First Sailing and Western Challenge!!
As far as we know Mike Madge and the Thunder Bay crowd are first on the ice this fall…. Congrats Mike!
Click and take a look at the video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yl8rSIukIa8&feature=player_embedded
And don’t forget the Great Western Challenge is coming up fast! Get it on your calendars and watch the web for news:
Western Challenge: An unsanctioned fun regatta
Date: December 6-8, 2019
Location: Best ice in Minnesota
Information: iceboating.net
Latest On WI Skeeter Build….
Dan Hearn weighs in again with another, shall we say, interesting report on his Skeeter build….
Click and enjoy!
https://www.iceboat.org/2019/11/04/spaight-st-syndicate-whats-in-a-name/
Bob Reeves: Sail On….
We bid a sad and fond farewell to Bob Reeves-
Mike Acebo shares his memories of the man here:
More Boat Legends From Hal, Roger Livingston & Tomorrow’s NEIYA Meeting
Just a few more reasons to stop by have been added Bill Buchholz will be bringing Hal Chamberlain’s DN down, Roger Livingston’s boats are looking for a good home and though it’s not an iceboat, there will be a foiling Catamaran for sale. If you’re not already coming to the annual meeting and swap meet here is another good reason to come.
Just spoke to our guy (that’s me) at Landfallnavigaton.com and there will be some safety related door prize give aways. Not that we need to bribe anyone just one more reason toc come tomorrow.
Don’t forget to pay your 2020 Dues and lunch online for tomorrow.
| Description | Price | |
| 2020 Membership | $30 |
 |
| 2020 Membership and Lunch | $45 |
|
| 2020 Membership for one & Lunch x2 | $60 |
|
| Lunch Only | $15 |
|
Fred Greis will be bringing Hal Chamberlain’s HICDIC to our swap meet. I saw the boat in Greenport last month complete with stickers from a 1989 trip to Siberia. It is a piece of local iceboating history and a must-see. Hicdic needs to stay in New England and hopefully, someone can make a new home for her
Questions about this craft? Give Fred a call 516-313-7788
Meeting Details below
Please pay online before the meeting. Do it now while your thining of iceboating. Our treasurer Bob Haag will greatful. It’s really easy and I can tell you that some of our more senior members have paid online so the fear of technology is no excuse.
| Description | Price | |
| 2020 Membership | $30 |
|
| 2020 Membership and Lunch | $45 |
|
| 2020 Membership for one & Lunch x2 | $60 |
|
| Lunch Only | $15 |
|
Dig out your old gear and post for sale. People can preview online and arrange for pickup. Get something new and get rid of what your not using.
The NEIYA Annual Meeting Swap Meet and Luncheon is Saturday, November 2, 2019, in Hudson MA. Remember the new venue, the same as last year. Parking lot activities generally begin around 10 am with lunch at noon. The full schedule of activities will be released in a couple weeks.
Hudson-Concord Elks Hall
99 Park Street, Hudson, MA 01749
Everyone loved the new venue so we are back again. As you recall there is plenty of parking lot space so bring ice boat stuff to sell or just show off your latest project before it hits the ice? Bring it on down all are welcome.
Come and celebrate last season, and get ready for an even 2019/2020 iceboating season.
Let’s be ready to roll when the “Polar Vortex” comes down for a visit.
If you have not dragged your craft(s) out of storage now’s the time. Get ready. Sort through your gear and consider selling or trading the extras at the swap meet or via our classified section. Help fellow enthusiasts get on the ice and sail fast. Remember what’s old and slow to you is fast and new to someone else.
See you there,
John
John@neiya.org
P.S. Question, concerns, want more info, want to try out iceboating, or want to help.
A Legend Returns For The NEIYA Meeting This Saturday
This Saturday a New England iceboat legend returns, at least his boat. If you’re not already coming to the annual meeting and swap meet here is another good reason to come.
Fred Greis will be bringing Hal Chamberlain’s HICDIC to our swap meet. I saw the boat in Greenport last month complete with stickers from a 1989 trip to Siberia. It is a piece of local iceboating history and a must-see. Hicdic needs to stay in New England and hopefully, someone can make a new home for her
Questions about this craft? Give Fred a call 516-313-7788
Meeting Details below
Please pay online before the meeting. Do it now while your thining of iceboating. Our treasurer Bob Haag will greatful. It’s really easy and I can tell you that some of our more senior members have paid online so the fear of technology is no excuse.
| Description | Price | |
| 2020 Membership | $30 |
|
| 2020 Membership and Lunch | $45 |
|
| 2020 Membership for one & Lunch x2 | $60 |
|
| Lunch Only | $15 |
|
Dig out your old gear and post for sale. People can preview online and arrange for pickup. Get something new and get rid of what your not using.
The NEIYA Annual Meeting Swap Meet and Luncheon is Saturday, November 2, 2019, in Hudson MA. Remember the new venue, the same as last year. Parking lot activities generally begin around 10 am with lunch at noon. The full schedule of activities will be released in a couple weeks.
Hudson-Concord Elks Hall
99 Park Street, Hudson, MA 01749
Everyone loved the new venue so we are back again. As you recall there is plenty of parking lot space so bring ice boat stuff to sell or just show off your latest project before it hits the ice? Bring it on down all are welcome.
Come and celebrate last season, and get ready for an even 2019/2020 iceboating season.
Let’s be ready to roll when the “Polar Vortex” comes down for a visit.
If you have not dragged your craft(s) out of storage now’s the time. Get ready. Sort through your gear and consider selling or trading the extras at the swap meet or via our classified section. Help fellow enthusiasts get on the ice and sail fast. Remember what’s old and slow to you is fast and new to someone else.
See you there,
John
John@neiya.org
P.S. Question, concerns, want more info, want to try out iceboating, or want to help.
Memberships!
Hey Gang- time to sign up and / or renew any and all club memberships you have! Obviously you’ll want to start with the NEIYA, then move along to CIBC and on to whichever classes you are interested in… all great organizations and none will break the bank!
NEIYA:
https://theneiya.org/
CIBC
https://iceboat.me/membership/
IDNIYRA
https://www.idniyra.org/membership/
And on down the line…
See you all at the meeting this Saturday!
One Week To Go Till Our NEIYA Meeting
Don’t forget our Annual Meeting and Swap Meet next Saturday!
It’s all about the people. Old, new and friends to be. We share a passion in iceboating. Whether your a seasoned iceboater or just want to get involved don’t miss out next Saturday. All are welcome…
Please pay your dues and lunch online. Our tresurer Bob Haag will greatly appreiate it. Links below you can pay by credit card or PayPal
| Description | Price | |
| 2020 Membership | $30 |
|
| 2020 Membership and Lunch | $45 |
|
| 2020 Membership for one & Lunch x2 | $60 |
|
| Lunch Only | $15 |
|
Dig out your old gear and post for sale. People can preview online and arrange for pickup. Get something new and get rid of what your not using.
The NEIYA Annual Meeting Swap Meet and Luncheon is Saturday, November 2, 2019, in Hudson MA. Remember the new venue, the same as last year. Parking lot activities generally begin around 10 am with lunch at noon. The full schedule of activities will be released in a couple weeks.
Hudson-Concord Elks Hall
99 Park Street, Hudson, MA 01749
Everyone loved the new venue so we are back again. As you recall there is plenty of parking lot space so bring ice boat stuff to sell or just show off your latest project before it hits the ice? Bring it on down all are welcome.
Come and celebrate last season, and get ready for an even 2019/2020 iceboating season.
Let’s be ready to roll when the “Polar Vortex” comes down for a visit.
If you have not dragged your craft(s) out of storage now’s the time. Get ready. Sort through your gear and consider selling or trading the extras at the swap meet or via our classified section. Help fellow enthusiasts get on the ice and sail fast. Remember what’s old and slow to you is fast and new to someone else.
See you there,
John
John@neiya.org
P.S. Question, concerns, want more info, want to try out iceboating, or want to help.
Fair Winds To Olaf Harken
If you’ve ever been on a boat and pulled on a line, chances are it was running through a Harken block.
The Harken line of sailing hardware started with a quest by Olaf and Peter Harken to have efficient blocks for their iceboats. From that simple genesis it expanded into the extraordinary company it is today. The range and quality of the hardware they make is just staggering.
Along the way the brothers had adventures too numerous to mention here but are detailed in a book by Olaf called “Fun Times In Boats, Blocks and Business.” It is an inspiring winter read- get it here: https://www.amazon.com/Fun-Times-Boats-Blocks-Business/dp/0996285008/ref=sr_1_24?keywords=harken&qid=1571830158&sr=8-24
Olaf passed quietly in his sleep a few days ago- we send our thoughts and condolences to his family, friends, and everyone in the Harken world.
Paul Exner: Elusive EQUINOX of Sailing – iceboat.org
Talk about living the Dream….
https://www.iceboat.org/2019/10/19/paul-exner-elusive-equinox-of-sailing/
Two Weeks Till The NEIYA Meet Up Saturday November 2nd
Don’t forget our Annual Meeting and Swap Meet the first Saturday of November. Please pay your dues and lunch online. And dig out your old gear and post for sale. People will appreciate the preview online!
The NEIYA Annual Meeting Swap Meet and Luncheon is Saturday, November 2, 2019, in Hudson MA. Remember the new venue, the same as last year. Parking lot activities generally begin around 10 am with lunch at noon. The full schedule of activities will be released in a couple weeks.
Hudson-Concord Elks Hall
99 Park Street, Hudson, MA 01749
Historic IceBoating
https://www.inkwellinspirations.com/2014/01/historic-winter-sports-ice-sailing.html
DN Sailing on Lake Baikal in March 2020 – DN North America
Food for thought if you are looking for some great sailing and a greater adventure! Trust me, I’ve gone on one of these trips… just amazing. And won’t break the bank either! Click and read:
https://www.idniyra.org/2019/10/13/dn-sailing-on-lake-baikal-in-march-2020/
Be There November 2nd – NEIYA Meeting, Swap & Lunch
Don’t forget our Annual Meeting and Swap Meet first Saturday of November. Please pay your dues and lunch online. And dig out your old gear and post for sale. People will appreciate the preview online!
The NEIYA Annual Meeting Swap Meet, and Luncheon is Saturday, November 2, 2019, in Hudson MA. Remember the new venue, same as last year. Parking lot activities generally begin around 10 am with lunch at noon. The full schedule of activities will be released in a couple weeks.
Hudson-Concord Elks Hall
99 Park Street, Hudson, MA 01749
Barn Find DN…. Take a look!
Steve Duhamel of NorthWind IceBoats sends in this slighty-less-than-accurate description of his latest barn-find…. Read and learn….
Barn / Shed Find DN
Late 30’s style DN Closely built to DN 60 Plans as published by the Detroit News Sunday addition projects to build at home work shop.
Great care of construction details were exercised in following the plan’s measurements.
Hardware is all Blacksmith formed.
Hemp rope rigging and sheet line was produced by the Cortege Park in Plymouth MA just before shutting down for good in 1939.
Sail material is Egyptian Cotton with corn starch sizing and black silk reinforcement.
Battens are slow growth Vietnamese bamboo foam core fiberglass.
Blades are forged from used horse shoes. Glue is suspected to be from that same horse that donated the blade material.
While walking in the woods one day, looking for a suitable mast. A bolt of lightning came out of nowhere and struck a nice straight wing shaped tree. Although burned black by the lightning strike, it proved to be just what the project needed. A branch from the same tree provided the boom.
Pulleys (from the sliding barn door from which the boat was pulled) were the only parts from the original design drawings.
Ready to be enjoyed again after a sympathetic cleaning.
Offers will be considered.
Steve’s description is amusing (who knew he had that sense of humor) and is even more so if you’ve ever seen this boat- It’s not a legal DN as it is made of carbon and God only knows what else. But is it ever sexy. If there is a piece of metal, it’s polished to a mirror finish. If there is a piece of carbon (ie the entire hull), it’s clear-coated to perfection. The sail is high aspect, high tech, and this thing is ready to blaze across the ice and elicit some serious drooling in the launch area.
I don’t know if he really wants to sell it or not but it can’t hurt to ask!
Contact Steve through http://www.northwindiceboats.com/ to take a look and for all of your iceboating needs!
November 2nd – NEIYA Meeting, Swap & Lunch
Don’t forget our Annual Meeting and Swap Meet first Saturday of November. Please pay your dues and lunch online. And dig out your old gear and post for sale. People will appreciate the preview online!
The NEIYA Annual Meeting Swap Meet, and Luncheon is Saturday, November 2, 2019, in Hudson MA. Remember the new venue, same as last year. Parking lot activities generally begin around 10 am with lunch at noon. The full schedule of activities will be released in a couple weeks.
Hudson-Concord Elks Hall
99 Park Street, Hudson, MA 01749
Van Rossem Crushes It In Germany
Another Canadian raising hell in Europe is Kingston, Ontario DNer Peter Van Rossem. He’s been campaigning in his Shark 24 pretty hard and it’s been paying off-
A win at the North American champs was impressive enough but he followed that up with a second at the World Champs in Germany.
Well done Peter and crew! If he is going as fast this winter as he was last summer he will be a force to be reckoned with on the ice….
Check results here:
Shark NA Champs
https://www.shark24.ca/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/2019_North_American_Championship_Results.pdf?x45197
Shark World Champs
World Championship SHARK24 2019 in R�bel-M�ritz – powered by http://www.raceoffice.org
Out Of Place….
…But great to see! Dave Ross (DN KC 5202) is over is Lisbon, Portugal doing a little travelling. Of course he wandered out of the 80 degree heat and into the local Maritime Museum and what does he see?
A very nice model of an old stern steerer. Portugal is not exactly a mecca of iceboating activity but very cool to see that they included the model at the museum. One wonders what kind of reactions it gets every day. And who had the idea to feature it in the first place!
As Dave says, “The cult is very far flung.”
Thanks Dave!
Think Ice!
Skeeter Build- The Latest
Dan Hearn still working furiously on the new Skeeter….
Click and catch up!
https://www.iceboat.org/2019/10/07/spaight-st-syndicate-bubble-baby-skeeter-got-back/
LI Cross Training….
Scott Valentine and the gang on LI are getting into the apparent wind zone… Not a frozen lake but in a pinch a parking lot will do! Will be watching out for these guys when it gets cold…
Not long until the Swap Meet, early Ice and Western Challenge…. mark your calendars!
Anyone Near Gull Lake, MI?
I believe there has been quite a bit of iceboating done on Michigan’s Gull Lake over the years, and this weekend there is a cool soft water event going on;
A regatta for Vintage Star Boats. Sounds like a great event, full of vintage boats and some of the true legends of the Star world, including my old college buddy Arnis Baltins crewing for Lars Grael. Pretty good bet there will be some hard-water sailors in the fleet….
The boats will be on display Friday for all of us aficionados to gawk at. And you never know who you will bump into on the dock!
Click the link and take a look…..
https://mailchi.mp/358a5ffa1c78/3rd-annual-vintage-gold-cup-regatta-on-gull-lake-michigan?e=f576e4cc07
Think ICE!!
Shop Envy…..
…Take a look at these photos and you will have it. This is the secret lab of the one and only Bill Bucholz, hidden away in a secret location in the Maine Midcoast region (Camden).
It has everything an iceboater could ever want. Heat, ceiling high enough to step a mast indoors, benches, light, every tool you could ever need, a thousand clamps, cool pictures, and for style points a stained-glass window depicting an iceboat. Wow.
Look at the pictures and have a drool! And when you’re done get yourself into your own shop and start working on your gear- there’s a nip in the air….
Think ICE!
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- bb shop 1
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- bb shop 2
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- bb shop 3
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- bb shop 5
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- bb shop 6
Great Barn Rescue
If you are looking for an economical way to get on the ice with style points to spare you might want to look into this craft:
https://worcester.craigslist.org/for/d/north-grafton-ice-sailboat-racer-vintage/6984608867.html
Very cool, hope someone can get it out of the barn and onto the ice this winter!
Thanks to John Pepper for sending the link.
Think ICE!! The season is on the way….
Things Are Stirring In MD…. Take a look!
Ice Report #1
2019 – 2020 Ice Sailing Season
DN DCL Ice Sailors,
Who knew? Who knew that we would be here to experience the second decade of the second millennial! But here we are! And right on the threshold of the best DCL Ice Sailing Season yet!
Mark your calendars for Saturday of Thanksgiving weekend (11/30/19). We will get together starting at 10:00 am at the Ice House, at the Ice Man’s place, to set up, tune up, and sharpen all of those neglected runners! Ice Man performed the first LRT (Little Rock Test) this past weekend and believe it or not it seemed to hesitate for just a micro second before plunging through the surface… Ground Hog says that means six weeks to ICE!
This year please bring any ice sailing gear you want to barter, sell or give away. We have several sailors that could use some upgrades to equipment you may not be currently using.
Please bring beverages, snacks or deserts to share. IceMan will have hot dogs and hamburgers grilling for all. Let me know if you and another plan to attend… no sense fighting over that last burger!!!
The Great Western Challenge is scheduled for 12/6-8… unfortunately I told a few people wrong… it actually is the weekend right after Thanksgiving… lets see if we have any interest for a 22 hour road trip!
Pictures are… last season’s core group of Ice Junkies, Tom Wolfe in Howling Wolfe approaching the leeward mark and lastly the Ice Man our West on the big ice. Wish you were there!
Now.. open up your refrigerators and freezers, get a fan and start blowing all of that freezing cold air out on to our beautiful lake!!! This is the season we will break out John Meredith’s ice fleet… from Ice Opti to Skeeter and everything in between… BE THERE! Grab your DN, your gear and bring your honey to the Ice Sailing Tune Up!
Ice sailing fever knows no bounds…
Think Ice!
IceMan
US 5576
New England Ice Yacht Association 