Between Ice and Water

by Deb Whitehorse | Mar 28, 2026 | 2025-2026, Home Page

Scenes from Ivanpah.

A 4LIYC contingent are in the desert at Ivanpah, the cathedral of landsailing, where California meets Nevada. For those of us from the Midwest or anywhere with trees, this place never feels ordinary. It feels closer to the surface of Mars than anything we know. And this year it has been hot, hotter than anyone here can remember.

The North American Landsailing Championships wrapped up yesterday. Landsailing sits in that shoulder season between ice and soft water. Your mileage may vary, but for many of us it bridges the gap.

There was a strong crossover from the ice sailing world. Daniel Hearn placed second in a large Mini Skeeter fleet. The top of that fleet was stacked with ice sailing experience. Dave Gluek and John Eisenlohr, the Mini Skeeter designer, tied for first. DN sailors Bob Cave, Pete Johns, and Ken Smith were also in the mix, sailing Mini Skeeters.

More familiar names were here as well. Lars Barber and Brad Wagner are sailing their blokarts, along with Wayne Schmeidlin and family. His grandson Alex won the blokart fleet. Pat Heppert finished fourth overall in the big boats with his blue C Skeeter and placed fifth in the Mini Skeeter class. From the UK, DN sailor Gareth Rowland made the trip and took second in the Mini 5.6 class. Renegader Doug Kolner is here kicking the tires as well.

Now the focus shifts. The blokart regatta starts this week and competitors are arriving. Geoff Sobering and Jim Nordhaus will be here to compete in the Blokart North American Championship.

Nina Fleming and I have traded in our parkas, gloves, and ice cleats for sandals and sun protection as we take up our roles on the line, flag, horn, timing, and scoring.

Stay tuned.
NALSA Results
Coming Soon: blokart Results