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.
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.
Now that I have the first sail of the season out of the way, the question came to mind of how much actual sailing time is required to say that you did indeed sail? I skated Lake Wentworth on Tuesday, a little snow/rain came through Wednesday/Thursday and setup occurred on Friday with howling winds. An exploratory sail happened with my super DN and storm sail. Running loose sheeted I made several runs up and down one side of the lake. This probably took maybe 20-30 minutes. Shakedown run was good but winds were building so I parked the rig. I think I would have considered that a short but definite sail. Saturday I had a rehabbed vintage DN that I wanted to test drive. With no wind to speak of, I figured I could at least do a push test. However, as the telltale began to flicker, I thought perhaps it might be enough to move on the rough ice. After getting my sprint training, a zephyr came up and I made 3 runs of about 1/2 mile in length. Another little puff gave me 2 more. Not bad I thought with an untried heavy rig and a totally flat sail. The question is, did it qualify as a sail? How far or how long, does one need to be moving under wind power to qualify as a countable day of sailing? I recall one day at the end of last season where after pushing out of Wolfeboro bay, I managed a 1/4 mile run with one tack and almost made it back to where I started. Since no one else moved under wind power, I was told that indeed I had sailed. No one can dispute that a day of racing or completing the Hard Way indeed qualifies. But how about when everyone is rigged and the teaser gets you out just far enough so the “walk of shame” back to the staging area has to occur. This may be followed by a repeat scenario the next hour and so on throughout the day.
Regardless of how you want to qualify a day of sailing, you can simply state that you had a day of ice boating. This covers all the bases no matter what occurs on the ice. Even if the boat doesn’t get set up, it qualifies as a scouting trip. If there is no wind it, becomes an on ice tuning clinic and information exchange meeting. It may even turn into a food fest once the grill comes out. The end of the day watering hole can still be counted as part of the experience, wind or not.
As the season begins, may you have smooth safe ice, adequate wind, and great companionship whether it is a day of sailing or a day of Ice boating.
This In from Bob S. Along with an invite to sail with small assembled group.
Two boats sailed Quaboag today with 5 inches of ice with 1 inch of snow. No holes were spotted, a few wet spots over the cracks that were crossed with no problems. Big winds today, some of the snow was blown away and we have 6 inch drifts in places.Two boats are set up to sail in the morning.
Bob S
Also check out Wentworth in NH. An intrepid few sailed Wentworth in high winds. The lake is ready for more dun
We had a strong turnout for last night’s weekly conference call, with what appears to be a record 20 percent of members dialing in. While a ready to sail call could not be placed last night, we do have several meaningful updates to share.
The call-in number remains unchanged from last year. We did experience a number of email notice bounces due to outdated or incorrect addresses, so if you believe you are current on dues but did not receive notice, please email me so we can make the necessary corrections. BTW the notice email came directly from john@neiya.org as the sender check your spam box.
Lake Wentworth is receiving high marks as a developing prospect and is expected to be sailed tomorrow. This is an emerging opportunity without full scouting reports, and hazards have not yet been identified. Caution is strongly advised. The best, though somewhat limited, access is via Wentworth State Park off NH Route 109. The parking lot cannot accommodate trailers, so please plan alternative arrangements.
A scouting party accessed Farrar Pond in Lincoln, MA earlier today. While small, it presents a good early-season opportunity.
Bob S. is currently scouting the always reliable Quaboag Pond and will report back later today. Additional locations in New Hampshire are also being scouted, with updates to follow.
Please be careful and do not let early season enthusiasm lead you into an unsafe situation. NEVER SAIL ALONE, and treat all ice with extreme caution until you have personally confirmed conditions. Do not rely on hearsay. Upon arriving at a location seek firsthand reports from those who have actually been on the ice and are aware of any known issues.
It seems the crews who traveled west for the Great Western Challenge have also helped usher the cold back our way. Reports are now coming in from Maine and New Hampshire’s Lakes Region. Skating and ice sailing have been reported in Maine by Bill Buchholz (iceboat.me), and Randy Rice has already put blades on the ice, sailing in light air on Pemi (Gewasset) Lake. We also have reports from Bob S. that Quaboag in Brookfiled, MA has set up and will only get thicker with the cold weather. Thanks to all the early scouters who keep watchful eyes on our ice.
Additional early reports indicate ice beginning to set up in several bays and lakes around the Winnipesaukee region. All reports are in the process of being confirmed, and with the predicted low temperatures, confirmations are expected soon in the next few days.
More information is coming on our two recent events. Many thanks to Stephen Lamb for hosting us at his shop in Canton, MA, and to Charlie Silfvenius at the Wooden Boat Museum. This has been a busy sales season, and time has gotten away from me, but full recaps are coming shortly.
Looking ahead, we will be restarting our weekly calls on Thursdays at 6:30 pm. The first call will focus on early-season ice conditions. Members in good standing will receive an email tomorrow with login information.
The Next Hardway Flock – With just a little AI help
Thanksgiving cheer to all who chase the ice and the wind, and to the families, friends, and shore crews who make it possible.
As we gather with good food and good company, we’re looking ahead as well: winter is coming, runners are sharpened, gear is sorted out, and weather maps are getting a more attention. It will not be long for most of us.
Congratulations to Race Chair Paul Chamberland for once again claiming the first sailed ice award. Blades on the ice and running. November 22, 2023 Owlseye Lake, St. Paul, Alberta. Way to go Paul.
With luck, we will sail together before the new year, mixing it up across New England, the Northeast, and the Midwest. Perhaps even a Winni Hardway if the season falls into place.
Until then stay well, enjoy the day, and keep thinking cold and ice.
See you at Steve Lamb’s Shop this Saturday 11/29 10:00am. Remember if you need help sorting out your boat bring it on down and let our panel of the seasoned give it a once over. All are welcome, especially those who have always wanted to get out and sail the ice. Boat or not come out Saturday. Drop me a note if there are any questions. For details, visit the announcement here: 🔗 https://neiya.org/2025/11/21/the-off-ice-lamb-tune-up-is-on-saturday-11-29-25/
Thanks to Steve Lamb’s decades of support for the NEIYA and the sport of iceboating, we are once again able to hold our Off-Ice Tune-Up.
Steve and Linda are graciously opening the doors of the Arthur C. Lamb shop to us again for this year’s Off-Ice Tune-Up, scheduled for Saturday, November 29th. Yes, Thanksgiving weekend!
Take a break from the post-holiday routine and stop by. We’re looking forward to seeing everyone.
If you have any interest in iceboating this is the place to be on the 29th. The Iceboating welcome mat is out. Come on down.
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.
We will have ongoing Iceboat educational topics backed by the experts amongst us. Including but not limited to.
Rigging your new boat
Right of Way Rules
Runner choke alignment techniques
Runner Care
Ice checking Round Table Discussion
The season is upon us take advantage of this opportunity. Pull your old boat out of the cellar, barn, attic or where ever and bring it down. This is the year to follow your dream and hit the ice.
I remember my dad pouring over this flyer sometime in the 1960’s just after he’d been bitten. He had already acquired the set of DN plans and was just figuring how to make it happen. I recall money being tight with a young family of 6 and a move to a new house which he had to finish the upstairs for me and my sisters. My mother was a voracious coupon clipper and many of our presents were bought with green stamps. We would rob piggy banks for a kiddie size ice cream at the, “Big Scoop” on Rt.1. The good news is we never felt poor. We had the basics and were creative in making our own fun with the rest of the neighborhood. They were good years for me. (The time warp thing.) let construction begin.l
The wood for a modified plan was relatively inexpensive but the high cost of the hardware needed some resourcefulness.
Imagine a pair of side chocks costing $8.00 whole dollars! The steering chock was another $6.00. A set of runners were almost unattainable at$40.00, $8.00 dollars more if you wanted a hardened edge. The sail added a whopping $100.00 to the bill. Now my dad was a pretty typical one if I remember correctly. The thing I admired most was his resourcefulness at making things appear. Bit by bit, parts started appearing. Not quite like the pictures, but close enough to know what they were supposed to be. It’s nice to know a welder now and again. With a set of welded chocks and some T iron runners, we set forth for the rest of the hardware. Blocks,(aka general store pulleys), galvanized cable with screw clamps, and a willing mother to try and sew a sail. We probably saved another $50.00 over this flyers cost. Yes the boat got made was a success, albeit limited.
I wonder what today’s prices are for the same parts. I often see old boats advertised for under $1000. And if you want the top end gear, 2nd mortgage time. All in all though it is still a relatively inexpensive sport…..unless you need to travel to find ice. Thank you to the racers and the great advancements to the sport. Everyone should drive a Ferrari some time. Frugal Yankees know that swaps are happening with some bargain prices on most anything boat related. If you travel with a trailer and want to checkout the Midwest area, you can come back with a fleet reasonably priced. And don’t forget the internet. Community sites and Marketplace have some great deals. I hope everyone who wants something new to add, can find it with no regrets for cost.
There’s been frost on the pumpkin for a few nights and it seems to be getting darker earlier. Look for the skaters to signal the start of the season.(They weigh less that an iceboat though.)
Think ice and I know some of you have seen this price flyer before. Let the show begin.
Ice boating is about the people – Photo Credit John Pepper
Getting ready is an integral part of the iceboating game, and this past weekend delivered perfect fall conditions for our annual NEIYA gathering. The lot filled early with familiar faces and newcomers alike. Some with race-ready programs, others with boats in need of a little love. A few classic iceboats were on hand, looking for new homes. One 1936 impeccably preserved ready for the ice example and the other in need of repairs. Boats are still available, seek out Brian Langley or Bill Buchholz respectively.
As always, the swap meet served as both a social and a trading hub. Boats, parts, and stories changed hands freely. I even managed to move a few aluminum mast extrusions north and west to good homes in Maine and New York.
Smiles for Ice –
After lunch, Bob Wills, President of the Hudson River Ice Yacht Preservation Trust and Past Commodore of the Hudson River Ice Yacht Club, shared updates on the Trust’s plans for a museum and vintage boat storage. He also spoke about the historic yachts under their care. Many trace their lineage to the Roosevelt family and other notable industrialists of the Hudson River’s Gilded ice-sailing era.
Continuing the wooden-boat theme, Frank Morris, Vice Chair of Lowell’s Boat Shop, gave an update on the donated DNs from the Davidson family, including DN 1220, built by Kerr Davidson. After a cleanup and careful runner alignment, DN 1220 now resides in New Hampshire, awaiting its first sheet of black ice. Frank also shared an inspiring overview of Lowell’s mission “to preserve and perpetuate the art and craft of wooden boatbuilding.” In many ways, that’s what we do too.
Frank Morris Takes the stage
Following our guest speakers, the annual business meeting convened. Full minutes and financials will be posted on neiya.org in the coming days.
Eben Whitcomb, chair of the nominating committee, presented the 2025–26 officer slate, which was approved by the membership:
Commodore: John Stanton
Vice Commodore: Charlie Silfvenius
Secretary: Karen Binder
Treasurer: Ed Demarest
Looking ahead, we’ll hold an off-ice gathering near Wolfeboro, NH, on Saturday, December 6, hosted by Vice Commodore Charlie Silfvenius. The venue and agenda will be announced soon. This event will be open to all. This includes ice veterans, newcomers, and anyone curious about the sport. NEIYA members are especially encouraged to attend.
Members in good standing will receive details this week for our weekly conference calls, scheduled to resume in November.
Another highway sunset/sunrise with my mast on the roof pointing the way down the road. Heading from or to home, usually north, but any direction can happen. Always chasing the next hardwater horizon.
The picture is on way home from Maine following the Chickawaukie Ice Boat Club Meeting on Sunday. Great conversation and atmosphere. They are starting a Plymouth Pond black ice vigil. Stay tuned for first ice In Maine.
Time to prep your gear, sharpen your runners, and ready the trailer. The ice season is coming!
Think Ice,
John DN5023 John@neiya.org
Posted by CIBC Administrator |
10/27/2025 | Categories: 2025 Season | Comments Off on Swap Meets Are For Getting Ready
Jack Frost Off Astor Point, Barrytown, NY On The Hudson March 3rd 2014 – Credit J. Stanton
We are less than a day away from this year’s New England Ice Yacht Association’s Annual Swap Meet, Lunch and Meeting 10:00 AM Saturday, October 25. That’s tomorrow, people!
NEIYA Swap Meet, Lunch & Meeting Information: When: Saturday, October 25th, 10:00am (Vendors set up early so you might want to come before 10am) Where: Thompson Speedway Golf Course, 205 E Thompson Rd, Thompson, CT 06277 Google Map:https://goo.gl/maps/DbGpTekm4ZLNnV8n7
We are excited to welcome guest speaker Robert Wills, President of the Hudson River Ice Yacht Preservation Trust and Past Commodore of the Hudson River Ice Yacht Club. A longtime Hudson River iceboater, Bob is the proud custodian of four historic ice yachts, including Kriss, commissioned by John Aspinwall Roosevelt in 1898. An active iceboater since 1989, Bob continues to care for his fleet of historic yachts, lecturing widely on the history of icesailing throughout the Hudson Valley and now expanding into New England to join us.
Also joining us on the historic front is our own Frank Morris, Vice Chairman of Lowell’s Boat Shop in Amesbury, MA. Lowell’s is best known as the birthplace of the classic New England Dory, still handcrafted today using traditional methods. The shop remains a living legend, where craftsmanship and maritime heritage endure. “T” and I gave an iceboat talk and onshore demo to an eager crowd at Lowell’s shop last fall. And believe we converted a couple of people to hard water. If you have a chance, visit the Lowell Boat Shop and take a step back in time.
Sometimes we forget how deeply our sport’s nautical heritage runs. Ice yachting shares a common lineage and spirit of the grand classic yachts that engaged in fierce competition dating back to the 1800s. Our heritage is written in wood grain, and the calloused hands that shaped our soft and hard water yachts.
Upon Arrival, be sure to check in with our treasurer, Ed Demerest. Even if you have paid online, please check in with Ed to be sure your contact info is current. Ed would appreciate it if you paid your dues and lunch online, see links below. And not you do not have to have a PayPal account to transact with a credit card.
This is your go-to Northeast event for all things ice sailing and Ice, 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. If you live outside the Northeast, it’s a great excuse for a road trip. Shout out to the boys and girls in NJ, the Hudson Valley, and the Adirondack regions, as well as those to the west of us. There is a prize for the person traveling the farthest.
Now is a perfect time to pay your 2025-26 dues and reserve your seat at our annual Luncheon and Meeting. All are welcome to attend.
Do not wait till after the swap meet 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? Now is the perfect time to free up some storage. Put it up in the classified section. Remember, your older equipment may be far better than what someone else has now.
Stay tuned for the beginning of our weekly ice calls starting up in a few weeks. Never too early to talk ice boating in front of a like-minded crowd.
Till then, Think Ice,
John DN5023 John@neiya.org
P.S. Drop me a note if you have any questions, and if you have always wanted to try iceboating, this is the place to start.
Posted by Commodore John Stanton |
10/24/2025 | Categories: 2025 Season | Comments Off on Tomorrow’s the Day – Sat Oct 25th NEIYA Swap Meet, Lunch & Annual Meeting
New England Ice Yacht Association 