Decisions, decisions, decisions. Lots of ice has set up over the past couple of days but conditions are challenging. We were on Quabag before Christmas recent weather puts it in the unsafe till proven otherwise status.

New Hampshire has a number of rumors and people have skated including Otter pond, Squam and Winnipesaukee off Leavitts Beach and Wentworth. Sunapee though sailed yesterday is not considered safe now by those who were there a little over 24hrs ago. There have also been reports of ice on Sebago and Mallets Bay in VT has reports of decent ice.

T is trying to find the best option for the remaining unsailed regattas from 2019. His call will be made later in the day. Remember just about anyone can get on the course and if your not racing they can always use scorers or just sail outside of the course.

With so many new plates coming in all at once it is hard to say where the best and safest conditions are. Remember there is safety in numbers. We need further information from people on the ice. Buddy up scout and sail with extreme caution. There have been a lot of pretty ice pictures from skaters (some sail too) floating around on social and the web but we need a little higher confidence level.

I believe there are good sailing venues out there but things just need to be checked and please share so that we can spread the word.

Thinking about checking out ice leads and following the skaters? Buddy up. Don’t have a buddy post a comment below. Report back your findings via comment below or ice@neiya.org. You will be rewarded when others come out to sail with you.

Sail Fast and Sail Safe,

John
DN5023

We are getting optimistic reports on ice in Malletts Bay VT and Sunapee NH. Bodes well for the weekend…. That said there is a bit of challenging weather headed this way (a little snow, maybe some rain, some high winds and warm temps) which may throw a wrench in the works- so we will keep an eye on things-

IF we can find a safe plate we will try to have the 2019 Doc Fellows Regatta, possibly another race the next day. Would love to fill the NEIYA 2019 regatta slate…

As always this nit limited to DN class yachts- any class with three or more boats will get a start! And don’t forget the vintage/classic award; if you don’t have a boat that is exactly cutting edge you may still get a prize….

Stay tuned to this site for details- if you have ice let us know at ice@neiya.org and if you are out remember to know and obey all the safety protocols.

Think Ice!

Scouting Sunapee

Miss out on anything today? Didn’t get what you had hoped for? Well, dig way down to the bottom of your sticking for a super present. Jay and locals have been keeping an eye on Sunapee off of the State Beach and reports that there is solid black ice all the way across to the far shore with a surface of about a 9!

The rest of the lake has not been scouted so be very cautious if you venture into the larger body but plenty of space without wandering off.

Launching is from the state beach with carry on access from the parking lot to the pit area. People will congregate around 10 am.

Come to cruise come to tune up whatever just come. There will be cones for those looking to hone their skills.

Before setting foot on the ice seek out local recent knowledge. Remember the season is young.

Sail fast and safe,

John
DN5023

…Consider the central region champs. Keep an eye on IDNIYRA site and stay tuned….
https://www.idniyra.org/2019/12/23/2019-dn-central-region-championship-be-ready/

That said we hope to be sailing in NE that weekend so hopefully we can stay local and still have good racing and cruising-

Keep an eye here for updates on all!

5224

John Pepper sent this shot of Quaboag Pond at sunset the other day- A nice view after a great day!
Gotta love that little body of water, always seems to deliver early in the season and draws a great crowd-
Hopefully it will stay frozen over the next few weeks and we can get some more sailing in to wrap up 2019 and welcome in 2020.

Meanwhile we are hearing rumors of some good ice in NH- Stay tuned, more details to come….

If you have ice let us know about it at ice@neiya.org and we can all have an excuse to get out of the house over the holiday.

Think ICE!

Have to love the top of John Pepper’s trailer!

Well done- great to see the name on display in a big way-

Take a look- sign up now, keep it cheap, and get some swag!

https://www.idniyra.org/2019/12/23/last-minute-shopping-register-for-the-2020-north-american-regatta-today/

Hey Folks- A bit last-minute with this but here it is- sign up fast and save a few bucks- North Americans is always a great event- make this the year!

Click and sign up here-

https://www.idniyra.org/2019/12/20/2020-north-american-registration-deadline-dec-23/

Good day on Quaboag Pond- 15 craft made it to the lake, the ice was still good, wasn’t too cold, but barely any breeze until about 3:30 PM.

Those who resisted the urge to pack it in early were rewarded with some good runs as a nice afternoon puff filled in-

A good time had by all, especially Jack Pepper who had his first taste of hard water speed- we hope to see him on the ice again soon-

The rest of us had a good day sailing the sucker puffs, shooting the breeze, and practicing starts and getting our cardio in!

Even with no breeze it beats the hell out of a good day at the office….

Warm temps and holiday stuff will make sailing over the next few days tough but stay tuned, good things are on the way-

If you have ice, send an email to ice@neiya.org and we can get the mojo working-

Think Ice and Happy Holidaze…..

T US 5224

quaboag 12 25 2016

Quabaug Pond in Brookfield MA was scouted from end to end but the wind just didnt cooperate. There will be a group returning tomorrow morning.

See you there.

Come on down rig up and sail.

There is bound to be a good crowd out there so sail heads up!

Please let us know you plan on coming in the poll below and leave your fellow iceboaters a comment below.

Think Ice,

John
DN5023

Last night’s cold has brought us more options.

Charlie S. has just gotten off of Lake Wentworth in NH and reports that the ice is a solid grade 5 to 6 but much rougher near shore. Launch areas are near the state beach off of Rt 109 near Wolfesbor Center, NH.

While Wentworth has ice it needs further scouting. Bring an experienced scouting team or assemble with locals. This is a notice of what was found not a general invitation to sail.

Be safe people,

John

Photo credit Soderholm Quaboag 2/3/18

Quabaug Pond in Brookfield MA has been checked this morning and is ready to go. The usable plate is smaller than we see later in the season as well as the usual trouble spots exist. Before sailing off, seek out advice from those that have ventured out. It is early and there are know regular issues as well as some current observations.

Looking like light wind tomorrow Saturday and maybe more on Sunday. This is a good opportunity to clear out the summer cob webs. Cruise around have fun and im am sure if there are like minded folks a few orange cones will go out for scratch racing. Everyone is welcome and everyone at any levels will learn something.

There is bound to be a good crowd out there so sail heads up!

Please let us know you plan on coming in the poll below and leave your fellow iceboaters a comment below.

Think Ice,

John
DN5023