Iceboating: It’s about the speed

Winter can’t come soon enough for iceboaters in North America, as smooth ice is like Christmas morning for these hardwater enthusiasts. John Stanton, Commodore of the New England Ice Yacht Association, fires up the troops in this report:

Speed is the ultimate allure of iceboating, beckoning enthusiasts back season after season and finding its place on the bucket lists of many softwater sailors.

While each of us has our own gauge for what constitutes fast, the quest for confirmation is universal. Some rely on GPS and drag race reaching to measure their speed, while others crave the interactive feedback that comes with competition.

Racing is a natural extension of the desire to go fast(er), with each race serving as confirmation of one’s speed relative to one’s competitors. As we stand on the starting line, everyone has a chance of being the fastest.

After three laps and a checkered flag, the title of the fastest racer is claimed. Winning every race just doesn’t happen, but simply participating and navigating the course contribute to becoming a faster iceboater.