T and I are leaving for Lake Winnebago in Wisconsin in a few minutes. Paul and Jeff arrived at the lake yesterday and sailed all day. Jeff said the lake is massive. Registration is up to 100 sailors and racing starts on Sunday. I’ll do my best to send updates.
Cheers,
Karen Binder
DN 5630
NEIYA Secretary
Hey Gang-
Looks like we are good to go west for the big show; Load ’em up and hit the road!
Look forward to seeing everyone out there. Still time to sign up if you haven’t yet! See the IDNIYRA site for more information.
As winter holds strong, some of our favorite inland spots remain buried beneath crusty snow. But along the coasts and rivers, the scene was alive with action. The usual crowd of dedicated enthusiasts was joined by newcomers eager to embrace local ice conditions—some waiting as long as a decade for the chance.
On S. Watuppa Pond in Fall River, MA, a gathering took place from Friday through the weekend. The previosly reported New England Championship took place and there were other crafts of out as well including several Wizz and other crafts.
Other New Hampshire lakes were scouted but found wanting, with surfaces marred by crust or offering only small patches of clear ice. Among the lakes checked were Newfound and Massabesic, both falling short of expectations for safe or enjoyable conditions. But regadless people did sail including VC Charlie and his wife Ann.
Several others made the most of what was available, sailing two, three, or more days split between Watuppa and Webster lakes. I personally ventured across the Throgs Neck Bridge to Long Island’s Lake Ronkonkoma for a meetup with local iceboaters. Meanwhile, the “Iron man” Bob S. logged his sixth consecutive day of sailing on Webster Lake—a feat worthy of applause. His detailed report follows below.
A Thriving Community on Ronkonkoma’s Ice
At Lake Ronkonkoma, I discovered a bustling winter wonderland. People of all ages were out on the ice—playing hockey, gliding on skates, boarding, strolling, and, of course, iceboating. The iceboats ranged from DNs of various vintages to Skimmers, Gambits, a BDX, and even a historic stern-steerer built locally in Ronkonkoma back in 1920.
For many, including me, this was a special occasion. The lake hasn’t frozen in about 15 years, and being back brought a flood of memories. It was here, some 30 years ago, that I launched my first DN on a Saturday, with a blizzard forecast looming for Sunday. Coming full circle, it was a joy to reconnect with the vibrant Long Island iceboating community, who clearly made the most of this rare freeze.
Other regional sailing took place in NJ on the Navesink and Hudon River at Athens, NY. The good ice at Athens brought out the vintage stern steerers effortlesly moving over the ice with the power of momentum.
We had a few newbies with a strong interest to join in on the fun of iceboating. We hope to see them back out during the rest of the season. Please drop me an email if you have any other questions.
Just got back (1/27/25) from day 6 on Webster lake great wind and the ice is getting better every day,i took my boat home
The wind is suppose 15 to 20 with gust to 40 tomorrow, good time to check my gear and get ready for the next good day somewhere.
We had 5 sailers today two guys from NH with old DNs very good sailers ,we got to go into south pond and do some ice we had not sailed in a few years.
Trying to recruit new sailers tell Karen i have new young blood in a pink snow suit.
Bob S.
Below are some pictures from the New Englands. Thanks to long time member and form voice of the Ice Hot Line Jeff Soderholm,
I can’t predict the future but it does look like Webster will remain in play for a time and we can hope that the crud on some of our lakes will melt down. The bigger lakes may come into play stay tuned.
The upcoming DN Gold Cub and NA’s will peel off some 14 members but the ice show will go on with force throughout New England and the Northeast. Stay tuned ans see you on the ice soon.
Think Ice,
John
DN5023
John@neiya.org
Hi everyone,
It’s been awesome to have so many sailing options this year and sailing in two regattas over back-to-back weekends has not happened since I have been racing. I love the polar vortex!
Today is a rest day as many of us await the location of the Worlds and North Americans. Ice is being scouted and sailed in Wisconsin, Michigan, Indiana, and New York. T and I might head to Vermont tomorrow to check out Lake Champlain.
The Easterns on Winnie had hard ice and pretty big breeze. I was solidly in second place after three races. For some unknown and not very well thought out reason, I decided to change my sail from an ABSS to my MS1. The next two races I finished in third and fifth. Nothing changed other than my sail change…Hmm….maybe not a good decision.
At the New England’s this weekend, I was winning the regatta after five races. Then, just before the sixth and final race I decided to change my sail from my FO1 to my ABSS. I reasoned the wind was building slightly so maybe a flatter sail would be a bit faster and I’d be in more control. Again, nothing else changed and in that last and final race I ended up getting 5th place, losing the regatta by one point. Hmm…maybe not a good decision.
While I have been told many times to try different settings, different runners, and different sails throughout a regatta, I realize the lesson or take away from the last two weekends (at least for me) is to ONLY make changes when your results start to worsen NOT when you are doing well and sailing fast!
I will do my best with sending updates and reports from the Worlds/North Americans. Of the 97 registered competitors, 14 are members of NEIYA! The list includes James "T." Thieler, Eben Whitcomb, Bob Haag, Dave Silsby, Chad Atkins, John Stanton, Paul Chamberland, Jeff Roseberry, Chris Gorden, Ed Demerest, Jeff Kent, Peters Trusdell and Scott Valentine and me.
Think Ice!
Karen Binder
DN5630
NEIYA Secretary
Hey Gang-
It was a good day all around on South Watuppa as all manner of craft were out and about (Whizzes, Skimmers, and some other miscellaneous craft) including a dozen or so DNs racing for the NE Regional Championship!
West winds made for big shifts and well-defined puffs so heads-up sailing was the order of the day. The mental game was one of not getting upset when the other boats had the puffs or lifts; In those conditions it’s important to remember that the boats in front of you will likely also draw a short straw at some point in the race….
We all owe a huge round of applause to Nina Fleming for once again tabulating the scores in real time from her house in Maine and to George Williams for making the ultimate sacrifice of not sailing his own boat on a great day in order to start races, run races, keep score of the races, finish the races, and make sure the rest of us got to play!
Full results below but in 5th was The Man From Nantucket, Chris Gordon with 22 points. 4Th was claimed by The Terror Of Swan Island, Jeff Roseberry. In 3rd was the man with the best hair in the NEIYA, Paul Chamberland. In a close second was Karen The Red Baron Binder. 1st was claimed (barely) by James “T” Thieler (insert your own funny nickname here).
Over the course of six races several people had moments of glory and some great, fast downwind legs!
Results here:
https://www.sailwave.com/results/2025_New_Engand_DN_Championship.htm
Thanks to all for showing up; There will be some scratch racing at the same place tomorrow for anyone who wants to show up.
Next up, Gold Cup and North American champs; See IDNIYRA site for details!
Groups were out on Webster and S. Watuppa. The Race gang, as you know, will be setting up marks and hosting the New England Championships. Read T’s reports from earlier in the day for details. Cruisers will certainly be back so come on down. Bob S. and company will be sailing on Webster tomorrow. Details below.
For those interested in the Watuppa area weather a local weather station can be reached on Weather Underground for hyper focused wind etc. reporting. Check it out here and thanks Alex.
We have a couple newbies coming down to Watuppa tomorrow. Be on the alert and share whatever you know about iceboating.
New York:
In an exciting development, Lake Ronkonkoma on Long Island is making waves in the ice boating community. After a decade-long hiatus, the lake has been scouted and sailed, and plans are underway for the Long Island Championship Regatta, tomorrow hosted by the Lake Ronkonkoma Ice Boat and Yacht Club. With final confirmation expected soon, the regatta promises to attract a diverse fleet of racers and cruisers.
New Jersey:
And the long wait at Redbank is over. It is reported that they will be sailing over the weekend and people will likely be out tomorrow.
See you on the ice,
John
DN5023
John@neiya.org
Hey Gang-
If you are planning to race in the NE DN Champs at South Watuppa Pond this weekend read and know these documents!
Registration at 9:30 at the launch!
See you there….
2025 New England Region Championship NOR.odt
2025 New England Region Championship Sailing Instructions.odt
Hey Folks-
The NE DN champs will be held this weekend at South Watuppa Pond in Fall River, MA.
Access from South Watuppa Boat Ramp at the end of Jefferson St. on the west side of the lake.
Registration starts at 9:30 AM at the launch. Fee is $20 cash.
Skippers meeting at 10:30 at the launch, first race to follow by noon.
Will post NOR and SIs tonight.
Skippers must be paid up NEIYA members and show proof of $300,000 liability insurance. NO EXCEPTIONS!
Most likely the regatta will be a two day event BUT if we manage to get it done Saturday there will be scratch racing on Sunday for anyone who wants it.
Awards will be given for top three overall and best finish in least up-to-date boat.
Stay tuned to the NEIYA site for details!
Contact T Thieler with any questions at 401 258 6230.
Hey Gang- IF we do the NE champs this weekend on South Watuppa we I’ll need someone to wave the flags start and finish races and also write down the finishes.
If you are interested in volunteering call or email James “T” Thieler at 401 258 6230 or
t_thieler@yahoo.com
Thanks! Look forward to hearing from you.
Hey Gang-
Be advised we are going to attempt to hold the New England DN Champs this weekend!
All signs are pointing toward South Watuppa Pond in Fall River, MA.
Ice reports are good and we will be scouting it again tomorrow morning and will make a final announcement. Weather looks good as well with breeze Saturday and Sunday.
Plenty of restaurants (we will do a group dinner on Saturday night) and hotels in the area and if anyone breaks a boat we can fix it in my garage in Newport.
Stay tuned to New England Ice Yacht Association for details. Be advised that to compete you must:
1) Be an active NEIYA member.
2) SHOW PROOF THAT YOU HAVE A MINIMUM OF $300,000 PERSONAL LIABILITY INSURANCE. NO EXCEPTIONS.
3) Have a thorough knowledge and understanding of the racing rules.
Racing will be primarily for DN Class ice yachts but three or more boats of any class that show up will be given their own start.
An award for the best finish in the least up-to-date boat will be given out as well.
Look forward to seeing everyone!
Reap the Cold Sow. After the good cold encountered across the entire region, it is time to get out and take advantage of the good ice left behind. Many places that we have not sailed in years are in play. As we always say
Massachusetts has returned and as one web comment stated we are “finally seeing ice that is not in Maine”. Not that there is anything wrong with Maine. Many of us have spent countless days on her lakes and ponds over the past couple years. Below is what we know right now. More details will likely come out on tonight’s call.
New York:
In an exciting development, Lake Ronkonkoma on Long Island is making waves in the ice boating community. After a decade-long hiatus, the lake has been scouted and sailed, and plans are underway for the Long Island Championship Regatta, hosted by the Lake Ronkonkoma Ice Boat and Yacht Club. With final confirmation expected soon, the regatta promises to attract a diverse fleet of racers and cruisers.
This season’s return of ice sailing is a testament to the passion and perseverance of our community. For more details and event schedules, visit iceboatlongisland.com for more info on Lake Ronkonkoma
Other New York venues are still under review—stay tuned for updates.
New Jersey:
And the long wait at Redbank is over. It is reported that they will be sailing over the weekend and people will likely be out tomorrow.
Seeking advice on upgrade to Arrow Iceboat Front Runner Chock Steering.
I am looking for advice on adding oilite bushing tubes and a spring to the front steering chock on my 1970’s vintage arrow iceboat. Full writeup with pictures here
I will be on the call tonight or reach out to me at ted15921594@gmail.com
Thanks,
Ted
Join in on tonight’s call to discuss the above venues and if you have any advice for Ted’s Arrow steering refit please chime in or email him
See you on the ice,
John
DN5023
John@neiya.org
I’m looking for photos from earlier Hardway runs on Lake Winnipesaukee. I’ve got some nice ones from like 2015 on but nothing earlier especially, from the first runs. I’d like to run at slide show for the iceboat display at the New Hampshire Boat Museum In their new building on rt. 25 in Moultonboro, NH. Thanks for any help. If you have an old print, perhaps a phone shot will suffice.
Thanks
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