Kingston Ontario Swap Meet!
The Kingston, Ontario group is happy to announce, we are doing a Swap Meet for iceboats.
Where?
John Curtis is graciously hosting at his house on NOVEMBER 15, 2025 from 1200 – 1700
44 Alwington Ave
Kingston, ON
Canada
John, as most know, is an excellent builder of many things and he especially loves to build iceboats, planks, runners…everything really. He’ll be happy to show you his shop where all the magic is done. Make sure you ask him about his new runner sharpening hand tools when you see him. I’m sure they will sell quick.
We will again have a blade sharpener on site for anyone who needs a quick pass to make their runners sharp. Also, I’m sure John will have his alignment jig handy if one needs an alignment.
I have heard of some iceboats for sale. This would be a good time to bring it and set it up for interested buyers. Last year two complete boats were sold at the meet.
Chilli will be hot served after the meet gets started. It went fast last year, I didn’t even get any so get there early.
Don’t forget to bring sails, masts, Booms, chocks…whatever you have extra you won’t need.
Don’t Miss the NEIYA Annual Swap Meet! Saturday October 25th
The Ice Is Calling…
Members, guests, and anyone with even a spark of interest in iceboating: the green flag is waving!
We’re a GO for Saturday, October 25th. The New England Ice Yacht Association kicks off the season with our annual Swap Meet, Lunch, and Meeting at the Thompson Speedway Golf Course in Thompson, CT.
This isn’t just another Saturday, it’s the launch of the iceboating season in the northeast. A full day of boats, equipment, stories, laughs, and anticipation for the first ice (hopefully BLACK) of the season.
And yes, there’s a prize for whoever travels the farthest to join us. So come on up (or down, or over) from New Jersey, the Hudson Valley, the Adirondacks, or beyond.
The Event
When: Saturday, October 25th, 10:00 a.m. (Vendors set up early, so plan to arrive ahead of the crowd!)
Where: Thompson Speedway Golf Course, 205 E Thompson Rd, Thompson, CT 06277
https://goo.gl/maps/DbGpTekm4ZLNnV8n7
Reconnect with old friends, meet new sailors, and talk all things ice. From tuning tips to trip planning. Whether you’re a seasoned veteran, just starting, or just ice-curious, this is the place to kick off your first or next season.
Special Guests
This year we have some special guests from the Hudson River Ice Yacht Club (HRIYC) and the Hudson River Ice Yacht Preservation Trust (HRIYPT) . Many of us have seen the Hudson stern steering crafts including the Jack Frost and others over the years and the impression never wanes. My love for the classic ice yachts was solidified when I sailed near the Jack Frost and Rocket on the Hudson back in 2014. My DN was not happy with the hummocks but the pair of classics plowed smoothly through without a noticable drop in speed. Never under estimate the raw power of momentum.
Bob Wills from the HRIYC and HRIYPT will talk about their unique iceboating mission, sailing vintage iceboats, and maybe share some bronze casting techniques.
Check In and Catch Up
When you arrive, check in with Secretary Karen Binder DN5630 to make sure your contact info is current. We want every sailor in the loop when it’s time to sail.
Swap, Shop & Sell
Where vintage meets innovation and everyone leaves inspired, . Looking for parts? Need a new plank, mast, or sail? Or maybe you’ve got gear that needs a new home. Bring it!
Lunch & Annual Meeting
After the swapping winds down, stay for our annual lunch and meeting, a great chance to catch up, make plans, and share your passion with fellow sailors. Bob Wills will talk as well as racing and cruising reports and other fun discussions.
All are welcome! Please pay upfront for lunch or let us know you are coming.
Please pay online.
Now’s the time to pay for lunch, renew your membership and secure your lunch seat.
Please Pay Your Dues
| Dues Time | Price | |
| 2025-26 Membership | $30 |
 |
| 2025-26 Membership + Lunch | $45 |
|
| 2025-26 Membership + 2X Lunch | $60 |
|
| 2025 Lunch | $15 |
|
| Mail in Form We prefer you pay online – Thanks | ||
Prep for the Season
Don’t wait until the lakes freeze, get ready now.
Pull your gear out of storage, set it up, check every bolt and blade, and see what’s missing. If you’ve got extras, post them on our Classifieds (we’re cleaning out old listings this week, so let us know what’s still available). What you’re done with might be exactly what another sailor needs to get started.
Stay Tuned and Tune up
We will have a couple additional off ice gatherings this year. If we get a good pre Christmas freeze we will gather on the ice. It’s never too early to talk conditions, stories, and strategy with a like-minded crowd.
Reach out if you have any questions.
THINK ICE!
John Stanton
DN5023
John@neiya.org
P.S. Post your items in the classified section and let people know you will be brining the item(s) to the swap meet.
Eight Bells – Paul Gervais
It is with profound sadness that we mark the passing of our dear friend and fellow iceboater, Paul Gervais, who left us on September 11, 2025. His passing leaves an eternal Void over Champlain.
For over three decades, Paul was a steadfast presence on Lake Champlain. He was the trusted voice for ice conditions, covering the lake with unmatched dedication and care. Even after shifting his winter pursuits to skiing, Paul remained our go-to source for Champlain ice. His reports, shaped by a lifetime of knowledge, were relied upon with confidence. If Paul said the ice conditions were good, we knew it was at least as good as he reported. Along with the usual caveat of hazards.
Many of us owe countless days of sailing on Champlain to Paul’s vigilance. From Inner and Outer Mallets to Burlington, Shelburne Bay, south of the bridge, and elsewhere. His keen eye and tireless devotion opened the way for racing and cruising that might otherwise never have been possible.
I will always remember, some time in the early or mid 90’s, venturing across the pressure ridge between Inner and Outer Mallets Bay to race, the promise of vast, black ice opened up before me. It was my first true taste of big ice, a gift made possible by Paul’s watchful presence.
Paul’s spirit will live on in every stretch of black ice, and in every breeze that carries us across Champlain with speed. May he now find eternal joy carving perfect lines through mogul-packed slopes and sailing forever fast across endless black ice.
A Celebration of Paul’s Life will be held on Saturday, September 27 at 3:00 PM
at Champlain Marina, 982 W Lakeshore Dr, Colchester, VT (Mallets Bay).
Friends are warmly invited to gather, honor Paul, and share stories of a life so richly lived.
Think Ice,
John
DN5023
John@neiya.org
P.S. Please share your memories of Paul in the comments section and send any pictures you have to me.
Museum Finds
I’ll start by saying that in true frugal yankee form, I have not turned the heat on yet. I’ll hold out until October like the die hard I am. That being said, this little cold snap has many of us thinking ice already. I did move my trailer to assess the delaminating plywood covering and contemplating a more robust covering. (Okay I should have used marine ply.)
Any way, to get back to the title, I’d like to share a small display on Iceboating that I stumbled upon in a small museum in Mahone Bay , Nova Scotia. Our little camping excursion this year was the Cabot trail and following the coastline around the rest of Nova Scotia. Being a bit of a museum addict,( of certain genre) I caught several nice museums on this trip. Yes even the one on Rug Hooking in Cheticamp was nice. Yarmouth had a great one on the cod fishing industry and Lunenburg had a nice historical waterfront with a dory shop and a cooperage that is still making barrels with original machinery.
Mahone bay had just an older house of historical value and artifacts. I noticed two small models in a glass case and then caught the write up. It seems the bay would often freeze over and play time would occur. I was aware that the Maritimes did have ice sailors and often have seen their post.
I hope you enjoy this little display.
Think ice.
If you’re up around Lake Winnipesaukee, check out the iceboat display at the New Hampshire Boat Museum. There is also a steamboat gathering at Lee’s Mills on Winni and the classic/vintage race regatta is going on in Wolfeboro this Friday and Saturday.
Green, Green, Green – Sat Oct 25th NEIYA Swap Meet, Lunch & Annual Meeting Is A Go
Members, Guests, and anyone with an interest in Iceboating or getting onto the ice:
The green flag is waving and we are a go on Saturday, October, 25th 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 Thompson Speedway in Thompson, CT.
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.
Upon Arrival be sure to check in with our with Secretary Karen Binder. We want to be sure all your contact info is current.
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 its a great excuse for a road trip. Shout out to the boys and girls in NJ, the Hudson Valley, and Adirondacks regions as well as those a to the west of us. There is a prize for the person traveling the furthest.
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
https://goo.gl/maps/DbGpTekm4ZLNnV8n7
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.
Please Pay Your Dues
| Dues Time | Price | |
| 2025-26 Membership | $30 |
|
| 2025-26 Membership + Lunch | $45 |
|
| 2025-26 Membership + 2X Lunch | $60 |
|
| 2025 Lunch | $15 |
|
| Mail in Form We prefer you pay online – Thanks | ||
Do not wait till after the swap met 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 on 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. The Classified section is being worked on at the moment and any old ads from last season will be purged. If you still have the item(s) for sale let me know so we can keep them up.
DN RANK LIST PUBLISHED
Hey Gang-
The DN Rank List for 2026 has been published! Take a look and see how you, your friends and rivals all stack up. Good for inspiration and motivation!
Speaking of motivation, there is a chill to the air this morning… Time to get into the shop and the gym and start prepping for the season. Looking forward to it!
T Thieler DN US 5224
Rank list here:
Losing Day Light – Winter is Coming
Summer is in full swing, yet winter is coming. By August 31 we’ll have lost an hour of daylight and the march towards winter accelerates.
The estate auction of fellow ice boater John Eastman features his Meade and Gambit (built by Lloyd Roberts), plus other nautical and aviation treasures:
Full Auction: https://www.proxibid.com/EstateBid-Auction/Estate-Auction-for-Renowned-Hobbyist-John-Eastman/event-catalog/282017
Meade: https://www.proxibid.com/Meade-E-Skeeter-Iceboat-Ice-Racer/lotInformation/94895594
Gambit: https://www.proxibid.com/Gambit-1-Iceboat-designed-and-built-by-Lloyd-Roberts/lotInformation/94895595
My personal favorite, a Vintage Standard Gauge Fairmount Motorcar for exploring the 100,000+ miles of abandoned railroad track throughout the country. No doubt something John was planning but ran out of time.
https://www.proxibid.com/Vintage-Standard-Gauge-Fairmount-Motorcar-Railway-Car-with-Trailer/lotInformation/94071305
Read Jory Squib’s tribute to John on the Chickawaukie Ice Boat Site: https://iceboat.me/2024/11/11/in-memoriam/
Time to get ready for ice season. Our annual swap meet will again be at Thompson Motor Speedway, Thompson, CT. Details coming soon.
Think Ice,
John
john@neiya.org
DN5023
Design Insights… Fascinating Stuff
Hey Gang-
This video has been around for a long time and I wanted to get it out there as it is one of my favorites!
It is a behind-the-scenes look at every aspect of designing and building the 12 Meter yacht that won the America’s Cup in 1987.
Some very smart people are involved and it is very interesting to see how they went about deciding what type of boat to design, which avenues to pursue, which ones to ignore, and how they investigated and verified all of their conclusions. They even talk about how they raised the money to pay for it all! Lots of cool footage of everything from sailing to tank testing to design meetings.
I know 12 Meter yachts are a world away from iceboats but the concepts and ideas presented in the documentary are relevant and applicable to iceboating, whether you are racing or cruising!
Watch, learn and enjoy!
NOVA: Sail Wars (1986) | America’s Cup Comeback ⛵🏆 – YouTube
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Off Season
New Hampshire Boat Museum
The first advice I received when I retired was, “Don’t volunteer for anything for 1 year.” Good advice to give you time to prioritize everything on your retired “to do” list. I think I held out for 6 months. Anyway since I’d already done some stuff with the NHBM, I figured it wasn’t new so it didn’t really qualify. It started as 3 hours on Monday morning with a great group of retired boat people restoring wooden boats for the museum housed in the old Allen Albee summer resort in Wolfeboro, NH. Three hours a week wasn’t too much time to devote to something I liked doing and the coffee and donuts were good. 10 years later I realized my mistake! As anyone knows, volunteering for a worthwhile cause always exceeds the estimated time you feel you can give. Three years ago the museum acquired its new home now on route 25 in Moultonboro, NH. That’s up the north end of Lake Winnipesaukee. My 5 minute drive is now a forty minute drive. For some reason I don’t clearly recall, my wife and I became part of the exhibits committee as well. Notice how my free time is diminishing. To add to this, the new museum needed volunteers to refurbish the new digs to make it really look like a museum. Thus I was back to a 40 hour workweek, still fueled by coffee and donuts with a few nice lunches thrown in on occasion.
To get back to the title, my off season this year was to help with construction and design the ice boat display. Naturally I have my own vision of what it should be, but then reality hits with space, number and types of craft, and acquisition of said craft. The museum had a Marconi rigged stern steerer from a few years back. (It was one of my first restoration projects with them.) A sweet little number that is still ice worthy even with cotton sails. This was to be the focal piece and does have a commanding presence. Although I could have easily expanded to at least 20 boats, I don’t really have that much authority…….yet. A DN would obviously need to go in along with the “Blue Streak” development story. Luckily I had recently acquired one from the last NEIYA swap. I thought it should look pretty so after another 40 hr work week I think visitors will get the idea of what the early DNs were like. This one is estimated early ‘60s based on sail info. A future display may have a modern one for a compare and contrast exhibit. (Now if only power ball would pay off so I could afford one.) a third item ended up being my wife’s Skimmer. Newly powder coated red with a new sail. (See previous post on diy.) due to the ease of setup and small storage needs, hopefully we may see growing interest. Maybe even a Skimmer Hardway fleet. And finally a trip to NY to get a loaner Ice Optimist. Another few days of labor had this one looking spiffy too. Right beside it is an Optimist dinghy that was built in one of the museums classes and used in their sailing program. Maybe we can get some youngsters involved in our winter activity. Lastly I felt that a Hardway display was needed since, after all, this is Winnipesaukee territory.
So this is how I spent my off season. Okay I’ll add a trip to Vermont to pick up a gaff stern steerer, originally from this area. Hopefully we can get a group of locals to do like the Hudson River group does and get these craft back on the ice.
So if you find yourself in New Hampshire this summer, stop by to get a quick fix for your winter passion and to see a great display of watercraft related to the waters of New Hampshire. Nhbm.org is their website. Now I think I can finally start working on my own soft water fleet that I didn’t get to in my other off season. Happy summer and think ice, if only in your drink.
Our Season Continues @ Moosehead
This time of year, there’s a familiar hesitation to put fingers to the keyboard. Not writing about the inevitable finale to another iceboating season somehow delays it for another few days. The proverbial fat lady may be waiting in the wings, but she hasn’t sung just yet.
Moosehead Lake continues to defy the odds, offering late-season sailing when other venues have long since surrendered to spring. Just two weeks ago, the lake delivered with strong winds that kept some sailors on the sidelines, but for those who ventured out, it was some of the most exhilarating iceboating of the year. If you have not read the reports check out the CIBC’s site iceboat.me. But be prepared to kick yourself for not taking the drive. The high winds kept myself and others in the pit, but we tried.
The latest Moose chapter unfolded yesterday as Jeff Roseberry and Paul Chamberland set out for Moosehead in the pre-dawn hours, arriving yesterday morning with cautious optimism. Armed with a bit of intel but lacking any recent firsthand reports. No iceboaters had been on Moosehead for two weeks so they approached with measured hope. Their instincts proved correct. Moosehead was sailable! Jeff noted, the lake had finnaly melted down to reveal her original seasons Black Ice. The ice was bordered by a maze of frozen hummocks that formed a makeshift slalom course, that was as challenging as it was thrilling. The ice remained hard throughout the day.
Way to go Jeff and Paul for adding yet another highlight to your log of firsts, lasts and milestones and spreading ice envy across the ice tribe.
What’s next? Do we have another chance at Moosehead or any ice adventures further north in Quebec? Let’s see how the week goes and touch base on Thursday or before. Keep hope alive and let’s squeeze in another day on the ice before we sail on soft water.
Think Ice,
John
DN5023
John@neiya.org
DIY
Iceboaters tend to fall into the DYIers of life category . Maybe it all started way back when with the Bluestreak 60 in Detroit, spurring on many home builders. A vast majority of ice craft that we see, tend to be either home built or purchased from a few skilled builders. Perhaps due to the limited time and places to sail, the sport has scared away the big factory entrepreneurs from hitting the market. Even to find the simple parts is becoming more limited. The first set of plate runners cost me $295 from that old reliable William B Sarns company. I’m not sure who produces them anymore. (I have a few sets so haven’t really been looking.) Thank you Northwind for picking up the slack out east for other hardware. Inset runners tend to be the most seen gear on the lakes, at least in the racing circles. The vintage sailors tend to brag about their “classic” gear such as cast iron, T iron, or iron shod runners, and of course their wooden mast. I will admit to not seeing too many cotton sail these days. I digress though. Even if you bought a starter boat, chances are you had some patching and painting to do. (Although I do know those who have hired this out.)
I think my DIY gene came from both my parents. My dad was a pattern maker by trade and had the tools and the knowledge to take a set of plans and produce a quality product. My mom was constantly sewing clothes for myself and 3 sisters. It only seemed natural that when I finally settled down in ice country that I make my own craft. With at least a dozen new craft and many more rehabs to my name, I still enjoy the Zen of the build. Whether it be hard or softwater, there is nothing half so much worth doing as simply messing about in boats. That includes building them too.
This season found me refinishing my super DN after 30 some years of use and abuse and sewing a couple of new sails. One for my wife’s Skimmer, and a second for my friends. (Sailrite gave a good deal if I bought 2 kits. Okay so I didn’t lay out the sails myself, although I do have the book showing me how.) so with the old office counter top revamped as a sewing table, two new sails were completed, in time for the last sail of the season. They’ll be all set for next year as long as they keep the mice out!
My wife drew the line at me buying tools for a metal shop, but I did acquire a stick welder that has produced a few usable items. The grinder helped too. A local, “Maker Space” does have a nice setup if I desperately need to manufacture an obscure part.
So if you have been blessed, (cursed) with the DYI gene, embrace it and set your mind for the meditative zen of Doing It Yourself.
On The Moose Fence For Tomorrow (3/23/25)?
If you are on the fence about traveling to Moosehead tomorrow. Jeff Roseberry is set up and waiting. According to Jeff snow is not a factor. The snow can be brushed away with one’s hand.
Think Ice and remember the season’s end is right in front of you.
John
DN5023
John@neiya.org
Sunday Moose (3/23/25)
The word is out from our friends at the Chickawaukie Ice Boat Club (https://iceboat.me/) of Maine. There will be people prepared to sail Moosehead from Greenville boat ramp on Sunday morning @ 9:00 AM.
Looking like it will be cold and breezy. Heed Bill’s cautions and be prepared. For the latest go to https://iceboat.me/.
If anyone was planning on crossing into Canada to sail reach out to me directly and I will pass on contact info to get details directly.
Remember it is going to be a long hot spring, summer, and fall till we are back on the ice again. Questions, ping me.
Think Ice,
John
DN5023
John@neiya.org
Spring and a Final Ice Sailing Window
Spring has been teasing its arrival for weeks, but at 5:01 AM EST today, it’s official. And with it comes the possibility of one last shot on the ice.
Sailable ice is always a moving target, and this time of year brings added uncertainty. What might have looked like the end changes with the updated weather forecast. Currently, Moosehead Lake and a few cross-border locations near Montreal remain in play. But as with all late-season ice sailing, conditions are highly variable. We won’t have a definitive answer for another day or two.
So, hold off on packing away your ice boat gear just yet, there may still be one final ride before the season melts away.
We’ll convene on our conference call at 6:30 p.m. tonight for updates, though we are a day or so from more accurate info. Stay tuned here and on iceboat.me for reports from our friends in Maine.
Think Spring. Think Ice.
John
DN5023
John@neiya.org
Spring At Winni
A hopeful group showed up to Brewster Beach in Wolfeboro NH to give Winnipesaukee a shot yesterday.
The ice was about 18” where we checked, a bit of slush on top. Very sailable!
BUT…. Not a bit of breeze. Apart from one or two “sucker puffs” there was nada.
Ah well, it was good to hang out and socialize a bit and we got to see Sean break out his summer wardrobe (you have to admit he’s got the legs for it) and the passing birds made good use of the mastheads!
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Spring Sailing Here & There
Weekend Ice Sailing Report: Spring Conditions Beckon on Winnipesaukee
A dedicated group of ice sailors is set to take on Lake Winnipesaukee this weekend, launching from Brewster Beach in Wolfeboro, N.H. Vice Commodore Charlie Silfvenius has been closely monitoring conditions and believes the spring ice is primed for action with plenty of base ice and a hard(ish) surface to sail. There are no condition guarantees except that if you don’t show up you will not get to sail for sure.
For those who have sailed spring ice, you know the drill. As the sun climbs higher in the sky, conditions can change rapidly—what starts as a firm, fast surface in the morning may soften as the day progresses. The takeaway? Arrive early, rig fast, and get on the ice while it’s at its best. Some boats are already staged in the launch area, ready to capitalize on the prime morning conditions. If you have slush runners, pack them they could prove invaluable as temperatures rise if not don’t worry.
Eyes on Moosehead: Maine’s Next Big Ride?
Bill Buchholz, and other sailors have been racking up miles this week on Lake Pushaw, taking advantage of prime conditions. Now, all eyes are on the remote and expansive Moosehead Lake—one of the NEIYA’s must-sail destinations. If current forecasts hold, Moosehead could be ready for action late next week. If you’re considering the trip, start making plans this is one you won’t want to miss. Don’t forget to check The Chickawaukee Ice Boat Club website, iceboat.me, regularly for the latest happenings in Maine.
Sunapee: The Comeback Continues?
Whispers abound that Lake Sunapee may once again be sailable, with reports of sailors eyeing the ice for tomorrow. As of now, confirmation remains elusive, but we’ll provide updates as soon as more information becomes available.
Sail Fast, Sail Safe, and Embrace Spring Ice
There are no condition guarantees except that if you don’t show up you will not get to sail for sure. Spring ice sailing is a fleeting thrill. Stay safe, sail smart, and enjoy every run. More info as it materializes and we will have our regular call next Thursday 6:30 pm
Think Ice,
John
DN5023
John@neiya.org
The 2025 International Ice Carousel Attempt
This time of year is always last minute, as most of us know. The big lakes are there, waiting for the early morning attempts. Assemble a group and head north when the call goes out. Sure to be a topic tonight.
Other ice happenings this weekend: The Northern Maine Ice Busters (NMIB) are at it again with another record-breaking Ice Carousel attempt. This year, they’re going international with a spinning disk in the middle of the St. John River, spanning the United States and Canadian border.
I witnessed the world-record disk at 1,777 feet in diameter on Long Lake, St. David, Maine, back in 2023. It was quite a sight—an incredible feat of manpower, technology, and machinery.
This year’s International Ice Carousel is ready to start spinning starting tomorrow at the earliest. Good thing our Passports (Cards) have RFID chips to keep track of our entry and exit as the disk spins in the middle of the St. John.
An International Feat of Ice and Engineering
The NMIB are gearing up for their most ambitious project yet: the 2025 International Ice Carousel Attempt. March 14-16, 2025, this groundbreaking event will be held on the St. John River, bridging Van Buren, Maine, and St. Leonard, New Brunswick. Here is a link about the carousel construction
This attempt is unique not only for its scale but also for its international collaboration. NMIB plans to carve and rotate a massive 207-foot-wide ice carousel, marking the first time an ice carousel will span two countries. This effort is more than just an engineering challenge—it’s a symbol of unity and community spirit across borders.
The NMIB team hopes to attract visitors from both the U.S. and Canada, fostering cross-border connections and celebrating the region’s rich winter traditions.
So, grab your passports and keep driving past Loring AFB, site of many landsailing regattas, to the Crown of Maine—this is one icy adventure you won’t want to miss!
Think Ice,
John
DN5023
John@neiya.org
Sunnapee Comes Through, Yet Again
For iceboaters, planning never stops. Off-season, we build, acquire, and refine equipment. As ice forms, we tune rigs, align chocks, and keep a go-bag ready to travel at a moment’s notice.
Non-iceboaters have asked why there is a boom and sail in my dining room and boxes of runners in my hallway holds a boom and runners. The answer is simple: to be ready and well, the light is best in the dining room.
That readiness was on display last weekend at Lake Sunapee. A seasoned crew, were ready to inspect the unsailed surface. It had only been visually inspected—no skates, no sails—but their instincts said go. They were right. The ice held, and the sailing was on.
Hats off to these intrepid sailors, who embody iceboating’s core: calculated risk, trust in preparation, and the relentless pursuit of the perfect ride. Below are their experience from Sunday and Monday
Five of us sailed Sunapee on Sunday – Kate, Bob S, David, Jim and myself. Ice fisherman there had 30″ of ice. Surface was a bit rough but we were able to sail from the state beach through the narrows and across the main lake. Great day! Some of the group went back early on Monday but I’ll leave that to them to update. Peter
We were able to sail all the way to the north end of the lake today. It was a fast trip up and back, we were done by 11:15 and the ice had turned to a soft slush fast. There were 4 of us. We didn’t waste time working our way back south covering eighteen miles round trip.
Kate Marone
Sunrise Tuesday morning temp 27: the surface looks better than yesterday, very little wind and close to 50 today.
We spoke to a fisherman yesterday, he said there is 30 inches of ice near great island, there should be more sailing in the future.
The launch at the beach is very good, keep your eye on the weather and take a chance if it looks good.
Bob S
P.S. On the way home there was a nordic skater at Newbury, the ice looked good.
Fast, Fleeting, and Frozen Rewards
A thaw-and-refreeze cycle provided prime—if fleeting—conditions across New England. Sailors took to the ice in multiple locations, making the most of what could be one of the season’s final rides.
Massabesic Lake, NH: A Morning of Speed Before the Slush
A dozen or so iceboats—DNs, Whizzes, Skimmers, and skate sailors—buzzed across Massabesic Lake in the early hours, powered by a strong morning breeze. As is often the case with late-season ice, conditions deteriorated quickly, with the surface softening by midday and turning the gathering into a social affair.
Special thanks go to Dick B. for scouting and relaying intel for the group. Without his keen eye and timely reports, the sailing wouldn’t have been possible.
The early hours provided prime conditions for speed, but by 11 a.m., the westerly gusts and slushy surface made control increasingly difficult. The ice, though rough, was deemed safe aside from a few small open patches in the northeast corner. Remember no ice is completely safe. Writup based on info relayed by Chip Goodhue. DN 1300.
Lake Champlain, NY: Scratch Racing on Black Ice
On the western shore of Lake Champlain, DNers Paul Chamberland (KC5700) and Jeff Roseberry (US5687) continued their relentless pursuit of speed and precision. The duo spent the day locked in a series of scratch races, pushing their boats and skills on an expanse of stunning black ice. Few sailors have logged as much time on the course this season, and their commitment was evident in every tack and gybe. And I am sure will show on the starting line next season.
Lake Champlain, VT: Inner Malletts Bay Delivers Miles
Further north in Vermont, John Zierman and a small contingent took to Inner Malletts Bay, determined to make the most of what could be the season’s final weekend. With miles under their blades, they sailed deep into the afternoon, and hope the ice will hold for just a little longer.
Elsewhere in New England and the Northeast
Reports of sailing on Damariscotta Lake in Maine are still incoming, though details remain scarce. Lake George in NY was sailed from nearly end to end in epic winds. Look for info in Facebook Group “Iceboats of Saratoga NY region“
For those who made the effort to venture out on Sunday, the rewards were well worth it. Iceboating is never a sport of convenience; it demands patience, persistence, and a willingness to chase fleeting windows of ideal conditions. As temperatures fluctuate in the coming days, the larger lakes may still offer another chance. For those craving one last ride, the time is now.
Carpe Glacies, more opportunities may materialize but only if you show up and yes it will likely be last minute. Don’t pack up your gear just yet and be ready to travel at a moments notice.
Think Ice,
John
DN5023
John@neiya.org
More Opportunities
Couple more ice reports to consider for tomorrow or Monday. From VP Charles Silfvenius.
Rechecked Wentworth. Top layer is more solid. I can still chop through but it takes effort. Checked off Albee beach and the 109 launch. I would call it sailable. Still tight to shoreline. I think I’ll try a sail there tomorrow probably in the skimmer.
Will try to round someone up to check Winni too.
Jeff Roseberry with Paul Chamberlain are out scouting Champlain at Button Bay.
And do not forget Bill Buchholz has called Damariscotta. Details on iceboat.me
Think Ice and get it while it lasts. It’s gonna get warm next week.
John
John@neiya.org
Quaboag & Webster
Tried to get on Quaboag today but the shoreline is melted away, i can see water in some of the pressure cracks and a few small holes.
The plate is shifting because there is no shore to but up against .We may be done for the season unless there’s a big change.
Webster has the same conditions, no need to get hurt on bad ice when we may have sailing up north.
Bob S
Weekend Ice Updates
Inner Mallets Bay: According to John Zierman, Inner Mallets Bay is currently sailable, with a decent surface and no known hazards. However, the launch area at the state boat ramp is somewhat rough.
Lake Massabesic: The ice remains sailable with a solid base measuring between 10 and 18 inches. However, sailors should remain cautious, as drain holes and other hazards have been reported. A full scouting of the area is recommended before sheeting in for speed.
Wolfeboro Bay, Lake Winnipesaukee: Conditions are rough, with shell ice in some areas and slush or water trapped between the base ice and surface. Sailors are advised to seek better conditions elsewhere.
As always, safety is paramount. With spring approaching, ice conditions can change rapidly. Stay alert and sail with caution.
Think Ice,
John
DN5023
John@neiya.org
Conditions Under Review
Our call last night reaffirmed a familiar pattern: Recent weather has once again pushed our potential ice conditions into “must-check-and-confirm” status. That’s exactly what we’ll be doing today and Saturday.
Several lakes have experienced surface wetting and are undergoing inspections over the next 36 hours. Areas of focus include Webster, Quaboag, Massabesic, Winnipesaukee, and Great Sacandaga (N.Y.), with potential assessments also in Dameriscotta and Bantam.
Be sure to monitor iceboat.me for conditions in Maine as well as Facebook group Iceboats of Saratoga NY region for Adirondack NY regional ice info.
Expect further updates through Saturday as conditions develop. If the outlook holds, Sunday and the coming week could present fresh opportunities.
There may be an icy kind of flu spreading in the region next week. Stay tuned.
Remember, ice is never 100% safe, particularly as we enter into spring conditions. Our ice can turn to nothing in a very short time, so be vigilant and be safe.
Think Ice,
John
DN5023
John@neiya.org
New England Ice Yacht Association 