NIYA

Northwest Ice Yachting Association An iceboat regatta first sailed in 1913 in Menominee, Michigan.

Stern Steerers

The NIYA was originally a stern-steerer regatta organized to determine ice yacht supremacy in the Midwest. A,B,C,& D stern-steerers continue to compete in the NIYA.

Skeeters

Class E Skeeters first raced the NIYA in 1936 when Lake Geneva sailor Harry Melges won in MICKEY FINN.

DN Class

Skip Boston of Detroit was the first winner of the NIYA in the DN class in 1954.

Renegade

First sailed as a seperate class in 1958 and won by “Mr. Iceboat”, Elmer Millenbach.

NIYA Centennial

The NIYA celebrated 100 years of iceboat racing in 2013 on Green Lake in Wisconsin.

2020 Northwest Ice Yacht Racing Association Information

March 13-15,2020
Lake Waconia, Minnesota

Iceboat Swap Meet Mega Weekend- Nov 2-3

Looking to attend an iceboat swap meet? We’ve got you covered across iceboating country, from east to west. If you are new to the sport or a seasoned veteran, swap meets are the perfect place to kick the tires, shop for parts, and meet ice sailors. Have a boat or parts to sell? Take them to your local swap meet.

EAST:
New England Ice Yacht Club
Saturday November 2, 2019
10 AM with lunch at noon
Hudson-Concord Elks Hall
99 Park Street, Hudson, MA 01749
More information.

CENTRAL:
West Michigan Swap Meet at the Muskegon Yacht Club
Saturday, November 2, 2019
9 AM – 1 PM
3198 Edgewater St, Muskegon, MI 49441

WEST
Skeeter Iceboat Club Swap Meet
Sunday, November 3, 2019
9 AM to Noon
Lucke’s Cantina
220 N. Elkhorn Rd. (WI Hwy 67), Williams Bay, WI.
More information

FAR WEST
Minnesota Ice Sailors Swap Meet
Saturday, November 2, 2019
9 AM – Noon
Sailcrafters
7450 Oxford St., St. Louis Park, MN 55426
More information

2018 SIBC Swap Meet: November 4, 2018

iceboat-swap-meet

Get them fresh and hot!

Another milestone that brings us closet to the season! If you are looking to buy an iceboat, don’t miss this important event.
Via Jane Pegel:

Skeeter Ice Boat Club: 33rd Annual Swap Meet

Date: Sunday, November 4, 2018
Time: 9:00 to noon
With a free raffle at 11:30 a.m.There is no charge for participating.
Location: Lucke’s Cantina
220 N. Elkhorn Rd. (WI Hwy 67), Williams Bay, WI.
Map

For more info, email sailing19@charter.net

This is the day to swap, buy, and sell new and used iceboats and equipment. Boat builders & hardware manufacturers will display new products. Breakfast and/or lunch will be available at Lucke’s.

Display area:

Items for sale can be set up on the black top parking area at Lucke’s
and in the vacant lot to the south of the old Sailing Specialists building.

Please do not park your cars in the display area.
Please do not park or set up your displays adjacent to neighboring businesses. A short distance to the north there is a municipal parking lot located at the intersection of Elkhorn Rd. and Stark St. (on the north side of Stark St., opposite Burrough’s Floor Coverings).

4LIYC Fall Ice Sailing Event

For well over 50 years, this iceboat club has kicked off the season with some sort of fall gathering to get iceboating back on everyone’s minds. For many years, we’ve hosted picnics. Two years ago, we held a very successful iceboat show at Dick Lichtfeld’s property.
This year, we are excited to announce an event in conjunction with Hoofer’s Sailing Club at the famous University of Wisconsin Memorial Union. (Sailing iceboats on Lake Mendota to the Union for lunch is part of what makes Madison a unique ice sailing center.)
DN ice sailor Dideric van Riemsdijk H467 from the Netherlands (where it all began) will present a program on the annual ice sailing regatta that takes place every spring at one of the planet’s most remote places, Lake Baikal in Siberia. We will have iceboats set up in historic Tripp Commons on the 2nd floor of the Union.
Please join us on Sunday, October 14, 2018 for this free event where you can meet up with old friends or learn about the Four Lakes Ice Yacht Club and how to get started in the sport. All are welcome  including area iceboat and sailing clubs. The planets have aligned (at least here in Wisconsin) because there’s no Packer game that Sunday. 

ICE SAILING LAKE BAIKAL

A 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

Regatta Watch: 2025 ISA & Renegade Championship Postponed to Feb 21 – 23

2025 Nite Nationals. Photo: Will Johnston

The ISA Race Committee has postponed the 2025 annual Championship to February 21, 22, 23, 2025. (Along with the Renegade Championship.)

The snow falling right now, along with the forecast for much additional snow Friday has put the regatta on hold for now. All possible locations are affected by the snow.

The next decision will be on Sunday the 16th, when the snow results will be known. There is a lot of regatta condition ice under the snow, so we are still early in the season and may yet see it melt off.

Steve Schalk

Secretary/Treasurer

International Skeeter Association

In The News – Again! Milwaukee Journal Sentinal


Great article about our sport including recognition for Minnesota’s Sam Bartel, a young man who is bringing new sailors into the sport.

Iceboats can go 80 mph on Wisconsin’s frozen lakes
Iceboats, some a century old, are the speedsters and yachts of frozen lakes.
By Rick Barrett
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

CRIVITZ – On Lake Noquebay in Marinette County, the Ace of Spades, Miss Jane II, Rosemary, and other iceboats gather for a regatta on ice where the wind has cleared much of the snow. Continue reading.

SOLD! December 9, 2024: Arrow in PA

SOLD! Arrow #325
Arrow and Arrow jet
Hull rebuilt (2015) with access ports
OE and gull wing runner planks
Doyle sail in excellent condition
Storm sail
Custom fir mast
Custom blocks (skeeter design)
Spare (Arrow) blocks
OE shrouds and adjustable shrouds
OE and wrapped aluminum tillers
OE and wishbone boom
Steering cables, posts and hardware for both designs
(2) sets of Sarns skates
(3) front chocks, side chock lots of hardware
Upholstered cockpit cushion
Cover
$4300 OBO

February 10, 2025: Mini Skeeter Parts FREE in WI & Opti Sail

At least] 1 set of Mini Skeeter 1/4″ plywood bulkheads and
[At least] 2 sets of Mini Skeeter 3/8 x 24″x 10′ full length plywood side planks,
[NO SCARFING !]
ALL AVAILABLE FOR FREE,…..
THEY JUST HAVE TO BE PICKED UP IN WALWORTH WI.

Also available,1 like new OPTI SAIL,… With battens and bag,..$100.
also located in Walworth.

Call Eric Loenneke 630 863-3442

February 10, 2025: Renegade in WI

Older Renegade (sail #222) in good condition for recreational sailing. Sails, runners, mast, hull and plank in good shape, no cracks or rot. Was raced by North sails rep in Ohio 15 years ago so plank was shaved and tuned for speed, has some carbon fiber underneath it. Has full hull, plank and mast covers. Price is $3350
$2750 or best offer.
Trailer is available for additional $600.
Madison, WI area
Contact Dan at schultzd977@gmail.com for more information.

SOLD! October 9, 2024: Mattison-Krueger Rumble-Seat Skeeter in WI – WHITEHORSES

WHITEHORSES
Mattison-/Krueger built rumble seat skeeter. Originally Ken Whitehorse’s old FAST BUCK.
Not competitive any longer but still a great boat to sail.
Complete with one set of runners, two sails, 24′ mast.
Hull, mast and boom covers. Also have a spare springboard.

If anyone is interested in both boats, I can make you a deal on both boats (WHITEHORSES & LANA) and include a
single axle trailer set-up for both.

$2200.

SOLD! December 3, 2024: Class A Skeeter in MN

SOLD! Predator A-Class Skeeter
Iceboats are sailing right now in Minnesota on Hollywood ice. A proven, highest performance iceboat and a turnkey program. Comes with two masts (28’, 26’) two rigs, five sails, full covers and one set of excellent runners, with brand new Harken runner bags.
The package also includes a fantastic trailer. Which holds the boat plus it can carry a Nite. The trailer has new tires, spare tire, new wiring, new bearing buddies.
Minnesota

Regatta Watch: 2025 ISA & Renegade Championship Tentatively Called On for Feb 14 – 16

Photo: Marcus Berghahn

The ISA Championship Regatta is tentatively on for February 14th – 16th, 2025. Multiple locations are under review including Madison WI and Lake City MN.

The final call will be made by noon on Wednesday February 12th. Check back here at that time.

Steve Schalk

Secretary/Treasurer

International Skeeter Association

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

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.

4LIYC Racing & Celebration on Lake Mendota for Feb 8 – 9

Hundreds of people watch as fireworks launch into the night sky above an inflatable replica of the Statue of Liberty’s head, arm and torch on frozen and ice-covered Lake Mendota during the conclusion of the Wisconsin Union’s Winter Carnival on Feb. 11, 2023. The event was held along the shoreline of the Memorial Union Terrace at the University of Wisconsin–Madison. The Lady Liberty tradition began with a prank in 1979 by the Pail and Shovel Party which made a campaign promise. Read more

Madison Celebrates on the Lake Mendota Ice this weekend.
This weekend, Four Lakes Ice Yacht Club (4LIYC) sailors are shifting gears a bit to focus on promoting the sport of iceboating while taking advantage of great conditions. Instead of official club racing, we’re focusing on a fun sailing day on Saturday, February 8, as part of the UW Winter Carnival and Frozen Assets celebrations at The Memorial Union and Edgewater. It’s also a good opportunity to see the MARY B set up at the Edgewater. Stop by and say hello to 4LIYC members from the Iceboat Foundation who help preserve this boat.

If you want to sail on Lake Mendota, you can set up at Lot 60 or Brearly Street and sail toward The Edgewater and the Union to give spectators a close-up look at the sport. If conditions remain favorable and the snow holds off, we may also hold 4LIYC club racing on Sunday, February 9, on Lake Mendota. We’ll have more information on possible 4LIYC racing on Saturday, February 8.

Bucky’s new ride, the MARY B

 

 

Lake Winnebago – The Place to Be for Ice Sailing

4LIYC Commodore Daniel Hearn takes first in Silver at the DN Worlds.Not pictured, second place Dave Elsmo.  Photo: Anna Suslova

Lake Winnebago – The Place to Be for Ice Sailing

Lake Winnebago has been the place to be for ice sailing this season. From the Northwest Regatta to the Wisconsin Stern Steerers Association Regatta, the DN Western Region Championship, and now the DN World and North American Championships, it has been an incredible stretch of racing on one of the best venues in North America.

It’s great to be back on Winnebago for the DN Worlds and North Americans and even better to drive on the ice, making race logistics easier for sailors and officials. These back-to-back regatta weeks can be exhausting, but ice sailors have been waiting for years for this kind of ice. Beyond the racing, seeing everyone socializing at the hotel and gathering for a banquet at Sunset on the Water has been fantastic.

DN World Championship Recap

The World Championship is now complete, and congratulations to five-time champion Matt Struble. Watching the best ice sailors in the world at work is always incredible. Right behind Matt, the Polish sailors continue to be a massive force, along with the Swedes and Estonians, who have all shown their skill and consistency. The top Swedish sailors in this competition have a long history with my brother, Ron Rosten, who has followed their progress from junior racing all the way to the Gold Fleet. Ron attends the Junior World Championship held in Europe every year, and it has been amazing to see these young sailors grow into top competitors.

North American Championship Begins

Now, the focus shifts to the North American Championship, where four races have been completed. Every race has been like a high-speed chess match, where every move counts, and the slightest mistake can cost positions. The competition has been fierce, with no easy wins.

Today’s forecast calls for strong winds, and I’m sure PRO Pat Heppert is already driving to the lake to check conditions as I type this.

4LIYC Sailors at the DN World Championship

Closer to home, our Four Lakes Ice Yacht Club (4LIYC) sailors had strong performances at the DN World Championship, battling through some of the toughest competition in recent memory. The Silver Fleet raced at a Gold Fleet level, and Bronze felt like Silver, making every finish hard-earned.

  • Chad Atkins finished 14th in Gold Fleet
  • 4LIYC Commodore Daniel Hearn won the Silver Fleet, securing an automatic spot in the Gold Fleet for the championship
  • Dave Elsmo was right behind him, taking 2nd place in Silver Fleet
  • Dale Gordon finished 20th in the Bronze Fleet

Great racing from our club members—congratulations to all!

It has been an incredible week, and we are hoping to finish out the North Americans with a complete seven-race series. Stay tuned for updates!

Stay updated with the latest results, photos, and behind-the-scenes coverage:

Wisconsin Stern Steerers Association 2025 Regatta Results & Photos

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

Regatta Watch: 2025 ISA & Renegade Championship Tentatively Called ON for Feb 7-9

Greg McCormick sailing a Renegade on Lake Monona, Feb 2, 2025. Photo: Marcus Berghahn

Via International Skeeter Association Secretary/Treasurer Steve Schalk

The 2025 International Skeeter Association and Renegade Championship regattas are tentatively called on for the February 7 – 9.
Primary site is Lake Monona, Madison, WI. Secondary site is Lake Pepin, Lake City, MN. Final confirmation will be made by Wednesday, February 5, by noon.

Steve Schalk
Secretary / Treasurer ISA

4LIYC Racing Action – Photos from February 1

Doug Kolner sailing his Renegade COLD FUSION on Lake Monona. Photo Marcus Berghahn

The Four Lakes Ice Yacht Club hit the ice on Saturday, February 1, for another great day of racing. Photographer Marcus Berghahm captured the action, showcasing the speed and skill of the fleet.

Check out his photos here: Link to photos
Follow him on Instagram

Thanks to Marcus for sharing these incredible shots—see you on the ice!

 

Capturing the Action: WSSA Regatta on Lake Winnebago

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!