iceboating.net Minnesota Ice Sailing Association

If you happened to drive County Road 15 today you may have noticed the ice behind the break wall at North Shore Marina-Browns Bay facility. Two miles to the east the pond next to the entrance to Woodhill Country Club was also frozen. Of course, both of these sightings paled in comparison to the photo of ice on Lake Christina that was circulated earlier today by DN Western Region Commodore Mike Miller.
It won't be long now. Think Ice.

Here's proof that the iceboat season is not far away. The September issue of the DN newsletter “RUNNER TRACKS” has been posted online. This issue features the latest ranking list and an informative article by Chad Atkins of the NEIYA discussing the IDNIYA-Europe proposal to allow rope halyards. The east coast boys are always pushing the envelope and have been experimenting with rope halyards and stays with positive results.
Read it at: http://na.idniyra.org/runnertracks/
THINK ICE!

The IDNIYRA announced the launch of its new North American website. Many thanks to those who made it happen including Executive Secretary Deb Whitehorse and Tonka's own Jim McDonagh. Thanks also to NEIYC Commodore James "Mr. T" Thieler for spreading the word and letting me plagiarize one of his posts. You can visit the new DN Class website at: http://na.idniyra.org.

The DN Membership page has also been updated. Now joining, renewing, or supporting the class is easier than ever! Just go to: http://na.idniyra.org and click on the memebrship link at the top of the page.

If you belong to the IDNIYRA you just received a ballot in the mail. This is your chance to vote for the officers who make up the DN Governing Committee and for 2 changes to the class By-Laws. Cast your ballot. Let your voice be heard. Just remember to return your ballot by July 1, 2016. If you are not already a member of the IDNIYRA now is also a good time to ask "Why Not?" Most of us take advantage of the DN class without even knowing. Do you ever go online to learn how to make a repair or look for regatta information? You can thank the DN class for the web site.

Maybe the season really isn't over.
Yes, the ice is out on Tonka but it snowed today. Tonight's forcast is for a low of 29 degrees. And, they are racing DN's as we speak in Baikal Russsia.
Maybe I am overly optimistic but Think Ice!

Caught on video.
https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=1105999412785742&id=52180763...

Well, they say ice boating is mostly social and this weekend was no exception. It was mostly all talk and very little action. Yesterday, we stood around and swapped stories as we had zero wind. Today, it blew the dogs off their chains. High winds and soft ice saw the Tonka fleet back in the pits by 11:00.

Spring sailing is always iffy. If you venture out after the weekend scout the ice and sail safe. Wear ice claws. And never sail alone!

Tonka scrub racing. Sat March 5, 2016. 9 am
That's the plan. Most likely on the main lake. Starting early while the ice is hard. It will get soft due to warming temps.
Think Ice.

Had a great time yesterday with John Stasieluk sailing his "Phantom" class A stern steerer on Bald Eagle Lake yesterday. It was about 40 F, very soft slushy ice and light winds. We hit a top speed of about 40 MPH which is probably fast enough for this huge boat on a small lake with fishermen. There was even a bald eagle sitting out on the ice!! Here's the short, shaky video:
https://youtu.be/pGfJMNhq0Q4

Boats will be setting up Saturday morning to sail the Lower Lake of Minnetonka. Driving on off Lake Avenue and parking on the ice near Minnetonka Yacht Club. Could also carry on near Harry's.

Buoys will be set. Don't know if we'll be toward Excelsior or out in the main lake. Hope to start sailing at 10:30 by doing a final scouting of the ice. Friday afternoon report was flat, black ice with 30% soft snow of under 1/2". There are some remnants from fish houses that need to be marked. All are welcome. Could have two fleets -- Nites and DNs.

It looks like we'll have sailable ice somewhere around Madison this weekend.
Ice-checkers will be out Friday scouting a number of lakes.
Watch http://iceboat.org/ for info. Friday afternoon.

It'll be warmer down here on Saturday! (~13F).

Kyle Metzlof on Middleton Bay (NW corner of Lake Mendota):

walked out from harrys, 2 to 4" hard drifts. 90% snow covered. so no go for DNs, larger boats have a chance to go. Friday looks like the day with plenty of wind and reasonable temp. meyer

clear ice, sail out of markhams or by sailing club/park end of rd, French island by airport as usual. fri 31 deg and 12 mph NW/ sat 18 deg and 11 mph NW/ sun 4 deg so too cold. Call/text me if anyone going as I need someone to sail with fri. 612-432-8124 meyer PS Minnetonka might be boatable sat. 13 deg, 10-15 mph. snow at? 1" now drifted? so harrys an option for non drivers.

I walked the Main Lake of Tonka today from the County Road 15 side. I do not believe the main lake is consistently safe. The depth of the ice varied and there were duck holes, large water spots and pressure cracks. I suggest you say off the main lake.
The ice between Cottagewood and Greenwood, all east of Big Island, appears much better. It has been sailed for the last several days and has received favorable reports. Flyer sailed today and if anyone can find open water it is Flyer (or the Commodore!). Nevertheless, Flyer reports a good of sailing with plates and without incident.

Snow is forecasted for Thursday night but for now the DNs plan to sail Sat out of Cottagewood.
Think Ice!