The Northwest Ice Yachting Association Regatta is postponed to February 2nd, 3rd and 4th, 2024. There will be a new update from the Race Committee next Sunday January 28th, 2024.
Steve Schalk
Secretary/Treasurer
Northwestern Ice Yachting Association
Steve Schalk sailing a B Skeeter on Lake Kegonsa at the 2023 ISA. Photo: Will Johnston
The International Skeeter Association regatta and Renegade Championship have been called on for January 26, 27, 28 on Lake Monona in Madison, WI. Final confirmation will be posted by noon on Wednesday, January 24. The Four Lakes Ice Yacht Club held racing on Lake Monona today in all fleets. There is 8″ of ice. Next update: Wednesday, January 24.
John Dennis ISA Regatta Chair
Fred Stritt bought the late Marv Luck’s Stern-Steerer. Fred set her up on Lake Delavan this weekend where she was the belle of the ball. Photo from Midwest Hard Water Sailing Facebook page.
The Wisconsin Stern Steering Association regatta has been postponed to February 3-4. The next update will be Sunday, January 28. Check back here at that time. The Northwest Ice Yacht Association regatta takes precedence.
Andy Gratton
WSSA Secretary/Treasurer
Four Lakes Ice Yacht Club racing has been postponed until noon today, January 21, 2024 while we wait for the temperature to climb above 10F.
Olin Park landing on Friday, January 19, 2024.
Four Lakes Ice Yacht Club racing has been called on for January 20 – 21, 2024 on Lake Monona. We are postponing Saturday’s racing because temperatures will be below 10 degrees F for most of the day. Racing begins on Sunday, January 21. The first race is at 10 AM.
Ice checkers looked at Lakes Monona and Kegonsa. Kegonsa had 5″+ of hard, somewhat dimpled ice with about 5/8 inch snow. Lake Monona measured in at 5-6″ with 1/2 inch of snow. Thank you to all those who checked ice in the past few days.
What to Know:
Four Lakes Ice Yacht Club Racing
Date: Sunday, January 21, 2024
Time: First race at 10 AM
Location: Lake Monona
Launch: Olin Park
Do not drive on the ice!
Permit: You must have a Lake Access Permit. Click here to purchase one or buy a daily permit at the landing.
Photo: Sean R. Heavy
Ken Whitehorse Archives
4LIYC Honor Roll
Ken Whitehorse has been nominated for induction in to the Four Lakes Ice Yacht Club Honor Roll by Greg McCormick and Daniel Hearn. Congratulations, Ken, and thank you for contributing so much of your time and effort to this club and the sport of iceboating. The club will vote on the recent Bylaw proposal and Ken’s induction into the Honor Roll at our February 15, 2024 business meeting.
Never in the history of competitive iceboating has the name of a boat more clearly reflected the heart and character of its skipper. This is especially true in the case of Kenny Whitehorse, sailing his A skeeter WARRIOR. Kenny’s tenacious and competitive spirit was never more evident than when he won the 1977 Northwest regatta, claiming victory in an epic battle over the Skeeter Iceboat Club’s Sparky Lundberg. Kenny won the regatta on the last leg of the final race, with the lead changing right up to the finish. Those in attendance witnessed one of the sport’s most epic battles. Kenny’s cousin, Greg Whitehorse, reflected on his many years of racing Ken and stated, “I could never manage to beat him in the close ones.”
Kenny’s indomitable spirit could also be observed off the ice, squaring up with Buddy himself in one of Fontana’s favorite haunts: “Chucks.”
Details can get lost over time, but one thing is perfectly clear: somebuddy poked the bear.Remarkably, Kenny’s most lasting contributions to the sport may not be on the ice but in the countless hours of painting, welding, building, tuning, and repairing club equipment and competitors’ boats. Ken has fixed or repaired four-wheelers for both the Four Lakes Ice Yacht Club and the DN Western Regional Association. Without skilled sailors like Kenny lending their time and talent, safe and competitive racing would not happen.
Ken Whitehorse has competed and won against the legends of the sport, including Mattison, Melges, and Kruger. One of those legends is Kenny’s trailer and shop partner, Paul Kruger. Their teamwork has enabled them to sail recreationally and competitively into their 7th and 8th decades—a remarkable achievement. Ken has proven to be a fierce competitor and loyal friend and truly deserves to be inducted into the Four Lakes Ice Yacht Club’s Honor Roll.
Submitted by Greg McCormick and Daniel Hearn
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.
