1993 DN World Champs Video / Article
Hey Folks- We are still hoping to get some sailing in even though the weather picture is looking interesting…. Sunday will be the day if we can make it happen. Stay tuned to this site for details.
While you are waiting take a look at this video from and featuring our own Jeff Kent and many other NE notables, a very cool trip down memory lane! Be sure to read the accompanying article as well. Good stuff. THINK ICE.
1993 Worlds: A Look Back Through Video – DN North America (idniyra.org)
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Regatta This Weekend
Hello All-
Just wanted to let everyone know there is a good shot at getting in a regatta this weekend-
There is ice to be had, possibly in several places. When we zero in on the best one we will make an announcement. Could be in MA, ME, or NH….
As always three or more of any class will get their own start and a thorough knowledge of the Racing Rules is a necessity. Note that there are some differences with the conventional soft water rules so review them here: Rules & Safety – DN North America (idniyra.org)
In addition, each sailor must provide proof of $300,000 personal liability at time of registration. Print a copy and keep it in your toolbox and/or take a picture of it and keep it in your phone.
There will be a Classic/Vintage award given out at the discretion of the Regatta Chairman so don’t hesitate to show up even if your boat is a little less than cutting edge!
Stay tuned to this site for details- Will make a formal announcement ASAP.
Line ’em up!!
T Thieler DN US 5224 NEIYA Regatta Chair
Quabog Pond, Massachusetts – Ice is IN
This news is just in from Bob S who we are all so grateful to for his dedication to scouting ice for all of us. This picture is from today at Quabog Pond in Massachusetts. Bob S. reports 4" of ice and he plans to sail tomorrow, Thursday, 1/13/2022.
REMEMBER: Use Caution! There are always hazards! Talk to people who have gone out before you head out. Never sail or scout alone. Sail Head’s Up!
Thanks, Karen
Ice Checking In Progress
It’s been cold. True ice building cold. The people in Maine were indeed sailing in frigid conditions yesterday (https://iceboat.me). ice checkers are out this morning at several locations. Stay tuned we will have more info later in the day. Remember even though we are all anxious we are in the early stages of the season and many areas still have snow on top which prevents proper scouting.
With a little luck, we may be sailing this weekend in MA (Quaboag), and a couple other locations are on the scouting list. Of course, Damariscotta in Maine is being sailed now check https://iceboat.me for details and we will recap tomorrow or Friday.
Be safe when checking and report your findings. Organize your own scouting parties. Report initial findings via our forum and let people know.
See something say something…
Think Ice,
John
DN5023
john@neiya.org
Take Notes Any Way You Can!
When you are on the phone with a multiple DN North American and World Champion and riding shotgun with a DN North American champion one should ALWAYS TAKE NOTES! Not having a pen and paper at the ready, the sharpie and my right hand had to suffice.
Yesterday, T and I were driving back to RI after three days of great sailing on Walled Lake in Michigan. The ice was HARD and the wind was UP! I am pleased to say I did really well. No one was taking scores, but I am pretty sure I won every B fleet race. My starts were spot on and I was really focused on my body position in the boat. Yet, the fear factor remains high when coming into the leeward mark at a high rate of speed. I was definitely slipping more than I wanted to and in one race I almost spun out. Sunday was even windier with monster puffs in the upper 20s. I had little traction during my tacks and gybes.
I used my heavy 90-degree max inserts all weekend and my front runner has a 95-degree profile. The bigger and more experienced sailors were using 95-degree side runners and still maintaining control and going incredibly fast. Impressive! It’s truly these little things in DN racing that can make all the difference in terms of speed and your position in the fleet.
Mid-day on Saturday, I remembered Jane Pegel, kindly emailed me last year about big wind and her runner choice. I recalled something about an 85-degree front runner. Today, I just reviewed the notes she sent me. Yes, indeed, her front runner was 85 degrees. She said she rarely used her 90-degree side runners even in windy conditions If Jane was able to go fast and maintain control with her 95s and rarely used her 90s, because they are just too sharp and dig into the ice too deeply, should I get a new front runner for better traction? I am definitely considering it.
Then yesterday, Ron Sherry called us on the road. Ron gave me two key tips for big air and they went onto my right hand. Loosen my side stays and lower the halyard a bit. He said both of those small changes will make a huge difference and help you stick on the ice more. Thanks Ron for always being willing to share your knowledge!
I always think I am going to remember things people tell me, but in this sport there are so many variables and scenarios. There is different ice and wind conditions, multiple runner options, rig adjustments, and I am nowhere close to considering the different batten options that exist. I know now taking notes and keeping them for reference will help me make better sense of this sport.
Can’t wait for more sailing soon!
Karen
NEIYA Secretary
DN5630
Near and Sub Zero Temps – Stay Vigilant
Here we go again. We had some some last week and the rain moved through over the weekend clearing the way for some sailing. Chickawaukie Ice Boat Club in Maine members have found some ice on the southern end of Damariscotta Lake and are sailing there today. Please check iceboat.me for details. There appears to be some access challenges and we must be good lake use citizens. This applies to all places we sail and we must get along with all lake users regardless of use.
We are waiting for additional reports. Ice in southern New England is building but no where near ready.
As always see something say something. There is a general good feeling we will be sailing this week and into the weekend.
Think Ice,
John
DN5023
john@neiya.org
RI goes West
Seeing as NE was snowed out a few lucky RI sailors skipped town and made a nuisance of ourselves a little further west…. Binder and Thieler sailed with the MI crowd on Walled Lake and Atkins mixed it up w the Madison group In WI.
As far as I know it was all scrub racing in MI and no scores were kept but suffice it to say RI represented well across the board. And of course a good time was had by all.
In Madison scores were kept and Atkins was lit up…. https://www.iceboat.org/
Looking forward to some local ice soon….
Walled Lake, MI
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Atkins In WI
Rudi Bauer, Fair Winds….
Sad to hear this…
Rudi Bauer OE39 – DN North America (idniyra.org)
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DN NATIONALS DEADLINE
Hey Gang- Planning on going to the DN Nationals? Register today and claim a sweatshirt- today is the final day for this so get on the computer and sign up! Click below for the details.
Think Ice!
2022 U.S. Nationals – DN North America (idniyra.org)
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Sailing In Maine On Monday!!
This just in from the Maine gang- Cancel whatever plans you had and head on up!
Hope to have some marks set up and scratch races will be going all day-
Read on here and keep an eye on the CIBC site for details at Chickawaukie Ice Boat Club | Maine ice boat enthusiasts and friends
Graham Lake Sailing Monday
Posted on January 1, 2022 by billbuchholz
It’s a foggy day in Downeast Maine. We know that fog eats snow, but what does it do to ice? When last checked, Graham had 4.5” of good ice protected with a half inch of crusty snow. Light rain has likely taken care of the crust, now the ice needs to hang in there for another twenty-four hours before it gets cold again. More drizzle and fog is expected tomorrow.But Monday looks to be a stellar day. The entire lake is potentially sailable. Tuesday is looking good as well.
This is looking south, about halfway up the lake, taken last Monday, but a week is a lifetime for ice.
We’ll be launching from the south end boat launch ramp, just west of the dam. Take Eagle Rd off Rt. 180 a couple of miles north of Rt. 1a.
There are two known hazards: a tennis court size hole about 3/4 mile north of the dam, about in the middle of the lower bay. This will need to be marked. The other is a pressure ridge coming off the point on the west side of the narrows, about a third of the way north. It’s been crossed close along the east shore in some rough ice.
Again, all this could have changed but the only way to find out for sure is to show up. Please do not take off up the lake alone. The lake needs to be scouted.
Happy New Year, Happy Sailing!
Graham Lake
It was a good day on Graham Lake today as four boats ( including new guy Luke Ralph) sailed several scratch races on grade 8 ice and in decent breeze.
The plate is an honest 8.5 – 9.0. Pack up and head to the launch at the south end of the lake by the dam. There is a decent sized (tennis court sized) goose hole about 3/4 mile from the dam.
Forecast calling flr wintry mix tomorrow so we will see what happens…. Stay tuned!
ICE IN MAINE
Hey Gang- the Maine-iacs have come through again!
Sounds like very good news as Graham Lake is being reported as looking good- Sailors from Maine, RI and CT will be heading that way tomorrow to check it out- Scratch racing will be going on and if the weather stays good we may try to squeeze in the Doc Fellows before the year is out.
We are assured that the launch has plenty of room and the lake is pretty large- Come race, cruise, and get the season started!
Launch area is at the southern end of the lake, just west of the dam on Patriot Rd in Ellsworth, ME. Take Rt 180 to either Eagle or Patriot Rd (different names show up on different sites) and look for parking just west of the dam.
Of course stay clear of the dam as ice will be thin near the current- Also be advised there is a fish hatchery where Green Lake connects to Graham Lake and ice will be thin near there. Avoid this area and of course use caution as no ice is EVER guaranteed safe!
Keep an eye on CIBC and NEIYA sites for details and updates. Hope to see everyone soon!
Chickawaukie Ice Boat Club | Maine ice boat enthusiasts and friends
New England Ice Yacht Association (theneiya.org)
From the CIBC site:
Four inches of smooth hard ice, microscopic dusting of snow. Skimmed holes now have 2.25” of ice with a tad more expected by morning. Some of these healed holes have pine branch markers. There is a long semi-healed crack which you need to locate before you can safely sail this lake. Check in before you go out. Excellent forecast, excellent ice. All that’s needed now is excellent company.
On Graham Lake in Ellsworth there is the same plate of ice. It’s been scouted around the perimeter with a few crossings and appears to be in great shape. If there will be DN racing that will be the place; either an NEIYA regatta or scratch racing. As usual this time of year things happen fast. There are two possible launch sites, but the south end near the dam (gulp) is the best launch. There was a little water seeping up around the edge, but the plate is fine. A short plank will be helpful. Be sure you access this site from Rt.180. If you wind up on the wrong side of the dam you’ll need to drive around.
The forecast looks pretty good for a nice stretch if we can dodge a few white bullets midweek.
It’s 12/21/2021 10:59 EST Do you Know Where Your Iceboat Is?
As the PSA used to remind us, it’s getting late and something important may be left unattended. Could that be your iceboat?
If you are building get it finished. If you are stuck and need advice ask someone. If you don’t know who drop me a note and I will route you through our network to someone local. Looking for parts post a wanted in the classified section.
We are all waiting on the ice and as most of us know this is fairly typical in the Northeast. We can sail before Christmas but sometimes not.
This past Saturday we had a small group of people gather at Landfall Navigation in Stamford, CT to discuss iceboating with members and quite a few conversations with the usual Saturday customers. The usual questions: how fast do you go? where do you sail? And my favorite, where can I see it and can I try. We successfully got a few local, to me, people out on Bantam last winter. Iceboat intros occurred in all NE states but RI and maybe there too. Each one of us is an ice ambassador. It is up to all of us to shepherd the interested onto the ice. More on this as the season progresses.
This past Saturday we had a small group of people gather at Landfall Navigation in Stamford, CT to discuss iceboating with members and quite a few conversations with the usual Saturday customers. The usual questions: how fast do you go? where do you sail? And my favorite, where can I see it and can I try. We successfully got a few local, to me, people out on Bantam last winter. Iceboat intros occurred in all NE states but RI and maybe there too. Each one of us is an ice ambassador. It is up to all of us to shepherd the interested onto the ice. More on this as the season progresses.
The weather is looking more as it should complete with a system that will move through tonight and into tomorrow. Will this set us up for a post-Christmas sail? Maybe.
In the meantime be ready we may even be able to get the orphan regattas in from last year in the waning days of 2021.
Think Ice,
John
Commodore, NEIYA
DN5023
john@neiya.org
IDNIYRA YEARBOOK
The latest yearbook for the DN class is out-
Take a look online or get a copy for your shelf or shop at
2022 IDNIYRA Yearbook – DN North America
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December Runner Tracks
The new issue is out! Be sure to check it out, this is yet another great one, full of great stories from back in the day….
Runner Tracks December 2021 – DN North America (idniyra.org)
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DN NATIONALS REGISTRATION / INFORMATION
Hey Gang- Sign up now for the DN Nationals- Registration is open!
See you all there- Think Ice!
2022 U.S Nationals Notice of Race & Registration – DN North America (idniyra.org)
DN NATIONALS
Hey Folks- The big DN event of the year has been called on- Mark your calendars!
Think Ice! T
NEIYA Racing
Hello All-
Just wanted to remind everyone that the NEIYA is planning to have a full slate of regattas this season. With a little luck we may even be able to squeeze in one or two from the 2021 season before the year is out.
As usual we will welcome volunteers as well as competitors, so if anyone is interested in keeping score or waving start and finish flags please let us know.
Racing will be open to any class of boat that can produce three or more competitors on the day- Going around the marks isn’t just for DNs ! Would love to see other types of boats mixing it up on the course.
On the subject of DNs, don’t forget that we will be running a regatta within a regatta for the skipper with the best result in the oldest, less than cutting edge boat. The award for this class will be decided by the Regatta Chairman and whoever he feels like conferring with and has no firm guidelines. Giving out this award drew quite a few boats out at our last few events, skippered by people who normally would not have gone racing. A good time was had by all and some good contests were had by the older boats in the fleet. So if you have an older boat with plate runners, aluminum or wood mast, ratty old sail, whatever, don’t worry about it- come on out and go racing!
Get familiar with the racing rules for iceboats and be sure to have (and be able to prove) that you have the proper insurance and come join the fun.
We are hearing rumors of ice coming in up north- if we know of anything sailable for the weekend we will try to get a race together. If you hear of anything sailable be sure to sing out and let us all know about it!
Think Ice,
T. Thieler
NEIYA Regatta Chair
DN US 5224
DN NATIONAL CHAMPS REGISTRATION
Hey Folks- Mark you calendars and get signed up for this one!
It’s coming fast…. last year’s event was a big hit and this year has a lot of promise as well. 70 boats attended the Great Western Challenge and that is a good omen!
2022 U.S Nationals Notice of Race & Registration – DN North America (idniyra.org)
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First Blood Behind Us
Our season has opened. As most of you already know, NEIYA sailors hit the ice the first weekend of December on Plymouth Pond in Maine and at the Great Western Challenge in Minnesota. Since then, conditions have deteriorated and temperatures have not consistently dropped below freezing. It does not look promising for a little while. Hold tight, check your gear, etc. This is no surprise, as not much happens before Christmas but is a real treat when it does.
As promised, I will be hosting a gathering of wannabe, new and seasoned iceboaters Landfall Navigation in Stamford CT this coming Saturday 10 am – 3 pm. Bring your boat down for a pre-ice survey. There will be decades of experience of waiting to help out. If you have any interest in iceboating come down all are welcome.
Where: Landfall Navigation, 151 Harvard Ave, Stamford CT 06902 just off I95 exit 6 North or Southbound
As always if you know something communicate with me or other officers or committee members. Word will be spread via this website prior to a weekend or event. We will attempt to give as much notice as possible but weather is weather and not always reliable.
Looking back at the Great Western Challenge December 3-5th
We traveled by car and air from ME, RI, MA, and CT. All received a warm Minnesota welcome. Not just from the Race Committee but all the sailors as well as the locals who stopped by or introduced themselves at the local eating and drinking establishments. Hats off to our MN hosts who put in hours of scouting leading up to the event.
If you are ever in Battle Lake MN be sure to stop in at the Shoreline Restaurant, Bar, and Bowl for great eats and lake views.
Be sure to consume the apex predator of the northern lakes. Whether at the Shoreline in Battle Lake or someplace else. Walleye is excellent eating. Blackened for dinner and in the Fisherman’s omelet for breakfast while watching the sunrise over the lake. If that is not enough to get you in there, the Shoreline hosts a meat raffle every Friday night. I wonder what would happen if one of us won. Traveling 1500 miles with a slab of dead cow is a story just waiting to be told. Maybe next time.
Other must-have culinary treats are the mini corn dogs and Prime Rib at the City Restaurant & Club 74 in Asby, just a short way down Rt 78 from Lake Christina.
Took home a souvenir from Minneapolis but promise to bring it back when we return.
Images from sidelines and the ranks.
Great Western Challenge picture from a pro. Photos by JH Peterson – See more JH pictures from the GWC https://theneiya.org/?p=12701&preview=true
And now we wait…
Think Ice,
John Stanton
Commodore, NEIYA
DN5023
john@neiya.org
All Tuned Up
The lifeblood of any organization is the collective knowledge of its members and their ability to impart wisdom to newcomers.
Thanks to Steve Lamb for his decades-long support of the NEIYA and the sport of iceboating we were once again able to hold the Off-Ice Tune-Up. Special thanks to Linda Lamb and Val for keeping everyone well fed and cheery.
The regulars began showing up shortly before the scheduled start time, followed by the first of many newbies with their boats.
Six ice boats and a land sailer were rolled into the shop. The Yankee class Skeeter’s mast was just too tall for the ceiling and was moved to the back lot to be surveyed and set up. Paul Zucco took charge of getting Eddie’s Yankee together for the first time. Eddie, good luck with your new boat and see you on the ice.
The perfect storm began to unfold, requiring a reworking of the agenda. Decades of experience descended on the many new iceboaters needing hands-on help or advice.
As the afternoon progressed, we had just enough time for one presenter. Since a majority of the crowd wanted to talk about runners, T took to the workbench with a set of stones.
Like many of us, I will talk about iceboating to anyone who will listen and there was much talking. Eventually, most of us were talked out and the crowds packed up their boats and headed home. Everyone had dreams of black ice last night.
And now, we wait, all Tuned up and no place to go. Yet…
Think Ice,
John
New England Ice Yacht, Commodore
DN5023
john@commodore
P.S. We will have one more off ice gathering Landfall in Stamford, CT – Details soon
Sweden Welcomes the 2021 – 2022 Ice Sailing Season – DN North America
Looks like the Swedes got the jump on everyone this year!
https://www.idniyra.org/2021/11/19/sweden-welcomes-the-2021-2022-ice-sailing-season/
LIVE ON ZOOM: Ask Matt Struble – 12 Nov @ 7 PM ET – DN North America
Hey Folks- you don’t want to miss this Q and A with Matt Struble. If you’ve ever sailed with or against him you’ll know why….
He has a few World, NA, and European Championship victories on his resume and will be talking DN stuff tonight. You will learn something, guaranteed!
Check the link for details- Think ICE!
https://www.idniyra.org/2021/11/10/live-on-zoom-ask-matt-struble-12-nov-7-pm-et/
2021 Swap & Meeting Recap
The day was on the warmer side and sunny. Perfect to roam the parking lot, talk to new and old friends, pick up equipment and check out items for sale. Next up our annual luncheon and annual meeting.
This year’s meeting was dedicated to one of NEIYA’s founding members Leo Healy who passed away earlier this year. Rob Healy one of Leo’s sons came to represent the Healy family. The meeting kicked off with a brief discussion of how many ice days were had by the membership. In spite of difficult times three members, Bill Buchholz, T, and Karen Binder, got in 30 or so days. Not bad for any year and particularly under the ever-present cloud of covid. Shows one what a little perseverance and determination will get you.
The usual business portion of the meeting followed, Secretary’s and Treasure’s reports were entered into the record followed by the election of officers. Voted into office for the 2021-22 season are John Stanton for Commodore, Jay Whitehair for vice Commodore, Karen Binder as Secretary, and Bob Haag as Treasurer. In addition “T” Thieler and Bill Buchholz agreed to serve as our Race and Cruising Chairs for another year.
In addition to announcing the nominating committee recommended slate to the membership Eben Whitcomb reminded everyone that the NEIYA is a volunteer organization and we need active volunteers to get things done at all levels. This plea was also echoed by many in the room. Be sure to answer the call when it comes.
T had an easy time giving a racing recap as all races were postponed and if we do not get them in by the end of the year, canceled for the season. T then gave an overview of the racing that will likely take place and as everyone except newbies knows everything is condition dependent.
For the third year in a row the Hardway was successfully completed. Charles Silfvenius and assisted by Bill Buchholz gave a recap of the event and outlined next year’s tentative plans. The event would not have happened without Charlie’s watchful eye and guidance. In addition to the Hardway, the Spring Frolic may return as well. We would all love to see a major ice event return to Winni.
Up next Chad Atkins IDNIYA Eastern Rear Commodore gave an update on the upcoming DN events as well as the background and results of the recent IDNIYRA equipment ballot proposals. The international and North American events are in flux due to covid restrictions.
In the new business portion of the meeting Commodore Stanton made two proposals relating to the Hardway. The first recognized the Hardway as an official NEIYA event which it has never been even though it was organized and administered by the NEIYA. The second proposal, change the name of the Hardway to the Leo Healy Memorial Hardway in honor of its founder Leo Healy. Both proposals passed by a unanimous vote.
Coming up next
Off Ice tune ups. At this time we are working on dates and exact locations. One will be in Stamford CT for sure.
MA Boston Area Location / Date TBD
NH Sunapee area Location / Date TBD
Southern CT @ Landfall Stamford, CT Date TBD
I am looking forward to a great season. Think Ice Everyone,
John Stanton
Commodore, New England Ice Yacht Association
DN5023
John@neiya.org
P.S. Several new or newer people are looking for boats if you have something that someone else might need please list it on the classifieds or reach out to me or one of the other officers.
P.P.S. Below are an assortment of pictures taken by one of our rising stars Milo Fleming
NEIYA People
Swap Meet Boats
Swap meet stuff. Which as we know always associated with people.
Talking about where we have been and discussing plans for the upcoming season and beyond.
New England Ice Yacht Association 