Historic Ice Yacht Gifted to Lake Hopatcong Club- It’s “Ours”

On February 9, 2026, Brian Haumersen and Mike D Achille returned the historic ice yacht OURS to the ice of the Navesink River at the North Shrewsbury Ice Boat and Yacht Club for the first time in approximately two decades, marking a notable moment for the region’s ice boating community. The Navesink, also historically known as the North Shrewsbury River, has long been a center of ice boating activity in New Jersey, where the club has been active since 1880 and could claim the center of the universe for ice boat history.

While no speed records were attempted, the outing provided a rare opportunity to experience firsthand the power and demands of these massive craft, which weigh more than 1,000 lb and require considerable coordination and physical strength, with 1 sailor handling the tiller and the other managing the sheets.

The vessel had been entrusted to the Lake Hopatcong Ice Boat Club by the North Shrewsbury Ice Boat and Yacht Club, reflecting a spirit of cooperation and stewardship among historic sailing organizations. The day also featured competitive racing events, including the Weaver Trophy and the prestigious Van Nostrem Cup, which participants observed before taking their own turn aboard the yacht. The occasion marks a meaningful revival of a boat that has not been sailed in many years and a continuation of longstanding ice yachting.

Background

Mike D Achille, Brian Haumersen, and Dean Lennox from the club have been working on “Ours” and setting it up for the last couple of weeks. Today, by chance, while working on her, we were approached by the last owner’s daughter and granddaughter (last photo in the video). They were so happy and had no idea it would be brought out of retirement.

“Ours” in the News

Back on January 20, 1969, George Fornier, sailing the Class A ice yacht Ours, captured the Eastern Ice Yacht Association championship on the Navesink River near Red Bank, adding another distinguished chapter to the long compHistory history of the famous vessel.

The regatta marked the first time in 29 years that the championships had returned to the Navesink, although unseasonably warm weather caused water to form on the ice and forced several skippers to withdraw. In the 3-race series conducted over the weekend, Fornier placed 4th in the opening race but rebounded with 2 consecutive victories to secure the title with 6 points, demonstrating both the performance of Ours and the skill of her crew under challenging late-season ice conditions.

This boat is ours; it is a Class A stern steerer over 100 years old. North Shrewsbury Ice Boat & Yacht Club has graciously entrusted this boat to the Lake Hopatcong Ice Yacht Club to sail, compete with, and maintain. It has not sailed in over two decades, but it is in fabulous condition.

Club History

The Lake Hopatcong Ice Yacht Club was founded in 1937 to organize ice sailing and racing activities on Lake Hopatcong, New Jersey, continuing a regional tradition of ice boating that had already been established across northern New Jersey lakes and rivers since the late 1800s. The lake itself provided reliable winter ice, particularly in sheltered coves such as River Styx, making it a natural center for the sport.

By the mid-20th century, the club included nationally competitive sailors. One documented member, Alfred M. Walther, was a Yankee Class national champion and life member of the club, illustrating the organization’s connection to national-level competition and organized regattas.

Today, the Lake Hopatcong Ice Yacht Club remains active as part of the broader North American ice sailing community, coordinating with regional organizations and modern DN Class racing fleets while preserving one of New Jersey’s long-standing ice boating traditions.

More Jersey Iceboating Posts

About the Author

Brooks Betz is a researcher and writer for Mr. Local History and the New Jersey History Project, focused on uncovering overlooked stories, places, and people that shaped New Jersey and American life. His work draws on archival newspapers, maps, photographs, and firsthand accounts to turn forgotten details into clear history. His approach is best described as History With a Social Twist, grounded in personal reference and firsthand knowledge gained through years of research, interviews, and on-site exploration.

The only thing I remember more is the people I friended along the way. It’s been years since I thought about them all, and now I’m inspired to rekindle some of those friends and memories, and hopefully make a few new ones. Mr Local History & Gambit Iceboat DN Painting – Mr. Local History (aka Brooks Betz, Basking Ridge, New Jersey). I can be reached at brooksatmrlocalhistory.org. “Be Safe and Sail Fast.”

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