Hudson River Ice Yachts launch on the Hudson River!

Photo courtesy of Robert Near         Vixen, with the Hudson Lighthouse in background.

The extended cold in 2022 has brought us good ice in several locations in the Hudson Valley. On Saturday Vixen was assembled at the NYS boat launch at Murderers Creek, in Athens, NY, and by Sunday afternoon there were 5 vintage stern steerers and an Arrow. Temperatures will stay below freezing all week with several night forecast to be in single digits. Boats may be sailing all week and I anticipate more will arrive. Meanwhile there are 5 stern steerers on Orange Lake also. Several are up from Red Bank, NJ.   

Drone video from Saturday  courtesy of Glenn & Lance Wheeler

Vixen, with skipper Reid Bielenberg, under sail on the frozen Hudson River, just off the west shore at Athens-on-Hudson. Glen Burger kite skis just beyond. 

Vixen, a lateen-rigger ice yacht, was built in 1885 in Chelsea ( Low Point) by the Merritt Brothers. It raced several times for the Ice Yacht Challenge Pennant of America. It was owned and sailed by FDR's uncle John A. Roosevelt, and JAR's daughter Ellen,  for many years. 

Photo courtesy of Robert Near

Orion, foreground, and ice yacht Allons, awaiting its sail to be laced on. Allons is back on the ice for the first time in about 25 years. She is a Hyde Park boat.  Orion is originally from Malden-on-Hudson, a few miles downriver from this location.

Ice Yacht Vixen

Mary Ellen, circa 1870

Friday January 28:

Orion  &  Greyhound  manage a few runs on  a sticky surface; As much pushing as sailing...

photos courtesy of Bob Wills