Ice Boating with Robert Wills
A talk exploring the exciting and storied winter sporting tradition January 20.
January 20 | Morton Memorial Library, 82 Kelly Street, Rhinecliff, NY | 6:30–8:00pm
On Tuesday, January 20, the Morton Memorial Library & Community House in Rhinecliff presents Ice Boating with Robert Wills, a talk exploring the exciting and storied winter tradition. Hosted in the library’s historic 1905 Colonial Revival building, this free program features Robert Wills, President of the Hudson River Ice Yacht Preservation Trust and Past Commodore of the Hudson River Ice Yacht Club, sharing the history, artistry, and thrill of ice yachting. Wills, an enthusiast who has been ice boating since 1989 and cares for four historic ice yachts, will trace the sport from its Dutch beginnings in the 17th century to its heyday in the 19th century when sleek ice yachts became known as some of the fastest vehicles on earth.
Attendees will learn how ice yachting evolved from a winter mode of transport to a competitive sport that captivated figures like the Roosevelts and drew clubs and races up and down the river. Wills’ presentation promises to illuminate both the technical craft behind the elegant wooden vessels and the passionate community that continues to preserve and sail them today.
Written by
After a decade of writing for RI (along with many other publications and organizations) Jamie took over as editor in 2025. He has a masters in journalism from NYU, a wonderful wife, two kids and a Carolina dog named Zelda.
