Just got online a few days ago and the sailing topics have been the first sites to explore for me.... Great site that you have here.. Hope you stay up and running for many moons to come..

My father built two DN ice boats back in the early 70's, and after about 3 years of hard abuse and one broken mast, they were stored and forgotten about until a few years ago...

After I dusted them off and made some minor repairs. (Best parts from two boats to make one.) I decided to take a shake down run...

After a few laps, a small crowd had gathered on shore. Well, I thought they might like a display of skill and speed. They got the display of speed but not much of the skill.

Approaching the shore at 40-50 I decide to tack. Too late! Full up wind tiller throw, nothing but skidding front runner, no room for wide highspeed jibe, boom already against sidestay, feet over the side trying to brake on bare ice. Okay I say, think fast. First thought, no helmet, no seat belt. No helmet not so good I say, 3 foot high seawall ahead. Boat seems to be gaining speed do to funneling effect of shoreline on wind. I decide I don't want to be onboard on impact. No seat belt no problem. I jump out and make one last effort to stop boat. Hanging onto the side in a crouched position, in front of the cross plank, I see that it isn't going to work..... I figure that when the front of the boat hits the seawall I'll jump up and clear the seawall and roll onto the yard. Well, almost made it. Kneecaps took most of the impact. Stood up and the ice broke and I fell on my back in about 6 inches of water.

Jump up and check boat for damage.

Mast split part way up, side of cockpit split out, cross plank crooked, steering linkage bent up... Crowd comes to my rescue, no I'm not hurt, no I don't need any help.... Yank boat away from seawall and head for middle of lake. Hey this thing can still sail, hop onboard and scoot... Tiller handle 90 degrees from side of boat when going straight, no port tacks. Sail out to my layline, tack and the mast gives way completely. Pack up sail and mast, make tow rope from mainsheet, walk half mile back home with boat in tow and swelling kneecaps....

End of story......

Catch you later, John ( From N.E. Indiana ) From olin@kuntrynet.com Thu Dec 12 00:13:10 1996