New to the field, vintage iceboat questions

[CTHal]

I've admired iceboats from afar for years, and have the opportunity to buy an early 1960's DN, which appears to be very original. It has a wood mast, the runners look like 1/4" steel plate set in aluminum bar stock (with rivets?). From my recent research here and elsewhere, it looks like it would need a fair amount of equipment upgrading to run with the modern boats? It appears to be in pretty good shape overall. I weigh about 178#. Is a boat this old and this original something that I could sail with more contemporary boats, or is it a whole different animal? How often do folks in the CT area actually have conditions good enough to get out and sail during a winter? I bought a sailing book and a 12' sailing dinghy years ago and 'taught myself' how to sail. Is that possible with a DN, or is that method a recipe for disaster? Thanks for any tips, suggestions etc. Hal

[Scott Brown]

Hal:

Welcome to iceboating. For you, and anyone else interested in joining the sport, it's a gradual progression from being a first-timer to being race competitive. Two suggestions:

First, connect with some local people or club.  I simply googled "Ct. iceboat" and found http://ciycinfo.blogspot.com/.  There are many other clubs in the east region.   Go meet them.  See their equipment. Sail with them.  I'm positive they -- and any other iceboat club -- will welcome you as a new sailor.   By hanging with these guys, you'll become connected to a flow of information, especially info as to where to sail.   Iceboaters don't wait for good ice at home; they drive to good ice where ever it is. 

Secondly, your boat may or may not be highly competitive because today's racing DNs use composite masts.  Regardless, it sure sounds sailable.  So sail it!  Get some time under your belt, and then make your upgrades once you know what works and what doesn't.

Scott
DN 5298

[Chad Atkins]

Come on up to westborough, ma October,29 for the Neiya (new england) swap meet and annual meeting. Theneiya.org
   Chad

[dnus4925]

I agree with Scott. Learn to sail with that boat. Then decide what you want to upgrade with, or upgrade to. Most definitely come to the NEIYA swap meet and talk to the guys.

Scott
DN 4925