A Winning View From Above

Craig Wilson Kite Photographer

Craig Wilson and his kite at the 2009 Renegade Championship on Green Lake, Green Lake, Wisconsin.

Long before drones became  prevalent, Kite photographer Craig Wilson recognized the beauty of boats on ice. He recently won an award from the country and museum where kite photography all began. Craig’s submission of a vintage stern-steerer  photo hangs in a museum in France!
Tip of the Helmet: Jeff Russell
From Craig’s Facebook Page, Kite Aerial Photography by Craig Wilson:

Craig Wilson Kite Photographer IceboatUsing a kite to lift a camera has been a thing for 130 years. Frenchman Arthur Batut is most generally accepted as the first person to accomplish that feat in 1888. This past summer a worldwide aerial photo competition was hosted in Labruguiere France with selected images shown at the Aurther Batut Museum.
At the end of the show I was one of the prize winners. Quite an honor to have some of my artwork selected to be included in the show and really amazing to be a prize winner in the birthplace of Kite Aerial Photography.
Craig Wilson

NASA Ice Check


Here’s a nice flat piece of ice estimated to be over a mile wide to get us in the mood for upcoming ice checks. Learn more about how tabular icebergs are formed on Live Science.

4LIYC Nites Meet November 7

Nite Iceboats Lake Mendota

Photo: aliheinemann20 via Instagram

For the second year in a row, the 4LIYC Nite fleet is meeting for some fun and to make sure all Nite sailors are ready for the season. If you are interested in iceboating or learning about the Nite fleet, please join in.

The Four Lakes Ice Yacht Club Nite fleet is getting together on November 7th for a fleet meeting, dinner and a night of throw down competition. If you have never been there it is a blast. Come witness Grant’s prowess at Wack a Mole, see if Donny has any football chops, perhaps we see Greg S. and his basketball touch,. For our more electronic skilled members, there just maybe an Asteroid, Centipede or Frogger game lurking in the building. If you do not show up you get grill duty the first day on the ice. Congratulations new fleet captain.
Date: Wednesday November 7, 2018
Time: 6:30 for dinner, meeting, and games
Location: Dave and Buster’s on the west side in West Town aka (old Sears spot) Map
Remember the Nite fleet are the fun people. Hint: That is a friendly challenge Renegade fleet.
See you there
John Hayashi.
4LIYC Nite Skipper

 

Sailing The Union

Union Terrace Iceboat

Dave Elsmo threads his way around the iconic UW Union Terrace sunburst chairs while carrying a DN hull.

Thanks to all who attended and helped with Sunday’s 4LIYC program at the University of Wisconsin Union. We were able to generate some interest with new people trying iceboating and interest some seasoned veterans into considering the journey to Lake Baikal.  And now we know how to bring iceboats into the Union – by walking them through the Terrace. Special thanks to Dideric Van Reimsdjik for his presentation and to Dave Elmso for arranging the room.
Union Terrace Iceboat Baikal

4LIYC Fall Sailing Event This Sunday, Oct 14

4LIYC members Don Sanford & Ken Kreider to the rescue with an on-the-ice lunch buffet at the 2017 DN North Americans on Lake Monona.

Iceboating: Come For the Speed, Stay for the Friendships

MORE EVENT INFORMATION
Here’s a reminder about a program about Lake Baikal ice sailing  and social event and that the Four Lakes Ice Yacht Club and Hoofer’s is sponsoring on Sunday, October 14 from noon to 3 PM at the Memorial Union in Madison. It’s your chance to learn about ice sailing, adventure travel, Siberia, the 4LIYC, and meet ice sailors from around the world and Midwest.

4LIYC Commodore Don Anderson called me this morning to talk about something that doesn’t get mentioned enough, how the friendships and camaraderie in iceboating are possible because it is such a unique sport. Bill Mattison’s classic line describing the sport,”nothing’s fickler”, can be a feature, not a bug, of iceboating.  There’s an upside to the fickleness.

Don talked about the differences between a soft water and hard water regatta. If conditions aren’t right, ice boaters are freer to get off the lake and explore their regatta destination making it more enjoyable for everyone. “Anytime I set up my iceboat at a regatta, getting to sail is a bonus. What makes it fun for me is renewing friendships with others who have this sport in common. The first iceboat ride you take of the season is worth the price of admission (i.e. owning an iceboat) because it is such a thrilling ride. Even if you don’t get another ride, it’s still a good investment.” Sharing morning donuts on the ice before a day of sailing, grilled brats at lunch, and a few beers at the end of the day with Tom Hyslop’s giant bag of peanuts- in-the shell makes iceboating festive sport.

As these photos below show, iceboaters enjoy the social aspects of sharing a meal on the ice whether it’s on Lake Baikal or Lake Monona. If you are curious about the sport, we hope to see you there on Sunday so you can learn more about us. If you are a 4LIYC member or member of another club, we hope to see you there to begin the process of renewing old friendships.


UPDATE: DN Champion Ron Sherry To Attend 4LIYC Baikal Sailing Program Oct 14
Multiple DN World, North American, and Baikal champion Ron Sherry is making the drive from Detroit, Michigan to attend this event and catch up with iceboating friends. Ron has been to Lake Baikal twice and has won 3 titles there and will be on hand to share his experiences.

Free Program & Iceboat Exhibit Sponsored by the 4LIYC and Hoofer’s Sailing Club

Date: Sunday, October 14, 2018
Time: Noon to 3 PM Program at 1 PM
Location: University of Wisconsin Memorial Union, Tripp Commons, 2nd Floor of the Union
800 Langdon St, Madison, WI    MAP

DETAILS
Parking: Helen C. White Parking Garage  MAP
State Street Campus Parking Garage MAP
Food: 
Your favorite Wisconsin beverages and food will be available for purchase at Der Rathskeller and other restaurants located in the Memorial Union.
Questions? Please email us: debwhitehorse@iceboat.org