Andy Gratton and Mike Kroll on Lake Winnebago, January 1, 2023. Photo: Michael Cooney via Discover Oshkosh Facebook page
The Wisconsin Stern Steering Association regatta has been postponed to January 14 -15, 2023. The next update will be Sunday, January 8, 2023. Check back here at that time. The Northwest Ice Yacht Association regatta takes precedence.
Ice is 8″ on Winnebago and Puckaway, 10″ on Petenwell but only 4″ over the channel. We need another cold week.
Perfect day to sail an iceboat for the first time.
Same as Saturday, the breeze wasn’t there for racing, but perfect for pleasure cruising and introducing a 9-year-old to iceboating. “I can do this!” he yelled to his dad as he sailed past him. After taking many laps, he asked, “can I keep going?”
The Past Champions Iceboat Shop trailer has been loaded and in the ready-position. Ken Whitehorse and Paul Krueger brought their Class A Skeeters to join the fun, but rolling on a two-boat Skeeter trailer can be challenging.
Ken explains, “I was backing down the ramp as per the club website instructions. Suddenly, and with great vigor, PK yells, ‘STOP!’ I asked, ‘what’s going on?’ PK says, ‘my New Year’s Resolution is not to bust up more boat launch ice ramps!’ Yes, we headed straight back to the boat barn. Yes, PK is the front-runner for sportsman of the year 2023!”
Many thanks to all who pitched in including Paul McMillan, Jerry Simon, Don Anderson, and Pat Heppert. Thanks to those from out of town who joined us for the weekend.
PK says “STOP!”
Ken Whitehorse presents Pat Heppert with a custom made Wisconsin Skeeter Association C Skeeter trophy.
There was no racing today but some beam reaching. We had ice and relatively warm temperatures, but the racing breeze was absent. Bill Mattison used to say, “there’s much to be learned” on days like these. It was a good to day to set up your boat for the first time and make sure everything was working. Sunday’s Schedule: 4LIYC Holiday Series for Sunday, January 1, 2023. Flag drops at 10 AM. Plus the infamous Bloody Mary 10-lapper.
12-31-2022: Racing is called on. Waiting for wind.
The 4LIYC Tune-Up (for Saturday) and Holiday series (for Sunday) have been tentatively called on for December 31, 2022, and January 1, 2023, on Lake Kegonsa. Ice checkers will scout and sail Kegonsa on Saturday morning. We’ll confirm by 11 AM.
We received reports that Kegonsa is a consistent 7″ and is a solid sheet. We saw ATVs crossing the lake today and a few fish houses. The ice did not wet out because the snow was dry and powdery. Temperatures were relatively cold today, in the 30s.
The first race will start on Saturday, December 31, 2022, at 1 PM on Lake Kegonsa. Push trailers on the ice. DO NOT DRIVE ON THE ICE!
Ice checkers found 7″ of ice on Lake Monona on the west side,, but some open areas in the middle of the lake made Kegonsa a better choice. Mendota has 3″ of ice.
4LIYC Tune-Up & Holiday Series
December 31, 2022 and January 1, 2023 First Race: 1 PM, Saturday, December 2022 Sunday Start: 10 AM
Lake Kegonsa Amundson Landing
Please be courteous to all who use the landing: Do not drive on the ice. Roll trailers on. Drop your trailer and park.
Don’t block the landing.
One week ago today, the high temperature was -2F. Contrast that to yesterday’s high of 55F. That’s almost a 60-degree swing in the Zamboni direction. Ice sailors have been taking advantage of the thaw on Pewaukee and Delavan this week.
4LIYC members will check Mendota, Monona, and Kegonsa today to learn what we have. A concern for us is the thickness and drain holes. We will report back tonight with more information.
Other Possibilities:
PEWAUKEE:
Via the Nite Facebook Page:
“Pewaukee is shaping up with a freeze predicted Friday night/Sat Morning. The PIYC is planning a 10am start Saturday and possibly Sunday. 4lakes, Green Lake, etc… all are welcome to get your 1st laps in of the season! Launch at Gina’s Sports Dock. Do not drive your car on. Walk trailers on and park across the road.”
PUCKAWAY:
Via the Puckaway Ice Sailing Squadron Facebook Page:
“We are calling on a NEW YEARS Regatta for Sunday. For lack of a better name and with consultation with Donny we are going to call it the Grand Slam for January 1st. The final call will be Saturday afternoon.”
