Embrace the ice experience. When you find yourself gliding across a frozen expanse, take a moment to savor the essence of the icy surroundings. The air, dense and invigorating, carries a crisp, almost sterile fragrance.

Amidst this frozen landscape, camaraderie flourishes, and opportunities for solitude beckon for both the speed enthusiast and the leisurely cruiser alike.

I have sometimes sailed away in pursuit of solitude—whether to pause in the middle of a lake for a quiet lunch or take the scenic route home to bask in the beauty that envelops all that glide across the ice. Some gladly volunteer to retrieve the windward mark as the day concludes, rewarded with a breathtaking spectacle as the fleet gracefully retreats over the horizon towards the pits, leaving behind the vast expanse of empty ice.

Keep your senses sharp, for unique sights await those who remain observant. The ice, akin to a desert, may seem devoid, but a keen eye reveals a myriad of intricate patterns resembling etchings on stone and wind-driven glyphs on a mesa. Simply looking around while on the ice can unveil extraordinary wonders—I once discovered a well-preserved hawk feather on Mallets Bay, its quill frozen vertically into the ice, gently swaying in the wind. How it ended that way will remain a mystery.

Introduce newcomers to the expansive playground we all cherish each winter. Share the joy of the ice.

Join us this Thursday for an open discussion on cruising, featuring insights from some of our more experienced cruisers. And mark your calendars for our Swap Meet and Lunch this Sunday the 19th at Thompson Speedway Golf. We look forward to seeing you there.

Sail Fast,

John DN5023
John@neiya.org

Speed is the ultimate allure of iceboating, beckoning enthusiasts back season after season and finding its place on the bucket lists of many softwater sailors.

While each of us has our own gauge for what constitutes fast, the quest for confirmation is universal. Some rely on GPS and drag race reaching to measure their speed, while others crave the interactive feedback that comes with competition.

Racing is a natural extension of the desire to go fast(er), with each race serving as confirmation of one’s speed relative to one’s competitors. As we stand on the starting line, everyone has a chance of being the fastest. After three laps and a checkered flag, the title of the fastest racer is claimed. Winning every race just doesn’t happen, but simply participating and navigating the course contribute to becoming a faster iceboater.

For those currently racing or harboring an interest in the sport, mark your calendars for our Thursday night 11/9 call at 6:30 pm. Secretary Karen Binder (DN5630) will host the discussion, focusing on DN racing.

Racing is not just for DN. Remember, Race Committee Chair James “T” Tieler (DN5224) has promised to grant any iceboat class with three boats a start. Whizz, Nites, and other classes, are you up for the challenge this season?

Sail Fast and Think Ice,

John DN5023
John@neiya.org

Hi Everyone,

Hard to believe the Western Challenge is less than four weeks away. It took some time for T and I to get back into the shop, but we have been making good progress on fixing the spike holes in the bottom of my hull, getting our runners up to Steve Duhamel for sharpening, and the photo above is T making runner bodies for slush runners.

I hope many of you will sign up for some racing this year. A few new folks made it out to the North Americans and World last year and said, "I am so happy I decided to do the regatta." You will find the racing community VERY welcoming and encouraging. And for New England regattas, T still plans on a classics division and separate starts for any class with three boats. I am sure he is also open to the Baby Rule.

Happy to discuss regattas and any racing questions you may have on the Thursday call. If you don’t have the number, please email me at karenbinder @ hotmail.com

Thanks!

Karen Binder
DN 5630/NEIYA Secretary

With our weather finally turning more seasonable, we are all thinking about the coming ice. Eyes are looking north as the crown of Maine gets snow and the frost in the NH lakes region. It’s Time to give some of our regular spots some consideration.

Let’s talk about Vermont. The Green Mountain state. Not about the mountains but the vast stretches of water that make up Lake Champlain and other other bodies of water.

Based on some feedback we have moved the start time of tomorrow’s call to 7:00pm. I will try to get the number later today. If you have misplaced the number just reach out to me.

Here is a post by Former NEIYA and IDNIYRA Commodore highlighting just how difficult and the level of effort that goes behind finding good ice. https://theneiya.org/2014/09/26/many-miles-to-the-2014-dn-north-americans/

Sail Fast and Think Ice,

John
DN5023
John@neiya.org

It is with heavy sorrow that I must share the news of the passing of Bob Dill (DN3904). He was a man with a passionate razor-tuned focus covering all things sailing at speed on ice and land and was committed to sharing all that he learned with others.

Many of us watched “The Iron Duck” and could feel his passion behind the record-breaking success. Over the past 30 years, I have spoken to Bob about ice in its many forms as well as sailing. I would see him every time there was an event on Northern Champlain. He was a fixture of the region and could often be seen leading a skating group along the shore or coming through the pits before or after racing. Bob’s Lake Ice Website is the go-to encyclopedia of all things related to ice and is but one of his many efforts to pass on expertly researched knowledge.

Bob’s passing leaves a great void in our community. Like the two memories of him that are burned into my consciousness, may he skate or sail to the vanishing point on black ice or playa.

I have included Deb Whitehorse IDNIYRA Secratary’s comprehensive and heartfelt write-up on Bob Dill below. Thanks Deb.

Please include your memories of Bob in the comments below or drop me an email with your Memories of Bob. Also please include any pictures you have as I could not find any in our archives.
Sail Fast,

John
Dn5023
John@neiya.org

Bob Dill US3904: Eight Bells

by Deb Whitehorse | Oct 30, 2023

The DN Community mourns with the family and friends of Bob Dill US3904, who passed away on October 28, 2023.

Bob served as IDNIYRA Class Secretary from 1988-1991 and Class Treasurer from 1999-1989. He has been nominated to the U.S. Sailing Hall of Fame.

Via Bob Schumacher, Bob’s DN road-warrior and land-yacht-speed-record colleague:

With much sadness I have to report that Bob Dill passed last night after a battle with Alzheimer’s disease. I am at a loss for words but Don Brush said it well.
‘A sad struggle for a unique person. He is, I am sure, in a better place now. He would not have wanted to be the person he had become. We all were better for knowing Bob. I don’t think I ever met a more inquisitive person with a passion for details. His passion for documentation assures his legacy will live on! It was an honor to know and have him as a friend.’ Don Brush
Bob Schumacher

Bob used his sharp engineering mind to quantify wind, ice, land, and speed in several articles. One of his most famous projects was designing and building the land sailing yacht IRON DUCK with his friend, Bob Schumacher. Together, they set a land-speed record.

Bob Dill has left a legacy of articles that have left a last impact on ice and land sailing. Below are some links to a selection of them and other articles about Bob.
Article’s About Bob Dill
National Sailing Hall of Fame Nominee
Bob Dill the Ice Man
Video: Iron Duck
Recognizing Bob Dill and the Iron Duck – Sailing Scuttlebutt

Bob Dill’s Articles
Iceboat Sailing Performance
Sailing Yacht Design for Maximum Speed
Lake Ice – Bob’s website with everything you need to know about ice.
List of Bob Dill Articles on IDNIYRA archived website

I usually do not send out two posts in a day but someone reminded me about this video which appeared on a local Cable Channel in MA. Some of you might have seen Jackie Mushinsky from Spencer Cable Access, Spencer, MA, but with Quaboag fresh on our minds take another look. Some of you might remember her attending our swap meet back in 2020.

Sail Fast,

John
DN5023
John@neiya.org

P.S. If you want to get in on our Quaboag and Worcester region iceboating call it starts at 6:30 tonight. Drop me an email if you don’t have the number handy.

P.P.S While I have your attention, now is a good time to pay your 2024 Season Dues. Link are on the right at top of page.

Simple, Quaboag Pond and Lake Chargoggagoggmanchauggauggagoggchaubunagungamaugg better known as Webster Lake.

Quabaog Pond in Brookfield, MA is a special place holding many good memories for just about every NEIYA Member? Quaboag tends to be reliable year after year. At 550 acres she is not the biggest body of water but sits in a zone that tends to be colder than surrounding areas, is relatively shallow, and consistently delivers the only sailable ice in New England.

Webster Lake is made up of three distinct sections separated by tight generally unpassable narrows. The lake offers some decent areas with limited access. It is a quiet lake in the winter and we generally have the ice to ourselves for cruising and turning cones.

The green sailed boat was my first DN purchased in the early 90s and long ago sold. Was great to see it out enjoying a perfect day sailing on Webster and bringing thrills to a new group of people. Be sure to bring your old equipment to our Swap meet in November.

Has anyone ever traveled through all the narrow in an end-to-end run? Be sure to bring your stories to tonight’s call.

Bring your tales of Quaboag and Webster to tonight’s member and guest call at 6:30pm – 7:00pm tonight. Email me if you do not have the number.

Sail Fast,

John
DN5023
John@neiya.org

It’s hard to believe Halloween is almost here. With the leaves changing(ed) and falling, the shorter days and cooler nights we are all thinking about ice boating. Miles of black ice await us this winter. The clock is ticking as we all have many things to do before we hit the ice.

Most of you know what occurs prior to setting up your boat in the pits and pushing off toward a nice plate but here’s a reminder.

Someone watched as the lakeside trees shed their leaves.

All boat-building and tuning advice and help are freely given to all seeking information.

Boats and equipment are bought, sold, traded, and loaned by fellow sailors before first ice.

Runners are sharpened individually and en masse by skilled sanding volunteers.

Someone watched as fog and mists wafted over the body of water in the early morning hours.

Eyes were on the lake while morning frosts crept toward the water from the shore.

People gazed upon the first mirror of black ice to skim out from shore.

Individuals occasionally take the long way to work to check on ice conditions.

One or more people poked at the new ice with a stick even though they knew it would be some time before is it safe to sail on.

Swung blunt instruments, a wise man from Rockport swears by the blunt end of an axe safe ice test, and drilled test holes.

Talked to ice fisherman who is generally happy to break their solitude for a conversation about fish, the outdoors, or ice.

Scouted off shore with skates, or sailed carefully stopping periodically to check grade and thickness.

People logging ice conditions over time helps to make more informed decisions long term.

Who were those someones? Who were those eyes? Who spent countless hours helping others get ready to sail? Who communicated observations so that others might benefit?

The answer is simple. It is many of you in the NEIYA community. And We thank you

Please remember this when asked to contribute time, knowledge, and skills toward club activities. Ice may form all by itself but it’s a team effort to bring people as a group to the ice. Heed the call. Ready to help out? Don’t wait to be asked. Contact me or any of the other officers.

Be sure to check out the classified section. There are lots of boats suitable for every level. A couple would be ideal starter boats. I know that some will be at our swap meet on November 19th.

It’s been a few weeks since we had a group call. I will start things up tomorrow night at 6:30 on our designated line. General topic getting ready for the season. Next week November 2nd our central topic will be sailing in Southern New England. Followed by other areas like NH, ME, and the Adirondacks in NY. Other topics will be racing forums and more.

As we come into season let’s all get ready to sail and always Think Ice,

John
DN5023
John@neiya.org

P.S. Any guesses on the venue at the top of the page?

Hey Folks-

If you are interested in racing your DN or already hooked make sure you get on the IDNIYRA website and pay our annual dues.

Membership is cheap and well worth it! If you are feeling generous you can choose a sustaining membership which includes a small donation. If you are feeling REALLY generous you can do that AND make a donation (hint hint…)

In any case please support the organization that keeps us on track. Click and get at it!

IDNIYRA Notice of Dues 2024 – DN North America

Hey Folks- My apologies for not getting this out sooner-

If you are a DN class member be sure to find this notice in your email and cast your ballot.

Remember, vote early and often!
Notice of Electronic Ballot for Specification Changes & EPIC Agreement Amendment – DN North America (idniyra.org)

Anyone care to tell me where the summer went???

Seems like it was over before it started this year- Time to buckle down and get the boats and gear ready and a great way to get inspired is by reading the new issue of Runner Tracks!

Be sure to check it out here:

Runner Tracks Newsletter September 2023 – DN North America (idniyra.org)
Looking forward to the season! T