iceboating.net Minnesota Ice Sailing Association

We sailed the Western Region Championship regatta on Minnesota’s Green Lake in Spicer, MN., back in 2012. For that one weekend in January the sleepy town of Spicer was abuzz with excitement as “those crazy ice boaters were racing around the lake at freeway speeds.”

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

The current storm heading our way is definitely a concern. Will it be rain or snow or miss us altogether. Who knows?!!! Western Region Commodore Dan Hearn said today that we need to wait until Thursday, and maybe even Friday noon, before he is able to make a regatta decision. Stay tuned and keep an eye on DN North America (http://na.idniyra.org/) for details!

Think Ice!

This could be the weekend for the DN Western Regional Championship regatta. We all know it has been colder than snot so ice thickness should not be an issue. Regatta organizers are watching the weather and will should make a preliminary call late Wednesday. Keep an eye on DN North America (http://na.idniyra.org/) for details.

Think Ice.

Here's the video, pretty tough conditions today, but had a blast!!!!! Ice was awesome, snow was super sticky. I made the mistake of bringing my short runners, and there were way more 3" drifts than I thought. The new high wind blade sail was perfect to keep it safe today.
https://youtu.be/eV9WLUqJp4c

(click for picture and more) I went ice skating this morning (-5F) on Lake Minnetonka from Minnetonka Yacht club. As you already know, the snow is about like Styrofoam, but in the sailing area of the main lake the snow covered areas were generally less than 0.75" with very occasionally up to 1.5", and I was able to skate through most of it with some effort. I don't see any reason why this plate isn't sailable, especially with warmer temp tomorrow. I plan on setting up the Skeeter on Sunday 1/7/18. Should be a good day, so come out and play.

miller and i found 1.5” drifts wed. wind and temp up for sun. might be boatable. anyone up for it. sail out of? harrys. behind light house island. tonka nay. meyer

...something about frigid temps, styrofoam drifts, light air and, oh yeah, Meyer!

Green Lake or Lake Geneva could easily freeze. It could be called on for Jan 13 and 14. Check back next Wednesday. Keep an eye on DN North America (http://na.idniyra.org/) for details. They typically update the site on Wednesdays.

Think Ice.

since west postponed. if. if green lake west end freezes tonight? + and quite cold. sail there mon tue wed before snow? thurs. then regatta? whos in. looking for someone retired or iceboat flu. to travel with. tom meyer

Daniel Hearn, Area Commodore DN Western Region
Dear Ice Sailors:

Are your runners sharp?

The smart money says we will sail the DN Western Regional Championship regatta this coming weekend, January 6-7, 2018. Several sites are being considered, including Minnetonka. Keep an eye on DN North America (http://na.idniyra.org/) for details. Think Ice.

The 4 Lakes IYC's Grand Slam Fun-Regatta scheduled for December 30-31, 2017, has been called OFF due to "frostbite inducing temperatures."

The actual air temp this morning in Cotton Minnesota was a negative 41 degrees. International Falls, the nation's ice box, was a mere negative 36. Minnetonka was a balmy negative 4.
But, to quote the old adage, it's not the heat its the humidity. Erie Pennsylvania received a total of 34 inches of snow on Christmas Day shattering the city's previous single day snowfall record. Erie then picked up another 24.5 inches of snow on Tuesday, bringing the two-day tally to a record breaking 58.5 inches.

The December 2017 issue of the IDNIYRA's official magazine, Runner Tracks, is now out. Read it at: http://na.idniyra.org/runnertracks/
Think Ice!

Before we talk about Sun, today was just awesome. Nites, Skeeters, DNs, Kites, Ice surfers, Skate sails and skaters all took advantage of a rare day. Simply spectacular!
Sunday promises to be excellent as well, if your schedule and family permits. Some boats were pulled today but several sailors plan to sail Sunday morning. All are welcome. But, be careful. There are several working seams on the main lake. I recommend you stay in Tonka Bay and Guideans Bay. Both are as good as it gets. Never sail alone. Wear ice claws. Enjoy!

The fun continues. This is the 7th(!) consecutive week of iceboating in Minnesota. It won't last forever. Get that boat out on the ice. Tonka Bay and Guideans Bay remain excellent choices. If you sail anywhere else be sure to scout the ice. Never sail alone. Wear ice claws. Enjoy!