Looking Around Dec Week One
It’s great to see some member activity out in Starbuck, Minnesota! Back home watchful eyes are scanning birdbaths, puddles, and ponds for any signs of ice. As previously reported Bob S. has shifted to hunting ice after bagging this season’s limit. Not to be outdone Peter Boynton has been searching and hoping as well. Anyone else see anything of interest?
I have invited a few local soft water sailors to Landfall to talk iceboating next Saturday, December 14th. Looking forward to seeing some familiar faces and welcoming new ones. Come join in and spread the word 10 to 3pm Landfall Navigation 151 Harvard Ave, Stamford, CT 06902.
Sail Fast,
John
The snow wet out but we have quite a bit of open water, about one third of the pond has open water, checked the grey ice 2 1\4 inches. warm weather week, we could lose it, just wait and see,
Bob S
Jeff Kent Reports from Minnewaska – Day 3 for Bernd Zieger and I. Conditions yesterday light air 1 ” stiff snow patches Turnout reasonable.
In answer to Bob S’s plea Peter Boyngton captured some skim ice on a North Andover, MA pond.
Happy 2024 Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving Kicks Off the Ice Sailing Season
Happy Thanksgiving to all! Today, we celebrate gratitude, good food, family, friends, and football. But for ice sailing enthusiasts, it also marks the unofficial start of the season. While no secret pond in New England is quite ready for sailing yet, the countdown has begun. Our friends in Minnesota are gearing up, and we know it won’t be long for us here in New England and the Northeast.
Are You Ready?
With the season upon us, it’s time to prepare. Our first NEIYA Thursday call is scheduled for next Thursday, December 5th, at 6:30 PM. Current members will receive call details via email over the weekend. If you have not paid your dues, now is the time to take care of it! Visit the NEIYA website at www.neiya.org and use the membership section on the right-hand side of the homepage.
If your boat is still in storage, this weekend is the perfect opportunity to haul it out and get it ready. And don’t forget to connect with your winter ice buddies—it’s always better to prepare as a team.
Upcoming Off-Ice Gatherings in New York
For those in the New York region or anyone eager to connect with fellow ice sailing enthusiasts, two off-ice gatherings are scheduled for next weekend:
- Lake Ronkonkoma Ice Boat and Yacht Club (LRIBC)
When: Saturday, December 7th, 12:00–3:00 PM
Where: Frank M. Weeks Yacht Yard, 10 Riverview Ct, Patchogue, NY 11772 - Hudson River Ice Yacht Club (HRIYC)
When: Sunday, December 8th, 1:30–4:30 PM
Where: Hudson River Maritime Museum, Kingston, NY
Details: This potluck event is a must for fans of vintage stern steerers.
Questions?
If you have any questions, feel free to reach out via email.
Think ice, prepare your boats, and let’s make this season one to remember!
John Stanton
NEIYA, Commodore
John@neiya.org
New England Ice Yacht Association 