Hello All!
As always the meeting was a terrific gathering of fascinating people with a lust for speed and cool craft and possibly a need for group therapy. But hey, until then we will keep hitting the ice!
The parking lot scene was good despite the weather, lots of boats and gear changing hands, no doubt some people are in the shop already making sure all the bits and pieces will fit when we get some ice…. Which will be sooner than you think!
The meeting went at a good pace, wasn’t too excruciating, and covered q
uite a bit of ground. Race results, trophy presentations, Hardway certificate distributions, future plans discussed, past adventures recalled, backs patted, moments of silence for some ice sailors we lost, and finally a slate was approved
No one was appointed in absentia. Those of you who stayed home can stop worrying.
We also had some cool door prizes raffled off, many thanks to John Stanton and Landfall Navigation for hooking us up.All of this was fueled by the usual fantastic catering and a cash bar at our new venue, the Hudson-Concord Elks Hall in Hudson, MA. Great place, hope they’ll have us back next year!
Many thanks to John Stanton and Bob Haag for putting the event together and all of their work on behalf of the club. These guys put in way more time than most of us realize! Thanks also to Steve Madden for all of his efforts as Regatta Chairman and of course to everyone who showed up!
The next big events are the Great Western Challenge (mainly for DNs but other classes welcome) on the best ice in or near Minnesota on from Nov 30 – Dec 2. Following that it’s the tune-up clinic at Steve Lamb’s shop on December 15. Rick Bishop is working to get that put together and it promises to be just as good as last year- and last year was the most interesting and informative one we’ve had in awhile! Even if you don’t care about getting your iceboat tuned up you should attend strictly on culinary grounds. The food is always interesting and unique!! Personally, I enjoyed seeing all the gang and meeting some of the brand-new and relatively new sailors.
Looking forward to seeing everyone on the ice soon! If anyone has questions or would like to follow up on anything feel free to email me at t_thieler@yahoo.com.
Look forward to hearing from you!
Think ICE!
T DN US 5224
11/06/2018 | Categories: 2018 Season | Comments Off on NEIYA Annual Meeting Wrap-Up
Stop by to get information. Chat with ice boat enthusiasts from around the northeast. Rub elbows with itinerant cruisers and world class DN racers. They are there to help you get on the ice for the first time or go faster. Make this the year you start ice boating.
There will be door prizes for those staying for lunch (all welcome). Not the usual nick knacks but prizes that might actually save your life. Landfall Navigation will once again pitch in with gift certificates.
With the NEIYA Swap, Luncheon and Meeting only three weeks away, it’s time to drag out your gear. If you’re like me fix the things that should have been fixed at the end of the season.
Put anything your not going to use on the Classifieds and or bring to the Swap Meet. Remember your old gear could be a real go fast upgrade for someone else. And might make a difference in getting someone on the ice this season.
Don’t forget to pay your 2019 season dues and preregister for lunch. Online links are on the right in yellow. Don’t delay, it will make Treasurer Haag’s life easier and put a smile on his face.
NEIYA Gathering Swap Meet Starts Saturday 9:30 am November 3rd
Where: Hudson-Concord Elks Hall
Address: 99 Park Street, Hudson, MA 01749
Think Ice for the upcoming 2019 season,
John
DN5023
john@neiya.org
10/13/2018 | Categories: 2018 Season | Comments Off on Let The Season Begin – November 3rd Swap Meet
With another September behind us it is time to start tuning up our hardwater gear so that we’re ready for the colder temperatures and frozen ponds and lakes! September also brings meetings and conference calls for governing members as we help to run and maintain our ice sailing organizations.
As far as IDNIYRA is concerned we have the Eastern’s slated for February 2-3, 2019 and hopefully this will serve as a tune up for the Gold Cup and NAC to be run February 16-23. For those of you on the fence about getting into racing or stepping into a larger arena, I can tell you it is friendly, welcoming and a great all round experience with lots to learn and plenty of good times! If you have any questions on getting involved in DN racing, joining the class, or obtaining a sail number don’t hesitate to reach out.
For the veterans of the class that have been attending championships – you know why we all look forward to the season ahead!! You also know that it takes a lot of work in many forms to make it all happen and get these events in. I will be stepping down as Eastern Rear Commodore at season’s end come April 2019. I have contacted and tried to find a replacement over the past 8 months since running the 2018 DN NA’s but no one has been willing to step up and take their turn. I feel that it is important to be in the role for a year before it is our turn to run the Continental championship in 2021 which honestly should be led by the Canadian or Mountain Lakes Region. If you have been racing and participating in any of these events this would be a great way to get involved and give back to this great sport!
Chad Atkins
DN US 4487
IDNIYRA Eastern Rear Commodore
catkins4487@gmail.com
10/10/2018 | Categories: 2018 Season | Comments Off on Season Update – IDNIYRA Eastern Rear Commodore
Captain Howard Garland of Lunenberg Co., Nova Scotia, passed away on Friday afternoon after a battle with cancer. Howard was a member of the Nova Ice Yacht Club. His love of ice boating and speed were only surpassed by desire to share these experiences with his fellow sailors.
Many NIYC Regattas were hosted by Howard from his home at Lake Mush a Mush, with warm up breaks around the wood stove in his shop. Not content to just host regattas at his home ice, Howard built a chalet at Sherbrook, allowing access to a lake that often holds ice until late Spring. Many times after a regatta hosted by Howard, the fleet was treated to a superb homemade fish chowder prepared by Howard’s lovely wife Claudette.
Howard Garland was born in the outport village of Pushthrough, Newfoundland. His family later resettled to Hermitage. At the age of 17, he moved to Nova Scotia and commenced a career in the scallop fishing industry. Achieving the rank of Captain at the age of 26, Howard went on to captain successively larger vessels culminating in the command of the 143′ highline vessel ATLANTIC DESTINY, able to fish offshore year round in the North Atlantic. When at sea in the winter, he would often call in via SAT phone from Georges Bank to find out the ice conditions and who was sailing fast.
Through the years, Howard won the Nova Scotia Champs (aka Snelly Cup) and the Maritime Championship many times. This past winter he won the Maritime Championship sailing on his home ice at Mush a Mush. Howard also sailed in IDNIYRA World and NA Championships, and NEIYA events. His strength and quest for speed were legendary. He could make the stiffest mast bend like a coach whip, and many a boom suffered from his sheeting ability.
Howard is survived by his wife Claudette, and sons Tyler and Matt. We, his friends from far and wide, will need to work hard to keep up his spirit and enthusiasm for the sport of ice boating. As a friend, he was the best. We will carry him with us in our hearts and think of him often.
I invite you to share your memories of Howard below via the comment link below. Any and all on or off ice tales are welcome and If you have them pictures. Some of my pictures from this summer are below.
Eben Whitcomb DN4475
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09/23/2018 | Categories: 2018 Season | Comments Off on Memories of a Fallen Brother Captain Howard Garland (KC 5532)
With the Dog Days of summer behind us it’s time to think about Ice boating and the NEIYA Annual Meeting Swap Meet, and Luncheon. Mark your calender’s NOW and show up on Saturday, November 3, 2018 at our new venue.
Hudson-Concord Elks Hall
99 Park Street, Hudson, MA 01749
The rules are simple. “No motor, no support, all the way to Alaska. The physical endurance, saltwater know-how, and bulldog tenacity to navigate the 750 cold water miles from Port Townsend, Washington, to Ketchikan, Alaska. “
You might have seen his red and yellow winged iceboat Surf & Turf over the past couple years and its for sale. Check out the NEIYA classifieds
Joachim good luck and we will be eagerly following your progress Northward and look forward to hearing tales of the Pacific Northwest when we see you on the ice next season.
What else is everyone doing during the off season? Building, Sailing (I know a few people did the Bermuda Race). What else? Who’s going to the Wooden Boat Show at Mystic or the Classic car weekend at Thompson Motor Speedway?
Think Ice,
John
john@neiya.org
06/21/2018 | Categories: 2018 Season | Comments Off on Members at Large
I have just received a call from Bill, and the report is that there is ice. With Bill’s experience, and measurements of the ice condition we are scheduling the Maine State Championship for Saturday. Bill has checked the North and South end, and the ice in Greenville is the best. It is even forecast to be a bit colder tonight and tomorrow so that is a good thing. Bill said the ice surface seems to be much as it was on Lake Memphremagog a few weeks back. Most everyone was sailing well with plates, and I sailed with angles on the third day and those worked quite well.We think that racers should attempt to arrive at or before 0900 so we will have the best chance to get er done.
Dave US4690
David Fortier | April 20, 2018 at 10:51 am | Categories: 2018 Season | URL: https://wp.me/p1wB1o-1S2
04/20/2018 | Categories: 2018 Season | Comments Off on The Last Hurrah!
The NEIYA New England Championship regatta is once again postponed. We will keep trying for this winter (Moosehead? Champlain?) but looking more like next December. Anyway, be ready to travel far. Think good ice!
Keep hope alive…
Steve Madden
US4512
03/09/2018 | Categories: 2018 Season | Comments Off on Well In Case It Wasn’t Obvious
Steve Madden went full out for us and got up to Lake Memphremagog, VT this afternoon and assessed the launch and plate. Unfortunately it is not to be for course racing as the surface is already soft with some large crystals and some other limiting factors of the venue are not what either Steve or myself would consider championship worthy conditions. The NEIYA New Englands and IDNIYRA Eastern Regional Championships are postponed once again. Thank you Steve!!
Best, Chad
And from iceboat.me Lake Memphramagog ON for the Weekend. Check iceboat.me
Posted on March 1, 2018by billbuchholz
Newport, VT. The cooling temps in the forecast suggest that the ice will remain hard. We will be getting there around noon on Friday and plan to sail all weekend. Accommodations at Newport City Inn and Suites, 802-334-6558.
Big iceboaters dinner party planned for Saturday night. Hundred Mile Race to be called on if conditions allow. Good winds will give times in under three hours. There will also be an attempt to sail north to Magog, but big pressure ridges often prevent this. Come prepared.
Launch at 44.998n x 72.197w. It’s just south of Eagle Point, where the road skirts the lake, about five miles north of Newport. Ramblin Roger drove his van on yesterday, so it should be fine for trailers. The ramp softened a bit at fifty degrees, but he still managed to drive off. (Ice fishermen use this access so be sure to keep it clear.) Temps aren’t supposed to get above mid thirties so that shouldn’t be a problem this weekend. Based on what we’ve been sailing on around here in marginal temps, the nights below freezing should give us a splendid surface on the twenty-four inches of ice.
Sail safe and heads up in conditions.
03/01/2018 | Categories: 2018 Season | Comments Off on NEs and Eastern Postponed
Looks like above freezing temps again starting Friday around noon thru the weekend. Scouts have reported today drain holes on potential regatta lakes from Maine, NH to Vermont. With that in mind and likely softening ice, its a crapshoot for a safe and fun regatta. So, I regret to say postponed again.
Steve Madden
P.S. Some will find some sails. Remember sail heads up on these changing conditions and have fun.
02/22/2018 | Categories: 2018 Season | Comments Off on Hey Racers
Eastern’s are postponed another week. More on this early next week
A suitable venue for the New England’s is currently being sought New on that later today or tomorrow.
Sailing fun to be had in Maine check http://iceboat.me They are sailing today but weather is coming so stay tuned.
The incoming weather has some cold into next week so could create perfect conditions. This has been a very challenging year but rewards were had for those who were ready for last minute travel or just happened to live nearby.
Think Ice we are not done yet.
John
02/22/2018 | Categories: 2018 Season | Comments Off on Update – Eastern’s, New Englands and Just Plain Fun
The rumors were flying a few weeks ago. Rolling Stone Magazine would be doing an article and video at the DN NA’s. Well, those that were on Lake Charlevoix know it was more than a rumor. Watch the video, read the article and enjoy. NEIYA members got some good play as well as Champion Ron Sherry and his son Griffin.
With two of our major Eastern Region/NEIYA Championships left to sail (The DN Eastern Regionals and The New Englands) and March only a few weeks away please be ready to go for either or both of these championship weekends if you want to race.
We could be dealing with rising lake levels and constant changing of surface conditions so expect the calls to be late Thursday or even mid day Friday. This is your prep warning and we are going to try to do some sailing if mother nature allows since the base is still there up north at several venues.
For the Easterns you will need to be a current member of IDNIYRA and at least have paid your one time sail # registration fee with the class. It will be ok to compete if you have not received the specific number from the class treasurer or installed it at the start of the event na.idniyra.org. You will however need to have a sail # that is unique to you and your craft, no duplicates. Also, make sure you print out your $300,000 liability insurance policy to have in hand and on site. I don’t care if you sailed in the NA’s and had it there- this is a different championship and it requires the policy to be present at the time of registration, period. No exceptions.
The NOR for the Easterns will be coming out later in the week so keep an eye out on dnamerica.org and theneiya.org
Best, Chad Atkins
DN US 4487
IDNIYRA Eastern Rear Commodore
02/19/2018 | Categories: 2018 Season | Comments Off on A Word from Chad – Stand Ready Sailable Ice Is Coming
Race Committee Chair Steve Madden is feverishly looking for a location to hold the New England’s this weekend.
There will be DNs of course and Steve wanted to remind everyone that any class bringing three boats to the line will get their own start. I know there are 10+ Whizzes out there. You all together once before and it’s time to do it again.
We all know the challenging weather that has been blowing through every week or so and this week is no exception. There is snow everywhere to the north but the areas near Worcester MA look promising. Scouts will be out tomorrow checking conditions on Webster and Quaboag.
Venue announcement to be made tomorrow (Friday) evening. Whether racing or cruising come out for the fun. See you there.
Think clear and smooth ice,
John
P.S Sorry for late notice but conditions have been challenging.
02/08/2018 | Categories: 2018 Season | Comments Off on The New England’s This Weekend, Maybe…
Photo credit Silfvenius Remick Museum ice harvest 2018
Photo credit Silfvenius Remick Museum ice harvest 2018
Photo credit Silfvenius Remick Museum ice harvest 2018
Photo credit Silfvenius Remick Museum ice harvest 2018
This past weekend Hardway Captain Charles Silfvenius set up his boat for the crowds at the annual Remick Museum Ice Harvest & Winter Carnival and served as the Iceboating ambassador. He talked to loads of interested loads of interested people and answered the usual questions. How fast do they go and how do I get started. He was pretty sure that at least a few people would take the next steps to get on the ice.
More pictures of Quaboag this past Saturday from Jeff Soderholm. Thanks for passing them on. Everyone loves more pictures. Jeff noted a good time was had by all. Let’s hope that some of our ice is spared after tomorrow.
Photo credit Soderholm Quaboag 2/3/18
Photo credit Soderholm Quaboag 2/3/18
Photo credit Soderholm Quaboag 2/3/18
Photo credit Soderholm Quaboag 2/3/18
Photo credit Soderholm Quaboag 2/3/18
Photo credit Soderholm Quaboag 2/3/18
THINK ICE,
John
DN5023
02/07/2018 | Categories: 2018 Season | Comments Off on Iceboat Ambassador
The Weekend was a little iffy with some of our best ice covered in fresh Sticky White S$%#. There may have been other sailable spots but I do know that a group sailed (sort of) on Quaboag this weekend as well as more favorable conditions on a Batterson Park Pond In CT. Batterson is a small venue but had nice clear ice. Those going to Quaboag wish they had headed further west on to I-84 in CT. But as they say, if you take a chance when conditions are in question you will never get to sail. If you sailed this weekend let us know in the comment section below.
I was originally going to provide a recap on the MIT boats that came out this weekend but Bill beat me to it. Below is a repost from iceboat.org.
With all the rain we should have some nice resurfacing across all the thick ice we have built up. As always be careful venturing out onto what was previously sailed on. I am sure there are runner swallowing drain holes out there. On deck it she New England Championships and some great sailing in general. We need to get through the next weather bullet before we can call anything. Stay tuned
Deane Williams sent in a report late last week about this little pond just off I-84 in CT. The MIT gang was itching for weekend ice and took a chance on this unknown plate. In spite of everything else in New England having some degree of surface issue this spot seems perfect. Thanks Deane!
“Five students and two researchers from MIT went to Batterson Park Pond. The pond did not suffer the negative effects of snowfall that many of the surrounding lakes suffered. The four boats from the MIT build-class were used. Two of the students had never sailed an iceboat before and were instant fans of the sport.
Three other boats were present. A wing-foiled boat (Joachim, Surf and Turf, you can see in the background of this photo) and two other DN’s.
There were many ice fisherman that had bored holes in the ice with small mounds of ice spoil alongside their holes.
It was clear that this pond has not been sailed before as many of the locals descended onto the landing to find out ³what you call those things². It was clear by the smiles that the iceboats were welcome additions to the pond¹s scenery. All enjoyed a beautiful day of sunshine, wind, and clear ice.”
02/05/2018 | Categories: 2018 Season | Comments Off on Next Generation of Iceboaters Take to the Ice
Lake Winnipesaukee had been resurfaced with the large amount of rain received earlier in the week and the cold temperatures launched a scouting trip on Thursday, 1/25/18. 4 boats set up but only two made it into the broads using storm sails. The scouting trip made it near the high point of the last attempt a week earlier beyond the north end of Rattlesnake Island. I was deemed a GO and word went out for the next day try as winds were predicted drop and temperatures to warm for the weekend. As the local set up for the day more and more started showing. A skippers’ meeting was called at 0945 and the details outlined. As a final check of boats, safety gear, provisions and the projected route were completed the fleet of a variety type of craft cast off at 1015.
Temperatures were in the high teens as we started and rose through the day to near 30 at the end with constant sun.
Winds mostly from the north west and starting about 10-12 mph, predicted to drop in the afternoon.
Wolfeboro Bay was rough due to weekend traffic through the snow, as ice fishermen use this as a major entrance point to the lake. Once out of the bay, there were many, “snow bubbles”. These are spots where the snow was higher than the surrounding ice when the rains came. The tops had a thin layer of ice that the runner would break through and then drop 2 or 3 inches through the remaining snow until it hit solid ice below. Obviously this would slow you down and sometimes make it rough to go in the lighter winds.
Photo credit Hardway Knowles 2018
First checkpoint was off Parker Island. Everything seemed solid so we continued into the Broads where there was a nice plate of ice, grade 7-8 where you could really play. We didn’t linger due to the predicted wind drop.
Second checkpoint was up the lake near the north end of the broads. Someone had made a small snow castle visible for quite a ways. This allowed for a magnificent view of the surrounding countryside from Mount Major to Gunstock ski area to the bright white snow capped peak of Mount Washington, the hill not the boat. Everything was solid so on we went.
The only ridge encountered was from Welch Island across the lake to Long Island. We agreed to meet on the east end and sail along for a crossing. An easy spot was pushed through and all proceeded northwest toward Six Mile Island. You can use two cleared fields on the hill as landmarks to shoot for. This was another area of the bubble ice.
Photo credit Hardway Morrone 2018
Photo credit Hardway Langley 2018
Photo credit Hardway Langley 2018
Photo credit Hardway Langley 2018
Photo credit Hardway Langley 2018
At Six mile you could see the Mount Washington in its winter home. Easy to work your way through some narrows between the islands and to the halfway point. Arrival time was about 12:15 hrs. A leisurely lunch was had and then a lineup for photos. A freelance pro photographer just happened to be around and constantly was taking shots. I know some of the sailors got he website. I’ll try to find it and pass it on.
At about 13:00 hrs the group set off for the run back. The wind had dropped and a couple of boats fell a little behind. A sweep was assigned to be sure everyone would be partnered to make it back. Since the the route was known the only scheduled checkpoint was at the pressure ridge. The new spot was a little rougher so all helped back the boats over and then on through the broads with falling winds and rising temperatures.
Eight of the fleet was back in Wolfeboro around 15:00 with the last two doing a little leg work to call it a day.
A beautiful day, great group, and 14 year hiatus ended.
Respectfully submitted,
Charles Silfvenius – Hardway Fleet Captain #14
Part of Fleet #16? Tell everyone about in the comments below
Matt Knowles DN 5506 Hardway Impressions
As a relatively new iceboater (my third season), the Hard Way was a blast. More than anything, we really lucked out with great conditions, only one reef to cross, and respectable breeze in both directions. Two things jumped out at me: one, this was the only time I’ve had to think about “navigation” on the iceboat, and two, how much fun it was to do the longest segment of nearly 12 miles running on starboard gybe, just blowing down the ice. My favorite moment was putting the hammer down on the run back home, watching the other boats disappear over the horizon. I was, by my count, over three miles from the nearest human. Pretty cool!For this sail, I wore an offshore HH drysuit (https://www.hellyhansen.com/en_us/aegir-ocean-survival-suit-31706). I wouldn’t wear it to race (too bulky) but for a long cruise on uncertain ice, it was great comfort to know that if I went swimming, it wouldn’t be a major issue .
It was also interesting to note how much my runners noticeably dulled over the course of the day, on a sail of this length. Had a rather gnarly 360-spin when I got a puff on the last downwind segment.
02/01/2018 | Categories: 2018 Season | Comments Off on At Last, The Hardway Returns — January 25th, 2018
Raw live footage (well yesterday) from T’s WPBN/WGTU interview by Jeff Kent shooting the camera crew with supporting cackles from Chad.
Back here in New England I am waiting to get final end of day reports but positive reports abound. This should be considered a transitional time from the last system that went through so treat any surface with caution. Check the ice reports email and reach out to members that have supplied info for details. Please don’t venture out alone
I will be giving Bantam in CT a shot tomorrow. The same is true for Winni in Wolfeboro and up in Maine (check out iceboat.me) where people have been sailing the last couple days. There is also word that some cones may be set up there. Let’s hope we get two days this weekend.
More details to follow. Think Ice and be cautious on new surfaces.
John
01/26/2018 | Categories: 2018 Season | Comments Off on That’s All Well And Good…
Sorry for the miss posts. Here is the complete message.
The 2018 DN North American Championship Regatta has been called on for Lake Charlevoix in Michigan.
LAUNCH
ALTERNATIVE LAUNCH (Whiting Park is closer to sailing area) Boyne City:
REGISTRATION
On site: 5 – 7:30 PM at regatta headquarters
Call In: 401-787-4567
Opening Ceremony: 8 PM Tentative
LODGING: Odawa Hotel
1444 US-131, Petoskey, MI 49770
(231) 347-6041
$89 Wednesday & Thursday night
$119 Friday & Saturday night
Includes $15 casino voucher for each night, hot buffet breakfast, indoor pool, and hut tub
RACING BEGINS THURSDAY, JAN 25
01/23/2018 | Categories: 2018 Season | Comments Off on 2018 North Americans: Called ON for Lake Charlevoix, MI
Here are a few shots taken on Mecox Bay Southampton NY earlier today.
Mecox Sunday Hamptons style from the air of course.
Miller hits the ice old school… Monday moring 11/22/17 Iceboaters dream conditions! 5″ hard beautiful ice, with 1″ of water and 5-6 knts of breeze . Was great till the wind crapped out and the fog rolled in.
What a great way to spend Monday. Beats the hell out of staring at a computer screen
01/22/2018 | Categories: 2018 Season | Comments Off on Monday – Funday…
The ever tenacious found a small window of sailing as temperatures rose melting the snow down a bit and before turning mushy, sticky and generally unsafe. Mecox Bay in Eastern Long Island, Webster Lake (aka Chaubunagungamaug) and Pocotopaug in CT and Winnipesaukee in NH all saw some sailing.
The conditions on Webster were just perfect for second season sailor Bella who ripped it up in her custom Langley designed pink pocket skeeter. This young lady is a force to be reckoned with in a few years. Go Bella!
For the rest of us including the 100+ DNers waiting for tonight’s call on the North American Championships venue we need to wait for this next bit of weather to move through.
Stay tuned and THINK ICE there is more sailing in just a few days.
John
P.S. If any members are not getting ice report emails please drop me a note. John@neiya.org Remember, if you don’t tell someone it just didn’t happen.
01/21/2018 | Categories: 2018 Season | Comments Off on Some Sailing, Much Waiting
The regatta site decision has been postponed for 24 hours because of unsettled weather conditions in all regions. Thank you for your patience. Next update Friday, January 18 by 10 PM EST.
01/18/2018 | Categories: 2018 Season | Comments Off on DN North American Championship Udate
New England Ice Yacht Association 