A fascinating thread connects renowned figures, iconic boats, and the ice yachts of the glory years. Here’s a look at the interconnected legacies of Lord Admiral Nelson, Ratsey Sailmakers, Sparkman and Stephens, and iceboaters Drake Sparkman and George Ratsey.
INTREPID, DORADE, COLUMBIA, and SHIVER? Soft water sailors will recognize the first three boats designed by America’s most successful yacht designer, Olin Stephens. Dozens of classes and championship yachts emerged from his partnership with Drake Sparkman and their business, Sparkman and Stephens. In 1929, Drake Sparkman was a yacht broker who gave Olin Stephens his first break and hired the novice Stephens to design boats. Drake Sparkman was an iceboater.
Henry Bossett shared a 1950 news clipping about the Alcort (Sunfish) Skeeter on Peach Lake in New York. What caught my attention was a mention that Drake Sparkman had donated his stern-steerer SHIVER to the Larchmont Iceboat Club. Of course, Henry’s extensive archives have a file dedicated to Drake Sparkman, and I couldn’t resist taking a closer look.
The rabbit hole revealed an unexpected link between ice sailing, a famous naval battle, and the America’s Cup. A 1935 article reported that sailmaker George Ratsey “with his FROSTBITE, passed everything in sight” while sailing with Drake Sparkman on Peach Lake in New York. Ratsey’s ancestors were the sail makers of HMS VICTORY, and a piece of sail from the Battle of Trafalgar is on display at the Naval Museum in Portsmouth, England. In 1905, Ratsey & Lapthorn established a loft in New York. Ratsey sails were famous among America’s Cup boats and the majestic stern-steerers of the east coast.
The December 24 edition of Red Bank Register in New Jersey reported about a yacht with “a new Ratsey Rig. The mainsail will be cut on a more advanced plane, reducing the size of the jib in order to hold the combined sail area size within the limit of 350 square feet of canvas.”
Sparkman & Stephens and Ratsey & Lapthorn had a long connection with the America’s Cup. Ratsey & Lapthorn supplied the sails for the 1958 America’s Cup winning boat, COLUMBIA, designed by Olin Stephens.
Drake Sparkman and George Ratsey’s connection went beyond the design table in their shared passion for ice yachting.
Minnesota mastermind Pat Heppert slapped the ACME seal of approval on his latest build, a Mini-Skeeter, a boat that does double duty for land or ice. Pat has created a new blocking system and is anxious to try it on the ice. I suspect we’ll see MINI DRIFTER the first week of December at the Minnesota Western Challenge.
“[The blocking system ] worked well and didn’t break or bend, so rework is unnecessary. Putting the ratchet block between my feet was definitely a good call. You should be able to keep your arms under the deck at all times without difficulty.” Previous ACME Lab posts: Getting Framed Still Somewhat Confused
Mike McCormick building a Renegade at the “McFactory. “The Renegade Factory (otherwise known as the “McFactory”) operated in the old fuel office at McCormick Lumber between 1977 and 1979 under the seriously misguided notion that you could build four just as easily as one. There, the selfless labors of many 4LIYC members (but a faithful few in particular) helped grow the Renegade fleet by an “instant” four boats. Is this a great club, or what? Photo Credit and Caption: Mark Langenfeld McFactory Archives
Mike McCormick Obituary
It is with heavy hearts that the Four Lakes Ice Yacht Club mourns the passing of Mike McCormick, who departed on November 7, 2023. A devoted club member for over seven decades, Mike’s legacy spans generations.
In addition to serving as a 4LIYC officer, Mike was an active racer in various classes, including in his C Stern Steerer PIECES OF EIGHT, DN, and Renegade. Mike was also a 4LIYC Honor Roll member.
Alongside his late brother Bill, he laid the foundation for the McCormick family tradition of ice sailing. Mike passed on his love for ice sailing to his sons, Andy and Tim, who continue to carry forward the McCormick legacy on the ice. Our thoughts are with his family during this difficult time.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at IMMACULATE HEART OF MARY CATHOLIC CHURCH, 5101 Schofield St., Monona at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, Nov. 16, with a celebration of life to follow.
In lieu of flowers, memorials in Mike’s name may be made to the Lake Monona Sailing Club, 1407 Morrison St. Madison, WI, 53703 or Four Lakes Ice Yacht Club, 5106 Reynolds Ave., Waunakee, WI. 53597
Historic 4LIYC group photo from 1987 in front of Sunnyside (now Springers) when AJ Whitehorse and Bill Mattison won the Ice Yacht Challenge Pennant. Mike is in the middle behind Bill Hanson and Jerry Simon. Mike’s late brother, Bill in in the front in the red coat.
Mike Ripp, Ron Rosten, Lars Barber, and Doug Kolner get ready to sharpen.
Saturday was a busy day in the world of iceboating. 4LIYC Renegader Ron Rosten shared runner-sharpening wisdom with Mike Ripp, Lars Barber, and Doug Kolner, who have recently invested in Bob Rast’s state-of-the-art sharpeners.
Adding to the excitement, a new Ice Optimist arrived in Madison. Ice sailors on Facebook shared stories about the Nite fleet welcoming a new member and the gang at the Milwaukee Community Sailing Center, preparing to get their DNs on the ice.
In less than three weeks, DNs will head to Minnesota to kick off the season at the annual informal gathering, the Western Challenge.
Ron explains the physics of keeping runners ice cold in between sanding belt passes, the same temperature as beer.
Edge inspection
Bob Rast manufactured Runner Sharpener.
A Renegade runner on the table in RI
Via Leigh Mumford, part of the Milwaukee Community Sailing Center, on Facebook. Photo: Mike King
