Finn DNs!

by | Nov 22, 2017 | 2017-2018, Home Page

DNs race for the start at the All Saints Regatta in Rauna, Finland.

Just back from the beautiful country Finland only 70 km from the Arctic Circle where I attended the first regatta of the European season, the Johnny Kohler Cup and All Saints regatta. Will write more later after some catching up. In the meantime, here are some photos. More on the DN Finland website.

Inside a small red cottage with a traditional Finnish fire pit.
Reindeer rule the road in Finland. We had to always keep a sharp eye out for them as we drove to and from the site.
The sun sets early 70km from the Arctic Circle. Racing had to end by 2:30 PM.
Oscar Lindell changes sail battens in the parking lot.

 

The Power of Wind

by | Nov 12, 2017 | 2017-2018, Home Page

Google Translate sometimes misses the mark: “All You Need to Know About Sailing Cars Gliding On Ice”  though it does seem fitting considering the guy in the Skeeter, Paul Krueger’s other speed passion is open-wheel racing.

Ran across this in-depth article via Facebook about iceboating from “The Power of Wind” a Russian sailing website. The MARY B even gets a mention! Google’s translation could be better but if you are interested in the history of the sport around the world and in Russia, it’s worth taking a few minutes to read.

In the minds of most people who first heard the word “iceboat”, there is absolutely no association. Yes, and the description that it is a boat, put on skates, also does not particularly clarify the already confusing picture. Paradoxical in this situation is that the iceboat is not a newfangled entertainment and not the pampering of amateur designers, but a real sport with all the attendant attributes: international competitions, division into classes, clearly stipulated regulations and, most importantly, its long history.

Continue reading. (Links to Google’s English translation.)

Making Nite Dust

by | Nov 10, 2017 | 2017-2018, Home Page

Photo: Tim Stanton. Lars Barber and Doug Kolner taking away what is not needed for the new Nite plank.

Planers and sanders are making dust as iceboat parts are being produced in shops around the Four Lakes region. After a trip to McCormick Lumber yesterday for some Sitka Spruce, the guys at the Belle Isle Boatworks – Stanton Campus began working on a new Nite plank for Lars Barber.