Early Week Reports
Still sorting out what fell on top of the various surfaces and what impact it had across New England.
We do know that Quabaug needs some more cold weather to solidify the slush resting on top of the surface. Late info the surface has improved since yesterday but needs some cold.
Various places on Champlain are being watched by our ace spotter John Zierman and have a possibility of coming in. More on Champlain locations later in the week. A few more cold nights will help things along.
Bill Buchholz has been reporting conditions on Damarascota. Check out https://iceboat.me for updates from the source.
There is greyed out ice can be found in the various bays on Lake Winnipesaukee and we are waiting on a couple area spotters for additional intel.
Lots of unknowns at this point and we are waiting to build some ice everywhere over the next couple nights. Stay tuned, from the looks of things there will be some sailing this weekend. Will be confirming positive news through the week and discussed on Thursday night.-
Think Ice,
John
DN5023
John@neiya.org
Melt Down —> Refreeze –> Sail
“We engaged in a spirited discussion, encompassing our customary sailing locales in ME, VT, NH, MA, CT, and venturing into the Adirondack region of NY. A significant amount of effort is devoted to consistent monitoring of the entire region, involving observations from the shore, as well as walking, skating, and sailing to assess thickness and identify potential hazards. It’s crucial to note that ice is never entirely safe; there are always hazards, some known and visible, while others remain less apparent. Be sure to thank all those who have spent time scouting ice so that we can sail.
Currently, we find ourselves in a thaw and melting process—a resurfacing akin to a Zamboni on the ice between periods at a hockey game. Regrettably, the natural processes take a bit longer than a Zambonis fifteen minutes to resurface Dammarascota, Winni, Quaboag, Saratoga, Bantam, and many others. Thus, we wait patiently, anticipating that, according to regional forecasts, we just need to navigate through a couple more warmer days before we can resume the ice-making game.
Yet, it’s not solely about thickness; the quality and composition of the ice hold significant importance. Our scouts will be vigilant in the coming days, keeping an eye out for drain holes, puddle holes, shell ice, and various hazards.
Below, you’ll find a selection of links from the late Bob Dill’s Lakeice site knowledge base at http://lakeice.squarespace.com. If you haven’t visited the site before, I recommend setting aside a couple of hours to delve into its exhaustive and in-depth information.
Here are some current conditions, among others, currently in play:
We already have a robust roster of regional racers signed up for this year’s DN North American Championships. The event is just a month away, and if you weren’t aware, New England is slated to be the host location—provided we can secure a suitable plate of ice. It’s important to clarify that this is not a guarantee the event will be held in the east, but there’s a near certainty that it will take place from February 25th through March 2nd somewhere. Don’t miss the opportunity to sign up today at https://www.idniyra.org/2024-north-american-championship/“
Remember, one of the most important iceboating attributes is PATIENCE. The dictionary definition truly fits.
pa·tience
/ˈpāSH(ə)ns/
noun: patience
1. The capacity to accept or tolerate delay, trouble, or suffering without getting angry or upset.
Think Ice,
John
DN5023
John@neiya.org
Who is that behind the helmet and goggles?
Some of us are blessed, (cursed) with the inability to remember names and faces when they are not encumbered by protective gear. When you add full winter paraphernalia to the equation, we become hopeless. There are those who are super when it comes to numbers and names. Thus sail numbers are very helpful. I’m lucky to remember my own let alone any that are above two digits. Occasionally there are clues that allow me to recognized fellow sailors as we gather in the pits. Unusual craft seem to catch my eye which sometimes help to recall the names of their owners. Local sailors that I’ve been on the ice with numerous times also have a better chance with me. Unique clothing and colors also seem to trigger the brain cells of recognition. As far as I know, no one has has AIS on their craft yet. Then there are the individuals that continually change the facial design ie beard, no beard, partial beard, different partial beard…..you get the picture. Ladies stand a better chance with me in that area. Colorful gear also helps. Some of you will remember my early sailing outfit.
This worked for many outings until for some reason it shrunk around the middle. One sailor was recognized by his red mittens that he always wore. A good mate, (now over the bar) had a lime green jumpsuit AND an iron cross on his sail and flew the German flag from his forestay.
(Notice the two digit sail number) Three clues seemed to be the hat trick to remember the name. (Truth, he was actually a good friend too.)
So anyway, if you see me on the ice and need some help with identity, this is now my standard garb. (note beard may be covered by face mask) Feel free to read the name and if you see me look at your helmet, I’m hoping your name will be on it to help avoid embarrassment. Please don’t be offended if I ask………maybe several times, “Who are you again?”
I am amazed at many of you that do recognize me from all the events we’ve been together on and thanks for your understanding if I have to ask your name. It’s even worse for me on the ski slopes. There are so many grey beards, red jackets, and black helmets out there that I almost hit the shutdown mode on recognition. Hope to see you and whatshisname on the ice soon.
Queue Quaboag Again
Over the past two days, we had a couple dozen people on the ice on several venues. I should take some of my own advice and here it is. If you want to sail mold your schedule around the ice.
Queue Quaboag again. Sailers from NH, CT, MA, and Long Island NY gathered and sailed on a steady light to moderate breeze. Snow rolled in about 2:00 and the day wound down. A great day was had by all. us.
Quabaog 2-23-24 Credit Eben Whitcomb
Outlook for the rest of the week does not drive our ice position forward but will help rejuvenate the lakes that froze before the last couple of snows. Thompson Lake in Maine has lots of skater chatter and gorgeous ice. Has anyone wandered by this lake or intends to soon? Give me a shout or bring your findings on Thursday’s call.
Think Ice,
John
DN5023
John@neiya.org
Where Are We Post Monday Sail?
A great day was had by many on Monday. Getting out across several locations. From Quaboag Pond to Massabesic lake and on Lake Winnipesaukee off Leavitt’s beach. While we are well into our season we are a little behind in building thickness, so please always confirm that conditions are sound and sail heads up till you are very sure of conditions. And of course always inquire about known hazards.
Nine boats sailed today, light winds in the morning, black ice with some crud. Wind picked up in the afternoon and made for some great sailing.
Two boats still on the pond and others may come, may be the last time this week. Remember there is a lion’s club fishing derby sat 27th. I will keep checking it and give a report if it comes around again.
Bob S
Quaboag 2/22/24 Credit George Neyssen
As most of you know there is a change in the weather moving through. How will it effect our ice? Talk of and forecasting weather is a constant din for us all and i’m sure a topic of discussion Thursday night.
Think Ice,
John
DN5023
John@neiya.org
Start Your Week on Quabaug
We have been talking about ice building and being at the ready. Well, that time has come once again. A small group is gathering at Quaboag Pond to thoroughly check out and sail the plate. If you plan to join them do so with caution. Seek out others who have been scouting and sail heads up.
We have improving conditions across our region and expect more opportunities to open up in the next few days. Keep your runners sharp and equipment ready to roll.
Think Ice,
John
DN5023
John@neiya.org
No Known Sailing for this Weekend 1/20-21st
As mentioned this morning we had a slim chance that Schroon in NY would be sailable. As mentioned this morning we had a slim chance that Scroon in NY would be sailable. We are unfortunately skunked for the weekend. The plate was checked and is not think enough and unsailable at this time. The area will see single-digit and negative overnight temps the next few nights so better prospects next week.
We have eyes all over the Northeast and into Canada watching and reporting back so keep the faith. So, if you see something do say something. Remember historic ice conditions are important in making a call. When did it first freeze how much snow fell etc. are all important data points.
Think Ice
John
DN5023
John@neiya.org
Not the sharpest tool in the shed.
Okay, so some of you have been on the ice already while the rest of us are waiting optimistically for that any day now moment to come. Many new comers who have just acquired a barn find or new to you boat, may be faced with the fact that the runners may not be all that sharp under those layers of rust. If you have some simple wood working skills and a belt sander, you can bring those blades back to life. Obviously the jig is geared for plate runners. Insets should have a more qualified person and device for that race quality edge. With hours of practice and a good light box, I have done a reasonable job putting a sharp edge and rocker using this set up. The rig is simple using a piece of 4×4 squared off, and scrap plywood. A few bolts are used to allow adjustments to get the edges parallel and even in height. The distance between the edges should be wide enough to allow the sander to sit flat and level but not slide off. I used a couple different sanders and they all seem to work with this setup. Warning! You want to remove the bag so sparks won’t set any residual sawdust on fire. I use belts that have passed their useful life for wood. Different grits can be used depending on how much you need to grind. I find a used 120 grit gives a pretty good final edge. Honing would be the final step if you feel you need that mirror image for that little extra speed.
With practice you’ll feel the best way to move the sander over the edges. Start with going the full length of the runners in a smooth movement. After about 10 sweeps I will flip the runners side to side and work on the matching edge. I also have a damp rag to keep the edges cool. Don’t destroy the temper. Adjustments can be made for areas that may need a little more material removed. Checking on the light box will give an idea how well it’s going. If you don’t have a light box, I have used the table saw top with a light behind it.
This method has worked for years with me but I’m just a cruiser and the edges seem sharp enough for my sailing. I hope this helps for those just getting started and may not be around someone with a fine detail machine.
Stay sharp and catch you on the ice……soon.
Slim Sailing Opportunites This Weekend
A good crowd showed up online last night most knowing that suitable ice conditions were a long shot. This was confirmed with a quick confirmation on a region-to-region basis. One location was a maybe and is being checked out this morning. Schroon Lake in the Adirondack region of NY might just have the goods we are seeking.
The Adirondack region came through last season when we were blocked out of our regular haunts. The area has a growing group of enthusiastic iceboaters who have been welcoming of their New England neighbors. Like many lakes, access can be a challenge, and respect for the launch area and surroundings is key.
Our Cruise Chair (south) Bob S. has secured access to Webster Lake from the launch at Waterfront Mary’s for this season. The owner noted that we as a group had been polite, policed our garage, and left her with a very positive impression of the NEIYA crowd. Once there is ice on Webster be sure to patronize Waterfront Mary’s.
Stay positive we have lots of winter to sail and will update you if the exploration of Schroon Lake turns out to be a GO for the weekend.
Think Ice,
John
DN5023
John@neiya.org
Ice Awaits – Are you Ready?
This cold snap has been making ice for us and we just need our usual conditional window to get out and sail. There is a general consensus that maybe just maybe there is a body of water that was just ready to turn when the snow fell and may get a chance to sail soon. Eyes are out from the Adirondacks across all of New England from the north down the shore. Could we see something happening on the Cape?
Snow covers much of our recent ice over most of the countries but that will melt or evaporate and this cold is increasing the thickness. The bigger lakes are cooling down awaiting our return to their launches.
Iceboating is about optimism. Sailing faster than the wind at one point the fastest human-piloted vehicle and still fastest without nonengine driven.
Remember our call tonight Thursday at 6:30 PM. If you forgot the number reach out to me. Bring your questions and thoughts for a short update on ice in New England and surroundings.
Think Ice,
John
DN5023
John@neiya.org
DN NA REGISTRATION IS OPEN!
Get your entries in soon and save a few bucks!
Register Now and Save $50 for IDNIYRA North American Regatta!
BY DEB WHITEHORSE | JAN 16, 2024 | 2024, 2024 NA, HOME PAGE | 0 COMMENTS
2024 DN North American Home Page
Entry List
Secure your spot in the 2024 IDNIYRA North American Regatta and save $50 when you register early. Register here
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On February 4, the entry fee will increase to $190.
Chesapeake Iceboating…..
Neat article here about iceboating on the Chesapeake; read and enjoy while we wait for good news from up north….
Thanks to Ed Thieler for sending the article in.
Think Ice!
The Chesapeake Log, Winter 2017 by Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum – Issuu
Thursday’s Call Scheduled for 6:30 Tonight
Greetings all just a quick reminder that we are holding our regular Thursday call @ 6:30 pm. Same number as usual. If you forgot the number reach out to me.
We hope to discuss some of the most recent ice reporting and maybe just maybe a sail before the weather once again turns on us.
It has been a tough beginning but we still have plenty of winter to go.
Think Ice,
John
DN5023
john@neiya.org
Size matters
Some of us may be limited in our lifestyles, ie by not having storage room, or a car/truck big enough to haul our toys, or the size of our bank accounts. When it comes to ice fun, you don’t have to, “Go big or go home!” Whenever I could borrow my dad’s book, Ice Boating, by S. Calhoun Smith, I was drawn to these little guys. This looked about the right size for me, a ten year old, at the time. My dad was too busy building his rig, (see post First Ride) so I never mention the Icebird to him as a project. However being an aficionado of the unusual, this small craft was always in the back of my mind. Somewhere along the line I acquired a crude set of plans and in my adulthood built the, “Ironing Board” as my wife used to call it. I can’t say that it had many long distant voyages, but it was always an attraction when set up.
Obviously I took some leeway with the design, but it would still scoot around the ice fairly well. The size was agreeable to just chucking it into the van and the weight such that my wife or young children could easily haul it to the ice. It only took 10 minutes to set up and the fun began. It provided the wonderful experience of, “first ride” to all who asked although maybe not the adrenaline rush of bigger boats.
A few years later while freezing myself on Moosehead Lake with beautiful black ice and temperatures that never made it above zero degrees, that’s Fahrenheit for clarification, I met a fellow DNer who came up from New Jersey with his mother and……her Icebird. Although this was a while back, I believe there is still an active class of these that when ice happens, they gather. As we all know, the definition of a race is, “two boats on the same lake”. Naturally if I had one and another one showed up here in the lakes region oh NH, I’m sure we would sail up next to one another and…………? I might need to check my parts stock and piece together one of these for poops and giggles. Maybe even try for the Hardway record as the smallest craft.
Fun is fun, no matter what the size. Think ice.
As chilly temps set in, our New England iceboat enthusiasts gathered for our weekly call, eager to hear updates on potential sailing spots with smooth black ice. By the end of the call, we had one confirmed Eastern US location as of 7pm. Tom Miller shared details about conditions on Lincoln Pond in Elizabethtown, NY, just off NY Thruway Rt 87. They plan to sail there until the snow arrives. While a bit beyond our usual New England sailing grounds, we’ve ventured into the Adirondacks before, and after all, ice is ice is nice.
Bill Buchholz has been keeping an eye on Plymouth Pond and other venues in Maine, signaling that it’s nearing readiness, pending a final check today (Friday). Intel is circulating, indicating a favorable outlook, but please verify on www.iceboat.me before making any travel plans. Depending on the weather, conditions could be excellent well into next week. Could there be a regatta in Maine next week? Time will tell.
For those interested in cross-border sailing, our Canadian friends have been scouting and sailing Lake of Two Mountains outside Montreal in Vaudreuil. If you’re considering a trip, reach out, and I can connect you with Andre Baby.
Looking ahead, our local lakes and ponds are beginning to skim over, setting us up for the rest of the season.
In case you missed it, VC Charlie Silfvenius showcased his lifelong iceboating experiences in a recent post featured on Scuttlebutt Sailing News on Wednesday: https://www.sailingscuttlebutt.com/2024/01/03/first-ride-the-start-of-it-all/. Kudos to Charlie for introducing around 55k+ people to iceboating through Scuttlebutt. Imagine if we could convert just one percent of their audience to join us on the ice—now that would be something! Charlie thanks for reminding us all about our first time…
A word of caution as we embark on this new season: the ice is fresh, and many of us haven’t sailed yet this year. Exercise extreme caution, inquire with locals, and sail with heightened awareness until you fully understand the nature of potential hazards in the area.
Think Ice and Sail Fast,
John
DN5023
John@neiya.org
Finally Feeling Like Winter
It feels like winter has finally arrived in the Northeast. Yes, we have had some snow and ice. Some have sailed in Maine on what was called epic black ice. But to me, the weather seems to have a different feel. We are making ice and hopefully sailing on it soon.
Bill Buchholz has been keeping an eye on and keeping a steady flow of ice news out of Maine with blow-by-blow axe accounts here https://iceboat.me Keep an on eye on Maine as it looks like something will happen soon. Seems to be Charlie S. has been keeping a keen eye on Winni and surroundings. There is ice but it needs to thicken before we set the blades down. Bob S. is watching but nothing much to report at the moment.
To the North Andre Baby and company sailed in Thedford Mines Canada. They are eyeballing and will be sailing outside Montreal. Any takers for Montreal Ice?
As we all know there is some weather coming in this weekend. How much and where who knows. Get Ready to hit the road as something might happen up north. It could be some races or just cruising some nice new ice.
We will be having our group call tomorrow Thursday 6:30pm. Bring your ice questions boat repair or building queries and of course planning for the weekend, etc.
Think Ice,
John
DN5023
John@neiya.org
P.S. Can’t remember the number drop me an email.
Ice in Quebec!
Sounds like sail-able ice in Quebec folks!
See the link below for details.
Break out your passport and stay tuned to the CIBC site for details. Think Ice!
https://iceboat.me/2023/12/30/ice-in-quebec-2/
James “T” Thieler
First Ride
Many of us remember our first sail on ice regardless of our age at the time. I never got to ride with someone as a first timer. Prior to the days of the internet, information was on this sport was sketchy at best. My dad first got the bug from seeing a short blurb on WBZ news with Don Kent. Being a DYI sort of guy, he fashioned the boat pictured. All hardware was fabricated as well as the homemade sail. (Note the wrinkles. Granted mom helped with the sewing. She did a much better job on clothing.) Although he had been to Attitash Lake in MA, to chat with others prior to the build, the maiden voyage occurred on a small brackish pond in Rye, NH. There were a couple of other homemade rigs playing around when ice came in. After setup and some light wind push around, dad decided it was somewhat safe for me to take the tiller. At 11 years of age, I was a little apprehensive but the light air was very manageable and definitely not to exciting. But it was my first ride. Shortly after this the family moved to New York and things got stored for a few years. In high school and with a drivers license and borrowed car, I introduced my buddy to the sport. We found a nearby lake with a strip of ice that we ice fished on and set the rig up. Still a rookie, I manage a few tacks with an increasing breeze. Now I understood the adrenaline rush you hear about. Time to let my friend give it a go. He made it across and turned for the run back. It was exciting to watch him pick up speed, then he got hit with a gust and up he went. Out went the sheet and down came the boat hard. Things folded up quickly as the runner plank broke and things collapsed. Okay, Bob got the prize for the most exciting first ride. We called it a day and packed up the pieces to go. This was in the ‘60’s and life moved on. Parts of the boat were saved and made their way back to New Hampshire where they retired. Life found me with a family and in Wolfeboro, NH where on a winters day I saw some of these craft zipping around the local lakes. This was in 1988. The spark was still there and grew to a flame. A phoenix arose from the ashes and I was on the ice again.
Since that time, I have lost count of the number of first timers I have given a ride to and exposed to the sport. I have enjoyed introducing young and old to this special activity with many converts. The youngest being my daughter at about 2 years of age, (slow ride with safe ice and well wrapped) to an 80 year old just last year who bought a rehabbed DN I just finished.
As things are changing in the world today, I seem to always find time to talk and give that, “first ride” to all I can. I hope in a small way I am contributing to the growth of this sport whether for just fun or to feed into the racing program. While waiting for local ice, take yourselves back to that day of your first ride. I see many smiles out there.
Think ice and Happy New Year.
Maryland Iceboating
Hey Folks- Great write up here on iceboating in Maryland and the 1977 DN World Champs on the Eastern Shore….
If I recall that regatta is the place where Lloyd Roberts and some other people had the idea to write a thorough, all-you-need-to-know book about iceboating. Soon enough “Think Ice!” was (and still is) a must-read for any aspiring iceboater.
Click, read and enjoy! T
The Chesapeake Log, Winter 2017 by Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum – Issuu
Definitions
Something to show friends if they want to know about ice boating, especially the stern steering vintage crew.
ICE OPTI
Neat little story here….
The Schmidt Family Ice Optimist Project – DN North America (idniyra.org)
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WESTERN CHALLENGE RECAP
Great photos and video from the Western Challenge earlier in the month. The ice is no quite as pristine as Pushaw but there was a great turnout (70 boats!) with 21 races run for each fleet!
Take a look, get your gear ready, and pray for some cold weather….
Relive the 2023 Western Challenge – DN North America (idniyra.org)
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LATEST RUNNER TRACKS
The latest DN Class Newsletter is out! Click and enjoy! OF course it is yet another masterpiece….
Runner Tracks – DN North America (idniyra.org)
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Different
I’ve always been intrigued by, “different” kinds of craft. Not that I don’t have traditional boats in my fleet, but sometimes I like out of the ordinary. When I first got “back into” Iceboating and attending NEIYA meetings in the early 1990’s, I made an old Sarns style DN and used left over crude parts from an iceboat of my youth. It needed about 10 knots of wind to keep it going but I digress. Anyways, at one of my introductory meetings this rig was set up. A little out of the ordinary you might say, but I figured my two girls could have some safe fun with it. This is an original, one of a kind deal, designed and constructed by the late, great Leo Healy. It was a silent bid auction with a coffee can to put your bid in. Soooooo with my daughters name and a $25 bid I figured what the heck. I didn’t stay around too long after the meeting, but when I got home, there was a message on the answering machine. (Pre-cell phone era) I was the only bid. Factoring another tank of gas to go pick it up, I was now the proud owner of, “something different”. As you can see this was a family boat and we had some nice excursions tooting around the local lakes. The children grew and went out on there own as they are supposed to. I did set it up a few times for nostalgia, but eventually let it go to a new home. I hope the new owners get to play on it and have as much fun as we did. Yes you steer it with a rope.
New England Ice Yacht Association 