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
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.
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,
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.
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.
Webster Lake 3/7/21 By ConverseWebster Lake 3/7/21 By ConverseWebster Lake 3/7/21 By ConverseWebster Lake 3/7/21 By Converse
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.
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?
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!
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!
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.
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
Posted by Commodore John Stanton |
09/20/2023 | Categories: 2024 Season | Comments Off on Green, Green, Green – Sun Nov 19th NEIYA Swap Meet, Lunch & Annual Meeting
Photo credit Author – Settling in for a night’s sail eastish towards Seaflower Reef light
With the sun setting on one season the Ice chatter is increasing. Hints of new equipment acquired in and outside the North East are making their rounds. Don’t forget to check out and post equipment for sale in our Classified section. The two masts I had for sale last year are still for sale. No i’m not getting out of iceboating but do have my eye on something new. See the Moore Brother’s Company FB Post Below.
And the tales of Summer are circulating…
Our VC jay Whitehair tearing it up on the Ohio River in his Vintage Hydroplane.
While winding up for the pass and the green flag (see video below) the words of NEIYA founder played in Jay’s head “There’s no such thing as a ‘friend’ in front of you!”. Warner St. Clair
Jay’s vintage boat is running 100+ mph. That’s 2X’s faster than most iceboats and every large wave/wake is like a pressure ridge. We all look forward to sailing with you again Jay.
A couple of thoughts that came out of last week’s call.
For the season we need to be prepared to travel. Have everything packed up and ready to roll. Maybe that means loading up a dedicated trailer at the ready. Many in our group have some wonderful traveling gear. We want to be sure that opportunities are not wasted by staying home.
Our Line will be open same time this week. Thursday 6:30. We are looking to map out various topics. Let me know if you have any ideas.
This bit of art was created by a cousin-in-law of mine, probably in the mid-1930s when he was in his early teens. My best guess is that it’s on the Hudson (he grew up in NYC), and shows someone in a stern-steerer in the evening with a couple of lighthouses going, which obviously made a big impression on him. I think we should all, in the coming season, do our part in making a big impression on some youngster, although perhaps without sailing at night by the light of two lighthouses! — John Hughes
Does anyone, recognize Twin Lights? Any thoughts from the Hudson sailors? Or the adventure-driven dreams of a young man. Chime in.
Keep those projects going and spread the word. Talk with some of you tomorrow evening.
I hope everyone had a fun-filled summer full of sailing and other activities. Our membership has been busy cruising racing and generally staying busy and collecting silver on the podium. Congratulations to Milo Flemming on winning the Maine state C420 championship. Way to go Milo! Look for him on the starting line come winter.
Bill Buchholz is once again hosting a land sailing event at the former Loring Air Force Base in LImestone ME September 19th – 24th. Loring is a wonderful venue with a vast racing surface and seems to be frozen in time since the Cold War. Its a must see for any history and anyone who enjoys remote and wild places. Details here https://iceboat.me/2023/08/18/eastern-landsailing-championships-on/
We are securing a venue for our annual Swap, Lunch, and Meeting and narrowing down to three dates Saturday October 28th, November 4th or 11th.
With the days getting shorter I am going to hold an open conference call next Thursday, September 7th, 6:30pm. Details to be sent via email to all current member on Monday.
Enjoy your Labor Day Weekend and hope you get to set sail.
New England Ice Yacht Association 