Rare Iceboat Return Delights Jersey Shore

Deep freeze allows for traditional winter sport on frozen Navesink River

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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A deep freeze along the Jersey Shore has revived the rare winter tradition of iceboat racing, with members of the North Shrewsbury Ice Boat and Yacht Club taking to the frozen Navesink River in Red Bank, Monmouth County. The club, dating back to the 19th century, has struggled in recent years to host races due to warmer winters, making this year's return to the ice all the more special.

Why it matters

Iceboat racing is a unique winter tradition in coastal New Jersey that has become increasingly rare in recent years due to climate change and warmer winters. The return of ideal conditions for this historic sport is a sign of the region's resilience and ability to embrace its winter heritage.

The details

With several inches of ice covering the tidal Navesink River, members of the North Shrewsbury Ice Boat and Yacht Club were able to take their specialized iceboats out onto the frozen waterway. The snap of sails and scrape of blades filled the air as the iceboats glided across the ice, reviving a tradition that dates back to the 19th century.

  • The deep freeze along the Jersey Shore occurred in February 2026.

The players

North Shrewsbury Ice Boat and Yacht Club

A club dating back to the 19th century that hosts iceboat racing on the frozen Navesink River in Red Bank, New Jersey.

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The takeaway

The return of iceboat racing to the Jersey Shore is a heartening sign that the region's unique winter traditions can endure, even in the face of climate change and warmer winters. This event showcases the community's resilience and ability to embrace its heritage, providing a sense of seasonal wonder and connection to the land.