Thinking About Registering Last Minute for the North Americans? – DN North America
Take a look!
https://www.idniyra.org/thinking-about-registering-last-minute-for-the-north-americans/
Old is new
This weekend not one but TWO rehabbed stern steerers made the ice on Lake Wentworth in NH. Dusty, the latest to rise from the ashes, just had a new set of sails sewn last spring. A few tweaks needed to fine tune her. But she sailed ok after stretching her bones. Cyclone makes her second showing since the restoration and performed as well as the skippers old bones would allow. To add to the celebration a newly rehabbed gambit glided over the ice as well.
Opportunities Await Early Week
Sunapee was once again by an assortment of boats on Sunday. Reports from the ice noted the wind has scoured much of the snow off the surface but there are still snow patches to steer around.
Maine has several opportunities available now and a couple new options being investigated. Check out the Chickawaukie Club’s site for details iceboat.me.
Boats are still set up on Wentworth in NH. This includes a newly restored stern steerer.
Echoing James “T” Thieler’s appeal for regatta-sized ice. If you see something say something. Scouters have been searching high and low but maybe something was missed.
We are heading into a mid-week warm-up phase so be alert for change.
More info as it come.
Think Ice,
John
DN5023
John@neiya.org
Sunapee 2/17 Update
A good time was had by twelve boats. Multi classes represented from BDX to Wiz, DNs and a brand new pilot tearing it up on a lockley
Conditions varied with steady breaks from 10 to 15 and gusts in low 20s and some snow squalls in the heavier air.
The surface was light crusted snow on top that plates got a good smooth grip on. There are some soft boat stopping snow drifts.
People will be returning to state beach launch tomorrow. Come on down. If you are coming leave a comment to encourage others.
Sail Fast,
John
DN5023
John@neiya.org
NA Champs Ice Hunt…
Hey Folks-
Like everyone else we are needing some serious ice, but this is for the DN NA champs next week, starting the 25th.
If you have any intel on where a good sized plate (2 x 2 mile minimum) may be hiding with good access, plenty of parking, and a hotel or two nearby let us know! Email addresses are below.
This is your chance to be a hero! Thanks, T
Last night, the IDNIYRA Governing Group met to discuss the site selection for the 2024 North American Championship. A weather system is currently moving across the eastern part of the United States. Despite the usual challenges, we remain committed to finding the perfect location for the championship.
We are sending scouts to explore potential New England and Northern Minnesota sites and are monitoring conditions in Northern Michigan. On Tuesday, we have a conference call scheduled with a weather service to discuss the long-range forecast for the regatta. At present, we do not have a primary site secured. However, we are working hard to finalize our decision and plan to announce the chosen venue on Wednesday night, February 21, 2024.
Your assistance in this process is invaluable. If you have any information regarding potential regatta ice, please do not hesitate to contact your regional commodore. Stay tuned for further updates as we navigate through this process together.
Regional Commodores
Host Region – Eastern – James “T” Thieler t_thieler@yahoo.com
Canada – Colin Duncan – colinduncan439@gmail.com
Central Region – Peter Johanson – petejoh@med.umich.edu
Western Region – Chris Berger – berg820@yahoo.com
What’s On For The Weekend 2/17-18
Sorry for the late response here’s the scoop. If its not listed I either know it to be uninhabitable or have no information. As always if you see something say something. My email is at the bottom.
Sunapee: Possible for the weekend. Sailed today by a small group it was quite windy and rough. Good time was had by all and some will return on Saturday
Visiting artist and filmmaker Janet Biggs (https://www.jbiggs.com/) and husband Bob with Mark Credit Peter Boynton
More on the filming in another post
Wentworth: Maybe – Boats are set up but snow needs to evaporate. There will be attempts at sailing. Give it a try.
Scouting and Photo Charlie S.
Quaboag (The Q) was scouted by Bob S. this afternoon and he reports. the snow has blown off the north end but the south end is still covered. Not sure what it will be like to sail. Cut new holes that measured 5 in. Bob says he may go out if a few people want to give it a go. Sorry no picture is available but we all know what a half-snow-covered lake looks like.
Points Maine:
Check out what Bill has written on iceboat.me Basically Damariscotta sounds good if anyone wants to venture up there.
As to who is going where well we know some people will be back at Sunapee so round up a buddy or two and drag them out. It has been reported to be rough but I have not personally been on it so make your call. People are also likely to show up at Quaboag to see it for themselves. Take a run-over if you need a break to get outdoors.
Think Ice and Sail Fast,
John
DN5023
john@neiya.org
Friday 2/16 Post Snow Initial Update
The consensus on last night’s well-attended call was to wait and see what the snow brings us. Reports are coming in:
Great Sacandaga West end got 4 plus inches and is done for now, as reported by Paul Chamberland. The East end is being checked and will report back if the prognosis is positive.
Sunapee received 2-3 inches and the snow is currently being blown around and my clear up in a few hours. More news as it comes in.
Wentworth area received a few inches and as Charlie S. said “Have to see how the “wind” broom does” throughout the day
No word on the various Maine Lakes. Check iceboat.me for the latest
That’s all that we know for now. Updates will follow later today when we better understand the snow’s impact. Remember there are big winds today so a big sweep could occur.
Think Ice without snow,
John
DN5023
John@neiya.org
Thursday Check In
As you read this some people are setting or sailing across our region. There was some urgency expressed as we have another system bearing down on the previously spared areas of NH and ME. To those who got out today have a great day.
I received a request from a NY artist and filmmaker Janet Biggs (https://www.jbiggs.com/) who is interested in filming some ice boating activity on Friday and Saturday in NH. I invited her to join us tonight at 6:30 and she can provide details on the call. Keep this request in mind when you tune in tonight.
Fingers crossed that we can carry the current good fortune into the weekend. With a little luck, we will have some great cruising and some scratch racing and maybe some silver on the line.
Think Ice,
John
DN5023
John@neiya.org
Current Ice Addendum
Not sure how I left it off our ice list last night but Levitt Beach on Lake Winnipesaukee is still in play with a good surface waiting to be sailed. Please note caution is required as new hazards are likely.
There should be lots to talk about condition-wise tomorrow night at 6:30 pm and hopefully even more options.
Think Ice,
John
DN5023
John@neiya.org
Ice Awaits – Ready To Sail?
We have moved through a warm spell and the storm didnt dump snow atop our ice. So line em up, more opportunities are right off the beach.
VP Charlie S’s scouted Wentworth and found an 8″ average with a minimum of 6″ over all. the surface is a little bumpy but a very sailable grade seven. The only problem found was a pressure ridge on the north side of Triggs Island to the shore and another off Turtle Island. People will begin gathering tomorrow
As reported yesterday Sunapee was sailed Monday and people will be returning to State Beach in the coming days.
Bill Buchholz is pumped about the conditions and writes “The lake has improved measurably since our last sailing there. The pressure ridges have calmed down, the surface is a strong 7, and the quality of the plate is flawless.” Read the full report on iceboat.me.
There is more ice out there so don’t keep it a secret
Think Ice,
John
DN5023
John@neiya.org
Dodged the White Fluffy Bullet
As the snow falls across coastal New England we can look at its beauty knowing our more northern (inland) lakes have been spared this time around and waiting to be scouted and or sailed again.
With Tuesday’s pending storm in the forecast, three members sailed Sunapee from State Beach yesterday. Their diligence paid off and had a great day of sailing. Very possible there will be more to come on Sunapee in the coming days. To the victor goes the spoils. In this case, a great day of sailing when the odds didn’t look great. This was not an accident but the result of watchful efforts on Mark Friedman’s part. Mark thanks for your dedication to keeping track of Sunapee.
More first-hand conditions coming in over the next couple of days.
Stay tuned and check in on Thursday’s 6:30 PM call for weekend activities.
Thanks all who have tirelessly kept a watchful eye and scouted venues across the region.
Think Ice,
John
DN5023
John@neiya.org
Between The Refreeze and Snow
It’s Superbowl LVIII and we are often sailing somewhere this time of year. I have often listened to the start of the game on the way home and rolled up to a SB party sometime around halftime.
As we know this year is different. We watched as temps have crept up this week and are peaking right about now. Temperatures are dropping tonight and then we have some snow event. How much? Just wait and see.
With the snow coming sometime Tuesday a small group of people will continue scouting Sunapee at State Beach Tomorrow Monday. Sunapee has been scouted today and is 7-9 inches thick and smoothing. There is no guarantee what the actual conditions will be but get it in before the storm comes. Might be the last shot for a few days, so if you have off come out. There are tricky conditions so be careful and buddy up for sure.
Think Ice,
John
DN5023
John@neiya.org
Feb 9th Recap & Update
Last night’s well attended call focused much on the quality ice time that was had by so many across the region rather than the near future i.e. this weekend. People have been sailing all week with crowds gathering on Chickawaukie and Damariscotta in Maine, Leavitt’s Beach on Lake Winnipesaukee, and Mallets Bay on Lake Champlain as well as an old stand-by Quaboag Pond in MA.
All venues saw good crowds full of race folks, cruisers, and in a couple of cases the next generation of iceboaters gliding across Chhickawauki and Winnippusaki.
With the warming trend and overall warmer weather over the weekend, people have pulled their boats off the ice and we have paused activities for a few days. I know some of us will venture down to the water’s edge for a look. This is important to understand what condition the various plates are in before it gets cold again in a couple few days.
Stay tuned we will have more to talk about early to mid-next week.
Think Ice,
John
DN5023
John@neiya.org
P.S. Please be sure to pass along ice status over the next few days and share your pictures too.
Good Weekday Ice Opportunities
Sailors have found ice and will be sailing for the next couple of days.
Starting in the north Chickawaukie Pond and Damariscota Lake at the north end have been and remain sailable. There are some details on the Chickawaukie Club site iceboat.me and do check with people who have already sailed it.
As previously reported People sailed inner Mallets Bay in Colchester VT.
Leavitt’s Beach on Lake Winnipesaukee has been sailed all weekend and boats remain set up on the ice. Seek out local if you go as there are always hazards somewhere.
Quaboag Pond has been sailed and some people will be headed there for more today. Do check with those who have sailed it.
There are reports of people sailing a smaller-than-usual plate at Bantam yesterday they are likely to return today. Note, bigger boats have not set up there yet. Be careful and consult with those at the launch area.
That’s all that can be or has been relayed to others at the moment.
Think Ice,
John
DN5023
John@neiya.org
Mallets Bay
Four Boats sailed inner Mallets Bay today. Ice is primo grade, 8-9 out of ten at least!
We didn’t check the outer bay but plenty of room on the inner part.
More boats planning on sailing tomorrow- marks will be set for scratch racing. Launch from Mallets Bay Fish And Wildlife Access Area in Colchester VT.
Look forward to seeing some boats on the ice tomorrow!
T
Ice Hunt
Hey folks, sounds like people have been sailing at Levitt Beach in New Hampshire and maybe Quaboag Pond in Massachusetts. Also Chiki and Dammy in Maine. Check NEIYA and CIBC sites for info on those
Mallets Bay has been sailed and some glowing reports and video have emerged…. This author will be sailing it today and tomorrow and possibly further into the week.
Could be a good chance to get some laps in before the NA regatta pops up- there could be a handful of boats to race against.
Will post a report here later in the day-
Stay tuned!
Doc Fellows Update
Hey Folks-
Yesterday we were out-winded and out-glared…. Going really fast downwind while being blinded by the light was deemed not the best idea so we called racing off for the day.
Forecast and conditions identical today so not official racing, just scrub racing for anyone who is up for it.
Sail w caution, keep your eyes open and your head on a swivel- Chiki is a Great Lake but a compact one so there will be plenty of traffic!
Will be searching for bigger and better ice as we are determined to get a regatta in prior to the NAs!
Think ICE
Winnin Fun
Great day of sailing off Leavitt’s Beach in Meredith. Great ice once you got out of the pits and winds all day to get to the 40mph range. 15 boats of all types from vintage DNs to the newly renovated Black Fly. Clear sailing out to beyond 3 mile island with solid orange peel surface. Freeskaters and wings join the fray with a goodly bunch of well equipped wild skaters to add to the mix. Many to return tomorrow and beyond as long as the ice and weather hold.
Doc Fellows Feb 3-4
Hey Folks-
Looking forward to getting some NE regattas in the books, starting tomorrow!
The Doc Fellows is on! Things to know:
-There is a good sized crack that runs from about the launch due east across the lake. Easy to cross perpendicularly…. Once north of that no worries.
-should be plenty of breeze tomorrow- eat a big dinner, a big breakfast, and get familiar w the racing right of way rules.
-proof of insurance is a MUST! You all know the drill….
-Races will be run all day Saturday and into Sunday if needed. First race at noon Saturday.
-A Vintage Beater award will be given for the best finish in the least cutting edge boat….
-if anyone wants to do race committee let me know! If not we will do Maine-Style scoring (win a race, keep score for the next one)
See everyone tomorrow! T
DOC FELLOWS REGATTA IS ON!
Hey Folks-
The Doc Fellows regatta will be held this weekend on Chikiwaukee Lake in Rockport ME. Launch from Rt 17 First race at noon. More details to follow-
Apologies for the late notice.
Think ICE! T
Winni ice
There is a sailable chunk of ice out of Leavitt’s beach in Meredith, NH. There is a rough area at the launch where slush trudgers marched through but smooths out nicely within 100 meters. There is a weak line about 30 meters out that has surprised 2 people already. Hug the shore and go left gets you by it. There looks to be about 3-4” black with 2-3 grey on top. Most has a nice orange peel surface with it getting bumpier beyond 3 mile island. There are some healed over holes to be alert to some marked but many not. There is thin ice that would eat a runner and some a boat. They are a darker grey and may have a snow hummock. Beyond 3 mile it gets tricky with the holes, leads and some pressure spots building. The area is not without its hazards so scout carefully and thoroughly at slow speed before heavy play. There are 3 boats there now waiting patiently for wind. Sorry I don’t have a current pic.
Weekend Sailing
During our usual call with news from around the region including the Adirondacks. All leads have been chased down and many miles driven to confirm. We do not have a lot of opportunities but two have surfaced. Leavitt Beach on Lake Winnipesaukee and Chickawaukie Pond in Rockland, ME.
Our VC Charlie S. has already set up at Leavitt and intends to sail on Saturday. There may be more updates before Saturday so check here for further announcements.
Bill Buchholz has been busy scouting in Maine and reports via iceboat.me that Chickawaukie is on for the weekend.
For anyone itching to line up on the starting line, the Don Doc Fellows or other NEIYA race(s) are being considered for Saturday. More on that tomorrow.
For those in the Adirondack region or inclined to travel there check out the reports coming from the Lake Saratoga Iceboat group https://www.facebook.com/groups/213710780392547
See you on the ice,
John
DN5023
John@neiya.org
New England Ice Yacht Association 