iceboating.net Minnesota Ice Sailing Association

NOAA Detailed 7 Day Forecast - Battle Lake, MN

http://www.crh.noaa.gov/ifps/MapClick.php

Today: A chance of rain and snow. Cloudy, with a high around 37. Southeast wind between 12 and 15 mph becoming light. Chance of precipitation is 50%. New snow accumulation of less than a half inch possible.

Tonight: A 20 percent chance of snow. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 27. Calm wind becoming west northwest around 5 mph.

3 DN's reportedly sailed Minnetonka today in 12 - 20 mph wind. Look for a report on conditions experienced by those who sailed.

I drove up I 94 from the Twin Cities Saturday to log a little much needed time with the Princess. Unlike Wisconsin, the Center of the Iceboating World, It's been unquestionably winter in Minnesota until quite recently, (cold temps, snow, etc).

We ran out of the snow just north of the cities, (Rogers) and were subantially clear of snow all the way to Fergus Falls. Right now there are perhaps 40 pretty good spring lakes lakes in Minnesota, (suitable for sailing), e.g., generally clear of snow, solid shore, lots of ice and the sun hasn't gotten to it yet.

From Wekota Beach Park I walked halfway across Tonka Bay towards Big Island. The snow cover is down to the level where it's just starting to show grey on ~ 90 % of the area. This surface is ~ 1/4" of very dense snow, it easily gives way and compresses under foot to the underlying ice surface. The drifted 10% were generally under 1" deep consisting right now of perfect snowball fight grade snow.

http://iceboating.net/node/1396

The weekend weather forecast should take all the snow off by Sunday Afternoon, when we'll get down to the slush program for a little while.

Assessment: Right now, I'd be setting up with snow plates, bringing every runner I own, just in case. When the breeze fills in conditions will probably request a couple runner changes over the next 30 hours, e.g., at some point tomorrow afternoon I'm pretty sure angles will be the fastest, but who knows. I expect the lake will be suitable for at least a week.

Just in time for your off-season building projects, the 4LIYC Juniors are selling Sitka Spruce and other iceboat building wood. ALL PROCEEDS GO TO SUPPORT THE 4LIYC JUNIORS PROGRAM, so step up with your order! Orders accepted until April 20.

This webpage has been updated with a section showing runner alignment using both the beam and laser techniques.

http://www.carbondragon.us/iceboat/runner_align.htm

/Adam

Ok, sharpen your runners and pack up your gear for the 2006 GTIYC Fun Regatta. Baring a major snow event during the next several days, the 2006 GTIYC Fun Regatta will happen this weekend (March 18 & 19) on either South Lake Leelanau at the Bingham Road Launch or on Houghton Lake off the DNR launch in the SW corner of the lake.

South Lake Leelanau will be sailed tomorrow and Houghton Lake will be sailed on Thursday. The final venue call will be announced on Thursday evening by hot line, E-mail and web sites. Launch site maps will be available at www.gtiyc.com on Thursday evening.

Get ready now so we can beat the extra large lady that is warming up in the soprano section!

I just read on the Iceboat.org that the Northwest Regatta is called on for Winnebago next weekend. Rumor has it that they are "driving around all over the place" on thick ice.

Maybe a the DN Western Region Spring Regatta isn't totally improbable?

Cheers,

Geoff S.
DN US-5156

Talked to a few of the regulars. We're thinking it will be too soft & slushy today. Tonight 26 degrees should be enough to firm it up nicely. Still tons of thick, smooth ice out there. Meeting at the fire alley at 8am, Cottagewood beach or St. Louis bay will also work for launching.

Let's go boaten!

Who is going sailing? Anyone going to brave the elements and head out on the ice. If so, where are we headed? Today looks like a better chance than tomorrow...just like last weekend.

William

Ice Report - Lake Pepin on the Iceboat.org message board:

Checked Lake Pepin at Pepin today [Wednesday]. Grey ice 70 -80% clear. With warm temps we should have very sailable ice by the weekend. Ice is still tight along shore and the Pepin landing looks good. 8 or so boats are one the ice at the Pickle Factory.
E.C.Newcomb

Any idea if there might be sailing on Pepin this weekend?

Cheers,

Geoff S.
DN US-5156

Selling DN Complete ready to sail.
Kenyon mast and all Harken pulleys.
email Joseph.m.vaness@wellsfargo.com
Located in Green Bay, WI 920-819-7363

Five DN's Sailed Saturday March 4 on Prior Lake, Minnesota in the City of the same name.

602 and 4602 were fast in the early race, until the sun hit the ice and angle runners were compelled. 4811, 824 and 4695 had their moments in the softer ice, in 10-18 mph of wind. As the ice got soft, the competition got tight, the in the last 3 races, the top 3 boats finished within 5 seconds total.

We sailed 5 tight races, the only remarkable hazard was the vehicle traffic on the ice. Over the course of the day there were maybe 10 cars & trucks that needed to be watched carefully. The long narrow course made staying in the breeze a real challenge, and the key to success on the course.

Looked at the forecast, they are calling for light winds, up to 14 MPH. Anyone going to set-up and give it a try? If so, where is the best chance of good ice? Lake Merion - Lakeville, or Prior Lake? Inner city lakes look ok?

William

Angle Runners for sale. Location, Twin Cities.

Your choice, two sets available, one set is going.

Call 4695 at 612-385-0622 for details.

Priced to sell.