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
Latest
Scratch Quaboag Till Next Week
Polar Vortex Ushers in Our Season
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
New Years Greetings
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
Quaboag Takes First MA Sail honors
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
Armchair Iceboating
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.
In Santa’s Wake
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
Like a Lion
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.
Dick Boisvert, Henry Kavle, and Peter Boynton joined Mark Friedman sailing Little Lake Sunapee today in New London NH. Ice a bit bumpy but good wind, and good company!
Henry suffered a broken mast – perhaps someone can help him out with a replacement!!
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
Winter Solstice Sail
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.
Little Sunapee was good today and will be good tomorrow.
It’s pretty good here today. There’s some snow on the ice, but the wind is starting to scour it. On the other hand, it’s still snowing a little. The ice is a little bit rough but not too bad. There are some wingers here today, but no ice boats besides mine.
Forecast is 7 to 10 degrees f. witn winds 12-10 mph. Bring your woolens,
I left my boat there , so I will be back
Access is from the parking lot at bucklin Beach in New London. The lot is open but unplowed. Snow is only a few inches deep. If the lot is full you can park on the “Dump road” , perpendicular to rt 114. DO NOT park on 114 or you may get towed.
Mark
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
Temp
Surviving ice.
Although it looks like water, Mirror Lake in Tuftonboro, NH survived the rains. I did not venture out yesterday but it’s looks like the best shot at local ice. Lake Wentworth blew out 1/2 way and will need time to glaze over. 3 Skimmers are anxiously awaiting. An early Christmas present perhaps?
Real Cold Is On Our Doorstep
With the crisp taste of ice and competition still fresh, the anticipation for the coming cold front grows. Winter is bearing down, bringing the promise of smooth, black ice and the exhilarating conditions that define our sport.
Iceboating teaches us one lesson, again and again: success favors the ready. When the ice calls, you must answer. Paul Chamberland, and Jeff Roseberry, answered that call in MN and others heeded Bill Buchholz’s rallying cry at Plymouth Pond. They seized the moment and reaped the rewards.
Their efforts paid off, with Jeff picking up a fourth in the competitive DN Western Regional Championship. His result serves as a reminder of the spirit and skill required to compete at the highest levels.
As the temperature drops and the ice forms, we are reminded: the thrill awaits those who dare to chase it.
Bob S. our Cruising Chair sums it up in two sentences.
Don’t wait until you get to ice to look for all the parts. Nice day to set up and make sure everything is there and ready to go.
Bob S.
Think Ice,
John
john@neiya.org
P.S. We will have out regular 6:30 call tonight. No I can’t promise sailing on Saturday but we always have something to talk about. Email me if you have forgotten the number.
Ice is coming
Bob S reports on Quaboag today.
Looking like we may have some ice around the region to talk about on Thursday evening.
Thanks Bob keep it coming.
The pond is frozen again, no holes spotted , 1 and half inches in front of the ramp.
will check again
Bob S
Think Ice,
John
P S. Report on Landfall gathering later tonight.
The Speed and Spirit of Iceboating
Iceboating has always been synonymous with speed. A visceral, wind-driven thrill across frozen landscapes. Yet, beyond the thrill of gliding on ice at breakneck velocity lies an equally compelling draw: the camaraderie of a shared passion. This unique sport unites kindred spirits, blending the forces of nature, wind, water, and ice with a profound sense of community.
This past weekend, with plans for Minnesota not an option, Eben Whitcomb and I turned our focus closer to home. We ventured to two annual gatherings of iceboating enthusiasts: one on Long Island, N.Y., and the other along the Hudson River in Kingston, N.Y.
Both groups, as we expected but were happy to confirm, are tight-knit communities within the larger world of iceboating. On Long Island, the historic Weeks Yacht Yard buzzed with energy, its storied past lending an air of timelessness to the event. Up the Hudson, the backdrop of the Catskills and the historic Hudson reflected the true heritage of iceboating in the United States.
While it’s the adrenaline of high-speed dashes across the ice that initially captivates us, weekends like these serve as a reminder of iceboating’s true draw: the people. The sport is as much about forging bonds in the cold as it is about the rush of the ride, a balance of heart-pounding excitement and heartwarming connection.
For those eager to immerse themselves in this unique world, don’t miss the upcoming iceboat-themed open house at Landfall Navigation in Stamford, Conn. Join us this Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., at 151 Harvard Avenue, just off I-95 at Exits 6 North and South. Whether you’re a seasoned sailor or simply curious about the sport, it’s a perfect opportunity to learn more and share in the spirit of iceboating.
Think ice, and we hope to see you Saturday!
Warm regards,
John
John@neiya.org
I have invited a few local soft water sailors to Landfall to talk iceboating next Saturday, December 14th. Looking forward to seeing some familiar faces and welcoming new ones. Come join in and help spread the word from 10am to 3pm Landfall Navigation 151 Harvard Ave, Stamford, CT 06902.
Paul and Jeff have checked in from Starbuck, Minnesota—a town without a Starbucks but full of sailing grit. With over 400 miles logged behind the tiller and hours of fine-tuning under their belts, they’re setting a high bar for the rest of us.
Gentlemen, your efforts put many of our East Coast numbers to shame. Best of luck this weekend at the Western Regionals on Lake Minnewaska—a place that seems tailor-made for your style.
Looking like an excellent venue for the DN Western Championship this coming weekend
On Saturday the Lake Ronkonkoma Ice Yacht Club held their annual swap meet at the historic Frank M. Weeks Yacht Yard in Patchogue NY. Weeks was founded in 1889 and specializes in building and repair of wooden boats big and small. The gathering featured homemade chili, desserts, and a good collection of iceboats and parts for sale. We look forward to seeing the Long Island gang out on the ice this winter.
Found in a back corner of the Weeks Yacht. I didn’t ask but looks like a wonderful project if one has the time and money. And no it did not come home with me
This past Sunday, the Hudson River Ice Yacht Club (HRIYC) held its annual meeting at the Hudson River Maritime Museum (HRMM) on the banks of Rondout Creek, a tributary of the Hudson River in Kingston, NY. The HRMM, is home to a a collection of historic iceboats as well as a history of the Hudson River. It is well for enthusiasts of nautical history.
The meeting was an inspiring gathering of sailors united by a shared passion for preserving historic iceboats. Many of these vessels, dating back to the turn of the 20th century, have storied legacies tied to prominent figures of the industrial age, including the Roosevelts and Astors.
The HRIYC serves as custodians of this unique maritime heritage, maintaining a living, functional museum on ice. Their dedication ensures these magnificent vessels remain a vibrant part of Hudson River history.
Special thanks to the HRIYC for once again voting in favor of supporting the NEIYA by renewing their paid membership.
New England Ice Yacht Association 