Eight Bells: Bob Dill New Englands Ice & Playa Legend
It is with heavy sorrow that I must share the news of the passing of Bob Dill (DN3904). He was a man with a passionate razor-tuned focus covering all things sailing at speed on ice and land and was committed to sharing all that he learned with others.
Many of us watched “The Iron Duck” and could feel his passion behind the record-breaking success. Over the past 30 years, I have spoken to Bob about ice in its many forms as well as sailing. I would see him every time there was an event on Northern Champlain. He was a fixture of the region and could often be seen leading a skating group along the shore or coming through the pits before or after racing. Bob’s Lake Ice Website is the go-to encyclopedia of all things related to ice and is but one of his many efforts to pass on expertly researched knowledge.
Bob’s passing leaves a great void in our community. Like the two memories of him that are burned into my consciousness, may he skate or sail to the vanishing point on black ice or playa.
I have included Deb Whitehorse IDNIYRA Secratary’s comprehensive and heartfelt write-up on Bob Dill below. Thanks Deb.
Please include your memories of Bob in the comments below or drop me an email with your Memories of Bob. Also please include any pictures you have as I could not find any in our archives.
Sail Fast,
John
Dn5023
John@neiya.org
Bob Dill US3904: Eight Bells
by Deb Whitehorse | Oct 30, 2023
The DN Community mourns with the family and friends of Bob Dill US3904, who passed away on October 28, 2023.
Bob served as IDNIYRA Class Secretary from 1988-1991 and Class Treasurer from 1999-1989. He has been nominated to the U.S. Sailing Hall of Fame.
Via Bob Schumacher, Bob’s DN road-warrior and land-yacht-speed-record colleague:
With much sadness I have to report that Bob Dill passed last night after a battle with Alzheimer’s disease. I am at a loss for words but Don Brush said it well.
‘A sad struggle for a unique person. He is, I am sure, in a better place now. He would not have wanted to be the person he had become. We all were better for knowing Bob. I don’t think I ever met a more inquisitive person with a passion for details. His passion for documentation assures his legacy will live on! It was an honor to know and have him as a friend.’ Don Brush
Bob Schumacher
Bob used his sharp engineering mind to quantify wind, ice, land, and speed in several articles. One of his most famous projects was designing and building the land sailing yacht IRON DUCK with his friend, Bob Schumacher. Together, they set a land-speed record.
Bob Dill has left a legacy of articles that have left a last impact on ice and land sailing. Below are some links to a selection of them and other articles about Bob.
Article’s About Bob Dill
National Sailing Hall of Fame Nominee
Bob Dill the Ice Man
Video: Iron Duck
Recognizing Bob Dill and the Iron Duck – Sailing Scuttlebutt
Bob Dill’s Articles
Iceboat Sailing Performance
Sailing Yacht Design for Maximum Speed
Lake Ice – Bob’s website with everything you need to know about ice.
List of Bob Dill Articles on IDNIYRA archived website
Quaboag Cable TV Video
I usually do not send out two posts in a day but someone reminded me about this video which appeared on a local Cable Channel in MA. Some of you might have seen Jackie Mushinsky from Spencer Cable Access, Spencer, MA, but with Quaboag fresh on our minds take another look. Some of you might remember her attending our swap meet back in 2020.
Sail Fast,
John
DN5023
John@neiya.org
P.S. If you want to get in on our Quaboag and Worcester region iceboating call it starts at 6:30 tonight. Drop me an email if you don’t have the number handy.
P.P.S While I have your attention, now is a good time to pay your 2024 Season Dues. Link are on the right at top of page.
What Makes The Wocester, MA Area Special?
Simple, Quaboag Pond and Lake Chargoggagoggmanchauggauggagoggchaubunagungamaugg better known as Webster Lake.
Quabaog Pond in Brookfield, MA is a special place holding many good memories for just about every NEIYA Member? Quaboag tends to be reliable year after year. At 550 acres she is not the biggest body of water but sits in a zone that tends to be colder than surrounding areas, is relatively shallow, and consistently delivers the only sailable ice in New England.
Webster Lake is made up of three distinct sections separated by tight generally unpassable narrows. The lake offers some decent areas with limited access. It is a quiet lake in the winter and we generally have the ice to ourselves for cruising and turning cones.
The green sailed boat was my first DN purchased in the early 90s and long ago sold. Was great to see it out enjoying a perfect day sailing on Webster and bringing thrills to a new group of people. Be sure to bring your old equipment to our Swap meet in November.
Has anyone ever traveled through all the narrow in an end-to-end run? Be sure to bring your stories to tonight’s call.
Bring your tales of Quaboag and Webster to tonight’s member and guest call at 6:30pm – 7:00pm tonight. Email me if you do not have the number.
Sail Fast,
John
DN5023
John@neiya.org
Iceboating Season’s Coming Are You Ready?
It’s hard to believe Halloween is almost here. With the leaves changing(ed) and falling, the shorter days and cooler nights we are all thinking about ice boating. Miles of black ice await us this winter. The clock is ticking as we all have many things to do before we hit the ice.
Most of you know what occurs prior to setting up your boat in the pits and pushing off toward a nice plate but here’s a reminder.
Someone watched as the lakeside trees shed their leaves.
All boat-building and tuning advice and help are freely given to all seeking information.
Boats and equipment are bought, sold, traded, and loaned by fellow sailors before first ice.
Runners are sharpened individually and en masse by skilled sanding volunteers.
Someone watched as fog and mists wafted over the body of water in the early morning hours.
Eyes were on the lake while morning frosts crept toward the water from the shore.
People gazed upon the first mirror of black ice to skim out from shore.
Individuals occasionally take the long way to work to check on ice conditions.
One or more people poked at the new ice with a stick even though they knew it would be some time before is it safe to sail on.
Swung blunt instruments, a wise man from Rockport swears by the blunt end of an axe safe ice test, and drilled test holes.
Talked to ice fisherman who is generally happy to break their solitude for a conversation about fish, the outdoors, or ice.
Scouted off shore with skates, or sailed carefully stopping periodically to check grade and thickness.
People logging ice conditions over time helps to make more informed decisions long term.
Who were those someones? Who were those eyes? Who spent countless hours helping others get ready to sail? Who communicated observations so that others might benefit?
The answer is simple. It is many of you in the NEIYA community. And We thank you
Please remember this when asked to contribute time, knowledge, and skills toward club activities. Ice may form all by itself but it’s a team effort to bring people as a group to the ice. Heed the call. Ready to help out? Don’t wait to be asked. Contact me or any of the other officers.
Be sure to check out the classified section. There are lots of boats suitable for every level. A couple would be ideal starter boats. I know that some will be at our swap meet on November 19th.
It’s been a few weeks since we had a group call. I will start things up tomorrow night at 6:30 on our designated line. General topic getting ready for the season. Next week November 2nd our central topic will be sailing in Southern New England. Followed by other areas like NH, ME, and the Adirondacks in NY. Other topics will be racing forums and more.
As we come into season let’s all get ready to sail and always Think Ice,
John
DN5023
John@neiya.org
P.S. Any guesses on the venue at the top of the page?
Notice Of Dues
Hey Folks-
If you are interested in racing your DN or already hooked make sure you get on the IDNIYRA website and pay our annual dues.
Membership is cheap and well worth it! If you are feeling generous you can choose a sustaining membership which includes a small donation. If you are feeling REALLY generous you can do that AND make a donation (hint hint…)
In any case please support the organization that keeps us on track. Click and get at it!
IDNIYRA Notice of Dues 2024 – DN North America
|
DN CLASS BALLOT
Hey Folks- My apologies for not getting this out sooner-
If you are a DN class member be sure to find this notice in your email and cast your ballot.
Remember, vote early and often!
Notice of Electronic Ballot for Specification Changes & EPIC Agreement Amendment – DN North America (idniyra.org)
|
September Runner Tracks!
Anyone care to tell me where the summer went???
Seems like it was over before it started this year- Time to buckle down and get the boats and gear ready and a great way to get inspired is by reading the new issue of Runner Tracks!
Be sure to check it out here:
Runner Tracks Newsletter September 2023 – DN North America (idniyra.org)
Looking forward to the season! T
Green, Green, Green – Sun Nov 19th NEIYA Swap Meet, Lunch & Annual Meeting
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 |
 |
| 2024 Membership + Lunch | $45 |
|
| 2024 Membership + 2X Lunch | $60 |
|
| 2024 Lunch (11/19/2024) | $15 |
|
| 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
Cooler Thoughts
With the sun setting on one season the Ice chatter is increasing. Hints of new equipment acquired in and outside the North East are making their rounds. Don’t forget to check out and post equipment for sale in our Classified section. The two masts I had for sale last year are still for sale. No i’m not getting out of iceboating but do have my eye on something new. See the Moore Brother’s Company FB Post Below.
And the tales of Summer are circulating…
Our VC jay Whitehair tearing it up on the Ohio River in his Vintage Hydroplane.
While winding up for the pass and the green flag (see video below) the words of NEIYA founder played in Jay’s head “There’s no such thing as a ‘friend’ in front of you!”. Warner St. Clair
Jay’s vintage boat is running 100+ mph. That’s 2X’s faster than most iceboats and every large wave/wake is like a pressure ridge. We all look forward to sailing with you again Jay.
A couple of thoughts that came out of last week’s call.
For the season we need to be prepared to travel. Have everything packed up and ready to roll. Maybe that means loading up a dedicated trailer at the ready. Many in our group have some wonderful traveling gear. We want to be sure that opportunities are not wasted by staying home.
Our Line will be open same time this week. Thursday 6:30. We are looking to map out various topics. Let me know if you have any ideas.
This bit of art was created by a cousin-in-law of mine, probably in the mid-1930s when he was in his early teens. My best guess is that it’s on the Hudson (he grew up in NYC), and shows someone in a stern-steerer in the evening with a couple of lighthouses going, which obviously made a big impression on him. I think we should all, in the coming season, do our part in making a big impression on some youngster, although perhaps without sailing at night by the light of two lighthouses! — John Hughes
Does anyone, recognize Twin Lights? Any thoughts from the Hudson sailors? Or the adventure-driven dreams of a young man. Chime in.
Keep those projects going and spread the word. Talk with some of you tomorrow evening.
Think Ice,
John
DN5023
john@neiya.org
The Run To The Ice Is Upon Us
I hope everyone had a fun-filled summer full of sailing and other activities. Our membership has been busy cruising racing and generally staying busy and collecting silver on the podium. Congratulations to Milo Flemming on winning the Maine state C420 championship. Way to go Milo! Look for him on the starting line come winter.
Bill Buchholz is once again hosting a land sailing event at the former Loring Air Force Base in LImestone ME September 19th – 24th. Loring is a wonderful venue with a vast racing surface and seems to be frozen in time since the Cold War. Its a must see for any history and anyone who enjoys remote and wild places. Details here https://iceboat.me/2023/08/18/eastern-landsailing-championships-on/
We are securing a venue for our annual Swap, Lunch, and Meeting and narrowing down to three dates Saturday October 28th, November 4th or 11th.
With the days getting shorter I am going to hold an open conference call next Thursday, September 7th, 6:30pm. Details to be sent via email to all current member on Monday.
Enjoy your Labor Day Weekend and hope you get to set sail.
Think Ice,
John
DN5023
John@neiya.org
New England Ice Yacht Association 