The day started with light winds and it made qualifying races a bit trickier for many…as the breeze would come down different sides of the course at different speeds. You really had to get your head out of the boat to see how the other half of the fleet was faring on the other side of the course. Given the size of the fleet, about 100 racers, the race committee divided us into three fleets: Bronze, Silver and Gold. Those with world rankings of about 25 or above where automatically placed into the gold fleet. Given three years of COVID, the DN rankings have not been updated since 2020 as that was the last time the DN worlds occurred and if you did not race in 2020 you lost your ranking. This means many experienced fast sailors were placed into the bronze fleet, had to qualify into the silver fleet, and then if they placed in the top 12 of that race were moved up to gold. My ranking of 39 put me into the silver fleet, but still offered the chance to qualify into gold.

For any qualifier, everyone is randomly assigned a starting position on the line. I gulped when I saw my assignment was 42. That’s so far down the stating line the guy next to me said, "I think we are in Iowa." I was determined not to freak out. I waited for the flag to drop, pushed, and ran as hard as I could. The wind on the left side was not great, but I built speed and tacked over in clear air. After that it was just keeping my speed up and grinding boats down both upwind and downwind. I had selected my FO Sail, my 100 degree minimum Ts, and put in super soft battens. I know they helped in the lighter wind areas of the course. I finished 9th which meant I officially qualified for the Gold Fleet in my very first Worlds. I now am the little fish in the big pond. Gulp.

The Race Committee then called for the first Gold Fleet race. I was assigned spot 35. I had a really good start and my mast popped out quickly. The first rounding I was mid-fleet. My second windward leg, I must have been in some amazing puff and the right phase of a shift as I was around the windward mark in the top ten. Seriously. I held my own downwind, but lost some speed at the 2nd leeward mark rounding. And that’s where the wind got weird and I went into the mode of tacking too much in order to chase more wind. That was dumb and it cost me a lot of places. By the end, I finished in 18th place. I am thrilled and excited for more racing tomorrow.

New England is really well represented with James Thieler, Oliver Moore, Chad Atkins, Chris Gordon, Jeff Roseberry, Paul Chamberland, Sean Healey, Bill Bucholz, Jay Whitehair, Ed Demerest, Milo Fleming, Rick Bishop, and our NY/Long Island friends Scott Valentine and Richard Glickman.

Stay tuned. More tomorrow.

Karen Binder
DN 5630

Hi,

Lake Kegonsa was selected out of three possible sites. Other debated options were Houghton Lake in northern Michigan and Fort Peck in Montana.I think everyone east of the Mississippi was relieved Lake Kagonsa was selected given it’s at least 32 hours from RI. Today’s ice recovered from the earlier ice/rain/snow mix that hit the area on Wednesday./Thursday. Ed Demerest, T, and I arrived yesterday morning, relaxed for a bit and then set up our boats. We went down to the ice early this morning and the breeze was blowing 7-10 mph for most of the day.

Two practice courses were set up with a natural selection breaking the fleet between the fastest sailors and the intermediate/beginner sailors. This is the first time I have had the pleasure of seeing the European contingent sail. Yes, it’s true. They are indeed super fast. Even when they count down at the starting line there is no wasted time. It’s the fastest 3-2-1-GO I have heard. And boom off they go sailing into the distance…I know T took at least one race of that group today. I did one race with the Euros then headed back to the intermediate course. I didn’t want to get all stressed out before the qualifier. I will see where I land and be happy.

Today, most sailors debated the ABSS and the FO sail choice. I chose the FO sail and was not overpowered. My speed was very good and my runner choice of 95 degree inserts was the right decision. Today, was also the first time I got to sail with the new addition of 5lbs of lead on the top my front runner. What a huge difference that made with my leeward mark rounding. Zoom Zoom! No slipping/No Sliding. Love it.

Tomorrow are the qualifiers and the breeze is expected to be light.

All for now,

Karen Binder
DN5630

Three RI sailors have established a beachhead on Kegonsa Lake in WI….

Thieler, Binder and Demerest are in town and ready to rumble!

Healey, Atkins, Moore and maybe others on the way.

To follow all the news check the IDNIYRA site at https://www.idniyra.org/

Think Ice!

Here is the latest and greatest….

2023 World & NA Championship Update for 17 Jan – DN North America (idniyra.org)

Hey Folks- It’s no secre that this season has been off to a slow start out this way…. A total bummer to be sure.

Only one thing to do: Torture yourself by watching this video from the ISA regatta out west last weekend. It’s extraordinary!

ISA Skeeter Iceboat Racing – YouTube

ISA Skeeter Iceboat Racing

As the seasoned know patience and perseverance are the marks of an iceboater. While the last couple of weeks have been a challenge, the season is far from over. And as I said to a veteran of many seasons Eben Whitcomb just yesterday “We will sail”.

We have all been following Karen’s team NEIYA’s travels and triumphs. Congratulations Karen! I think that Karen, T and other intrepid NEIYA racers have brought ice back while traveling the OH and PA Turnpikes east.

Temperatures have been falling and there are reports coming in from Maine, NH etc that things are looking good for the near future. We of course have some

With our sailing theaters setting up to sail I would like to try something new. We will have a group call at 6:30 PM tomorrow (Thursday). All active members are welcome to call in to discuss current conditions and plan the days ahead or any other iceboating topic. We will have some of our seasoned ice checkers and others on hand. Watch your email later today for the call-in information. If you do not receive the invite email check your spam folder and if it really didn’t come email me at john@neiya.org. Remember if you are not a member in good standing you will not receive the invite.

Think Ice,

John
DN5023
john@neiya.org

Racing today was in winds averaging 5-8 mph. First off, a huge shout out to new racers Jeff Roseberry finishing second in the silver fleet and Paul finishing fifth. For their very first regatta they really performed incredibly well. Jeff actually won the first race of the day and his first official race! His beard and long locks popping out from his helmet in all directions was delightful to watch going wild in the breeze as he zoomed around the course.

The snow was a tad stickier than yesterday so most sailors who had them used their full F0 sails. Given the winds were lightish the best racers of the day were using 100 degree runners.

I used my 100 Minimum T insert runners all day and was able to sail fast and in control at all mark roundings. I was fast off the line and mostly played the middle of the course both upwind and downwind. I consciously avoided just banging the corners which could either pay off or result in disaster if a big shift came down the course. My strategy worked except in the last race, but having consistent finishes at a regatta is often more important than winning every single race and taking huge risks. I ended up winning the silver fleet with scores of 2-1-2. Felt great!

Tomorrow is another practice day with several racers hanging out for another day. More breeze predicted.

Go Team New England!

Karen Binder DN 5630

Five of uys from New England made the trip west to Stoughton Wisconsin. Jeff Kent, Chris Gordon, Karen Binder, T Thieler and two new racers Jeff Roseberry from Maine and Paul Chamberland from NY. Yesterday, scratch racing was competitive in light breeze. Everyone who had 100 degree runners and FO or full sails were putting them to good use. I used my 100 minimum T inserts for the first time and they were perfect for the conditions. I was able to finish first in two of the races which means my light air sailing has improved tremendously. T took the other three races.

Today, has about 34 competitors waiting for wind. It’s too bad as the ice is hard and smooth with just a light dusting of fluffy snow. With the world’s two weeks away everyone has pent up energy and excitement to burn off or many with a desire to try out their new masts, planks, runners, etc.

More updates as conditions change. Karen

Take a look and hit the road if you are interested!

There is a great restaurant/bar right on the lake if that is an incentive….

https://www.idniyra.org/2023/01/05/23-dn-western-region-championship-called-on-for-lake-kegonsa-in-wi-jan-7-8/

Hey Folks- just to you know the Western Regional DN champs are still on for the weekend although the Central Region champs have been postponed.

Western regionals possible sites near Madison. Stay tuned to IDNIYRA for details!

A handful of NE sailors are headed that way- Chamberland, Roseberry, Thieler, Binder and maybe more- hope others can head out!

Will send updates….

Sounds like some people will be hitting it up in Maine tomorrow- check the CIBC site for details! As always be safe, take all precautions, and never sail alone!
Sailing Tomorrow | Chickawaukie Ice Boat Club

Hey Folks- If you are needing some ice time consider heading out to the Western Champs- They have ice out there and with a little luck it’ll hold and not get snowed out.

Keep an eye on the IDNIYRA site for details!

2023 Western Region Championship Called ON for 7-8 January – DN North America (idniyra.org)