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!
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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
Quaboag Status
Thanks to Bob S. For keeping a watchful eye on the Q. May the snow scrub off soon.
Just got back from Quaboag, the ice on the ramp was open, need a plank to get on.
Walked on the shore to the right of the parking lot, and there is 5 inches.
Pine street has 4.75 inches, that is the east side of the lake, there is open water near the south shore.
Stone road looks good, that is the west side of the pond, the point across from the far south cove has some open water.
Bob S
Temp 19 .00
BAD NEWS snow over night.
Think Ice and melt snow
John
John@neiya.org
Merry Christmas To The Ice Tribe
Those in our northern reaches had a white Christmas. Not exactly what we asked Santa for but we ice boaters are optimistic and patient.
So keep the faith. The white stuff will blow off and evaporate.
For those faithful few that dialed in to our weekly call sorry for not officially canceling the call. Your family
I can report there are record high temperatures here but ice and cachasa in our glasses.
We will reconvene next Thursday at 6:30 pm. I know we are all eager to return to the ice especially DNers looking for some tune up time before the NAs at the end of January.
Think Ice,
John@neiya.org
Toads wild ride!
4 brave souls with storm sails braved Lake Wentworth today for some playtime. Plenty of good ice but one sailor managed a runner in hole incident which resulted in a rapid disassembly of his craft. A sketchy tow back to the pits was accomplished. Be there tomorrow with a little less wind I hope.
Sailing on Quaboag today 12/17
Reports in from Quaboag today. Get it while it’s good. Bob S has put out the welcome mat for tomorrow.
Nine sailers showed up Wednesday to sail Quaboag, great wind all day,the snow was soft and wet, no problem sailing through it.
Got on the ice at 9;00 and sailed till 3;00, i’ll sleep good tonight.
Light winds in the morning,but there five boats set up hoping to sail..
Bob S
Lake Massesecum in NH was scouted today by several people more as it develops.
Lake Massesecum – Kate Marone
The above and others are sure to be discussed tomorrow night.
Think Ice,
John
John@neiya.org
Keeping the sport alive
Here’s the cover of this issue if Boathouse News from the New Hampshire Boat Museum with its new location in Moultonboro, NH.
I had the pleasure of restoring this wonderful old boat for the museum and it was used in last seasons ice boating display which included this one, a vintage DN, a Skimmer, and an ice Opti. I’d love to see a permanent section of the museum devoted to Iceboating.
Currently closed for the season and renovations, but will open in May. It’s really a treat to see the displays of boating in New Hampshire.
How much is enough?
Now that I have the first sail of the season out of the way, the question came to mind of how much actual sailing time is required to say that you did indeed sail? I skated Lake Wentworth on Tuesday, a little snow/rain came through Wednesday/Thursday and setup occurred on Friday with howling winds. An exploratory sail happened with my super DN and storm sail. Running loose sheeted I made several runs up and down one side of the lake. This probably took maybe 20-30 minutes. Shakedown run was good but winds were building so I parked the rig. I think I would have considered that a short but definite sail. Saturday I had a rehabbed vintage DN that I wanted to test drive. With no wind to speak of, I figured I could at least do a push test. However, as the telltale began to flicker, I thought perhaps it might be enough to move on the rough ice. After getting my sprint training, a zephyr came up and I made 3 runs of about 1/2 mile in length. Another little puff gave me 2 more. Not bad I thought with an untried heavy rig and a totally flat sail. The question is, did it qualify as a sail? How far or how long, does one need to be moving under wind power to qualify as a countable day of sailing? I recall one day at the end of last season where after pushing out of Wolfeboro bay, I managed a 1/4 mile run with one tack and almost made it back to where I started. Since no one else moved under wind power, I was told that indeed I had sailed. No one can dispute that a day of racing or completing the Hard Way indeed qualifies. But how about when everyone is rigged and the teaser gets you out just far enough so the “walk of shame” back to the staging area has to occur. This may be followed by a repeat scenario the next hour and so on throughout the day.
Regardless of how you want to qualify a day of sailing, you can simply state that you had a day of ice boating. This covers all the bases no matter what occurs on the ice. Even if the boat doesn’t get set up, it qualifies as a scouting trip. If there is no wind it, becomes an on ice tuning clinic and information exchange meeting. It may even turn into a food fest once the grill comes out. The end of the day watering hole can still be counted as part of the experience, wind or not.
As the season begins, may you have smooth safe ice, adequate wind, and great companionship whether it is a day of sailing or a day of Ice boating.
Season’s Greetings to all.
Quaboag Comes Through Monday 12/15
This In from Bob S. Along with an invite to sail with small assembled group.
Two boats sailed Quaboag today with 5 inches of ice with 1 inch of snow.
No holes were spotted, a few wet spots over the cracks that were crossed with no problems.
Big winds today, some of the snow was blown away and we have 6 inch drifts in places.Two boats are set up to sail in the morning.
Bob S
Also check out Wentworth in NH. An intrepid few sailed Wentworth in high winds. The lake is ready for more dun
Think Ice,
John
John@neiya.org
Give Quaboag Some Time
People have been asking about Quaboag. Bob S did check yesterday and it is not ready.
Needs a few days of cold and let’s hope the snow stays away from a great looking base surface.
Think Ice
John
John@neiya.org
Good Prospecting @ Lake Wentworth, NH
We had a strong turnout for last night’s weekly conference call, with what appears to be a record 20 percent of members dialing in. While a ready to sail call could not be placed last night, we do have several meaningful updates to share.
The call-in number remains unchanged from last year. We did experience a number of email notice bounces due to outdated or incorrect addresses, so if you believe you are current on dues but did not receive notice, please email me so we can make the necessary corrections. BTW the notice email came directly from john@neiya.org as the sender check your spam box.
Lake Wentworth is receiving high marks as a developing prospect and is expected to be sailed tomorrow. This is an emerging opportunity without full scouting reports, and hazards have not yet been identified. Caution is strongly advised. The best, though somewhat limited, access is via Wentworth State Park off NH Route 109. The parking lot cannot accommodate trailers, so please plan alternative arrangements.
A scouting party accessed Farrar Pond in Lincoln, MA earlier today. While small, it presents a good early-season opportunity.
Bob S. is currently scouting the always reliable Quaboag Pond and will report back later today. Additional locations in New Hampshire are also being scouted, with updates to follow.
Please be careful and do not let early season enthusiasm lead you into an unsafe situation. NEVER SAIL ALONE, and treat all ice with extreme caution until you have personally confirmed conditions. Do not rely on hearsay. Upon arriving at a location seek firsthand reports from those who have actually been on the ice and are aware of any known issues.
Think Ice,
John
DN5023
john@neiya.org
Nearly Show Time
It seems the crews who traveled west for the Great Western Challenge have also helped usher the cold back our way. Reports are now coming in from Maine and New Hampshire’s Lakes Region. Skating and ice sailing have been reported in Maine by Bill Buchholz (iceboat.me), and Randy Rice has already put blades on the ice, sailing in light air on Pemi (Gewasset) Lake. We also have reports from Bob S. that Quaboag in Brookfiled, MA has set up and will only get thicker with the cold weather. Thanks to all the early scouters who keep watchful eyes on our ice.
Additional early reports indicate ice beginning to set up in several bays and lakes around the Winnipesaukee region. All reports are in the process of being confirmed, and with the predicted low temperatures, confirmations are expected soon in the next few days.
More information is coming on our two recent events. Many thanks to Stephen Lamb for hosting us at his shop in Canton, MA, and to Charlie Silfvenius at the Wooden Boat Museum. This has been a busy sales season, and time has gotten away from me, but full recaps are coming shortly.
Looking ahead, we will be restarting our weekly calls on Thursdays at 6:30 pm. The first call will focus on early-season ice conditions. Members in good standing will receive an email tomorrow with login information.
As always, you can reach me directly at john@neiya.org.
Think early ice,
John
DN5023
John@neiya.org
Thanksgiving Greetings from the NEIYA
Thanksgiving cheer to all who chase the ice and the wind, and to the families, friends, and shore crews who make it possible.
As we gather with good food and good company, we’re looking ahead as well:
winter is coming, runners are sharpened, gear is sorted out, and weather maps are getting a more attention. It will not be long for most of us.
Congratulations to Race Chair Paul Chamberland for once again claiming the first sailed ice award. Blades on the ice and running. November 22, 2023 Owlseye Lake, St. Paul, Alberta. Way to go Paul.
With luck, we will sail together before the new year, mixing it up across New England, the Northeast, and the Midwest. Perhaps even a Winni Hardway if the season falls into place.
Until then stay well, enjoy the day, and keep thinking cold and ice.
See you at Steve Lamb’s Shop this Saturday 11/29 10:00am. Remember if you need help sorting out your boat bring it on down and let our panel of the seasoned give it a once over. All are welcome, especially those who have always wanted to get out and sail the ice. Boat or not come out Saturday. Drop me a note if there are any questions.
For details, visit the announcement here: 🔗 https://neiya.org/2025/11/21/the-off-ice-lamb-tune-up-is-on-saturday-11-29-25/
Think Ice,
John
john@neiya.org
The Cost of Fun
I remember my dad pouring over this flyer sometime in the 1960’s just after he’d been bitten. He had already acquired the set of DN plans and was just figuring how to make it happen. I recall money being tight with a young family of 6 and a move to a new house which he had to finish the upstairs for me and my sisters. My mother was a voracious coupon clipper and many of our presents were bought with green stamps. We would rob piggy banks for a kiddie size ice cream at the, “Big Scoop” on Rt.1. The good news is we never felt poor. We had the basics and were creative in making our own fun with the rest of the neighborhood. They were good years for me. (The time warp thing.) let construction begin.l
The wood for a modified plan was relatively inexpensive but the high cost of the hardware needed some resourcefulness.
Imagine a pair of side chocks costing $8.00 whole dollars! The steering chock was another $6.00. A set of runners were almost unattainable at$40.00, $8.00 dollars more if you wanted a hardened edge. The sail added a whopping $100.00 to the bill. Now my dad was a pretty typical one if I remember correctly. The thing I admired most was his resourcefulness at making things appear. Bit by bit, parts started appearing. Not quite like the pictures, but close enough to know what they were supposed to be. It’s nice to know a welder now and again. With a set of welded chocks and some T iron runners, we set forth for the rest of the hardware. Blocks,(aka general store pulleys), galvanized cable with screw clamps, and a willing mother to try and sew a sail. We probably saved another $50.00 over this flyers cost. Yes the boat got made was a success, albeit limited.
I wonder what today’s prices are for the same parts. I often see old boats advertised for under $1000. And if you want the top end gear, 2nd mortgage time. All in all though it is still a relatively inexpensive sport…..unless you need to travel to find ice. Thank you to the racers and the great advancements to the sport. Everyone should drive a Ferrari some time. Frugal Yankees know that swaps are happening with some bargain prices on most anything boat related. If you travel with a trailer and want to checkout the Midwest area, you can come back with a fleet reasonably priced. And don’t forget the internet. Community sites and Marketplace have some great deals. I hope everyone who wants something new to add, can find it with no regrets for cost.
There’s been frost on the pumpkin for a few nights and it seems to be getting darker earlier. Look for the skaters to signal the start of the season.(They weigh less that an iceboat though.)
Think ice and I know some of you have seen this price flyer before. Let the show begin.
Swap Meets Are For Getting Ready
Getting ready is an integral part of the iceboating game, and this past weekend delivered perfect fall conditions for our annual NEIYA gathering. The lot filled early with familiar faces and newcomers alike. Some with race-ready programs, others with boats in need of a little love. A few classic iceboats were on hand, looking for new homes. One 1936 impeccably preserved ready for the ice example and the other in need of repairs. Boats are still available, seek out Brian Langley or Bill Buchholz respectively.
As always, the swap meet served as both a social and a trading hub. Boats, parts, and stories changed hands freely. I even managed to move a few aluminum mast extrusions north and west to good homes in Maine and New York.
Smiles for Ice –
After lunch, Bob Wills, President of the Hudson River Ice Yacht Preservation Trust and Past Commodore of the Hudson River Ice Yacht Club, shared updates on the Trust’s plans for a museum and vintage boat storage. He also spoke about the historic yachts under their care. Many trace their lineage to the Roosevelt family and other notable industrialists of the Hudson River’s Gilded ice-sailing era.
Continuing the wooden-boat theme, Frank Morris, Vice Chair of Lowell’s Boat Shop, gave an update on the donated DNs from the Davidson family, including DN 1220, built by Kerr Davidson. After a cleanup and careful runner alignment, DN 1220 now resides in New Hampshire, awaiting its first sheet of black ice. Frank also shared an inspiring overview of Lowell’s mission “to preserve and perpetuate the art and craft of wooden boatbuilding.” In many ways, that’s what we do too.
Frank Morris Takes the stage
Following our guest speakers, the annual business meeting convened. Full minutes and financials will be posted on neiya.org in the coming days.
Eben Whitcomb, chair of the nominating committee, presented the 2025–26 officer slate, which was approved by the membership:
- Commodore: John Stanton
- Vice Commodore: Charlie Silfvenius
- Secretary: Karen Binder
- Treasurer: Ed Demarest
Looking ahead, we’ll hold an off-ice gathering near Wolfeboro, NH, on Saturday, December 6, hosted by Vice Commodore Charlie Silfvenius. The venue and agenda will be announced soon. This event will be open to all. This includes ice veterans, newcomers, and anyone curious about the sport. NEIYA members are especially encouraged to attend.
Members in good standing will receive details this week for our weekly conference calls, scheduled to resume in November.
Another highway sunset/sunrise with my mast on the roof pointing the way down the road. Heading from or to home, usually north, but any direction can happen. Always chasing the next hardwater horizon.
The picture is on way home from Maine following the Chickawaukie Ice Boat Club Meeting on Sunday. Great conversation and atmosphere. They are starting a Plymouth Pond black ice vigil. Stay tuned for first ice In Maine.
Time to prep your gear, sharpen your runners, and ready the trailer. The ice season is coming!
Think Ice,
John
DN5023
John@neiya.org
Tomorrow’s the Day – Sat Oct 25th NEIYA Swap Meet, Lunch & Annual Meeting
We are less than a day away from this year’s New England Ice Yacht Association’s Annual Swap Meet, Lunch and Meeting 10:00 AM Saturday, October 25. That’s tomorrow, people!
NEIYA Swap Meet, Lunch & Meeting Information:
When: Saturday, October 25th, 10:00am (Vendors set up early so you might want to come before 10am)
Where: Thompson Speedway Golf Course, 205 E Thompson Rd, Thompson, CT 06277
Google Map: https://goo.gl/maps/DbGpTekm4ZLNnV8n7
We are excited to welcome guest speaker Robert Wills, President of the Hudson River Ice Yacht Preservation Trust and Past Commodore of the Hudson River Ice Yacht Club. A longtime Hudson River iceboater, Bob is the proud custodian of four historic ice yachts, including Kriss, commissioned by John Aspinwall Roosevelt in 1898. An active iceboater since 1989, Bob continues to care for his fleet of historic yachts, lecturing widely on the history of icesailing throughout the Hudson Valley and now expanding into New England to join us.
Also joining us on the historic front is our own Frank Morris, Vice Chairman of Lowell’s Boat Shop in Amesbury, MA. Lowell’s is best known as the birthplace of the classic New England Dory, still handcrafted today using traditional methods. The shop remains a living legend, where craftsmanship and maritime heritage endure. “T” and I gave an iceboat talk and onshore demo to an eager crowd at Lowell’s shop last fall. And believe we converted a couple of people to hard water. If you have a chance, visit the Lowell Boat Shop and take a step back in time.
Sometimes we forget how deeply our sport’s nautical heritage runs. Ice yachting shares a common lineage and spirit of the grand classic yachts that engaged in fierce competition dating back to the 1800s. Our heritage is written in wood grain, and the calloused hands that shaped our soft and hard water yachts.
Upon Arrival, be sure to check in with our treasurer, Ed Demerest. Even if you have paid online, please check in with Ed to be sure your contact info is current. Ed would appreciate it if you paid your dues and lunch online, see links below. And not you do not have to have a PayPal account to transact with a credit card.
Please Pay Your Dues
| Dues Time | Price | |
| 2025-26 Membership | $30 |
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| 2025-26 Membership + Lunch | $45 |
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| 2025-26 Membership + 2X Lunch | $60 |
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| 2025 Lunch | $15 |
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| Mail in Form We prefer you pay online – Thanks | ||
This is your go-to Northeast event for all things ice sailing and Ice, 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. If you live outside the Northeast, it’s a great excuse for a road trip. Shout out to the boys and girls in NJ, the Hudson Valley, and the Adirondack regions, as well as those to the west of us. There is a prize for the person traveling the farthest.
Now is a perfect time to pay your 2025-26 dues and reserve your seat at our annual Luncheon and Meeting. All are welcome to attend.
Do not wait till after the swap meet 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? Now is the perfect time to free up some storage. Put it up in the classified section. Remember, your older equipment may be far better than what someone else has now.
Stay tuned for the beginning of our weekly ice calls starting up in a few weeks. Never too early to talk ice boating in front of a like-minded crowd.
Till then, Think Ice,
John
DN5023
John@neiya.org
P.S. Drop me a note if you have any questions, and if you have always wanted to try iceboating, this is the place to start.
How can I fit it all in?
This not about my busy schedule and many varied hobbies and interests. It is about the laws of physics which states that no two objects can occupy the same space simultaneously . We then go on to learn that atoms are mostly space. Armed with that information we only need to figure out how to intertwine the atoms of those two objects to allow one space to be utilized to the max.
When I picked up roots in 1980 and headed west, all my worldly possessions fit into, (or on top of), my SAAB 99, including an extra kayak for a friend. Two of us lived in what was affectionately known the Wilson Boxes. Approximately 30×40 feet in size. No extra storage and I certainly wasn’t going to pay for a storage unit.
The next move to Alaska had an 8x8x6 foot high box trailer towed behind a 72 jeep wagoneer. My wife had a Subaru with a U-Haul behind. The move east in 1986 had the same box trailer, no Subaru, and we mailed about 25 max load boxes to our folks. Within 2 years we had built a nice log home and managed to fit everything in it. And then we thought, “Gee, wouldn’t it be nice if we had a garage to keep the cars in.” A 2 car size would take care of our needs, but what if we expanded to a 3 car for maybe a workshop and storage upstairs, just in case. Now you may be thinking this would be enough for any couple, but no. Two Rhino shelters were added as we settled into that phase of life where all your toys need a home. The good news is I’m beginning to reverse the trend at 73 years of age, however slowly.
So you may be wondering why I needed to set the stage for this post. It does have much to do with Ice boats during the 340 some odd days that they are not on the ice. They need to be put somewhere safe and sound through the summer heat and spring rains. This not only includes the hulls and gear but especially the sails which I believe are made with a mouse attractant that contains a trigger for mice to find entry into any container devised by humankind.
Show up at any race and you’ll find a variety of small cars with a DN strapped on top and so much gear inside that you need to drive on instruments. Some of these sailor live I. A small apartment. Or maybe a group has a communal trailer with half a dozen boats and gear secure and ready to go at a moments notice. But I digress, this is about the non sailing days. I had a wonderful little enclosed trailer that worked well for many years, I just didn’t dare to drive too far with it. It held 2 DNs and gear nicely. Then the children came and of course we tortured our two girls with every outdoor activity we could. This ment a new boat was needed and a Gambit became part of the fleet. With a sidecar added the whole family could go……..but a new trailer was needed. Then my first stern steerer entered the scene. It needed its own trailer, more space needs. That one now sail with the New York crew but a second one has a home at my place. The trailer for this one is multipurpose so it needed a summer home. The 2 skimmers recently added to my fleet will amazingly fit into our town and country van……..however the e bikes reside there in the summer.
So here is where it all fits in…for now. The super DN, my wife’s DN, and my BDX reside full time in the trailer minus the runners and sails. ( those are inside for rust proofing and mouse proofing.) the Skimmers hang on the garage wall over the 20 stern steerer on brackets. I have vintage DN parts stored out of wind and weather. I have one vintage DN that was on display at the New Hampshire Boat Museum that needs a home, with me or someone who wants to try the sport. Maybe in two years I’ll have reduced my accumulations to the point where the cars might fit back in the garage.
Not a bad system for me, but I hear there is swap coming up. I might need to call my sponsor for support for this addiction. Hope you manage to find all the gear for the year, maybe even all in one place with no rust and no mouse stains.
See you at the meeting.
New England Ice Yacht Association 