The 2016 Eastern Region Championships could very well be held this weekend Feb. 13-14. This is a preliminary heads up to be ready to roll, With a final call to be made by Thursday Feb. 11 at 5pm, Most likely venue will be Inner Mallets Bay, Colchester, VT where the plate has been sailed by ranked sailors and reported to have about a 3/4 Mile course size available.
There was 1/2″ of light snow dropped last night and could see some more tonight and into tomorrow- The real issue we face at this point is going to be temperature. Please take this time to be very well prepared for arctic, single digit temps if you plan on attending (No skin showing!) I am also seeking a few hearty souls to help with scoring and RC for this event, Please email me if you can help or are interested in helping or have any questions regarding this event. There is also the possibility of some scratch racing on Friday depending on a launch site and weather.
**Here are two Amendments to the original NOR posted below**
A1- Sail # does not need to match fuselage # or skippers registered IDNIYRA # but does need to be unique to each skippers sail (no duplicates on course)
-Skipper still needs to be a current member of IDNIYRA in good standing
A2- Only this forum and theneiya.org website will be used for notice and updates of this event
January 20, 2014
Report: Lake Ice Grows Safer To Venture Out On With Each Beer Consumed
MINNEAPOLIS—According to a report released Monday by researchers at the University of Minnesota, the layer of ice atop frozen lakes grows incrementally thicker and safer to venture out onto with each beer that an individual consumes. “While the surface ice covering a lake may pose a very real hazard of collapsing under the weight of a sober subject, we discovered that this same ice becomes progressively more sturdy with each 12-ounce can of beer that a subject puts back,” said lead researcher Robert Piper, noting that the ice sheets atop lakes, as well as large ponds and certain rivers, could be rendered virtually impervious to cracking beneath a fully grown man provided he has consumed four or more tallboys, regardless of temperature or weather conditions. “Our data clearly show that by collectively finishing a 24-pack of Keystone, Budweiser, or similar American-style lager, ice becomes so safe and stable that a whole group of buddies can walk out onto the lake as far as they want. In fact, you can go ahead and drive a fully loaded truck right on out there, no problem, as long as you and the boys drain a pony keg and the last of the Jack.” Piper went on to confirm that, even in the highly improbable event that someone who has drunk a sufficient number of beers does happen to fall through the ice, the consumption of such beverages simultaneously heats the frigid subsurface lake water to a temperature at which one can be fully immersed for minutes at a time without any risk of hypothermia.
All kidding aside, we are constantly reminded that the “firm” surface we stand on, walk, skate, bike, sail and sometimes park on is never completely safe. We all know this, enough said but do remember safety in numbers can be a myth as seen on Lake Geneva this weekend.
Cold is returning this week let’s hope that white stuff holds to a minimum. We are coming into the last of February don’t give up hope there is still plenty of Rec and Racing R&R to left in the 2016 Season.
See you on the ice,
John
DN5023
john@neiya.org
P.S. Keep reading and reporting on the Ice Report emails. There are people looking to sail not just on the weekends. If your going out let the group know and bring more sailors out.
02/07/2016 | Categories: 2016 Season | Comments Off on All Kidding Aside – You are Responsible for Yourself
What can I say but it is looking like the only know sailable ice is on Moosehead, Rockwood Maine launching from the Birches.
As you have read before its a great venue that is very ice boat friendly.
for further information check our our friends at the Chickawaukie Ice Boat Club http://iceboat.me. They have the latest info on this gem.
Who would have thought, Moosehead with nearly any snow?
Warren Nethercote reported on some Canadian prospects Lake Colonel By in Kingston Ontario Contact is John Curtis, available in IDNIYA yearbook. We are hoping to sail Mushamush again tomorrow in Nova Scotia. With a name like Mushamush I it needs to be on everyone’s must sail ice list.
Sorry there isn’t anything more central but it has been a challenge for sure.
Keep Thinking Ice we will get out again soon.
John
P.S. If I missed something please jump in on here.
P.P.S. Next week has got to be the week for us. I have been actively petitioning to move Valentines Day to October along side Halloween. Not sure its law yet.
02/05/2016 | Categories: 2016 Season | Comments Off on All Roads Lead to Moosehead
Watch the Ice Reports and contribute if you find anything. There is bound to be some good news and be careful if your checking or sailing. Conditions could be tricky.
Think Ice,
John
02/04/2016 | Categories: 2016 Season | Comments Off on A video reminder why patience is so important
Thanks to the devoted ice checkers who drilled and poked to confirm conditions. They walked, skated and sailed. Confirming sailability and sharing what they found so that others could come out and play.
With hoards of ice fisherman descending on Quabaug for a tournament, this was not an option. Can you say swiss cheese? Blades descended upon New Hampshire, splitting the fleet into three (maybe four Paul D?) pieces.
Sunapee had a good collection of recreational and racers. When I arrived about 9:30 Kate was already out blasting around and motivating us all to rig quick and join in.
Oliver “The Race Guy” called for scratch racing Saturday and so we did. Wind was a bit of a challenge early on with light to nothing and shifty but built up over the day. Seen on the line were the usual assortment of full CSI crafts along with aluminum and wood masts on plate runners and everything in between. Everyone found someone to compete against and fun was had by all. More importantly everyone on the ice Saturday had a great time!
Good surface!
Another shot of old 5023 just sitting – Need some actions shots Anyone please?
Great access parking right on the beach!
I know people sailed Leavitts Beach Melvin Village on Winnipausaki and the rumors were they had a great time. Sorry no first hand information was communicated back for publication. Let’s hear from you. A few words and a picture or two is all you need.
Bill Buchholz (iceboat.me) is calling for sailing tomorrow, Tuesday, up on Moosehead. Let’s see were we are after the thaw and rain. There is ice and we will sail.
Think Ice!
John
DN5023
john@neiya.org
P.S. Welcome home to our NEIYA Gold Cup and European Championship competitors.
02/01/2016 | Categories: 2016 Season | Comments Off on New Hampshire the Place to be this Past Weekend
Yesterday I used up all of my quaint country expressions for big breeze (blowing dogs off chains etc….). So today I’ll just say it’s blowing even harder…. Gusting to almost fifty good old fashioned US miles per hour!
Obviously no racing but went down to the launch site to check boats and re-set ice screws. All well, no boats blown away or anything but if you weren’t wearing spikes or cleats you couldn’t walk upwind and would probably go faster than you wanted downwind! It was quite a site….
Off to play tourist-Hoping to race tomorrow- Stay tuned…..
T
01/28/2016 | Categories: 2016 Season | Comments Off on Day 2 Euro Championship – and Even More…
Thanks to Patrik Stenberg and the DN Sweden Facebook page for publishing the video. Original post
Hello All-
Day One of DN Euro champs was scrubbed due to dogs being blown off chains and snakes being blown out of the grass. Small children and patio furniture flying down the streets…. Well that’s a stretch but you get the idea- it’s howling!
Will see what the next few days have in store- Hopefully the weather will settle and we can sail tomorrow onward but who knows…. Stay tuned to this site and DN Europe sites for news.
Good time being had by all here; Hope weather is cooperating back home!
Think Ice! T
01/27/2016 | Categories: 2016 Season | Comments Off on Day 1 Euro Championship – Too Much of a Good Thing
From the great State of Maine on Moosehead with mirror smooth black ice. Thanks to the Maine guys for doing all the pre-planning and on-site logistics and putting out the welcome mat. The published conditions were as or better than reported.
Special thanks to the good Samaritan just outside the Birches turn off who pulled my car out of a snow bank while I went to get help from Lloyd. We drove back and there it was out of the snow and just sitting on the side of the road ready to drive off. Got to love the Maine helpful spirit!
As previously reported by our self described Regatta Guy Oliver it was “…awesome… with primo conditions”. When Chad had to sit out a couple races due to equipment failure, it was up to Oliver to fend off the carpetbaggers from the north, AKA our Canadian friends, from taking top honors. Kidding aside, thanks for making the trip South and helping to raise the competitive bar.
Keep Thinking Ice, it’s working,
John
john@neiya.org
P.S. Next up a report from Europe and the DN Gold Cup.
Doc Fellows set up
Doc Fellows Pre-race
Sunday set up
Set up
The long wait
Calm…
Backside Kineo – Doug Raymond
All calm
Ze Plane Ze Plane…
Zipped right past my foot
Miles of black ice
Reflecting on races to come – Doug Raymond
Great engineering sail heads up – Doug Raymond
Still waiting
01/25/2016 | Categories: 2016 Season | Comments Off on Moosehead in Pictures
Pictures from Quabaug Pond in East Brookfield MA. Thanks to Jeff Soderholm for taking precious time away from sailing to take them. If anyone has a sailing report for the Q please comment below. Go ahead and share your day with those who couldn’t sail or any interested parties.
I drove past the area but it was very much dark so hard to tell how much snow had fallen. Local knowledge would be helpful. Through the NEIYA Ice Reporting email would be best.
Thanks again Jeff and we can’t wait to hear if Long Pond is getting close.
Winter is finally here – All our Thinking Ice has finely paid off.
John
john@neiya.org
01/25/2016 | Categories: 2016 Season | Comments Off on Extended Weekend Pictures From Quabaug
As you have already seen from all the chatter both on site and on the Ice Reports emails. There are a couple choices that have been sailed over the past few days. Quabaug Pond in East Brookfield, MA and the big prize with big ice Moosehead Lake as previously reported and the site of the Doc Fellows Regatta and possibly the New Englands on Sunday.
With the approaching snow there may only be a day (Saturday) on Quabaug. All reports have the storm missing Moosehead and the region.
It’s been a tough time getting this season started. Don’t pass up an opportunity to sail.
Sail Fast, Heads-up and Safe,
John Stanton
john@neiya.org
01/22/2016 | Categories: 2016 Season | Comments Off on Weather or Whether Not…
Sorry to report there are no NEIYA sponsored events for the weekend. While ice has been building we are in the early stages of the season and the killer it’s going to be above freezing with some kind of precipitation, the perfect new ice KILLER.
As you all know, if you have been reading the emails, people are sailing today in a number of places. Don’t venture out alone tomorrow base on yesterdays news. Conditions are guaranteed to have changed. Please never sail alone and seen out the best locale information you can find..
Commodore T wanted to chime in on this topic and his comments are below also several experienced hands requested that Greg Cornelius pass on some wisdom.
Words from T for the weekend
Hey Folks- Looks like some cold temps are finally here and there is ice to be had- Just want to remind everyone again that this is still early going- Early ice is often densely populated and a lot of us are pretty rusty from the long summer layoff-
So as always, keep your eyes open and proceed with caution! And have some fun- the party has to start sometime!!
Think Ice!!! T
t_thieler@yahoo.com
Words of wisdom from from the wise old ones and channeled by Greg
NEW ICE may NOT BE Nice
New Ice needs to be treated with extra caution !!!
As It relates to new ice, three things to remember:
1. Do not be FIRST Alone– Yes someone has to be first to sail the new area, but do not do it alone. Sail the new ice with a buddy (remember never sail alone) scouting together. At least insure there is another boat ready to go, rapid transit to come help you if need be, and someone is watching you out there.
2. Do not be FAST– Being fast comes later, sail new areas in slow scouting mode, up in the boat scanning the ice horizon. Watch the tell tales later, slow cross sail expanding the area scouted.
3. Do not go FAR– Do not sail off into the distance, to the other side of the lake. Long commute to come help you if you are the first to find the holes. See # 2 again. High Risk if you rush off alone, in fast mode, off into the distance, being the first to sail the new area.
The three together spell trouble.
That’s all for now. Hope anybody that cold take Friday off did sail and we will see how thing look next week. Keep the information flowing. Communication is key in our sport. Remember all you have to do is reply to an ice report
Sail Fast & Sail Safe,
John
john@neiya.org
01/08/2016 | Categories: 2016 Season | Comments Off on Cautious Patience as Ice Thickens
Ring it in… The start of the new year 2016 and with a little luck the start of our 2016 ice boat season.
Wishing everyone a safe, happy and prosperous New Year. Oh yes, make it fast on the eastern ice that has yet to set up. Patience, patience, patience it will come. Or as they say in the Islands “Soon come”
Sail Fast , and sail safe especially on early ice,
Photo credit Bill Converse 2012 NE’s Mallets Bay VT
Mast Sail Track Dry Lubricants
By: Steve Madden DN US 4512
Recently I had a need for a mast sail track lubricant. So I headed out to my local West Marine to buy the popular McLube Sailkote Dry Lubricant. Now, I like West Marine because it has all things boating but I know their prices are well…..pricey! I was not disappointed as they had the McLube Sailkote Dry Lube in a 16 ounce aerosol can for $28 and the 6 ounce aerosol can for $13. I just could not bring myself to spend that amount of money to just lube my mast sail track. So I left the store and decided to research an equivalent dry lube or at least close to equivalent. Before I go any further let me disclose that it’s been a while since my college days when I did my last proper research paper. This will not be a true research paper in the sense that I do not intend to list all my references. Also, I am not a chemist, so you have to take the following data with some grain of salt (NaCI).
The first thing I did was visit my local big box store and others and found (5) lubricant suppliers claiming somewhere on their aerosol can to be a “dry type lubricant”. They are: CRC Marine Dry Lube with PTFE Technology, Super Lube Dri Film with SYNCOLON PTFE, Liquid Wrench with CERFLOW (PTFE), Blaster (contains PTFE) and WD-40 Specialist Dirt and Dust Resistant Dry Lube. I’m sure there are others out there. Next I got a copy of their Safety Data Sheet (AKA: Material Safety Data Sheet) to compare composition/ingredients against McLube Sailkote. Notice that while the above WD-40 in its description says “Dry Lube”, it is truly not a typical dry lubricant like the other (4) as it does not contain a fluoropolymer formulation (like PTFE) so this lubricant will not be discussed further. I only mention the WD-40 because I found this lubricant in many of the stores I visited. So don’t be fooled.
Definition: “Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) is a synthetic fluoropolymer of tetrafluoroethylene”… AKA: TEFLON (the best known brand of PTFE based formulas).
So, the question became…if McLube Sailkote Dry Lube makes no mention of containing “PTFE” on its aerosol can and on its Safety Data Sheet like the other dry lubes above, then what makes it so slippery and such a popular choice among the sailing community?
McLube Sailkote is described as a Fluoropolymer Dispersion according to its Safety Data Sheet. I found that Fluoropolymer Dispersions may be dispersions of “PTFE” among some others. While McLube and other manufactures may not specifically divulge their exact chemical composition and/or percentages due to trade secrets, I believe that McLube Sailkote is a Fluoropolymer coating in the same family as “PTFE” or do I dare say…it may be “PTFE” based. Interestingly, McLube seems to go out of its way to negatively mention TEFLON (PTFE based). For example, on its aerosol can it says “Last up to 10 times longer than Teflon additives of other products”. Up to ten times they claim? That may be a stretch in my opinion. On its website it says: “Sailkote is typically five times as effective and last much longer than wax, oil or Teflon based lubricants”. Which is it…“five or ten times”? Another interesting fact is a friend of mine just happened to have an old aerosol can of McLube Sailkote that is at least 5 years old. That can says: ”Sailkote is the latest advance in High-Tech PTFE Dry Lubricant Technology”! Today’s aerosol can does not have that statement! Did McLube recently change its formula? I can only theorize that they removed that statement at some point due to too much competition from the other dry lube manufactures. Is it a marketing ploy to make the buyer think their product has some magical fluoropolymer formulation who’s performance is up to ten times better than the other products? On a minor note but interesting, on its website it says: “Team McLube Sailkote is the only dry lubricant currently available that has been specifically designed for marine use”. That is not true at all! CRC Marine Dry Lube with PTFE Technology specifically lists one of its uses as… “For lubricating mast tracks”. Not to mention it says “Marine” in its product description. Humorously, I should mention I found the CRC next to the McLube can at West Marine!
I will not deny that McLube Sailkote is a good lubricant but I just can’t justify the high price. In my opinion, the (4) others listed will work just fine for lubricating mast sail tracks as they all contain PTFE and at a significant savings and I emphasize significant. Super Lube and Blaster had a slightly higher percentage (by weight) of PTFE according to their Safety Data Sheets.
Just to be clear, I can not tell you how any of the Dry Lubes will react with the sail cloth if applied directly or indirectly to the sail. For example, will it damage the cloth while in its wet state before it turns to its slippery dry state? However, I’m pretty confident that none of them will affect the sail cloth based on the little experience I do have. But like I mentioned earlier, I am not a chemist. I can tell you that all of them contain some nasty chemicals especially the propellants that they use to deliver the product.
I have concluded (at least in my mind) that McLube seems to be devious in its marketing strategy for Sailkote. Is the performance of any of the other (4) products mentioned equivalent or at least close to equivalent to McLube Sailkote? Is McLube treading on a slippery marketing slope? Only you can decide.
*Editor’s Note: The author does not work for nor is affiliated with any of the manufactures of the aforementioned products. He is, however, a typically frugal Yankee.
12/31/2015 | Categories: 2016 Season | Comments Off on From a Yankee Sailor’s Shop
In just a couple hours the sun will rise on Stonehenge and the markings align signifying the Winter Solstice. With the onset of the shortest day we are encouraged that ice will be coming and our winter playgrounds are once again open.
The gentlemen (?) above in black, as previously reported, was seen near Shelburne on Lake Champlain this past March. He appeared out of no where in between races and mysteriously disappeared like he came. Our best guess is he was performing some sort of pagan or druid ice ritual and likely in cahoots with the robed ones at Stonehenge, this very moment.
If 2015 is any indicator the robed figure on Champlain brings the ice with him. Let’s keep an eye out for him and good ice and be ready to move quickly when word gets out.
As you know we will be using the same email forwarding service (Wiggio) to report ice conditions as last year. Below is a summary of how it works. But, it only works if you use it.
Quick and dirty instructions: Just reply to the weekly ice report email with your own observations. Yes, just reply and your contributions will go to the whole group. The best racing and cruising venues will be put up on our website as close as possible to a given weekend event so one will miss out.
Below are the gory details to help you follow along at home. Please contact me if you have paid your dues and not received the first email that went out last week.
What is Wiggo?
Wiggio is an information collaboration tool. We will be using just the email forwarding tool for the season. We may test and use other features better informed and coordinated, depending on what’s needed.
Setup:
1) If you have not already accepted the group confirmation from last year you will receive an email requesting that you do.
2) Once confirmed you can login and set the level of participation that is right for you. Receive every email related to to a thread, one daily summary or none at all. You can elect to receive info via text but given the length of most of our messages I would discourage against this.
3) If you do nothing, you will still receive the emails but will not have control over delivery and show up as unconfirmed should you respond to a thread.
4) Should you wish to be removed from the list, there is an unsubscribe link at the bottom of every email. Just click, you’re in control.
5) To view online just go to neiyaicereports.wiggio.com but you will need to have accepted your group invitation and login.
How it works:
1) Each week or as conditions warrant an email will go out to the group either with known and or developing conditions or requesting information from any and all spotters.
2) To respond to ALL just reply to the email. Yup that’s it. All you do is reply and your not will be added to the thread online as well as being passed onto the whole group.
3) To respond to just the Sender of the original or subsequent messages go the bottom of the email and click where it says “Reply to only the sender” You can now reply in private to just the individual.
4) Reply only to the most recent or relevant thread
5) If you forward emails from multiple accounts you may only be able to reply from the original receiving email address. Give me a shout if in doubt.
6) Please provide details when responding
a. When did you check?
b. Where is the ice name nearest town and access
c. Ice thickness and composition i.e. 4 inches black ice with 3 inches of snow ice on top
d. Size of the plate.
e. How did you survey the ice. Walk, skate, bike sail. Drive by or fly overs are good starting points but we will need a man on the ground to follow up.
f. Best way to get in touch with you to confirm information.
7) Once suitable venue(s) for racing and or cruising are determined official announcements will be made on NEIYA.org.
Please let me know if you have any question, suggestions or comments.
May the ice be with you,
John
DN 5023
john@neiya.org
P.S. Ron Bouchard in VT is looking for a good source for sail numbers. Can anyone help him out? Reply to the forum http://theneiya.org/forum/ so all can benefit.
12/22/2015 | Categories: 2016 Season | Comments Off on Winter (Ice boating) Solstice Is Upon Us
“John Henry” Low (Cold Front, Nite # 430) sends along this clue as to what is going on in the uncharted hinterlands way the heck out west. Looks like some cool Skeeters are taking shape out that way-
Thanks John!
DIL
Tom Schock takes a measurement for a mast partner on his 6-foot ice boat as Mel Voos checks his work at the Montana Wooden Boat Foundation’s workshop in Lakeside on Thursday. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)
NEIYA site viewers may have already read this elsewhere originally posted on the Four Lakes Ice Yacht Club site http://iceboat.org or elsewhere. The animations are a great help in understanding the use of the Darling mark. The original article with larger pictures can be found here http://iceboat.org/animation.html
Darling Mark Course
National Iceboat Authority Racing Rules Change Summary
DARLING COURSE
The second course is the DARLING COURSE, which is a STANDARD COURSE modified with
the addition of two DARLING MARKS which must be left to PORT. This is named in honor of
John Darling who was the resident race committee and race starter in the New Jersey area
throughout the 1970’s and 1980’s. Mr. Darling was the first to use the DARLING MARK at the
leeward end of the course. The DARLING MARK serves several purposes:.
WINDWARD APPROACH
A. In larger fleets, there can be a tendency for some of the even side starters on
STARBOARD TACK to over stand the windward MARK. When they tack over to PORT
TACK, they are set up for a head on collision with yachts that have already rounded the
windward MARK. Therefore, near the windward MARK, the DARLING MARK creates
separation between ON-THE-WIND PORT TACK yachts and OFF-THE-WIND
STARBOARD TACK yachts to minimize collisions.
WINDWARD AFTER ROUNDING
B. After rounding the windward MARK, some yachts may desire to JIBE as soon as
possible. This can create head-on collision situations with STARBOARD TACK ONTHE-WIND
yachts that have understood the windward MARK. Therefore, near the
windward MARK, the DARLING MARK creates separation between ON-THE-WIND
STARBOARD TACK yachts and OFF-THE-WIND PORT TACK yachts to minimize
collisions.
LEEWARD MARK
C. Creates separation between a PORT TACK ON-THE-WIND yacht that has just rounded
the leeward MARK and STARBOARD TACK OFF-THE-WIND yachts approaching the
leeward MARK.
D. Creates separation between a STARBOARD TACK ON-THE-WIND yacht that has just
rounded the leeward MARK and subsequently TACKED and a PORT TACK OFF-THEWIND
yacht approaching the leeward MARK.
The bottom line is….the DARLING MARK is intended to create separation between yachts
which should minimize head-on collisions near the potentially congested areas around a MARK.
Some may claim that DARLING MARKS reduce the playing field and reduce the tactical
freedom of a race. I think they’re overstating it. With a 1 mile course and two DARLING
MARKS each placed 100 yards from their associated MARK, the “tactical area” is only reduced
by 11% (200yards x 1 mile/1760 yards = 0.11). Typically sailors don’t change tacks until
they’ve completed the MARK rounding and achieved full speed. That is likely 50 yards from a
MARK so the real effect on the “tactical area” is more like 5%. This is a minor issue compared
to the safety gained.
A key point regarding DARLING MARKS is the imaginary line between the MARK and its
accompanying DARLING MARK is considered part of the MARK. Therefore, if a yacht crosses
over this line, she will have fouled the MARK and be disqualified.
The disadvantage of the DARLING MARKS, of course, is the need for the Race Committee to
have additional equipment and the added labor of placing or moving the DARLING MARKS on
the course.
TACKING AT THE START OF A RACE
One of the safety issues addressed is protecting the Race Committee immediately following the
start of a race. New rule IV.C.3 states: “After a yacht starts and until she rounds the windward
MARK for the first time, a yacht shall not pass between the center of the starting line (positions
1 and 2) and the leeward MARK.” This prevents yachts from tacking immediately after the start
of the race and endangering the Race Committee.
Note that the leeward mark, darling mark and the line between them are all considered part of the
mark- thus, a yacht must keep them both on the proper side on the first pass after starting (starboard
tack starters must keep them both on the starboard side and port tack starters must keep them both to port.)
2. WINDWARD MARK- APPROACH
In larger fleets, there can be a tendency for some of the even side starters on
STARBOARD TACK to over stand the windward MARK. When they tack over to PORT
TACK, they are set up for a head on collision with yachts that have already rounded the
windward MARK. Therefore, near the windward MARK, the DARLING MARK creates
separation between ON-THE-WIND PORT TACK yachts and OFF-THE-WIND
STARBOARD TACK yachts to minimize collisions.
3. WINDWARD MARK – AFTER ROUNDING
After rounding the windward MARK, some yachts may desire to JIBE as soon as
possible. This can create head-on collision situations with STARBOARD TACK ONTHE-WIND
yachts that have understood the windward MARK. Therefore, near the
windward MARK, the DARLING MARK creates separation between ON-THE-WIND
STARBOARD TACK yachts and OFF-THE-WIND PORT TACK yachts to minimize
collisions.
4. LEEWARD MARK – APPROACH
Creates separation between a PORT TACK ON-THE-WIND yacht that has just rounded
the leeward MARK and STARBOARD TACK OFF-THE-WIND yachts approaching the
leeward MARK.
5. LEEWARD MARK – AFTER ROUNDING
Creates separation between a STARBOARD TACK ON-THE-WIND yacht that has just
rounded the leeward MARK and subsequently TACKED and a PORT TACK OFF-THEWIND
yacht approaching the leeward MARK
6. FINISH – CORRECT PROCEDURE
7. FINISH – INCORRECT PROCEDURE
8. WINDWARD MARK RIGHT OF WAY
Another addition is Right-of-Way rule 8.a which states: “When yachts sailing ON-THE-WIND on
opposite tacks are approaching a MARK, the PORT TACK yacht shall keep clear of the
STARBOARD TACK yacht.” This new rule eliminates the previous confusion about the
governing rule when approaching the windward MARK: Did the STARBOARD TACK yacht
have rights over the PORT TACK yacht or was the PORT TACK yacht inside and therefore
require the STARBOARD TACK yacht to stay clear? This new rule clarifies that the PORT
TACK yacht shall keep clear.
9. WINDWARD MARK RIGHT OF WAY
Another addition is Right-of-Way rule 8.a which states: “When yachts sailing ON-THE-WIND on
opposite tacks are approaching a MARK, the PORT TACK yacht shall keep clear of the
STARBOARD TACK yacht.” This new rule eliminates the previous confusion about the
governing rule when approaching the windward MARK: Did the STARBOARD TACK yacht
have rights over the PORT TACK yacht or was the PORT TACK yacht inside and therefore
require the STARBOARD TACK yacht to stay clear? This new rule clarifies that the PORT
TACK yacht shall keep clear.
From the competitors in Minnesota to the sailors attending this years Tune-up event, one theme ties all these NEIYA members together this weekend. Commitment. Commitment to the sport of ice boating. Commitment to go faster. Commitment to share knowledge of the sport and equipment. Commitment to sail safer and a commitment to get the most out of their equipment.
The Tune-up kicked of with a xxx talk by veteran Greg Cornelius about why racing is important to the sport and dispelled several myths about it that may be holding some people from setting on the line. Greg’s pleas were answered by most attendees committing to participate in more races and those that have not raced committing to give it a go.
Next up Bob Haag helped to demystify the art of runner alignment and provided a step by step instruction on getting the job done. No go fast commitment, especially down wind, is complete without one’s runners being true. Thanks for pointing the way.
Eric Anderson headed up the day’s final formal session with demo and discussion on runner stonning. Eric demonstrated how to bring back a fresh edge by using a series of progressive finer grit stones. Eric commented that it’s not hard but does take time.
For those still looking for stones after we sold out I ordered them from Mod Shop Toolshttp://www.moldshoptools.com/catalog/list.php?category_id=72 They were the best deals I could find. Description and part numbers T2, 150 Grit, 1/4 x 1/2 x 6″ PT# T21412150, T2, 220 Grit, 1/4 x 1/2 x 6″ PT# T21412220, T2, 320 Grit, 1/4 x 1/2 x 6″ PT# T21412320, T2, 400 Grit, 1/4 x 1/2 x 6″ PT# T21412400 and T2, 600 Grit, 1/4 x 1/2 x 6″ PT# T21412600
Throughout the day all in attendance with special thanks to John Eastman our somewhat loud but never short on enthusiasm member from the great stat of Maine, assisted two new members Jeff Bugbee and Shannon Blair put together their new boats and assemble a list of must does and nice to haves. Welcome Jeff and Shannon we look forward to sailing along side you both.
Special thanks to our host Steve Lamb and his wife Linda for the use of their shop and the lunch and snacks. Without the two of you non of this would be possible.
It won’t be long. I’m thinking the weekend of December 19 in Maine someplace. Bill as Cruising Chairman can you be sure to make this happen. Surely would make a great Christmas present for all…
Think Ice and be committed to a great season
John
DN 5023
john@neiya.org
12/06/2015 | Categories: 2016 Season | Comments Off on Committed to the 2016 Ice Boat Season
Great season kick off yesterday on Lake Christina!
Over fifty boats sailed in good breeze and good ice w a bit of soft snow- masts bent, high speeds, good competition, everything we look forward to!
Sailors from across the country and Europe made the trip here and reaped the benefits yesterday-
Did you know we are only about fifty miles from the one and only Fargo, North Dakota? We are literally and figuratively “out there”
No action photos from the ice (big bummer, was a great day for it) but back at the hotel Mike Derusha from WI was pushing his trusty smoked chub and pickled eggs- Great hallway snack! Good Italian dinner in town- See photo- fun group: seated at that table were people from RI, CT, OH, WI, Sweden, Germany, and Holland. Good time!
Put this on the calendar for next year gang- It’s a blast every time!
T
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James “T” Thieler12 Channing St.
Newport, RI. 02840
401 258 6230
t_thieler
12/05/2015 | Categories: 2016 Season | Comments Off on Out West…
T and company has been keeping us informed on the happenings to and on Lake Christina in Minnesota. At about 1500 miles away, its not your usual weekend sail. For the committed, I will leave the definition of that word to the reader though will say I’m in next year.
In our backyard, as you all should know, is the annual off ice tune-up at Steve Lamb’s shop tomorrow from 11:00 to about 3:00 pm. As previously reported, there will be learning sessions on stoning one’s runners, alignment, racing skills to help us sail faster and safer on and off the course and safety. Note: In order to keep the noise levels down and focus on learning and the transfer of knowledge grinders will not be in use this year.
A few new members will be bringing their boats in to get a safety and performance check before they set off to sail on their own. We are looking to pass on the years of ice sailing and boating skills to our newest members. Please welcome them and impart large doses of ice wisdom.
See you all there tomorrow and let me know if you have any questions,
John Stanton
john@neiya.org
12/04/2015 | Categories: 2016 Season | Comments Off on The 2015 Tune-up is Tomorrow Saturday 12/5
Thanksgiving is over and done. Stuffed and plumped we move closer to our winter passion. We move forward to Black Friday, Blacktop and most importantly Black ice.
Waiting for ice our friends on Long Island (NY). have been rolling over the hard on a couple abandoned airfields. Prepping and waiting for ice to come.
Across the sound your editor spent Black Friday on the blacktop going over shroud lengths and other settings. I think i’m ready. Time will tell.
The sailors in Maine have been keeping a keen eye on all the usual frog ponds and early ice venues. As reported on the CIBC site http://iceboat.me, ice is coming in but only safe enough to drool on for now. The picture of Plymouth Pond in Plymouth Maine is a couple days old and building to a safe thickness. Follow along online.
Black ice of sailable strength can be found and currently slated to be the primary site of the Western Challenge on Lake Christina in Ashby,MN. Backup site for the event is Thunder Bay Lodging in Alexandria, MN. More details as they happen on the Minnesota Ice Sailing Association site. Thanks to Four Lakes Ice Yacht Club for photo!
Fair winds, favored tacks and speed to our NEIYA competitors, Commodore T and company. We look forward to full on-road and start to finish coverage.
Don’t forget about our off ice Tune-up at Arthur Lamb Co shop Canton, MA this coming Saturday. Tune-up details. See you there.
Think Ice and be prepared it’s coming…,
John Stanton
NEIYA Vice Commodore
DN 5023
john@neiya.org
11/29/2015 | Categories: 2016 Season | Comments Off on Black – Friday, Top & More Importantly ICE!
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New England Ice Yacht Association 