Happy 2024 Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving Kicks Off the Ice Sailing Season
Happy Thanksgiving to all! Today, we celebrate gratitude, good food, family, friends, and football. But for ice sailing enthusiasts, it also marks the unofficial start of the season. While no secret pond in New England is quite ready for sailing yet, the countdown has begun. Our friends in Minnesota are gearing up, and we know it won’t be long for us here in New England and the Northeast.
Are You Ready?
With the season upon us, it’s time to prepare. Our first NEIYA Thursday call is scheduled for next Thursday, December 5th, at 6:30 PM. Current members will receive call details via email over the weekend. If you have not paid your dues, now is the time to take care of it! Visit the NEIYA website at www.neiya.org and use the membership section on the right-hand side of the homepage.
If your boat is still in storage, this weekend is the perfect opportunity to haul it out and get it ready. And don’t forget to connect with your winter ice buddies—it’s always better to prepare as a team.
Upcoming Off-Ice Gatherings in New York
For those in the New York region or anyone eager to connect with fellow ice sailing enthusiasts, two off-ice gatherings are scheduled for next weekend:
- Lake Ronkonkoma Ice Boat and Yacht Club (LRIBC)
When: Saturday, December 7th, 12:00–3:00 PM
Where: Frank M. Weeks Yacht Yard, 10 Riverview Ct, Patchogue, NY 11772 - Hudson River Ice Yacht Club (HRIYC)
When: Sunday, December 8th, 1:30–4:30 PM
Where: Hudson River Maritime Museum, Kingston, NY
Details: This potluck event is a must for fans of vintage stern steerers.
Questions?
If you have any questions, feel free to reach out via email.
Think ice, prepare your boats, and let’s make this season one to remember!
John Stanton
NEIYA, Commodore
John@neiya.org
Instruction 101
Talk often centers around attracting new sailors to our sport. Anyone who has seen us zipping around on the frozen expanses, has the curiosity bug and as we are usually a chatty group, will often give them the low down. Sometimes if we judge them dressed for the cold, and we have a helmet that fits, and either a spare boat or a two seater, we may provide their first lessons in sailing on ice. The Gambits or Nites are great for this type of indoctrination. A DN with a sidecar can also do but tougher to trade the helm. Hopefully you have conditions that lend to a leisurely sail, smooth safe ice, relatively warm temps, and something less than hurricane force winds. After the test ride with you at the helm, you may ask your newbie if they want to take over. If they answer yes, you are now in the official role of instructor. Iceboating is one of the few remaining sports where there are no professional schools for instruction nor a certificate qualifying you. Here is where common sense and safety concerns should instantly pop into your head.
Hopefully you have tried to ascertain the sailing abilities of your new convert. Do they sail soft water, are they aware of the rules of the road, do they know points of sail, are they aware of ice hazards and rescue. (Hopefully you have lent them a set of picks and have a throw line handy,) Understand too that communication is limited at this point. The more information you can give while stopped and helmets off, so all instructions can be heard, the better the lesson. At this point hand signals could be agreed upon such as sheet in, ease off, right turn, tack, jibe, and most importantly STOP! If you’re frantically pounding on their shoulder, they may have no idea what you want. When in doubt, stop and talk. Start with just enough speed to keep the boat moving nicely, keep the speed down until tacking, jibing, and stopping have been practiced. This may be an hour or more but please be as careful and knowledgeable as you can with new converts. Good habits make for more enjoyment and safer forays. Once the novice begins building confidence, they will generally start improving their skills and the performance capabilities of the craft. If it’s your boat, you may have to set some limits.
If you’re helping someone with a first time on ice scenario, things are not quite so controlled. You may want to do a quick check to see if everything is set up correctly. I always carry a spare set of picks to lend just in case. After the basic instruction and rules have again been reinforced, you might try a game of follow the leader. Head up and do a few easy tacks and then stop. Your student should not be allowed to pass you and stop where you do. Talk about the short ride. Does everything in your boat seem to be working right? Did you have trouble with the boom shifting over? Does the sheet run through the blocks freely. Do you fit comfortably in the cockpit? (As comfortable as possible, depending on the boat.) This might mean a trip back to the pits to correct anything you need to. Going back though now introduces the student into jibing. Depending on conditions, this can be quite intimidating as they go broadside to the wind. Too tight a sheet has caused many an OBE. Out of boat experience. I’ve had several in my lifetime, fewer of later years. I must have learned.
A few more rounds of up and down in a good practice area, usually gives the student enough confidence to go for more. If you’re there with your buddies, you could join the group. You could be his wingman and keep an eye on him. If it’s just the two of you, you might want to do a little cruising. Keep a constant eye out for each other and take frequent breaks to converse. Remember helmets and face masks can muffle voices quite well.
At this point you should be recognized as doing your best to keep our sport alive. Thank you.
After a few times on the ice, you may see him doing quite well and you’ve got a new sailing buddy. He may also be the competitive type and foster an interest in racing. If you are a racer yourself, you may continue to be his teacher. If not, be sure he knows about the IDNIYRA, and tell him of any regattas you know of. I’ll leave racing lessons to those more qualified than myself.
For those of you who have had the opportunity to teach, thank you. You have taught someone a life long sport and help our sport survive a little longer. Think ice and remember what your runner plank is tuned for when the holidays hit. A Christmas Wish for smooth safe ice and fair winds.
Helpful times on the ice.
So the fall meetings are over and many of us have checked our gear. Let’s see, that’s boat complete, now where are those stays at? Where’s my helmet and pics? Do I need to buy that drysuit this year? Where’s the trailer registration. Why is that light out? Eventually you are satisfied that you’re ready, just need ice.
So you are now on the ice and ready to step the mast and notice a frayed end on the head stay. You holler to your buddy and sure enough, he’s got a spare.
You just got to the ice with your first DN. (New to you.) You’ve been assured that all the parts were there. Joe has already set up his boat, his wife’s boat, and his new friend’s boat. He notices that perplexed look he has seem so many times over the years. He’s drawn to you like a magnet and asks,”Can I help you with that?”
I can remember my dad being bitten by the ice bug and several trip to Attitash lake near Amesbury. He was gathering information and it seemed like everyone had something to contribute.
Ask any newbie racer has he ever shared or taken in knowledge from other racers. Everyone always seems ready to talk about it, brag about it, even try to be a boat broker.
As you’re starting to sail, your first thought goes to, “What’s out there?” Time to check the report. Usually some one has scouted it and given an update. If you find something out there, you think of a way to warn others. Everyone seems to be as helpful as they can. Hope to see you on the ice.
Keep up the good PR and the great friendships on the ice.
Charlie
2024 Swap & Meet: A Good Time Was Had by All
Title: 2024 Swap & Meet: A Good Time Was Had by All
A lively crowd turned out for the NEIYA’s annual Swap Meet and meeting, making for a memorable day. A big thank you goes out to everyone who helped make it a success.
By 10 a.m., the parking lot was packed with sellers, browsers, and iceboating friends reconnecting ahead of winter. Boats of every budget were on display, from vintage models from the 70s to brand-new parts and iceboats.
Four vintage DN iceboats found new homes, with plans to bring them back to cruising form to help introduce newcomers to the sport. The boats went to New Hampshire, two in Massachusetts, and one in Albany, near the Adirondack lakes. We’ll have updates on these classic crafts in the coming weeks. Their heritage will go on.
Lunch kicked off around 12:30, followed by the annual meeting, which I led with support from our new and returning officers. I highlighted the sailing opportunities from last season and paid tribute to Treasurer Bob Haag, who served the NEIYA tirelessly for twelve consecutive seasons. Bob, on behalf of all of us, thank you for your dedication—now it’s time to see you more often on the ice.
This season, we welcome Treasurer Ed Demerest and Race Committee Chair Paul Chamberland to the team. Returning are John Stanton as Commodore, Charlie Silfvenius as Vice Commodore, and Secretary Karen Binder. Bill Buchholz will continue to support our northern area in Maine, while Bob S. will cover central Massachusetts around the Worcester area.
Attendees represented all six New England states, as well as New York, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey. Special thanks to the Lake Ronkonkoma Ice Boat Club for donating a 1938 copy of Wing on the Ice, which quickly found a new owner in a mini-auction.
Stay tuned as we kick off our weekly Thursday evening calls in the next two weeks. We’re also planning some communication updates to help us locate and access the ice faster this season.
Think ice and get ready for the first black ice of the season.
John
NEIYA Commodore
DN5023
john@neiya.org
Tomorrow’s The NEIYA Swap Meet 10/26 ~ Spreading the Word Far & Wide
Don’t forget, the NEIYA Swap Meet, Lunch, and Meeting is just a day away! Have you checked off everything on your to-do list? Make sure you’ve paid your dues, secured your spot for lunch, and sorted out what gear you’re bringing to the swap at Thompson Speedway. Don’t wait—take care of it today!
Donated Legacy Boats Update: I have spoken to several people who are interested in the four boats. Looks like they are spoken for, but they still have to be picked up. I can’t tell for sure but there may be some last-minute changes. Reach out to me for details and be sure to seek me out tomorrow morning early.
Event Details:
What: NEIYA Swap Meet, Lunch & Meeting
When: Saturday, October 26th, 10:00 am
Where: Thompson Speedway Golf Course,
205 E Thompson Rd, Thompson, CT 06277
Google Maps Link
Don’t miss this chance to kick off the season, reconnect with fellow members, and find gear to complete your setup. It’s also the ideal time to pay your 2025 dues and reserve your spot for our annual luncheon and meeting. All are welcome to join!
Please Pay Your Dues
| Dues Time | Price | |
| 2025 Membership | $30 |
 |
| 2025 Membership + Lunch | $45 |
|
| 2025 Membership + 2X Lunch | $60 |
|
| 2025 Lunch (11/19/2024) | $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 in the classified section. Remember your older equipment may be far better than what someone else has now.
Till then Think Ice,
John
DN5023
John@neiya.org
One Week Till Our NEIYA Swap Meet 10/26 ~ Spreading the Word Far & Wide
The NEIYA Swap Meet, Lunch, and Meeting is a week away. Have you paid your dues, Lunch, and figured out what you are going to haul to the swap at Thompson Speedway? Do it today see you on Saturday.
Three of the four donated legacy boats are spoken for. If you are interested contact me before the swap meet.
We all serve as ice ambassadors and are responsible for spreading the ice boating word.
On Wednesday night we answered that call. In response to an invitation from the Lowell Boat Shop (LBS), initiated by member Frank Morris, Eben Whitcomb, James “T” Thieler, and I made the journey to the renowned birthplace of the dory to share the excitement of iceboating. We were warmly greeted by an enthusiastic crowd on the historic deck overlooking the Merrimack. Three seasoned iceboaters, two iceboats, and an eager crowd made for the perfect learning environment.
There were discussions about how iceboats fit into the history of boating. T whipped the crowd into a frenzy with tales from the gold fleet and a review of the differences between a 1960’s and modern DN.
The crowd broke up about 8:30 and everyone had a sense of wonder on their faces. Our reward was several audience members promising to come down to Thompson for the Swap Meet and capped off with a private tour of the Lowell Boat Shop.
See you Next Saturday…
NEIYA Swap Meet, Lunch & Meeting Information:
When: Saturday, October 26th, 10:00am
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 dues and reserve your seat at our annual Luncheon and Meeting. All are welcome to attend.
Please Pay Your Dues
| Dues Time | Price | |
| 2025 Membership | $30 |
|
| 2025 Membership + Lunch | $45 |
|
| 2025 Membership + 2X Lunch | $60 |
|
| 2025 Lunch (11/19/2024) | $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 in the classified section. Remember your older equipment may be far better than what someone else has now.
Till then Think Ice,
John
DN5023
John@neiya.org
Just a Couple Weeks – Till NEIYA Swap Meet and Meeting – Saturday, Oct, 26th
Members, Guests, and anyone with an interest in Iceboating or getting onto the ice:
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.
we have acquired a few vintage DNs. They came from loving homes down in New Jersey and their former owners wanted to pass on the iceboating heritage. Some are spoken for but we have a couple looking for a new home and custodian. This offer is open to anyone that is looking to start iceboating and does not have a craft yet. We will have some of our resident experts available for guidance and help. Reach out to me if your interested. I will be transporting the boats to the swap meet.
NEIYA Swap Meet, Lunch & Meeting Information:
When: Saturday, October 26th, 10:00am
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 dues and reserve your seat at our annual Luncheon and Meeting. All are welcome to attend.
Please Pay Your Dues
| Dues Time | Price | |
| 2025 Membership | $30 |
|
| 2025 Membership + Lunch | $45 |
|
| 2025 Membership + 2X Lunch | $60 |
|
| 2025 Lunch (11/19/2024) | $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.
Till then Think Ice,
John
DN5023
John@neiya.org
Runner Tracks Newsletter September 2024 – DN North America
Hey Folks- The latest issue of Runner Tracks is out and as always it is a winner- Give it a read and get back to work on your gear!
https://www.idniyra.org/runner-tracks-newsletter-september-2024/
James “T” Thieler
NEW SAILS??
Hey Gang-
Ullman Sails in Detroit is having a fall sale; 20% if you order new sails before October 31st!
Replace those tired rags with some crispy new sails and save a few bucks in the process!
Contact the loft and see what they can do for you.
Ullman Sails Fall Discount Specials (mailchi.mp)
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Green, Green, Green – Sat Oct 26th 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, 26th 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 Tompson 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.
Our secretary, Karen, will be engaging in an outreach to any and all ice enthusiast groups. The NEIYA is extending the welcome mat to all ice enthusiasts. Including but not limited to Nordic Skaters, Kite and Wing Sailors, and anyone interested in getting out and enjoying the winter at speed on a horizontal surface.
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.
NEIYA Swap Meet, Lunch & Meeting Information:
When: Saturday, October 26th, 10:00am
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 dues and reserve your seat at our annual Luncheon and Meeting. All are welcome to attend.
Please Pay Your Dues
| Dues Time | Price | |
| 2025 Membership | $30 |
|
| 2025 Membership + Lunch | $45 |
|
| 2025 Membership + 2X Lunch | $60 |
|
| 2025 Lunch (11/19/2024) | $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.
Our Thursday calls will resume next week. More on that coming shortly and stay tuned for a calendar of events.
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.
Want to Try Ice Boating? It’s all here. Click to start
New England Ice Yacht Association 