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.
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.
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,
NE’s 1st Place Finisher James “T” Thieler 1-25-25 – Soderholm2nd Place Karen Binder3rd Place RC Paul Chamberland4th Place Jeff RoseberySome Close Mark RoundingsRC Paul ripping it upAwaiting their Pilot
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.
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
01/27/2025 | Categories: 2025 Season | Comments Off on Changing Gear – Lessons Learned
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!
South Watuppa Pond 1/24/25 – Watuppa Pond Weather Station
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
01/24/2025 | Categories: 2025 Season | Comments Off on This Weekend 1/25-26
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.
01/24/2025 | Categories: 2025 Season | Comments Off on NE DN CHAMPS ARE ON!
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.
01/24/2025 | Categories: 2025 Season | Comments Off on Scorekeeper and RC Needed This Weekend
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.
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!
01/23/2025 | Categories: 2025 Season | Comments Off on REGATTA THIS WEEKEND….
South Watuppa Pond, Fall River MA – Via Doug Sharp
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
01/23/2025 | Categories: 2025 Season | Comments Off on Time To Reap The Cold Sow
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.
01/21/2025 | Categories: 2025 Season | Comments Off on Final RUNNER TRACKS Issue For 2024
All by ourselves
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.”
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.
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!
01/19/2025 | Categories: 2025 Season | Comments Off on 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!
01/19/2025 | Categories: 2025 Season | Comments Off on 2025 DN Eastern Region Championship Results!
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
01/19/2025 | Categories: 2025 Season | Comments Off on South Watuppa Sailed 1/18/25
So far so good at the DN Easterns! Breeze started off a bit shifty but settled and built nicely allowing for five races on a long course.
Chad Atkins is lit up as usual with Karen Binder hot on his heels and Paul Chanberland rounding out the top three. Good racing going on all through the rest of the fleet as well!
Click the link to see current positions and place bets on how things will play out after tomorrow’s races.
Thanks to Nina Fleming for tabulating the scores from her place in Maine; very much appreciated!
01/18/2025 | Categories: 2025 Season | Comments Off on Sailwave results for 2025 DN Eastern Region Championship at January 18-19 ~ Lake Winnipesaukee, New Hampshire 2025
Good evening iceboaters. Appoligies for the late post on conditions. I am just finished loading up the car and in just a few short hours will be on the road to Lake Winnipesaukee launching from Ellacoya State Park in Guilford, NH. As you already know the IDNIYRA Eastern Championships will be held. As T stated earlier today the even is open to DNs of any vintage and there will be prizes for vintage crafts. Come on out and join in.
Regardless of whether you are racing or cruising the is is smooth plenty thick and pretty big. This doent mean there are not hazards check with locals or those that have been out earlier and sail heads up till you personally know what you are sailing on.
Ace ice spotter Bob S. reports in on Quabaog and Lake Chaubunagungamaug aka Webster Lake.
Wind was light so we setup and checked the ice in front of Waterfront Marys on Webster Lake (103 Birch Island Rd, Webster, MA). Note mindful not to block access to the lake. Unload or load your car than park accross the street.
You can cover more area in a ice boat than walking,the only hassard was a large opening on the end of union point, the right shore in front of Marys
it extends almost two hundred yards. We sailed as far as Point Breeze, the surface was snow covered in some spots and bare in other places with drifts similar to Quaboag.
We never got to North pond or South pond but they look like the rest of the lake. The narrows are still frozen over,with more wind tomorrow we may be able to the other parts of the lake.
Three boats are set up at Marys ready to sail in the morning, people stopped by and said they would be fishing in the morning.
I guess most of New England has the same conditions .
Bob S
Webster Lake 1/17/25 – Mike AceboWebster Lake 1/17/25 – Mike AceboWebster Lake 1/17/25 – Mike Acebo
Other happenings
Long Pond, Freetown, MA (211 Middleboro Rd E.) A group of experienced sailors will return to Long Pond to reassess its potential. Initial scouting reports revealed 3-5 inches of ice in most areas, with smaller, recently healed holes measuring 2.5-4 inches. Updates on tomorrow’s findings will follow.
Lake Sunapee, NH Sailors plan to take to Sunapee tomorrow. Mark has reported fresh, black ice in the broads that formed after Saturday’s snowfall, creating a potential playground for ice boating enthusiasts.
Watuppa Pond, Fall River, MA Watuppa Pond will sailed tomorrow by a few locals.
Quaboag Pond, Brookfield, MA Quaboag should be sailable this tomorrow usual suspects have opted to go back to Webster
As we all know, and I know just about all of us are active weather forecast readers, there is some weather coming in. Get out while you can and remember this pending system may change what was good ice and rescouting may be required.
Think Ice and Sail Fast,
John DN5023 John@neiya.org
01/17/2025 | Categories: 2025 Season | Comments Off on Weekend Opportunities Before the Weather Moves In
Please disregard on line registration. Registration will take place prior to the Skippers Meeting on site at Ellacoya State Park ramp.
See you there.
2025 Notice of Race
Eastern Lakes Regional DN Championship Regatta
January 18-19, 2025
Organizing Authority: International DN Ice Yacht Racing Association
Host: North American Eastern Lakes Region
The Eastern Lakes Regional DN Championship Regatta is scheduled for January 18-19, 2025
1. Rules:
All races will be governed by the Racing Rules of the National Iceboat Authority; the By-Laws of the IDNIYRA, and Official Specifications of the DN Ice Yacht; the Notice of Race, including any amendments to the Notice of Race (except as any of these are altered by the Sailing Instructions) and the Sailing Instructions. The Sailing Instructions can be modified at a Skippers Meeting or by Notice posted on the official notice board, which may be online at idniyra.org.
Up to nine (9) race regatta format – five (5) race maximum per day; three (3) race minimum in the Gold Fleet will constitute a completed regatta. Fleet Scoring—Gold & Silver with volunteer split. Fleet Racing—will take place as one or two fleets, at the discretion of the Race Committee.
2. Eligibility:
All DN class yachts meeting the requirements of the Official Specifications and whose skippers meet the requirements of the By-Laws of the IDNIYRA are eligible to enter and race in the championship. Proof of personal or race liability insurance ($300,000 minimum) is required.
3. Site Information and Postings:
A. The primary site is within the North American Eastern Region
B. Site and Headquarters Information will be determined by the regatta organizer.
C. Official regatta information, notices, updates and accommodations will be posted at: idniyra.org
4. Entry and Fee:
A. Online entry, no later than 5:00 PM CT on the Friday preceding the Saturday start of the regatta, is mandatory.
B. Entry Fee
1. 26 and older: The entry fee is $50 2. 25 and younger: The entry fee is $25
5. Schedule of Events:
•Friday: 5 PM CT online registration closes.
•Saturday: 9:00 AM CT Skippers Meeting
•Saturday: 10:00 CT First start. If fleets are split, Silver Fleet will start first.
•Sunday: 10:00 CT First start. Races can start as late as 3:00 PM CT, at the discretion of the Race Committee.
6. Sailing Instructions:
Will be posted online at idniyra.org.
7. Prizes: Trophies will be awarded to the top five places in each fleet.
EASTERN LAKES REGION DN CHAMPIONSHIP 2025
SAILING INSTRUCTIONS
RULES
The 2025 Eastern Lakes Region DN Championship is be governed by and sailed under these Sailing Instructions, the Constitution, By-laws and Specifications of the International DN Ice Yacht Racing Association and the Racing Rules of the National Iceboat Authority, except as modified herein.
Further modifications to these sailing instructions, the IDNIYRA prescriptions or the Racing Rules of the National Iceboat Authority are permitted and will be announced at a Competitors Meeting by the Principal Race Official.
When necessary, the Race Committee will make audible announcements which may change the sailing instructions and will take precedence over all other notices.
A competitor’s failure to comply with the IDNIYRA requirements to display a unique sail number on a sail will not be subject a competitor to disqualification solely for non-compliance with these specifications. In consideration of the Race Management, however, all competitors are strongly encouraged to comply.
ENTRIES AND FLEET ASSIGNMENTS
Registration, proof of insurance and entry fee payment is required to compete.
Online registration and payment is mandatory at idniyra.org.
The person whose name is on the entry shall be deemed skipper and must be a current IDNIYRA Member and use sails with the skipper’s assigned number or a distinct number unique to that boat.
At time of registration, competitors shall indicate Fleet preference—Gold or Silver. Official Fleet Assignments will be posted by Race Committee balancing preferences, attendance and rankings. For scoring purposes, there will be two fleets. For racing purposes, there may be one or two fleets.
First race starting positions will be posted on ice and/or via electronic means.
Competitors who have never competed in or have not in the last ten years competed in a Regional Regatta, North Americans, or Gold Cup are eligible to compete as a Rookie within the Silver Fleet. Competitors must declare their intent and eligibility to compete as a Rookie at time of registration.
OFFICIAL SCHEDULE AND RACE TIMES (Local Time)
A Competitors Meeting will be held, Saturday, at 9:00 AM at the racing area.
Saturday’s First Race Start is scheduled for 10:00 AM, and will be the Silver Fleet race. The second race will be a Gold Fleet race. The starting order of the fleets will rotate for each subsequent race.
Sunday’s first race start time, will be 10:00 AM.
The Principal Race Officer reserves the right to change the fleet rotation. Any changes in the rotation will be announced and/or indicated via Fleet Flag Display in the starting area.
No Race will be started after one half hour before official sunset.
Racing may cease earlier at the discretion of the Principal Race Officer in consideration of; the ice, sun angle, ambient light, weather or other conditions that may cause visibility or safety issues on the race course.
No race will start after 3:00PM on Sunday.
RACES
It is intended that each fleet will race nine (9) races, with three (3) Gold Fleet races being necessary for a complete regatta.
Low point scoring system will be used, with one throw-out after five (5) races are completed. A DSQ for unsafe or un-sportsman-like conduct cannot be thrown.
RACE COURSE
The designated Race Course shall be the NIA, INLINE COURSE with Darling Marks. The course is subject to change as conditions warrant.
All courses will be WINDWARD / LEEWARD.
The race course length and number of laps will be announced by the Starter prior to each race.
RACE COURSE MARKS
The primary Windward and Leeward “Rounding Marks” shall consist of a tall tripod.
The Windward and Leeward “Darling Marks” will consist of a shorter tripod.
The Darling Marks will be located in line with the course/wind and typically 60- 80 yards down wind of the windward mark and typically 60-80 yards up-wind of the leeward mark. Distances may vary.
If determined to be necessary “Guard Cones” will be located at the approaches to each Primary Mark
If used, the Guard Cones will be placed in close proximity to the marks and are to be considered part of the marks for the purposes of NIA, Part IV Sailing Rules, and C. 3.
STARTING LINE
The Starting Line normally consists of a rope with numbered tags attached at each start position.
The Right side start positions have odd numbers beginning at the line center as 1 and extending to start position number 49.
The Left side start positions have even numbers beginning at the line center as 2 and extending to start position number 50.
The ends of the starting line are marked by an orange line reel with possibly an orange florescent flag or orange cone.
DO NOT SAIL OVER THE LINE!
NOTIFICATION OF AND PREPERATION FOR A RACE START
Prior to the finish of a race in progress, a Fleet Flag will be posted, near the starting line center identifying the next fleet to start.
When the fleet flag is raised, that fleet’s competitors should prepare for racing by moving their boats to the assembly area, downwind of the starting line lining up with their start position.
When the race in progress finishes and the scorers leave their designated area, the fleet in the assembly area will be called to move up to their starting positions at the front (windward) side of the starting line for the next start.
STARTING
The race committee starter will stand on a line between the starting line center and leeward mark.
After a count of the starting fleet and determining the skippers are in position, the starter may make a preparatory, multiple sound, signal aimed to the right side starters and then aimed to the left side starters.
The starter will then make the announcements required by NIA Part II, E.3. to the right and left, and after a short pause to assess readiness of the skippers, the starter will raise a checkered flag and then start the race by rapidly lower the flag.
If for reasons of safety or considerations under the NIA Racing Rules or IDNIYRA By-Laws the start is to be delayed after raising the flag, the starter will slowly withdraw or lower the flag. And announce that the fleet should stand by. A Black Flag may also be raised.
FINISHING AND TIME LIMITS
The finish line will be located “In-Line” with the course, extending from the Primary Leeward Mark downwind to an orange cone with an orange flag near the starting line center.
The length of the Finish Line is typically 70 yards, however, the Finish Line may be longer or shorter when conditions or safety reasons warrant.
The finish of the first competitor will be indicated by the race committee displaying a checkered flag.
The “Bart Rule” will be in effect. Competitors who cross the finish line after the first boat to finish, while the checkered flag is displayed, are considered to have completed the race, regardless of the number of laps each competitor has completed and shall immediately exit the course.
Lap and Total Race Time Limits will be based on a minimum time of 6-1/2 Minutes per Mile.
(Example: 1 Mile Course, Lap equals 2 Miles, resulting in a maximum time limit of 13 minutes for each lap.)
All competitors must cross the finish line within 20 minutes of that race’s first competitor to finish.
SCORING
During a race, the scorers will be located within a designated scoring area on the windward side of the starting line between start positions 2 and 4. The designated scoring area may be marked with cones. There will also be a checkered flag directly down wind of the leeward mark designating the leeward end of the finish line. There may also be an ATV parked in front of the scorers.
Talking to the scorers during a race and/or while preparing the final results is cause for disqualification from the regatta.
Any competitor’s concerns regarding scoring of a race shall be brought to the attention of the Principal Race Officer.
Race results and starting positions may be texted to competitors between races and will be posted on ice near the center of the starting line.
RACE ABANDONMENT
A Black Flag displayed at the primary windward or leeward mark or anywhere on the course shall signal abandonment of the race in progress. Reasons for a black flag include competitor safety or failure of the first boat to make the time limit.
When a race is abandoned the next fleet to start shall be the next fleet in the rotation.
COURSE CHANGE
If the Principal Race Officer determines that a start line alignment or course change is required, a Red Flag will be displayed.
When the red flag is displayed all competitors shall move and remain at a sufficient distance from the starting line area to provide the Race Committee a clear view to make any required adjustments.
When the Race Committee has completed the change, the fleet flag for the next fleet to start will be raised and competitors shall move to their starting positions on the windward side of the line.
Failure to comply may be cause for a competitor’s disqualification from the regatta.
PROTESTS
Competitors are to proceed with intended protests consistent with all considerations of the IDNIYRA BY–LAWS and Part V, of the NIA, Racing Rules.
A competitor shall make his intent to protest known, and identify the competitor being protested, to the Principal Race Officer immediately after the race in which the rule infringement occurred.
Upon Notification, the Principal Race Officer will provide a Protest Form to be completed by the competitor making the protest and notify the competitor being protested.
A written protest must be filed with the Principal Race Officer as soon as practical, but within two hours of the close of racing for that day. The Principal Race Officer will be available at the launch area to accept written protests after the close of racing.
At receipt of the completed protest form(s) the Principal Race Officer will present the form(s) to the Chief Judge, who will post a notice on the Official Notice Board identifying the time and place for hearing the individual protests.
RACING REMINDERS
TACKING AT THE START OF A RACE: At the start, a competitor shall not cross the imaginary line between the center of the starting line and the Darling mark before rounding the windward mark for the first time.
DARLING MARKS: While racing, crossing the imaginary line between a Darling Marks and the associated Windward or Leeward mark is grounds for disqualification.
INLINE FINISH: The finish line extends downwind from the leeward mark to an orange cone/flag near the starting line center. The area after crossing the finish line extending along the windward side of the odd number starting line at the width of the finish line, shall be considered a safety zone. After crossing the finish line, competitors shall proceed through that zone and round the end of the odd numbered starting line and proceed to the staging area. Do not sail over the start line at any time.
MOTORIZED VEHICLES: Motorized vehicles are prohibited on or about the race course or in the area between the race course and the pits, with the exception of vehicles used by the Race Committee or vehicles approved by the Principal Race Officer. Vehicles may be used to transport boats or trailers to the pits from the lake’s access points and the same vehicles may be parked in the pits.
AWARDS
Trophy presentation will follow competition of the final race in the Launch area or as announced. Trophies will be awarded to the top five finishers in each fleet.
Sail SAFE …Think SAFE …and Be SAFE!
01/17/2025 | Categories: 2025 Season | Comments Off on DN Eastern’s NORs & Sailing Instructions
