Hello All-

The NEIYA has an elite, eclectic duo headed to the Great Western Challenge at this very moment.

Two islanders as it happens. First is Chris Gordon (the man from Nantucket) and Chad Atkins (the man from Conanicut Island, or the Planet Zork, depending on who you ask).

They are approaching Chicago, burning up the highway and no doubt having lively discussions on the economy, philosophy, politics, and the books they’ve read recently.

We wish them well out there- sail fast, travel safe and send updates boys!

There is also a contingent from Deep Creek MD on the way, all the best to them as well.

Enjoy the trip and have a hotel breakfast room waffle for all of us stuck back here at work!

Think Ice!

Hey Folks- If you are headed to the Western Challenge the regatta headquarters and rooms will be here- Book now!

Days Inn Baxter, MN. Iceboater special for king or 2queens @ $92/ nite. 218-829-3080

December 1-3. Load up folks! If you have an empty seat or need a ride email me, t_thieler@yahoo.com and will try to get everyone matched up. Think ICE! Info here: http://iceboating.net/

James “T” Thieler
12 Channing St.
Newport, RI. 02840

401-258-6230
t_thieler@yahoo.com

Hey Folks! These pics just in from Lake Christina in MN, primary site for Western Challenge, coming up December 1-3! Thanks to Mike Bloom and the gang out there. See y’all soon!

For latest local Ice check the CIBC site- sounds like they are ripping it up just to the North! https://iceboat.me/

Happy Thanksgiving and here’s to sailing soon….

From the CIBC site- It’s on!!

https://iceboat.me/2017/11/20/lac-joli-four-inches-of-grade-9/

Now’s the time of year when frost is a regular and welcome part of our mornings. I am no longer surprised but eagerly await the real cold to set in.  Set in as it has done to the North and West (mostly North) of most of us. Thanks for the tease from Minnesota and Quebec! We eagerly await first sail reports from ME and VT. An inspiration to all.

An inspiration from the ice Muse. An inspiration to move the canoe, pile of brake rotors and assorted car parts and set up my DN work area once again. Runners need to be stoned and somewhere are the notes from last years alignment exercise. I was told by a wise and talented DNer that I should have this all written in a notebook. Again something for the ice Muse to inspire for the future.

There is an answer. in just a short three weeks we will gather for our annual Lamb off ice Tune Up in Canton MA. We will be holding formalized sessions on the following topics:

• Chock alignment.  Misaligned chocks are slow! 
• Sail Trim – including sail shape and development
• Food throughout the day and if sights are true and a little luck venison stew
• Plank stiffness and its contribution to overall performance
• Runner profile with attention to blade entrance, flat and exit
• Safety and Race Rules discussions

In addition we welcome any newcomers trying to get onto the ice this season. Do you have a boat sitting in your garage, barn or cellar? Bring it down we have experts waiting to go over your craft and develop a plan to get you out on the ice this season. Don’t know how to rig your boat? We will show you. Not sure if all the pieces are there? We will go over it with you. We are here to help usher you safely onto the ice. No reservation needed but would appreciate you dropping me a note so we can be sure to reserve room.

Before the sun goes down early tonight turn your Envy into Action and lay your gear out and make a must do list. Don’t wait till the Tune up on December 9th to start getting ready. Find your ice Muse and if she does not come we will assign one to you on the Ninth. The Tune Up is a far far cheaper and burden free Muse than anyone is likely to find on their own. Trust me I know…

THINK ICE!

John
DN5023
john@neiya.org

Denis Guertin put this video together- Very well done and should be sent along to any prospective iceboaters you know.

Thanks Denis!

Whizz Iceboating Lake Damariscotta Jan 2017

Whizz Iceboating Lake Damariscotta Jan 2017 First Whizz Regatta. Scouting the ice and getting ready for the race.

Lake Christina was sailed yesterday by about a dozen DNs…. Where is Lake Christina you ask? Just a bit west of here….. check the sign….

This bodes well for the upcoming Western Challenge, possibly on that very lake on December 1,2,3. Get those boats tuned up and get ready for the road trip!

James “T” Thieler

We all woke up to brisk and refreshing overnight temperatures in the 20’s, teens and maybe even high single digits, we are collectively thinking about getting on the ice.

Preparation is key your choice of foot wear and head gear is essential. We often talk about boat prep but keeping the pilot warm and stable on the ice is the real starting point. Take a few moments t0 look at your spikes, ice claws and helmet to be sure they are sharp and in good shape. If you had an out of boat experience or connected with something hard last season, you probably want to replace your helmet.

Our Annual Lamb Tune-up Clinic is just four weeks away. Saturday December 9th. Mark your calender’s. This is the perfect opportunity for anyone just getting started. If you have a boat in your garage, shed or cellar gather it up and bring it over for help on getting you on the ice this winter. Experts standing by. More on the tune up to follow.

Below are a couple of lighter examples of ice preparedness or lack there of.

This first the golfer in this first video is clearly unprepared for the conditions. While the addition of spikes would not have improved his swing, at least he would have avoided potential injury. I should not comment on bad golf swings, so will withhold additional comments. And, don’t forget the helmet.

The second ice golfer is prepared with a stable (blades) platform and is able to safely execute his swing. As well as chase his ball down a beautiful plate. I would impose a five minute Major Penalty for not wearing a helmet.

Looking forward to seeing many of you on December 9th. Remember, if you have an ice boat that you always wanted to sail bring it by. We will show you how to rig your craft and do a safety check on your equipment. It would be best to contact us first but last minute boats are more than welcome.

Think Ice!

John
DN5023
john@neiya.org

P.S. Stay tuned to neiya.org and our friends up in Maine iceboat.me for the latest updates. Please sign up to have web posts go to your email as soon as they are published. The boys in Maine will surely get on the ice soon if this weather continues.

P.P.S If your looking to buy or need to get rid of ice boat gear please check the classified section and please if you have sold something let me know so I can take it down.

Thanks to iceboat.org for the picture and the good news.

Hello All!

The NEIYA Annual Meeting and Swap Meet was a great time as usual! Great to see everyone and of course all the gear on display. Everything from the slick to the agricultural to the bizarre and whatever else can blow across a frozen lake! Fascinating to see all the craft that have evolved over the years….

And of course the crowd was unique as ever! Always good to see the usual suspects and we got to welcome a few new faces as well.

Have to mention the food was outstanding and I don’t think there was a dull story told at any table.

Eben Whitcomb gave a talk about our trip to Lake Baikal last spring which I’m sure has a few people thinking…. If anyone is interested in getting on board for that one this spring email me or Eben and we can tell you how to go about it- Easier and cheaper than you think!

Chad Atkins talked about the upcoming North American DN champs to be hosted in NE (If anyone wants to volunteer email me or Chad) and Bill Bucholz told us all what is happening on Planet Maine. And Rick Bishop has what promises to be a great tune-up clinic getting organized in early December at Steve Lamb’s shop. Stay tuned for details on that one.

Then it was on to the real highlight. Leo Healy was honored as a founding member of the club and all around legendary iceboater. He has sailed more regattas and more miles than most of us will ever dream of, including six Winnie The Hard Way trips and a trip to Russia to sail in the DN Worlds. This is back when going to Russia was not a simple matter. The story involves shipping a loaded Wagoneer to Finland, swapping boats, eating reindeer, and a mysterious local commenting on the MA license plates in perfect English in downtown St. Petersburg.

Greg Cornelius got up and gave us a fascinating overview of all of Leo’s accomplishments and achievements and had the whole room in stitches which proved that even Greg can tell a good story if he has good material to work with!

In honor of his achievements and service to the club Leo was then (with great fanfare as John Stanton tore up his check for annual dues) given free membership in perpetuity.

Leo then share a bit of wisdom with the group, almost reads as a poem:
“In heavy air, know your rules
In light air, know your boat
There is always thin ice somewhere
Never sail alone
Think ICE!”

And of course a few people stood up and told a few of their own stories about the man. Congrats Leo and can’t wait to see you on the ice in a month or two!

All in all a great time. Thanks to John Stanton, Henry Capotosto, Bob Haag and everyone else who put it all together. Much appreciated guys! And thanks to all who participated.

See y’all at the Tune-Up Clinic and on the ice! James “T” Thieler DN US 5224 t_thieler@yahoo.com

​

Grab a friend and go. Bring someone new. Let’s all think ice and please don’t forget your  dues below. The New England Ice Yacht Association’s annual gathering is just a week away. Come out and see old friends, and make new ones. Buy some old gear or new stuff, regardless it will be new to you.

October 28th,
Knights of Columbus Hall

17 Willow St, Westborough, MA  01581.
Swap meet starts at 9AM in the parking lot, lunch at meeting starts at noon in the hall.

Please take a moment and pay your dues and or lunch. Can’t make it, please take this opportunity to pay your dues online. Get it done now. Our off ice Lamb Tune Up is coming in December.

See you there,

John
DN5023