DN Class Ballot- Votes Needed!
Hey Folks-
That time again, be sure to read up and cast your vote!
Notice of Electronic Ballot – DN North America (idniyra.org)
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With a little help from my friends….
Many years ago I brought this 1940ish Meade 22’ skeeter home from the NEIYA swap meet. It was in rough shape. On arrival home my wife immediately discovered me struggling to hide it in her garage and at that point I was swiftly informed that I have a habit of ‘impulse purchasing’ when it comes to old boats. I assured her on the spot that I knew exactly what I was doing and that as long as I admitted that I have a problem dragging boats home I’m well on the road to recovery. “12 steps… one day at a time. I’m healing”, and the skeeter was quickly rerouted to the barn.
Short story spoiler alert: I truly don’t have any prior knowledge about these large boats. They’re a bit intimidating, require help to move about, and there is no instruction manual in the glove box to help sort out the details. So what’s the good news here? It’s the depth of the NEIYA’s member experience. It seems whenever I ask anybody a question I don’t just get an answer rather, I hear myriad options. Parts are often offered on the spot. Advice is rampant. Motivation is unavoidable! Apparently at this point I’ve run out of excuses not to have Chilly Willy (formerly Skat) on the ice for 2023 and I owe a ton of thanks to all my advisors and mentors for that.
It’s palpable now. Momentum is clearly building for the Vintage Returns 2023 event. We’ve heard from many sailors that they are planning to revisit the hard waters of lake Winnipesaukee after a long hiatus. By all appearances this is turning out to be the seasonal event not-to-miss. I hope to see you and your family there, where extra help and hands are waiting to assist you, for sharing rides, keeping warm by an on-ice fire pit, eating good pot luck food…. and of course, enjoying good company.
Help dig out the old boats! Offer assistance and encouragement to newcomers and others in need. Get them to the ice and we can all help from there… This is the year Vintage Returns!
You’ll never fly if you don’t try….
More info on the tune-up clinic to follow shortly. The annual clinic is a GREAT place to have your questions answered, meet the gang, and become hopelessly addicted to the fastest sailing on the planet. All sailors welcome. No experience necessary.
VCJW
NEIYA 2022 Fall Swap, Lunch & Meeting Recap
Some 75 seasoned and would-be iceboaters gathered once again for new Engaland ice Yacht Association’s annual gathering which includes a swap meet, lunch, and annual meeting. There was equipment galore for any vintage craft. From state-of-the-art to vintage wooden spars as well as blades. There are a couple complete boats for any level of sailing and plenty of parts in the Classified section. Find your new to you iceboat and bring it to the Lamb Tune-up 11/26 (more below and to follow). We will be sure your are well on your way to sailing when the ice comes in.
The hit of the lot was VC Jay’s recent acquisition Blue Streak which was well preserved in a barn near Squam Lake but had not felt ice under her runners in many years. The Blue Streak and many other vintage classics will be hitting the ice again next year. More on the Vintage Returns Event to follow. Think about it while you’re sipping coffee from your NEIYA Vintage mug. Don’t have one? There are a few more mugs left over and available to current members at the Lamb Tune-Up on 11/26
Pay Your Dues – First Request
| Dues Time | Price | |
| 2023 Membership | $30 |
 |
| Mail in Form But Please Try Doing it Online PayPal Not Required | ||
Thanks to all those in the lot working hard to pass gear on to the next pilot. Henry is selling a complete competitive DN with just enough carbon fiber to eliminate equipment excuses on the course. It will be on the classified section soon and I bet it will be available at the Tune-Up for pick. Don’t forget Steve Duhamel of https://www.northwindiceboats.com/ has most anything you need to get your program up to speed. I still have two masts for sale. One CSI mast suitable for someone 200# or over and the other a stiffer one made at Hall Spars. Several people were looking at them. Now’s the time to work a deal. You know how to reach out to me.
Pay Your Dues – Second Request
| Dues Time | Price | |
| 2023 Membership | $30 |
|
| Mail in Form But Please Try Doing it Online PayPal Not Required | ||
Shortly after herding everyone (almost) inside lunch was served followed by our usual agenda. Commodore John Stanton kicked things off with thank yous all around. Thanks to all those that helped make it happen including VC Jay, Secretary Karen, and Treasurer Bob and Henry Tompson Speedway inside connection. Special thanks to those that came early offering parts. Steve, Paul, Jeff, and everyone else dragging parts to sell. Thanks for your continued support, we can’t do it without you guys!
We all had a chance to say farewell to long time DNer and friend Jack Erickson. Jack sheet in and sail on black ice towards the horizon.
The meeting continued with reports from our Secretary, Treasurer and Race Chair “T”. His 2022 report was brief as we were not able to get any races completed but will surely have better luck this coming season. “T” also outlined the planned races which will include starts for older non gran-prix boats. So don’t have intimidated by the abundant display or carbon fiber as there is plenty of competition at every level. So make it a point to participate this coming season.
Official notice of the Vintage Returns event was announced followed by the event genesis and overview by Jay. More on this next week. The meeting next morphed into a round table discussion about Vintage Ice Yachts. Thanks to our panelists included Bill Buchholz, Charlie Silfvenius (aka Charlie S), George Neyssen and all others that participated in a lively and informative discussion on how to return an vintage craft to the ice.
Discussions continued regarding the already in place coordinating with vintage boat owners and area representatives from all over New England, Long Island NY, the majestic Hudson, and the Jersey Shore home of many classics.
The stage is set for a grand event that might even bring Jack Frost and Rocket back together again. The welcome mat is on the ice for any vintage craft. I know diesel prices are high but maybe some Mid-Western boats can come east to play?
The meeting was adjourned and people returned to the lot for another couple more hours of ice and boat talk.
Upcoming – Lamb Off-Ice Tune-up Sat, Nov 26th
Steve and Linda Lamb have once again graciously invited us back to the Arthur C Lamb shop for an Off-Ice Tune-up event The Off Ice Tune-up is back and scheduled for Saturday, November 26th.
If you have any interest in iceboating this is the place to be on the 26th. The Iceboating welcome mat is out. Come on down.
Date: Saturday, November 26th
Time: 10:00 am – 3:00 pm
Location: Arthur C. Lamb Company Refreshments: Served continuously throughout the day
Google Directions: https://goo.gl/maps/3zuJS2G2Nm3BwLYs5
We have a full schedule of events but want to focus on the new iceboaters and Vintage crafts for looking to participate in next years event.. Struggling to figure it all out? Let us help you get your boat on the ice for the first time or first in a long time.
Calling all Newbies here is your chance to have even the questions you didn’t know to ask answered. Bring your boats down to be surveyed by a collective of easily 1000 years of iceboating experience. I have spoken to several of you personally at the swap meet and along the way so don’t procrastinate. Make it happen this season.
Other happenings during the day will be
- Demonstrating plank construction techniques
- Right of Way Rules
- Racing for the beginner because going fast is always measured against someone else.
- Runner chock alignment techniques
- Runner Care
- Ice checking Round Table Discussion
Pay Your Dues – Third Request and a Charm!
| Dues Time | Price | |
| 2023 Membership | $30 |
|
| Mail in Form But Please Try Doing it Online PayPal Not Required | ||
Thanks to all those who attended it was a great gathering. It would not have been a success without you. Perhaps my wearing shorts set up the warm days that followed but we all know it will get cold soon enough. Predictions are for a La Niña cycle which means be ready to roll, even faster than usual as chaotic weather will follow fast. So get ready for the 2022-23 season and stay tuned for first ice coming to a northern pond somewhere. See you at Steve Lamb’s shop on the 26th.
Think Ice & Sail Fast,
John Stanton
Commodore, NEIYA
DN5023
John@neiya.org
P.S. For those who might have missed the NOAA La Niña hyperlink https://www.weather.gov/iwx/la_nina Also some informative coverage from the European site severe-weather.eu – https://www.severe-weather.eu/tag/la-nina/
NEIYA 2022 Fall Swap, Lunch & Meeting Recap
Some 75 seasoned and would-be iceboaters gathered once again for new Engaland ice Yacht Association’s annual gathering which includes a swap meet, lunch, and annual meeting. There was equipment galore for any vintage craft. From state-of-the-art to vintage wooden spars as well as blades. There are a couple complete boats for any level of sailing and plenty of parts in the Classified section. Find your new to you iceboat and bring it to the Lamb Tune-up 11/26 (more below and to follow). We will be sure your are well on your way to sailing when the ice comes in.
The hit of the lot was VC Jay’s recent acquisition Blue Streak which was well preserved in a barn near Squam Lake but had not felt ice under her runners in many years. The Blue Streak and many other vintage classics will be hitting the ice again next year. More on the Vintage Returns Event to follow. Think about it while you’re sipping coffee from your NEIYA Vintage mug. Don’t have one? There are a few more mugs left over and available to current members at the Lamb Tune-Up on 11/26
Pay Your Dues – First Request
| Dues Time | Price | |
| 2023 Membership | $30 |
|
| Mail in Form But Please Try Doing it Online PayPal Not Required | ||
Thanks to all those in the lot working hard to pass gear on to the next pilot. Henry is selling a complete competitive DN with just enough carbon fiber to eliminate equipment excuses on the course. It will be on the classified section soon and I bet it will be available at the Tune-Up for pick. Don’t forget Steve Duhamel of https://www.northwindiceboats.com/ has most anything you need to get your program up to speed. I still have two masts for sale. One CSI mast suitable for someone 200# or over and the other a stiffer one made at Hall Spars. Several people were looking at them. Now’s the time to work a deal. You know how to reach out to me.
Pay Your Dues – Second Request
| Dues Time | Price | |
| 2023 Membership | $30 |
|
| Mail in Form But Please Try Doing it Online PayPal Not Required | ||
Shortly after herding everyone (almost) inside lunch was served followed by our usual agenda. Commodore John Stanton kicked things off with thank yous all around. Thanks to all those that helped make it happen including VC Jay, Secretary Karen, and Treasurer Bob and Henry Tompson Speedway inside connection. Special thanks to those that came early offering parts. Steve, Paul, Jeff, and everyone else dragging parts to sell. Thanks for your continued support, we can’t do it without you guys!
We all had a chance to say farewell to long time DNer and friend Jack Erickson. Jack sheet in and sail on black ice towards the horizon.
The meeting continued with reports from our Secretary, Treasurer and Race Chair “T”. His 2022 report was brief as we were not able to get any races completed but will surely have better luck this coming season. “T” also outlined the planned races which will include starts for older non gran-prix boats. So don’t have intimidated by the abundant display or carbon fiber as there is plenty of competition at every level. So make it a point to participate this coming season.
Official notice of the Vintage Returns event was announced followed by the event genesis and overview by Jay. More on this next week. The meeting next morphed into a round table discussion about Vintage Ice Yachts. Thanks to our panelists included Bill Buchholz, Charlie Silfvenius (aka Charlie S), George Neyssen and all others that participated in a lively and informative discussion on how to return an vintage craft to the ice.
Discussions continued regarding the already in place coordinating with vintage boat owners and area representatives from all over New England, Long Island NY, the majestic Hudson, and the Jersey Shore home of many classics.
The stage is set for a grand event that might even bring Jack Frost and Rocket back together again. The welcome mat is on the ice for any vintage craft. I know diesel prices are high but maybe some Mid-Western boats can come east to play?
The meeting was adjourned and people returned to the lot for another couple more hours of ice and boat talk.
Upcoming – Lamb Off-Ice Tune-up Sat, Nov 26th
Steve and Linda Lamb have once again graciously invited us back to the Arthur C Lamb shop for an Off-Ice Tune-up event The Off Ice Tune-up is back and scheduled for Saturday, November 26th.
If you have any interest in iceboating this is the place to be on the 26th. The Iceboating welcome mat is out. Come on down.
Date: Saturday, November 26th
Time: 10:00 am – 3:00 pm
Location: Arthur C. Lamb Company Refreshments: Served continuously throughout the day
Google Directions: https://goo.gl/maps/3zuJS2G2Nm3BwLYs5
We have a full schedule of events but want to focus on the new iceboaters and Vintage crafts for looking to participate in next years event.. Struggling to figure it all out? Let us help you get your boat on the ice for the first time or first in a long time.
Calling all Newbies here is your chance to have even the questions you didn’t know to ask answered. Bring your boats down to be surveyed by a collective of easily 1000 years of iceboating experience. I have spoken to several of you personally at the swap meet and along the way so don’t procrastinate. Make it happen this season.
Other happenings during the day will be
- Demonstrating plank construction techniques
- Right of Way Rules
- Racing for the beginner because going fast is always measured against someone else.
- Runner choke alignment techniques
- Runner Care
- Ice checking Round Table Discussion
Pay Your Dues – Third Request and a Charm!
| Dues Time | Price | |
| 2023 Membership | $30 |
|
| Mail in Form But Please Try Doing it Online PayPal Not Required | ||
Thanks to all those who attended it was a great gathering. It would not have been a success without you. Perhaps my wearing shorts set up the warm days that followed but we all know it will get cold soon enough. Predictions are for a La Niña cycle which means be ready to roll, even faster than usual as chaotic weather will follow fast. So get ready for the 2022-23 season and stay tuned for first ice coming to a northern pond somewhere. See you at Steve Lamb’s shop on the 26th.
Think Ice & Sail Fast,
John Stanton
Commodore, NEIYA
DN5023
John@neiya.org
P.S. For those who might have missed the NOAA La Niña hyperlink https://www.weather.gov/iwx/la_nina Also some informative coverage from the European site severe-weather.eu – https://www.severe-weather.eu/tag/la-nina/
In Memory of Jack Erickson DN3186
It is with a heavy heart that I must share the sad news of Jack Ericskon’s (DN3186) passing. Jack was a longtime NEIYA member and avid DN racer. He competed in countless local, regional, and major DN events over the years.
Jack was one of the original and regular members of the CSI Thursday night gang. Anyone that attended these sessions has more than a few Jack stories. Some publishable others, well not so much but will surely be rehashed and shared offline.
Jack was a “Boat Guy” with a passion for all crafts sitting in or on top of the water. A passion that spread to every vessel he came in contact with.
His van was well-prepped for winter travel with some of the most aggressive snow/ice tires at the regatta launch area. Jack did not like getting stuck!
His dry wit and insistence on precision, precise detail, and unwavering sense of right & wrong (lovingly enforced with a ball pein hammer) will be missed by all.
Next time you’re in the pits or looking down the Prestart Line look hard and you might catch a glimpse of DN3186 out of the corner of your eye.
Please share your memories and pictures of Jack in the comment section or send them directly to me for all to reminisce.
Jack, fair winds, and black ice clear to the horizon.
Think Ice,
John Stanton
Commodore, New England Ice Yacht Association
DN5023
John@neiya.org
The 2023 ‘Vintage Challenge’ is on!
As temperatures start to fall for the season we are officially calling out for the vintage fleet to return to the ice. If you own or know of any boats that have been tucked away for too long this is the year to dig them out and get them up to speed once again. Normally it just takes a little help from your friends to pull a boat from storage, assess it, make a few repairs and then prep it for easy trailering. The best time to do that is now when it is warm and colorful – it’s a GREAT time to be outside! If you know of anybody that might not be aware of our special ‘Year of the Vintage’ and has a craft that seems appropriate to sail please encourage them (call them out!) and offer the help they might need to bring their kit to the ice. A reminder to all that at our 2023 primary event there will be many willing hands waiting to help those in need for launching, set up and removal. We want to see as many vintage boats as possible. No matter the design, condition, or builder. At this time it looks as though the main event will be held on Lake Winnipesauke in central NH. The most central venue we can work with.
NEIYA would like to thank Frank Pratt and Randy Rice of the NH Lakes region for coordinating the donation of a D class stern steering ice boat. The boat sat idle for decades in a garage gathering dust and getting buried deeper with each passing summer. As you can see in the photos below, the first wipe of a cloth reveals a beautiful boat that had been long forgotten. The boats name which is stenciled on the original sail bag is “Blue Streak”. The age of the boat as with most other details has yet to be determined. Is it possible this small stern steerer is the forefather of the Bluestreak class ice boats? The Bluestreak 60 class eventually changed its name to the DN60. How many boats might have carried the name Blue Streak back in the days? Bringing a boat like Bluestreak back to the public eye is exactly the goal of this years event. Seeing the old varnished wood sail again, taking and offering rides, regaining knowledge of our vintage history. Who knows…. we might even hear some vintage “winter thunder” roaring down the lake. Keep in mind you have to be there to witness it. Just like to ‘ole days.
Ice Report!!
From the CIBC site…. Time to dust off the iceboat gear and get going on the worklist from last season!
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SWAP MEET TIME
Hey Folks- The NEIYA Swap Meet is coming up on October 29 but there are other meets to attend if you don’t live in NE- Click the link and take a look!
Attend Your Local Iceboat Swap Meet – DN North America (idniyra.org)
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“Year of the Vintage” planning continues…
Charles Silfvenius with his 19’ early 1900’s stern steerer “Cyclone”. Wolfboro bay. NH
Drone photo courtesy Ebben Whitehair
As we continue in the planning stage of our 2023 “Year of the Vintage” regatta I wanted to share this wonderful article by Paul Goodwin about the origination of the Blue Streak 60 class which eventually became the DN 60 in the 1950’s. It’s an excellent starting place for us jump back into our history. I assure you more articles will follow soon.
Click here for the link: https://idniyra.org/old/articles/blue_streak60.htm
The main focus of this years special regatta is to bring out the old wood! There are no requirements or class limits to worry about rather, we just want to see as many old boats as possible show up for all to enjoy. There will be plenty of hands to get boats up and running so this is the event to dig it out from deep storage, load it onto a trailer and see if we can make it go. Big speed isn’t the focus this round… showing up is. Support, good company, a pot-luck meal or two, a few prizes and a ton of laughs will meet you at the ramp and it is a family friendly venue. If your old kit moves on runners, has a sail, and you consider it vintage please join us and bring it along. Encourage your friends to do the same. This is THE event to get out the old wood. If you don’t have a vintage boat bring something more modern for a good view of the old boats at speed. Stay tuned with the NEIYA… more to come!
Get Started!
Have to love this guy- Be sure to share these vids with anyone you know who may be interested in getting out this winter!
Well done, Sam
VIDEO: Time to think iceboating >> Scuttlebutt Sailing News (sailingscuttlebutt.com)
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September Runner Tracks
Hey Folks- The latest edition on Runner Tracks is out and is required reading whether you are in the DN class or not-
Look at it online or shell out a few bucks and get a paper copy-
And congrats to Pete Van Rossem and J.R. Francis on making the cover!
Runner Tracks Newsletter September 2022 – DN North America (idniyra.org)
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Autumn is Cresting the Horizon
Brothers & Sisters of WIND, ICE, and SPEED, the current is slack but the turn is imminent. In simpler terms Winter is coming. Many of us sail year round but it just isn’t enough and miss the ICE and more importantly the SPEED. Winter will be here in a few months. With Labor Day Weekend coming up fast and autumn looming our thoughts have shifted to ICE and SPEED. It’s never too early to pull your gear out and assess where you are for the upcoming season.
With all the pressures of covid we missed celebrating the New England Ice Yacht Association’s 50th anniversary. Like so many things our official celebration will during this years swap and annual meeting. People have been kind enough to send many vintage pictures in the past few years and if you come across anymore please send them to me.
We have a great season coming up. There will be our usual Fall Swap and Luncheon of course as well as an additional pre-ice event or two. Details for the Fall Swap and Lunch are in the works and I encourage anyone with any ideas to reach out to me or one of the other officers. This event has grown over the years and we can use some help.
This season racing will return, of course, headed up by our Race Chair “T” James Thieler. “T” will also hold the title of Rear Commodore in the IDNIYRA taking over from Chad Atkins who tirelessly held the role for what seemed like a decade. In addition to racing, he will be sharing his, rank-proven, speed and racing knowledge with a series of GO-FAST sessions. Ask about his own QND inc. speed enhancing projects and creations when you see him.
It’s not all about racing and this season we will be kicking off a “Classic” iceboat gathering. This effort is being headed up by our Vice Commodore Jay Whitehair. The intent is to bring together as many stern steerers and other older ice boats in one place. The gathering will be a tribute to the artistry and craftsmanship of iceboat heritage. Individuals from around the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic (New England, NY, and NJ) have already committed to hauling their craft to where the ice is. More on this event in the coming weeks. Also Jay will need a hand in making this happen to please volunteer to help and pitch in if recruited.
I look forward to seeing everyone together again this fall and throughout 2023 iceboating season.
Think Ice,
John
Commodore, NEIYA
DN5023
John@neiya.org
DN CLASS 2023 RANK LIST IS OUT!
Hey Folks-
This summer heat will pass and we will be out in the cold soon enough….
In the meantime take a look at the new rank list, see where you are, where your friends are, where your rivals are…. Start setting goals and making lists!
Fire up the inspiring “Rocky” soundtrack music and hit the gym or just go in the garage and give your boat a pat, doesn’t matter. Just get ready to hit the ice!
2023 International Ranking List Published – DN North America (idniyra.org)
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America On Ice: Let’s Go Ice Sailing – Mystic Seaport Museum
Hey Folks- Take a few hours to listen to Henry Bosset and Deb Whitehorse talk all things iceboating-
Great way to learn a few things, beat the heat, and get fired up for the coming season!
Here is the link:
https://www.mysticseaport.org/events/america-on-ice-lets-go-ice-sailing/
Vintage Returns
NEIYA 2022-2023 Season
Shout out to all ice boats and yachts dating back through the ’80s and earlier. This is your year! The NEIYA is focusing on bringing back the sights and sounds of the vintage class. Our goal is to empty the attics, boathouses, and garages around New England of any boats that have been mothballed, neglected, or abandoned. Iceboating is always a group effort so we are calling upon our members to lend a hand to others that may need support in getting the old wood back out on the ice – and we are encouraging YOU to gather up your old parts and get those beautiful old crafts up and running again. This is your year. We are celebrating vintage.
Keep an eye on this NEIYA website for more details as they roll out. The highlight of the season will be a full vintage regatta. A full weekend of fun plus all the days in the following week we can muster. Good food, great company, prizes, rides.
To get the ball rolling we are asking you to take a moment and fill out the following survey. the information will be use to help guide the event parameters. Your input is important to us, and we want to hear from you. Please take a moment and answer the quick survey below.
Think Vintage,
Jay Whitehair
Vice Commodore NEIYA
Summer (ICE) Diversion
We are ticking off the milestones till we get on the ice again. The summer solstice is behind us, Independence Day is past and we are nearing the Dog Days halfway mark.
This weekend I was (again) reminded of how close our ice boat community is and the depths it reaches in sailing at all levels. At an after-race party on the Hudson (Chelsea, NY) I was introduced to someone I already knew through email correspondence on a classified ad for a DN. The boat sold and found a new home in Ontario Canada. That single classified ad connected iceboaters across the northeast and into Canada and down to the majestic Hudson. The Chelsea Yacht Club was originally founded as an iceboat club and many members sail classic stern steerers and more modern craft. For a historic view and classic iceboat origin check out Chelsea YC history. Great iceboat history read. If you have never perused the Hudson River Ice Yacht Clubs, site now’s the time.
This BIG iceboat community is exactly what is behind our Vice Commodore Jay Whitehair’s 2023 BIG Iceboat Gathering initiative. We are looking to hold a gathering of all iceboats next season. A parade of the ages featuring crafts from far and near.
Join us for our first preseason call to discuss the BIG Gathering as well as an upcoming summer drysuit demo next month. Pre Ice call is scheduled for tomorrow Tuesday night July 19th, at 6:15 pm and will last under an hour. To participate please drop me a note at john@neiya.org for login credentials.
Sail Fast, no matter what the craft,
John Stanton
DN5023
John@neiya.org
P.S. Keep cool this week with iceboat thoughts.
Summer Solstice 2022 — Ice Whispers Begin
Happy first day of summer. Happy Solstice. A time we have all cherished from an early age. Schools out, sailing, boating, beaches, fireflies, picnics, canoes, bike rides, surfing, fishing, etc.
I hope everyone is enjoying outdoor summer activities offshore, inshore, on our favorite lakes, or on land. Good luck to all the racers whether on a classic yacht, evening beer can races, around the buoys, or offshore. I am not sure but but likely someone in our crowd is about to finish or has finished the Newport Bermuda Race. Of course, there is always fun to just drop the hook for lunch, fish, or overnight. I will be participating in many of those activities in addition to racing an Ensign on the Hudson and I hope to see a few DNers at the Ensign Nationals under the shadow of the Tappan Zee in August.
As we count down to the first frost, first ice, and first sailable ice the New England Ice Yacht Association enters into our second 50 years of existence. We all (well those that were born before 1960 something) know what the last fifty looked like in the ’70s, ’80s, ’90s ’00s, 10’s, and the beginning of the 2020s. The question for all of us is, what will the next 50 years of the NEIYA look like? Something to think about as we soak up the sun and fun of summer.
Over the past few years getting on the ice to cruise or race has become increasingly more difficult. Challenges are hitting us iceboaters from many fronts, conditions have changed, and some of our beloved locations in New England have become unreliable, the ever-increasing commitment of our time on all fronts as well as covid and access and competition with other ice activities. While we hope the worst of covid has passed, it has left damage in it’s wake. The greatest, collateral damage is the end of our social gathering innocence. Some of which lingers in the back of our minds whenever we travel.
With the above in mind and a desire to kick off our next fifty years of New England iceboating with plenty of momentum, I want to hear from all involved. There will be a series of calls and gatherings of minds over the next few months. All are welcome to participate and some of you may feel a little arm twisting and herding to be sure you do. Please make an effort to attend when asked.
Think Ice and Sail Fast in any craft you’re steering,
John Stanton
Commodore NEIYA
DN5023
john@neiya.org
Land Yacht Racing at Loring
Our fifth, can you believe it, landsailing regatta is booked at Loring Air Base, Limestone Maine, for Wednesday September 14 through Sunday September 18. Everything will be pretty much as last time, but details will be posted here as the date approaches. It would be very helpful at this end for planning purposes if all registrations were in by August 15. Fees are fully refundable if you can’t make it at the last minute.
Still a bargain at a hundred bucks. Please include sail number and class. Weight if sailing BloKarts.
to:
Bill Buchholz
31 Gosses Hill Rd.
Camden, ME 04843
If you’re considering modifying your DN for land sailing, be sure to check out Steve Duhamel’s fine collection of hardware for just that. Northwindiceboats.com.
x
Mini Skeeters welcome!
Runner Tracks, May 2022
Hey Folks, there is some good reading available to help while away the coming summer months- Get your copy today!
Runner Tracks May 2022 – DN North America (idniyra.org)
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Notice of Electronic Ballot for 2022 IDNIYRA Elections – DN North America
Hey DN people- don’t forget that we have this class ballot to fill out- It’s easy and quick so get to it!
Remember, vote early and often!
https://www.idniyra.org/2022/04/25/notice-of-electronic-ballot-for-2022-idniyra-elections/
Bill Mattison, Fair Winds…
Hey Folks-
Apologies for being a little late on posting this but the sport lost a legend awhile back-
Bill Mattison embodied everything a person and an iceboater should be; likeable, competitive, smart, and helpful to rookies and experienced sailors alike.
He also had a thirst for adventure.
You know how we say “he ran off and joined the circus”? He actually did.
A lot of us want to build big Skeeters and spend a lifetime ripping it up on one of those babies. He actually did.
Many of us think it would have been cool to be involved in a big America’s Cup campaign back in the 1980’s and 1990’s when the Cup was really cool. He did it.
Fair winds, Bill. We are all better for having crossed tacks with you.
“Nothing Fickler” – iceboat.org
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Ice Options For Wednesday!
Hey Folks, good news is there is sailable ice up north if you can take Wednesday off-
Option one is Umbagog Lake in NH- Local knowledge tells us the surface is re-frozen snow and is ice-boat-able. Launch from the Umbagog Public Boat Launch in Errol.
Option Two is Moosehead Lake in Maine- Launch and sail out of Kelly’s Landing In Greenville Junction. Miles and miles of sailable ice, it was cruised extensively by the Mainiacs today…. Call ahead, rooms may still be available at Kelley’s Landing.
Ice on both lakes is refrozen snow, some snow machine tracks, maybe a 5 out of ten but hey, it’s almost April, how picky are you gonna be?
Tomorrow looks like a good day at both places- as always use caution and never sail alone!
Think Ice and Sail Safe
Moosehead Lake – ON Monday & Tuesday
Good morning,
This report below is from Bill Bucholz. Sailing at Moosehead is an unbelievable experience. The lake, scenery and stars are gorgeous. If you can take the day off from work DO IT! This may be the last ice of the season. Thanks, Karen, NEIYA Secretary
From Bill:
Here’s the lake this morning just after sunrise taken in Greenville Junction. The slush alongshore has frozen, and the plate is reported to be hard but not totally smooth. Sounds about right. Wind today and tomorrow is excellent. Accommodations at Kelly”s Landing. Launch at Greenville Junction boat launch. The launch ramp itself may be rotten but there are other slopes right alongside. Call me if you are coming so we don’t loose anyone. 207-975-6980.
billbuchholz | March 28, 2022 at 8:25 am | Categories: 2021 Season | URL: https://wp.me/p1wB1o-2xM
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No Racing Today….
Well the big storm didn’t fizzle as the die-hard optimist would have hoped…. It’s a bit on the breezy side today, shall we say.
Not sure what the rain/snow combination did to all the sailable ice but the good news is there is a really good base on several lakes, large ones at that.
Saratoga, Winni, Damariscotta, and a few others still have plenty of potential so don’t pack it in yet- last year we sailed into April and with a little luck we can do it again-
As always stay tuned and if you know of sailable ice let me know at t_thieler@yahoo.com
Think Ice!!
New England Ice Yacht Association 