First day of racing…
Hi everyone,
Arrived to the lake with light winds and warm temperatures forecasted. Both proved accurate.
As expected, given the number of top ten sailors many had to sail the qualifying gauntlet including me. The gold fleet had 12 spots you have to qualify for by sailing the first silver race.
The bronze qualifier was in very light wind, but by the time of the silver qualifier the wind built to about 7 knots and many of us lighter weight sailors were debating sail switching and wished we had once arriving at the second downwind leg when the wind dropped out. A fuller sail would have helped a lot. By the end of it, I finished in 10th which placed me in the golf fleet. Jeff just missed it and finished in 13th. This means Jeff’s first silver race will be scored as a first place finish.
Then there was a long wait for the gold start. I decided to put on my F01 with a super soft batten. I zoomed of the line and tacked earlier than most as they just seemed to be going beyond the layline. That moment was a good call as I was 4th around the windward matk. 4th!
Well, I should have followed Anja Fiedler who made a quick gybe almost immediately after she rounded after me. I never saw her again! Anja is the best female DN racer in the world. I have never had the opportunity to race against her. I lost a lot of boats on that downwind leg and the. the breeze completely died with lots of boats pushing and having the BART rule in effect. T had a good race but we are now back at the hotel as results have not been posted. I’ve been told a protest about the race has been filed so we have to wait for folks to be heard and a decision made…
The bronze fleet and silver fleet were supposed to race, but we are not sure they got any more races in as the gold fleet was sent in.
Thanks.
Karen
DN 5630
Should I Stay or Should I go
Generally I’m not much of a traveler in my own mind. Having said that, I’ve lived in MA, NY, NH, GA, CO, WY, and AK. Ive been to Sweden, St. John and Vieques. Since my wife retired we have done road trips with our 13ft. Scamp camper at least one time, usually more per year. (Definitely not the rig in the picture.) We’re usually on the road from 4-6 weeks hitting National, State and town parks everywhere east of the Rockies and north of the gulf states. Slept in friend’s driveways, Walmart and Cabella’s parking lots, BLM lands, National parks and forests, and a few rest areas. The question is, Why do I find it difficult to load the iceboats up and head to where the ice is?
For some reason 1 1/2 hours seems to be my comfort level. That generally covers the Lakes Region of NH, down to the Mass border, west to the Vermont border and Sebago in Maine. 10 years ago following my retirement, (wife still working for 3 more years), I was enticed to load my DN on top of my little Scion XA and headed to Moosehead. (Thanks BIll for the incentive.) Two wonderful days of sailing and a great no wind day of skating was the reward. All on perfect black ice and temps that constantly hovered around ZERO F! For a couple years I checked out the Maine spots including Dami, Pushaw, and Sebago. On Pushaw, after everyone left on Sunday, my daughter joined me and we had the whole lake to ourselves, except for a scaled P-51 mustang that flew by us about 10 feet off the ice with the pilot giving us a friendly wave.
In these later years, (maybe influenced by the covid restrictions…..and aging bones), I find it hard to get the logistics out of the way to make longer trips, especially overnights. I am living a little vicariously through our compatriots out in the Midwest sailing on what seems to be a banner year for ice. I probably missed a good opportunity to load my stern steerer on the trailer and head down to sail with the Hudson River crowd. My local group always provide fun times in a variety of crafts and we welcome visitors from near and far to play on home ice. At the end of the day, the hot tub on the back deck and their warmth of the wood-stove are hard to beat for enjoyment. A little night cap, (for medicinal purposes), gives me about a 10 minute timeline before the eyes close.
I guess I just need to make that budget plan and commit to going on the road and sailing new ice while making new friends. I just need one of those autonomous vehicles with a bed in the back so I just set the auto pilot and wake up in the Midwest and just wait for the call to ice, somewhere within a hours drive.
Happy trails to all you road warriors, and be sure to post so I can see what I’m missing. It’s a great motivator. Now I guess I’ll go skiing again and pray for the thaw to happen, or maybe double check the trailer and how much money in the coffers.
Since the furry rodent saw his shadow, winter is still among us. Hope is still there. Happy Trails to you , whether on ice or traveling to.
2025 DN World Championship Kicks Off in Fond du Lac – DN North America
https://www.idniyra.org/2025-dn-world-championship-kicks-off-in-fond-du-lac/
Hey Gang- the big show starts today! Keep an eye on IDNIYRA site for updates
Practice Day
Hi,
The lake is huge, hard and fast. Today most competitors (107 sailors are registered!) rigged and got lots of practice laps in and the wind built as the day progressed.
Most sailors were experimenting with 90 and 95 degree runners and switching in flatter sails by late afternoon.
Watching the coordination, communication and team work of the polish sailors is very impressive.
Jeff, Paul, and I were in several scratch races today and did a good job of being fast and competitive with the Canadian Ice Force.
There are 27 sailors ranked in the top ten and there will be three fleets racing. Even with being ranked 13th I imagine I might have to race the qualifier.
More tomorrow!
Karen Binder, DN 5630
New Month of Ice
Reports are a little grim for this time of year but hope springs eternal in the hearts of us ice sailors. Although the snows have been light, they seemed to have squelched many a sailing venue for the moment. Massachusetts has some potentials with Webster Lake as well as Quabog benefitting from the next system. Bob S. Reports there is plenty of ice, just needs a new surface. Meriden Pond and Bantam in Connecticut also sound like possibilities. Although our southern friends did get some sailing in, New Jersey warmed up a little too quickly. Some of the NY stern steerers even had ice time.
Good luck to the eastern crew who are trying to show them foreigners that we can indeed sail fast……..even if we don’t get a lot of practice.
On the way!
T and I are leaving for Lake Winnebago in Wisconsin in a few minutes. Paul and Jeff arrived at the lake yesterday and sailed all day. Jeff said the lake is massive. Registration is up to 100 sailors and racing starts on Sunday. I’ll do my best to send updates.
Cheers,
Karen Binder
DN 5630
NEIYA Secretary
DN WORLDS AND NA CHAMPS ARE ON!
Hey Gang-
Looks like we are good to go west for the big show; Load ’em up and hit the road!
Look forward to seeing everyone out there. Still time to sign up if you haven’t yet! See the IDNIYRA site for more information.
Weekend Update 1/27/25
As winter holds strong, some of our favorite inland spots remain buried beneath crusty snow. But along the coasts and rivers, the scene was alive with action. The usual crowd of dedicated enthusiasts was joined by newcomers eager to embrace local ice conditions—some waiting as long as a decade for the chance.
On S. Watuppa Pond in Fall River, MA, a gathering took place from Friday through the weekend. The previosly reported New England Championship took place and there were other crafts of out as well including several Wizz and other crafts.
Other New Hampshire lakes were scouted but found wanting, with surfaces marred by crust or offering only small patches of clear ice. Among the lakes checked were Newfound and Massabesic, both falling short of expectations for safe or enjoyable conditions. But regadless people did sail including VC Charlie and his wife Ann.
Several others made the most of what was available, sailing two, three, or more days split between Watuppa and Webster lakes. I personally ventured across the Throgs Neck Bridge to Long Island’s Lake Ronkonkoma for a meetup with local iceboaters. Meanwhile, the “Iron man” Bob S. logged his sixth consecutive day of sailing on Webster Lake—a feat worthy of applause. His detailed report follows below.
A Thriving Community on Ronkonkoma’s Ice
At Lake Ronkonkoma, I discovered a bustling winter wonderland. People of all ages were out on the ice—playing hockey, gliding on skates, boarding, strolling, and, of course, iceboating. The iceboats ranged from DNs of various vintages to Skimmers, Gambits, a BDX, and even a historic stern-steerer built locally in Ronkonkoma back in 1920.
For many, including me, this was a special occasion. The lake hasn’t frozen in about 15 years, and being back brought a flood of memories. It was here, some 30 years ago, that I launched my first DN on a Saturday, with a blizzard forecast looming for Sunday. Coming full circle, it was a joy to reconnect with the vibrant Long Island iceboating community, who clearly made the most of this rare freeze.
Other regional sailing took place in NJ on the Navesink and Hudon River at Athens, NY. The good ice at Athens brought out the vintage stern steerers effortlesly moving over the ice with the power of momentum.
We had a few newbies with a strong interest to join in on the fun of iceboating. We hope to see them back out during the rest of the season. Please drop me an email if you have any other questions.
Just got back (1/27/25) from day 6 on Webster lake great wind and the ice is getting better every day,i took my boat home
The wind is suppose 15 to 20 with gust to 40 tomorrow, good time to check my gear and get ready for the next good day somewhere.
We had 5 sailers today two guys from NH with old DNs very good sailers ,we got to go into south pond and do some ice we had not sailed in a few years.
Trying to recruit new sailers tell Karen i have new young blood in a pink snow suit.
Bob S.
Below are some pictures from the New Englands. Thanks to long time member and form voice of the Ice Hot Line Jeff Soderholm,
I can’t predict the future but it does look like Webster will remain in play for a time and we can hope that the crud on some of our lakes will melt down. The bigger lakes may come into play stay tuned.
The upcoming DN Gold Cub and NA’s will peel off some 14 members but the ice show will go on with force throughout New England and the Northeast. Stay tuned ans see you on the ice soon.
Think Ice,
John
DN5023
John@neiya.org
Changing Gear – Lessons Learned
Hi everyone,
It’s been awesome to have so many sailing options this year and sailing in two regattas over back-to-back weekends has not happened since I have been racing. I love the polar vortex!
Today is a rest day as many of us await the location of the Worlds and North Americans. Ice is being scouted and sailed in Wisconsin, Michigan, Indiana, and New York. T and I might head to Vermont tomorrow to check out Lake Champlain.
The Easterns on Winnie had hard ice and pretty big breeze. I was solidly in second place after three races. For some unknown and not very well thought out reason, I decided to change my sail from an ABSS to my MS1. The next two races I finished in third and fifth. Nothing changed other than my sail change…Hmm….maybe not a good decision.
At the New England’s this weekend, I was winning the regatta after five races. Then, just before the sixth and final race I decided to change my sail from my FO1 to my ABSS. I reasoned the wind was building slightly so maybe a flatter sail would be a bit faster and I’d be in more control. Again, nothing else changed and in that last and final race I ended up getting 5th place, losing the regatta by one point. Hmm…maybe not a good decision.
While I have been told many times to try different settings, different runners, and different sails throughout a regatta, I realize the lesson or take away from the last two weekends (at least for me) is to ONLY make changes when your results start to worsen NOT when you are doing well and sailing fast!
I will do my best with sending updates and reports from the Worlds/North Americans. Of the 97 registered competitors, 14 are members of NEIYA! The list includes James "T." Thieler, Eben Whitcomb, Bob Haag, Dave Silsby, Chad Atkins, John Stanton, Paul Chamberland, Jeff Roseberry, Chris Gorden, Ed Demerest, Jeff Kent, Peters Trusdell and Scott Valentine and me.
Think Ice!
Karen Binder
DN5630
NEIYA Secretary
NE DN CHAMPS DONE!
Hey Gang-
It was a good day all around on South Watuppa as all manner of craft were out and about (Whizzes, Skimmers, and some other miscellaneous craft) including a dozen or so DNs racing for the NE Regional Championship!
West winds made for big shifts and well-defined puffs so heads-up sailing was the order of the day. The mental game was one of not getting upset when the other boats had the puffs or lifts; In those conditions it’s important to remember that the boats in front of you will likely also draw a short straw at some point in the race….
We all owe a huge round of applause to Nina Fleming for once again tabulating the scores in real time from her house in Maine and to George Williams for making the ultimate sacrifice of not sailing his own boat on a great day in order to start races, run races, keep score of the races, finish the races, and make sure the rest of us got to play!
Full results below but in 5th was The Man From Nantucket, Chris Gordon with 22 points. 4Th was claimed by The Terror Of Swan Island, Jeff Roseberry. In 3rd was the man with the best hair in the NEIYA, Paul Chamberland. In a close second was Karen The Red Baron Binder. 1st was claimed (barely) by James “T” Thieler (insert your own funny nickname here).
Over the course of six races several people had moments of glory and some great, fast downwind legs!
Results here:
https://www.sailwave.com/results/2025_New_Engand_DN_Championship.htm
Thanks to all for showing up; There will be some scratch racing at the same place tomorrow for anyone who wants to show up.
Next up, Gold Cup and North American champs; See IDNIYRA site for details!
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This Weekend 1/25-26
Groups were out on Webster and S. Watuppa. The Race gang, as you know, will be setting up marks and hosting the New England Championships. Read T’s reports from earlier in the day for details. Cruisers will certainly be back so come on down. Bob S. and company will be sailing on Webster tomorrow. Details below.
For those interested in the Watuppa area weather a local weather station can be reached on Weather Underground for hyper focused wind etc. reporting. Check it out here and thanks Alex.
We have a couple newbies coming down to Watuppa tomorrow. Be on the alert and share whatever you know about iceboating.
- Webster Lake: Open and ready for action, with confirmed activity reported by local ice sailor Bob S. launching from Waterfront Mary’s 103 Birch Island Rd, Webster, MA 01570 – unload than move vehicles to the parking lot across the street.
- Long Pond, Lakeville: Sailing has been underway for days, and a strong turnout is expected this weekend. No reports of people sailing there at the moment but would not be surprised if some launch tomorrow
- Watuppa Pond, Fall River: Recently sailed and ready to go some will be out Friday an into the weekend I’m sure Jefferson St Ext, Fall River, MA 02721
- Quaboag Pond: Off-limits this weekend due to the Lions Club Annual Fishing Derby. However, organizers assure fans that the venue will be back in the mix soon.
- Ashumet Pond: Locked up but awaiting further scouting, as noted by Brian Langley.
New York:
In an exciting development, Lake Ronkonkoma on Long Island is making waves in the ice boating community. After a decade-long hiatus, the lake has been scouted and sailed, and plans are underway for the Long Island Championship Regatta, tomorrow hosted by the Lake Ronkonkoma Ice Boat and Yacht Club. With final confirmation expected soon, the regatta promises to attract a diverse fleet of racers and cruisers.
New Jersey:
And the long wait at Redbank is over. It is reported that they will be sailing over the weekend and people will likely be out tomorrow.
See you on the ice,
John
DN5023
John@neiya.org
NE Champs Regatta SIs and NOR
Hey Gang-
If you are planning to race in the NE DN Champs at South Watuppa Pond this weekend read and know these documents!
Registration at 9:30 at the launch!
See you there….
2025 New England Region Championship NOR.odt
2025 New England Region Championship Sailing Instructions.odt
NE DN CHAMPS ARE ON!
Hey Folks-
The NE DN champs will be held this weekend at South Watuppa Pond in Fall River, MA.
Access from South Watuppa Boat Ramp at the end of Jefferson St. on the west side of the lake.
Registration starts at 9:30 AM at the launch. Fee is $20 cash.
Skippers meeting at 10:30 at the launch, first race to follow by noon.
Will post NOR and SIs tonight.
Skippers must be paid up NEIYA members and show proof of $300,000 liability insurance. NO EXCEPTIONS!
Most likely the regatta will be a two day event BUT if we manage to get it done Saturday there will be scratch racing on Sunday for anyone who wants it.
Awards will be given for top three overall and best finish in least up-to-date boat.
Stay tuned to the NEIYA site for details!
Contact T Thieler with any questions at 401 258 6230.
Scorekeeper and RC Needed This Weekend
Hey Gang- IF we do the NE champs this weekend on South Watuppa we I’ll need someone to wave the flags start and finish races and also write down the finishes.
If you are interested in volunteering call or email James “T” Thieler at 401 258 6230 or
t_thieler@yahoo.com
Thanks! Look forward to hearing from you.
REGATTA THIS WEEKEND….
Hey Gang-
Be advised we are going to attempt to hold the New England DN Champs this weekend!
All signs are pointing toward South Watuppa Pond in Fall River, MA.
Ice reports are good and we will be scouting it again tomorrow morning and will make a final announcement. Weather looks good as well with breeze Saturday and Sunday.
Plenty of restaurants (we will do a group dinner on Saturday night) and hotels in the area and if anyone breaks a boat we can fix it in my garage in Newport.
Stay tuned to New England Ice Yacht Association for details. Be advised that to compete you must:
1) Be an active NEIYA member.
2) SHOW PROOF THAT YOU HAVE A MINIMUM OF $300,000 PERSONAL LIABILITY INSURANCE. NO EXCEPTIONS.
3) Have a thorough knowledge and understanding of the racing rules.
Racing will be primarily for DN Class ice yachts but three or more boats of any class that show up will be given their own start.
An award for the best finish in the least up-to-date boat will be given out as well.
Look forward to seeing everyone!
Time To Reap The Cold Sow
Reap the Cold Sow. After the good cold encountered across the entire region, it is time to get out and take advantage of the good ice left behind. Many places that we have not sailed in years are in play. As we always say
Massachusetts has returned and as one web comment stated we are “finally seeing ice that is not in Maine”. Not that there is anything wrong with Maine. Many of us have spent countless days on her lakes and ponds over the past couple years. Below is what we know right now. More details will likely come out on tonight’s call.
- Webster Lake: Open and ready for action, with confirmed activity reported by local ice sailor Bob S. launching from Waterfront Mary’s 103 Birch Island Rd, Webster, MA 01570 – unload than move vehicles to the parking lot across the street.
- Long Pond, Lakeville: Sailing has been underway for days, and a strong turnout is expected this weekend.
- Watuppa Pond, Fall River: Recently sailed and ready to go some will be out Friday an into the weekend I’m sure Jefferson St Ext, Fall River, MA 02721
- Quaboag Pond: Off-limits this weekend due to the Lions Club Annual Fishing Derby. However, organizers assure fans that the venue will be back in the mix soon.
- Ashumet Pond: Locked up but awaiting further scouting, as noted by Brian Langley.
New York:
In an exciting development, Lake Ronkonkoma on Long Island is making waves in the ice boating community. After a decade-long hiatus, the lake has been scouted and sailed, and plans are underway for the Long Island Championship Regatta, hosted by the Lake Ronkonkoma Ice Boat and Yacht Club. With final confirmation expected soon, the regatta promises to attract a diverse fleet of racers and cruisers.
This season’s return of ice sailing is a testament to the passion and perseverance of our community. For more details and event schedules, visit iceboatlongisland.com for more info on Lake Ronkonkoma
Other New York venues are still under review—stay tuned for updates.
New Jersey:
And the long wait at Redbank is over. It is reported that they will be sailing over the weekend and people will likely be out tomorrow.
Seeking advice on upgrade to Arrow Iceboat Front Runner Chock Steering.
I am looking for advice on adding oilite bushing tubes and a spring to the front steering chock on my 1970’s vintage arrow iceboat. Full writeup with pictures here
I will be on the call tonight or reach out to me at ted15921594@gmail.com
Thanks,
Ted
Join in on tonight’s call to discuss the above venues and if you have any advice for Ted’s Arrow steering refit please chime in or email him
See you on the ice,
John
DN5023
John@neiya.org
Photo call out
I’m looking for photos from earlier Hardway runs on Lake Winnipesaukee. I’ve got some nice ones from like 2015 on but nothing earlier especially, from the first runs. I’d like to run at slide show for the iceboat display at the New Hampshire Boat Museum In their new building on rt. 25 in Moultonboro, NH. Thanks for any help. If you have an old print, perhaps a phone shot will suffice.
Thanks
PHOTOS AND VIDEO FROM DN EASTERNS
Hey Gang-
Chris Goodhue shot some good stuff last weekend; Take a look here and feel free to contact him if you want to get one for your wall!
Eastern Region DN Championship 2025 – APF Photography
Many thanks Chris! Hope to see you in a boat soon….
T US 5224
Final RUNNER TRACKS Issue For 2024
Better late than never with this one;
Be sure to click the link and read up on what is going on in the DN class!
So as the trailer lights are now fully functional, I was able to join the crowd at Elacoya, although on Sunday. I launched and crossed the infamous “moat” that seems to always appear here and made my way out at the end of the first race. It was then disclosed the racing was done. I hung around a got a few racing hints while the majority of racers packed up and headed back.
About this time my current sailing pal showed up and we decided to explore some. We’re a couple of locals and have spent more than a few days on Winni, as we affectionately know her as. Hoping the snow prediction was a big hoax, we’d thought to checkout a possible Hardway. I knew Wolfeboro bay was good so we headed to Parker island. Didn’t quite make it but that end of the route looked good but rough. Back for lunch, and with wind and ice holding well, we thought to head up to Meredith. Sailing inside the first moat we headed up along Welch and made it to tip of Governor’s Island. With the afternoon waning, we started back only to find a sweet plate to chase each other back and forth on. Finally calling it quits headed back and packed up. With a short trip around the lake get back home, we inadvertently made a right hand turn into the local watering hole, something like barn and girl or similar. So with a glass raised we saluted another wonderful day, “All By Ourselves.”
Like many of us, we are awaiting nature’s Zamboni to work its magic. As I like to say after a day like this, “That’s another day they can’t take away from us.”
After The Storm
All good things come to an end — and this week, it was nature’s turn to remind us. A classic bout of New England’s unpredictable weather threw us a curve, but we’re nothing if not resilient. With colder temperatures settling in, the conditions are just right to build ice thickness and potentially freeze over some of the open water on our larger lakes.
Keep an eye on our larger lakes for new ice formation, and don’t forget to report updates on the lakes we’ve been sailing on.
On that note, Bob S. has a report to share.
We got about 4 inches of snow from the storm, the good news is its 90 percent grey today the temp is supposed to be 23 for a high today.
Colder the rest of the week .
We have a chance of sailing by Wednesday? I will keep an eye on it.
Bob S
See you out on the ice soon,
John
John@neiya.org
2025 DN Eastern Region Championship Results!
The first Eastern Regional Champs in way too long are in the books! Five races Saturday were followed by one Sunday morning; she’ll ice for some rain Saturday night was cause for concern so we decided not to press our luck. Plus a big weather event is coming and we figured it would be a good idea to give everyone a head start for the trip home….
Good racing was had throughout the fleet; several relatively new sailors are coming on strong and putting the time in!
Karen Binder took third by one point after being cautious and sitting out the final race. Paul Chamberland squeaked ahead by one point to take second and Chad Atkins had the afterburners on and took first.
Congrats to Chad and all the competitors!
Thanks to everyone who helped schlep the gear around, thanks to Nina Fleming for tabulating the scores off site, and of course a big thanks to Deb Whitehorse for making sure we had SI’s, an NOR, and for all she does to keep this freak show of a class on the rails!
2025 DN Eastern Region Championship Results!
The first Eastern Regional Champs in way too long are in the books! Five races Saturday were followed by one Sunday morning; she’ll ice for some rain Saturday night was cause for concern so we decided not to press our luck. Plus a big weather event is coming and we figured it would be a good idea to give everyone a head start for the trip home….
Good racing was had throughout the fleet; several relatively new sailors are coming on strong and putting the time in!
Karen Binder took third by one point after being cautious and sitting out the final race. Paul Chamberland squeaked ahead by one point to take second and Chad Atkins had the afterburners on and took first.
Congrats to Chad and all the competitors!
Thanks to everyone who helped schlep the gear around, thanks to Nina Fleming for tabulating the scores off site, and of course a big thanks to Deb Whitehorse for making sure we had SI’s, an NOR, and for all she does to keep this freak show of a class on the rails!
South Watuppa Sailed 1/18/25
An old NEIYA staple in Fall River South Watuppa Pond was sailed yesterday. Rick Bishop reports in for the group.
Six NEIYA boats enjoyed exciting sailing today on South Watupa in Fall River .
10-12 mph winds with gusts well over 15 resulted in fast sailing on the big plate.
As temperatures rose a 1/2” of water added to the speed!
South Watupa is unique with Rte. 195 directly adjacent with cars traveling at similar speeds!Rick DN5540
We are waiting to hear the news from Day two of the Easterns. And of course what effect the impending system brings to the ice we have now.
Think Ice,
John
New England Ice Yacht Association 