Lake Sunapee 2/5/20 by Brian Langley
Two groups sailed today on Lake Sunapee and Newfound Lake in New Hampshire and passed on pictures and their first-hand accounts.
Brian Langley Reports from Sunapee
About 10 boats enjoyed sunny clear weather on Sunapee Lake today. Winds were around 8-10 with higher winds later in the day.
Ice was bumpy and rough on the lake. Combo of snow ice, windblown ice, and some refrozen windblown funky ice, that almost looked like open water? The lake is locked up solid. We found areas where the ice was glass. and other areas of smooth gray ice. There is one pressure ridge right from the river at the beach, all the way to the far shoreline. We managed to find a crossing and marked it with a cone I had brought out with me. Ice was a better grade of smooth gray running down the narrows to the island. We sailed up to the northern part of the lake where we found one pretty nasty pressure ridge with open water on the other side. We decided it could not be crossed. We sailed along the ridge down towards the mouth of Sunapee harbor to see if we could find a spot to cross and head up to George’s mills. But the ridge ran 90 degrees to the other and we could not safely go any further.
Sunapee 2/5/20 by John Pepper
Sunapee 2/5/20 By Brian Langley
Sunapee 2/5/20 by John Pepper
Sunapee 2/5/20 By Brian Langley
Sunapee 2/5/20 By Brian Langley
Sunapee 2/5/20 By Brian Langley
Sunapee 2/5/20 By Brian Langley
Sunapee 2/5/20 By Brian Langley
We did find a beautiful glass section up by the mouth to the bay and we all enjoyed sailing that glass-smooth plate for awhile. We headed back by late afternoon to make it through the narrows and the island. We all safely crossed at our return cone marking.
The wind had picked up nicely off the beach, and we all enjoyed some fast runs late in the day before breaking down at the beach.
Brian Langley
Next up, the report from Newfound Lake near Bridgewater, NH
Jay Whitehair and I sailed Newfound Lake today.
The ice was AWESOME with smooth expanses of gray ice and even some black ice in places. The wind was perfect (10mph or so). Beware the huge open lead at the north end of the lake. Also some wet pressure ridges and assorted other hazards, but all in all great ice from Wellington State Park north. The south end of the lake is only suitable for ice fishing.
Mark Friedman
Guys thanks for sharing your day with everyone. hopefully, we will get on either of these venues when the front passes. There was also activity on Winnipesaukee.
Stay tuned and keep your runners sharp and your powder dry,
John
DN5023
john@neiya.org
P.S. Please remember to share your experience and pictures with those who could not make it on to the ice.
02/05/2020 | Categories: 2020 Season | Comments Off on Sailing In NH Ahead of the Storm
Hi Sailors,
Our NEIYA race chairman, T, landed in Germany and is heading to Sweden for the DN Gold Cup within the next day or two. But, that does not mean we in New England can’t race and have a fun regatta. Maybe our friends from Canada will come down, too! The "Baby Rule" will still be in effect.
Unfortunately, the only ice is in NH and Maine at this time. Thanks to John Stanton for mapping it out above. So, I hope all will be okay to hold to Doc Fellows Regatta somewhere north of Massachusetts. I am very sure the regattas namesake Don "Doc" Fellow would approve. That said, get ready to saddle up. Some of our Winni regulars are on Sunapee today and another group is sailing Newfound Lake, which had some very promising reports. Could this be the third week for NH sailing, maybe? Maine is also up there and Sebago was sailed yesterday.
So pencil this weekend in and I will report back Friday when we know more about the ice…
Thanks,
Karen Binder
DN 5630
02/05/2020 | Categories: 2020 Season | Comments Off on Doc Fellows this weekend – if ice holds up!
Good vid from last weekend- take a look!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sjd9AUAd5_I
02/05/2020 | Categories: 2020 Season | Comments Off on Sailing “Pocket Skeeters” on Winni – YouTube
….looks like this! Some interesting new perspectives and some great scenery here- click and enjoy!!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e-tbd1ZAVY4
02/04/2020 | Categories: 2020 Season | Comments Off on Ice Sailing In The Italian Alps….
Lake Sunapee from Mt Sunapee
Bob S., Ron Buzzel and others will be sailing Sunapee tomorrow Wednesday 2/5/20.
Predictions look favorable with temperatures below freezing all day with winds @ 8 to 9 mph. Come on out, as there is weather coming in towards the end of the week and who knows how this will effect our ice.
Launching from the State Park https://goo.gl/maps/gzA4hdETHwc4rz1a6
Have fun if you can get out of work.
John
02/04/2020 | Categories: 2020 Season | Comments Off on People Sailing Sunapee Tomorrow Wednesday 2/5/20
Hi…
More than 30 sailors arrived on Saturday with great anticipation given the great condition of the ice at Lake Winnipesaukee, but no sailing happened…Was the weekend going to be a repeat of windless Montana? Trust me, those of that did that road trip really hoped not.
We rigged and waited and waited…By 3:30 it was clear no racing was going to happen. Fortunately for all of us, John Eastman realized we’d all have an appetite to fill and he kindly found a place for us (about 35 people!) to gather and enjoy a nice dinner together. He even made sure the manager called in extra staff because well you know how sailors can be…John, thank you so much!
Sunday morning the breeze was up and T, Chris Miller, and Jacek Marzenski from Montreal went out early to set the course and the starting line BEFORE the skippers meeting at 9:30. Nicely done!
The scratch sheet had 22 racers signed up and in the pit one could see almost the complete history and evolution of the DN class on display with an early wooden mast model dating from 1964, Ed Demerest’s DN 1914 a $150 barn treasure, and several fully tricked out DNs with the most modern of materials that truly blaze across the ice at speeds of up to 50-60 mph. And even one with the funniest tiller any of us have seen…
Perfect wind, practically perfect ice and T, the race chairman, called for the racing to start at 10:30. When we picked out numbers from the bag T announced that during the previous night’s dinner a request was made by senior statesman for the DN class, Andre Baby, to consider having two starts…One for those over 70 and/or those with any artificial limb/artificial component and another start for everyone else.
There were some questions when this was announced…Do pacemakers count? What about Stents? In the end, an agreement was reached and the “Baby Rule” instituted. T went out with the flag and we lined up. Two arms were raised. When the first arm dropped, those that qualified for the “Baby Rule” started. When the 2nd hand dropped everyone else started.
The course was large…at least 7/10 of a mile possibly longer. That was very nice because everyone spread out and with experienced racers and some novices it made it safe and fun for everyone. Jeff Kent shared with me last year that large courses are much safer than small courses and its really true when you see it in action.
The battle for the lead began early with New England’s own Oliver Moore out on the course after a few years being away and a relatively new DN sailor Canadian Robin Lagraviere jockeying between the 1st and 2nd position throughout the day. Would the trophy stay in New England or leave us like the super bowl Vince Lombardi trophy?
The breeze was about 8-10 mph all day and the racing was fast with short breaks between. T was assisted in the scoring by a new guy to the DN scene "Mike" and Dave Fortier. In quick mark/course re-setting Eric Anderson jumped into help out. Thanks guys!
Also different in this regatta T, the race chair, had us just pick out of the bag new starting numbers for every race. This made it fun for those not accustomed to racing to start in "favored" position many times and it made those that were finishing in the top 5 often having to start as far down as the 20th position. That’s a good mental and sailing skill challenge to work through the fleet when you start in one of the less favored starting positions.
We got in 5 races by 12:30! The race chair quickly became known as Tyrant T, but in his benevolence, he gave us about 30 minutes to break for lunch. After lunch, and a course adjustment, racing began again.
The breeze picked up a bit more and some newer to racing headed in. The rest of us enjoyed two more great races. That means we did 7 races and I realized and remarked "We did more racing today than we did in Montana!"
Everyone headed back to the launch area and T tabulated the results…
And all of New England can now relax because the trophy stays in New England! Oliver Moore won the day with 9 points. (7 races/1 throw out). As an aside, did you know Oliver Moore co- owns Moore Brothers, a custom composite company and DN mast maker? Did you know 7 out of the 11 top finishers at the North Americans used Moore/Jeff Kent DN masts? 
2nd place and big congratulations goes to Robin Lagraviere from Montreal who placed 2nd with 11 points. He is fast, talented, and will do lots of great things in the DN fleet.
3rd place goes to another Canadian sailor Jacek Marzenski DN 5247 sailing a brand new boat. He finished with 20 points. His new boat is the coolest shade of blue I have seen on the ice.
4th place goes to Canadian Andre’ Baby with 24 points…(who shared at Saturday’s dinner that he is releasing his 3rd book very soon!)
5th place goes to Long Island’s Chris Miller with 30 points (Chris taught me a good lesson on Sunday. I will share that in another post and the title is going to be “don’t take your foot off the gas”).
6th place goes to New Hampshire’s Jay Whitehair (in addition to DN sailing he is an avid hang-glider too!)
7th place and beyond – I have to finish cross referencing some score sheets and re-tabulate. So, I will post ASAP.
VINTAGE AWARD – Goes to Dan Neri sailing DN 2172 built in 1964. 
Great and very fun day of racing…hopefully we will do more this season! So nice that Robin, Andre’ and his wife Louise, and Jacek came down from Montreal/Quebec to race with us. Thank you!
In closing, T headed out to Europe today to race in the DN Gold Cup. At least five other Americans from the mid-west are heading across the pond later this week.
Think More Ice,
Karen Binder, DN 5630, NEIYA Secretary
02/03/2020 | Categories: 2020 Season | Comments Off on New England DN Champs – Way more thrilling than the superbowl…it’s true.
After a fairly epic bike ride the length of the lake today and consultation with several of the wise ones we’ve decided not to try a Hardway on Wednesday. The ice is fairly thin right now especially considering there is little if any open water and there are many hazards large and small. Every day the pressure ridges are different and new ones pop up. The ice from 3 Mile Isl. to Center Harbor is very very rough, and blocked by one of the biggest pressure ridges we encountered.
Our feeling is Wednesday might be a great sailing day from Wolfeboro, and there will be boats sailing, but none of us familiar with the lake on a daily basis and making this call feel like now is the time for a Hardway.
We are hoping to do a 3rd Hardway in 3 years so stay tuned.
Lee
02/03/2020 | Categories: 2020 Season | Comments Off on Winni Hardway Off For Now
Lake Winnipesaukee The Hardway – End to End
On Monday Lee and Karin and perhaps others will be riding bikes on the ice from Center Harbor to Wolfeboro to scout for a potential Hardway on Wednesday. Wednesday the last day before snow. We know the ice is very rough out from Center Harbor for quite a ways. We will further check the pressure ridges which are changing daily. After consulting with Charlie Sylvanius and a further check on the weather we will make a call Monday night or Tuesday morning. Stay tuned.
Lee Spiller
Posted on February 3, 2020 by leespiller
P.S Get ready to travel as there is only a small window to get this completed.
02/03/2020 | Categories: 2020 Season | Comments Off on Winnipesaukee: The Hardway Potentially This Wednesday
Sunday AM- skippers meeting at launch at 930 sharp, first race to follow ASAP!
James “T” Thieler
12 Channing St.
Newport, RI. 02840
401 258 6230
t_thieler@yahoo.com
02/01/2020 | Categories: 2020 Season | Comments Off on DN NE Sunday Schedule
Dinner at the NE champs will be at the Ellacoya Barn And Grill tonight (Saturday) starting at 6PM. Address is 2667 Lakeshore Rd, Gilford NH 03219
They are expecting quite a few of us and have pulled in some extra staff to take care of us so let’s be on our best behavior, say please and thank you, and tip well! Please no brawling and table throwing unless absolutely necessary.
I think they’ll be putting us in a big room upstairs so ask about that. Also, parking may be a little scarce being Saturday night and all so if you can carpool in please do!
See y’all there!
02/01/2020 | Categories: 2020 Season | Comments Off on DN NE Saturday Dinner
Good news: The venue was sailed today by Chris Miller who says the plate is a Grade 8 out of 10, just a few leads to watch out for near the launch site but once beyond that it’s good sailing-
BE ADVISED that parking at the launch can get a little tight- please be sure to leave a path on land and on the ice for other sailors and especially ice fishermen to get their shacks and gear on and off the ice-
Sounds like we will have a good turnout- looking forward to seeing everyone and doing some good racing!
Here is the original blurb again:
OK Gang, it’s on….
DN New England Champs are ON. Sounds like Winni is in very good shape, wind forecast is light for Saturday but a little more promising for Sunday. That said, the ice looks smooth enough that we mail be able to race in very little breeze…
Launch will be out of Ellacoya State Park
280 Scenic Dr, Gilford, NH 03249
Lodging available at the Fireside Inn and Suites just a few minutes from the launch- ask for the iceboat group rate of $109 per night-
http://firesideinngilford.com/
Skippers Meeting Saturday AM at launch, 10:00 AM
First Race at 10:45 AM
Be sure to have your insurance with you!!! NO EXCEPTIONS
Regular iceboating rules apply- familiarize yourselves with them at
https://www.idniyra.org/racing/rules-safety/
NOTE- some iceboating Right Of Way rules differ from soft-water rules so read them closely-
IF three of any class show up and want to race they will get a start and races of their own- all welcome!
In the DN Class a Vintage / Classic trophy will be awarded to the boat and skipper that has a certain combo of age / wear and tear / battle scars / character / and results!
We are looking for volunteers to run and score races- earn some karma and volunteer!
If not no big deal, we can use the Maine system (Regatta Chair runs first race, from there on whoever wins a race gets to run and score the next one. Average points awarded for the races missed. I think. Will figure it out when the smart people get there)
Feel free to contact me with any questions or to let me know what I’ve forgotten-
Stay tuned to NEIYA site for details and updates!
Think ICE and LINE ‘EM UP!!
01/31/2020 | Categories: 2020 Season | Comments Off on DN NE CHAMPS ARE ON FOR FEB 1-2 GOOD NEWS
Remember, there are hazards among what looks like good ice. Winnipesaukee scouting image (1/30/20) by veteran, sailor, skater, and scouter Randy Rice.
Ice scouts have been busy all week and come back with some good and some not so good news.
Here is what I know and where you can expect to meet up with fellow iceboaters.
Winds are going to be on the lighter side and increasing through the weekend across our sailing areas but fine for the smoother areas and well one never knows so just show up.
- The CIBC (iceboat.me) has been sailing Damarascota this week and likely through the weekend. Wind may be an issue so check their site for updates
- Winnipesaukee has been checked, sailed and skated every day this week. There are good conditions and will play host to the DN New Englands – Launch is Ellacoya State Park, note it may be crowded so use the ramp area for unloading and loading ONLY. Other launch sites are being investigated but not confirmed at this point.
Quaboag Pond First-hand reports came in yesterday and it is trashed. Lots of pressure ridges, open leads and generally sub-par ice thickness STAY OFF unless something changesBantam Lake Has been looked at all week and generally has a good surface but is too not thick enough.- Sunapee, waiting on first-hand reports
There is a possibility for the Hardway to run over the weekend more likely Sunday than Saturday. As previously reported this is not a sure thing so please do not be disappointed if those who have been monitoring the ice elect not to lead the event.
See you on the ice,
John
DN5023
john@neiya.org
01/31/2020 | Categories: 2020 Season | Comments Off on This Weekends Gatherings Feb 1st & 2nd
OK Gang, it’s on….
DN New England Champs are ON. Sounds like Winni is in very good shape, wind forecast is light for Saturday but a little more promising for Sunday. That said, the ice looks smooth enough that we mail be able to race in very little breeze…
Launch will be out of Ellacoya State Park
280 Scenic Dr, Gilford, NH 03249
Lodging available at the Fireside Inn and Suites just a few minutes from the launch- ask for the iceboat group rate of $109 per night-
http://firesideinngilford.com/
Skippers Meeting Saturday AM at launch, 10:00 AM
First Race at 10:45 AM
Be sure to have your insurance with you!!! NO EXCEPTIONS
Regular iceboating rules apply- familiarize yourselves with them at
https://www.idniyra.org/racing/rules-safety/
NOTE- some iceboating Right Of Way rules differ from soft-water rules so read them closely-
IF three of any class show up and want to race they will get a start and races of their own- all welcome!
In the DN Class a Vintage / Classic trophy will be awarded to the boat and skipper that has a certain combo of age / wear and tear / battle scars / character / and results!
We are looking for volunteers to run and score races- earn some karma and volunteer!
If not no big deal, we can use the Maine system (Regatta Chair runs first race, from there on whoever wins a race gets to run and score the next one. Average points awarded for the races missed. I think. Will figure it out when the smart people get there)
Feel free to contact me with any questions or to let me know what I’ve forgotten-
Stay tuned to NEIYA site for details and updates!
Think ICE and LINE ‘EM UP!!
01/30/2020 | Categories: 2020 Season | Comments Off on DN NEW ENGLAND CHAMPS ARE ON!
Hey Gang- Race Chair Mr T here, calling on a Regatta (Let’s say the New England Champs) for this weekend-
Looks like Winnipesaukee is the best option- big, centrally located, has been sailed, places to launch…. Will have more details soon-
In the meantime plan on loading up and heading up (or down, depending on where you are)
Make sure you have valid insurance etc- IF three or more boats of any class show up we will give you a start and races of your own-
The very subjective and almost arbitrary Classic/Vintage Division prize will also be awarded to the pilot sailing the boat that is oldest / most beaten up / has most character / or some certain je ne sais quoi that will be decided on the spot. So even if you don’t have a bleeding-edge high tech boat plan on showing up anyway!
ALSO if anyone is interested in helping out with RC/Scoring duties let me know!
James T Thieler, RC Chair (the guy with the marks and scoring clipboard)
01/29/2020 | Categories: 2020 Season | Comments Off on Regatta ON This Weekend
2019 Hardway Trail – Can we do it again this year? Maybe…
With the rain followed by cold, it is a whole new ball game out there. Reported and unreported scouting efforts have been going on since yesterday and will continue.
Here is where we are this is not an exhaustive list:
- The CIBC (iceboat.me) reports they are sailing Damarascota today and likely through the weekend. Check their site for updates
- Winnipesaukee was checked yesterday and a bigger scouting party went out this morning – There is a possibility of the Hardway being run, stay tuned. We do not really know at this stage but keep it in mind.
- Quaboag Pond needs to be checked and there is a committed scout bringing back info for sailing this weekend
- Bantam Lake smoothed out with the rain and is being checked and has potential for sailing this weekend
- Sunapee, as reported Monday more cold, is needed and body needs to be checked again – there are eyes on the lake
There may be a few other options out there that have been unreported but what I have to report at the moment.
Remember, the Hardway is only an alert at this stage. More info to come. Our own 2020 DN North American Champion and Race Chair may hold a race as well. Stay tuned for word from T on that.
Looking forward to more ice,
John
DN5023
john@neiya.org
01/29/2020 | Categories: 2020 Season | Comments Off on Wednesday 1/29 Ice Recap
From the CIBC site- could be good for the weekend! Also rumors afoot that Winni may be a possibility as well…. As always proceed with caution and use your head. Never sail alone!
Damariscota ON
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Damariscota ON
Nicely wet out smooth grey surface top to bottom. There were large patches of shell ice at both Vannah Rd and th… |
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01/29/2020 | Categories: 2020 Season | Comments Off on Dammy Is ON
Check out our own Karen Binder on the front page of Sailing Anarchy- Great shot!
https://sailinganarchy.com/2020/01/28/moving-to-montana-2/
Lots more photos of her and all the other boats and scenes here
https://www.seanrheavey.com/2020_indiya_north_american_championship?fbclid=IwAR2mksRnI_cy9GZJyHwAH3IjRhm8O8Mg-Hga9_PTyhXp3POaeBUPNPujj-A
01/29/2020 | Categories: 2020 Season | Comments Off on Sailing Anarchy Front Page
Andover MA Winterfest 2020, Pomp’s Pond
I have three items on this update. Our participation in a local MA Winter event, an upcoming event at the NH Boat Museum in Wolfeboro and a review of ice etiquette.
A couple months ago the NEIYA was asked to participate in the Andover MA Winterfest. The purpose of the festival was to promote winter outdoor activities. How could I say no? Local iceboaters Frank Morse and Peter Boynton agreed to bring boats down and sail if the conditions allowed. Since I was not driving home from MT and had fled Winni before the torrential rains came Saturday night I was able to attend as well. The crowds began to build a little after 10am and the winter demonstrations began. There were talks and demos on ice fishing, harvesting ice, winter hiking and geocaching, ice rescue drills by the local fire department and talk about ice boats of course. I spoke about the history of iceboating, safety, and cruising and racing today. We were well received and there were many questions from the audience. There were a couple interested people both from the audience and the firefighters. I am hoping one or two of the families in the audience comes out on the ice real soon. We agreed to come back next year and perhaps schedule a local demo day when conditions allow.
Charlie Silfvenius our Hardway Chairman will be dong an iceboat demo at winter festivals in Wolfeboro February 16th and 22nd. More details to come. I am sure Charlie could use a hand or extra tongue or two to talk up iceboating to the crowds. More details to follow shortly.
Looking back we had a great one, two, three four or more days on Winnipesaukee. Over the course of the week we had 25 boats on Wednesday, 30+ on Thursday, 40+ on Friday and 25+ on Saturday. With all the coming and going I estimate we had between 60 and 70 unique boats sail over the four days. That is a pretty great gathering and the largest I have seen in some time. With all those boats running around courtesy and caution is a must.
A couple thoughts in no particular order
- Sail heads up and in control
- Be aware of other ice users
- Skaters
- Kites They move pretty quickly and their kites if on the ground may have thin line stretched out from the kite. Stay Clear of it our blades are sharp
- Kite Wings
- Ice Boards they are fast so aware
- Motorcycles fast and may not be traveling in a direction that one would expect from a wind-powered craft. Give them room
- Snowmobiles same as motorcycles but a little bigger so easier to see.
- Walkers
- Ice fishermen and their Tip-ups. Stay well clear and if you do accidentally run one over stop and offer to replace (pay) if it is damaged
- Anything else out there
If we are sailing near public launch areas we have to share. Sail heads up and with courtesy.
Looking ahead we have people out checking Winni today, there are many eyes on Bantam in Litchfield CT, there is news that Jordan Bay on Sebago might come it (watch iceboat.me for news), there is positive progress on Sunapee and a few other choices. The weather that came through is presenting some new possibilities so if you know something let us know via ice@neiya.org and or post to the forum.
Sail Fast & Sail Heads Up,
John
DN5023
john@neiya.org
P.S. I like all of us are eager to hear more about the NAs and sailing on Peck Lake. There will be more to come from our the latest North American Champion and others that attended.
01/28/2020 | Categories: 2020 Season | Comments Off on Growing the Herd
Very well done photos from the Montana Extravaganza- click and take a look!
https://www.seanrheavey.com/2020_indiya_north_american_championship
01/27/2020 | Categories: 2020 Season | Comments Off on DN NA Champs Photos
Atkins, Thieler and Anderson- tired but psyched!
01/26/2020 | Categories: 2020 Season | Comments Off on Top East Coastahs
The DN North Americans are in the books! As always, it was an adventure but this one was out there; literally.
The big weather was difficult- finding a lake was nearly impossible but Tim Ogrinc scouted his home lake of Fort Peck, Montana in some bitterly cold temps, sent a good report to regatta chairman Dan Hearn, and the show was on!
It was a long trip for a lot of people but well worth it- the scenery out there is extraordinary and the sailing was good too-
Day one saw good breeze and soft ice with patches of snow. Resisting the urge to sheet in too hard and point too high upwind paid dividends and using 95 or 100 degree runners and a full sail seemed to work for the top sailors. Aggressively steering around the snow patches and working the mainsheet in the puffs was essential. It made for exciting sailing and a great workout!
At the end of the day in Gold Fleet Chad Atkins was in the lead with T Thieler in second and Ron Sherry in third. Only the Gold Qualifier race was run on day one for the Silver fleet so there was everything to play for on the next race day…
Warren Nethercoate of Halifax NS won the Gold qualifier with RI rookie Karen Binder hot on his heels in second. Well done!
Two days of no wind tested the fleet’s patience and nerves and finally the breeze filled in on Saturday. Cold temps had solidified the snow drifts and made for wild, rodeo style sailing! It was fast, furious and down to the wire…. Avoiding the big bumps and rough ice was key, almost as important as staying in the boat and keeping the boat in one piece! Thieler took the first race, Ron Sherry took the second and the committee wisely called racing off as the wind was building to unsafe speeds-
The math was tough (for iceboaters anyway) as the scores were close but when the tabulation was done for the Gold Fleet it was Atkins in 3rd w 11 points, Sherry in 2nd with 10, and Thieler hanging on by the skin of his teeth to take 1st with 9.
In Gold the Eastern Region put in a good showing ith four sailors in the top ten- Thieler in 1st, Atkins in 3rd, Eric Anderson in 9th and Peter Van Rossem in 10th. Well done!
In the silver fleet Bill Bucholz was top easterner in 5th, Mike Webber was next eastern sailor in 7th, Charlie Blair made a great return to the hard water world with a 10th, and Colin Duncan in 11th. Well done gang!
Thanks as always to the RC, the scorers, all the support personnel, and the competitors for making the trip!
As I said, it was memorable for all the right reasons. (I’ve already forgotten about the rain squall that turned the launch area into a mud pit just in time for the load-out). Great scenery, great racing, great group!
Results here:
http://dniceboat.org/2020/na.html
Look here for Day One and Two drone footage- you’ll be glad you did!
https://www.idniyra.org/
01/26/2020 | Categories: 2020 Season | Comments Off on 2020 DN North American Champs
Its going on now. We are setting up boats on shore and talking it up.
Come on out join the fun and promote iceboating.
John
01/26/2020 | Categories: 2020 Season | Comments Off on Andover winter fest today
2020 DN NA Podium: Thieler, Sherry, and Atkins
I do not want to steal T’s thunder and he will fill in the details on the drive home but thBrie results are official. James “T” Thieler is this year’s DN North American Champion! Multiple World and NA Champion Ron Sherry. Chad Atkins who had been leading the regatta till the final day ended up third. Way to go New England! Congratulations to Karen Binder for earning her way into the Gold Fleet on her first attempt. She is a strong competitor and will have continued success at every attempt. Closet racer took Fifth in the Silver Fleet. Looks like Bill really caught the racing bug and as many know it is terminal. Look for other New England competitors here. http://dniceboat.org/2020/na.html Looking forward to the details from those that were there.
Meanwhile, 2200 miles away 25+ sailors enjoyed a fourth day of sailing on Lake Winnipesaukee. Overnight temperatures hovered around freezing so the plate was softening up but the wind was up making it the fastest of the four days.
Brian’s daughter Bella was out sailing and I’m told she is outgrowing her boat. Good thing her father is a master builder… A couple boats returned to New England Ice with new owners. Returning to the ice were Hal Chamberlain’s Hicdic and Roger LIvingston’s Whiz. Way to keep their memory alive guys.
Heavy rain will put us in shape for next weekend. Stay tuned.
Till we sail,
John
DN5023
john@neiya.org
01/26/2020 | Categories: 2020 Season | Comments Off on Historic Day For The NEIYA
I came upon this ice formation near the leeward mark and it best describes yesterday (Friday 1/25) perfectly. 40 sailors gathered at the intersection of ice and Ice and Fun.
Blessed by ice
Sailors came from all over New England, Long Island NY, The Jersey Shore, and Andre’ Baby brought six Canadians down on his coattails two from far away Hamilton This almost invalidated thier participation in the Common Sense regatta but as we know ice draws us to the extreme. We were thrilled to host the MIT iceboating team with their four Buchholz build DNs. They were thrilled to take their first spin on an iceboat. Remember your first iceboat sail? Those smiles should remind you. We look forward to sailing with the MIT team again soon.
MIT Iceboating Team
The day started out with some light breeze as shown on the NEIYA burgee at the top of my mast (yes we reordered let me know if you want one). This a gave everyone a chance to familiarize themselves with the ice conditions. The wind speeds increased at about noon and the real fun began.
The NA orphans and many others gathered around the leeward mark and ran numerous scratch races to complete the Small Sky (common sense) Regatta. Racing continued till about 3:00 and we followed the dying breeze back into the pits.
Some views from the pit. We had a couple pro photographers out there shooting who promised to send us their pics so more to come. If you have some favorite shots send them my way.
We have a front moving in today and it could prep us for some great sailing in February. Winni again? We will see…
The NA’s in Montana are still going on with one more day of races. In the Gold Fleet, Chad and T are still first and second follow by Ron Sherry. Bill Bucholz is currently in 8th place with an impressive 2nd place yesterday in the Silver fleet. Wishing the NEIYA and all competitors the best of luck on this final day of competition and a smooth ride home. Preliminary results here http://dniceboat.org/2020/na.html
That’s all for now as the ice is calling…
See you on the ice,
John
DN5023
john@neiya.org
P.S. If you are not receiving posts in your email box please let me know.
01/25/2020 | Categories: 2020 Season | Comments Off on Wow, What a Day on Winni!
New England Ice Yacht Association 