Merry Christmas 2021

[Lord of the Dance]

Merry Christmas to my comrades at RUA. May you enjoy the remainder of the holiday season in the spirit of peace. 

Now it's just a waiting game for the lake to freeze over strong enough for some ice-sailing. Hopefully I won't frown (freeze-drown). 

[AvHdB]

A Joyous Christmas and a Prosperous 2022 to one and all.

That certainly is not a DN! What sort of rig is it carrying?

[Lord of the Dance]

A Joyous Christmas and a Prosperous 2022 to one and all.

That certainly is not a DN! What sort of rig is it carrying?

Yeah, not really an ice-boat, just a compact land sailer marketed down under in New Zealand. Normally would be fitted with wheels for dune or beach sailing, but around here the best places to sail are frozen lakes so I've fitted her out with a set of stainless ice blades. I have a set of sails ranging from 2M to 5M and a take-apart carbon mast (just add more sections as you increase sail size). It's a simple and lightweight rig that packs down into a couple of large suitcases (eventually planning to fly with it).

Thanks Av, a prosperous 2022 for you as well. Lord knows after the last couple of years things have gotta get better in the new year!

[Gipsy]

Merry Christmas everyone, wherever you are...

[AvHdB]

A Joyous Christmas and a Prosperous 2022 to one and all.

That certainly is not a DN! What sort of rig is it carrying?

Yeah, not really an ice-boat, just a compact land sailer marketed down under in New Zealand. Normally would be fitted with wheels for dune or beach sailing, but around here the best places to sail are frozen lakes so I've fitted her out with a set of stainless ice blades. I have a set of sails ranging from 2M to 5M and a take-apart carbon mast (just add more sections as you increase sail size). It's a simple and lightweight rig that packs down into a couple of large suitcases (eventually planning to fly with it).

Thanks Av, a prosperous 2022 for you as well. Lord knows after the last couple of years things have gotta get better in the new year!

I have only once been on a DN it was an amazing experience. The two determining criteria for winning speed were the blades and the cross beam that has to have the correct balance to your weight. To soft and you have no power, to hard (rigid) and you bounce as if you are on a bouncing ball. The one race I did I almost was DFL. It is a steep learning curve. 🤣

[Wiz]

Wishing you



And a Very Happy New Year   
  wiz 

[redroo]

and also from I, imprisioned in the "downunder hermit kingdom", the new, Republic of Westralia, ruled by Emperor Mark McGowan, (formerly the State of Western Australia, once part of the Australian Federation of States)
Still, it's summer, perfect 32c today, but forcasting 40c for Christmas Day...phew! 
Breakfast at the beach, a game of beach cricket, then home by 1100 me thinks to the aircon

[Lord of the Dance]

I have only once been on a DN it was an amazing experience. The two determining criteria for winning speed were the blades and the cross beam that has to have the correct balance to your weight. To soft and you have no power, to hard (rigid) and you bounce as if you are on a bouncing ball. The one race I did I almost was DFL. It is a steep learning curve. 🤣

We have a cottage on lake Chautauqua in New York which sits about 1300' AMSL. At 17 miles long, it offers ideal wind and range for ice sailing. As you say, balance is important. Also of importance is that the main blades are in consonance (parallel) with one another so they aren't inducing drag. You can adjust the consonance by cranking the tow-in turnbuckles (silver rods that extend out to the blade stubs). I'm also hoping for some light melting / re-freezing after we accumulate the requisite 4-5 inches of ice so that the ice-bed is a smooth ride. If it gets too rough, spiked tundra tires will provide for a faster run.

[Steveboy]

счастливого рождества.....

[AvHdB]

It is worth noting DN racing is held both across North American as well as Europe including substantial ‘fleets’ from Russia and even Ukraine.

Here is a video from Russia.

[Contrarian]

By Clement Clarke Moore

'Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house
Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse;
The stockings were hung by the chimney with care,
In hopes that St. Nicholas soon would be there;

The children were nestled all snug in their beds,
While visions of sugar-plums danced in their heads;
And mamma in her 'kerchief, and I in my cap,
Had just settled down for a long winter's nap,

When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter,
I sprang from the bed to see what was the matter.
Away to the window I flew like a flash,
Tore open the shutters and threw up the sash.

The moon on the breast of the new-fallen snow
Gave the lustre of mid-day to objects below,
When, what to my wondering eyes should appear,
But a miniature sleigh, and eight tiny reindeer,

With a little old driver, so lively and quick,
I knew in a moment it must be St. Nick.
More rapid than eagles his coursers they came,
And he whistled, and shouted, and called them by name;

"Now, DASHER! now, DANCER! now, PRANCER and VIXEN!
On, COMET! on CUPID! on, DONNER and BLITZEN!
To the top of the porch! to the top of the wall!
Now dash away! dash away! dash away all!"

As dry leaves that before the wild hurricane fly,
When they meet with an obstacle, mount to the sky,
So up to the house-top the coursers they flew,
With the sleigh full of toys, and St. Nicholas too.

And then, in a twinkling, I heard on the roof
The prancing and pawing of each little hoof.
As I drew in my hand, and was turning around,
Down the chimney St. Nicholas came with a bound.

He was dressed all in fur, from his head to his foot,
And his clothes were all tarnished with ashes and soot;
A bundle of toys he had flung on his back,
And he looked like a peddler just opening his pack.

His eyes -- how they twinkled! his dimples how merry!
His cheeks were like roses, his nose like a cherry!
His droll little mouth was drawn up like a bow,
And the beard of his chin was as white as the snow;

The stump of a pipe he held tight in his teeth,
And the smoke it encircled his head like a wreath;
He had a broad face and a little round belly,
That shook, when he laughed like a bowlful of jelly.

He was chubby and plump, a right jolly old elf,
And I laughed when I saw him, in spite of myself;
A wink of his eye and a twist of his head,
Soon gave me to know I had nothing to dread;

He spoke not a word, but went straight to his work,
And filled all the stockings; then turned with a jerk,
And laying his finger aside of his nose,
And giving a nod, up the chimney he rose;

He sprang to his sleigh, to his team gave a whistle,
And away they all flew like the down of a thistle.
But I heard him exclaim, ere he drove out of sight,
HAPPY CHRISTMAS TO ALL, AND TO ALL A GOOD-NIGHT!


https://www.teachervision.com/christmas/twas-the-night-before-christmas-full-text-of-the-classic-poem

[Lord of the Dance]

It is worth noting DN racing is held both across North American as well as Europe including substantial ‘fleets’ from Russia and even Ukraine.

Here is a video from Russia.

Nice! Such good sport.

[Lord of the Dance]

By Clement Clarke Moore

'Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house
Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse;
The stockings were hung by the chimney with care,
In hopes that St. Nicholas soon would be there;

The children were nestled all snug in their beds,
While visions of sugar-plums danced in their heads;
And mamma in her 'kerchief, and I in my cap,
Had just settled down for a long winter's nap,

When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter,
I sprang from the bed to see what was the matter.
Away to the window I flew like a flash,
Tore open the shutters and threw up the sash.

The moon on the breast of the new-fallen snow
Gave the lustre of mid-day to objects below,
When, what to my wondering eyes should appear,
But a miniature sleigh, and eight tiny reindeer,

With a little old driver, so lively and quick,
I knew in a moment it must be St. Nick.
More rapid than eagles his coursers they came,
And he whistled, and shouted, and called them by name;

"Now, DASHER! now, DANCER! now, PRANCER and VIXEN!
On, COMET! on CUPID! on, DONNER and BLITZEN!
To the top of the porch! to the top of the wall!
Now dash away! dash away! dash away all!"

As dry leaves that before the wild hurricane fly,
When they meet with an obstacle, mount to the sky,
So up to the house-top the coursers they flew,
With the sleigh full of toys, and St. Nicholas too.

And then, in a twinkling, I heard on the roof
The prancing and pawing of each little hoof.
As I drew in my hand, and was turning around,
Down the chimney St. Nicholas came with a bound.

He was dressed all in fur, from his head to his foot,
And his clothes were all tarnished with ashes and soot;
A bundle of toys he had flung on his back,
And he looked like a peddler just opening his pack.

His eyes -- how they twinkled! his dimples how merry!
His cheeks were like roses, his nose like a cherry!
His droll little mouth was drawn up like a bow,
And the beard of his chin was as white as the snow;

The stump of a pipe he held tight in his teeth,
And the smoke it encircled his head like a wreath;
He had a broad face and a little round belly,
That shook, when he laughed like a bowlful of jelly.

He was chubby and plump, a right jolly old elf,
And I laughed when I saw him, in spite of myself;
A wink of his eye and a twist of his head,
Soon gave me to know I had nothing to dread;

He spoke not a word, but went straight to his work,
And filled all the stockings; then turned with a jerk,
And laying his finger aside of his nose,
And giving a nod, up the chimney he rose;

He sprang to his sleigh, to his team gave a whistle,
And away they all flew like the down of a thistle.
But I heard him exclaim, ere he drove out of sight,
HAPPY CHRISTMAS TO ALL, AND TO ALL A GOOD-NIGHT!


https://www.teachervision.com/christmas/twas-the-night-before-christmas-full-text-of-the-classic-poem

 

[Contrarian]

To everyone, here's wishing you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
Now bring us some figgy pudding, and bring it right now!! We won't go until you do. 

 

[Orchid]

Merry Christmas to my comrades at RUA. May you enjoy the remainder of the holiday season in the spirit of peace. 

Now it's just a waiting game for the lake to freeze over strong enough for some ice-sailing. Hopefully I won't frown (freeze-drown). 

(Attachment Link)

Now I am going to worry about you. Be careful with this toy and ….. have fun!!!

[Orchid]

Merry Christmas!!!

[Lord of the Dance]

Now I am going to worry about you. Be careful with this toy and ….. have fun!!!

In all sincerity, I believe this to be the kindest, most genuine comment I've ever received from this group - thank you for your concern Orchid, I promise to be cautious. And a merry Christmas to you as well!

        

[AvHdB]

“Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today your Savior was born in the town of David. He is Christ, the Lord.

A joyous Christmas to all!

[Manny]

ice-sailing.

Now that I do fancy! 

[AvHdB]

It should be noted both land sailing and ice boating initially developed in The United Provinces. Here is a link.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iceboat

[Lord of the Dance]

It should be noted both land sailing and ice boating initially developed in The United Provinces. Here is a link.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iceboat

As many of the most environmentally-friendly creations seem to originate. (potential brownie points to score here with the future Mrs. if she is 'greenly' inclined). Then again, most of my sports are not, so hopefully this will help to balance the scales a little. 

Thanks for the link Av, good reading.