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TOLEDO -- For retired sailmaker John Greiner, ice boating is in his blood. 

Every year since he was boy, Greiner says he's been putting ice boats on the Maumee Bay and enjoying the ride.  Now he likes to watch others enjoy the experience.

On Thursday, he was at it again - getting ready for a racing event this weekend, the "Greiner Open" that will feature a fleet of these graceful and sleek ice yachts on both Saturday and Sunday.  

The ice on the bay has been exceptionally good this year for ice boating according to ice boat enthusiast and radio host Maggie Thurber who has also been a part of this winter tradition since she was a girl. With ice that's smooth as glass and only a light sugaring of snow, it's been so good that Thurber says expert racers from around the region have been coming to this area to practice on the course. 

NBC 24's photojournalist, Michael Melchiorre went to Point Place to check it out and was able to hitch a ride with John Greiner, getting some great video of the experience as the boat, propelled by only the wind, sailed smoothly across the ice.

Check out the video for Michael's ride and the reaction of another ice boat newbie who also got her first ride on this 100-year-old winter tradition inToledo.