Here it is!

Lake Wentworth had a wonderful and varied flotilla this weekend.

Yes snoopy was at it again along with 2 hammocks, 2 gambits, a few DNs both old and new and one lonely skimmer. 15 boats total on Friday with great ice. This old salt appreciated the break on Saturday to recover but would have traded no wind instead of snow. After a good scouting the fun began with some great speed on the hard ice. Several voiced the fact that they should have sharpened their runners. The wind provided the right direction for chasing down the enemy, oops competitors, on long tacks of catch me if you can. Enough space was given as well as turn warnings. A few passerby’s were treated to quite the winter sight of ice boats, wingers and free skates zipping hither and yon. About have the fleet left based on the snow prediction while the others covered things up and did the no snow dance. Some of us did the town of Wakefield’s Christmas tree bonfire and nightly festivities at Moose Mountain sledding hill. Sunday found just over an inch of light, white, powdery stuff. Checking the wind forecast, we felt we had time for a leisurely breakfast before the long 5 minute drive to the lake. Timing was about perfect as the wind built to a strength to easily push through the snow. It held until the glorious sunset that Wentworth is noted for. There are still 6 boats awaiting the next winds to hopefully sail the full lake with few hazards while we wait in hopeful anticipation for Winni to build depth.

ps. The root canal, 2nd for the same tooth, was a wonderful experience that everyone should have at least once in their lifetime. This is my fourth so I guess I’m good for a few more lifetimes.

Ready for more fun but I’ll need to start saving again for that carbon fiber mast. I probably could have bought a new class A skeeter by now with my lifetime dental bills. I wonder if all the Hawaiian Punch I drank as a child had any influence?

It was a good day on Sunapee yesterday.

At least 20 boats launched out of the Sunapee State Beach; several boats went cruising and a bunch of DNs headed to the bay west of Great Island for a day of scratch racing.

Light wind at the launch was misleading as there was plenty of breeze around the rest of the lake, making it effortless to glide through the 1/2” or 1” inch of snow.

The cruising crowd racked up the miles while the DN crowd set marks and rattled off about 8-10 scratch races. A good day all around!

Will see how everything holds up during the week. Thanks to everyone who scouted and reported on the conditions!

After the snow the wind picked up enough to get some sailing I’m. I counted 10 boats some still out getting in a few more runs. Some left over from Friday and some new people. Plenty of room and generally 4+ inches. Before heading out, do check with locals in the pits before venturing out.

Most will be coming back tomorrow Sunday along with a few others. As previously reported T will be setting up marks and there will be scratch racing.

John Bamman reports in from yesterday and a reminder that we owe a lot to our ice checkers. We would never  get out on the ice without them.

A combination of moderating winds from those of the last few days, more comfortable temperatures and expanses of near perfect ice made sailing on Sunapee today was the ideal answer to pent up early season enthusiasm! 

Thanks to Mark’s early morning ice check and marking of the few questionable spots at the south end, 10 to 12 boats took advantage- safe, fun and fast! 

For those who haven’t sailed Sunapee, launching off the beach at the State Park couldn’t be more convenient and has ample parking for vehicles and trailers alike so until lakes closer to home become safely sailable, Sunapee ice is well worth the tripsnow and reduced wind is forecast for the weekend

I do not have a Wentworth update at the moment but it is likely coming. See you on the ice tomorrow,

John

John@neiya.org

Hey Folks-
For anyone interested we I’ll be setting up some marks off of the State Beach at Sunapee tomorrow, scratch racing all day weather permitting.

Come one come all!

T

People sailed both Wentworth and Sunapee today and we will be back out tomorrow.

The weather forecast isn’t spectacular with light winds across the region. We can’t fix that but I for one need to get some ice time no matter what. I will be setting up at State Beach at Lake Sunapee tomorrow morning with the some of the crowd.

VC Charlie remains set up at Wentworth you can’t miss boats from the road.

Sunday we are planning to put some marks out at Sunapee and will have a decent crowd that will include race enthusiasts. If you have any interest in pushing off the starting line at any level do come.

Kate’s report from this past Monday. “Monday we sailed on Lake Massasecum with left to right in pic new iceboater Henry, Marc, Kate, Dave and Peter. This small lake is about 20 min south of Sunapee. 3 DNs, BDX, & Whizz. It was fast and gusty, sharp runners are a must!
I hope to be on Sunapee with folks this weekend.”

See you on the ice.

Sail Fast,

John
DN5023
John@neiya.org

Last night’s call included 22 people and was charged with excitement and anticipation as ice sailors from across the region shared updates and plans. While some have already taken to the ice, many have been eagerly waiting for the perfect conditions to arrive.

Reports came in from all corners, including the Adirondacks, as the ice sailing community gears up for a promising weekend.

Maine: A Prime Spot for Action

Bill Bucholz, has been sailing Pusahaw Lake, just north of Orono, Maine. He is there now and looking forward to a great day. Sailors from around New England will be meeting up there today. Conditions look favorable through the weekend, weather permitting.

Bucholz also noted additional opportunities, including Lake Damariscotta in Lincoln, Maine, which is ready for exploration but requires further scouting. For the latest updates from Maine, visit iceboat.me, the home of the Chickawaukie Ice Boat Club.

As previously reported by Bob S., Quaboag Pond in Brookfield, Massachusetts, still needs more time for safe sailing. Conditions will be reassessed next week.

Meanwhile, Race Chair Paul Chamberland and his network are monitoring Squam, Saratoga, and Sacandaga Lakes. These spots will be scouted and potentially sailed today and throughout the weekend.

Weather Challenges: Cold, But Windy

While temperatures have been low enough to form ice, strong winds have disrupted large areas, breaking up newly formed ice. Despite these challenges, the season is still young, and the community remains optimistic.

New Hampshire: A Growing Hub

New Hampshire offers a few strong options for the weekend.

• Lake Wentworth: VC Charlie has been actively sailing here, just outside Wolfeboro. He reports smooth, four-inch-thick ice, although there are some hazards to watch for. He will be sailing there today and throughout the weekend.
• Lake Sunapee: This lake has been a consistent hotspot over the past week. Mark Friedman, keeping a close watch, plans to refine his condition report today. Sailing is expected to continue throughout the weekend, pending inspection of known hazards.

Good luck to the NEIYA’s top tier race contingent that is or will be on the road soon to compete in the Canadian Nationals. Our Canadian friends have been doing quite well at the top of the DN fleet so it will certainly be some lively racing eh.

Scratch Racing: Stay Tuned

Scratch racing and maybe an official club race is planned for Saturday, with the venue to be confirmed based on scouting reports. The leading contenders are Lake Wentworth and Lake Sunapee. Stay tuned for updates, and get ready to hit the ice.

Tech Update: Website and Directory

Some members have noticed that the Member Section, including the club directory, is missing from the website’s top menu. I am working to restore it, and members will receive an email with updated access details and passwords later today. Apologies for not noticing myself.

On the bright side, the website now resolves to the shorter NEIYA.org, although theneiya.org will still work for existing bookmarks.

Final Thoughts

Final thoughts, as the legendary ice sailor Leo Healey always said, “There Is Thin Ice Someplace.” Wherever you go this weekend, sail fast, stay safe, and enjoy the season!

Sail Fast,
John Stanton
DN5023
john@neiya.org

Hey Gang-

Sound like things are on for north of the border this weekend; Click the link for details and contact Pete VanRossem to fill in any blanks.

BE ADVISED YOU’LL NEED $1,000,000 LIABILITY INSURANCE rather than the usual $500K. Take a close look at your policy or call your agent. I bumped mine from $500K to $1mil and it was only a $9 increase in my premium so hopefully that bodes well for everyone….

Lodging available in Napanee: Hampton Inn $129.00 + tax… use code DN ICEBOAT CHAMPS

Comfort Inn $112.00 + tax
use code Mary Beth

The forecast calls for light breeze so easy on dinner and skip dessert!

Final Confirmation: 2025 Canadian Championship Called ON for Jan 11 – 12 – DN North America

Straight from our trusted Quaboag Pond scout, Bob S., the advice is clear: let the cold do its work for a few more days. Check out Bob’s take on Quaboag below. While conditions are still firming up in the more souther areas, there’s no shortage of action in New Hampshire and Maine and points north, where opportunities are either open or opening soon.

For those seeking top-tier competition, James “T” Thieler, Eastern Lakes Rear Commodore of the International DN Ice Yacht Racing Association (IDNIYRA), previously reported that the Montreal group is hosting the Canadian Nationals this weekend. A premier event for serious racers in the Northeast.

Stay tuned: we’re compiling reports and will share a full summary of weekend opportunities tomorrow evening, shortly after 7 p.m.

See you on the ice this weekend!

John
john@neiya.org

Wednesday i stopped by quaboag, cut a hole in front of the ramp it was 4 inches.

Drove down the east shore and found some holes and large cracks.

The same thing on the west side, only found 2 inches  in some places.

I didn’t walk it because i was alone, too many different kinds of ice not good for sailing yet.

Going up north for the weekend.

Bob S

Hey Gang-

Looks like the Canadian contingent are geared up to hold a regatta this weekend; Good chance to tune up against a strong fleet!

Break out those passports and load up.

They don’t have a website but this is via their GoogleGroup mailing list:

The DN Canadian Championships are tentatively scheduled for this January 11-12, 2025
All details NOR and Sailing Instructions, Site and Launch location and lodging will be posted by noon this Thursday at 1200 EST

Prime location will be either Trenton, Ontario Canada or Hay Bay Napanee.

All communication for the regatta will be through Kingston Iceboating Google Group so if you know someone who would like to participate, please let them know to join this group for info.

Any questions can be sent to me, Peter Van Rossem CAN 2766
John Curtis CAN 5514

Stay tuned to this site for more details!