Regatta Logic, Explained

Wondering how can three things be true at the same time, three regattas (the Northwest, ISA, and Nite Nationals) tentatively called on for the same weekend?

For January 16–18, all three are in play and they are connected. Multiple fleets are trying to do the right thing without stepping on each other.

Here’s the flow-chart version, in words.

Step 1: Look North
The Northwest Ice Yachting Association Regatta is tentatively on for Lake Winnebago at Fond du Lac, starting Friday, January 16.
Classes sailing at the Northwest include DN, Renegade, Stern Steerer A, B, C, and D, and A, B, and C Skeeters.

The final call will be made by noon on Wednesday, January 14, after ice and forecast checks.

This is the first domino.

Step 2: If the Northwest Is ON
NIYA sails in Fond du Lac.
The International Skeeter Association does not sail on Lake Kegonsa.
The Nite Nationals continue watching Kegonsa to determine whether Nationals conditions exist.

Step 3: If the Northwest Is OFF
Everything shifts south.

The International Skeeter Association Regatta is tentatively on for Lake Kegonsa, but only if the Northwest is postponed.
ISA racing includes A, B, and C Skeeters, Nites, and Renegade classes.

The NIYA decision is announced at 11:00 am Wednesday.
The ISA decision follows at 11:30 am.
By noon Wednesday, it will be clear whether the ISA is on and where.

Step 4: The Nite Nationals Decision
Nite Nationals are tentatively scheduled for January 16–18 on Lake Kegonsa, for either two or three days.
This is the National Championship for the Nite class.

If the ISA is officially called on, the ISA regatta takes precedence.
The Nite Board will provide updates after 3:30 pm Wednesday, with a final decision by early evening, based on ice conditions.

In plain English:
Wednesday is everything.
The Northwest decides first.
ISA reacts to the Northwest.
The Nite fleet watches Kegonsa and defers to ISA if needed.
By Wednesday night, the picture should be clear.

Regatta Watch: WSSA Postponed to Jan 24-25


Wisconsin Stern Steerers Association Home

The Wisconsin Stern Steering Association regatta has been postponed to January 24 and 25, 2026. The next update will be Sunday, January 18. Check back here at that time. The Northwest Ice Yacht Association regatta takes precedence.

Andy Gratton

WSSA Secretary/Treasurer

Regatta Watch: 2026 Northwest Tentatively Called ON for Lake Winnebago Jan 16-19

2025 Northwest Photo – Rob Resnick

Northwest Ice Yachting Association Regatta Home

The NIYA Regatta is on for Fond Du Lac starting Friday January 16th. The final call will be made by noon on Wednesday the 14th after a check of ice and weather forecasts. Next update, Wednesday, January 14 by noon.

Steve Schalk

Secretary/Treasurer

NIYA

Regatta Watch: WSSA Postponed to Jan 17-18

Photo: Rob Resnick – Revelations of Design

The Wisconsin Stern Steering Association regatta has been postponed to January 17-18, 2026. The next update will be Sunday, January 11. Check back here at that time. The Northwest Ice Yacht Association regatta takes precedence.

Andy Gratton

WSSA Secretary/Treasurer

Regatta Watch: WSSA Postponed to Jan 10-11

Photo: Rob Resnick Revelations of Design

The Wisconsin Stern Steering Association regatta has been postponed to January 10 and 11, 2026. The next update will be Sunday, January 4. Check back here at that time. Happy New Year.

Andy Gratton

WSSA Secretary/Treasurer

Army vs Navy On Ice

While we wait for ice, here’s a small history lesson. The American Legion on Lake Winnebago at Oshkosh (now The Waters) seen here with the stern steerer DEUCE rigged on the ice. The Legion hosted and sponsored ice yacht regattas, including the Army–Navy races. Photo from the Carl Bernard collection.

With the Army–Navy football game played yesterday, some old newspaper clippings surfaced that report on another Army–Navy rivalry, this one on ice.

In the 1930s, the Oshkosh Ice Yacht Club hosted an annual Army vs. Navy ice yacht race, sponsored by the American Legion. One clipping, from January 1935, describes a decisive Army victory sailed in rough conditions, heavy snow cover, strong northwesterly winds, and difficult ice.

The American Legion’s striking white building on Lake Winnebago, now The Waters, served as regatta headquarters for many events.

It’s perfect weather here at  -7F in the Four Lakes area this morning and Lake Mendota is steaming like hell. Check out the Mendota Today live-cam to watch some ice making.
Tip of the Helmet: Henry Boshkossett