you may be their only hope. Ice is a living thing and pressure ridges and other hazards can emerge while your out sailing about. Always be aware there are know, unknown and hazards forming on the horizon.
Sail fast, sail safe and be aware and watch out for everyone on the ice. Keep the faith as the season is not over just yet. Lets hope we gather somewhere this weekend.
John Stanton
NEIYA Secretary
DN5023
2014 Don “Doc” Fellows Regatta is Completed!
The NEIYA Don “Doc” Fellows was run Saturday 3/8/14 on Sebago Lake (big bay), N. Sebago Maine on a big patch of good ice. Patience was the rule of the day and a gigantic high over the lake ruled the wind. The race was to be called off at 3:30 if the wind had not arrived. Well, the wind Gods must have be listening.
Just before the abandonment call, the wind rolled in. It did not slowly build as usual but came in at 12 to 15 mph, almost instantly!
We were off to the races to quickly set the marks and line. Four races were completed before darkness set in. One throw out was allowed with the completion of the 4th.
Eric Anderson ruled the day with 4 bullets. Nicely done Eric! On his heels was the tough competitor Greg Cornelius with a solid second place sporting some of his light air gear and still managed to hang in there. Dave Fortier nailed third place and was super fast catching the fleet. It was fun to watch the two Canadians Warren Nethercote (4th) and Peter Van Rossem (5th) duke it out with Warren just edging out Peter. Thanks for going the distance. Jack Erikson (6th) hung tough and consistent and was quoted ” I had a blast”. Doug Raymond (7th) struggled a bit, but likely due to lack of racing ice time. We look forward to seeing Doug rekindle that competitive spirit. We were honored to have two NEIYA officers, Secretary John Stanton (8th) and Treasurer Bob Haag (9th) participate and gave it their all. Unfortunately, Bob broke his tiller early on but he was later overheard saying ” All I wanted was to kick John’s butt”. Must be some officer thing! Just kidding guys!
See you at the New England Champs.
Steve Madden
US4512
P.S. Don “Doc” Fellows regatta history http://theneiya.org/doc-fellows/ including a list of past winners and recaps. We are a little short on some of the history so please let me know if you can help filling in some early info.
Competition returns to New England
The Don Doc Fellows Regatta will be held this Saturday 3/8/14 as approved by the NEIYA Commodore.
T, Oliver and Eben are just finishing up the European championships but insisted that the DDF must go on.
Launching from Nason’s beach on the west side of Sebago Lake, Sebago Maine. First Race 10:30.
The Maine State Championship will be held Sunday 3/9/14 at same time and location.
Cone one or come both days lots of ice and I know more than a few people that don’t usually race will be on the line. All DNs are welcome to compete.
John Stanton
NEIYA secretary
DN5023
Choices…
It’s nice to have multiple choices to sail once again. Not some kind of standardized test but loads of fun from NY to Maine.
Chickawaukie Pond was back in style and details and a big ice update are on the CIBC site.
Moving further south, an often overlooked plate, Lake Attitash in Merrimac, MA (just off I495) was sailed by local Paul Delnero and others who reported good conditions. Paul would like to extend an invitation to come up and sail anytime conditions allow. Paul may even send in some pictures next time.
Long Pond in Lakeville, MA was buzzing with a number of groups and classes sailing about. Most of the lake was sailable and should remain in good shape the rest of and going into the weekend. Ice is fluid and conditions WILL CHANGE. We await EOW reporting.
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| Jeff Soderholm Long Pond Lakville, MA 3-1-14 Click image for full album |
NEIYA race honed Rich Cruchet unleashed his talents locally and took the Long Island Championship held on Lake Ronkonkama this weekend. Congratulations Rich!
Over the past week, all forms of media, ice boat media, social and traditional, have been abuzz over the returning of ice and the Jack Frost after 11 years to the Hudson. This was soon followed up by word that that the North Shrewsbury Yacht Club’s Ice boat Rocket would sail for the first time since her restoration. The historic stage was set for a true Stern Steerer Palooza.
Seeing Jack Frost and Rocket gliding across the nearly shore-to-shore ice was a spectacular sight. Had it not been for the channel being cut by an ice breaker and kept open by barge traffic, we could have sailed right to the western shore of the Hudson. Let’s hope we do not have to wait another 11 years to see the grand Ice Yachts of the Hudson again.
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| Hudson River Stern Steer Palooza for full album click image |
The wind was out of the south so there was no racing the trail like the fabled pictures we have all seen but it was a wonderful and historic day.
Myself and former secretary Ed Atkeson were onsite and we had a great day.
Here is a link to yesterday’s New York Times Article recapping the event: http://www.nytimes.com/2014/03/03/nyregion/reviving-a-rivalry-after-years-on-ice.html
Some are lucky to be able sail during the week without feigning sickness. For those that are not, here is a video shot on Long Pond taken by Bill Converse a few weeks ago to keep you going till your next sail.
There is big ice on Sebego off Nason’s Beach, Sebgo, ME. and it is likely there will be a great ice convergence there starting Friday. More on that as details emerge courtesy of the CIBC.
DN world updates are being fed in from the IDNIYRA.eu site on the top right. Check back tomorrow for Wednesday’s results. Go T, Oliver and Eben…
Sail fast and sail safe,
John Stanton
NEIYA Secretary
Ice for March 1st & 2nd
Things are looking a lot better than the past two weeks. The snow has melted down and refrozen leaving a variety of surfaces.
Here is what we know at this point.
Herring Pond Plymouth, MA
Sailed all week as reported on the hotline (508) 377-6100. Always check with locals for know and developing hazards.
Chickawaukie Pond Rockland, ME
Tried and true year after year the snow has melted down enough to be sailed again throughout the week. There are rumors of campfire cooked baked beans and corn bread. Check The Chickawaukie Ice Boat club for details http://iceboat.me
Lake Ronkonkoma, Ronkonkoma, NY
No Suffolk county did not secede from NY and join CT but the Long Island guys sail with us and always welcome ice travelers. It was sailed all week and the Long Island Championships will be held this weekend Check their website for details. http://www.iceboatlongisland.com/ The race chairman has requested that participants fill out the entry form and bring to the ice. Form here
Hudson River Barrytown, NY
The Hudson River Ice Yacht Club has put the mighty Jack Frost on the ice and she will be accompanied by the Rocket hailing from the North Shrewsbury Ice Boat and Yacht Club as well as many other period and newer classic. This has been described as being an epic and historic event and looks like it will not disapoint. If you have not seen the Jack Frost sail it is an unforgettable site. Here is your chance to see two last of a breed crafts sail along with a full accompaniment of stern steerers. For details http://hriyc.org/current.html
Long Pond in Lakeville Freetown MA
Caution Caution Caution! Has not been sailed but will be scouted tomorrow by a group of people. More info when scouts report back
Lake Champlain Shelburne VT
Possible grand ice but no promises whatsoever and may be best to go after the reports are in.
Some people will be scouting tomorrow Again this ice has not been scouted so please only venture out with people that know the area. This could be our our best opportunity for BIG ice. Another dark cloud is on the horizon, but who knows.
See you on the ice,
John Stanton
NEIYA Secretary
A Look Back…
Safe travels, fair winds and speed to T, Eben and Oliver representing the NEIYA at the DN Worlds. As of this morning the location has not been selected. For updates check IDNIYRA Europe and I will call out any major updates on the right side of the home page as well.
People have ventured onto Cape ice as well as mid coast Maine and out on Long Island. Check the Hotline and the CIBC for details. Not the best but it is what we have. While we wait to venture out onto this or some soon to be discovered black ice of Shangri-La, let’s take a look backwards.
Thanks to Dave Wilkins for sending the vintage photos with retouching by Bill Converse. They are thought to be taken on Damariscota circa 1930-40. Can anyone from Maine authenticate? They may have been originally done on glass plates. Any photo historians out there? 
I know there are some architects and engineers amongst us who might disagree but these boats look to be at least inspired by the flying buttresses of Notre Dame or other grand old cathedrals.
Check out the sloop rigged boats with forward steering. A forerunner to the modern Skeeter, perhaps? Thoughts from old and newer sailors leave a comment below.
There are a literal who’s who of rigs lined up all in one place. Lateen, Gaff, sloops any others?
Lloyd Roberts is promoting his lateen rigged cheapskate and I understand plans will be published soon. Could we one day see a wonderful assortment of rigs on the ice once again?
Below is one upcoming event and some far from exhaustive additional info feel free to add your favorite historical ice yacht links in the comments.
Historical background Ice Yacht Presentation
Saturday March 1st 8:30 AM – 2:00 PM
Monmouth Boat Club, Red Bank, NJ
http://navesinkmaritime.org/Events?eventId=847203&EventViewMode=EventDetails
Monmouth Museum Maine ice boat article
The Hudson River Ice Yacht Club trustees of the Jack Frost and other vintage stern steerers http://www.hriyc.org/
Remembering the legacy of our past,
John Stanton
NEIYA Secretary
Melt, freeze and see…
As everyone knows we have been in a melt and watch, thaw and freeze phase.
While we wait, browse through the big batch of pictures taken at the DN North Americans by Joanne Kennedy. Hailing from Northern Alberta at one point the frigid cold did not discourage her from snapping some great pictures.
Her full outdoor body of work can be viewed at http://www.joannekennedy.net. If you like something let her know.
The white stuff is melting so it wont be long. Till than sailing pictures will have to do.
The full album (340 pictures) is available for your viewing pleasure here or click image. As well as a few I pulled out below.
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| 2014 DN North American’s Plattsburgh, NY Photos by Joanne KennedyJoanneKennedy.net |
Score card for NEIYA member pictures. I think I found them all but check the album to be sure.
US5469 – Oliver Moore
US4487 – Chad Atkins
US5224 – James “T” Thieler
US5193 – Eric Anderson
US4512 – Stephen Madden
US5022 – Ed Adams
US5492 – Dave Buckley
US4775 – Eben Whitcomb
US500 – Richard Crucet
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Looking forward to when we sail again this season,
John Stanton
NEIYA Secretary
Short window…
Jeff Soderholm sent over some pictures from yesterday on Long Pond in Lakevile MA. They didn’t get much sailing in but i’m sure all can attest that it was better than not going.
Jeff thanks for the onsite reporting. This may be the only sailing in all of New England. Your making many of us jealous.
“We had a narrow window to sail between waiting for the wind and the arrival of the snow. Once the snow started we had to vacate quickly due to the poor visibility and hazards caused by the recent rain.”
John Stanton
NEIYA Secretary
Resolutely seeking…
As Race Chairman Oliver said yesterday “We don’t know where. We don’t know when…” We may not know about this weekend but do know that there will be sailing again real soon.
The only thing I know for sure is that four sailors found there way to the ice on Ashumet Pond in Falmouth, MA yesterday (2/12). As relayed by Bill Converse. The breeze was light. The ice was rough with some snow cover. The breeze came in toward the end of the day helping to power through the mess.
Brian Langley, Steve Madden and Jack Ericson on Ashumet Pond
Brian, Steve, Jack with Bill Converse behind the lens on Ashumet Pond
Recent snows bypassed the Cape and may be our next destination. We all want more ice time. Whether for thrills or pre Gold Cup (Poland) preparations, there is never enough ice time.
Ice scouting and checking is a thankless job and without it there would be no sailing for anyone. More on the scouting process from Eric Anderson in a couple days. Help out and report conditions to the hotline (508)377-6100 and press 1.
Stay resolute. Be vigilant. Let’s find some ice for everyone to enjoy.
Sail fast, sail safe
John Stanton
NEIYA Secretary
Ninigret’s Not to be Forgotten
Apologizes for the omission from the earlier post. Thanks to Kate Marrone for sending a reminder and pictures.
Included in this weekend’s sailing venues is Ninigret Pond, Charleston, RI. Ninigret is about as close to the ocean (well technically Block Island Sound) as one can get. It is a beautiful salt water pond with open water just over the dunes to the south.
 Art Menard, Kate Morrone, Bob S, Paul Zucco and VC Dave Buckley |
 Dave Burnham |
If I have missed anything else or anyone has pictures of video send em in (john@neiya.org)
Im watching the beautiful ice on the short track rink in Sochi and wondering if only…
John Stanton
NEIYA Secretary
Hide and Seek…
Where is the ice hiding? Plenty of it lies beneath white fluffy and crusty cruddy stuff but where is the sailable ice?
With the one two punch earlier in the week, this was not going to be an easy weekend to find ice. It turned into a real game of icy hide and seek. Looking at the storm’s impact the only possibilities were near the ocean.
Winners of this week’s ice and seek…
Dave Wilcox, Brian Langely, Doug Sharp, Henry Capotosto and Bill Converse sailed Ashumet Pond in Mashpee, MA Saturday. Wind was light in the morning, but picked up later. Ice was snow ice, not smooth, but very sailable. We sailed until 3:30 PM. All in all a good time was had by all.
Photo credits Bill Converse
Also on the cape, Seymour Pond was sailed by another group of usual suspects. Conditions were a little rough but sailable.
Photo credit Jeff Soderholm
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And west and more south, 84 miles as the crow flys, good ice could be had on Lake Ronkonkoma in Long Island NY. I got the word from Rich Crucet late Saturday night that they had decent ice grade 7-8 at home. Being just over an hour, I loaded up and set out on Sunday.
Ice was as promised though the wind was lacking till late in the day. Thanks to the Ronkonkoma Ice Boat and Yacht Club for their hospitality. Finest “blow torch dogs” and soup on any plate of ice on the island.
Looking like conditions improved even more down in NJ with the NSIBYC enjoying home ice on the Navisink river. Photos by Jeff Smith
Thanks to Jeff Soderholm and Bill Converse for contributing to this weekends update as well as those calling in and emailing scouting reports. Change is in the forecast, and the more we communicate the more we sail.
It paid to be more west and south than some of our usual plates. What will next weekend bring?
Everything reported must be re-scouted as conditions have changed and should not be considered safe. Sail Fast, Sail Safe.
John Stanton
NEIYA Secretary
P.S. Ron Bouchard in Shelburne, VT posted a want ad in the classified section today. He needs a DN boom. Can anyone help him out? Email: ronaldabouchard@gmail.com . Lots of good stuff including Commodore T’s winning hull from CSI.
2014 Eastern DN Championship Results are in…
DN racers returned to the Plattsburgh, NY area to sail on Lake Champlain for the second time in two weeks. The Eastern regionals where sailed over two days, Saturday February 1st and finished up on Sunday.
Brief summary and results below. Regatta particulars and details to follow.
Saturday brought light winds very fluky hard ice and some scattered drifts.
Sunday 8-14 knots hard ice in the am with some slush and some bumps and cracks
it softened as the day went on. Good mast bent and wound up sailing!
T sailed masterfully in a all wind ranges and conditions and dominated the regatta. Congratulations to James “T” Thieler as this years Eastern Region Champion. More details to come.
John Stanton
NEIYA Secretary
Scouting rewards and Change
Word is in from both Long Pond and Ninigret. Scouting parties ventured out with caution and were able to sail though winds inland meant a good deal of pushing.
Reports of good sailing on Ninigret in Charlestown, RI yesterday. Unfortunately conditions there are deteriorating rapidly as temperatures rise. Salt ice is fragile and looses its integrity rapidly. At this point this plate is NOT safe till things get cold again.
Th Long Pond Lakeville, MA gang set out over some fresh snow sailed and pushed some (on site details in previous posts comment) Warming temperatures mean this plate will need to be rechecked and scouted before being sailed again. A cycle we know all too well.
Thanks to Ed Edwards for the Long Pond Scouting fleet. Yes, it was shamelessly pinched from Facebook.
Further north and east the Chickawaukee Boys ventured onto Damariscotta which was previously thought to be unsailable. For details check out iceboat.me for their usual excellent coverage from the editorial staff of Buchholz, Roberts and Squib.
Up the Champlain Valley the DN and ISA Easterns are just getting underway. The expansive plate has been talked about, sailed and envied for over a week. Onsite updates to to come later from our Commodore AKA Mr “T”
Moral for this weekend and ice boating in general, sailable ice comes and goes. Sometimes before we ever have a chance to enjoy it. Find ice, get together for checking and scouting, talk it up and enjoy. Safety in numbers is key.
The weather guy(s) are calling for some change over the next 48 hours but the barometer on my wall still reads high.
Here’s to change either for our local haunts or our ability to travel.
Be safe, especially as the ice is changing,
John Stanton
NEIYA Secretary
Scouts are out and about
Small and larger groups have been scouting all week. Drive bys, walk ons and sailing parties all looking for that perfect plate. Some have been rejected outright as having too many hazards others small areas of smooth ice surrounded by boat breaking rough area.
Sailing / scouting parties will be out on Long Pond in Lakeville, MA Friday morning and we look forward to getting reports for the weekend. Another group will be scouting Ninigret Pond in Charlestown, RI. With warming temperatures, Ninigret’s salt ice may not survive into the weekend’s weather.
The real gem for the week is the NY side of Champlain off Platsburgh. Check out the pictures taken by Bill Buchholz on http://iceboat.me if you have not already. DN’s and Skeeters should find plenty of ice for all out racing.
More updates as they come in tomorrow.
Remember any ice warrants caution especially as temperatures rise,
John Stanton
NEIYA Secretary
To the Resolute Band of Ice Boaters
While this is what many of us are seeing on our local ice, the resolute have found, scouted and sailed this weekend.
Bantam Lake CT 1/26/14 – Grim but there is 8 inches of ice below waiting to be sailed
Don’t despair, sailable ice has returned to New England!
As reported on the hotline the Pond of Webster Lake was scouted and sailed over the weekend.
Sailors from near and far (NH) sailed the North Pond, Webster, MA on Saturday and Sunday and reported surviving some fierce gusts and a a little snow on top of a good solid surface. Look for this plate to improve with the warmer weather today and firm as the cold returns. Sorry too cold and gusty for pictures.
Late Sunday morning a group of sailors including long time member Bill Converse and the former voice of the NEIYA Hotline Jeff Soderholm and five other sailors ventured onto Lake Nippenicket. As reported by Jeff.
“Seven of us sailed the nip Sunday afternoon when the winds layed down a bit. The middle of the pond isn’t great. There was snow in the surface so when it warmed up Saturday it developed ridges. The Eastern shore there was a smooth stretch that we all did laps on that had enough length and size to make it worthwhile. No pictures. Expect there will be some sailing during the week in this area. Great herring should be the best plate once it thickens up a bit”
Bill Converse’s take on sailing on Nip “The surface is quite rough. Seems the weather of Saturday did some damage. Much snow on the west shore. We are hoping for some rain Monday, and a few of us may try to sail Tuesday or Wednesday. afternoon, if not there, somewhere else. Ice is coming in again with the cold. ”
Apologies from your secretary for not spreading the above word. it was a last minute Sunday gathering and I was en route to Bantam even though I knew it was covered with snow. Had a nice walk and a few friendly chats with ice fisherman. Just being outdoors made my weekend! More on speeding up our ice communication process to come in the next week or so.To the north members joined the Chickawaukee gang to scout and test the newly formed ice on Sebago Lake. Bill Buchholz has an excellent writeup and reminder of how fragile ice can be on the CIBC website (http://iceboat.me)
During the week lets keep an eye on our local bodies of water and ice and keep Bill Converse’s words in mind. “…if not there, somewhere else. Ice is coming in again with the cold”
While this plea should probably go at the top, I figure that anyone who reads to the bottom is more likely to heed my plea. We need to hear from YOU! Send pictures ( most of use have cameras on our phones), observations, thoughts, gripes, frustrations, joys and stories. Everyone of us has a story to tell and here is your chance. Leave a comment below, send me an email (john@neiya.org) or leave a message, yes text messaging has not replaced the phone, at (508) 377-6100 and press 1. Looking forward to hearing from the willing. Remember this is OUR platform and open to all member contributions.
Looking forward to more cold and ice ahead,
John Stanton
NEIYA Secretary
John@neiya.org
Ice for Sunday January 26th
The North Pond of Webster Lake is in the house and ready to sailed again tomorrow. Roger Livingston, reports that he and a group of sailors sailed the north pond of Webster lake today and will be returning tomorrow (Sunday).
Conditions were relatively smooth but there was some light snow over half of the surface. The snow was light and did not interfere with sailing.
Remember no ice is completely safe and there are always know and unknown hazards on any plate. Consult with the locals in the pit for specifics before setting out.
Sail safe, sail fast, sail heads up and never sail alone.
John Stanton
NEIYA Secretary
Meanwhile back at the ranch…
The intrepid DN North American Championship competitors have remained in the same place for a couple of days and finally begun racing. I will leave the recap to those who have stung their lungs on sub zero air and showered with hard sharp Champlain chips. NEIYA members Eben and Eric began scouting locations for he NA’s two weeks ago. Scouring bodies of water that straddle northern Vermont and Canada. They again scouted the area ahead of the eastward bound ice-less hoard.
Our unsung heroes and MVP’s are the ice checkers. They patiently watch as the edges begin to skim and smile when the morning light reveals fresh shore to shore black ice. Setting out upon the plate they probe with ax and drill to determine thickness and strength. Once a plate is confirmed to be sailable, word go out to the masses. Come out and play.
This is where we are now. It has been bitterly cold for days, we have had snow a foot or so on the coast, ice is thickening as we speak and lakes and ponds are being eyed and checked. The only thing left is COMMUNICATION.
Jeff Soderholm sent in a drive by picture of Lake Nippenicket in Bridgewater MA yesterday. It and other plates are ready to be scouted.
Who’s out looking? Let us know. Who’s scouted a local plate? Let us know. Who wants to check a local plate but needs help (safety in numbers)? Let us know so we can drum up help from the membership. Let us know by commenting below or leaving a message on our ice hotline (508) 377-6100. Please leave something to share with your fellow NEIYA members and ice enthusiasts.
Remember our membership directory is available in the Members login section tab at the top of the home page. Forgotten the password? Email me john@neiya.org? It was given out at the annual meeting and published in the Black Ice newsletter.
Looking forward to hearing from everyone and be safe when venturing onto new ice.
John Stanton
NEIYA Secretary
John@neiya.org
P.S. Remember there should still be world class racing going on in Platsburgh, NY tomorrow (Saturday 25th) for anyone that wants to watch. Do check the IDNIYRA for up to date info before venturing north http://ice.idniyra.org/hotline
Weather or not
With the cold comes snow. Reports of recent ice at or may not survive the falling snow and the hold pattern will begin anew.
Bill Buchholz is checking more northerly venues and has his eye on Megunticook.
Ice boating is a constant and that constant is change. But if you never leave the driveway you will never sail. Cheers for those who venture into bad weather for a chance to sail. Having spent the day in the rain, fog and no wind last Saturday it is something I understand.
With patience,
John Stanton
NEIYA Secretary
Long Weekend of Ice
Greetings,
The NEIYA has sent a healthy contingent out west for the DN North American’s but fear not there is some ice here in New England. Just how many spare trailer tires should one bring for a 1,000 mile trip? Bring home some silver boys.
Conditions as we all know have been tough with more of a January thaw than usual but it looks like we are in the ice making business once again.
At this time I know of two sites that while they need to be explored a little tomorrow look to be good for the rest of the long weekend.
- Ron Buzzell and company will be sailing Lake Sunapee tomorrow launching from the state beach in Newbury NH
- Dave Fortier and the CIBC folks will be sailing Jordan bay on Sebago tomorrow and over the weekend. He reports the surface needs some additional cold weather and that the best days are likely to be Sunday and Monday. Launching is from the boat ramp in Raymond Maine. Check http://iceboat.me for updates.
The ice hotline (508) 377-6100 will be updated tomorrow evening once both plates are sailed and reports have filtered back.
Be patient colder weather is coming. Sail heads up and sail fast. Its a whole new game and any ice that had been sailed before need to be thoroughly inspected.
John Stanton
NEIYA Secretary
This is
Where we’re sailing
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Members will be sailing the following ice over the next couple days. As previously announced, the IDNIYRA
Eastern Championship will be taking place on Jordan Bay. Others will be blasting about and exploring the
other venues.
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Maine
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Damariscotta Lake
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Jordan Bay Sebago Lake
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Massachusetts Quaboag Pond
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Connecticut Bantam Lake
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We have had a lot of weather over the past several days and conditions are never 100% stable. Before setting out talk to people who know the body of water and the current ice conditions and hazards.
New weather is coming in so get out early Friday and Saturday as rain on Sunday may put things on hold
for a few days. Check with the hotline for any last minute race or cruising changes (508) 377-6100 Come on out and race. Come on out and play. Sail heads up, keep right of way in mind and remember John Stanton |
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2014 IDNIYRA Eastern’s are ON for this weekend Jordan Bay Raymond ME
2014 Eastern Region DN Championship
Dates: January 11 – 12, 2014
Jordan Bay, Lake Sebago, Raymond, ME
Launching from Raymond Boat Access, Route US 302, Raymond, Maine
Skipper’s meeting 10am in the pits
1. Rules: All races will be governed by the Racing Rules of the NIA (National Iceboat Authority) and the the By-Laws of the IDNIYRA.
2. Eligibility: Open to All DN class yachts meeting the requirements of the Official Specifications and whose skippers are in good standing with the IDNIYRA are eligible. Proof of personal liability insurance will be needed at the time of registration.
3. Site Information and Postings:
A. Eastern Region, United States
B. Site Information will be posted on the NEIYA Hotline: 508-377-6100 ext 8
C. When determined, Site Information will be posted on the IDNIYRA bulletin board, the NEIYA website and the Iceboating Yahoo Group.
4. Races:
A. Seven race regatta format. Three race minimum will constitute a regatta.
B. First race scheduled for 11:00am Saturday, January 11.
5. Registration is 10:00am on the ice in the Pits.
6. Sailing instructions will be posted at the launch site. Final sailing instructions will be delivered at skippers meeting before first race.
7. Trophies – this regatta has great historic trophies. I am seeking the location of all these trophies and information on the early years of this regatta. Please contact me at ebenw3@comcast net.
Eben Whitcomb
Eastern Region Commodore
860-304-6319
IDNIYRA Easthern Region DN Championship Notice of Race
IDNIYRA Notice of Race
2014 Eastern Region DN Championship
Dates: January 11 – 12
1. Rules:
All races will be governed by the Racing Rules of the NIA (National Iceboat Authority) and the the By-Laws of the IDNIYRA.
2. Eligibility:
Open to All DN class yachts meeting the requirements of the Official Specifications and whose skippers are in good standing with the IDNIYRA are eligible. Proof of personal liability insurance will be needed at the time of registration.
3. Site Information and Postings:
A. Eastern Region, United States
B. Site Information will be posted on the NEIYA Hotline: 508-377-6100 ext. 8
C. When determined, Site Information will be posted on the IDNIYRA bulletin board, the NEIYA website and the Iceboating Yahoo Group.
4. Races:
A. Seven race regatta format. Three race minimum will constitute a regatta.
B. First race scheduled for 11:00am Saturday, January 11.
5. Registration is 10:00am on the ice in the Pits.
6. Sailing instructions will be posted at the launch site. Final sailing instructions will be delivered at skippers meeting before first race.
7. Trophies – this regatta has great historic trophies. I am seeking the location of all these trophies and information on the early years of this regatta. Please contact me at ebenw3@comcast net.
Eben Whitcomb
Eastern Region Commodore
860-304-6319
Last Call for Bylaw Revision Vote
Members,
You are likely tired of hearing about the new bylaws. We have talked about this in our meetings for the past two years. Talked and campaigned at our Tune-up event. Filled your mailbox with yellow envelopes. Over run your email accounts with emails. Most of you have responded to the appeals from myself and other officers. Thank you!
Since the bylaw changes are not a regular occurrence and in fact have not been modified since 1971, we wanted to be sure everyone exercises their vote.
So with that in mind, I would like to appeal to anyone who has not cast their ballot to do so ASAP. The deadline is in my hands (mailbox or electronically) Monday December 23rd. Given the timing ballots probably should be submitted via email or fax. If you have lost the bylaw printout they can be reviewed here. Response details below.
1) Find the previously received yellow envelope, sign the ballot put it into the return envelope and mail back to me
2) Sign the above ballot or download ballot here, print and fax back to me at 1-508-590-7770
3) Sign previously received ballot or download here, scan or take a picture with your phone and email to me john@neiya.org
If you have any questions please feel free to contact me directly. Member directory and list of those already casting votes are listed under the “Member Login” tab above. It is password protected. Password is in the Newsletter or email me.
Looks like we will Zamboni down the snow over the next couple days and be back to or start our season shortly there after.
Get those ballots back so we can sail fast into the new season,
John Stanton DN5023
NEIYA Secretary
P.S. Our own Chad of race course and hotline fame has already voted so there will be no hanging chad ordeals this Christmas.
First Sailable Ice Prize Goes To…
Bob Schumacher sailed today on Shelburne Pond in Shelburne, VT. He reports they had 90% black ice 2.5” with the balance snow ice 4”. No holes, thin spots or cracks.
Congratulations for being the first to sail this season! Thanks for passing on the good news. We all hope to join you soon.
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Who will be next and where? Bill, Jory and Lloyd how’s Plymouth Pond doing? Hope to hear from you soon. For those that may not know, near live Maine updates are on the Chickawaukie Ice Boat Club’s website http://Iceboat.me.
Looking back a few weeks, Peter Forbes heeded the call and shared a few thoughts from the annual meeting. As promised I’m passing them along for everyone. People don’t be shy, we want to hear from you. Thanks for coming forward Peter.
MY EXPERIENCE AT THE NEIYA ANNUAL MEETING
I had a good time as usual at the annual NEIYA meeting. I brought along a set of stays and a set of runners that I was not using. Within half an hour, I had sold both. The runners went to a member who was setting up a family boat. According to the purchaser who was scouting for him, he would be “pleased as punch” to get a set for $200 and I will find the $200 useful shortly.
I then spotted something new, an iceboat with wheels. It appears that some members are extending the ice boating season by means of wheels. They are making use of an abandoned airport in Weymouth. I was able to share my experience of going snowmobiling on the mud flats in the Mojavi desert and one of the members told me that he goes snowmobiling in Utah every year.
I then spotted a complete DN, hull, mast, sails, and rigging for only $1200. I couldn’t help thinking, “What a Deal!” Like everyone, I like a bargain. Where else can you get a boat that will go sixty miles and hour and that if used properly and carefully, you don’t have to worry whether it floats. One can pay five times as much for a boat with rotten planks that you have to paint every year. After swapping stories of where we went sailing last winter and of near mishaps over the course of the years, we went in to the hall for a hearty meal.
Members from all six New England states were seated at the tables and we were joined again by two Ice boaters from Nova Scotia who welcomed members in search of ice or a new place to sail to Nova Scotia. After a satisfying meal, good conversation, a description of last year’s highlights, and new club business deftly conducted, I returned home looking forward to getting out and seeing members on the ice, when the time comes.
Peter Forbes
Stay tuned we will all be sailing soon,
John Stanton
NEIYA Secretary
P.S. Don’t forget to leave word of ice conditions with Chad Atkins on the hotline.
P.P.S. Please vote, sign and mail your ballots back to me. Do it today.
New England Ice Yacht Association 