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 

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

All Racers,

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

1. RULES
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. When necessary, the Race Committee will make audible announcements which may change the sailing instructions and will take precedence over all other notices.
5. 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.

1. FINISHING AND TIME LIMITS
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. The finish of the first competitor will be indicated by the race committee displaying a checkered flag.
5. 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.
6. 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.

1. SCORING
2. 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.    
3. Talking to the scorers during a race and/or while preparing the final results is cause for disqualification from the regatta.
4. Any competitor’s concerns regarding scoring of a race shall be brought to the attention of the Principal Race Officer.
5. 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.

1.    RACE ABANDONMENT
2. 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.
3. When a race is abandoned the next fleet to start shall be the next fleet in the rotation.

1.  COURSE CHANGE
2. If the Principal Race Officer determines that a start line alignment or course change is required, a Red Flag will be displayed.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. Failure to comply may be cause for a competitor’s disqualification from the regatta.

1.  PROTESTS
2. Competitors are to proceed with intended protests consistent with all considerations of the IDNIYRA BY–LAWS and Part V, of the NIA, Racing Rules.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. 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.

1.  RACING REMINDERS
2. 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.
3. DARLING MARKS: While racing, crossing the imaginary line between a Darling Marks and the associated Windward or Leeward mark is grounds for disqualification.
4. 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.
5. 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.

1. AWARDS
2. 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!

For lodging start here: tell them you are part of the iceboat group. If they are full hit the internet and you can find something nearby.

https://www.firesideinngilford.com/

Hey Folks!

We are gonna give it a shot this weekend; DN Eastern Champs are ON!

Sailing out of Ellacoya State Park in Gilford NH.

Details to follow but arrive early, unload and keep your car away from the ramp.

All DNs welcome; an award will be given for the best finish in the least up to date boat so don’t shy away if your gear has a few years on it….

Only requirements are a legal DN, a THOROUGH knowledge of the racing rules, and proof of $300K liability insurance. No exceptions!

Skippers meeting at 9:30AM at the launch area.

Stay tuned to this site and the IDNIYRA site for details.

See y’all tomorrow!

T

As the ice thickens and conditions improve, seasoned sailors are gearing up to scout and sail key locations across New England tomorrow. Here’s the latest from the field:

• 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.
• Webster Lake, Webster, MA
  Bob S. is set to scout Webster Lake, where preliminary observations suggest promising conditions. A full report will be available after tomorrow’s scouting.
• 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 also be inspected tomorrow, Stay tuned.
• Lake Winnipesaukee, NH (Ellacoya Beach)
  Scouting will continue on Winnipesaukee, specifically near Ellacoya Beach, to confirm how sailable the newly locked-up ice is on this big lake.
• Bantam Lake, CT
  A small section of Bantam has already seen some sailing, and the cold nights could open up even more of the lake. More on the progress tomorrow.
• Quaboag Pond, Brookfield, MA
  Quaboag should be sailable this weekend, confirmatrions tomorrow
• Paul reports that the Adirondack region lakes have lots of drifts but scouting will continue

We do have some weather coming in but with the variety options we will be sailing somewhere this weekend

John

Minor correction: only $300k liability insurance is needed.

PROOF OF INSURANCE MUST BE PROVIDED AT REGISTRATION.

Stay tuned….

Hey Folks-

Looks like we are going to give the Eastern Regional DN champs a shot this weekend-

Preliminary reports from our scouts on Winnipesaukee Lake are good; Paul Chamberland and I are planning to sail off Ellacoya State Park in Gilford, NH tomorrow morning to verify.

We are cautiously optimistic!

Stay tuned for final details.

Registration will be on-site; competitors must have $500K personal liability insurance and a thorough knowledge of the ice racing rules.

Keep your fingers crossed and stay tuned.

Think ICE!

6 boats sailed today winds were 15 to 20.  The surface was partial  snow cover with lots of drifts ..

We needed the wind to keep moving and bust through the drifts, it was a wild ride all day, at the end of the day one boat lost a plank.

Tomorrow liter wind, it will test our skills. Two boats stayed on the ice. be there after 9.00

Bob S.

Brian Langley reports in after a lively day on Quaboag. Thanks to Bob S. For keeping a watchful eye on the area lakes.

8 boats on Quabog today, lots of snow drifts that are getting styrofoam like. Heavy winds all day. 15-20 with gusts! You would go 50 plus to 5 mph when you blew through them. Scare the crap out of you.

We had some amazing scare runs for accomplished racers and seasoned cruisers alike.

Brian

Looking to the weekend we have lots of choices and a potential regatta. As you know there is a bit of warmer weather and precipitation coming across the region so be careful. Conditions will change. More insight tomorrow night on 6:30pm call

Think Ice,

John

John@neiya.org

Hey Gang-
Be advised we are itching to host the Eastern Region DN Champs this weekend.

Location to be finalized but NH, ME and NY are all possibilities.

Keep an eye on this site for details!

Load ‘em up….

T. DN US 5224

Most of the lake s outed today. One small ridge that was slushy. The wind holes all seem frozen to a good depth. We tend to stay away from going between close islands.