2020 Northwest Ice Yacht Racing Association Information
March 13-15,2020
Lake Waconia, Minnesota
SOLD! November 26, 2024: DN in Winnipeg, Canada
SOLD! DN – 1980’s vintage – light use
Alu mast, wood boom, North sail, Sarns 26″ runners
Never seen cleats, salt or hooligans, many detailed photos available
Located in Winnipeg, Canada
USD $800
4LIYC Club Racing ON for Sunday, January 5, 2025
Club racing is officially called ON for Sunday, January 5, 2025, at Lake Kegonsa. Please use the Quam Landing for access. Remember to roll trailers onto the ice—do not drive vehicles onto the lake. The lake was sailed today. They report the ice is hard but rough. The first race will start at 11 AM.
WSSA Regatta Update
The Wisconsin Stern Steerers Association regatta begins today on Lake Noquebay in Crivitz, WI. Our good friend, iceboat photographer Gretchen Dorian is on-site and she has already shared photos from Friday’s setup day. Please take a look at her Friday gallery here: https://www.gretchendorian.com/2025-WSSA-Lake-Noquebay-WI
4LIYC Club Racing Update – January 4–5, 2025
Photo: Ethan Brodsky
Ice scouts surveyed Lake Kegonsa today and found ice thickness mostly at 4.5 inches, but some areas measured just 3 inches due to goose holes. While the ice is forming, the scouts determined that conditions are still marginal for safe racing, and the ice needs more time to grow. As a result, club racing is postponed until Sunday, January 5, 2025.
The ice appeared rough in several areas, and we will need to sail it to assess whether it’s manageable for racing, especially in windy conditions. Scouts will recheck the ice tomorrow (Saturday) and provide a final decision on Sunday’s racing by tomorrow afternoon.
Stay tuned for the next update, and let’s hope for solid ice and smooth conditions!
4LIYC Racing Potential for Jan 4 – 5
Attention, Four Lakes Ice Yacht Club members! We’re monitoring the possibility of club racing this weekend, January 4-5, on Lake Kegonsa. Ice checkers will meet tomorrow to scout the lake. Please do not go on the ice until it has been thoroughly scouted. Stay tuned for updates! The next announcement will be posted by Friday, January 3, 2025 at 5 PM.
Reminder: The Wisconsin Maritime Museum’s Think & Drink program about the history of ice sailing takes place tonight. Join Mike Peters and myself as we discuss the history of Wisconsin’s ice boats and sailors.
WHAT TO KNOW
Date & Time: Thursday, January 2nd, 6:30 pm (doors and bar open at 6:00 pm)
Location: Wisconsin Maritime Museum, 75 Maritime Dr., Manitowoc, WI
Cost: Free (both in-person and virtual)
Virtual Access: Register here to attend via Zoom: Event Registration Link
Wisconsin Stern Steerers Assoc Regatta Called ON for Crivitz, WI
Via WSSA Secretary/Treasurer Andy Gratton
The WSSA regatta for 2025 has been called ON for Lake Noquebay near Crivitz January 4 and 5, 2025.
LAUNCH:
Use the County Park launch ramp on the south side of the lake.
A sign says there is a $5 entry fee for the Park but that is not collected for winter months.Do not drive on the ice. Back your trailers onto the ice.
Registration will be on the ice Saturday morning. First race at 11 am Saturday.
This is a five race regatta.LODGING
Lodging near Crivitz
Timberline Cottages, $145 night
715-927-0221
very near to lakeCrivitz Lodge, $139 night
715-854-7014
in CrivitzQuick Stop and Motel, $75 night
715-856-5386
in WausaukeeAndy Gratton
WSSA Secretary/Treasurer
Happy New Year
Let’s ring in the New Year with visions of Hollywood Ice.
Northwest Ice Yachting Association Updates – 2025 Notice of Race, Sailing Instructions, and Annual Meeting Agenda
1947 Northwest Regatta. A55 is an A Class Stern-Steer TAKU, currently owned by the Schloemer family in Lake Geneva, WI
NIYA HOME PAGE
Notice of Race
Sailing Instructions
Annual Meeting Agenda
The 2025 Notice of Race, Sailing Instructions, and Annual Meeting Agenda items are now available online! Be sure to review them and get ready for an exciting season ahead.
Stay tuned for more updates as we prepare for another great season on the ice!
International Skeeter Association Updates – 2025 Notice of Race, Sailing Instructions, and Dues
B Skeeters on Lake Monona. Photo: Will Johnston
ISA Home Page
Notice of Race
Sailing Instructions & Conditions
Annual Meeting Agenda Items
The 2025 Notice of Race, Sailing Instructions, and Annual Meeting Agenda items are now available online! Be sure to review them and prepare for another great season.
Additionally, if you’re not up to date on your ISA dues, now is the time to take care of it. A list of current paid members has been uploaded for your convenience. (See it here.) If you don’t see your name on the list, you can quickly pay your dues online here.
Stay tuned for more updates, and let’s get ready for the 2025 season!
DN Senior Shuffle Postponed
Via 4LIYC Commodore Daniel Hearn
Due to the fact that one of our hosts will be in Florida this weekend racing with 110 other M15s, the Senior Shuffle will not take place following the 2025 DN Western Regional Championship, if it happens this weekend of January 4 – 5. FYI, he’s planning to port tack the fleet at the first start. He’s just old…not smart!
SOLD! February 7, 2024: Gambit in Ontario,Canada
SOLD! Gambit in sailable condition and comes with aluminum mast and boom. Boat sails well in heavy winds that might challenge DNs. The cockpit is designed to allow two people side by side. Boat can be car by topped. No trailer included. There are two floatation suits and ice picks that are also available for sale if interested. More photos available.
Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
$1800
SOLD! November 20, 2024: Nite in WI
SOLD! Nite #272, Zap
Base Package
Hull/Springboard/Cockpit Cushions/Carbo Air Blocks
S&R Mast/Fully Rigged/Stays with Custom Adjustment Tubes
1 New Sitka Plank with Aligned and Glued Chocks
Ron Sherry D2 Steel Runners
1 Boom/Fully Rigged with Harken Carbo Air Blocks
2022 Quantum Standard Sail with Battens
Tapered Sheet Rope
All Covers
Splash Guard
3 Bags of Lead
Bucks
Trailer for 2 hulls, 4 masts, 4 planks, 2 large top/back opening boxes
$10,000
Wisconsin
Regatta Watch: WSSA Regatta Called ON for Jan 4 – 5
The Wisconsin Stern Steering Association regatta for 2025 has been tentatively called on for January 4 and 5. The site selected is Lake Noquebay east of Crivitz. Final confirmation will be made by 1 PM Thursday, January 2. Check back here after that time.
Andy Gratton
WSSA Secretary/Treasurer
Regatta Watch: 2025 Renegade Championship Postponed to Jan 10 – 12
Via Renegade Regatta Chair Don Anderson
The Renegade Championship has been postponed until January 10, 11, 12, 2025. The next update is on Sunday, January 5, 2025.
Roll Out the Barrel: A Historic Ice Sailing Throwback
Here’s a fascinating vintage photo shared from Mike Peter’s collection, which will be part of our presentation at the Wisconsin Maritime Museum on January 2. This early 20th-century image captures stern steerers racing on Lake Winnebago and shows a very different approach to racecourse marks.
In the photo, you’ll notice the mark (aka buoy) in use—a tall wooden pole mounted on a platform, with a flag waving from the top and a wooden barrel suspended below. This setup starkly contrasts the lightweight, triangular fluorescent fabric marks we use today. It’s hard not to imagine the chaos (and potential splinters!) if one of those massive stern steerers collided with such a substantial obstacle.
This photo likely predates the introduction of bow-steering boats, offering a window into a bygone era of ice sailing. It’s a reminder of how much the sport has evolved.
We’ve had several requests for the special Skeeter Vodka cocktail recipe featured at our event with the Wisconsin Maritime Museum. I’m working on getting that recipe so everyone can mix up their Skeeter cocktail and join us from home via Zoom. Stay tuned—I’ll share it soon so you can toast along with us!
Think & Drink: Iceboating History Presentation @ Wisconsin Maritime Museum
Does it get any more Wisconsin than this? Ice sailing, maritime history, a Green Bay Packers connection, and a cocktail named in honor of the Skeeter class?
Mike Peters and I will be presenting a program for their Think & Drink series on ice sailing at the Wisconsin Maritime Museum on Thursday, January 2nd at 6:30 pm. I’ll be joining via Zoom, and Mike will be there in person at the museum to share the history of ice sailing in Wisconsin.
The event is free and will be available both in-person and virtually. The featured drink of the night will be a Skeeter, a vodka cocktail named after the fastest iceboat in the world. Doors and the bar open at 6:00 pm, and the program begins at 6:30 pm.
This presentation is part of the Ice Boating: A Wisconsin Tradition exhibit at the Wisconsin Maritime Museum, which is on display from December 2024 through September 2025. The exhibit traces the history of ice boating in Wisconsin, spanning over 100 years, and showcases the evolution of iceboats and the culture surrounding the sport.
To join virtually, please register here: Event Registration Link.
This program is made possible in part by a grant from the Green Bay Packers Foundation. For more info, check out the museum’s website.
Hope to see you there, whether in person or online!
WHAT TO KNOW
Date & Time: Thursday, January 2nd, 6:30 pm (doors and bar open at 6:00 pm)
Location: Wisconsin Maritime Museum, 75 Maritime Dr., Manitowoc, WI
Cost: Free (both in-person and virtual)
Virtual Access: Register here to attend via Zoom: Event Registration Link
UPDATE: The Wisconsin Maritime Museum has unveiled a signature drink for their Think and Drink presentation—a twist on the classic Sidecar, featuring vodka and blue curaçao.
The Skeeter
2 oz vodka
1 oz blue curaçao
1 oz fresh lemon juice
1/2 oz simple syrup (optional, for a hint of sweetness)
Lemon twist or orange slice for garnish
Instructions:
Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
Add vodka, blue curaçao, lemon juice, and simple syrup (if desired).
Shake well until chilled.
Strain into a chilled coupe glass.
Garnish with a lemon twist or orange slice.
2025 DN Senior Shuffle Update
DN Senior Shuffle Home Page
The 2025 DN Senior Shuffle is scheduled to take place after the 2025 DN Western Region Championship, from January 6-8, 2025. We are actively 
searching for suitable ice conditions in the DN Western Region, and updates will be provided as soon as we have more information.
If you paid for last year’s event, you won’t need to pay again. If you’d like to register for this year, here’s the link to sign up.
Stay tuned for the next update on Monday, December 30, 2024, for the latest news on the status of the DN Western Region Championship and Senior Shuffle. We look forward to another exciting event and hope to see you on the ice!
WHAT TO KNOW
2025 DN Senior Shuffle
NOTICE OF RACE
SAILING INSTRUCTIONS
Dates: Tentatively January 6 – 8, 2025 (the 3 days after the 2025 Western Region Championship)
Location: TBA, same location at 2025 Western Region Championship
Eligibility:
• Open to Seniors (50-59), Masters (60-69) and Grand Masters (70+) who will race under Shuffle Rules with one start.
• Open to “aspiring” Seniors (49 or younger) who will also race under Shuffle Rules possibly with a separate start.
Entries: Click here to see list of entries.
Ice Yachts Return to the FDR Museum & Library
Hudson River Stern Steerer ALLONS will be on display at the FDR Library. Photo Courtesy of White Wings & Black Ice
Hey East Coasters! Looking for something unique to do this holiday season? Don’t miss the chance to see three historic Hyde Park ice yachts on display at the Wallace Center at the FDR Presidential Library and Home.
Where: FDR Library & Museum
4079 Albany Post Road
Hyde Park, NY 12538
When:
Monday, December 23, 2024
Friday, January 3, 2025 (A benefit from 4 PM – 6 PM)
Sunday, January 5, 2025
Via Bob Wills President Hudson River Ice Yacht Preservation Trust
SNATCHING VICTORY FROM THE JAWS OF DEFEAT
THE SHOW OF THREE HISTORIC HYDE PARK ICE YACHTS WILL OPEN ON MONDAY 12/23
Upon hearing that the Budget Crisis had been resolved without a Government Shutdown, we sprung into action. An emergency crew of Hudson River Ice Yacht Club (and Trust) members, ten in total with many more on standby, made the rounds to the barns where ALLONS, HOUND, and COMET were stored, loaded them onto our trucks, transported them to the Henry A. Wallace Center at the FDR Presidential Library and Home, and assembled and rigged them. Final touches will be completed today.
https://www.fdrlibrary.org/events-calendar
https://www.facebook.com/fdrlibrary
https://hudsonrivericeyachting.blogspot.com/We hope to see you there between Monday, December 23, 2024 and January 5, 2025. And please add to your calendars our fantastic Benefit, “SOIREE AMONGST THE ICE YACHTS”, Friday, January 3, from 4:00 to 6:00 pm.
We have much to be thankful for during this Holiday Season, and extending our best wishes to you!
Bob
New Video Playlist: Racing Rules of Iceboating
The Skeeter Ice Boat Club (SIBC) of Lake Geneva, WI, has shared a new resource for the ice sailing community: a YouTube playlist breaking down the National Iceboat Authority’s Racing Rules of Iceboating into easy-to-digest sections.
Edited by SIBC member Dave Navin, these videos provide a guide to understanding and applying the racing rules, helping sailors of all experience levels navigate the course safely and confidently. Whether you’re looking to refresh your knowledge or learn the rules for the first time, this playlist is a valuable tool for anyone passionate about iceboating.
Watch the videos here on the Four Lakes Ice Yacht Club YouTube channel playlist:
4LIYC Meeting Update for Dec 18
IN PERSON AT THE FOUR LAKES YACHT CLUB, WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2024
Please join us for our next Four Lakes Ice Yacht Club meeting. We will meet at the Four Lakes Yacht Club on the Yahara River in Monona. We’ll recap the weekend’s DN Western Region Championship and the ISA and Renegade Regattas, along with plenty of great stories to share.
WHAT TO KNOW:
Date: Wednesday, December18, 2024
Time: 6:30 PM CT
Location: The Four Lakes Yacht Club
6312 Metropolitan Ln, Monona, WI
What to Bring: $10 cash if you want to join in for pizza and cash for beverages.
New! ISA News & Views Newsletter Archive
