How do you get started in ice sailing?
We recommend that the novice purchase an inexpensive DN class ice boat (watch the Buy and Sell Page of this website) a relatively easy boat to transport and sail. Race with the club for a season or two until you feel comfortable with ice boating. We maintain that club racing is much safer than solo cruising. Ice boating is a relatively safe sport when common sense is applied and the sailing and racing rules are followed. However, accidents can still occur and injury or death is possible.
How fast is ice sailing?
Because of their low resistance to forward motion over ice, iceboats are capable of speeds exceeding 60 miles per hour (100 km/h). Because of their speed, iceboats are used both for recreation and for racing. Racing craft typically carry one person. NO BRAKES! The iceboat owned by Sola has no brakes, “but steering (with foot pedals inside) directly into the wind will stop the boat,” Steve states, adding the iceboat is the “fastest non-motorized land vehicle known to man” So cool. This looks so fun if you can dress warm enough.
How fast can you go ice sailing?
These boats race across the frozen water, reaching up to 100 kph (62 mph) or even the record-breaking speed of 140 kph (86 mph). The blend of a narrow window of opportunity combined with the exhilarating thrill of racing across the ice is an irresistible challenge to sailors. Some high-performance models, designed with more powerful engines and optimized hulls, can even push closer to 40 knots (46 mph), allowing for faster travel and a more dynamic boating experience.
Do you need special shoes for ice sailing?
Track Shoes with Spikes Big and heavy boots are can be a hindrance when sailing an ice boat. Lighter-weight but warm footwear is the way to go. Many skippers wear leather golf shoes with metal spikes (forget about plastic spikes). Ice cleats are a device, affixed to a shoe or boot, with small studs or spikes underneath. They are used to avoid sliding on slippery surfaces like ice or snow. Ice cleats are attached to footwear with either straps over the heel and toe or a single strip over the foot.Deep treads and outsole patterns designed for grip increase contact points with the ice, giving you additional support and balance. If you’ll be walking on very icy ground, consider studs or cleats: some shoes have these built in, but you can buy removable ice grips if you won’t be using them all the time.