Snow Again….
Stand by on the NA’s folks- Looks like Montreal has been snowed out overnight- see IDNIYRA site for details….
James “T” Thieler12 Channing St.
Newport, RI. 02840
401 258 6230
t_thieler
MONTREAL!!!!!
Ok folks- The DN NA’s have been moved to Montreal, Canada. Details will be on the IDNIYRA website- It’s not too late to register so get cracking!
If you’ve been wondering what it’s like to attend a big event this is your chance- Trust me you won’t regret it- There will be Gold and Silver and possibly a Bronze fleet so there will be good sailing no matter what your skill level or how fancy your boat is so dust off the DN, call in sick and head for the border!
The fleet is excited to be heading to the backyard of the NEIYA so let’s build on that and show them all a good time! Hope to see a lot I familiar faces there-
I imagine volunteers will be needed also so if you want to lend a hand to the proceedings give me a call at 401 258 6230.
Gotta go pack up and head east. Stay tuned and see y’all soon!
T
Postponed again….
This sport will teach you some patience…. Still in Peru IL across from the Super Wal-Mart…. Deep snow here…. Cold temps there…. And so we wait. Some are stoning runners. Others are writing letters to loves ones back home. Speculation rampant about the best course of action.
And the boredom. Always the boredom. As you can see in the photo below Oliver is coping as best as he can. Thank God the Patriots are playing later.
Stay tuned.
James “T” Thieler12 Channing St.
Newport, RI. 02840
401 258 6230
t_thieler
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
The TRIDT Has Landed
The Team RI Delivery Truck has arrived. This is the view out of the hotel room window of downtown metropolitan Peru…. I imagine it looks a bit different from the Peru south of here.
James “T” Thieler12 Channing St.
Newport, RI. 02840
401 258 6230
t_thieler
Tire Two
This would be the mortal remains of the second trailer tire we popped. Good news is we had spares as we may have overloaded the trailer a little….
James “T” Thieler12 Channing St.
Newport, RI. 02840
401 258 6230
t_thieler
Last Minute Prep
Here is an action photo of Chad tuning up his slush runners while off watch in the back of the van- 60 miles from the hotel!
James “T” Thieler12 Channing St.
Newport, RI. 02840
401 258 6230
t_thieler
Heading West
The call was made to Dennis all to Peru, IL for the NA’s so we hit the road at about ten….
Now about 0530 and we’ve made good time in spite of some traffic on I-95 and a flat tire on the trailer. Fixed it fast enough to impress a NASCAR pit crew.
Chad’s turn to drive, Oliver gets the passenger seat and it’s my turn to stretch out on the slightly leaky air mattress in the back.
Off watch at last- Good practice for summer sailing-
Stay tuned….
James “T” Thieler12 Channing St.
Newport, RI. 02840
401 258 6230
t_thieler
Leaving For….
….Well, we aren’t quite sure where but we will be heading to the DN NA champs in a few hours. Looks like the usual RI suspects- Me, Chad “Divider” Atkins and Oliver “Righty” Moore. As you can see in the photo I’m still lining up the last set of runners…. The work is never done- Even though I started in June!
The snazzy black and green sled in the foreground is a brand-spankin’ new CSI hull and the wood boat behind it on the wall is the first DN I ever owned- She was built in 1962 by Walter “Wickie” McNeal in Edgewater, MD. Old meets new…. Had a blast sailing that thing- Thanks Wickie wherever you are!
Thanks are also due to Jeff Kent at CSI and Steve Duhamel at Northwind Iceboats. These guys worked their tails off to get me geared up and out the door for this event- Much appreciated!
Stay tuned….
James “T” Thieler12 Channing St.
Newport, RI. 02840
401 258 6230
t_thieler
DN EASTERNS POSTPONED
Due to deteriorating ice conditions the DN EASTERNS have been postponed until further notice-
Stay tuned!
James “T” Thieler12 Channing St.
Newport, RI. 02840
401 258 6230
t_thieler
Where we’re sailing
|
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.
|
|
|
Maine
|
|
|
Damariscotta Lake
|
Jordan Bay Sebago Lake
|
|
Massachusetts Quaboag Pond
|
Connecticut Bantam Lake
|
|
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 |
|
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
DN North American Champs- A Little History and Perspective
From Kent Baker, IDNIYRA Vice Commodore,
comes this interesting missive on the history
of the DN North American champs…. Interesting
reading as the event celelbrates it’s 60th birthday
this year! Enjoy…
Some of us have been fortunate enough
to get some tiller-time in this season. The
Great Western Challenge was again a
success, despite light air. And for the third
year in a row, the Central Lakes Regional
Championships were held between Christmas
and New Years.
In retrospect, there was something special
about our venue for the Centrals in Anchor
Bay. Located in the North-West corner of
Lake St. Clair, we were unintentionally (and
most of us unknowingly) sailing on hallowed
DN Grounds. This was the place where the
first DN’s gathered in February of 1953 for
a regatta. Following that regatta, Bill Sarns
and Clifford Cartright began drafting up the
constitution that led to the first DN regatta in
February, 1954.
Fortunately there are a few things of
permanence. The original regatta hosting club,
North Star Sail Club became our Saturday night
social spot this year (coincidentally) thanks to
Jon Russel (US 5527) who is a member there.
Chip Cartright(US 118) – grandson of Clifford
Cartright, participated in his first regatta in
years. The Sarns and Boston names and gear
are still prominent on competitive boats today.
Our class is changing. The times can be
challenging, but the boats are better than
ever. We are anxiously looking for young blood,
but we enjoy seeing our old friends at each
regatta. After 60 years, one thing is clear: We
are amongst the few sailors in the world who
are lucky enough to partake in one of the most
incredible regatta experiences ever.
•
Thrilling chases and dog fights.
•
Camaraderie and Competiton
•
The fastest speeds and large fleets
•
New friends and old pals
•
Travel locations at times of the season
where no sane person would ever go.
If any of those things don’t appeal to you, you
are probably at home reading this on your
couch. And we are sorry you couldn’t join us.
For the rest of you: Welcome, Sail Fast,
Be Safe, and have a great regatta!
Registration is still open- sign up and
help celebrate by being a part of it!! Dates
are January 19-25, 2014…. Sign up at
https://ice.idniyra.org/
James “T” Thieler
12 Channing St.
Newport, RI 02840
401 258 6230
t_thieler
Doc Fellows Regatta Postponed
Hello All- Looks like Mother Nature wins this weekend- We were hoping for the best but it doesn’t look like there is any regatta-quality ice left over after the storm-
This is a bummer but not a tragedy- we will postpone until further notice- the Eastern Regionals are scheduled for next weekend and the NA’s are around the corner…
Stay tuned!
James “T” Thieler
12 Channing St.
Newport, RI 02840
401 258 6230
t_thieler
Doc Fellows Regatta Update
Hello All- We are still hoping to get the Doc Fellows Regatta in this weekend-
The weather has thrown us a serious curve ball…. Looks like southern NE is snowed out for the most part but scouts are out and about further north and there is a chance that there is some sailable ice up that way.
So cross your fingers, load up the car, and stay tuned for more info on this NEIYA station. Will have an update as soon as possible.
THINK ICE!!
James “T” Thieler
12 Channing St.
Newport, RI 02840
401 258 6230
t_thieler
2013 DN Centrals Regatta Report
The folks in the Midwest actually pulled this one off! In spite of a difficult forecast and it being early in the season (or late in the year, depending on how you look at it) they found a lake and got us all out on it in fine style. Well done y’all!
The lake was Lake St. Claire, the town was Clinton Township (I think it was anyway- Chad was navigating so I wasn’t paying attention) and the turnout was good- But I’m getting ahead of myself….
The NEIYA was going to be represented by your author along with Chad Atkins, Eric Anderson, Steve Madden (making his first trek west in awhile- go Steve! Good to see you west of PA again), Jack Goritski, Hal Scaff , and Louise Racine from north of the border in Kingston, Ontario. (Fun Fact!!! Ontario is a province in Canada- which is a whole ‘nuther country!) Oliver Moore stayed east to participate in a triathlon of sorts….
Chad and I piled into the TRIPDT (Team RI Pilot Delivery Truck) and hit the road Thursday night. Christmas was OVER at the Atkins house as the tree was already on the curb and the re-gifting had begun- His four year old daughter gave me a toothbrush (Was she trying to tell me something?) but noted that I could only borrow it and had to give it back soon. Of course I agreed and with that we hit the road! Twelve hours later the sun was coming up and we were checked into the hotel and rigged up for the Holiday classic- a warm-up regatta held on Friday. Not much wind but a good (if sleepy) time had by all- Chad showed his light air skills by taking second with yours truly hot on his heels in third. Report here: http://iceboating.net/node/3882
After a Thai dinner (What else do you eat in Detroit?) and a solid night of sleep it was time for the real show- it was warm, sunny and the drifts were melting and sticky…. Staying in clear ice was key. The first race was won by some guy in a black and yellow boat and then the wind did The Big Fizzle and racing was done for the day. The folks at the local yacht club (the North Star YC?)hosted a great get-together for everyone Saturday night- many thanks for having us! As far as I know nobody was arrested or hospitalized but we all had fun anyway.
Sunday dawned warm and calm, the ice was soft and the drifts had melted down a bit overnight- a few people called it a day and hit the road but they missed out on some good sailing! In a light breeze that veered right all day long the committee did a great job getting four Silver Fleet Races and three Gold Fleet races in and the regatta was in the books! Racing was close- Eric kept his finishes in single digits to take 5th place, I managed a third, and multiple world champion Ron Sherry was beaten out for first by a skinny kid who looks kind of like him named Griffin Sherry. I’d like to say that his light weight was key to his victory but he clearly knows how to sail the boat. Congrats Griffin- now go eat something!
Many thanks to all who made it happen- Kent Baker and his wife Erica, Loretta Rehe, Deb Whitehorse, Eric Lind, Ron Sherry and whoever I’m missing…. you know who you are and we are all grateful!
Results here: http://www.iceboatracing.com/2013/centrals/2013%20DN%20Centrals%2012-29.pdf
We loaded the van in record time and bolted back to RI. Got Chad home in time for his daughter’s birthday on Monday but I still haven’t returned the toothbrush.
Stay tuned for the next one! Doc Fellows, Eastern Regionals, NA’s all on the calendar…. There is some cold weather on the way….
THINK ICE!!
James “T” Thieler DN US 5224
401 258 6230
t_thieler
-
- tripdt
-
- gold start
Doc Fellows Regatta….
Hey Folks-
Just wanted to remind everyone that the Doc Fellows Regatta is scheduled for this weekend-
The Race Officers are scouting ice, poring over ice reports, looking at the weather, and hoping for the best.
The regatta isn’t officially “ON” just yet but stay tuned- we will call it one way or the other as soon as we can!
THINK ICE!!
James “T” Thieler
12 Channing St.
Newport, RI 02840
401 258 6230
t_thieler
HAPPY NEW YEAR!!
Good morning all- Just want to wish a happy new year to everyone. We have all the ingredients for a fantastic year- Tons of cool boats, a chilly forecast, and a club made up of terrific ice-enthusiasts!
Hope everyone gets to ring in the year with a blast around a pond somewhere….
Make those resolutions, load the boats and have a ball in 2014!!
Cheers and THINK ICE!!!
James “T” Thieler
12 Channing St.
Newport, RI 02840
401 258 6230
t_thieler
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
2013 DN Centrals Called ON !!!
From Kent Baker in Toledo- Saddle up folks! Could be the last big race of 2013!!
I am pleased to call the 2013 Central Lakes Region Championship Regatta AND Holiday Classic ON for this weekend!
The Venue: Anchor Bay (North West Lake St. Clair)
Launch: Public Access at end of M-59 in Clinton Twp.(North of Detroit)
Lodging: To be announced. (many options available in this area).
Dates:
Friday December 27th: Holiday Classic Regatta – As many races as possible between 11:00 AM and 4:00PM.(at R/C’s discretion) Sailors may self-elect to gold or silver fleet starts. NO REGISTRATION REQUIRED.
8-10PM Registration FOR CENTRAL LAKES REGION CHAMPIONSHIP @ Regatta Headquarters.
Saturday December 28th: Registration at Regatta Headquarters Breakfast Area. 6-8
On-Ice Registration will be accepted for anyone who has ALL THE FORMS PRE-PRINTED, Signed, Proof of insurance, and EXACT CHANGE or CHECK. SAVE US ALL THE HASSEL AND REGISTER ONLINE BEFORE YOU LEAVE HOME!! Go to : https://ice.idniyra.org/racing/Notice_of_Race/2013/Central_Region_DN_Championship to register and pay ONLINE!!
First Race 11 AM – Last Race starts no later than 4:06 PM.
Sunday December 29th:
First Race: 10:00 AM – finish at 7 races each fleet or 3PM.
Awards at launch as soon as they can be tabulated.
Happy Holidays!
Just wanted to wish everyone a happy and safe Christmas Day- Looks like some cold weather has arrived and we may be shaking off the holiday craziness by swapping it for ice craziness! Reports are coming in and sites are being checked- stay tuned….
In other news rumor has it that the gang in the middle of the country is hoping to get the 2013 Central Lakes DN Champs done this weekend. Maybe a bonus regatta on Friday to boot-
Nothing written in stone just yet but the smoke signals from Toledo seem to be saying Lake St. Claire might be the place. Keep an eye on the IDNIYRA bulletin board for details; http://www.dnamerica.org/forum/
This was a fun one last year and this year should be no different! Gold and Silver fleets, fun for all skill levels- Saddle up!!
Looking forward to seeing everyone on the ice, no matter where!
Think Ice!!
James “T” Thieler DN US 5224
Newport, RI 02840
401 258 6230
t_thieler
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.
DN North Americans Coming Up….
While we wait, watch, wonder when we will (Do I get points for alliteration here or what?) get some local sailing in I thought I’d give everyone something else to ponder….
The 60th Annual DN North American Champs are right around the corner! January 14th – 25th, 2014
If you own or have access to a DN sign up, load up and come sail the regatta! No matter what your skill level you will have a great time, meet some cool people and learn a lot- Gold, silver and usually bronze fleets are run, great sailing and big adventure guaranteed- Come and be a part of the 60th Anniversary of this event!!
Details here:
https://ice.idniyra.org/
And regatta swag is available (whether you are entered or not- just have it shipped straight to your house) for pre-order, a very cool idea- Shirts, jackets, hats etc available here:
http://www.shop.stitchminestore.net
Think Ice!!
New England Ice Yacht Association 