Sailing Friday and Saturday!
Hello All- Paul Chamberland is getting a group together to do some scratch racing in Westport, NY this Friday and Saturday.
If you are interested the launch is just south of the Westport Lakeside Motel at 74 Champlain Ave, Westport NY, 12993
Scratch racing will likely commence around 10-11AM and if you know Paul it won’t stop until the sun goes down!
As always use caution and talk to locals and other sailors before letting it rip. The SW side of the bay has thin ice so avoid that; see attached photo!
If the plate is still ok in a week we are hoping to host the DN Eastern Regional Champs! Stay tuned….
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DN NA AND NATIONAL CHAMPS REPORT
Hey Folks! The troops are home and hopefully the dust has settled for everyone. More importantly, hope everyone is thawed out; It was a chilly week in Wisconsin!
The DN North American Champs went off in grand style out in Green Lake, WI. Head Honcho Tim Mower did a great job of managing the weather situation (a delicate balance of snow belts and extreme cold patches) and no doubt lots of opinions to land us at Green Lake. We took a long look at Lake Wawasee in northern Indiana but rough surfaces, a snow dump, and some open spots and other hazards that damaged at least one boat and one person convinced us that continuing to WI was the right call.
That said the hurry-up-and-wait at Wawasee wasn’t all bad. It gave everyone there plenty of time to catch up and talk smack and have some good food as well!
Once the call was made it was a short hop up to Green Lake. The surface was good, the breeze was up (except for one morning), and heat exhaustion was not a risk as temps stayed in the single digits for the whole event. Getting out of the warm van when we arrived to the launch site every morning took some willpower, let’s just say that…. BUT the racing was awesome. Seven races were run in three fleets, boat damage was minimal although Eben Whitcomb’s trusty WHARF RAT drew the short straw and split the hull and deck. Good news is Eben can build and/or fix anything and he had it glued and screwed and ready for action the next day.
At the pointy end of the Gold Fleet racing was tight with six different skippers winning a race (including a horizon job by John Curtis in race 4!) and only 7 points separating 1st from 5th places. Karol Jablonski kept it together to take the top spot followed by Struble, Sherry, Orlebeke and Thieler.
Top Canadian was Nicolas Mabboux in 7th, with Van Rossem, Curtis, Marzenski, and Druiven also making Canada proud! NE represented well also with Thieler and Roseberry doing well in the Gold and Chamberland, Demerest, Whitcomb, Silsby, Treusdell, Valentine making their presence known in the Silver. Bob Haag and Ben Shaevitz gave it their all in the Bronze!
Hats off to the gang that makes these events happen; Deb Whitehorse, Nina Fleming, Pat Heppart, the Foellers, Fred Stritt, Dave Ryan, Paul Hickman, Dan Williams, Maureen Bohleber, Greg Mullett, Dan Hearn, and probably some who I’ve forgotten. Big thanks to DN legend Joe Norton for showing us around his shop and letting us borrow a sweet 4-wheeler with a heated enclosure. If there was a week to have one of these this was it! If you think you know what goes in to running an event like this, trust me, you don’t. These people work their tails off to make these events happen and they take running them as seriously as we take competing in them!
For more details and results see the real report here: 2026 North American Championship – DN North America
Following race 7 the committee sent us right into race 1 of the National Champs but more on that later.
Stay Tuned!! T Thieler, DN US 5224
My apologies for the lack of action shots from on the ice; it was too cold for cameras or bare fingers! Here’s a few random shots though….
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The Rodent Brings Us Luck
Punxsutawney Phil may be calling for six more weeks of winter, but based on what we sailed this weekend and the solid, thick ice holding beneith the snow on our larger lakes, we appear to have considerably more opportunity than the shadow seeing rodent suggests.
Conversations and conjecture ran high on last Thursday’s call. We all acknowledged that many of our colder lakes had too much snow, so attention shifted to smaller waters that may have frozen after with the recent cold snap and missed the snow. Another possibility was snow that had settled, wetted out, and refrozen into white ice. The third option were the brackish coastal bays and estuaries, Red Bank and Oceanport delivered in New Jersey, with Orient Point and other Long Island locations also seeing good sailing.
The prize of the weekend, miles and miles of smooth black ice. Members of the Chickawaukieice boat Club (iceboat.me) have been patiently watching Sebago for a while and the past several days were doing what ever was in their earthly or otherwise powers to ward off a fresh batch of snow. Their patience and many others were rewarded this Sunday with what was described as epic black ice. I will leave further elaboration to those that make it up to Sebabo on Sunday and those that are there as I pen this post.
My choices for Saturday were pretty much between Long Island and the Jersey Shore. Since I had to be Nassau County Saturday morning traveling out to the end of the North Fork was an easy choice. There were a good twenty or so boats on the ice. Some DNs, J14s and smaller skeeters as well as a number of Lockley Skimmers and one infamous South Bay Scooter. The bays of Long Island are there home and most every ice boater I know has some odd attraction to a craft that doesn’t have active steering capabilities. Unfortunately, the wind didn’t come in all that strong so there was more catching up with Long Island friends then sailing but that’s iceboating sometimes.
The NEIYA DN North American Regatta contingent are all safe back east and ready do for the next regatta. Congratulations to T on winning the newly minted national Championship and very strong showing in the NAs with a fifth a mere seven points out of first. Jeff Roseberry finished with a 10th place in the NA Gold Fleet. In the NA Silvers Paul Chamberland took a third place. Eben Whitcomb clawed his way to 12th after sitting out race 2 and 3 with some boat damage and taking a fourth in the Nationals. In Bronze Bob Haag pulled off a tenth place with consistent finishes throughout the regatta. Stay tuned we may get some first hand accounts from those who competed on Green Lake. NA Results / Nationals Results
Looking ahead we have a growing number of opportunities across the region. We are running right into a feast from our state of white famine just a week or so ago. To name a few Sebago, NJ shore, Long Pond in Harwich MA, Some of the bays on eastern Long Island including a high likelihood of sailing the Great South Bay a prize notch in any iceboaters belt. Also in the line up is Lake Champlain again and the prospect of Hudson ice.
Plenty of activities await us including some vast cruising and we will be looking to get the Don “Doc” Fellows race completed soon. The Doc Fellows is the NEIYA’s longest running regatta originating in 1975. Keep your eyes open and report in any findings you have. Did you drive by a body of water that needs further checking? Let us know.
Think Ice and encourage the winds to scrub our ice clean,
John
DN5023
John@neiya.org
Post Storm Options
We have been left with a bit of a White Mess out there. If anyone needed a reminder, look out the window and if that’s not convincing the lingering shoveling pains will. The cold has definitely settled in, and with it some current and other opportunities coming into focus.
The bitter temperatures have locked up some areas we have not seen frozen in quite a while, including sections of the Hudson River and parts of the New Jersey shore.
People are out scouting a handful of potential opportunities, With more information expected later today or tomorrow. These include Ninigret Pond in Rhode Island and Long Pond in Harwich, Massachusetts. This is just what I know but take a look around the current cold may have helped in other locations. Please these areas are being looked at and conditions are not confirmed and should be considered not sailable till scouting is complete.
At the moment, confirmed options include Red Bank, New Jersey, and Hallock’s Bay on the North Fork of eastern Long Island. Sabago will be attempted by people in Maine check out iceboat.me for details.
Don’t forget to check in on the DN NA activities that will be wrapping up today and rolling into the newly minted US Nationals regatta. https://www.idniyra.org/2026-north-american-championship/
Hang on there is a lot of winter and a great deal of ice beneath the snow waiting to poke free. More updates as reports come in.
Think Ice,
John
DN5023
John@neiya.org
DN North American Championship: Day 1 Report – DN North America
https://www.idniyra.org/dn-north-american-championship-day-1-report/
So far so good out here! Some broken boats and gear yesterday but everybody all grins at the end of the day….
And They’re (finally) Off…
WHOOP WHOOP! The bullhorn has sounded, the first day skippers meeting is in the books, and it is time to race.
NEIYA is well represented with nine racers on the line. For those who keep an eye on the numbers, that is 16 percent of the 56 boats listed on the scratch sheet. A strong showing.
It has not been an easy path for our intrepid nine. They battled the same conditions many of us just endured. Snow, snow, snow, and low, low, low temperatures. When conditions deteriorated at Lake Wawasee in Syracuse, Indiana, the entire event regrouped and reconvened roughly 500 miles north and west at Green Lake, Wisconsin.
Clang your cowbells and cheer loudly for James Thieler, Eben Whitcomb, Paul Chamberland, Jeff Roseberry, David Silsby, Edward Demarest, Robert Haag, and our Long Island friends and members Peter Truesdel and Scott Valentine as racing continues over the next few days.
For the latest reports straight from the ice, look for updates from Deb Whitehorse on the idniyra.org website.
Side note. Deb Whitehorse and I were recently interviewed by Francesca Krempa for an Afar.com travel article aimed at helping cold region travelers find a way to experience iceboating. Click for the article What is iceboating and where to try it. As we all know too well, it is not that simple. Conditions dictate everything. My best advice to would be iceboaters is captured perfectly in the final sentence of Francesca Krempa’s Afar article.
“Find us,” says Stanton. “We’ll take you out. And if it doesn’t hook you, you still get to check ice sailing off your bucket list.”
Reach out to us by email, ask to join our weekly call, and come on out and play.
We know we are surrounded by lakes covered with snow but there is pre-thaw hope. To the North Bill Buchholz and the Maine crew have been closely monitoring conditions on Sebago. Focus your attention to iceboat.me for updates. Maybe, just maybe, we will see sailing on the second largest and famously elusive lake in Maine this season.
Think Ice and Sail Fast,
John
DN5023
John@neiya.org
DN Racing VT – 1/18/26 – Google Photos
Thanks to Danny Burger for these great photos from last weekend!
2026 New England Championship Results
Long before the New England Regatta concluded yesterday, and well before the first skipper’s meeting, weeks of scouting, sailing, and securing local access were already underway. Race Committee Chairman Paul Chamberland and Jeff Roseberry put in the groundwork that made this regatta possible.
With the DN North Americans approaching, it was important to grab this opportunity. As most of you know, an ice opportunity not taken is often a missed regatta or days cruise. Paul was clear in his recommendation. Sandbar State Park had the best ice, and with his extensive scouting behind it, the decision was easy. And as we now know most of the rest of New England was covered in white this weekend.
The ice delivered. Conditions were generally smooth, though there was a light snow layer from early Saturday’s snows. It was not deep and inserts ruled the day. Winds cooperated generally out of the south up and down and always enough to move.
Special thanks again to Paul Chamberland, who pulled off an excellent regatta. In his own words:
“At times I was overwhelmed by all the details needed to pull off a successful regatta. There were no on-ice incidents other than a broken headstay tang. A fantastic time was had by all.”
Racing was competitive and clean. Congratulations to our friends to the north, with John Curtis taking commanding first and Jacek Marzenski second. Jeff Roseberry finished third, followed by Paul Chamberland in fourth. Ed Demerest rounded out the top five, holding on despite the only incident of the regatta, a broken headstay tang that resulted in a dropped rig. On a personal note I was able to sort out a number of issues and test them (on ice) in real time.
As always, no regatta happens without volunteers. Thanks to the Race Committee team, and to Nina Fleming, who transformed handwritten results into the official standings. Whether on wheels or blades Nina is our go to RC person.
Sandbar was not exclusively about DNs. Steve Lamb and Peter Coward arrived with their boats to take advantage of the expansive ice. Given the snow that covered much of New England, they made the right call and enjoyed big ice and miles of speed while the DNs turned laps. Next time we call big ice consider spending an extra hour or so of travel time. It is well worth the drive time.
Side note and a testament to the NEIYA’s history, we have outgrown NEIYA’s Grand New England Championship trophy. We have run out of room on the Trophy. To continue the 56-year tradition, Jeff Roseberry has volunteered to craft additional panels to carry future winners.
Think Ice,
John
DN5023
John@neiya.org
Racers
Good luck this weekend in Vermont. May the ice and winds be ever in your favor.
Lake Wentworth
Resurfaced nicely but have not checked thoroughly yet. Safe sail but I’d like to check out Wolfeboro bay. Final weather check needed.
Long Weekend’s Fun Has Just Begun (1-16-26)
We had a record number of people on our call last night, and we know some participants experienced difficulties. I’d like to blame Verizon, but regardless, we’re looking into what went wrong.
Ice reports poured in from Northern Lake Champlain, Sunapee, and Quaboag, all of which are being sailed right now. Lake Wentworth will be surveyed, with more details coming in a separate post. Ice-in was declared on January 15 on one of New England’s biggest iceboating prizes, Lake Winnipesaukee, and scouting is already underway.
Farther north, sailors are out today on Great Pond in Belgrade, Maine. Check the Chickawaukie Ice Boat Club website, iceboat.me, for details.
There’s also word that Bantam Lake in Connecticut may be ready, with people checking it out today.
As previously reported, the New England Championships will be held on Lake Champlain out of Sandbar State Park in Vermont. Racing is open to everyone, from seasoned ranked racers to more casual sailors and those just getting started. There will be a special award for the best boat in the Vintage class. Separate starts will be given to any class that gets three boats to the line. Any takers from the Whiz class?
We could also use some race committee help. No experience is required, just a desire to have the best view of the racing. Reach out to me if you’re interested.
There is plenty of ice for both racers and cruisers, so come on up and sail.
Think Ice,
John
DN 5023
john@neiya.org
DN NE CHAMPS THIS WEEKEND! NOR, SI’s, AND INFO
Hello All! IT’S GAME TIME!
Paul, Jeff and Jascek sailed Champlain out of Sand Bar State Park today and are giving it great reviews, so the NE Champs are ON for this weekend!
Regatta location as stated above is Sand Bar State Park in Milton VT. Regatta HQ as it were will be the Hampton Inn in Colchester VT. The guys are working on getting us a regatta discount.
Read the NOR and SI’s below, and make sure you have your proof of insurance. NO EXCEPTIONS!!
Looking forward to seeing everyone tomorrow morning!
T Thieler on behalf of Paul Chamberland et al
DN NE CHAMPS ARE ON!
OK Gang, it’s on for this weekend!
DN New England Champs are ON. Sounds like Champlain is in good shape, wind forecast is good for the weekend. Chamberland and Roseberry have been sailing and scouting around Sand Bar State Park near Burlington tonight VT and will finalize a site by tomorrow afternoon.
Launch will likely be Sand Bar State Park.
Plenty of lodging in the area; the boys are scoping that out as well.
Skippers Meeting Saturday AM at launch, 10:30AM
First Race at 11:00AM
Be sure to have your insurance with you!!! NO EXCEPTIONS
Regular iceboating rules apply- familiarize yourselves with them at
https://www.idniyra.org/racing/rules-safety/
NOTE- some iceboating Right Of Way rules differ from soft-water rules so read them closely-
IF three of any class show up and want to race they will get a start and races of their own- all welcome!
In the DN Class a Vintage / Classic trophy will be awarded to the boat and skipper that has a certain combo of age / wear and tear / battle scars / character / and results!
We are looking for volunteers to run and score races- earn some karma and volunteer! If you are interesting in helping score or run races contact James “T” Thieler at t_thieler@yahoo.com
If not no big deal, we can use the Maine system (Regatta Chair runs first race, from there on whoever wins a race gets to run and score the next one. Average points awarded for the races missed. I think. Will figure it out when the smart people get there)
Feel free to contact me with any questions or to let me know what I’ve forgotten-
Stay tuned to NEIYA site for details and updates!
Think ICE and LINE ‘EM UP!!
Looking @ The Long Weekend Ahead
Sunapee 1-12-26 By Kate Marone
As reported earlier there has been some great sailing to be had across New England. From Champlain, to Sunapee, Wentworth and Quaboag as well as others. As we know there is a front coming through and as usual remain flexible and adapt.
Race Chair Paul Chamberland is currently assessing locations to hold our New England Championship Regatta. Top of the list Sandbar area Lake Champlain VT. We can always use more intel so chime in please.
OFFICIAL Regatta info will be posted here neiya.org. We expect to make the regatta call by tomorrow night.
To aid in race coordination we will open our call with a regatta segment during our usual Thursday 6:30 PM call. Call is open to all current NEIYA members. Membership includes most racing fees. Don’t remember the phone number drop me an email today or early tomorrow. Additional regatta info to follow.
This is looking like a really great ice weekend. See you out there whether racing or cruising.
Think Ice,
John
Skimming Wentworth
Lake Wentworth Update
Ice Welcoming Us Back
With the warm weather and rain pretty much behind us there are a few places ready to go tomorrow and early in the week.
We have reports from Quaboag in MA, Sunapee in NH and Sandbar State Park on VT’s Champlain.
As always but especially with fluctuating conditions check be careful there are always hazards. Sail heads up and talk to those who are familiar with the area.
From Quaboag
Just got back from Quaboag, 10 inches of ice in front of the ramp,the surface looks consistent across the pond. Temp is 37 at 4:00.
It’s going to be 32: at 11 and 24 in the morning.
I will be setting up around 10 am. It’s there if you want to sail.
Bob S
From Sunapee
The ice on Sunapee was wet today with pools of water on the ice. Lots of ice fisherman out, so the thickness and strength are not an issue. It is at freezing now and will be sub freezing all night. Wind tomorrow forecast for 13 to 11 mph from 11am to 3 pm. The ice may level significantly (I hope) and puddles freeze overnight.
I plan to be at the state beach at 11 AM (with my boat) to check it out. I would say there is a good chance for good sailing.
Mark
Think Ice,
John
John@neiya.org
Lake Wentworth Weekend Recap.
After the last resurfacing on lake Wentworth, things have been hopping for the locals. Yesterday had the first local fleet of skimmers circumnavigate the lake accompanied by a DN and a local Gambit that hadn’t seen ice in a couple years. The same basic group was there on Saturday as well. Friday was an instructional day as two newbies took to the ice. After a couple phone calls and texts, the father/son team showed up not only to sail but helped me load gear and setup ol’ 777. We played a little follow the leader to get the basics down with one on his own and the other with me in the sidecar on the super DN. The winds were light and the basics were soon under their belts and they both soloed. From there things just took off……..and the winds increased. A few tall hikes occurred to add to the thrill. Ol’ 777 however was showing her age as one side of the jaw boom broke and I noticed a crack in the tiller. Time for lunch anyway. While Nick and Ben sampled some local fair in town, a quick trip home procured a new boom and tiller. (I wondered why I kept those spare parts.) The afternoon saw more ice time and Ben even caught son drone video of dad. I think they’re hooked. I also met my neighbor who was out skating and almost have him convinced to give it a try. Might need to borrow a gambit for that intro. Sadly the fleet will leave the ice for a time til we see what the next system will bring. Locals are praying the Broads on Winni will catch and the big lake shall rise again!
Glad to hear so many people found local ice and had a great start to the new year. Time to touch up the runners and wait for round two. Remember to dress warm and sail safe.
RACING SATURDAY AND SUNDAY
Hey Folks-
Here we go! Sounds like there is ice to be had up in VT!
Scouts and locals report regatta-quality ice up at Sand Bar State Park just north of Mallets Bay.
Sand Bar | Vermont State Parks
It has been decided that this weekend’s racing should be called the Great Eastern Challenge because well, why not?
The sailors who scouted today will be out early looking for a course-sized sheet of good ice. They are hoping to have an area scoped out and marks set by noon. Scratch racing will ensue.
As always BE CAUTIOUS!! THERE ARE CRACKS AND HAZARDS! Check with locals and proceed slowly and cautiously until you get to the course. Be mindful of skaters and kite sailors etc as well.
The majority of boats will be DNs (old and new welcome!) but other types are welcome.
Contact Paul Chamberland with questions at 518 764 0005
See you all there!
Year’s End Sail
Nothing like ringing in the new Year with speed. Raw wind harvested power.
It is hard enough to explain to our sailing brethren. And nearly impossible for those who have never set foot on a frozen pond or lake.
Recap from Bob to follow.
11 sailors showed up today, the ice was very good with a few snowmobile marks,the wind was 15 to 20 with some gusts,everyone handled well.
3 boats are still set up for the morning sail.Snow tonight 1 inch plus .
Winds about 15mph in the morning, going to 25 to 35 by 1pm,looks like a short fast sail.
Happy New Year
Bob S
Paul Chamberland, Jeff Roseberry,and other DNers are up in Montreal sparring with our friends in Canada. Give em hell boys. Only a couple weeks till the NAs. If you are considering going be sure to reach out to race veterans.
As we are ready ringing in the new year we all look forward to more ice time.
See you on the ice next week
Think Ice
John
John@neiya.org
DN NA REGISTRATION- SIGN UP AND SAVE!
Register Today and Save $50 – DN North America
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Lake Wentworth
Lake Wentworth NH has resurfaced. Kiters were on it yesterday and a few boaters will be setting up today. Slight dusting should blow off and a few bumps from snow machines. Not fully scouted yet. Happy New Years. Square pond in Shapleigh, ME was sailed yesterday.
Last Day of 2025 Sailing Options
Quaboag 12/30 Bob S
Conditions are shaping up all over the place. Based on Bob’s report below people will be gathering at Quaboag today. In New Hampshire Massasecum seems the the best option. Conditions below. Get out for the last sail of the year.
Further reports to come in the new year.
Bil Buchholz will be sailing Damariscotta Lake with I’m sure a good crowd. Check out https://iceboat.me/2025/12/30/sailing-on-tomorrow/ for details.
Massasecum is also rough, but sailable. A lot of crud from partially melted and refrozen snow and slush / tire tracks from ATVs. Possibly some remnants of smoother ice further out. Ice is 9-12 inches thick per fishermen.
Wind tomorrow in Bradford forecast at 8-10 w temps mid 20s.
Based on the thickness / safety factor and general surface character, I think Massasecum is a better bet for tomorrow.
12/30/25
6 inches of grey ice, except for a few snowmobile tracks it’s a grade 8+.
Temp was 21: at 10 am no holes spotted.Wind was 21 with gust to 32.
Tomorrow mid 20s wind 10 to 15 with some gust.
Bob S
Looking forward to sailing with you all in the new year. We will have our weekly call tomorrow night.
Think Ice
John
DN5023
John@neiya.org
New England Ice Yacht Association 