There is a sailable chunk of ice out of Leavitt’s beach in Meredith, NH. There is a rough area at the launch where slush trudgers marched through but smooths out nicely within 100 meters. There is a weak line about 30 meters out that has surprised 2 people already. Hug the shore and go left gets you by it. There looks to be about 3-4” black with 2-3 grey on top. Most has a nice orange peel surface with it getting bumpier beyond 3 mile island. There are some healed over holes to be alert to some marked but many not. There is thin ice that would eat a runner and some a boat. They are a darker grey and may have a snow hummock. Beyond 3 mile it gets tricky with the holes, leads and some pressure spots building. The area is not without its hazards so scout carefully and thoroughly at slow speed before heavy play. There are 3 boats there now waiting patiently for wind. Sorry I don’t have a current pic.

During our usual call with news from around the region including the Adirondacks. All leads have been chased down and many miles driven to confirm. We do not have a lot of opportunities but two have surfaced. Leavitt Beach on Lake Winnipesaukee and Chickawaukie Pond in Rockland, ME.

Our VC Charlie S. has already set up at Leavitt and intends to sail on Saturday. There may be more updates before Saturday so check here for further announcements.

Bill Buchholz has been busy scouting in Maine and reports via iceboat.me that Chickawaukie is on for the weekend.

For anyone itching to line up on the starting line, the Don Doc Fellows or other NEIYA race(s) are being considered for Saturday. More on that tomorrow.

For those in the Adirondack region or inclined to travel there check out the reports coming from the Lake Saratoga Iceboat group https://www.facebook.com/groups/213710780392547

See you on the ice,

John
DN5023
John@neiya.org

Still sorting out what fell on top of the various surfaces and what impact it had across New England.

We do know that Quabaug needs some more cold weather to solidify the slush resting on top of the surface. Late info the surface has improved since yesterday but needs some cold.

Various places on Champlain are being watched by our ace spotter John Zierman and have a possibility of coming in. More on Champlain locations later in the week. A few more cold nights will help things along.

Bill Buchholz has been reporting conditions on Damarascota. Check out https://iceboat.me for updates from the source.

There is greyed out ice can be found in the various bays on Lake Winnipesaukee and we are waiting on a couple area spotters for additional intel.

Lots of unknowns at this point and we are waiting to build some ice everywhere over the next couple nights. Stay tuned, from the looks of things there will be some sailing this weekend. Will be confirming positive news through the week and discussed on Thursday night.-

Think Ice,

John
DN5023
John@neiya.org

“We engaged in a spirited discussion, encompassing our customary sailing locales in ME, VT, NH, MA, CT, and venturing into the Adirondack region of NY. A significant amount of effort is devoted to consistent monitoring of the entire region, involving observations from the shore, as well as walking, skating, and sailing to assess thickness and identify potential hazards. It’s crucial to note that ice is never entirely safe; there are always hazards, some known and visible, while others remain less apparent. Be sure to thank all those who have spent time scouting ice so that we can sail.

Currently, we find ourselves in a thaw and melting process—a resurfacing akin to a Zamboni on the ice between periods at a hockey game. Regrettably, the natural processes take a bit longer than a Zambonis fifteen minutes to resurface Dammarascota, Winni, Quaboag, Saratoga, Bantam, and many others. Thus, we wait patiently, anticipating that, according to regional forecasts, we just need to navigate through a couple more warmer days before we can resume the ice-making game.

Yet, it’s not solely about thickness; the quality and composition of the ice hold significant importance. Our scouts will be vigilant in the coming days, keeping an eye out for drain holes, puddle holes, shell ice, and various hazards.

Below, you’ll find a selection of links from the late Bob Dill’s Lakeice site knowledge base at http://lakeice.squarespace.com. If you haven’t visited the site before, I recommend setting aside a couple of hours to delve into its exhaustive and in-depth information.

Here are some current conditions, among others, currently in play:

• Drain Holes
• Puddle Holes
• Shell Ice
• Leads
• Warm Water Holes
• Polynyas

We already have a robust roster of regional racers signed up for this year’s DN North American Championships. The event is just a month away, and if you weren’t aware, New England is slated to be the host location—provided we can secure a suitable plate of ice. It’s important to clarify that this is not a guarantee the event will be held in the east, but there’s a near certainty that it will take place from February 25th through March 2nd somewhere. Don’t miss the opportunity to sign up today at https://www.idniyra.org/2024-north-american-championship/“

Remember, one of the most important iceboating attributes is PATIENCE. The dictionary definition truly fits.

pa·tience
/ˈpāSH(ə)ns/
noun: patience
1. The capacity to accept or tolerate delay, trouble, or suffering without getting angry or upset.

Think Ice,

John
DN5023
John@neiya.org

Some of us are blessed, (cursed) with the inability to remember names and faces when they are not encumbered by protective gear. When you add full winter paraphernalia to the equation, we become hopeless. There are those who are super when it comes to numbers and names. Thus sail numbers are very helpful. I’m lucky to remember my own let alone any that are above two digits. Occasionally there are clues that allow me to recognized fellow sailors as we gather in the pits. Unusual craft seem to catch my eye which sometimes help to recall the names of their owners. Local sailors that I’ve been on the ice with numerous times also have a better chance with me. Unique clothing and colors also seem to trigger the brain cells of recognition. As far as I know, no one has has AIS on their craft yet. Then there are the individuals that continually change the facial design ie beard, no beard, partial beard, different partial beard…..you get the picture. Ladies stand a better chance with me in that area. Colorful gear also helps. Some of you will remember my early sailing outfit.

This worked for many outings until for some reason it shrunk around the middle. One sailor was recognized by his red mittens that he always wore. A good mate, (now over the bar) had a lime green jumpsuit AND an iron cross on his sail and flew the German flag from his forestay.

(Notice the two digit sail number) Three clues seemed to be the hat trick to remember the name. (Truth, he was actually a good friend too.)

So anyway, if you see me on the ice and need some help with identity, this is now my standard garb. (note beard may be covered by face mask) Feel free to read the name and if you see me look at your helmet, I’m hoping your name will be on it to help avoid embarrassment. Please don’t be offended if I ask………maybe several times, “Who are you again?”

I am amazed at many of you that do recognize me from all the events we’ve been together on and thanks for your understanding if I have to ask your name. It’s even worse for me on the ski slopes. There are so many grey beards, red jackets, and black helmets out there that I almost hit the shutdown mode on recognition. Hope to see you and whatshisname on the ice soon.

Over the past two days, we had a couple dozen people on the ice on several venues. I should take some of my own advice and here it is. If you want to sail mold your schedule around the ice.

Queue Quaboag again. Sailers from NH, CT, MA, and Long Island NY gathered and sailed on a steady light to moderate breeze. Snow rolled in about 2:00 and the day wound down. A great day was had by all. us.

Quabaog 2-23-24 Credit Eben Whitcomb

Outlook for the rest of the week does not drive our ice position forward but will help rejuvenate the lakes that froze before the last couple of snows. Thompson Lake in Maine has lots of skater chatter and gorgeous ice. Has anyone wandered by this lake or intends to soon? Give me a shout or bring your findings on Thursday’s call.

Think Ice,

John
DN5023
John@neiya.org

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