This year, ice conditions at Kingston, Ontario have been ideal and the city was chosen for the DN class International World Championship Regatta being held this week and ending today, January 31st. Fifteen countries are represented in the event, including Canada, the United States, Poland, Germany, Sweden, Finland, Russia and France.
With just a 12-15 mile per hour steady wind, "the DN ice boat can reach 55–65 miles per hour, providing a thrilling rush of purely unadulterated, bone chilling, wind powered ice sailing!"
See the video below to watch the ice boats in action.
I've been fascinated with ice boats since the early 60's when I read about them in my favourite Hardy Boys book, "The Mystery of Cabin Island"
"While riding in their homemade iceboat on the frozen surface of Barmet Bay, Frank and Joe Hardy and Chet Morton discuss their plans for the upcoming Christmas holiday break, and decide to ask if they could rent out the namesake cabin on Cabin Island. However, a mysterious stranger chases them off the island, and on their return to shore, they nearly crash into an iceboat piloted by Ted Carson and Ike Nash, two reckless and obnoxious youths."
There is even a fan-written novelet sequel: The Secrets of Cabin Island!!! (no Nancy Drew for me!!)
If you're out and about today, pop down to the Kingston waterfront and catch a glimpse of the excitement there. Bundle up though cause baby, it is cold out there!!
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