We have been talking about ice building and being at the ready. Well, that time has come once again. A small group is gathering at Quaboag Pond to thoroughly check out and sail the plate. If you plan to join them do so with caution. Seek out others who have been scouting and sail heads up.
We have improving conditions across our region and expect more opportunities to open up in the next few days. Keep your runners sharp and equipment ready to roll.
Think Ice,
John
DN5023
John@neiya.org
As mentioned this morning we had a slim chance that Schroon in NY would be sailable. As mentioned this morning we had a slim chance that Scroon in NY would be sailable. We are unfortunately skunked for the weekend. The plate was checked and is not think enough and unsailable at this time. The area will see single-digit and negative overnight temps the next few nights so better prospects next week.
We have eyes all over the Northeast and into Canada watching and reporting back so keep the faith. So, if you see something do say something. Remember historic ice conditions are important in making a call. When did it first freeze how much snow fell etc. are all important data points.
Think Ice
John
DN5023
John@neiya.org
Okay, so some of you have been on the ice already while the rest of us are waiting optimistically for that any day now moment to come. Many new comers who have just acquired a barn find or new to you boat, may be faced with the fact that the runners may not be all that sharp under those layers of rust. If you have some simple wood working skills and a belt sander, you can bring those blades back to life. Obviously the jig is geared for plate runners. Insets should have a more qualified person and device for that race quality edge. With hours of practice and a good light box, I have done a reasonable job putting a sharp edge and rocker using this set up. The rig is simple using a piece of 4×4 squared off, and scrap plywood. A few bolts are used to allow adjustments to get the edges parallel and even in height. The distance between the edges should be wide enough to allow the sander to sit flat and level but not slide off. I used a couple different sanders and they all seem to work with this setup. Warning! You want to remove the bag so sparks won’t set any residual sawdust on fire. I use belts that have passed their useful life for wood. Different grits can be used depending on how much you need to grind. I find a used 120 grit gives a pretty good final edge. Honing would be the final step if you feel you need that mirror image for that little extra speed.
With practice you’ll feel the best way to move the sander over the edges. Start with going the full length of the runners in a smooth movement. After about 10 sweeps I will flip the runners side to side and work on the matching edge. I also have a damp rag to keep the edges cool. Don’t destroy the temper. Adjustments can be made for areas that may need a little more material removed. Checking on the light box will give an idea how well it’s going. If you don’t have a light box, I have used the table saw top with a light behind it.
This method has worked for years with me but I’m just a cruiser and the edges seem sharp enough for my sailing. I hope this helps for those just getting started and may not be around someone with a fine detail machine.
Stay sharp and catch you on the ice……soon.
A good crowd showed up online last night most knowing that suitable ice conditions were a long shot. This was confirmed with a quick confirmation on a region-to-region basis. One location was a maybe and is being checked out this morning. Schroon Lake in the Adirondack region of NY might just have the goods we are seeking.
The Adirondack region came through last season when we were blocked out of our regular haunts. The area has a growing group of enthusiastic iceboaters who have been welcoming of their New England neighbors. Like many lakes, access can be a challenge, and respect for the launch area and surroundings is key.
Our Cruise Chair (south) Bob S. has secured access to Webster Lake from the launch at Waterfront Mary’s for this season. The owner noted that we as a group had been polite, policed our garage, and left her with a very positive impression of the NEIYA crowd. Once there is ice on Webster be sure to patronize Waterfront Mary’s.
Stay positive we have lots of winter to sail and will update you if the exploration of Schroon Lake turns out to be a GO for the weekend.
Think Ice,
John
DN5023
John@neiya.org
This cold snap has been making ice for us and we just need our usual conditional window to get out and sail. There is a general consensus that maybe just maybe there is a body of water that was just ready to turn when the snow fell and may get a chance to sail soon. Eyes are out from the Adirondacks across all of New England from the north down the shore. Could we see something happening on the Cape?
Snow covers much of our recent ice over most of the countries but that will melt or evaporate and this cold is increasing the thickness. The bigger lakes are cooling down awaiting our return to their launches.
Iceboating is about optimism. Sailing faster than the wind at one point the fastest human-piloted vehicle and still fastest without nonengine driven.
Remember our call tonight Thursday at 6:30 PM. If you forgot the number reach out to me. Bring your questions and thoughts for a short update on ice in New England and surroundings.
Think Ice,
John
DN5023
John@neiya.org
BY DEB WHITEHORSE | JAN 16, 2024 | 2024, 2024 NA, HOME PAGE | 0 COMMENTS
2024 DN North American Home Page
Entry List
Secure your spot in the 2024 IDNIYRA North American Regatta and save $50 when you register early. Register here
|
On February 4, the entry fee will increase to $190.
Neat article here about iceboating on the Chesapeake; read and enjoy while we wait for good news from up north….
Thanks to Ed Thieler for sending the article in.
Think Ice!
The Chesapeake Log, Winter 2017 by Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum – Issuu
Greetings all just a quick reminder that we are holding our regular Thursday call @ 6:30 pm. Same number as usual. If you forgot the number reach out to me.
We hope to discuss some of the most recent ice reporting and maybe just maybe a sail before the weather once again turns on us.
It has been a tough beginning but we still have plenty of winter to go.
Think Ice,
John
DN5023
john@neiya.org
Some of us may be limited in our lifestyles, ie by not having storage room, or a car/truck big enough to haul our toys, or the size of our bank accounts. When it comes to ice fun, you don’t have to, “Go big or go home!” Whenever I could borrow my dad’s book, Ice Boating, by S. Calhoun Smith, I was drawn to these little guys. This looked about the right size for me, a ten year old, at the time. My dad was too busy building his rig, (see post First Ride) so I never mention the Icebird to him as a project. However being an aficionado of the unusual, this small craft was always in the back of my mind. Somewhere along the line I acquired a crude set of plans and in my adulthood built the, “Ironing Board” as my wife used to call it. I can’t say that it had many long distant voyages, but it was always an attraction when set up.
Obviously I took some leeway with the design, but it would still scoot around the ice fairly well. The size was agreeable to just chucking it into the van and the weight such that my wife or young children could easily haul it to the ice. It only took 10 minutes to set up and the fun began. It provided the wonderful experience of, “first ride” to all who asked although maybe not the adrenaline rush of bigger boats.
A few years later while freezing myself on Moosehead Lake with beautiful black ice and temperatures that never made it above zero degrees, that’s Fahrenheit for clarification, I met a fellow DNer who came up from New Jersey with his mother and……her Icebird. Although this was a while back, I believe there is still an active class of these that when ice happens, they gather. As we all know, the definition of a race is, “two boats on the same lake”. Naturally if I had one and another one showed up here in the lakes region oh NH, I’m sure we would sail up next to one another and…………? I might need to check my parts stock and piece together one of these for poops and giggles. Maybe even try for the Hardway record as the smallest craft.
Fun is fun, no matter what the size. Think ice.
As chilly temps set in, our New England iceboat enthusiasts gathered for our weekly call, eager to hear updates on potential sailing spots with smooth black ice. By the end of the call, we had one confirmed Eastern US location as of 7pm. Tom Miller shared details about conditions on Lincoln Pond in Elizabethtown, NY, just off NY Thruway Rt 87. They plan to sail there until the snow arrives. While a bit beyond our usual New England sailing grounds, we’ve ventured into the Adirondacks before, and after all, ice is ice is nice.
Bill Buchholz has been keeping an eye on Plymouth Pond and other venues in Maine, signaling that it’s nearing readiness, pending a final check today (Friday). Intel is circulating, indicating a favorable outlook, but please verify on www.iceboat.me before making any travel plans. Depending on the weather, conditions could be excellent well into next week. Could there be a regatta in Maine next week? Time will tell.
For those interested in cross-border sailing, our Canadian friends have been scouting and sailing Lake of Two Mountains outside Montreal in Vaudreuil. If you’re considering a trip, reach out, and I can connect you with Andre Baby.
Looking ahead, our local lakes and ponds are beginning to skim over, setting us up for the rest of the season.
In case you missed it, VC Charlie Silfvenius showcased his lifelong iceboating experiences in a recent post featured on Scuttlebutt Sailing News on Wednesday: https://www.sailingscuttlebutt.com/2024/01/03/first-ride-the-start-of-it-all/. Kudos to Charlie for introducing around 55k+ people to iceboating through Scuttlebutt. Imagine if we could convert just one percent of their audience to join us on the ice—now that would be something! Charlie thanks for reminding us all about our first time…
A word of caution as we embark on this new season: the ice is fresh, and many of us haven’t sailed yet this year. Exercise extreme caution, inquire with locals, and sail with heightened awareness until you fully understand the nature of potential hazards in the area.
Think Ice and Sail Fast,
John
DN5023
John@neiya.org
It feels like winter has finally arrived in the Northeast. Yes, we have had some snow and ice. Some have sailed in Maine on what was called epic black ice. But to me, the weather seems to have a different feel. We are making ice and hopefully sailing on it soon.
Bill Buchholz has been keeping an eye on and keeping a steady flow of ice news out of Maine with blow-by-blow axe accounts here https://iceboat.me Keep an on eye on Maine as it looks like something will happen soon. Seems to be Charlie S. has been keeping a keen eye on Winni and surroundings. There is ice but it needs to thicken before we set the blades down. Bob S. is watching but nothing much to report at the moment.
To the North Andre Baby and company sailed in Thedford Mines Canada. They are eyeballing and will be sailing outside Montreal. Any takers for Montreal Ice?
As we all know there is some weather coming in this weekend. How much and where who knows. Get Ready to hit the road as something might happen up north. It could be some races or just cruising some nice new ice.
We will be having our group call tomorrow Thursday 6:30pm. Bring your ice questions boat repair or building queries and of course planning for the weekend, etc.
Think Ice,
John
DN5023
John@neiya.org
P.S. Can’t remember the number drop me an email.
Sounds like sail-able ice in Quebec folks!
See the link below for details.
Break out your passport and stay tuned to the CIBC site for details. Think Ice!
https://iceboat.me/2023/12/30/ice-in-quebec-2/
James “T” Thieler
Please Pay Your Dues
| Dues Time | Price | |
| 2025-26 Membership | $30 |
 |
| 2025-26 Membership + Lunch | $45 |
|
| 2025-26 Membership + 2X Lunch | $60 |
|
| 2025 Lunch | $15 |
|
| Mail in Form We prefer you pay online - Thanks | ||
New England Ice Yacht Association 