“Meditation and water are wedded for ever,” wrote Herman Melville. Watching the boats glide across the solid stage of Lake Ronkonkoma, it feels natural to add ice to that equation. In this part of New York State, a practice both contemplative and sublime continues through time: ice sailing.

A traditional heritage. An ongoing dialogue between human beings and the natural elements. Craftsmanship merging with meteorological knowledge. Through Iain Gomez’s lens, this sporting microcosm reveals itself in all its simple complexity. His images speak of speed and meditation, indeed, but above all, of magic.

The same magic returns in Iain Gomez’s own account accompanying the gallery: words that highlight the cultural significance of this practice, allowing us to reflect on the deeper meaning of the encounter between sailing and ice.

“If I mentioned sailing, most people would assume summer sun and wind off of the shores of Long Island. Yet in reality, sailing is a year round sport in this area. Summer sun and winter chill make for the best of boat racing.

Sailing in the winter on frozen lakes is one of the oldest sports that continues today.  And one of the largest ice boat clubs in the United States is still out on the ice every winter. The Lake Ronkonkoma Ice Boat and Yacht Club known as LRIBYC, has been taking to the ice and shores for over a hundred years. When the group was founded in 1923, individuals sailed on handmade boats. These boats skated at high speeds as they crossed frozen lakes in the blink of an eye. Members from this group hold both national and regional championships with deep generational roots in the sport. 

On this particular day on the ice, I had the opportunity to meet Commodore, Scott Valentine and fellow sailor, Peter Truesdell. They shared with me details of the sport they so cherish. They introduced me to their boats and assembled them in front of me piece by piece. Hulls adjusted, sails hoisted, and with a running push off the shore, they hustled quickly into place to steer the boats in the strong wind. It’s an incredible site to see such light boats maneuvered at such speed.

Ice boats are new to me and seem modern, but I have such a nostalgic feel for them. Training and traveling across the country for races, this club comes alive every year when the weather freezes lakes to revive a sport that is beautiful to witness. With all the commotion a fellow sailor, who lives on the lake, was gracious enough to present a boat that has been in the club since before its official founding. A boat handmade and still in working form perfectly preserved skated towards us. On the backdrop of newer more modern boats, this was a classic and beautiful glimpse into how far the sport has come. It was such a pleasure to spectate and document something so far from traditional ice sports.”