iceboating.net Minnesota Ice Sailing Association

To paraphrase Yogi Berra; " It is difficult to make predictions, especially about the future!"

The current storm heading our way is a concern. Will it be rain or snow or miss us altogether. Who knows. As a result, it looks like we may need to wait until Thursday, and maybe even Friday noon, before Western Region Commodore Dan Hearn is able to make a regatta decision. Stay tuned!

Think Ice!

Fun video from the Canadian National Championships held in Thunder Bay, Ontario. Video courtesy of Alan Auld at Imagine Films. As you can see the scenery was spectacular. We sailed on beautiful ice, in a moderate breeze, with clear skies and 35 degree temps.
https://www.facebook.com/ImaginePhotoCinema/videos/vb.521807631204926/15...

Looks like the regatta season has begun!

The Western Challenge Regatta is an informal DN gathering that has been going on for ten years or so- traditionally held the first weekend in December on the best ice in Minnesota… Yes, Minnesota. It’s a big state a little to the west of here.

The lure of early ice is hard to ignore and for years some of us have talked about going but balked at the last minute. A few years back I gave it a shot and drove solo from Indiana to Battle Lake, MN only to run a stop sign and total my trusty Chevy Astro about two miles from the lake. So close and yet….

Tonka Sailors did well at the 2013 Western Regional Championship Regatta sailed on Lake Kegonsa, near Madison, WI. Seven races were completed over two days on sticky, snow covered ice.

Mark Christensen tested regatta Champion Ron Sherry. The Doctor finished 2nd and won the second race. J.D. finished third followed by Jim McDonagh and Mike Bloom who finished 8th and 10th, respectively.

In the Silver Fleet David Kickhafer, Mike Miller and Charlie Hurd finished 4th, 6th and 12th. Congrats to Miller for winning the last race.

Has anyone found ice on Tonka that is safe to sail?

Crystal bay froze early this week so last night I ventured out in front of my house but it is way too thin to be considered safe or sailable.

Has anyone checked any of the other bays?

Miller- Meyer- Browner-Allen- Doctor..... check the ice outside your respective front doors and report in!

us5432

Are we sailing this Thanksgiving weekend?
I am packed and ready to travel.

Bloom
DN 5432