Chickawaukie Ice Boat Club

I saw David Ross’ note and since I was referenced I thought I’d better reply ….

I too have joined the old F___s club and am waiting on two knee replacements to boot, so I only look like I’m trying to sprint just after one of my periodic cortisone shots. I was a good starter in my time, and still enjoy the occasional (OK, rare) good start, and believe (wearing my Commodore’s hat) that sprint starting is an exciting part of DN racing. Having said that, there are options.

IDNIYRA EU ran a Masters DN championship where the starting run was limited somehow (three steps I think) and thereafter the skipper could not run. To restore the boat to sailing if required they had to use the one-legged kick. The event was well received, with about 60 entries, but I sometimes think that the one legged kick is harder on my knees than a hobbling run.

Andre Baby has long advocated limiting running, either by a painted line or by a three step limit. The three step limit would just demand a different skill set in my mind. Andre’s more interesting proposal was a layered start, with he old and infirm starting with the first flag and the young bucks starting several seconds later on a second flag. That way, the old and infirm get better air at the start and can demonstrate their sailing skills. I am not enthusiastic, since a few of our fleet leaders are beginning to nibble at Masters if not Grand Master status. But perhaps a useful exercise for club racing.

The reaching starts on the airfield seemed quite effective, but translating that to a 50 boat starting line, or even 25, would be challenging. Our current 32 ft separation of starting positions would be quite inadequate.

Best wishes,

Warren Nethercote, DN 3786

Commodore IDNIYRA

NEIYA Secretary Karen Binder has this to offer, followed below by Warren Nethercote.

I could be flippant but I’ll be serious: I think giving some older folks a bit of a head start could work at local smaller regattas.
But the sprint is part of the game and promotes greater athleticism in my opinion. So, I’ll keep going to the track three days a week. Jumping bleachers,
pulling and pushing a weighted sled and doing timed 40 yd dashes! So until rule change, I plan to crush it off the line.
The Andre Baby start at the New Englands on Winnie last season? Everyone had fun and he appreciated it as his sailing ability is greater than his sprinting ability. But for major regattas, not so sure.
I do think some handicap system might keep older folks in fleet; in the laser master fleet there is a built in handicap based on age. Your finish
result is altered by a set amount based on your age. Its widely accepted and works well. So the idea of doing something for older folks has some merit.
With few young people getting into the sport we should all brainstorm ways to keep people engaged. You and Andre could talk about something. T has even
thought it a good idea to do something.

David Ross sent this comment about how we arranged the starts at the landsailing regatta. Any other thoughts?

There might come a day when we go to our web site and the archives are gone. The site itself might be gone as well. Huwei could buy wordpress, which would make us a national security risk, next thing you know it’s all darkness.
We published a yearbook for 2014 some years ago and everyone who bought a copy just loves it. Dave Fortier brings it out at the fall meetings and it seems to be in constant circulation. With that in mind we’ve decided to go ahead and publish four more books: 2009-12, 2012-13, 2015 and 2016.
So far the plan is to print three sets, one for the club archives (authorized by the board of directors) and two others for individual members. If you’d like a set, or individual years, let me know by the end of the month.
I’m a little embarrassed to admit to how much this is costing: one complete set will be around $375.oo. The individual books are around $100.oo, based on the number of pages and how many photos (color) there are. 2014 was cheaper because there were fewer pages. But look at it this way: it’s about what you’d pay for a lousy set of runners…
Imagine a new iceboater some decades in the future stumbling across these books and how much he will learn about scouting ice, organizing races and touring, and safety. Some of Lloyd’s best writing is in these years.

We’re trying to work out how best to have our fall meeting. It won’t be inside at Dave’s this time; we’re looking at a few spots around Lake Damariscotta were we can gather outside. Updates to follow.