Hey Folks- The big DN event of the year has been called on- Mark your calendars!

Cancellation of the 2022 North American Championships: U.S. Nationals Called ON – DN North America (idniyra.org)

Think Ice! T

Hello All-

Just wanted to remind everyone that the NEIYA is planning to have a full slate of regattas this season. With a little luck we may even be able to squeeze in one or two from the 2021 season before the year is out.

As usual we will welcome volunteers as well as competitors, so if anyone is interested in keeping score or waving start and finish flags please let us know.

Racing will be open to any class of boat that can produce three or more competitors on the day- Going around the marks isn’t just for DNs ! Would love to see other types of boats mixing it up on the course.

On the subject of DNs, don’t forget that we will be running a regatta within a regatta for the skipper with the best result in the oldest, less than cutting edge boat. The award for this class will be decided by the Regatta Chairman and whoever he feels like conferring with and has no firm guidelines. Giving out this award drew quite a few boats out at our last few events, skippered by people who normally would not have gone racing. A good time was had by all and some good contests were had by the older boats in the fleet. So if you have an older boat with plate runners, aluminum or wood mast, ratty old sail, whatever, don’t worry about it- come on out and go racing!

Get familiar with the racing rules for iceboats and be sure to have (and be able to prove) that you have the proper insurance and come join the fun.

We are hearing rumors of ice coming in up north- if we know of anything sailable for the weekend we will try to get a race together. If you hear of anything sailable be sure to sing out and let us all know about it!

Think Ice,

T. Thieler
NEIYA Regatta Chair
DN US 5224

Hey Folks- Mark you calendars and get signed up for this one!
It’s coming fast…. last year’s event was a big hit and this year has a lot of promise as well. 70 boats attended the Great Western Challenge and that is a good omen!

2022 U.S Nationals Notice of Race & Registration – DN North America (idniyra.org)

Our season has opened. As most of you already know, NEIYA sailors hit the ice the first weekend of December on Plymouth Pond in Maine and at the Great Western Challenge in Minnesota. Since then, conditions have deteriorated and temperatures have not consistently dropped below freezing. It does not look promising for a little while. Hold tight, check your gear, etc. This is no surprise, as not much happens before Christmas but is a real treat when it does.

As promised, I will be hosting a gathering of wannabe, new and seasoned iceboaters Landfall Navigation in Stamford CT this coming Saturday 10 am – 3 pm. Bring your boat down for a pre-ice survey. There will be decades of experience of waiting to help out. If you have any interest in iceboating come down all are welcome.

Where: Landfall Navigation, 151 Harvard Ave, Stamford CT 06902 just off I95 exit 6 North or Southbound

As always if you know something communicate with me or other officers or committee members. Word will be spread via this website prior to a weekend or event. We will attempt to give as much notice as possible but weather is weather and not always reliable.

Looking back at the Great Western Challenge December 3-5th

We traveled by car and air from ME, RI, MA, and CT. All received a warm Minnesota welcome. Not just from the Race Committee but all the sailors as well as the locals who stopped by or introduced themselves at the local eating and drinking establishments. Hats off to our MN hosts who put in hours of scouting leading up to the event.

If you are ever in Battle Lake MN be sure to stop in at the Shoreline Restaurant, Bar, and Bowl for great eats and lake views.

Be sure to consume the apex predator of the northern lakes. Whether at the Shoreline in Battle Lake or someplace else. Walleye is excellent eating. Blackened for dinner and in the Fisherman’s omelet for breakfast while watching the sunrise over the lake. If that is not enough to get you in there, the Shoreline hosts a meat raffle every Friday night. I wonder what would happen if one of us won. Traveling 1500 miles with a slab of dead cow is a story just waiting to be told. Maybe next time.

Other must-have culinary treats are the mini corn dogs and Prime Rib at the City Restaurant & Club 74 in Asby, just a short way down Rt 78 from Lake Christina.

Took home a souvenir from Minneapolis but promise to bring it back when we return.

Images from sidelines and the ranks.

Great Western Challenge picture from a pro. Photos by JH Peterson – See more JH pictures from the GWC https://theneiya.org/?p=12701&preview=true

And now we wait…

Think Ice,

John Stanton
Commodore, NEIYA
DN5023
john@neiya.org

The lifeblood of any organization is the collective knowledge of its members and their ability to impart wisdom to newcomers.

Thanks to Steve Lamb for his decades-long support of the NEIYA and the sport of iceboating we were once again able to hold the Off-Ice Tune-Up. Special thanks to Linda Lamb and Val for keeping everyone well fed and cheery.

The regulars began showing up shortly before the scheduled start time, followed by the first of many newbies with their boats.

Six ice boats and a land sailer were rolled into the shop. The Yankee class Skeeter’s mast was just too tall for the ceiling and was moved to the back lot to be surveyed and set up. Paul Zucco took charge of getting Eddie’s Yankee together for the first time. Eddie, good luck with your new boat and see you on the ice.

The perfect storm began to unfold, requiring a reworking of the agenda. Decades of experience descended on the many new iceboaters needing hands-on help or advice.

As the afternoon progressed, we had just enough time for one presenter. Since a majority of the crowd wanted to talk about runners, T took to the workbench with a set of stones.

Like many of us, I will talk about iceboating to anyone who will listen and there was much talking. Eventually, most of us were talked out and the crowds packed up their boats and headed home. Everyone had dreams of black ice last night.

And now, we wait, all Tuned up and no place to go. Yet…

Think Ice,

John
New England Ice Yacht, Commodore
DN5023
john@commodore

P.S. We will have one more off ice gathering Landfall in Stamford, CT – Details soon

Looks like the Swedes got the jump on everyone this year!

https://www.idniyra.org/2021/11/19/sweden-welcomes-the-2021-2022-ice-sailing-season/

The Tune-Up Event is one week away! Come on down for help in getting your boat on the ice. Come to pick up parts or transfer them to those that need them. Come for the food, there is a rumor about a big pot of venison chili and of course all the rest presented by Linda.

If you have any interest in iceboating this is the place to be on the 20th. You may have seen us on some frozen lake in New England and always wanted to try it. Maybe you are tired of frostbiting and looking for drier winter sailing? Maybe read about it on Scuttlebutt Sailing News and promised yourself that this is the year you get into iceboating. Drag that iceoat out of the rafters and bring it down for a survey and help in getting it ice-worthy. The iceboating welcome mat is out. Come on down.

Whatever your interest level Show up and let’s get you started.

Date: Saturday, November 20th
Time: 10:00 am – 3:00 pm
Location: Arthur C. Lamb Company 85 Jackson St, Canton, MA 02021
Refreshments: Served continuously throughout the day
Google Directions: https://goo.gl/maps/3zuJS2G2Nm3BwLYs5

We have a full schedule of events but want to focus on the new iceboaters. Especially those that are struggling to figure it all out and get themselves and their boats on the ice for the first time. Calling all Newbies here is your chance to have even the questions you didn’t know to ask answered. Bring your boats down to be surveyed by a collective of maybe 1000 years of iceboating experience. I have spoken to several of you personally at the swap meet and anyone else

Other happenings during the day

• Paul Zucco – Demonstrating plank construction techniques
• James “T” Thieler – Right of Way Rules
• Bob Haag – Metallurgy the science behind our runners in laymens terms
• Multiple People – Runner choke alignment techniques
• TBD – Runner Care
• Ice checking Round Table Discussions

If you have anything to sell be sure it is listed on the Classified Section. Next Saturday is a great opportunity to meet up with potential buyers and sellers. Let people know an item can be delivered to the tune-Up.

Let’s not forget the Ice is Coming. Are you Ready?

The season is upon us

Think Ice,

Commodore, John Stanton
DN5023
john@neiya.org

P.S. Any questions just reach out to me.

Steve and Linda Lamb have once again graciously invited us back to the Arthur C Lamb shop for an Off-Ice Tune-up event The Off Ice Tune-up is back and scheduled for Saturday, November 20th.

If you have any interest in iceboating this is the place to be on the 20th. The Iceboating welcome mat is out. Come on down.

Date: Saturday, November 20th
Time: 10:00 am – 3:00 pm
Location: Arthur C. Lamb Company 85 Jackson St, Canton, MA 02021
Refreshments: Served continuously throughout the day
Google Directions: https://goo.gl/maps/3zuJS2G2Nm3BwLYs5

We have a full schedule of events but want to focus on the new iceboaters. Especially those that are struggling to figure it all out and get themselves and their boats on the ice for the first time. Calling all Newbies here is your chance to have even the questions you didn’t know to ask answered. Bring your boats down to be surveyed by a collective of maybe 1000 years of iceboating experience. I have spoken to several of you personally at the swap meet and anyone else

Other happenings during the day will be

• Paul Zucco – Demonstrating plank construction techniques
• James “T” Thieler – Right of Way Rules
• Bob Haag – Runner choke alligmenent techniques
• TBD – Runner Care
• Ice checking Round Table Discusion

A couple of pictures from the last time we were together in the Lamb Shop.

The season is upon us

Think Ice,

Commodore, John Stanton
DN5023
john@neiya.org

P.S. Any questions just reach out to me.

Hey Folks- you don’t want to miss this Q and A with Matt Struble. If you’ve ever sailed with or against him you’ll know why….

He has a few World, NA, and European Championship victories on his resume and will be talking DN stuff tonight. You will learn something, guaranteed!

Check the link for details- Think ICE!

https://www.idniyra.org/2021/11/10/live-on-zoom-ask-matt-struble-12-nov-7-pm-et/

The day was on the warmer side and sunny. Perfect to roam the parking lot, talk to new and old friends, pick up equipment and check out items for sale. Next up our annual luncheon and annual meeting.

This year’s meeting was dedicated to one of NEIYA’s founding members Leo Healy who passed away earlier this year. Rob Healy one of Leo’s sons came to represent the Healy family. The meeting kicked off with a brief discussion of how many ice days were had by the membership. In spite of difficult times three members, Bill Buchholz, T, and Karen Binder, got in 30 or so days. Not bad for any year and particularly under the ever-present cloud of covid. Shows one what a little perseverance and determination will get you.

The usual business portion of the meeting followed, Secretary’s and Treasure’s reports were entered into the record followed by the election of officers. Voted into office for the 2021-22 season are John Stanton for Commodore, Jay Whitehair for vice Commodore, Karen Binder as Secretary, and Bob Haag as Treasurer. In addition “T” Thieler and Bill Buchholz agreed to serve as our Race and Cruising Chairs for another year.

In addition to announcing the nominating committee recommended slate to the membership Eben Whitcomb reminded everyone that the NEIYA is a volunteer organization and we need active volunteers to get things done at all levels. This plea was also echoed by many in the room. Be sure to answer the call when it comes.

T had an easy time giving a racing recap as all races were postponed and if we do not get them in by the end of the year, canceled for the season. T then gave an overview of the racing that will likely take place and as everyone except newbies knows everything is condition dependent.

For the third year in a row the Hardway was successfully completed. Charles Silfvenius and assisted by Bill Buchholz gave a recap of the event and outlined next year’s tentative plans. The event would not have happened without Charlie’s watchful eye and guidance. In addition to the Hardway, the Spring Frolic may return as well. We would all love to see a major ice event return to Winni.

Up next Chad Atkins IDNIYA Eastern Rear Commodore gave an update on the upcoming DN events as well as the background and results of the recent IDNIYRA equipment ballot proposals. The international and North American events are in flux due to covid restrictions.

In the new business portion of the meeting Commodore Stanton made two proposals relating to the Hardway. The first recognized the Hardway as an official NEIYA event which it has never been even though it was organized and administered by the NEIYA. The second proposal, change the name of the Hardway to the Leo Healy Memorial Hardway in honor of its founder Leo Healy. Both proposals passed by a unanimous vote.

Coming up next
Off Ice tune ups. At this time we are working on dates and exact locations. One will be in Stamford CT for sure.
MA Boston Area Location / Date TBD
NH Sunapee area Location / Date TBD
Southern CT @ Landfall Stamford, CT Date TBD

I am looking forward to a great season. Think Ice Everyone,

John Stanton
Commodore, New England Ice Yacht Association
DN5023
John@neiya.org

P.S. Several new or newer people are looking for boats if you have something that someone else might need please list it on the classifieds or reach out to me or one of the other officers.

P.P.S. Below are an assortment of pictures taken by one of our rising stars Milo Fleming

NEIYA People

Swap Meet Boats

Swap meet stuff. Which as we know always associated with people.

Talking about where we have been and discussing plans for the upcoming season and beyond.

Hey Gang- as we wait for the swap meet be sure to take a moment to read the latest issue of Runner Tracks- Very well done and full of great info as always no matter what kind of boat you sail!

Runner Tracks – DN North America (idniyra.org)