Racing Postponed….
Sorry Folks…. The ice is nice up at Pushaw but there isn’t a plate big enough for a proper regatta…. So we will be patient and wait it out.
Check the CIBC site for info on the lake and sailing.
Exercise caution as early season ice can be hazardous….
Vintage Crafts Being Readied For The Ice
it’s Thursday and time to catch up on the ice happenings this week.
We had a Vintage Event kick-off call on Tuesday and are ready to solidify plans once we have ice. If you have a vintage craft and would like to participate in our event sometime in February please contact George Neyssen the Event Chairman or me.
At the moment we know people are sailing up on Pushaw Lake in Maine on a beautiful new plate of ice. However, we await further intel before calling any official event, whether racing or cruising. We will have the latest update on our 6:30 Call. That doesn’t mean you should not join in if you can.
Remember, scouting ice for the first time should always be done with extreme caution but the reward is being on a fresh un tracked plate of ice.
Think Ice,
John
DN5023
John@neiya.org
How To Improve….
Great article here about practice, improvement, and everything else it takes to get good at something whether it’s sailing your iceboat, playing an instrument, becoming better at bowling, whatever it is.
Read and learn!
How do you get to Carnegie Hall? — The Favored End
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Regatta Potential This Weekend
Hey Folks-
Big news as it seems there may be regatta-worthy ice up in Maine…. The surface looks spectacular but as ever we need to confirm that what’s underneath is reasonable safe.
IF we get some good reports we might just be able to have a regatta this weekend. Hopefully we will make an announcement by tomorrow afternoon on this site.
Do recall that this is not only for DN ice yachts- As discussed at the meeting 3 or more of any class will get their own start. Skeeters, Skimmers, Whizzes, Whatever. A sound knowledge of ice yacht sailing right of way rules is a must, so read up on that.
Also keep in mind that a trophy (to be named eventually) will be awarded to the best finish by the skipper sailing the oldest, slowest, most time-worn DN in the fleet. So your boat need not be cutting edge to get some hardware!
Get your gear ready and stay tuned. Think ICE!
Flagstaff
Just got this post. Usually this area gets the snow. Flagstaff is one of those, “Dam the river, drown the town”, types of lakes. Much shallow water in a definitely colder part of Maine. Not sure of a good launch site except maybe the main road. There could be moving water there though. Great camping in the summer too and a Main Hut just a short ski in.
Last Weeks Happenings
This past weekend NEIYA members bursted out of our six New England states to join the Hudson River Ice Yacht Club’s annual meeting. For those who are not familiar with the organization, the HRIYC members are custodians to one of the largest collections of early 20th century ice yacht. Some in their collection were owned by the Roosevelt family.
Those traveling to Hudson NY included VC Charlie, Eben Whitcomb, and our new Vintage Event chairman George Neyssen.
We intend on holding a grand classic iceboat event this season. The welcome mat has been laid down. Has been laid down for the entire region as well as the Midwest. And as we often hear “All we need is ice”
While we sat around inside and talked iceboating on Sunday, several NEIYA members actually sailed. As previously reported by Karen and T there was ideal ice and practice racing on Lake Christina in Ashby, MN. Hats off for the level of commitment to make that happen. More tiller time is the open secret to performance on the race course or cruising.
Coming up we will have our regular call on Thursday at 6:30 maybe there will be some sailable ice to report. If not we will certainly talk about our most recent travels, the Classics event, and how we are getting closer to sailing somewhere.
Any Metro NY iceboaters or those with an interest in iceboating should consider attending the Lake Ronkonkoma Ice Boat Yacht Club Swap Meet.
When: Saturday, December 9th, 2023
From: 12-3 pm
Where: Weeks Yacht Yard
10 Riverview Court, Patchogue, NY
Qeustions: contact John Ziermann racekart8@yahoo.com
Think Ice,
John
DN5023
John@neiya.org
Ice Boats, Ashby MN. December 2 2023. – YouTube
Take a look at this vid from today’s racing from the Western Challenge; Great day!
Good breeze, nice ice, seven races each in three different fleets and a whole second course set up for new sailors. Awesome day! Thanks to all who are making it happen….
Vice Commodore
I figured it was time to start my new job. Thank you for voting me in as vice commodore of the NEIYA. It is a wonderful organization that I’ve been a part of for many years. Settling down in Wolfeboro in 1986 was by a stroke of luck . Within a couple years I was back on the ice with parts of a rig my dad had made in 1962. The following years always seemed to have local ice and many a Frolic was to be had. I hope those times will return and fun times can be had by all. I’ll try to keep all posted of local conditions and keep the group informed of happenings of this great activity.
Thank you again and hope to see you on the lakes this year.
Western Challenge Friday Report
Not much to report sailing-wise other than we were skunked for beeeze. A total bummer BUT it gave everyone plenty of time to hang out and catch up which, in a group like this, is always great to do.
In twenty-five years of DN sailing I’ve always been amazed at the scope of vocations, avocations and personalities of the people who are involved in this class. Boat captains, doctors, pilots, engineers, musicians, artists, landlords, composite experts, sailmakers, lawyers, boatbuilders, at least one plumber…. The list goes on and on!
Where are these people from? I can tell you that yesterday I chatted with people from Minnesota, Maryland, New York, Maine, Wisconsin, Ohio , Illinois, Rhode Island, Michigan, Germany, Massachusetts, Canada, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, and Australia. All hanging out in a lake in northern Minnesota. Not bad!
A quick count showed roughly 70 boats here, also a great turnout. We have even spotted a smattering of women and younger sailors in the group, good to see but would be great to have more of both…. Please recruit more women and children into this little cult….
Did I mention some night owls saw the Aurora Borealis last night?
Hoping for breeze today, will update as things go. Looking forward to doing some sailing…. In the meantime see below for some miscellaneous photos.
Think ICE!
T. DN US 5224
The frozen pizza section at Larry’s Food Store:
A small woodpecker eating suet off a deer carcass that someone left hanging from a branch:
Lake Christina from the top of a hill….
Aussies in Minnesota. How the hell???
The Deep Creek-ers made it out:
Action photo from the road:
The launch area Thursday afternoon, before the horde arrived
Ice Around New England & Beyond
With Thanksgiving behind us, watchful eyes are monitoring the ice on various lakes and ponds. In case anyone did not see the IDNIYRA announcement last week, our own Paul Chamberland took the honor of first sail. Paul had to really go the distance and success meant going all the way to Alberta Canada.
We already know that the NEIYA contingent has arrived or is en route to Minnesota for the unofficial start of the DN racing season. Secretary Karen will continue to keep us jealous with her reports from Lake Christina. Put it on your calendar for next year.
Bob S. took a swing by Quabaug for a look and it is nowhere near what it needs to be but making progress. Seeing the ice form gives one the motivation to get boats ready.
Meanwhile some 350 miles northeast of Quabaug, Bill Buchholz and cohorts are nosing around a small lake. He reports there are skaters and skimbots. Heavier crafts are holding off for the moment. Pushaw Lake is also being looked at.
A small contingent including myself, VC Charlie S., and George Neisen will be dropping in on the Hudson River Ice Yacht Club’s annual meeting this Sunday. The HRIYC is the historical custodian of many vintage stern steerers. Their goal is to not only maintain but also use the crafts for their intended purpose, sailing on the frozen Hudson and elsewhere. As announced at our own meeting George will be the vintage event point person. Yes, we are going to do our best to make this event happen in 2024.
Our regular call is scheduled for 6:00 pm tonight Thursday 11/30 @ 6:00 pm. Drop in if you can.
Think Ice,
John
DN5023
John@neiya.org
25 Hours Driving and We Found This!
Great ice and a gorgeous day with breeze filling in now. 
Hard Way Update
The usual halfway point at Center Harbor with the MV Mount Washington in the background.
Here is a little update on the, “Hard Way” to wet your appetite. For a more detailed history, please look under the, “Regattas and Events” link and read the article by Bob Kilpatrik on the Hard Way. There are also more detailed reports of the current fleets on the site.
The Hardway , as it is called, is a roundtrip from one end of Lake Winnipesaukee to the other. It can start at either the north end, Usually Center Harbor, or the south end at Wolfeboro, NH. The trip must contain a fleet of 5 boats minimum and one person must have completed the trip prior. The round trip must be completed within a 24 hour period. Only the pilot of the craft receives credit although passengers and crew often will get mentioned. skippers who have competed the trip 3 times get their names engraved on a trophy.
I’m not sure why Fleet 15 in 2004 seemed to be the last attempt for a while but it might have been due to the loss of several veterans of the Winni Frolic. Jon Hix, Leigh Turner, and Allen Stevens are all sailing that plate of perfect black ice. They tended to be the main scouters of the lake. With the transition into retirement, I now found the time and the companionship to do some scouting. I also rely on others to help especially from the north end of the lake. This led to renewed interest locally of attempting the “Run” again. Although I tried to post conditions as I scouted, many times they occurred midweek and May not have lasted thru the Weekend. More detailed write-ups are on the NEIYA site but here’s a recap.
Fleet 16 1/28/2016 10 boats
Fleet 17 3/26/2019 11 boats
Fleet 18 3/1/2020 6 boats
Fleet 19 3/16/2021 8 boats
Four new names have been added to the trophy with several in need of just one more trip. Perhaps this will be their year. I hope many more of you can enjoy this wonderful experience soon.
Everything but the kitchen sink!
T and I rolling out of the driveway as I type. We used our handy packing list, but when driving all the way to Minnesota one wonders if all bases are covered.
I’ll send some reports on conditions and how Team New England handles the ice!
Over and out,
Karen Binder
DN 5630
Western Challenge Regatta Is ON!!!
As always the summer flew by and it’s time to get rolling into the winter season. And if you are anything like me you are asking “What the hell happened and why am I so far behind on getting my gear ready YET AGAIN!”
But never mind the details. Time to go sailing! Things are looking good for the Western Challenge so cobble together whatever sailable gear you have, load on up and head on out! Forecast etc looks good and it sounds like there will be a good turnout.
Hope to see a lot of Eastern faces out there!
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Plymouth Pond Ice | Chickawaukie Ice Boat Club
Hopeful signs for a good season!
Paul Chamberland Opens NA DN Season in Alberta, Canada – DN North America
One of our own got the NA season going this year! Well done Paul!
https://www.idniyra.org/2023/11/22/paul-chamberland-opens-na-dn-season-in-alberta-canada/
Swap Meet, Lunch & Meeting Review
It was one of the most perfect days I can remember for the Swap and Meeting. There was frost in the morning, a welcome sign of winter coming, and blue skies and sunny with just a nip in the air to remind us of why we were there.
People began congregating at about nine with an official lot start of ten. There were close to 80 or more people in the lot. It was an iceboat marketplace and probably the biggest one yet. Behind all the buying and selling was a mass catching up on our winter friends. Communication is always easier without helmets, masks, and colder temperatures.
Close to sixty sailors and guests were herded up to the hall for lunch prepared and served once again by the staff at the Thompson Speedway Golf staff. Full plates were consumed and there was plenty left for seconds for those attempting to stretch their guts in preparation for the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday.
Before the food coma set in I kicked off the meeting and reminded everyone that we are a group of doers, not sideline watchers. Participation is key to our sport from building to scouting and racing or cruising a body of ice.
Secretary Binder took the group through last year’s minutes and brought back some memories of this past winter. Treasurer Haag let us through the financials and happy to report we are in solid shape with a decent cushion if times go lean.
Up next are words of wisdom from New England’s ace racer James “T” Thieler. As most people know we were skunked once again on the racing front. T brought forth an idea that has been floating around for a while, holding some minor races on weekdays. As suitable venues have become harder to find, it makes sense not to eliminate 70% of our racing opportunities. A quick show of hands and that direction was confirmed for the upcoming season. Remember there is still time to drop the flag on some of our 2023 races before the stroke of midnight on 12/31.
Every year we recognize those in our fold who have sailed their final day on this earth. This year we lost Bob Dill an Iceboating, Nordic skating, and wind-powered speed sailing legend. One of Bob’s most memorable achievements was the building of the Iron Duck which held the sailing speed record of 116.7 mph. Greg Cornelius shared his thoughts and history with Bob. Greg reminded us all about how dedicated Bob was to researching and documenting all that he did with anyone who wanted to learn. He left a wealth of knowledge on the Lake Ice site http://lakeice.squarespace.com/. This body of work will continue for all to learn the finer points of the ice we love to play on. If you have not been on the site check it out.
The 2024 season slate was brought to a vote by Greg Cornelius and voted into office by the present quorum of present members.
Commodore – John Stanton
Vice Commodore – Charlie Silfvenius aka Charlie S.
Secretary – Karen Binder
Treasurer – Bob Haag
The elections were followed by three appointed chairs for the new season.
Race Chairman – James “T” Thieler
Cruise Chairman North – Bob Buchholz
Cruise Chairman South – Bob Strzelewicz aka Bob S.
Thank you to all the elected and appointed leaders for the coming season. And a huge thank you to Jay for all the energy and enthusiasm you brought to the NEIYA over the past three years. I know we will see you out on the ice and I’m sure you will continue to help out in the future.
Next up our new Vice Commodore Charlie S took us through plans for the Winnie the Hardway event. Charlie is poised and waiting for the right conditions to come along and we look forward to this season’s successful attempts.
Conditions for the Classics event did not materialize last season but we are not giving up on former VC Jay Whitehair’s brainchild. Veteran iceboater in many classes George Neyssen will be taking the lead on the event this year. George answered questions about the event and has graciously agreed to help coordinate this multiple-region event. Thank you, Goerge for agreeing to usher the classic event forward.
Before closing it was announced that our weekly Thursday open calls will continue, excluding today Thanksgiving. The calls will be themed till, which will be announced a couple of days prior, and once ice is forming that will be our primary topic. Everyone present at the meeting should have a card with the conference call number. Let me know if you need the number.
Thanks to everyone who made this event happen and a great success.
The meeting adjournment was called and our group once again hit the road all over the mid-Atlantic region, northeast as well as a visitor from St John Canada who won the furthest travel awarded this year.
Get ready ice is coming or has already been sailed by Paul Chamberland near Edonton Canada. In less than a week several NEIYA members will be heading off to MN to kick off the season.
Happy Thanksgiving all and see you on the ice soon
Sail Fast and Think Ice,
John
DN5023
John@neiya.org
Clarification: Swap & Lunch Sunday, Nov. 19th
Apologies for yesterday’s miscommunication on the date of our annual Swap, Lunch, and Meeting. To clarify the event is being held this Sunday, November 19th starting at 10:00 am. See you all there…
I have taken the required penalty in an effort to exonerate myself. If only all of life’s mishaps were as easy to fix.
Also don’t forget about our Thursday evening call at 6:30 pm. This week’s topic Cruising hosted by a panel of experts.
Now would be a great time to catch up on your 2024 dues and pay for Sunday’s Lunch. Payment links are on the right-hand side of the screen.
Sail Fast & Think Ice,
John
DN5023
John@neiya.org
Swap, Lunch and Meeting Original post below with details.
Members, Guests, and anyone with an interest in Iceboating:
The green flag is waving and we are a go on Sunday, November, 19th for the New England Ice Yacht Association’s annual Swap Meet, Lunch, and annual meeting. We will be once again returning to The Golf Course area at the Tompson Speedway in Thompson, CT. Yes you read that right we are going with a Sunday this year and a little later in the season.
Join us at NEIYA’s annual event—an ice enthusiast’s dream! Reconnect with old friends, plan future adventures, and revel in the warmth of camaraderie, sans helmets and goggles.
This is your go-to Northeast event for all things ice sailing, whether you’re a novice or a seasoned pro. From masts to sails, planks to runners, gear up and go faster with us! Don’t miss out—be part of the vibrant NEIYA community.
NEIYA Swap Meet, Lunch & Meeting Information:
When: Sunday, November 19th, 10:00am
Where: Thompson Speedway Golf Course, 205 E Thompson Rd, Thompson, CT 06277
https://goo.gl/maps/DbGpTekm4ZLNnV8n7
Now is a perfect time to pay your 2024 dues and reserve your seat at our annual Luncheon and Meeting. All are welcome to attend.
Please Pay Your Dues
| Dues Time | Price | |
| 2024 Membership | $30 |
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| 2024 Membership + Lunch | $45 |
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| 2024 Membership + 2X Lunch | $60 |
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| 2024 Lunch (11/19/2024) | $15 |
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| Mail in Form We prefer you pay online – Thanks | ||
This year’s event is a little later than usual so don’t wait till November to begin preparing for the season. It’s been a long summer and if you have not already shifted to thinking about iceboating, now is the time. Drag your gear out set it up in the driveway and be sure you have everything. Have anything extra in storage? Nows is the perfect time to free up some storage. Put it up on the classified section. Remember your older equipment may be far better than what someone else has now.
Our Thursday calls will resume next week. More on that coming shortly and stay tuned for a calendar of events.
Till then Think Ice,
John
DN5023
John@neiya.org
P.S. Block out Sunday November 19th and please pay your dues and reserve your seat for lunch
Wide open spaces
There is nothing, half so much worth doing, than simply messing about in ………ICEBOATS! As the leaves fall and frost appears, each of us subconsciously casts an eye to every water body we pass by, waiting for the skim ice to appear. Finally 4 inches is measured and the hordes assemble. The smaller bodies of water are the first to freeze, so the shakedown cruises and scratch racing occur with a careful eye for traffic and pedestrians (ice skaters). Old friendships are renewed, new ones made, and maybe even a few converts are recruited. After the initial excitement of the first sail is over, many of us may get a little greedy, especially us cruisers. Those of us lucky to live near larger bodies of water, or have the luxury of midweek time off, begin to long for endless miles on long tacks, cruising.
Cruisers constitute a goodly number of non racers and racers alike. If after a few laps around the pylons are completed on hard ice with a bright sun and 8-10 knots of wind, who cannot think about putting some distance under the runners. Places like Damariscotta, Winnipesaukee, Sebago, Moosehead, and Great Sacandaga Lake beckon. The sleek speedster DNs might be exchanged for the cruisers. Gambits, Nites, Super DNs, BDXs, Whizzes and a variety of other cruising craft. Who can resist the lure of sitting upright on a comfortable seat, perhaps in an enclosed cockpit, feeling the miles go by. One eye on the ice, the other taking in the scenic wonders. Maybe even an eagle will be checking its speed against yours. A light lunch and a thermos of tea or coffee in the sunny lee of an island provides a welcome break to stretch muscles and fuel the furnace. The fleet of “Free Sailors” only concern is, “will the wind hold out?” A change of mittens and a quick check of gear and you and your wingman, (wingperson), are off again. Maybe you’ve checked your GPS and find you only need 20 more miles for a century run.
The late afternoon breeze has mellowed just enough to make you decide to head for the staging area. Perhaps it’s a weekend or you may have a few days here, and you leave the rig setup, checking tomorrow’s wind and weather. As you watch the sunset over the mountains you have a profound sense of contentment and truly feel like it was a great day in your life. You sit on the runner plank and toast the day with friends, saying, “Here’s one great day they can’t take away.”
Pleasant dreams to all as we await the freeze.
Experience The Ice Wonders
Embrace the ice experience. When you find yourself gliding across a frozen expanse, take a moment to savor the essence of the icy surroundings. The air, dense and invigorating, carries a crisp, almost sterile fragrance.
Amidst this frozen landscape, camaraderie flourishes, and opportunities for solitude beckon for both the speed enthusiast and the leisurely cruiser alike.
I have sometimes sailed away in pursuit of solitude—whether to pause in the middle of a lake for a quiet lunch or take the scenic route home to bask in the beauty that envelops all that glide across the ice. Some gladly volunteer to retrieve the windward mark as the day concludes, rewarded with a breathtaking spectacle as the fleet gracefully retreats over the horizon towards the pits, leaving behind the vast expanse of empty ice.
Keep your senses sharp, for unique sights await those who remain observant. The ice, akin to a desert, may seem devoid, but a keen eye reveals a myriad of intricate patterns resembling etchings on stone and wind-driven glyphs on a mesa. Simply looking around while on the ice can unveil extraordinary wonders—I once discovered a well-preserved hawk feather on Mallets Bay, its quill frozen vertically into the ice, gently swaying in the wind. How it ended that way will remain a mystery.
Introduce newcomers to the expansive playground we all cherish each winter. Share the joy of the ice.
Join us this Thursday for an open discussion on cruising, featuring insights from some of our more experienced cruisers. And mark your calendars for our Swap Meet and Lunch this Sunday the 19th at Thompson Speedway Golf. We look forward to seeing you there.
Sail Fast,
John DN5023
John@neiya.org
Who is the most famous or infamous person you have ever met?
Larry Pardy
Iceboating – It’s About the Speed…
Speed is the ultimate allure of iceboating, beckoning enthusiasts back season after season and finding its place on the bucket lists of many softwater sailors.
While each of us has our own gauge for what constitutes fast, the quest for confirmation is universal. Some rely on GPS and drag race reaching to measure their speed, while others crave the interactive feedback that comes with competition.
Racing is a natural extension of the desire to go fast(er), with each race serving as confirmation of one’s speed relative to one’s competitors. As we stand on the starting line, everyone has a chance of being the fastest. After three laps and a checkered flag, the title of the fastest racer is claimed. Winning every race just doesn’t happen, but simply participating and navigating the course contribute to becoming a faster iceboater.
For those currently racing or harboring an interest in the sport, mark your calendars for our Thursday night 11/9 call at 6:30 pm. Secretary Karen Binder (DN5630) will host the discussion, focusing on DN racing.
Racing is not just for DN. Remember, Race Committee Chair James “T” Tieler (DN5224) has promised to grant any iceboat class with three boats a start. Whizz, Nites, and other classes, are you up for the challenge this season?
Sail Fast and Think Ice,
John DN5023
John@neiya.org
Thursday Call – DN Racing Call
Hi Everyone,
Hard to believe the Western Challenge is less than four weeks away. It took some time for T and I to get back into the shop, but we have been making good progress on fixing the spike holes in the bottom of my hull, getting our runners up to Steve Duhamel for sharpening, and the photo above is T making runner bodies for slush runners.
I hope many of you will sign up for some racing this year. A few new folks made it out to the North Americans and World last year and said, "I am so happy I decided to do the regatta." You will find the racing community VERY welcoming and encouraging. And for New England regattas, T still plans on a classics division and separate starts for any class with three boats. I am sure he is also open to the Baby Rule.
Happy to discuss regattas and any racing questions you may have on the Thursday call. If you don’t have the number, please email me at karenbinder @ hotmail.com
Thanks!
Karen Binder
DN 5630/NEIYA Secretary
This Week’s Call Theme, is Vermont
With our weather finally turning more seasonable, we are all thinking about the coming ice. Eyes are looking north as the crown of Maine gets snow and the frost in the NH lakes region. It’s Time to give some of our regular spots some consideration.
Let’s talk about Vermont. The Green Mountain state. Not about the mountains but the vast stretches of water that make up Lake Champlain and other other bodies of water.
Based on some feedback we have moved the start time of tomorrow’s call to 7:00pm. I will try to get the number later today. If you have misplaced the number just reach out to me.
Here is a post by Former NEIYA and IDNIYRA Commodore highlighting just how difficult and the level of effort that goes behind finding good ice. https://theneiya.org/2014/09/26/many-miles-to-the-2014-dn-north-americans/
Sail Fast and Think Ice,
John
DN5023
John@neiya.org
New England Ice Yacht Association 