February 13, 2005...

It’s about 6am on Sunday morning and our phone rings. I think very hard about not picking up, but thank God I did! It was our good friend, and world renowned photojournalist, Peter Guttman. It would seem that he, along with his wife Lori and son Chase, were heading out on another one of his many adventures; and they were inviting us along.

Peter Guttman Photography

History of Ice Yachting in America

Hudson River Ice Yacht Club

The Photos!

Fly across tide warped floes as frigid wind gusts power classic ice yachts and yank the tears from your eyes.

- Peter Guttman

The Links!

They were taking us Ice Sailing on the Hudson River! When conditions are right (which can vary from day to day) you can show up at the launch site (which can also vary from day to day - wherever the ice is thick), and simply ask to tag along. There are lots of boats, and the captains are more than happy to take you for a ride. That’s me with captain John Sperr in the picture (taken by Peter) at the top of the page. I wish there was a picture of Peter taking the picture, because he is hanging off the side of the T-crossing of the ice yacht - Crazy dangerous, but why he gets such great shots.The Hudson River Yacht Club was formed in 1869 by Commodore John E. Roosevelt (FDR’s Uncle). The club died out when the Roosevelt’s, the Vanderbilt’s, and other wealthy “ice yachting” families moved from their estates in the area. It was revived, however, when locals discovered old barns on what used to be those estates, and found abandoned  ice boats inside. They refurbished the boats, and reformed the Hudson River Yacht Club. The boat I’m on above is one of those hundred plus year old ice yachts. There is a link to the Club here, so check it out, and I hope to see you on the Ice!

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