Resurfaced nicely but have not checked thoroughly yet. Safe sail but I’d like to check out Wolfeboro bay. Final weather check needed.

We had a record number of people on our call last night, and we know some participants experienced difficulties. I’d like to blame Verizon, but regardless, we’re looking into what went wrong.

Ice reports poured in from Northern Lake Champlain, Sunapee, and Quaboag, all of which are being sailed right now. Lake Wentworth will be surveyed, with more details coming in a separate post. Ice-in was declared on January 15 on one of New England’s biggest iceboating prizes, Lake Winnipesaukee, and scouting is already underway.

Farther north, sailors are out today on Great Pond in Belgrade, Maine. Check the Chickawaukie Ice Boat Club website, iceboat.me, for details.

There’s also word that Bantam Lake in Connecticut may be ready, with people checking it out today.

As previously reported, the New England Championships will be held on Lake Champlain out of Sandbar State Park in Vermont. Racing is open to everyone, from seasoned ranked racers to more casual sailors and those just getting started. There will be a special award for the best boat in the Vintage class. Separate starts will be given to any class that gets three boats to the line. Any takers from the Whiz class?

We could also use some race committee help. No experience is required, just a desire to have the best view of the racing. Reach out to me if you’re interested.

There is plenty of ice for both racers and cruisers, so come on up and sail.

Think Ice,

John
DN 5023
john@neiya.org

Hello All! IT’S GAME TIME!

Paul, Jeff and Jascek sailed Champlain out of Sand Bar State Park today and are giving it great reviews, so the NE Champs are ON for this weekend!

Regatta location as stated above is Sand Bar State Park in Milton VT. Regatta HQ as it were will be the Hampton Inn in Colchester VT. The guys are working on getting us a regatta discount.

Read the NOR and SI’s below, and make sure you have your proof of insurance. NO EXCEPTIONS!!

Looking forward to seeing everyone tomorrow morning!

T Thieler on behalf of Paul Chamberland et al

2026 NE Region Championship NOR.odt

2026 NE Region Championship SI.odt

OK Gang, it’s on for this weekend!

DN New England Champs are ON. Sounds like Champlain is in good shape, wind forecast is good for the weekend. Chamberland and Roseberry have been sailing and scouting around Sand Bar State Park near Burlington tonight VT and will finalize a site by tomorrow afternoon.

Launch will likely be Sand Bar State Park.

Plenty of lodging in the area; the boys are scoping that out as well.

Skippers Meeting Saturday AM at launch, 10:30AM
First Race at 11:00AM

Be sure to have your insurance with you!!! NO EXCEPTIONS

Regular iceboating rules apply- familiarize yourselves with them at
https://www.idniyra.org/racing/rules-safety/

NOTE- some iceboating Right Of Way rules differ from soft-water rules so read them closely-

IF three of any class show up and want to race they will get a start and races of their own- all welcome!

In the DN Class a Vintage / Classic trophy will be awarded to the boat and skipper that has a certain combo of age / wear and tear / battle scars / character / and results!

We are looking for volunteers to run and score races- earn some karma and volunteer! If you are interesting in helping score or run races contact James “T” Thieler at t_thieler@yahoo.com

If not no big deal, we can use the Maine system (Regatta Chair runs first race, from there on whoever wins a race gets to run and score the next one. Average points awarded for the races missed. I think. Will figure it out when the smart people get there)

Feel free to contact me with any questions or to let me know what I’ve forgotten-

Stay tuned to NEIYA site for details and updates!

Think ICE and LINE ‘EM UP!!

Sunapee 1-12-26 By Kate Marone

As reported earlier there has been some great sailing to be had across New England. From Champlain, to Sunapee, Wentworth and Quaboag as well as others. As we know there is a front coming through and as usual remain flexible and adapt.

Race Chair Paul Chamberland is currently assessing locations to hold our New England Championship Regatta. Top of the list Sandbar area Lake Champlain VT. We can always use more intel so chime in please.

OFFICIAL Regatta info will be posted here neiya.org. We expect to make the regatta call by tomorrow night.

To aid in race coordination we will open our call with a regatta segment during our usual Thursday 6:30 PM call. Call is open to all current NEIYA members. Membership includes most racing fees. Don’t remember the phone number drop me an email today or early tomorrow. Additional regatta info to follow.

This is looking like a really great ice weekend. See you out there whether racing or cruising.

Think Ice,

John

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

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