iceboating.net Minnesota Ice Sailing Association

Elk Lake was sailed Wed March 10 by Dick Wollam and Bob Gray in DNs, and Skip Stauber in a C Skeeter. They launched at a spacious and fully equipped DNR public ramp at the southwest end where it's 1.25 miles across the lake to Lake Skegmog. They sailed for hours and went all the way north to the White Birch Lodge.

They're going back Thursday to see what happens after the weather system goes through Wednesday night to re-evaluate. Pesky snow forecast. Sun could burn it off in a day.
There's also ice at north Torch Lake and north Lake Leelanau. Which lake? Better ice? Better launching? Best place to throw a party?

Are many planning to head for Traverse City this weekend? I haven't seen much info on this site, and it's been a slow day for posts.
There were 146 guests online at 0900 this morning, so apparently lots of people are...

Thinking Ice!
Scott C.

is there any sailable ice any where near the twin cities ? alexandria area ? one more fix this season could make summer just a little bit shorter. plese post any possibilities. thanks,dn 904

I walked the main lake Wednesday night and the slush and standing water is gone/frozen. I would estimate 80% Ice and 20% snow cover with a light dusting of snow covering the entire lake. The old snow cover is less than one inch in most areas.

However, the ice is rough in the well traveled areas on the lake from snowmobile/ATV tracks in the slush this past weekend.

Spring Ice Boating is here depending on what happens with the snow storm coming.

I will post another ice report before the weekend.

GTIYC UPDATE March 4, 2004

The Michigan State Police are asking the public for any information they may have as to the whereabouts of Traverse City’s TV station 7&4 chief meteorologist, Greg MacMaster. Mr. MacMaster was abducted from the stations parking lot shortly after completing the 11:00 p.m. news broadcast. The police noted evidence of a vicious struggle in the parking lot and pieces of what appears to be sailcloth material, duct tape and sailing ropes. An unidentified source at the local Michigan State Police office said that several members of the Grand Traverse Ice Yacht Club were questioned early this morning concerning the weatherman’s disappearance, but that they stuck to their story that they knew nothing, saw nothing, nor had anything to do with matter. The club believes that they are being “set up.”

The 2004 GTIYC FUN Regatta is scheduled for this Saturday and Sunday, March 6-7th. Although run under the protocol of IDNIYRA rules, the regatta is designed and operated as a FUN two days of racing. There will be two fleets for DNs (gold and silver) and an open class for all other boats.

Entry fee is $20.00, which covers all racing cost and food on the ice. Proof of liability insurance is required.

Registration will be Friday the 5th at the Grand Traverse yacht Club on West Grand Traverse Bay (13615 South West Bay Shore Drive, also known as M22) beginning at 7:30 p.m. , and at the race site on Saturday the 6th. Skippers meeting will be at 9:00 a.m. Saturday.

Minnesota Iceboating Assoc Founding Member and Western Region Sailor John Dennis, us4691, wins the 2004 North American DN Championship!

John Dennis, (aka JD), put his sights on the championship over 10 years ago when he first went to a North Americans, and after a few close calls he completed this outstanding goal.

The NA's turned out to be a one day shoot-out on Sandusky Bay, Ohio, home of the Sandusky Sailing Club. We waited on Friday (practice day), Saturday, and Sunday and finally on Monday racing began in earnest. Patience and Perseverance was what was needed to get through this regatta in Ohio.

Selling last few Iceboat Runner Blade Sharpeners for Sarnes blades at a reduced price of $75 plus $8 shipping. They are machined to .0005 tolerance and can be used with any belt sander.

For pictures go to: http://www.iceboat.org/buy%20and%20sell.htm and scroll down to 1/11/04 on the left (look for Don Gillum, Eagle River)

Don Gillum
Eagle River, WI
Phone: (715) 477-1200
FAX: (715) 479-8009
email: dcgillum@nnex.net

FOR SALE: Complete DN Iceboat ready to sail...
Items:
-Sarns Runners with aluminum stiffeners
-Boston Sail with fiberglass battens
-Adjustable shrouds and stays
-Wood mast with external CF reinforcement
-Runner plank w/Aluminum cast chocks
-Harken blocks, main sheet, ice picks, sail bag and runner carry box

Plank is a little soft but useable, Lost 1 batten last year, some proper repairs made to hull, price reflects this.

Boat is in Rochester, NY and I would deliver in the Wester/Central NY area for tolls and gas.

Condition: Well Enjoyed !
Year: ~1980
Price: $1500 Firm
Contact info: Dan coughlin

This is from the IDNIYRA Web site

2004 North American Championship

Hot Line #: 248-988-0851

There are two sites under consideration for the North American Championships:
Lake St. Clair in Detroit, MI, and
Sandusky Bay on Lake Erie in Ohio.

The ice on Lake St Clair is 2 inches of snow ice on top of 10 inches of clear ice. Both locations have ice with a rough washboard texture on the surface.

Weather forecast for this week is favorable, and conditions should improve over the next few days, and local sailors will be sailing and checking ice.

I am looking for pictures of the DN Western regetta for our ( TIYC ) calender.
If you would please let me know at
dreis@pop3.utoledo.edu

Regards
George Reis

New to sport in Connecticut and interested in an; economical, easily transportable two seater which I may build or buy. Have seen limited info on Nite, and Gambit designs. Suggestions?

What is the best type of varnish or finish for wooden spars? Any other tips are appreciated.

Thanks-

This is from Bert Foster, Chairman RC, Wayzata Yacht Club.

It concerns how we can have an iceboat regatta on Lake Minnetonka, We have to work with the LMCD and the Water Patrol to make it happen. It is very nice of Bert to look into this and we should follow up with him. It could lay the seeds to a great regatta next year on the home lake!

Subject: Ice Boat Regattas on Minnetonka

Hi Ice Boaters

For years I have been trying to smooth the permit process with the LMCD and the Water Patrol for having ice boat regattas on Minnetonka. There is a new head of the Water Patrol (they and the LMCD issue the event permits for Minnetonka) and in a meeting with him this week I brought up the subject of smoothing out the process for permitting the ice boat regattas. I reviewed my plan with him, a received general approval and agreement to work out the details.

Hello Ice Racers!

I am a producer with a kids' science show on PBS channel two called DragonflyTV. We are interested in doing a segment on ice boat racing and are wondering if there are any 11-13 year olds who are proficient racers that would like to be on our show. You can check out our website at: http://pbskids.org/dragonflytv/ or see segments online at: http://www.dftvpress.org/

Looking forward to hearing from you!

Harold Linde
Associate Producer
Dragonfly TV
Twin Cities Public Television (TPT)
172 East Fourth Street
Saint Paul, MN 55101
TEL: (651)229-1303

TPT Mission Statement: