Via International Skeeter Association Secretary/Treasurer Steve Schalk:
The ISA Championship Regatta is postponed to January 24th, 25th and 26th 2020. There are no sailable locations at this time. There are many sites with open water that will freeze after the upcoming snowfalls. The Northwest Regatta takes precedence now that both are scheduled on the same weekend. Next update is on Sunday, January 19, 2020.
Via Northwest Ice Yacht Association Secretary/Treasurer Steve Schalk:
The Northwestern Ice Yachting Association Championship Regatta is postponed to January 24th, 25th and 26th 2020. There are no sailable locations at this time. The weather forecast is snowy, but there are many of our regular sites with open water ready to freeze, hopefully after the snow. Check back on Sunday, January 19 for the next update.
It was a cold day on Lake Pepin. Temperatures climbed out of the single digits late morning but the sunshine and blue skies made it manageable. Several Minnesota DNS arrived and explored the lake. Daniel Hearn spent the morning reassembling and reattaching his C Skeeter bubble which had flown off the boat on Friday. (Most iceboaters can relate to the hotel room surgery photo below.)We set up some marks for some scrub racing. The wind was moderate, maybe 7 – 8 mph. Enough to keep everyone happy. We’ll enjoy one more day in Lake City tomorrow before heading back home.
We are still waiting for the ice to appear here in the Four Lakes area. Kegonsa and Monona are in various states of ice and open water and a snow storm is on the way. We’ll know more after the storm.
Meanwhile, here’s the current view of Lake Pepin from Lake City, MN. The ice has not been sailed yet. Will report more later on the particulars.
2019 ISA on Lake Pepin in Lake City, MN Photo: Steve Brown
Mayor Mark and AmericInn Host, Justin are rolling out the red carpet to have us back this weekend for what we’re dubbing the Pepin “Pop-Up” Regatta…unscheduled, unsanctioned, unscored…and undeniably among the best ice sailing venues anywhere!
Does it have a sail? Does it have runners? Does it have a loose nut at the helm? You’re in! Just show up and have fun. We’ll scrub race, trade secrets, tell stories and test the ice for a possible ISA and/or DN North American Championship. If the stars aligned like that, wouldn’t that be unbelievable!?
Here are some pictures and a description of the ice conditions yesterday, January 7, 2020.
“Ramp could use more ice, but 15 feet out 5-6″ thick. At 50 – 100 ft. out, 8-9″ thick. No pressure ridges as far as I can see. Pretty smooth. I can bring the 4LIYC ramps and Deb can bring the DN Western Region ATV and trailer.”
It’s subzero there right now, so the landing will be even better and the ice even thicker. Small amount of rain in forecast for Thursday, which should help Zamboni the decent ice we have already. Temps. in mid to upper twenties Saturday and Sunday with winds 10 – 15 mph.
Justin has even offered an under-the-radar rate of $75/night at the AmericInn just down the street from the Lake City Launch. So pack your long undies and call the hotel at 651-345-5611 and book your room.
Doesn’t this sound like one that would be unfortunate to miss?
