A Family Legacy on Ice: UW Student Eden Milan and the MARY B

by | Feb 9, 2025 | 2024-2025, Home Page, WSSA

For UW-Madison student Eden Milan, a simple connection to Madison’s frozen lakes turned into an unexpected discovery of their family’s deep ice boating history. Milan’s great-grandfather, Carl Bernard, was one of Madison’s most accomplished iceboat skippers, winning numerous championships—including nine titles aboard the legendary Mary B. Though originally from Seattle, Milan had no idea they were connected to such a significant piece of Madison’s ice boating legacy until they arrived at UW.

This past weekend at the Frozen Assets Festival, Milan had the rare opportunity to ride aboard the Mary B, experiencing firsthand the ice yacht that helped define their great-grandfather’s legacy. If you haven’t seen this historic iceboat in action yet, there’s still time to visit the Mary B set up in front of The Edgewater.

On a chilly weekday morning in February, Eden Milan pulled a pair of ice creepers over their shoes (rubber grips with small spikes at the bottom) and walked out onto the frozen Lake Mendota.

On the lake, a group of enthusiastic ice boat sailors worked to reassemble the boat Milan’s great-grandfather collected so many of his trophies with, a boat that continues to represent Madison’s history as an ice boating haven. Continue reading.

Full circle on the ice—Eden Milan rides aboard the Mary B, the same legendary iceboat her great-grandfather, Carl Bernard, once raced to victory.

Wisconsin Stern Steerers Association 2025 Regatta Results & Photos

by | Feb 5, 2025 | 2024-2025, Home Page, WSSA

Don Ward Flying Start trophy. Photo Gretchen Dorian.

RESULTS
The 2025 Wisconsin Stern Steerers Association (WSSA) Regatta took place on Lake Winnebago in Fond du Lac, WI February 1 – 2.
WSSA Secretary/Treasurer Andy Gratton shared, “We had the first race for the Don Ward Flying Start Trophy, to be sailed for by D stern steerers only. Joe Terry is the winner.”
Photos: Gretchen Dorian

20250202 SS 7552
20250202 SS 7560
20250202 SS 7606
20250202 SS 7611

Capturing the Action: WSSA Regatta on Lake Winnebago

by | Feb 2, 2025 | 2024-2025, Home Page, Regattas, WSSA

2025 Wisconsin Stern Steerers Association Regatta on Lake Winnebago, Fond du Lac, WI. Photo by Will Johnston

The Wisconsin Stern Steerers Association (WSSA) Regatta concludes today on Lake Winnebago, where classic stern-steerers have been racing in excellent conditions. With the 2025 DN World Championship also starting today, the lake is bustling with activity, making it the world’s busiest spot for ice sailing.
Check out the photo gallery from the WSSA Regatta here: Will Johnston WSSA Photo Gallery
Stay tuned for updates as DN racing gets underway!

WSSA UPDATE: First Race Starts at 9:30 AM Saturday, Feb 1

by | Jan 31, 2025 | Home Page, Regattas, WSSA

Stern-Steerers at the 2025 Northwest- Photo by Rob Resnick Check out his Northwest Gallery here. 

ATTENTION ATTENTION ATTENTION
Via WSSA Secretary/Treasurer Andy Gratton

The starting time for the first race of the 2025 Wisconsin Sterns Steerers Association regatta on Saturday, February 1 will be at 9:30 AM.

Action Captured: Rob Resnick’s 2025 Northwest Photos

by | Jan 31, 2025 | 2024-2025, Home Page, NIYA, Renegade, WSSA

Powered by the Wind: ROSEMARY on Lake Winnebago and a field of windmills in the distance. Photo: Rob Resnick.

Once again, Rob Resnick of Revelations of Design joined us on the ice to capture the Northwest Regatta. Rob is a familiar presence at our regattas, often braving the elements to document the speed and beauty of iceboat racing.

This year was no exception. Rob spent all day Friday on the ice with us, despite the cold, and his dedication resulted in an impressive collection of photos. It was hard to pick a favorite because they’re all so good, but as an example, above is a screenshot of the ROSEMARY with windmills in the background—just one of many memorable shots.

Rob’s photos are available for purchase. Check out his gallery and support his work.