Euro Champ Day 4
High pressure today- The meteorological kind that is- Warm, no breeze whatsoever so I had a nice nap in my boat and some socializing until the committee pulled the plug at 1130. Good call, it only got warmer and the breeze never piped up-
Saw this cool boat in the parking lot- love the stem timber made from half a piling. Also a few guys ogling my sweet CSI sled, and that telltale sign of spring, a drain dumping melted snow into the lake…. Not a good omen!
Tomorrow is the last day- Hope we get some races in-
Also hope everyone is getting some sailing in back that way- spring is on the way so get it all in while you can!
Keep fingers crossed for a long spring season….
Stay tuned!! T
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James “T” Thieler12 Channing St.
Newport, RI. 02840
401 258 6230
t_thieler
European Champs Day 3
Hey Folks- good news here as another site was found with no hazards… Bad news is Joerg got the van stuck in the mud again and once again we got towed out with a tractor- A big beast of a tractor! See pics….
Sailing-wise the gold fleet got one race in- Medium breeze and soft ice- Power sail and max thickness inserts seemed to be the runner of choice; they stayed on top of it better than thin ones- Angles were too slick and min tees dug in…. Interesting…..
The race was energetic- Lots of sheeting in and out as the boat entered and exited the sticky patches- Pinching wasn’t an option-
After pooching the start I was able to wiggle free and weasel my way into fourth- very happy with that.
Some protests this afternoon having to do with whether or not a few boats sailed inside the Darling marks…. Hope it’s all resolved without drama….
Nice party at dinner tonight hosted by the Dutch team- there was a rules quiz and a raffle. Of course two of the prizes were tulip bulbs and fake fuzzy wooden clogs- Gotta love the Dutch- Thanks guys!!
Going to bed now- Gold up first tomorrow!
Check interweb for results etc- Cheers! T
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James “T” Thieler12 Channing St.
Newport, RI. 02840
401 258 6230
t_thieler
Euro Champs Day 2
No racing yesterday- Warm wind and rain opened up some long leads and created a few drain holes so the committee wisely decided to call it off for the day and look at other options-
Looks like we will love to a different section of the lake and take another shot at it today!
Stay tuned… T
James “T” Thieler12 Channing St.
Newport, RI. 02840
401 258 6230
t_thieler
Euro Champs Day 1
Four races today on soft-ish ice and decent breeze- Drizzle/light rain all day kind of a drag but not too cold so not unpleasant-
Worth it for the racing! Deep fleet, high speeds, Awesome stuff-
So far yours truly is top American- I think I may be able to hold onto that spot as I’m the only one here-
Sitting in 8th right now, learning a lot and so far glad I made the trek. Some guy named Karol is in the lead….
Miss y’all!!! Hope everyone is getting some sailing in back that way-
Stay tuned, T
James “T” Thieler12 Channing St.
Newport, RI. 02840
401 258 6230
t_thieler
Euro Champs Day 1
Four races today on soft-ish ice and decent breeze- Drizzle/light rain all day kind of a drag but not too cold so not unpleasant-
Worth it for the racing! Deep fleet, high speeds, Awesome stuff-
So far yours truly is top American- I think I may be able to hold onto that spot as I’m the only one here-
Sitting in 8th right now, learning a lot and so far glad I made the trek. Some guy named Karol is in the lead….
Miss y’all!!! Hope everyone is getting some sailing in back that way-
Stay tuned, T
James “T” Thieler12 Channing St.
Newport, RI. 02840
401 258 6230
t_thieler
Tartu, Estonia
Hello Folks- An epic overnight road trip took us from Bad Zwischenahn, Germany to Tartu, Estonia. A slow leak in a rear tire led us to a farmer with a full auto shop in his barn for a quick fix (see photo) and morning saw us arrive at the launch site near Tartu, kinda in central Estonia-
Cool place! There is a center for education in limnology here (the study of lakes and ponds I think) and we were able to go in and check out the various creatures they have in a selection of really well done aquaria, including one set into the floor and covered with glass that you can walk on. Big sturgeons in that one plus carp, perch, pike, shiners…. All stuff from the lake. Awesome!
Opening ceremonies are done, I got to hold the US flag as I am the lone Yank competing- See the photo for a holder’s eye view-
Well over 150 boats registered, some sexy gear in the pits for sure-
Bad news is it’s fairly warm and the ice is degrading- Will see what the morning brings-
Time to hit the hay- been a long few days!
Stay tuned- T
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James “T” Thieler12 Channing St.
Newport, RI. 02840
401 258 6230
t_thieler
Long Island (NY) is in the House
Just in from John Ziermann from the LRIBYC Much thanks…
TO ALL: THE LONG ISLAND CHAMPIONSHIPS ARE ON!!! SAT. FEBRUARY 28, 2015 Due to the great demand, there will be two sites for the Long Island Championships. DN Regatta: Site: MECOX BAY, SOUTHAMPTON NY (see attached map) Skippers Meeting: 9:30 AM (due to diminishing wind speeds) Entry Fee: Entry fee: $10 for LRIBYC members and $15 for non members. (Please exact change or check.. Thank you)J-14 Regatta: Site: LAKE RONKONKOMA, RONKONKOMA NY (see attached map) Skippers Meeting: 9:30 AM (due to diminishing wind speeds) Entry Fee: Entry fee: $10 for LRIBYC members and $15 for non members. (Please exact change or check.. Thank you)
John Ziermann DN-5426/Treasurer
IMPORTANT – NJ Ice Update
Just got off the phone with Dave Clapp.
He reports that while there is still sailing down on Barnegat bay as reported earlier most sailors will be on Toms River. Which is about an hour closer for us New Englanders.
Launch info
Island Heights, NJ
rt 37 e To Central ave
Go toward water and left
There will be several launch areas
No changes for
The North Shrewsbury Ice Boat & Yacht Club
Address: 26 Union Street, Red Bank, NJ 07701
Phone:(732) 747-5665
The antique Stern Steerers will be sailing and racing on the Navesink in Red Bank this Weekend. The Rocket and the Jack Frost. If you have not seen either of these sailing pieces of history you should make a day of it. Sail amongst our rich history. I sailed on the same plate as both the Jack Frost and Rocket last year and it was a wonderful experience looking over at the graceful historic beasts gliding on the Hudson .
Still waiting on Long Island Info will update on when we know.
JJS
Salty Sailing – This Weekend 2/28…
![Jonathan_Nimerfroh+(104+of+6)[1]](https://neiya.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/jonathan_nimerfroh104of61.jpg)
Slurpee waves on Nantucket by Jonathan Nimerfroh of JDN Photography.
More nearly frozen waves. Anyone thinking about making Slurpee Runners?
We all know the story. We watched it pile up, shoveled it, plowed it, scraped it and cursed at it. But bitching and moaning is’nt going to make it go away and expose the solid ice below. The only thing this will is spining miles beneith your wheels.
The North Shrewsbury Ice Boat & Yacht Club
Address: 26 Union Street, Red Bank, NJ 07701
Phone:(732) 747-5665
The antique Stern Steerers will be sailing and racing on the Navesink in Red Bank this Weekend. The Rocket and the Jack Frost. If you have not seen either of these sailing pieces of history you should make a day of it. Sail amongst our rich history. I sailed on the same plate as both the Jack Frost and Rocket last year and it was a wonderful experience looking over at the graceful historic beasts gliding on the Hudson .
Further down the shore on Barnegat Bay in BAyville, NJ. Launching from Berkeley Island County Park on Barnegat Bay
There are promises of bubble boats and other Skeeter and what we are told a nice piece of ice.
Our Long Island (NY) friends have been sailing all week with some mixed reviews and experiences. Recaps have been floating about earlier this week. Brief recap, all should be suspect and salt even more so.
That said scouting attempts are being made this morning to find a suitable venue for the Long Island Championships and recreational sailing. Currently in contention are Lake Ronkonkoma and a couple bays further east. I will post a comment on this post when word comes out.
That is all I know about could there be something along the shore somewhere else? Maybe?
Now for roll call. Who is going where? Comment below.
Sail Safe, Sail Fast…
John Stanton
NEIYA Vice Commodore
P.S. I will likely hit Long Island tomorrow.
P.P.S. Give T a big shout out as he makes his way to the DN Euro Championships. Good luck T sail fast and bring your New England Style across the line.
Another Adventure….
Hmmmm. ….a photo of a Lufthansa 747 at Logan airport…. This can only mean that your faithful roving reporter is at it again….
Heading off to do the European Champs- Will keep y’all posted whether you like it or not!
Flying solo this trip- Hope to have some company for Worlds and Euros next year! Put it on the calendar now gang, it’s worth it.
Hope everyone gets some sailing in soon- go visit the Gang in Jersey! It’s been too long since a lot of us have sailed down that way-
Stay tuned and think ice!! Check the DN European website for official updates-
T
James “T” Thieler12 Channing St.
Newport, RI. 02840
401 258 6230
t_thieler
Another Adventure….
Hmmmm. ….a photo of a Lufthansa 747 at Logan airport…. This can only mean that your faithful roving reporter is at it again….
Heading off to do the European Champs- Will keep y’all posted whether you like it or not!
Flying solo this trip- Hope to have some company for Worlds and Euros next year! Put it on the calendar now gang, it’s worth it.
Hope everyone gets some sailing in soon- go visit the Gang in Jersey! It’s been too long since a lot of us have sailed down that way-
Stay tuned and think ice!! Check the DN European website for official updates-
T
James “T” Thieler12 Channing St.
Newport, RI. 02840
401 258 6230
t_thieler
Ice Wisdom to Live By…
As we await news of Zamboni action, here is something to think about.
DO NOT BE THE FFF GUY. DO NOT be that guy!!!
What is FFF? Well it is not a racing term; it should be avoided by all. It relates to new ice, and it has three parts:
1. Do not be FIRST– 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.
DO NOT be that guy!
Yours truly
Old Frosty
(Old Frosty is not a real person, but a combination of old thinkers, grumpy old and young men and the usual suspects seen on and about the ice)
P.S. In other words let’s be safe so we can all enjoy some fun together.
DN World Champs Video!!
While we are all waiting for fresh ice take a look at this fresh vid from the worlds last month-
Some good shots of our own Eric Anderson cooking around the top mark in good company!!
It’s all in French you may want to pull the cork on a nice bottle of wine and have a little cheese and invent your own subtitles….
Can’t sail? At Least Look Like You Do
Greetings all. No I have not discovered a secret plate of black ice. A Shangri-la with miles of mirror smooth ice just over the horizon may still be out there but think not. This does not mean that our Cruising Chair Bill Buchholz will not come up with something new and interesting so keep an eye toward the horizon. We never know what might be coming into view. And yes, there are races to be run as well…
After more than enough difficulties, you don’t even want to know, the first batch of NEIYA club gear is available.
Below are check out buttons to order via PayPal. Note there limited quantities so order fast. Depending upon where the orders need to go I may ship to a central location and individuals can pick up.
Keep the faith. This season is not done yet.
Sail Fast, Sail Safe,
John Stanton
NEIYA Vice Commodore
P. S. From time to time I will send out custom order forms so you can include name and or sail # on gear.
| Product | Size | Inventory | Price | |
| Columbia Men’s Cathedral Peak Fleece Vest | XL | 2 | $48 |  |
| Columbia Men’s Cathedral Peak Fleece Vest | L | 5 | $48 | |
| Columbia Men’s Cathedral Peak Fleece Vest | M | 2 | $48 | |
| Columbia Men’s Cathedral Peak Fleece Vest | S | 2 | $48 | |
| Champion Performance Fleece Arctic Beanie | NA | 11 | $31 | |
Central Lakes Champs- Stand down….
This is the latest from the gang in the Central Region…. Bummer! Thanks to everyone out there for scouting the place out and getting the permits etc…. Hope we get out that way soon!
In the meantime work on the boats, do your sit-ups and neck exercises and wrack your brains to find a lake in New England that hasn’t been blanketed! T
Hello Everybody –
Alum creek continues to show great ice conditions with no snow on the surface. Temps today should continue to improve the ice.
The bad news: It needs to be sailed tomorrow (after todays warm-up) to test the conditions. Forecasted Winds in the 25-30 MPH range are not conducive to that.
Worse news. Saturdays forecast is for 20-29 MPH winds. Because the lake will not allow much more than 3/4-7/8 mile course in the West-to-East direction, this is not acceptable conditions for more than 10-15 boats in a fleet. (we know we should get 20-30+ each fleet).
Nail in the coffin news: The high temp on Sunday is: 7 degrees.
Add to that the longer distance traveled by most sailors, and what the heck, lets throw in the Valentines day thingy while were at it…
So – after going through the motions of applying for a permit to hold our regatta there, It looks to be in our best interest to try it another weekend someplace.
Thanks to local sailor, John Wargo for the updates and pictures during the week! And also thanks to Jane Stites and Jason Meyers at Alum Creek state park for helping expedite the permit process and making us welcome there.
If anyone is interested in a good day of sailing, I am willing to go all day Friday to Alum Creek. Conditions appear good that day – 9-15 MPH with a high of 22 degrees.
-Kent US 5219
James “T” Thieler
12 Channing St.
Newport, RI 02840
401 258 6230
t_thieler
IceBoating Central Lakes Champs
http://dnamerica.org/forum/index.php?PHPSESSID=dec3081169e6ddeb7a41db7e0f772ed3&topic=1785.0
IDNIYRA bulletin board has more info- click above and scroll down to latest announcements-
Load ’em up!
James “T” Thieler
12 Channing St.
Newport, RI 02840
401 258 6230
t_thieler
Central Lakes Champs
Hello All-
We may be snowbound pretty much everywhere here in the east but in the Central Lakes Region rumors are circulating about good ice for their regional champs this weekend…. Could be Ohio, not too bad of a drive….
Stay tuned and in the meantime be advised that those folks throw a great regatta and a better party!
The trip will be worth it- Great chance for new sailors (Neil…) to sail a decent sized regatta!
The Eastern Region will be represented by the usual road warriors and maybe some fresh faces- If you want to go and live near RI email me and we can work on logistics….
Think Ice!
James “T” Thieler12 Channing St.
Newport, RI. 02840
401 258 6230
t_thieler
Weekend Opportunities Feb 6h
We all know what it looks like outside. Snow snow snow. As New Englanders we know about changing conditions and this is to our advantage.
Who’s not sharing? If your not getting NEIYA ice reports via email please let me know (john@neiya.org) and I will add you to the live info as it comes in.
Here is what I know.
A Cape spotting contingent led by Rick Bishop and assisted by Dan Secor and Neal Fowler scouted Long Pond in Harwich/Brewster MA. Thanks guys you may have found the only sailable ice!
They are reporting favorable conditions for Friday and through the weekend weather and other conditions dependent of course.
Launch: Long Pond South shore has large clear parking area Long Pond Rd off of RT #6
There will be a good congregation for sure so come on down…
NOTE: That’s the Cape NOT Lakeville MA Long Pond.
Dave Fortier is as we speak checking on new black ice on Sebago, that’s Maine for outside viewers. Sub zero temperatures last night have locked things up just need confirmation. If favorable reports come back there is a good chance of some racing. Stay tuned on this and have your gear ready to roll.
Stay tuned on here, watch your emails for NEIYA Ice Reports mail and keep an eye on the Chickawaukie Ice Boat Club http://iceboat.me site for Maine updates.
Thanks to all the people who have been dropping hints, rumors and inuendos about ice. I know there must be some more coastal venues out there.
Sail Safe and Sail Fast,
John
NEIYA Vice Commodore
DN Gold Cup Pics and Vids
Hey Folks- I’ve come across some pictures and video from the DN Gold Cup last week- thought I’d send it along for you enjoyment / recon….
http://douglaslevy.zenfolio.com/iceyachts
This is actually a set of photos from our attempt to get the Eastern Champs off a few weeks ago-
http://www.cefirmbach.com/galleries/iceboat/2015dn_na/index.html
This set of photos by Cathy Firmbach is from up by the weather mark during the windy races that would have been the NA championship had we not been blown off the ice later that day- Thanks Cathy!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PxsEOoCZ_2s&x-yt-ts=1422411861&x-yt-cl=84924572
From the calm day of racing at the Gold cup- some very cool drone footage!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K4oo4gaHfpc
A local news video about the racing- if you speak French or Polish you may get something out of it- if not the footage is great! Another windy day….
Full results on DN Bulletin Board and Four Lakes Ice Yacht Club sites.
http://dnamerica.org/forum/index.php?board=24.0
http://www.iceboat.org/seasons/14-15/dn/worlds/2015%20World%20Finals.pdf
Looking forward to more sailing when the snow is gone….
Think Ice! T
James “T” Thieler
12 Channing St.
Newport, RI 02840
401 258 6230
t_thieler
DN NA’s called off….
Bummer…. Big drifts on the ice this AM after big snow last night means big bummer for all….
Would have been nice to get one more race in yesterday but the breeze over max when the call wAs made to send everyone in and ten minutes later it was blowing almost 40mph! Good call John Atkins!!
Pics below of Eben and Eric delivering the bad news…
Season far from over- If you have ice tell the world about it! We all have sailing to do!
Stay tuned, T
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James “T” Thieler12 Channing St.
Newport, RI. 02840
401 258 6230
t_thieler
DN Worlds DONE!
Hey Folks- Four races today saw the completion of the DN Worlds.
Shifty breeze in the morning was the least of the problems in getting races started (don’t ask….) but once flags started dropping it was fast and furious racing all day in light to medium breeze.
Karol Jablonski had to work for this one as his Polish teammates put the heat on- They claimed the top three spots with Ron Sherry as top American in fourth. Yours truly was a distant sixth but I’ll take it!
Honorary New Englander Bob Crinion took third in Silver and our own Eben Whitcomb was able to take tenth despite the distraction of organizing this whole regatta- Which he did in fin fashion. He is also a hell of an emcee!!! Awards ceremony was short and sweet-
Thanks as always to RC, scorers, mark movers, Kingston YC, our agents, managers, wives, girlfriends, bosses, co-conspirators….
North Americans tomorrow- Stay tuned!
T
James “T” Thieler12 Channing St.
Newport, RI. 02840
401 258 6230
t_thieler
Postponed….
Astute readers of these reports will know that I described yesterday as right on the edge….
Today is colder and windier so we are bagged for the day- Bummer….
Stay tuned- T
James “T” Thieler12 Channing St.
Newport, RI. 02840
401 258 6230
t_thieler
DN Worlds- Big Day!
Cold temps…. BIG breeze, gusts that I would describe as “violent” along with bitter cold temps and blowing snow made for a big day- Much carnage, a few broken masts, a plank or two ripped off, at least one blown up boat, and several spin outs upwind and down- It was wild enough for me!
Lots of sailors in survival mode around the track but the top guys can push it in that stuff- Very impressive to see and a big goal to work toward.
Results up on idniyra bulletin board, Ron Sherry top Yankee with Jim Hadley and Steve Orlebeke in top ten after two races- Top three spots held by Polish team. As I said, pretty impressive!
Hope all are weathering the big storm ok- Sounds like a beauty!
Will see what today brings- Stay tuned!!
James “T” Thieler12 Channing St.
Newport, RI. 02840
401 258 6230
t_thieler
DN Worlds Update
Silver qualifier done yesterday and two thirds of Gold Fleet race number one done before breeze fizzled and race was black flagged…. It was fun while it lasted!
First start at noon today due to outside temps best measured on the Kelvin scale…. Good breeze though, hope we can get a few in today!
Stay tuned…. Pic is our own John Atkins, PRO, making the call.
Our hosts at Kingston yacht club have been great- Fantastic clubhouse w food and drinks and heat on premises- If you ever have the chance to sail here don’t miss it!! The Canadian Champs have been here a few years in a row- Plan on gettin up here!
Hope all ready or the upcoming storm- Good luck!
T
James “T” Thieler12 Channing St.
Newport, RI. 02840
401 258 6230
t_thieler
New England Ice Yacht Association 