Hudson River Ice Yacht Club Ends NSIB&YC's 1891 Van Nostrand Cup Reign

Historic upset on frozen Navesink as trophy returns up the Hudson

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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In a dramatic upset, the Hudson River Ice Yacht Club crew swept the historic Van Nostrand Cup challenge on the frozen Navesink River, ending the North Shrewsbury Ice Boat & Yacht Club's long reign over the 130-year-old trophy. The race featured multiple lead changes, tight crossings, and a nail-biting finish that kept spectators guessing until the final leg.

Why it matters

The Van Nostrand Cup is one of the oldest prizes in iceboating, with a history dating back to 1891. The North Shrewsbury Ice Boat & Yacht Club had held the trophy since then, making this a significant upset and the first time in over 130 years that the trophy has left Red Bank and returned up the Hudson River.

The details

The race took place in shifty 12 mph winds, with occasional gusts strong enough to lift the A-class runner planks. The fast, clean ice kept the fleet moving at a brisk pace. The Hudson River Ice Yacht Club crew, sailing their 130-year-old wooden boat Arial, secured two straight wins to claim the Van Nostrand Cup.

  • The race took place on Monday, February 10, 2026.

The players

North Shrewsbury Ice Boat & Yacht Club

The world's longest-standing active iceboat club, founded in 1880 and serving as a hub for enthusiasts of hard-water sailing in Red Bank, New Jersey.

Hudson River Ice Yacht Club

The visiting club that swept the historic Van Nostrand Cup challenge, ending the North Shrewsbury Ice Boat & Yacht Club's long reign over the 130-year-old trophy.

Arial

The 130-year-old wooden boat sailed by the Hudson River Ice Yacht Club crew to two straight wins and the Van Nostrand Cup victory.

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What they’re saying

“Congratulations to the Hudson River Ice Yacht Club. Their skill, sportsmanship, and respect for the history of the sport were on full display. It was an honor to compete against them.”

— Jeff Morton, Former Commodore, North Shrewsbury Ice Boat & Yacht Club (TAPinto.net)

What’s next

The North Shrewsbury Ice Boat & Yacht Club is already eyeing a return bid to take the Van Nostrand Cup trophy back from the Hudson River Ice Yacht Club.

The takeaway

This historic upset marks the first time in over 130 years that the prestigious Van Nostrand Cup has left Red Bank, New Jersey, and returned up the Hudson River. It highlights the enduring tradition and competitive spirit of the sport of iceboating, as well as the North Shrewsbury Ice Boat & Yacht Club's determination to regain the trophy they have held since 1891.