Posting this somewhere near Fergus Falls so excuse the brevity. Regatta complete. Congratulations to each and every competitor who made the journey and to James “T” Thieler on the win, Ron Sherry second, and Chad Atkins third. Safe travels home, everyone.

SCHEDULE FOR FRIDAY, JAN 24, 2020
9 AM Skipper’s Meeting at Launch Site
10 AM First Start Silver Fleet Race #2 followed by short break and then Silver Fleet Race #3.
If time allows, racing will continue with alternating fleets (Gold Silver Gold Silver, etc.)
There will be no on-shore postponement. Plan accordingly to be on the ice ready to race all day.

The Executive Committee met tonight and determined that our governing documents are clear that if we do not complete 2 Silver Fleet races on Friday that racing will continue into Saturday, January 25, 2020.

http://dniceboat.org/2020/na.html

Many thanks to remote tabulators  Ann and Bob Foeller for maintaining the off site office in Toledo, OH.

https://youtu.be/D1sbH9KkVgA

UPDATE Saturday 18 Jan 7:30 PM CT: The Cottonwood Inn is experiencing a phone outage. “Our provider is working on fixing the issue.
Please email us at cottonwood@cwimt.net for the time being.”

Fish or cut bait. Shit or get off the pot. Sink or swim. Drop the puck. Any way you say it…it’s decision time. Do I send it? Or do I stall again? I’m the guy with his finger on the button surrounded by wise advisers. And sometimes I even listen to them, though I’m known to be afflicted with MBD. (Mission Blindness and Deafness). Damn it…we’re going to make this thing happen! Step back, the launch sequence has been activated.

 

We’re ON. We’re headed WEST. Boldly going where most of our iceboats have never been before—the Fort Peck Reservoir outside of Glasgow, Montana. It’s nearly 400 square miles of ice. Shouldn’t be a problem getting a long enough race track (That’s what the Euros call it. Thought it might make me sound sophisticated. My wife knows otherwise). The reservoir froze nice and smooth earlier this week. By the time we arrive, thickness should be 5-6” minimum. They got less than an inch of snow and there’s next to nothing in the forecast. Except for moderate temps and a range of wind speeds. Sounds good to this urban cowboy!

 

Here’s the video that was shot today by our man in Montana—Tim Ogrinc. Give him a hug when you meet him. If you’re homophobic, then just buy him a beer. He set up his DN today in sub zero temps with winds above 20 mph, and went out twice to capture this footage. He doesn’t even know any of us, and he did this anyway. Wow, talk about selfless! Tim said the best ice is always further out in the middle. Sounds to me like Mother Nature is polishing up the surface for us! Is calling it on a leap of faith? Yeah, maybe, but I’m going to jump. After all, I know I’m going to get to sail in a place I’ve never been. I know I’m going to learn something new. I know I’m going to have a great time with many friends. Heck yeah, that’s worth it! You in?

 

If yes, email or text Deb right now. We need to update the hotel on our numbers for their food order. Here are all the details. Travel safe…see you there!

 

PS

 

Did I mention you can support your class by drinking free beer all week? The first keg we’ll tap is called “Naked Threesome.” Yes, there is a hot tub. (It does concern me, however, that we’re mostly all dudes). Did I mention that the fast guys are going to tell you all their secrets? Did I mention that we’ve gathered thousands of dollars of booty for the raffle? Did I mention that two great meals are included? And that you can get a special iceboater breakfast every day in the onsite restaurant for just $8.50. I could keep going, but I need to sharpen my runners. See you on the ice!

Daniel Hearn

US 5352

Event Chairman

Western Hemisphere Rear Commodore

SITE:
Fort Peck Reservoir, Fort Peck, MT

LAUNCH:
Duck Creek Recreation Area:
Please stay on all roads and observe all rules. Do not drive off road or park off road. We have a permit to launch here.

LODGING
Cottonwood Inn
54250 US-2, Glasgow, MT 59230
Phone: (800) 321-8213
Iceboater Rate: $84 plus tax ($92.74)
Breakfast buffet each morning  6 – 8 AM for $8.50

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

• • Tuesday, January 21, 2020,
    Registration 6 – 6:30 PM MT
    Regatta HQ: Cottonwood Inn, Glasglow, MT,
    6:30 PM MT Opening Ceremony
    7:00  – 9 PM MT: Optional Speed Symposium Session w/ heavy hors d’oeuvres and drink
  • Wednesday, January 22, 2020: First race at time stated in sailing instructions.
    8:00 PM: Annual Class Governing Meeting
  • Thursday, January 23, 2020
    7 PM MT Dinner Buffet & Raffle
  • Friday, January 24, 2020 racing is concluded with Prize Giving after racing at Regatta HQ.
    (Providing 3 Gold Fleet races)