iceboating.net Minnesota Ice Sailing Association

Everybody had a pretty good day catching up with their iceboating friends and aligning runners. We all had plenty of time to get all those little maintenance items on the boat done.

Some participants were out on the ice at 8 am and got a few early morning puffs but everybody had to wait till after 3:00pm before we got in 2 Gold and 2 Silver races.

Just when a couple of skippers took their sails down, the wind came on and the team sprung into action. We got the marks moved, starting line set in record time and started cracking off races.

Does anyone have a report on the ice conditions on the main lake?

I added an image gallery for the regatta.

We had shifty wind blowing around 8 to 12 mph. The ice was really hard and fast.

It was really great to see all my friends from the all over the world. I'll bet the gang sailed two dozen races. I counted over 35 boats all lined up doing a scrub race! It's great to see this meeting of friends to enjoy what we love in an informal atmosphere.

Black Ice Friday.

We are going with Buffalo.
Launch at Sturgis Park

Buffalo was all frozen up on Sunday. Although we did get that heavy wind on Monday and Tuesday, so who knows.

I'm going to go check it out tomorrow and see what's what. Nobody has been out on it yet, so If you go, be careful. It might have blown out on Monday and only have an inch on it.

I'll report back tomorrow.

Spring Park Bay of Lake Mtka. has kicked!
Photo taken at 11 AM Wed Nov 27. One inch only as far as you can see! Give it a few more days and could be a great sheet! I am going to be near Swede at 10 AM Thursday to walk it and spud a couple holes. Preliminary report from last week is it has some rough ice.
Meyer and I plan to sail some ice somewhere on Friday-Sunday.
Miller

As we get the iceboats out in the coming days, if you are wondering about long term trends in lake ice formation dates, here are a couple quick references for you to scan during the football border battles this weekend:

http://www.sciencemag.org/content/289/5485/1743

This first one by Magnuson et al is the research that convince me over a decade ago climate change was happening. (Probably one of the best 'simple' research approaches to measure climate change.)

Note: you need a subscription access via directly, your library or work to access the full article.

As of 2 PM, Friday, Nov. 22nd, Swede was 70% open water.

Browner

looking for main or something to work on the Arrow acat40@gmail.com

Looking for either a North FO-1 or ABSS or a 1D Speed sail in good condition-

Contact T at t_thieler@yahoo.com or 401 258 6230 if you have one to sell-

Think Ice!! T

The Great Western Challenge Regatta is scheduled for December 6,7, and 8. Best ice in Minnesota. Scrub racing on Friday and scored racing on Saturday and Sunday. DN fleet and Opti fleet. Lodging information to be anounced.

NEXT UPDATE Friday MORNING

Primary Location:
Buffalo, Minnesota
La Crosse, Wisconsin!

Launch site in Lacrosse: Louis Nelson County Park

Taken by Mike Kiefer from the Ashby Resort:

Crane Lake skimmed over with ice last night. The lake is located next to the south frontage road of highway 394 and can be seen from the freeway between Ridgedale and County Road #73.

Early ice is a sure sign that the Great Western Challenge (Dec 6-8, 2013: where “Friday is always the Best Day!”) is just around the corner. Location TBD.

Sailors of all abilities, particularly newcomers to the class, are encouraged to attend.

I noticed the a reference to this Regatta in the margin of the 4LIYC site. Any date? What classes of Skeeters will race? Do we get to race JD again?

Ice Boat Swap Meet will be held at the new location of Sailcrafters Loft and Rigging.
Sailcrafters is owned by Tim Carlson.
Location is at 7450 Oxford Street, St.Louis Park, MN 55426
Date December 1st, Sunday
Time 9 am - 12 noon
Refreshments and Snacks will be provided
Call Tim 952-693-6089 with any Questions