Lecture: Ice Boating on the Hudson

The Hudson River Maritime Museum will present “Ice Boating on the Hudson” as part of its “Follow the River” Lecture and Film Series on Wednesday, November 9, at 7 p.m. in the Riverport Wooden Boat School.

Brian Reid, the Hudson River Ice Yacht Club’s secretary and official club historian, will cover the history, old traditions and legacy of this thrilling sport, which can be undertaken only if the ice on the river is thick enough and the weather conditions are just right. Ice boats are fitted with skis or runners and run over ice rather than through water. Reid will also include current restoration projects being undertaken by the club, such as the 1912 ice yacht MANHASSET.

The HRIYC’s mission is preserving and sailing the historic gaff rigged ice yachts of New York’s Hudson River Valley. Their restoration methods use traditional wooden boatbuilding and rigging techniques appropriate to the period of the boat’s construction.

There is a suggested donation of $5.