Shelter Islanders Skate on Ice With Boats

On Feb. 2, Punxsutawney Phil emerged from his burrow to enlighten us all that spring is on its way — but maybe Phil missed the memo. Bitter-cold temperatures, blustering winds, and a thread of storms dumping snow on the eastern seaboard did not show signs of spring. Children took pleasure in snow-days full of sledding, while some of us remained bundled and avoided the outdoors.

And across the ferry on Shelter Island, a group of winter enthusiasts are making the most of the Arctic like conditions with unique winter sailboats called ice boats.

At on Shelter Island, owner and President John Needham eagerly waits for days when the winds are just right, and the water in the harbor is frozen solid, with a thickness that cannot be broken. That means that the days of iceboating have arrived.

“I have a hard time explaining to anyone else how ice boating is fun — but you have to admit it is unique," Needham said.

Needham and his family moved to Shelter Island in 1973, where he quickly developed a predilection for marine activities whether it be summer or winter. On any given frigid day, sails would billow through the wind, runners (skates) attached to a hull would cut across the ice, and standing on the shore was Needham marveling at the beauty of the iceboats.

About 15 years ago, ice boating on Shelter Island had become a lost art, leaving one lone boat in the fleet, owned by Shelter Island residents, Hoot and Herb Sherman. One winter, they graciously offered a ride to Needham and a turn on the ice later had him hooked, wishing for thick, smooth ice with each passing winter.

Five years later Needham had a lead on a new ice boat that was for sale. Constructed at the , the new J-14 design would soon become the start to his ever-growing fleet. A 13th-generation Shelter Islander, Needham’s wife, Laura Tuthill, followed her husband’s suit and also developed an interest for the sport. Soon, Tuthill acquired her own boat — a J-14 built in Detroit.

Consecutive years of ideal conditions attracted many inquisitive onlookers who wanted to take a hand at the sport. Needham and Tuthill were thrilled at the idea of sharing their adventures but since there were only two boats, they scoured the Internet and found a Gambit 2-seater for sale just across the water in Sag Harbor. The perfect vessel to introduce novice ice boaters to the sport, the Gambit became an asset to the fleet. 

“If they fall in love with it, they eventually build or buy their own boat," Needham said of the many people he's given rides to over the years.

On any given frozen day, Needham and a few dozen sailors gather their boats to zip back and forth across the harbor. Together they have contentedly offered many bystanders a helmet, goggles, a safety briefing, and a sail that won’t soon be forgotten.

Needham recounted his first days of ice boating with fond memories and his most recent sail with fellow sailors in the rain this past Sunday.

“Everyday of ice boating is memorable… but I think I most enjoy sunset sailing with my wife," he said. "The winds calm down and the ice reflects the pink and purple clouds of the setting sun. It’s simply beautiful.”