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Iceboats are boats with skis or runners that travel on ice like sailboats on water. Initially used for transportation, they are now primarily used for racing. The newest designs can reach extremely high speeds, but safety is a high priority. Different classes of iceboats exist, with the Skeeter class being the fastest.
An iceboat, or iceboat, is a boat equipped with skis or runners and built to travel on ice in the same way that sailboats do on water. Early ice ships were modeled after traditional sailing ships, but had a cross-joined wooden plank at the front and a separate runner at the rear used for steering. Today used primarily as racing vehicles, modern ice boats are supported by skid-like steel runners that allow them to retain ice at high speeds.
Initially, the ice boat trip was made for the purpose of transporting goods and equipment. The first recorded ice boating for pleasure or sport took place in Europe, and the use of ice boats for commercial purposes soon died out entirely. The only real exception to this was its use in transporting lighthouse workers during the winter. In those areas of the world where weather conditions create ice thick enough to safely use these unique types of sailboats, ice sailing has become an increasingly popular sport.
Most ice boats are built for one person. However, there are larger boats designed for two or more. There are different classes of iceboat, the best known being the International DN class and the Skeeter class. The distinctions between classes are mainly determined by the size and height of the mast. Skeeter’s newest designs are said to be the fastest to ever navigate the ice.
As a result of significantly reduced drag, the newest, most aerodynamically designed ice boat can reach extremely high speeds. The runners are angled in such a way as to counteract the lateral force of the wind on the sails. Once a certain level of force is reached, what is called “sail lift” occurs and the iceboat is propelled forward with such force that it is actually going faster than the wind. Under optimal conditions, on smooth black ice, these vessels have been known to achieve ten times the prevailing wind rate.
High speed and brutal weather can combine to create a dangerous environment. Safety is a very high priority. This has led to the adoption of a strict set of rules and guidelines that everyone who does boating, boating or ice racing is expected to be familiar with and follow at all times.
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