The Speed and Spirit of Iceboating
Iceboating has always been synonymous with speed. A visceral, wind-driven thrill across frozen landscapes. Yet, beyond the thrill of gliding on ice at breakneck velocity lies an equally compelling draw: the camaraderie of a shared passion. This unique sport unites kindred spirits, blending the forces of nature, wind, water, and ice with a profound sense of community.
This past weekend, with plans for Minnesota not an option, Eben Whitcomb and I turned our focus closer to home. We ventured to two annual gatherings of iceboating enthusiasts: one on Long Island, N.Y., and the other along the Hudson River in Kingston, N.Y.
Both groups, as we expected but were happy to confirm, are tight-knit communities within the larger world of iceboating. On Long Island, the historic Weeks Yacht Yard buzzed with energy, its storied past lending an air of timelessness to the event. Up the Hudson, the backdrop of the Catskills and the historic Hudson reflected the true heritage of iceboating in the United States.
While it’s the adrenaline of high-speed dashes across the ice that initially captivates us, weekends like these serve as a reminder of iceboating’s true draw: the people. The sport is as much about forging bonds in the cold as it is about the rush of the ride, a balance of heart-pounding excitement and heartwarming connection.
For those eager to immerse themselves in this unique world, don’t miss the upcoming iceboat-themed open house at Landfall Navigation in Stamford, Conn. Join us this Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., at 151 Harvard Avenue, just off I-95 at Exits 6 North and South. Whether you’re a seasoned sailor or simply curious about the sport, it’s a perfect opportunity to learn more and share in the spirit of iceboating.
Think ice, and we hope to see you Saturday!
Warm regards,
John
John@neiya.org
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 help spread the word from 10am to 3pm Landfall Navigation 151 Harvard Ave, Stamford, CT 06902.
Paul and Jeff have checked in from Starbuck, Minnesota—a town without a Starbucks but full of sailing grit. With over 400 miles logged behind the tiller and hours of fine-tuning under their belts, they’re setting a high bar for the rest of us.
Gentlemen, your efforts put many of our East Coast numbers to shame. Best of luck this weekend at the Western Regionals on Lake Minnewaska—a place that seems tailor-made for your style.
Looking like an excellent venue for the DN Western Championship this coming weekend
On Saturday the Lake Ronkonkoma Ice Yacht Club held their annual swap meet at the historic Frank M. Weeks Yacht Yard in Patchogue NY. Weeks was founded in 1889 and specializes in building and repair of wooden boats big and small. The gathering featured homemade chili, desserts, and a good collection of iceboats and parts for sale. We look forward to seeing the Long Island gang out on the ice this winter.
Found in a back corner of the Weeks Yacht. I didn’t ask but looks like a wonderful project if one has the time and money. And no it did not come home with me
This past Sunday, the Hudson River Ice Yacht Club (HRIYC) held its annual meeting at the Hudson River Maritime Museum (HRMM) on the banks of Rondout Creek, a tributary of the Hudson River in Kingston, NY. The HRMM, is home to a a collection of historic iceboats as well as a history of the Hudson River. It is well for enthusiasts of nautical history.
The meeting was an inspiring gathering of sailors united by a shared passion for preserving historic iceboats. Many of these vessels, dating back to the turn of the 20th century, have storied legacies tied to prominent figures of the industrial age, including the Roosevelts and Astors.
The HRIYC serves as custodians of this unique maritime heritage, maintaining a living, functional museum on ice. Their dedication ensures these magnificent vessels remain a vibrant part of Hudson River history.
Special thanks to the HRIYC for once again voting in favor of supporting the NEIYA by renewing their paid membership.
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
2024 Swap & Meet: A Good Time Was Had by All
Title: 2024 Swap & Meet: A Good Time Was Had by All
A lively crowd turned out for the NEIYA’s annual Swap Meet and meeting, making for a memorable day. A big thank you goes out to everyone who helped make it a success.
By 10 a.m., the parking lot was packed with sellers, browsers, and iceboating friends reconnecting ahead of winter. Boats of every budget were on display, from vintage models from the 70s to brand-new parts and iceboats.
Four vintage DN iceboats found new homes, with plans to bring them back to cruising form to help introduce newcomers to the sport. The boats went to New Hampshire, two in Massachusetts, and one in Albany, near the Adirondack lakes. We’ll have updates on these classic crafts in the coming weeks. Their heritage will go on.
Lunch kicked off around 12:30, followed by the annual meeting, which I led with support from our new and returning officers. I highlighted the sailing opportunities from last season and paid tribute to Treasurer Bob Haag, who served the NEIYA tirelessly for twelve consecutive seasons. Bob, on behalf of all of us, thank you for your dedication—now it’s time to see you more often on the ice.
This season, we welcome Treasurer Ed Demerest and Race Committee Chair Paul Chamberland to the team. Returning are John Stanton as Commodore, Charlie Silfvenius as Vice Commodore, and Secretary Karen Binder. Bill Buchholz will continue to support our northern area in Maine, while Bob S. will cover central Massachusetts around the Worcester area.
Attendees represented all six New England states, as well as New York, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey. Special thanks to the Lake Ronkonkoma Ice Boat Club for donating a 1938 copy of Wing on the Ice, which quickly found a new owner in a mini-auction.
Stay tuned as we kick off our weekly Thursday evening calls in the next two weeks. We’re also planning some communication updates to help us locate and access the ice faster this season.
Think ice and get ready for the first black ice of the season.
John
NEIYA Commodore
DN5023
john@neiya.org
Tomorrow’s The NEIYA Swap Meet 10/26 ~ Spreading the Word Far & Wide
Don’t forget, the NEIYA Swap Meet, Lunch, and Meeting is just a day away! Have you checked off everything on your to-do list? Make sure you’ve paid your dues, secured your spot for lunch, and sorted out what gear you’re bringing to the swap at Thompson Speedway. Don’t wait—take care of it today!
Donated Legacy Boats Update: I have spoken to several people who are interested in the four boats. Looks like they are spoken for, but they still have to be picked up. I can’t tell for sure but there may be some last-minute changes. Reach out to me for details and be sure to seek me out tomorrow morning early.
Event Details:
What: NEIYA Swap Meet, Lunch & Meeting
When: Saturday, October 26th, 10:00 am
Where: Thompson Speedway Golf Course,
205 E Thompson Rd, Thompson, CT 06277
Google Maps Link
Don’t miss this chance to kick off the season, reconnect with fellow members, and find gear to complete your setup. It’s also the ideal time to pay your 2025 dues and reserve your spot for our annual luncheon and meeting. All are welcome to join!
Please Pay Your Dues
| Dues Time | Price | |
| 2025 Membership | $30 |
 |
| 2025 Membership + Lunch | $45 |
|
| 2025 Membership + 2X Lunch | $60 |
|
| 2025 Lunch (11/19/2024) | $15 |
|
| Mail in Form We prefer you pay online – Thanks | ||
Do not wait till after the swap met 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.
Till then Think Ice,
John
DN5023
John@neiya.org
One Week Till Our NEIYA Swap Meet 10/26 ~ Spreading the Word Far & Wide
The NEIYA Swap Meet, Lunch, and Meeting is a week away. Have you paid your dues, Lunch, and figured out what you are going to haul to the swap at Thompson Speedway? Do it today see you on Saturday.
Three of the four donated legacy boats are spoken for. If you are interested contact me before the swap meet.
We all serve as ice ambassadors and are responsible for spreading the ice boating word.
On Wednesday night we answered that call. In response to an invitation from the Lowell Boat Shop (LBS), initiated by member Frank Morris, Eben Whitcomb, James “T” Thieler, and I made the journey to the renowned birthplace of the dory to share the excitement of iceboating. We were warmly greeted by an enthusiastic crowd on the historic deck overlooking the Merrimack. Three seasoned iceboaters, two iceboats, and an eager crowd made for the perfect learning environment.
There were discussions about how iceboats fit into the history of boating. T whipped the crowd into a frenzy with tales from the gold fleet and a review of the differences between a 1960’s and modern DN.
The crowd broke up about 8:30 and everyone had a sense of wonder on their faces. Our reward was several audience members promising to come down to Thompson for the Swap Meet and capped off with a private tour of the Lowell Boat Shop.
See you Next Saturday…
NEIYA Swap Meet, Lunch & Meeting Information:
When: Saturday, October 26th, 10:00am
Where: Thompson Speedway Golf Course, 205 E Thompson Rd, Thompson, CT 06277
https://goo.gl/maps/DbGpTekm4ZLNnV8n7
Now is a perfect time to pay your 2025 dues and reserve your seat at our annual Luncheon and Meeting. All are welcome to attend.
Please Pay Your Dues
| Dues Time | Price | |
| 2025 Membership | $30 |
|
| 2025 Membership + Lunch | $45 |
|
| 2025 Membership + 2X Lunch | $60 |
|
| 2025 Lunch (11/19/2024) | $15 |
|
| Mail in Form We prefer you pay online – Thanks | ||
Do not wait till after the swap met 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.
Till then Think Ice,
John
DN5023
John@neiya.org
Where Are We Post Monday Sail?
A great day was had by many on Monday. Getting out across several locations. From Quaboag Pond to Massabesic lake and on Lake Winnipesaukee off Leavitt’s beach. While we are well into our season we are a little behind in building thickness, so please always confirm that conditions are sound and sail heads up till you are very sure of conditions. And of course always inquire about known hazards.
Nine boats sailed today, light winds in the morning, black ice with some crud. Wind picked up in the afternoon and made for some great sailing.
Two boats still on the pond and others may come, may be the last time this week. Remember there is a lion’s club fishing derby sat 27th. I will keep checking it and give a report if it comes around again.
Bob S
Quaboag 2/22/24 Credit George Neyssen
As most of you know there is a change in the weather moving through. How will it effect our ice? Talk of and forecasting weather is a constant din for us all and i’m sure a topic of discussion Thursday night.
Think Ice,
John
DN5023
John@neiya.org
New England Ice Yacht Association 