July 17, 2010
Ice Boaters Take to Lake Michigan in Chicago to Mackinac Race
Several ice boaters are participating in the 102nd annual Chicago Yacht Club's Chicago to Mac race on July 24, 2010.
They are:
John Dennis DN4691
& Jim McDonagh DN5214
on Pinball WizardBob Listeki DN5206 on Hornet
Steve Orlebeke DN4926 on Evolution
Ron Sherry DN44 on Equation
Dave Travis on Mischief
Follow the race as it unfolds here on the CYC website.
July 10, 2010
Cold Water Safety
Geoff Sobering passes along a couple of good links to stories concerning water safety.
The Truth About Cold Water
Drowning Doesn't Look Like Drowning
Lake Champlain Maritime Museum Features Vintage Stern-Steerer
"FERRISBURGH -- Displayed in air-conditioned splendor, 'Storm King,' a fully-rigged, 35-foot-long, turn-of-the-20th century, wind-powered ice yacht, soars up three
stories." Read more.
July 6, 2010
Wind Powered Car?
"...a wind-powered car designed by an aerodynamicist to end a longstanding internet debate, namely, 'Can you go downwind faster than the wind?' Using high-tech designs and precise instrumentation, Blackbird proves you can."
June 24, 2010
Art Siebke, NJ Skeeter Sailor
Click to see entire Camel ad "DAVID & GOLIATH ON ICE!"
We received an inquiry from the nephew of Greenwood Lake, New Jersey Skeeter sailor Art Siebke wanting to learn more about his uncle's involvement in ice boating.
Above is part of a beautifully illustrated advertisement for Camel cigarettes featuring Siebke. Be sure to click on the image to see the entire panel.
Sailing as a member of the Skeeter Ice Boat Club, Siebke won the International Skeeter Association championship in 1948.
The ISA continues to award the Siebke Memorial Trophy to the skipper who travels the farthest to race his yacht in the annual regatta.
If you have any stories to share about Art Siebke, email to me and I'll pass them on to his nephew.
June 17, 2010
New November(!)Regatta Announced
Via the DN Forum: Thunder Bay, Ontario DN skipper Mike Madge is putting together the first annual Northern Superior DN Regatta for first ice in November. More information here.
June 13, 2010
Google Book Search Result of the Day
2010 Northwest Ice Yachting Association Stern-Steerer Champions at the famed South Side Ice Yacht Club in Oshkosh
The South Side "Think Tank"
Oshkosh, The Way We Were, Remembering People and Places Ron La Point, published March 2010
"It has been called the graveyard of ships; The South Side Think Tank; a cheap place to drink beer and keep your boat; and most recently, 'Beer Hell'! No matter what you call it, the South Side Ice Yacht Club has been around for nearly seventy-five years and long line of colorful characters and faithful followers subscribe to all of the above."
By James Zitzelsberger
Continue reading.
Speaking of the SSIYC, they will be having their 3rd annual "Rock the Dock" customer appreciation party party on July 31st. There's be music, food, beer, and the EAA air show. The SSIYC is a fantastic place to watch the planes flying in the air show.
June 5, 2010
Why We Ice Boat
4LIYC Historian Greg Whitehorse recently came across this article written by the late Charlie Johnson, a 4LIYC Honor Roll recipient who sailed Skeeters through the 1970s. Charlie wrote this for the Fall 1970 ISA News and Views. Following is one of the best written explanations of the sport of ice boating.
Charlie Johnson & Lynx
REMARKS ON ICE BOATING
Now that the 1970 ISA Regatta is history, the time seems right to express some ideas about ice boating.
To me the best ice boats are a unique creation, truly comparable to other masterpieces of human endeavor. Last October I had the pleasure of seeing five of the finest violins at the Library of Congress in Washington. They were in a glass case for display in a guarded and locked room. They are used each week by outstanding artists.
Click here to read more.Our ice boats are, likewise, creations of master craftsmen giving their best to the effort. [Dave] Rosten, [Bill] Mattison, and others are creating a really unique and outstanding racing machine. Not to be forgotten also are the sail makers, Pegel, Boston, and others.
Like old violins, records of ice boats are perhaps not generally known. The Snow Goose was a very outstanding machine; Perrigo's Thunder Jet is another. That records are not made in the manner of treasured art objects is, perhaps, unfortunate; but, and I think this is a very true part of ice boating, the reward of the making and racing of an outstanding ice boat, is an inner satisfaction, an inner reward, and knowledge of a job expertly done and supremely sailed. It is a true part of the maker of the craft. It would be proper to have widespread recognition, but the true reward, to me, is within each maker and each skipper.
Our sport is a true amateur sport, or perhaps a true personal spiritual sport. There is no sideshow effort, no bowing to those utilitarian requirements of monetary return, publicity in news medium, or exaltation for purposes of gain. We sail fro the joy of the experience, for the thrill, for the satisfaction of a job well done.
It's no accident that several of the outstanding sailors are ice boaters, it's a part of sailing that is hard to beat. A hard drive off the wind, acceleration on top of acceleration, catch a lifter, raise a little, trim in harder, drive downwind further, go, go, go! Watch for a faint suspicion of deceleration, sweeten up a bit, catch it again, and go, go, go! It's an experience that cannot be forgotten, truly an outstanding sailing experience.
If all our ice were glass, slightly wet, and all our air reasonably steady with lifters just where needed, sailing would be perfect. Sometimes we do find this, and it is worth waiting years to have. Meanwhile we must accept the more ordinary ice conditions, ordinary weather and wind, and gracefully accept snow, sometimes for weeks. Our ideal comes from time to time, the Great Maker gives only so much of the very best.
Charles H. Johnson
June 3, 2010
Google Book Search Result of the Day
Search Terms: "Ice Yacht" + Madison
"They certainly have a superb place to go ice yachting at Madison Wis. The town is on an isthmus situated between Lake Mendota and Lake Monona. On the former lake where most of the ice yacht races take place a course of nearly 5 miles straight without a turn can be laid out. On the latter lake a sail can be made straightaway of 3.5 miles. Four miles from Madison which is the home of the Mendota IYC is Lake Waubesa which is 3.5 miles long. Why a place like that with ice yachting facilities right at your back and front doorsteps should have the largest and finest fleet in America. The facilities could not be better with every street on each side of the town ending at one of the lakes. Oh that we had a place like this in the East where we from New York City have to go 60 or 70 miles to the nearest places and most of it on salt water ice at that..."
Click here to read entire article.
H. Percy Ashley in The Rudder, 1912.
May 23, 2010
This Day in Ice Yacht History
This groaner was printed:
May 23, 1894 Cedar Rapids, Iowa Gazette
A Misunderstanding
Sapsmith (terribly agitated)-Oh, that is awful! And will the poor fellah ever be able to see again?
Steele-Seeagain? What are you talking about?
"Why, haven't you just told me that Bertie Hyroller had his eyes shot out this morning?"
"Naw! I said he had his ice yacht out this morning."-Puck
May 8, 2010
SIBC Ice Boat Swap Meet Scheduled
In the inbox today: "I'm pleased to be able to announce to you that Lucke's Cantina, in Williams Bay, located across the street from the old Sailing Specialists building, has graciously invited the Skeeter Ice Boat Club to hold the 2010 Iceboat Swap Meet in Lucke's parking lot.
The date will be Sunday, October 31st. This date was chosen because the Packers and Vikings will both be playing on the east coast and the Bears have a bye. So mark your calendars, have a great summer and when you're in the Bay stop in at Lucke's. ....sneaky scribe"
May 3, 2010
Ice Racing Bicycles Part II
In response to Jori Lenon's recent link, Jordan Glaser submits this illustration for our consideration.
April 17, 2010
"Jack's Frost" Book Now Available For Purchase
We presented a book to Jack Ripp Saturday night that covers the sixty plus years that he's been sailing with photos from Jack's own collection and from the archives of the 4LIYC. We also included an in depth interview with Jack that Greg Whitehorse conducted in 1998.
Jack has generously agreed to make the book available to anyone who wants to purchase it.
You can order it online through blurb.com in soft cover, hardcover, or hardcover with a dust jacket. Click on "Book Preview" to page through the book.
The club makes $3 on each purchase which helps to offset expenses of the web site, ATV, etc.
April 15, 2010
This Day in 4LIYC History
Bernard's Rental Fleet in the late 1800s
April 15, 1915 Oshkosh Northwestern
MADISON BOATHOUSE BURNED
William P. Bernard Suffers Loss of About $12,000
(Special to the Northwestern)
Madison, Wis-April 15- The boat livery and workshop of William P. Bernard on Lake Mendota with most of their contents, was destroyed by fire early today. The loss is $12,000. Several boats were built during the sinter months and some of these were destroyed. Mr. Bernard built som eof the fastest boats and ice yachts in the country.
April 13, 2010
This Day In 4LIYC History
April 13, 1964 Wisconsin State Journal
Rosten Sets Pace
for Yacht Awards
Dave Rosten collected most of
he honors Saturday night at the
annual awards banquet of Madison's
Four Lakes Ice Yacht club.
Rosten, 26, won both the Saturday
and Sunday series for Class
E boats and thus also captured
top honors in the season series,
a composite of the two weekend
events.
Jack Ripp was second in the
season series competition and
John Bluel Sr. third. Ripp also
won the Madison Open trophy
race for iceboats of all classes.
April 12, 2010
New Jack Ripp Painting Unveiled
Photo Credit: Geoff Sobering
More photos from the 4LIYC Banquet and Tribute to Jack Ripp posted here. The painting created by Harry Whitehorse features the two ice boats that Jack sailed to many victories, his Skeeter class "Miss Fortune" and his Renegade class "Jack's Frost" along with an inset of Jack's portrait (ready to sail, of course.)
April 11, 2010
Large Crowd Gathers for
Tribute to Jack Ripp
Photo Credit: Jori Lenon
Photos posted here.
Over 100 people gathered Saturday night in Madison to attend the 4LIYC trophy banquet and to honor Jack Ripp who has retired from actively racing ice boats after an impressive 60+ year run.
Those who shared some words about Jack included Jerry Simon, Chuck Dykman, Mark Langenfeld, Mike McCormick, Ken Whitehorse, Bill Mattison, Peter Harken, and Mike Butler. A large contingent of Jack's family surprised him with their presence including his sister who traveled from Minnesota.
The surprise finale at the night's end was when Bill Mattison and Harry Whitehorse unveiled an portrait painted by Harry of Jack, his Skeeter, Miss Fortune, and his Renegade, Jack's Frost.
I'll have more stories and photos posted later when I get them. (My camera picked a great night to stop working.)
UPDATE:
The Torch Is Passed
Gary Sternberg presented Greg Simon with the fabled and many-pocketed fur coat of our late chief judge, Jim Payton, in appreciation of the fact that Greg chose to park his boat at the 2010 Northwest regatta in order to concentrate on running the races. Gary made sure that the pockets were filled with Jim's favorite beverages.
April 5, 2010
This Day In 4LIYC History
April 5, 1971 Wisconsin State Journal
McCormick Honored
at Ice Yacht Banquet
The Four Lakes Ice Yacht Club awarded the DN Class championship to Mike McCormick at its annual Trophy Banquet at the Left Guard Saturday night. Ed Eloranta won the DN runner-up award, while Vic and A. J. Whitehorse shared honors in Junior DN Class. Honors for "contributions to ice yacht racing" went to Bill Fauerbach, Carl Bernard, 0. T. Havey, Andy Flom, Glen Grosbeck, Fritz Jungbluth, Frank Tetzlaff, and Spence Oswald.
March 31, 2010
This Day In 4LIYC History
Monday, March 31, 1969, Wisconsin State Journal
Cleland, Krueger
Each Win a Pair
Mo Cleland and Paul Krueger
each won two Four Lakes Ice
Yacht Club races Sunday on
Lake Mendota.
Cleland won in the DN Class
as dud Harry Field and season
champion Jack Loew.
Krueger won both races in the
Skeeter Class, where Dave Rosten
was the overall champion.
March 29, 2010
This Day In 4LIYC History
On this day in 4LIYC history, nothing happened!
March 27, 2010
Gretchen Dorian NIYA Photo
Second in Sailing World Contest
Photo Credit: Gretchen Dorian
This Gretchen Dorian photos featuring Renegades from the Northwest Ice Yacht Association sailed in Oshkosh this season has placed second in Sailing World's photo contest.
(Green boat, Jim Stolla; next, Glen Betzloldt, Ken Kreider, and Jim Nordhaus.)
More here.
This Day In 4LIYC History
March 27, 1954 Wisconsin State Journal
Monona Clean-Up Starts Today, Sunday
The Yahara River Fishermen's club will begin a Lake Monona clean-up drive at 1:30 p.m today and Sunday.
Headquarters of the drive will
be in the State Office building,
and clean-up groups will meet
at Franklin field, Starkweather
boat house, Monona village boat
house, and the boatworks near
bridge on Highways 12 and 18.
Members of the Four Lakes Ice
Yacht club will help. Three mobile
units of the Four Lakes
Amateur Radio club will be used
to direct actions.
Amateur photographers will be
awarded cash prizes for pictures
of the drive.
March 26, 2010
This Day In 4LIYC History
March 26, 1962 Wisconsin State Journal
Lack of Wind Again
Cancels Yacht Races
For the second, straight day,
of wind Sunday forced the
Four Lakes Ice Yacht club to
cancel races scheduled on Lake
Mendota. There is a possibility
the club will hold races next
weekend.
The annual trophy banquet will
be held Saturday, April 7, at Welch's Embers at 6:30 PM.
March 25, 2010
This Day In 4LIYC History
March 25, 1962 Wisconsin State Journal
Yacht Race Cancelled,
Skippers to Try Today
A lack of wind Saturday forced
the Four Lakes Ice Yacht club
to cancel its scheduled races on
Lake Monona, but the skippers
will try again today on Lake Mendota. Races are slated at 10:30
a. m. and 2 p. m. The ice is reported to be 24 inches thick on Mendota.
March 24, 2010
This Day In 4LIYC History
March 24, 1935 Wisconsin State Journal
"No Fooling Now", Sports Column by Henry McCormick
JUST when it looked as though Madison had snared all the ice boating
laurels in sight, word comes from Red Bank, N.J.,
that skippers there have just completed a race for the championship
of North America.
It appears that the North Shrewsbury Ice Boat and Yacht club succeeded in defending its championship successfully against the Long Branch Ice Boat and Yacht club.
Fred Jungbluth, Perry Fess, Carl Bernard, Andy Flom, and Cliff Gallagher of the Four Lakes club of this city are beginning to wonder what championship Madison actually holds. You're undoubtedly fully aware of the fact that Madison, through the fast sailing of the "Fritz" and the capable team work of the "Miss Alice", now holds both the Hearst Trophy and the Stuart International Cup. The Hearst Trophy is supposed to represent the championship cup for all boats of 450 feet and less and the Stuart Cup is emblematic of the championship for boats of 750 feet and less.
Then where does that North American championship business come in? I don't know and the puzzled Madison yachtsmen don't either, but they're going to find out. If there's a championship cup around that Madison doesn't own then something ought to be done about it. What's more, something is being done about it, for officials of the Four Lakes and North Shrewsbury clubs are already in communication regarding a regatta for next year.
Arrangements have not been completed nor has the site of the regatta been selected, but it is highly possible that a regatta may be held here next year in which Madison would put its trophies on the table against whatever mug is held by the Red Bank ice skimmers.
In case some readers are puzzled over the respective merits of the championship trophies I shall quote a paragraph from Frank Menke's excellent history on ice boating in his All Sports Record Book: "Two outstanding trophies are raced for annually: the William Randolph Hearst Trophy, open to 450 foot boats, and the Stuart International Cup for the large 750-footers . Ice boating is in great favor on the Shrewsbury river, N. J., and its popularity is gaining each year to such an extent that it is beginning to challenge the Wisconsin-Minnesota region as a center of the sport".
Since the "Pirate" and the "Eskimo", crack yachts of the North Shrewsbury club, are only 350-footers they would be able to challenge for both the Hearst and Stuart cups while the "Fritz", fleet Madison yacht, being well under the 350-foot mark, would be able to challenge for the North American championship cup.
It is certain that an East-West regatta would be a big boost for the sport. Madison's skippers are far-sighted enough to realize this and to have the best interests of the sport at heart; that's why they'll do all in their power to arrange a meeting for next year.
March 23, 2010
This Day In 4LIYC History
March 23, 1963 Wisconsin State Journal
Mattison,
Ripp Share
ISA Lead
Jack Ripp and Bill Mattison, both of Madison, shared the lead in the International Skeeter Assn. (ISA) ice regatta after two sluggish races in a series of five on Lake Mendota Friday. The two races, originally scheduled at 11 a.m., were "becalmed" into postponement until late in the afternoon when the weather conditions improved. Warm temperatures, however, made the ice soft and times in both races were very slow. Ripp beat Mattison, the defending champion, in the first race with George Kiefer and Bill Boemke of Lake Geneva, and Chuck Johnson of Madison completing the top five. In the second race, Mattison was the winner, and was trailed by Ripp; Dave Rosten of Madison, Boemke, and Johnson. The leaders are both members of the Four Lakes Ice Yacht club. Fourteen boats competed in the Friday races. Two races are scheduled today at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. and the finale will be Sunday morning at 10. The launching area is of Conklin park, and the Edgewater hotel will serve as regatta headquarters. The meet was originally scheduled at Lake Pewaukee in late February, but was called of due to excessive snow on the lake.
March 19, 2010
DN Western Regionals
Postponed Until December 2010
That's the last major regatta to call it quits for the 2009-2010 season. The Fat Lady is trying to warm up, but the Minnesota skippers are doing everything they can to keep her silent for the weekend.
Lost & Found Department
Found: A set of runners were left behind at an area launch site. Contact me if they are yours.
March 18, 2010
WSSA Regatta News
Via WSSA Secretary Andy Gratton: "The Wisconsin Stern Steering Association annual regatta for 2010 has been postponed to December 2010. There will be a short delay due to the 'slow' sailing season being forced on us before we can expect hard water again. If we get so lucky that conditions form in December for our entire fleet to sail, then the regatta may be called on. Keep those runners sharp!"
March 16, 2010
Maiden Voyage
Head designer, Felix Yaeso, and Erik Sawyer
Erik Sawyer's new stern-steerer took its maiden voyage at Green Bay last Sunday. Photos and report here from Jay Yaeso.
DN NAs Photo of the Day
Great photo of DNs against the "Sleeping Giant".
March 15, 2010
Local Sailing Finished for the Season
Area dentists thrilled....More photos here.
The Last Sail on Winnebago
Photo Credits: RJ Bangs
Here's
Mike Peters and Ace of Spades last sail on Winnebago around 2:30 Sunday afternoon. RJ Bangs writes, "There is plenty of ice but it's very rough and slushy, and deteriorating rapidly. Ice sailing is over for this season."
March 14, 2010
Renegade Championship Postponed Until December 2010
Via IRIYA Secretary Ron Rosten: "The 2010 Renegade Championship Regatta has been postponed until December if conditions allow. Please check back in December 2010 for the next update."
ISA Postponed Until December 2010
Via ISA Secretary Paul Krueger: The 2010 ISA has been postponed until December 2010. More information will be available then."
March 8, 2010
Important 4LIYC Trophy News!!!
It's time once again to turn in all 4LIYC trophies. Please bring all trophies to either the next 4LIYC meeting on March 10, or drop them off at the Nordhaus Boatwerks any Tuesday night -- Geoff Sobering will be there to collect them. You may also drop trophies directly off at trophy chair Jori Lenon's house, 1900 Sherman Ave, Madison, WI 53704. Phone 240-0985. (If no one answers the door, please leave them on the back deck.)
This year, Jori would like to ask that all club trophies actually be turned in -- there are more than 20 trophies out there that were last awarded in 2005-2006 (most of the Skeeter, all of the Nite, and the DN and Renegade Holiday and Tune-Ups) and we really need those back! Please help Jori by searching your homes and vacation properties, your display cases, those unmarked boxes in your basements and attics. We really need to make sure that all trophies, even if they are not awarded each year, are properly stored and ready to engrave and award in any given season.
March 6, 2010
DN Regatta Completed!
Geoff Sobering and Team Madison returned very early this morning from the DN North American Championships sailed in Thunder Bay, Ontario. Geoff's filed his last report before hitting the sack this morning.
March 5, 2010
Fauerbach Brewing Co. Announces
"Champions of Iceboating for 2010" - Bill Mattison
Order your posters now!
3-5 UPDATE: We extremely happy that $320 $520 will be donated to the junior ice sailing association -Ice Optimist Association. Peter Harken will hang two 24” x 36” posters in two Harken Lobbies – the current building and a new building.
Last year we donated just over $400. We have poster orders from Portland, Oregon to New York !!!!!
Let’s really “sheet in” and take the donations through any conceivable limit. Responding to this email, please specify an autographed poster. For $30, you receive an autographed 11 x 17 iceboating poster of Bill Mattison; $20 of which will add to the donation total.
Peter Fauerbach announced today that 50 copies of the second Limited Edition "Champions of Iceboating"” poster featuring Bill Mattison, will be available personally signed by the legend himself. The additional cost will be $20 with all proceeds going to support the North American Ice Opti Racing Association. The NAIORA is the junior ice sailing development class for North America. To order, contact Peter at fauerbach@ameritech.net.
March 4, 2010
Popular Science Magazine Archive On the Internet
UPDATE:New Jersey Skeeter sailor Dan Clapp writes, "Popular Science Feb 1946. The article and boat design was my grandfathers. He also did the blueprints. My grandmother did the renderings. They were architects. Notice it was written by him, Richard C. Clapp. He built the boat for my Dad, who is also mentioned in the article's first sentence. The boat is red and named ZIP. I also learned to iceboat on it, as did my son who is now 15. The ZIP is a E Class stern-steerer. All these years, and I'm still in the E Class."
137 years of Popular Science Magazine is available in an online searchable database. PopSci occasionally published some of the strangest ice boat designs ever seen along with practical articles that explained what made ice boats sail faster than the wind.
"Ice+Boat" Search Results
Odd Ice Boat Has Pivoted Sail of Wood
Four Runner Craft That Carries 6 Passengers
Beautiful Photos From Thunder Bay
Take a look at Thunder Bay resident Mark McCulloch's
Flickr stream to see more of his photos from the DN North Americans. Mark has many more photos to post and writes, "Hopefully Tbay will get some wind so racing can begin.
The strange thing is is that it is almost always windy here.
Unfortunately a high pressure system stalled over the area..... Great temperatures.... Poor wind condition."
March 1, 2010
Team Madison At DN NAs
Team Madison, aka Geoff Sobering, Daniel Hearn, and Wes Wilcox, headed to the DN North American Championships on Sunday. The regatta is called on for Thunder Bay, Ontario and Geoff will be sending reports and photos which will be posted here.
February 27, 2010
DN Gold Cup Photos
Polish skippers Marek Stefaniuk and Adam Baranowski
Photo Credit: Gareth Rowland
UK DN skipper Gareth Rowland (K11) was kind enough to share his photos from the DN Gold Cup & European Championships. They are posted on the 2010 DN reports page.
February 25, 2010
Tim McCormick Newest
Honor Roll Member
Renegade skipper Tim McCormick joins his father, Mike, and uncle, Bill, as a Four Lakes Ice Yacht Club Honor Roll member. Tim is a ten time 4LIYC Renegade season champion, a seven time NIYA Renegade champion, a two time IRIYA champion, served as 4LIYC treasurer for seven years, has been the 4LIYC scorer for fifteen years, served as secretary/treasurer of the IRIYA for seven years, has served as Commodore of the IRIYA and NIYA, and has been a director fo the National Ice Boat Authority since 2002.
In other business meeting news, the racing rules proposal did not pass and there was much discussion about how the club can help support a Skeeter off-lake racing series.
February 23, 2010
Ice Opti News
Via Jane Pegel: "Here's a photo of Kyle Navin sailing his Ice Optimist on Geneva earlier this season. Kyle shares the Ice Opti with his older brother, Josh. In the summer both boys sail at the Lake Geneva YC.
Their father is Nite class sailor Dave Navin, a former Commodore of the Skeeter Ice Boat Club."
Photo Credit: Dave Travis
Here's Josh Navin back in December of 2002 with his dad on Lake Kegonsa.
February 22, 2010
Coming Soon To A Lake Near You!
From the attic of Jay Yaeso.
Photo of the Day
Well, this is an interesting boat. Look here.
February 19, 2010
Winnipesaukee: Take Two
More video of the big ice in New Hampshire.
February 18, 2010
1980s Katzenjammer on Geneva
The story ends, "
I remember Jane Pegel just shaking her head." More here.
February 17, 2010
4LIYC Racing Scores Updated
Posted here from scorer Tim McCormick.
February 16, 2010
Montana Ice Boating!
Via Montana ice boater, Dale Livesey: "Last Saturday, Jim and Deb Gluek joined us on the ice for a beautiful day of sailing on Canyon Ferry Lake. The snow was melting and soft. The Glueks were here visiting local ice fanatics, Dave (brother to Jim) and Vicki Gluek. It was great to share the spectacular scenery with this lovely couple. Up until a couple weeks ago, we had 40 days of snow-free ice and lots of wind."
Yankee Regatta Winner Declared
Mark Hancik at the 2010 Northwest in Oshkosh, WI
Photo Credit: Kevin Chapman. See more photos here.
Via Jordan Glaser, "There were no races on Monday, since a review of the rules revealed that the Yankee Regatta is a two day affair. Mark Hancik was declared the winner of the Yankee Regatta (his third Yankee title). Nonetheless, Monday was a great sailing day."
February 15, 2010
Day 2 Yankee Regatta Results
From the Man In the Bubble. Photos and results here.
February 14, 2010
4LIYC Stay-At-Home Series Scores
Club stay-at-home racing results are posted here.
Bubble Boat Reports On Yankees
To make sense of that headline, read more here.
February 12, 2010
Northwest Photos
Here's a link to some more photos taken at the Northwest Regatta taken by Kevin Chapman.
Green Lake News
Via John Hayashi: "Last year the GLIYC decided that it was about time to make a decision on whether to keep or sell the B stern steerer that lived in storage.
The boat was in decent shape but time and use had aged her. For the first time in ten years the boat was taken out of storage and actually sailed. It was sailed enough last year that it kind of became the defacto welcome wagon for the club. This season we decided that maybe we could fix the rough edges and in the process grow the club through a common project. This project never lost steam and provided a great club experience as we were getting anywhere from 8-15 members on different nights. All in all some 24 different club members participated in the restoration. This past Sunday the boat left the confines of our shop for its rightful place out on the ice. This was a great project and everyone had a enjoyable time getting together and restoring this part of iceboating history. The only problem we have now is what is going to be the next project so stay tuned!"
February 11, 2010
In The News:
Wall Street Journal
Ice Boating Article
"The Need for Speed Usually Leaves Ice Boaters Frozen in Their Tracks Racers Chase Fickle Combination of Wind, Temperature, but Mostly They Wait"
By BARRY NEWMAN
OSHKOSH, Wis.—Luge will be the fastest sport at the Winter Olympics in Vancouver this week, that's for sure. Lugers will be sliding in their sleds down a 30-story chute of artificial ice at 90-plus miles an hour. Ice boats can go that fast, too, but in Vancouver there won't be an ice boater in sight.
Click here to continue reading.
Picture of the Day
Photo Credit: Tim Bryden GLIYC
Nice shot of Jay Yaeso's stern steerer, "Haywire", from the Northwest Regatta sailed at Oshkosh at the end of January.
February 10, 2010
DN Gold Cup Results
Via the DN Forum: Final results are posted here. Congratulations to Menekaunee Renegader Mike Derusha for an impressive second place finish in the Silver Fleet, winning four of seven races.
February 8, 2010
Lake Monona Photos
Daniel Hearn in his Renegade Photo Credit: Mary Jane Carpenter
Here's a link to over 100 great photos shot during Saturday's racing on Lake Monona. Contact me if you'd like any prints.
February 7, 2010
DN Gold Cup Update
Snow Forces Move from Hungary to Austria
DNer Ken Smith reports on his blog from Hungary that "waking to the sound of snowplows at work is not a good sign". European DN Commodore Niklas Muller-Hartburg writes on the Euro DN forum that fleet has now moved northwest to Austria to sail on the Neusiedlersee.
Final Boe-Craft Regatta Results
The final results of the Boe-Craft Regatta have been posted on their website. Friday night winds brought significant drifts on Saturday on Geneva Lake thus ending the regatta eariler than they would have liked.
February 6, 2010
PM Racing Report
Snow Remains "Undrifted"
About 15 Renegades and 10 DNs came to race on Lake Monona today in medium winds of 12-15 mph out of the nort east shifting to the north after lunch. Greg Simon won three in the Renegades while Greg McCormick took the last race. DN winners include Tim Shriver, John Davenport, and Steve Orlebeke.We'll try it again tomorrow with lighter forecasted air.
February 5, 2010
4LIYC Club Racing Called On
Club racing has been called on for February 6-7, 2010 on Lake Monona. Use the Olin Park landing. Lake access permits are required here. There is over 14" of ice with 1.5 inches of wet, packy snow. The snow is not drifted. The landing at Olin is in better shape than the landings on Lake Mendota. Flag drops at 10 AM.
February 2, 2010
More NIYA Photos
Keep checking the NIYA home page and photo page for more additions.
Picture of the Day
Photo Credit: Gretchen Dorian: Jay Yaeso flies in his Skeeter
Order a photo DVD with over 1000 pictures from photographer Gretchen Dorian for $30.
NWIYA - Regatta DVD - January 29-30-31, 2010
$30
gdorian@aol.com
2024 Pine Trail, Brutus, MI 49716
Jan 29 | Friday - Set-up/Rig, On the ice - all those sailing - DN Race
Jan 30 | Saturday - Set-up/Rig, Renegade & Skeeter Course
Jan 31 | Sunday - Set-up/Rig, Stern Steerers & DN Course
2 Skeeters Racing
February 1, 2010
Picture of the Day: 4LIYC Edition
Photo Credit: Jori Lenon
Here are two Madison classics, Jack Ripp in his Renegade against the Madison skyline. DNer
Jori Lenon has put together a thorough report and sent many photos of local Renegade and DN club racing from the weekend.
See her report here.
Picture of the Day: NIYA Edition
Photo Credit: Joe Terry
Here's a nice line-up of Skeeters at the NIYA taken on Friday. There will be more photos posted on the NIYA page in the coming days.
4LIYC In The News
Here's WKOW news feature on the 4LIYC. Interviews include Mike Burns, Jori Lenon, and Aran Lenon, 13.
January 31, 2010
Nite Nationals Results
Congratulations to 2010 Nite Nationals champion Terry Irwin, second place Tom Sweitzer, and third place 4LYC skipper Grant Frautschi.
January 28, 2010
NIYA Called ON for Lake Winnebago
IMPORTANT UPDATE: Boats will set up in front of the South Side Ice Yacht Club in Oshkosh. Drive on at Fugleberg Park.
Via NIYA Secretary Paul Krueger: "The Northwest Ice Yachting Association Regatta has been called ON for Lake Winnebago out of Oshkosh, WI January 29, 30, 31, 2010. Lodging, headquarters, and all NIYA information is here.
January 27, 2010
"This Day In History" Archive
To keep the home page from getting ridiculously longer, "This Day In History" older posts are moved to their own page here which is also acccessible under the "Photos and Reports" top menu bar.
January 26, 2010
Experience Rules the Day at Opti NA’s
By Daniel Hearn
Thirteen Junior ice sailors assembled for the 2009-2010 Ice Opti North American Championships January 16-17 on Lake Charlevoix near Boyne City, Michigan. This was the third year for the event, with 6 sailors returning from previous years, joined by 7 first-timers. Encouragingly, more than a third of the participants were girls, elevating the competition for the "Jane Pegel Trophy," awarded to the highest finishing female competitor, to its greatest level yet. Continue reading here.
Deuce Runner Update
Rick grinds metal at the Cabbage Patch. Photos and report here.
January 23, 2010
Bluebird Weather
Geneva Lake ice boater, Fritz Button sends some photos of a restored "Bluebird". "This boat was built for Hank Morgan's 12th birthday, he would have been 87 this year.
I completely rebuilt everything with exception of the body itself. Got to sail it a couple of times this year. I sailed on it aproximately 60 years ago. Burly [Brellenthin] and Buddy [Melges] sailed on it as kids."
January 19, 2010
DN Centrals & Opti Results, Photos
Photo Credit: John Russell
See more of John Russell's photos here on his Facebook page.
Congratulations to DN Centrals champions Matt Struble (Gold) and Julie Richards (Silver). 4LIYC DNers Daniel Hearn and Wes Wilcox placed second and third respectively in the Silver fleet. Via the DN forum.
Congratulatons to Griffin Sherry for his Opti Championship win and to 4LIYC Opti skipper, Sheridan Hearn for winning the "Jane Pegel Award" for top female finisher. 4LIYC Opti skipper, Frankie Hearn, placed third. Via the DN forum.
Of Course, More Green Lake Photos!
And happy to have them, too. Jim Kalupa sent some photos and they are posted here.
January 18, 2010
More Green Lake Sailing Photos
Peter Fauerbach writes, "Doug Kolner wanted me to send a few shots so Greg Simon would feel homesick while he is away in Florida." Full set here.
January 17, 2010
More Green Lake Photos
Photo Credit: John Hayashi
More photos from Saturday's sailing on Green Lake
posted here.
Green Lake Sailing
Photo Credit: Geoff Sobering
Via Geoff Sobering, "Great sailing on Green Lake today [Saturday, January 17]!
Looking forward to more tomorrow, and probably Monday.
Wind from the south (veering late in the day) at just under 10 mph was
perfect with the fast ice.
Jori, Gavin, and I sailed DNs with folks from Illinois to Minneapolis.
I saw Ken Whitehorse take his Skeeter out for a spin late in the day.
Ken Krieder and Dan Bierrman sailed their Renegades along with
various misc. Nites and Lockley Skimmers."
A few more photos posted here.
DN Centrals Photos
Northern Michigan ice boater Rick Wolanin has a Flickr page where he will be uploading his DN Central Regatta photos. The DN Centrals and North American Ice Opti Championhips have been called on for Boyne City, Michigan for January 16-17. Via the J14 Yahoo Group Message Board.
January 13, 2010
"When It Hits the Helmet,
You'll Hear a Boom"
Canadian Broadcast Company's Rick Mercer "braves the frozen Bay of Quinte in Trenton, ON." Watch video here. Tip of the Helmet: Kelly Jacobs
January 8, 2010
Buddy's Toy Shed & Melges News
Via Andy Burdick: "The famous Buddy Melges Toy Shed with Buddy in action spending time on his prized
H’ ya’Newt. Buddy built a new rig and sail for this trainer ice boat this season. Same boat that taught Harry, Hans and Laura Melges how to do it back in the day. Buddy’s gearing up to get his grandkids out there this season.
Stern Steerer sails for Michigan ice boater Eric Sawyer. Jim Gluek and Harry Melges of North Sails Zenda have been working on production and design. Set for delivery next week."
January 4, 2010
Flying Ice Boat Reported In Area U
Via Area U Operative, Jay Yaeso:
"We pulled Eric Sawyer's stern steerer out of the attic a few weeks ago. Finishing mounting the hardware and preparing to go sailing.
Oh yeah... Hissy and Jody, you owe me.. Never bet a guy that knows how to read a tape measure.
Signed,
'I told you it would fit out the window' Jay"
This photo is in search of a caption.
UPDATE: Keith Haas suggests, "Looks like Jay's rocking chair just won't be the same without his plaid wool blanket to cover his legs."
January 3, 2010
ISA Rule Book
ISA Secretary Paul Krueger forwarded the ISA Constitution, By Laws, and Rules. They are posted here.
December 23, 2009
Photos From Saturday Racing Posted
Photo Credit: Allen Penticoff
December 20, 2009
PK's Ramblin'
Taken on Saturday, December 19 on Lake Kegonsa by Peter Fauerbach.
December 19, 2009
PM Racing Report
We had a great day of racing on Lake Kegonsa with eighteen DNs, nine Renegades, and three Skeeters. Each fleet sailed four races. Mark Isabelle, John Creigh, and John Davenport(2) swapped wins in the DNs; Don Anderson (2), Greg Simon, and George Gerhardt won the Renegade races; and Britt Isham won the Skeeter races. Ice conditions and winds were as good as they can be. Flag drops at 10 AM Sunday.
Area Youth Still Has It
The Spaight Street Syndicate had a great time late afternoon Friday shaking things down. "I've still got it," said Ice Opti pilot Frankie Hearn.
December 18, 2009
4LIYC Club Racing Called ON
Club racing has been called on for Saturday and Sunday out of Quam Point Landing (also known as Asmundson Landing) on Lake Kegonsa. Do not drive on the ice! Back trailers on the ice. There is 6" of black ice. The flag will drop at 10 AM sharp.