iceboating.net Minnesota Ice Sailing Association

Anyone sailing on lakes in the vicinity of the Twin Cities this weekend? I've got a Nite and would like to get together with some other sailors. White Bear? Lake Riley? Waconia? Bald Eagle? Let me know where you're going. - Craig Young 651-261-3196

Thanks to US 602 (Meyer) and 4811 (chatterbox) for checking out the conditions on Lake Waconia Tuesday Jan 02. I have an excellent vantage point to watch conditions from the south shore about 40 feet above the lake. The ice is currently well frozen slush, so it not as fast as it sounds like Gull Lake would be. A very few spring holes around the lake and at least one 4" crack just north and east of the island are to be watched for. The warm temps may smooth off the top of the ice improving it. Lots of clear space with no ice houses to avoid. The lake is a great place to sail with long expanses and clear air.

OFFICIAL NOTICE: ON Rear Commodore Isabell's Post

2007 Western Regional Regatta

The regatta site for the 2007 DN Western Region Regatta is Gull Lake, Minnesota. Although it is a little further drive than previous regattas in our region, the ice and facilities available will make for another wonderful event. Check out the website for more information. Gull Lake is a vacation destination and offers us an unparallel regatta venue! I truly hope you will make the drive and participate.

See you soon!

Mark Isabell
Western Region Commodore

Details>>>>

We sailed Gideon's Bay, Echo Bay in front of Tonka Bay and down along between Big Island and Greenwood to Cottagewood today. There is a large area of open water about 1/2 way between the Commons and Gail Island, other than that just a few pressure ridges that you have to pick your spots to cross. The surface is far faster and smoother than it looks. Lots of big sailing areas.

Great sailing on White Bear Lake. December 19th 2006.

Too Many Lakes, Not Enough Time!

THAT'S SEVEN STRAIGHT WEEKS ON THE GOOD STUFF IN MINNESOTA! AND THERE'S LOTS OF IT RIGHT NOW! ;)

US 4811 and 602 are leading ice checking and reporting for WEEK 7 > Ice Sailing in Minnesota!

If I understood correctly it's their intent to SAIL ALL WEEK They're currently driving to North Long Lake, Hwy 371 Just north of Brainerd, MN Launch site is right off 371 on the NW Corner of the Lake...

or if Spring Park Bay looks good, (they're walking on it now and it shows promise!) they might set up and sail there.

Suspect areas are near:

Gull lake, Brainerd Webcam This area was sailed New Years Day! Excellent Conditions, Details in Comments!

Willmar MN Webcam The trace of snow they got has sublimed!

Alexandria MN Webcam Click on the preset location: [Lk Agnes & Henry]

Tip of the helmet! We're looking for ice reports, including snow cover on: Lake Waconia, Waconia, MN; Buffalo, Buffalo MN; Green Lake, Spicer, MN; Lake Minnewaska, Glenwood, MN; Lake Osakis, Osakis, MN; and Gull and North Long Lake near Brainerd, etc.... anybody game?

The bug has bit me bad. I just gotta ice boat, that being said, I've got all the skills to build a boat out of any material that the rules allow and intend to start with a DN. What I am not is a sailmaker. Where do most go to buy sails? There doesn't seem to be a glut of used out there and if it comes to it I'll have to go with a new one. Like everyone else I'd like to keep it cheap, but the sail just might be the most expensive item. I'm guessing that there are good sailmakers in the TC area, I just don't know who to trust.

Thanks in advance, Kent

INTELLIICAST FORECAST FOR SATURDAY LAKE MINNETONKA Saturday:
Cloudy skies with a few showers later in the day. High 37F. Winds E at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 30%.

Boats continue sailing on the known current metro area lakes... I presume some guys on vaca will sneak out again today. Weather in last 7 days has us about neutral in terms of ice made.

Looking at the forecast for the weekend, there's a strong liklihood boatable conditions will continue thru into the New Year.

Weather models seem to indicate an event similar to last weekend, what precip we get will most likely be rain not snow, and significant spreads in amounts of precip across the currently boatable lakes... although the worst case scenario predicts the chance of some (nobody's talking accumulation) snowfall on Sunday. No significant new snowfall is expected

I am about to buy an iceboat but I've never sailed on solid water before.
I do sail on liquid water and I've skied across lakes pulled by a kite but I'm sure I have a lot of new things to learn. Including basics such as keeping it from flying away while I'm walking to shore to water a tree.
The man I buy the boat from will not be able to tutor me and I do not know any iceboaters so I'd like to buy a book to help me get started.

Could someone suggest one or some online source to help me get started or other good advice? I'm in NW Wisconsin about 40 miles north of Eau Claire.

Thanks!

sold

Temperatures as they are around the midwest, there's the possibility the Nite Nationals will be sailed nearby this year. The scheduled dates are January 13-14. It's hoped that many of the local Minnesota Nite owners who enjoy their cruising will sail.

Class website: www.pyc.org/nitehome.htm.

Also, first-time Nite racers may find this article helpful in boat tuning and racing rules: www.pyc.org/PutYourRaceFaceOn.pdf

I'm wondering how Bald Eagle is looking. I hear they will try to have a Regatta (The Igo Cup?)next weekend and I am wondering about the ice conditions. Have they had the problems that White Bear has had? Any swimming? I'm thinking of sailing there if some racing is going to go off. What types of boats will be out? Where should I set up my boat if I come? Just curious.

Our DN runner plank died and we're too lazy to make a new one for our cruiser DN.

How's the market for DN runner planks this season? Anyone have some overbuilt plank sitting around? dallas@dallasjohnson.net

We were able to have some Sailing Joy on Christmas Eve day but it was crucial to continually stare at the ice just ahead lest you take a bath.

There were about 10 boats, DNs, Nites and the Wing, that braved the troubled holiday ice. There is still OPEN WATER along the pressure ridge (now 2-3' high) that separates the west bay from the main lake, including last week's 30' open hole that sucked me and boat into the drink at 20 mph. Obviously I got out, but I did have to skate near it again yesterday just to give myself a shiver and show the lake that I'm back. Shaken, yes, respectful, oh yes, but back nonetheless. It felt important.