Racing the Wind and Each Other. For iceboaters, racing and speed is not just a pastime—it’s the very essence of the sport. At every level, from casual enthusiasts to world-class competitors, the shared drive for speed unites us all. It’s why we joined the iceboating ranks in the first place and why we remain faithful. Whether on the global stage or at local events, iceboating is a testament to speed, skill, and a unique connection to nature’s raw power.

The competitive spirit finds it’s highest expression through international organizations like the International DN Ice Yacht Racing Association (IDNIYRA.ORG) and the International Skeeter Association (ISA). These governing bodies oversee races that span the U.S. and the world, while local groups like our New England Ice Yacht Association (NEIYA) keep the grassroots energy alive and feed and nurture the competitive spirit. One of the longest-running sailing rivalries over 100 years and counting is between the Hudson River Ice Yacht Club and the North Shrewsbury Ice Boat & Yacht Club still thrives to this day. Will this be the year the Rocket gets a chance to best Jack Frost and bring the cup back to NJ?

But at its heart, all iceboating is a race against the wind itself. Each time we push off and sheet in, we’re testing our mettle against nature. On an iceboat, powered by nothing but wind, sail, and low friction, we accomplish what the average person might think impossible. Sailing faster than the wind. With simple vectors of attack and apparent wind, we consistently beat the very force that propels us. Except when sailing dead downwind or in irons of course. Our GPS and anemometer devices confirm it every time.

Victory isn’t always measured by trophies or podium finishes. Whether we look at how close our starting position is to the center of the starting line or comparing GPS readings back in the pits, we know the real competition is with the elements and how we adjust while sailing around the plate. Win or lose, we’ve given the wind a proper thrashing, and the sheer joy of the experience leaves us all grinning.

This past weekend marked the unofficial mass start of the season, with many in the fleet taking to the ice. For those lucky enough to sail today and the rest of the week, the thrill of racing has already begun. Looking ahead, we’re hoping to host official NEIYA races this coming weekend. Race Chair Paul Chamberland will oversee the events and could use some assistance in scouting the best ice conditions, as well as managing scoring and race logistics. If you want to be in the thick of the action without stepping into a boat, volunteering to help score races is a great way to contribute. Racing will be one of the topics on this coming Thursday’s Call @ 6:30pm. Be on for the latest.

So, gear up, stay tuned, and let’s make this season one to remember. The ice is calling, and the wind is waiting to be conquered.

Sail fast,
John
DN5023
John@neiya.org

Mark reports on some NH ice. Remember sail heads up conditions change and no ice is ever 100% safe. Mark is looking for people to sail Sunapee from state beach tomorrow.

Dick Boisvert and I sailed Lake Massasecum In Bradford today. The ice was 10 inches thick and generally smooth with a coating of snow less than an inch. There is a mile of ice here with good launch access, but limited parking. It should be good again tomorrow.

Sunapee looks good for tomorrow. The ice is solid at the state beach with drive down to the ice access. 4-6 inches of ice in some places , but 2-3 inches further out. There is an open seam out further (per an ice fisherman). This may close overnight as temps dip down to 7 degrees.  Weather for tomorrow is 17 degrees at noon w 11mph winds (all afternoon). Monday is the day to sail Sunapee.

Winds on Tuesday, Wed, Thurs to >20mph

I plan to be at the state beach between 11 AM and Noon. Please contact me if you plan to come.

Mark

Hello Iceboaters,

Based on the report Bill Bucholz sent out regarding Pushaw, T and I plan on setting up marks and getting some laps in tomorrow. The weather prediction looks ideal and I hope many of you will join us!

Feels like it’s been forever since I have been in my trusty and speedy DN!

Thanks,

Karen Binder
DN 5630

Get Outlook for Android

Rounding out what we know leaves us with not a lot of options but the cold is here and we will be on the ice for sure next week

VC Charlie S reports a good amount of open water on Wentworth. Waiting on a cold night or two to lock it down again. he will be trying out his new Skimmer on Mirror lake tomorrow thickness was reported to be 6″. Launvh ogg Rt 109 Tuftonboro. This is a small lake and has yet to be sailed but if you’re near by give it a try tomorrow.

Mark’s report from Sunapee, NH. Gray ice extends about 4 miles from Newbury harbor to just north of Big Island. The broads are open water. Ice at the state beach is broken into slabs and I could not walk out on it. I am guessing the overall thickness is less than 2 inches and not safe for skating or sailing. With the cold temps coming the ice should thicken. I am hopeful it may be safe to sail on it by Sunday. Monday or Tuesday may be a better bet.

Mark

Race Chair Paul Chamberland has nothing in the Adirondack region of NY but does expect the next few days. As the cold takes effect we will likely toss some cones and a starting line down and race. Maybe in ME, maybe NH. We will see.

That’s it for now. Be safe check on your equipment and see you on the ice soon.

Think Ice

J
john@neiya.org

P.S. Did we miss something? Reach out and let us know.

Bob S has reported that after looking at Quaboag at noon today it is not any way ready to sail. He will keep an eye on it over the next several days and report back.

Still waiting on NH venues.

J

The returning cold and the impending (so called) polar vortex set the tone for last night’s call, filling the air with anticipation

Today through the weekdnd are dedicated scouting days, as spotters assess conditions across the region. Remember: any ice we encounter is relatively new, forming in the wake of recent warming events. While some lakes and ponds have held onto their ice cover, others have been compromised by warm rain and wind. Every surface must be thoroughly inspected and tested before it can be deemed safe for sailing.

Current Scouting Updates:

• Massachusetts: Eyes are on Quaboag Pond, with scouts monitoring conditions closely.
• New Hampshire: Sunapee, Wentworth, and Mirror Lake are under active review.
• Maine: Scouting efforts are ongoing; check updates on iceboat.me for the latest Maine reports.
• Adirondack Region, NY: The Saratoga group remains optimistic and monitoring continues.
• Connecticut: Bantam Lake, which initially held its ice cover, experienced a blowout and now requires reformation. However, the predicted cold snap over the next week could bring it back into play.

Looking ahead to next week, there’s potential for both recreational cruising and competitive racing, with marks set up for those ready to line up and compete. While it’s too early to pinpoint exact locations, sailors should remain prepared—when conditions align, the call will come.

As expectations peak during this time of year, it’s crucial to temper enthusiasm with caution. Thoroughly inspect ice conditions, sail with vigilance, and stay mindful of hidden hazards. DO NOT SAIL ALONE!

Look for updates later tonight.

Let’s make this season as safe as it is exhilarating.

Sail Fast and Think Ice,

John
john@neiya.org

Happy New Year! With no ice to sail on, the next best thing was a trip to Red Bank, NJ, for the North Shrewsbury Ice Boat and Yacht Club’s New Year’s Day gathering. The Rocket stood proudly on display in the parking lot. While we all enjoy talking about iceboats and in particular beatiful crafts like the Rocket we are looking forward to cold weather and ice-making returning to the agenda.

Founded in 1880, the club is one of the nation’s oldest, steeped in history and tradition. Its clubhouse feels like an iceboating museum, filled with vintage parts, historic photos, plaques, and memorabilia that tell the story of our thrilling sport.

On a related note, I was recently made aware of a recent Herreshoff Museum article on iceboating. It’s a quick read, packed with iceboat photos, and highlights Nathanial Herreshoff’s innovative designs. Enjoy the article. Read the article here.

Just got back from Quaboag, It’s still ice covered, didn’t get on to measure but it looked pretty good.

If the wind doesn’t blow it out tomorrow we could be good for the weekend, looks like the next week should be below freezing.

Will check in a day or two.

Bob S

The season is young so be careful checking in and around the ice. We need some cold. We can continue our ice discussions tomorrow night at 6:30 pm.

Think Ice,

John
John@neiya.org

Two boats were set up on quaboag today, the ice was hard but covered with about a half inch of snow.

Greg kept a watch on the boats so they wouldn’t blow away, he did a great job.
Mike N and I tried sailing with no wind, not much luck,we blamed it on the snow.

There is 5/5 inches to 3/5 on the lake, about 12 fishermen around the lake.TWe had Bambi stew for lunch,so it turned out to be a great day.

Greg went home and the wind picked up, all we could do is get a few small runs, the snow was too hard

Bob S

As many of us are waiting for the local ice to shape up, we whet our appetites with two dimensional teasers. For those of us with age, this may include VHS tapes or maybe even 8mm home movies, to start the adrenaline flowing. Today’s generation has a much broader selection for the video fix. A simple Google search will find you glimpses of every facet of Iceboating you can imagine. Racers can find videos of any class that’s out there. DIYers can find many how to vids of everything from home made rig such as, “cheapskates” to race quality DNs. Vintage fanatics can find posts from the ‘40s where stern stearers are racing cars on the ice. Foreign travel buffs will find lakes from the Midwest US to Lake Baikal in Russia. Scandinavian countries always seem to get early ice.

Instruction videos from the experts will cover everything from fine tuning runners and runner planks, to setting up for different wind and ice conditions. Some like Ron Sherry, have a whole series often giving away tricks of the best. ( Remember the helpful brotherhood post?) the foreign experts are there and, although I haven’t tried it yet, Google translate is supposed to be pretty good.

For the super tech savvy sailor, several action cameras mounted in strategic locations give a super perspective of the thrill of sailing on ice. AI and drones that follow you on their own give a solid view similar to an eagle flying behind or above you. (I assume that is the view of several of these birds I’ve seen on the ice.) The handheld phone is handy for those first time rides or of your buddies sailing by.

Even those of us who want to try our hand at video production can use our phones and presto, a YouTube video! (Check out DN Preflight by No Budget Productions, for your basic amateur show. Done by yours truly.)

I do have an issue that after watching one, or several, of these teasers that I need to putter with something having to do with my fleet. (Now up to 4 boats plus 2 of my wife’s.) it may be as simple as lubricating the blocks or sail track, or a new paint job. I have 2 sets of Greatful Dead dancing bear decals that need to go on my super DN. Snoopy needs to have a touch up paint job in my BDX. I just replaced my yoke on my storm sail boom.

As I sit in my recliner and the sun has dropped with the temperature, and I’m through with all the Hallmark Christmas movies, and I found my, “Endless Winter“ dvd for tonight’s viewing. I hope many of you can find something that appeals to you while you sit in the warmth of your living room sipping on a glass of good scotch, that will take you away to either happier times or future adventures.

Happy New Year to you all and may you find thick black ice and moderate winds for the season.

Santa didn’t quite deliver what I asked for at launch sites throughout the region, but hope is on the horizon as ice continues to build. Maybe, just maybe, we’ll be out there soon. Spotters have been going to great lengths to assess the ice conditions, from the ground to the tops of neighboring peaks. A big thank you to Mark for taking a moment between carving turns and amassing vertical drops to capture a shot of Lake Sunapee from the ski mountain. Here’s to icy adventures ahead!

The picture is Lake Sunapee (from the mountain). All the white areas are 1 inch of snow from last night. The blue is presumably still open water. The ice just off the State Beach launch area made cracking noises under my weight and is probably little more than an inch. I punched through with a hammer blow. The ice in Newbury harbor, which is older, is solid and at least 3 inches thick. I could not break through the hammer in some spots. I did not venture out on the plate to test it further from shore. My guess is anywhere from 1 to 3 inches. Subfreezing days and colder nights are forecast til Friday. Over the weekend it is supposed to warm up and rain. Light winds are forecast till Friday. Not encouraging, but I will continue to monitor.

I skated Squam Lake yesterday. There is a good expanse of solid gray ice in the coves and thinner (2 inches) black ice further out that may be thicker now.

Newfound lake is iced over but I did not check it.

Hopefully, we will have additional info by tonight’s call and out on some ice in the next few day.

Think Ice,

John
John@neiya.org

Winter wasted no time announcing her arrival on this, her first official day. Here is to everyone that got out today in any capacity. Drive by, quick shorline check a skate or a sail.

Peter Boynton reports in from Little Sunapee, NH.

VC Charlie S. reports on happenings in NH

Skated Mirror lake. Mostly 3″ with about 1/3 2-3. One more night. Hope for wind tomorrow.

There is a Small launch site off rt 109 in Tuftonboro,NH. Another site is off Lang Pond rd. by the Libby Museum.

Have some spare time betwee December 23 – January 5th The FDR Presidential Library is delighted to host a display of authentic Hudson Valley Ice Yachts from December 23, 2024 through January 6, 2025. The display is presented by the Hudson River Ice Yacht Preservation Trust and Hudson River Ice Yacht Club. 

Think Ice,

John
John@neiya.org

How fitting to get a sail in on Winter Solstice Day. Very fitting in a Druid kind of way.

Mark Friedman has bee watching Little Sunnapee for a few days and finally got boat out. Here is what he found.

Also Reporting in was Bob S. with his ever vigilant eye on Quaboag

“Stopped by quaboag today. it still has  ice  but the south end is open, about one third is open and the wind is blowing and it looks like the hole  is getting bigger.

The shoreline is filling in near the ramp, cold weather coming we may black ice where the water is, i will keep an eye on it.

Bob S”

Other lakes are catching on a a rapid pace more as things progress.

John
DN5023
John@neiya.org