http://boatingtimesli.com/NY/?p=6024
A recent article in Boating Times Long Island:
Mid-Life Ices
February 20, 2011 by Leslie Fazin
Jordan Glaser credits his competitive drive and his nautical background to Long Island’s waterways. He sailed every summer at his family’s waterfront homes in Lake Ronkonkoma, and later, in Lake Panamoka. When he and his brother were just eight and five years old, respectively, they pooled together enough money (along with their father’s help) to buy a used Sailfish. They started racing—and winning—in regattas against seasoned adults.
Searching for a new hobby, Glaser was intrigued by S. Calhoun Smith’s book, Ice Boating: A Complete Guide to Ice Boat Development, Design, Construction, and Sailing. By the time he finished the book, he couldn’t wait to hit the ice. “I remembered seeing one ice boat in my childhood,” he explains. “And that ice boat had always stuck in my mind; someday, I wanted to go that fast.”
But Glaser found it a bit more challenging than he had initially expected. He recalls his first experience out on the ice after buying a wooden Arrow ice boat. “It was very surprising to go so fast and to not have any control, slipping all over the ice,” he admits. “There’s a lot of work involved.”
Ice sailors must be willing to brave the elements. They dress in layers to protect themselves from the wind and the frigid temperatures. Having patience with Mother Nature is key—races can be canceled or postponed if weather conditions are less than perfect. Ideal winds are generally between 10 and 15 miles per hour (mph) and lakes, rivers, and bays must be thick with ice and devoid of snow, holes, or cracks.
Glaser joined the Lake Ronkonkoma Ice Boat and Yacht Club (www.iceboatlongisland.com) and, over the years, sailed across waterways as far away as Wisconsin and Minnesota. Locally, he’s sailed Lake Ronkonkoma, the Great South Bay, the Great North River, and Mecox Bay.
Why travel to icy locations and bundle up for protection? Ice boat enthusiasts do it for the thrill: ice boats can travel anywhere between 50 and 90 mph across the ice. Glaser embraces his need for speed, and loves what his liquid water-sailing friends despise: the cold. “If you’re freezing and you’re cursing at the wind and at God, I’m happy,” he laughs.
It took a few years for Glaser’s wife to adjust to his risky new pastime. When their daughter was 11 years old, he took her on her first ice sailing escapade. “My wife’s words to me were, ‘If anything happens to my daughter, don’t come home,’” he recalls.
Things were going smoothly until they hit an unpredicted roadblock and lost control of the steering. “My daughter and I were careening across the ice at 60 mph, ice chips flying over our heads, and I’m screaming, ‘I’m never going home!’ But after about a mile or so, the boat miraculously came to a stop.”
Glaser laughs in retelling the story, but he knows that moments like those are why traveling in groups provides protection when an unexpected situation arises. Though not necessary, “strength in numbers” is often best. Ice sailing requires a great deal of stamina, not only for lifting the boat onto the ice and hoisting up the mast, but also for pushing the boat into the wind at the start of each race.
“After what happened with my daughter, I sold that boat right on the spot,” he says. “And I ended up buying a more sturdy fiberglass boat. I came up with a nice name for it, which was Mid-Life Ices.”
Throughout the years, Glaser continued to learn the ropes of the sport and with that came more ice boat purchases: Attitude, Instigator, Split Second and his son Jake’s, Passion. Between father and son, they’ve also earned a few trophies, championships and other distinctions.
“It’s an exciting time,” says Glaser. “I’ve met a lot of great people and I’ve traveled to places in the United States that I never, ever thought I’d travel to. I’ve seen beautiful places, but only when they’re frozen.”
Story by Leslie Fazin
An email from Mom & Dad:
Hi Jordy::
Just re-read the ice boating article, this time with Mom at my side. Laughed even more. We do remember the first time when we saw an ice boat flying across Lake Panamoka; and, the time we all went to purchase your first Sailfish. The boat was spotless; though the kitchen floor was covered with splattered eggs. As my mother would say, "just have the strength" to continue sailing and savoring life.
Love to all.
Mom and Dad
