Apologies for yesterday’s miscommunication on the date of our annual Swap, Lunch, and Meeting. To clarify the event is being held this Sunday, November 19th starting at 10:00 am. See you all there…

I have taken the required penalty in an effort to exonerate myself. If only all of life’s mishaps were as easy to fix.

Also don’t forget about our Thursday evening call at 6:30 pm. This week’s topic Cruising hosted by a panel of experts.

Now would be a great time to catch up on your 2024 dues and pay for Sunday’s Lunch. Payment links are on the right-hand side of the screen.

Sail Fast & Think Ice,

John
DN5023
John@neiya.org

Swap, Lunch and Meeting Original post below with details.

Members, Guests, and anyone with an interest in Iceboating:

The green flag is waving and we are a go on Sunday, November, 19th for the New England Ice Yacht Association’s annual Swap Meet, Lunch, and annual meeting. We will be once again returning to The Golf Course area at the Tompson Speedway in Thompson, CT. Yes you read that right we are going with a Sunday this year and a little later in the season.

Join us at NEIYA’s annual event—an ice enthusiast’s dream! Reconnect with old friends, plan future adventures, and revel in the warmth of camaraderie, sans helmets and goggles.

This is your go-to Northeast event for all things ice sailing, whether you’re a novice or a seasoned pro. From masts to sails, planks to runners, gear up and go faster with us! Don’t miss out—be part of the vibrant NEIYA community.

NEIYA Swap Meet, Lunch & Meeting Information:
When: Sunday, November 19th, 10:00am
Where: Thompson Speedway Golf Course, 205 E Thompson Rd, Thompson, CT 06277
https://goo.gl/maps/DbGpTekm4ZLNnV8n7

Now is a perfect time to pay your 2024 dues and reserve your seat at our annual Luncheon and Meeting. All are welcome to attend.

Please Pay Your Dues

Dues Time	Price
2024 Membership	$30
2024 Membership + Lunch	$45
2024 Membership + 2X Lunch	$60
2024 Lunch (11/19/2024)	$15
Mail in Form We prefer you pay online – Thanks

This year’s event is a little later than usual so don’t wait till November to begin preparing for the season. It’s been a long summer and if you have not already shifted to thinking about iceboating, now is the time. Drag your gear out set it up in the driveway and be sure you have everything. Have anything extra in storage? Nows is the perfect time to free up some storage. Put it up on the classified section. Remember your older equipment may be far better than what someone else has now.

Our Thursday calls will resume next week. More on that coming shortly and stay tuned for a calendar of events.

Till then Think Ice,

John
DN5023
John@neiya.org

P.S. Block out Sunday November 19th and please pay your dues and reserve your seat for lunch

There is nothing, half so much worth doing, than simply messing about in ………ICEBOATS! As the leaves fall and frost appears, each of us subconsciously casts an eye to every water body we pass by, waiting for the skim ice to appear. Finally 4 inches is measured and the hordes assemble. The smaller bodies of water are the first to freeze, so the shakedown cruises and scratch racing occur with a careful eye for traffic and pedestrians (ice skaters). Old friendships are renewed, new ones made, and maybe even a few converts are recruited. After the initial excitement of the first sail is over, many of us may get a little greedy, especially us cruisers. Those of us lucky to live near larger bodies of water, or have the luxury of midweek time off, begin to long for endless miles on long tacks, cruising.

Cruisers constitute a goodly number of non racers and racers alike. If after a few laps around the pylons are completed on hard ice with a bright sun and 8-10 knots of wind, who cannot think about putting some distance under the runners. Places like Damariscotta, Winnipesaukee, Sebago, Moosehead, and Great Sacandaga Lake beckon. The sleek speedster DNs might be exchanged for the cruisers. Gambits, Nites, Super DNs, BDXs, Whizzes and a variety of other cruising craft. Who can resist the lure of sitting upright on a comfortable seat, perhaps in an enclosed cockpit, feeling the miles go by. One eye on the ice, the other taking in the scenic wonders. Maybe even an eagle will be checking its speed against yours. A light lunch and a thermos of tea or coffee in the sunny lee of an island provides a welcome break to stretch muscles and fuel the furnace. The fleet of “Free Sailors” only concern is, “will the wind hold out?” A change of mittens and a quick check of gear and you and your wingman, (wingperson), are off again. Maybe you’ve checked your GPS and find you only need 20 more miles for a century run.

The late afternoon breeze has mellowed just enough to make you decide to head for the staging area. Perhaps it’s a weekend or you may have a few days here, and you leave the rig setup, checking tomorrow’s wind and weather. As you watch the sunset over the mountains you have a profound sense of contentment and truly feel like it was a great day in your life. You sit on the runner plank and toast the day with friends, saying, “Here’s one great day they can’t take away.”

Pleasant dreams to all as we await the freeze.

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