By new Airwaves writer Julia Brighton
As Lake Champlain reaches a full freeze for the first time since 2019, it is not stopping the hardiest of sailors from getting on the water, or, more accurately, the ice. While much of New England is waiting for warmer days and thawed harbors, Vermont sailors of all ages are taking advantage of the conditions at hand. On a recent overcast Saturday, sailors traded open water for a sheet of ice and launched onto a frozen lake as snow fell steadily, and air temperatures hovered just above zero degrees.
The conditions were far from forgiving. Snow reduced visibility across the lake, and the wind cut sharply across the ice. Despite the cold and challenging weather, the sailors remained enthusiastic. New ice boaters and seasoned regulars of the sport layered against the wind and snow and jumped right into conditions that would send most people inside.
Once on the ice, the sailors tried their hand at DN iceboats, one of the most widely used designs in the sport. DN iceboats originated in Michigan in the 1930s as a result of an ice boat design contest sponsored by the Detroit News. These single-sail boats can now be found all over North America and are known for their simplicity and speed, making them a popular choice for both racing and recreational ice sailing.
To get the boats moving, sailors took a running start before leaping aboard. The boats accelerated quickly, a new feeling for sailors used to water pushing against their hulls. Ice boating offered a different, yet still exhilarating, experience of navigating a new way of being in tune with the wind and sails. For some, the day served as an introduction to ice boating, and for others, it was a welcome return to a winter activity that has become increasingly rare in recent years.
This ice boating opportunity was supported by the New England Ice Yacht Association, which hosts regattas and ice sailing events across the Northeast when conditions allow. Ice boating seasons are highly dependent on weather and ice quality, making them unpredictable and often short-lived. In recent winters, safe ice has become increasingly rare, limiting opportunities for organized sailing. A near-complete freeze on Lake Champlain has opened the door for renewed activity after several seasons without reliable conditions.
For the sailors, the day was a reminder that sailing in northern climates does not need to end with the close of the fall season. As sails filled with wind and boats glided across the lake, Lake Champlain once again became a unique sailing venue, proving that even in the coldest conditions, the sailing season never has to end.
About the author
Julia Brighton grew up in North Carolina but spent her summers sailing in Scituate, Massachusetts, where her connection to the water began. She is currently an Environmental Studies major at the University of Vermont and serves as Treasurer of the UVM Sailing Team, competing in both women’s and coed events. Julia sailed on the varsity sailing team at Choate Rosemary Hall, building a strong foundation in team racing and competitive sailing. She has also worked with coastal photographer Kat Hanafin of The Nautical Collection, contributing written content and assisting with business operations and client communications. Outside of college sailing, Julia works as a race coach at Cohasset Yacht Club, where she enjoys mentoring young sailors and fostering both competitive skills and a lasting respect for the marine environment.
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