Photo: Gretchen Dorian
Via Wisconsin Stern Steerer Association Secretary Andy Gratton
The Wisconsin Stern Steering Association regatta has been postponed to February 20 and 21, 2021. The next update will be Sunday, February 14. Check back here at that time.
Source: White Wings & Black Ice: Vixen, a lateen-rigger ice yacht, was built in 1885 in Chelsea ( Low Point) by the Merritt Brothers. It raced several times for the Ice Yacht Challenge Pennant of America. It was owned and sailed by FDR’s uncle John A. Roosevelt for many years.
Ice has returned to New York’s Hudson River Valley, the origin point of American ice sailing, and the historic stern steerers are coming out of the barns. Keep an eye on Brian Reid’s indispensable White Wings and Black Ice website for the next few weeks for the stories and photos.
Looking Back: Ice boating on Lake St. Clair
St. Clair Shores Sentinel | Published February 7, 2021ST. CLAIR SHORES — In this undated image, three two-person ice boats of the Racing 60s class are getting ready for competition on Lake St. Clair. Ice boating was popular on Lake St. Clair, particularly in the 1920s and 1930s (likely when this photo was taken) and into the middle part of the 20th century. Continue reading.
Ron Rosten R19: Copyright: Gretchen Dorian
Via Renegade Regatta Chair Don Anderson: The 2021 Renegade Championship has been postponed until February 19 – 21, 2021. Next update is Sunday, February 14, 2021.
How about a little ice sailing optimism with your coffee this – 14F Sunday morning? Ron Rosten sent this MODIS satellite image showing that the east end of Green Lake in Wisconsin was open on Saturday, February 6, 2021. MODIS (Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer) is a useful tool for iceboaters. Access it here.
The Colorado speed sport like nothing else: Ice boating
By Seth Boster
A few winters ago on the frozen shore of Dillon Reservoir, Dan Burnett was surprised to meet a sailing all-star, Buddy Melges, whom Burnett learned was on a family skiing trip here in Summit County.Burnett was even more surprised by the following interaction.
The visiting legend had just watched the local fly across the ice in the extremely niche act of ice boating. “He said, ‘Could I take your boat out for a quick ride?’” Burnett recalls.
No was the answer.
“I mean, how obnoxious could I be? It was like telling Mario Andretti he couldn’t drive your car!” Burnett says. Continue reading.
National Iceboat Authority Web Page
Location: In person at the Elks Lodge 711 Jenifer St, Madison, WI 53703
Time: 6:30 PM
YOU ARE SKIPPER NUMBER
TO ROUND THE MARK SINCE NOVEMBER 1999.
