With the warm weather and rain pretty much behind us there are a few places ready to go tomorrow and early in the week.

We have reports from Quaboag in MA, Sunapee in NH and Sandbar State Park on VT’s Champlain.

As always but especially with fluctuating conditions check be careful there are always hazards. Sail heads up and talk to those who are familiar with the area.

From Quaboag

Just got back from Quaboag, 10 inches of ice in front of the ramp,the surface looks consistent across the pond.  Temp is 37 at 4:00.
It’s going to be 32: at 11 and 24 in the morning.
I will be setting up around 10 am.  It’s there if you want to sail.

Bob S

From Sunapee

The ice on Sunapee was wet today with pools of water on the ice. Lots of ice fisherman out, so the thickness and strength are not an issue. It is at freezing now and will be sub freezing all night. Wind tomorrow forecast for 13 to 11 mph from 11am to 3 pm. The ice may level significantly (I hope) and puddles freeze overnight.

I plan to be at the state beach at 11 AM (with my boat) to check it out. I would say there is a good chance for good sailing.

Mark

Think Ice,

John

John@neiya.org

After the last resurfacing on lake Wentworth, things have been hopping for the locals. Yesterday had the first local fleet of skimmers circumnavigate the lake accompanied by a DN and a local Gambit that hadn’t seen ice in a couple years. The same basic group was there on Saturday as well. Friday was an instructional day as two newbies took to the ice. After a couple phone calls and texts, the father/son team showed up not only to sail but helped me load gear and setup ol’ 777. We played a little follow the leader to get the basics down with one on his own and the other with me in the sidecar on the super DN. The winds were light and the basics were soon under their belts and they both soloed. From there things just took off……..and the winds increased. A few tall hikes occurred to add to the thrill. Ol’ 777 however was showing her age as one side of the jaw boom broke and I noticed a crack in the tiller. Time for lunch anyway. While Nick and Ben sampled some local fair in town, a quick trip home procured a new boom and tiller. (I wondered why I kept those spare parts.) The afternoon saw more ice time and Ben even caught son drone video of dad. I think they’re hooked. I also met my neighbor who was out skating and almost have him convinced to give it a try. Might need to borrow a gambit for that intro. Sadly the fleet will leave the ice for a time til we see what the next system will bring. Locals are praying the Broads on Winni will catch and the big lake shall rise again!

Glad to hear so many people found local ice and had a great start to the new year. Time to touch up the runners and wait for round two. Remember to dress warm and sail safe.

Hey Folks-

Here we go! Sounds like there is ice to be had up in VT!

Scouts and locals report regatta-quality ice up at Sand Bar State Park just north of Mallets Bay.

Sand Bar | Vermont State Parks

It has been decided that this weekend’s racing should be called the Great Eastern Challenge because well, why not?

The sailors who scouted today will be out early looking for a course-sized sheet of good ice. They are hoping to have an area scoped out and marks set by noon. Scratch racing will ensue.

As always BE CAUTIOUS!! THERE ARE CRACKS AND HAZARDS! Check with locals and proceed slowly and cautiously until you get to the course. Be mindful of skaters and kite sailors etc as well.

The majority of boats will be DNs (old and new welcome!) but other types are welcome.

Contact Paul Chamberland with questions at 518 764 0005

See you all there!

Nothing like ringing in the new Year with speed. Raw wind harvested power.

It is hard enough to explain to our sailing brethren. And nearly impossible for those who have never set foot on a frozen pond or lake.

Recap from Bob to follow.

11 sailors showed up today, the ice was very good with a few snowmobile marks,the wind was 15 to 20 with some gusts,everyone handled well.

3 boats are still set up for the morning sail.Snow tonight 1 inch plus .

Winds about 15mph in the morning, going to 25 to 35 by 1pm,looks  like a short fast sail.

Happy New Year

Bob S

Paul Chamberland, Jeff Roseberry,and other DNers  are up in Montreal sparring with our friends in Canada. Give em hell boys. Only a couple weeks till the NAs. If you are considering going be sure to reach out to race veterans.

As we are ready ringing  in the new year we all look forward to more ice time.

See you on the ice next week

Think Ice

John

John@neiya.org

Register Today and Save $50 – DN North America

Lake Wentworth NH has resurfaced. Kiters were on it yesterday and a few boaters will be setting up today. Slight dusting should blow off and a few bumps from snow machines. Not fully scouted yet. Happy New Years. Square pond in Shapleigh, ME was sailed yesterday.

Quaboag 12/30 Bob S

Conditions are shaping up all over the place.  Based on Bob’s report below people will be gathering at Quaboag today.  In New Hampshire Massasecum seems the the best option. Conditions below. Get out for the last sail of the year.

Further reports to come in the new year.

Bil Buchholz will be sailing Damariscotta Lake with I’m sure a good crowd. Check out https://iceboat.me/2025/12/30/sailing-on-tomorrow/ for details.

Massasecum is also rough, but sailable. A lot of crud from partially melted and refrozen snow and slush / tire tracks from ATVs. Possibly some remnants of smoother ice further out.  Ice is 9-12 inches thick per fishermen.
Wind tomorrow in Bradford forecast at 8-10 w temps mid 20s.

Based on the thickness / safety factor and general surface character, I think Massasecum is a better bet for tomorrow.

12/30/25   

6 inches of grey ice, except for a few snowmobile tracks it’s a grade 8+.

Temp was 21: at 10 am no holes spotted.Wind was 21 with gust to 32.

Tomorrow  mid 20s wind 10  to 15 with some gust.

Bob S

Looking forward to sailing with you all in the new year. We will have our weekly call tomorrow night.

Think Ice

John

DN5023

John@neiya.org

Thanks to Bob S. For keeping a watchful eye on the Q. May the snow scrub off soon.

Just got back from Quaboag, the ice on the ramp was open, need a plank to get on.
Walked on  the shore to the right of the parking lot, and there is 5 inches.
Pine street has 4.75 inches, that is the east side of the lake, there  is open water near the south shore.
Stone road looks good, that is the west side of the pond, the point across from the far south cove has some open water.

Bob S
Temp 19 .00

BAD NEWS  snow over night.

Think Ice and melt snow

John

John@neiya.org

Those in our northern reaches had a white Christmas. Not exactly what we asked Santa for but we ice boaters are optimistic and patient.

So keep the faith. The white stuff will blow off and evaporate.

For those faithful few that dialed in to our weekly call sorry for not officially canceling the call. Your family

I can report there are record high temperatures here but ice and cachasa in our glasses.

We will reconvene next Thursday at 6:30 pm. I know we are all eager to return to the ice especially DNers looking for some tune up time before the NAs at the end of January.

Think Ice,

John@neiya.org

4 brave souls with storm sails braved Lake Wentworth today for some playtime. Plenty of good ice but one sailor managed a runner in hole incident which resulted in a rapid disassembly of his craft. A sketchy tow back to the pits was accomplished. Be there tomorrow with a little less wind I hope.

Reports in from Quaboag today. Get it while it’s good. Bob S has put out the welcome mat for tomorrow.

Nine sailers showed up Wednesday to sail Quaboag, great wind all day,the snow was soft and wet, no problem sailing through it.
Got on the ice at 9;00 and sailed till 3;00, i’ll sleep good tonight.
Light winds in the morning,but there five boats set up hoping to sail..

Bob S

Lake Massesecum in NH was scouted today by several people more as it develops.

Lake Massesecum – Kate Marone

The above and others are sure to be discussed tomorrow night.

Think Ice,

John

John@neiya.org

Here’s the cover of this issue if Boathouse News from the New Hampshire Boat Museum with its new location in Moultonboro, NH.

I had the pleasure of restoring this wonderful old boat for the museum and it was used in last seasons ice boating display which included this one, a vintage DN, a Skimmer, and an ice Opti. I’d love to see a permanent section of the museum devoted to Iceboating.

Currently closed for the season and renovations, but will open in May. It’s really a treat to see the displays of boating in New Hampshire.