NIYA

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

4LIYC Racing Recap for January 5, 2025

by | Jan 6, 2025 | , ,

At the start of the first race, block 1 was left empty to honor the late Tim McCormick. Tim’s brother Andy, is in the 2 block.

The 4LIYC Renegades took to Lake Kegonsa on Sunday afternoon for three races in very cold conditions. Despite the chill, it was a competitive day on the ice, with Don Anderson dominating the fleet and claiming three bullets. The ice was super hard and fast, but somewhat rough. Sailors did their best to avoid occasional sticky snow drifts. The wind started out shifty, keeping sailors on their toes, but it filled in steadily toward the end of the racing, making for a solid finish to the day. Nite sailor Lars Barber represented the 4LIYC Nite fleet, lining up with the Renegades and racing alongside them.

The Renegades also took time to honor one of their own. A missing man formation lineup paid tribute to a member who would no longer be lining up at the start. At the start of the first race, starting block one was held in reserve to honor the memory of the late Tim McCormick who passed away in 2024. Tim’s brother, Andy McCormick, stepped into the two block to carry on the family’s presence on the ice along with cousin Greg who lined up in block four..

Scores will be posted soon.

The Ice Boaters Dream

by | Jan 6, 2025 | , ,

Video Link
Iceboaters have long imagined the possibility of clearing snow from frozen lakes to create ideal sailing conditions. The challenge lies in needing thick, solid ice to support vehicles capable of clearing the snow—an effort that often seems insurmountable.

Years ago, the late DN sailor Mark Keifer of Minnesota pioneered snow removal efforts for the Ice Racing Circuit at the St. Paul Winter Carnival. On a snow-covered lake in Tianchi, near Urumqi in western China, crews are clearing the ice for the first Tianshan Tianchi International Ice Yacht Open in conjunction with their winter festival. This historic event will feature DN sailors from Germany, Sweden, and China, competing against the backdrop of the snow-covered Tianshan Mountains.
This event demonstrates that removing snow for ice sailing can be done with enough will and equipment (and likely an unlimited budget.)

Regatta Watch: Nite Nationals Postponed

by | Jan 6, 2025 | ,

Your Nite Board have decided to postponed Nite Nationals. We will keep searching for the right conditions.

In the meantime, there is a wonderful video out there on YouTube about the “Racing Rules of Iceboating: Learn, Understand, Race…”
It is sponsored by the Four Lakes Ice Yacht Club

Continue to monitor Facebook Group, the Nite Website, and your email for further communication.

We are always open to you sharing the conditions of your local lake or of a lake you have pertinent info on.

Keep your runners sharp and your boats tuned. The ride of your life awaits.

Sail Safe, Sail Fast,

Commodore Maureen Bohleber #497
Vice Commodore David Navin #549
Secretary/Treasurer Chris Wiberg #434
Tech Mike Peters #544

Made for the Sky

by | Jan 5, 2025 | , ,

Andy Gratton and ROSEMARY Wisconsin Stern Steerers Association Regatta on Lake Noquebay near Crivitz, Wisconsin on Jan 4, 2025. Photo by Mike Roemer

The Wisconsin Stern Steerers Association regatta on Lake Noquebay in Crivitz, WI, wraps up today, but not before leaving us with some photos captured from above. Mike Roemer shared some amazing drone photos on Facebook that showcase the majesty of the big boats. Stern Steerers are made for drone photography, with their impressive size and striking presence on the ice.
You can see more of Mike’s amazing photos on the 4LIYC Facebook page here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/iceboat

4LIYC Club Racing ON for Sunday, January 5, 2025

by | Jan 4, 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.

4LIYC Club Racing Update – January 4–5, 2025

by | Jan 3, 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

by | Jan 2, 2025 | ,


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

by | Jan 2, 2025 | , ,


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 lake

Crivitz Lodge, $139 night

715-854-7014
in Crivitz

Quick Stop and Motel, $75 night
715-856-5386
in Wausaukee

Andy Gratton

WSSA Secretary/Treasurer

Northwest Ice Yachting Association Updates – 2025 Notice of Race, Sailing Instructions, and Annual Meeting Agenda

by | Dec 31, 2024 | , , , , ,

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

by | Dec 31, 2024 | , ,

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

by | Dec 31, 2024 | , , ,


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

by | Dec 30, 2024 | ,

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

by | Dec 30, 2024 | ,

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

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