A Brief Overview of Northwest Regatta History
Welcome to the home page of the Northwestern Ice Yachting Association (NIYA) Regatta. This historic regatta was first sailed in 1913 in Menominee, Michigan when the massive stern-steerers ruled the ice. The Skeeters, DNs, and Renegades—staples of today’s ice sailing world—hadn’t even been invented.
Learn more.
The Founding of the NIYA
Dateline: January 13, 1913 – Wisconsin State Journal
“Representatives of Oshkosh, Madison, Menominee, and Marinette met at the Hotel Menominee this morning and discussed the future of the new NIYA… L.F. Porter of Madison, a man who has been connected with several water and ice craft organizations, gave some timely and instructive suggestions in regard to the proper manner of conducting the association. He proposed having two delegates from each club present at a future gathering and form a constitution and bylaws at that time.”
That first year, Menominee skipper E. Peterson won the inaugural Class A championship in Square People. In 1914, Madison’s Emil Fauerbach took the title in the famed Princess II, a boat that would later go on to win the prestigious Hearst International Trophy.
Evolution of the NIYA Regatta
For its first two decades, the NIYA remained a stern-steerer-only championship. That changed in 1933 when bow-steering boats were allowed to compete for the first time. This shift opened the door for the Skeeters, Renegades, and DNs, expanding the competition beyond the classic stern-steerers.
Today, the NIYA remains one of the most prestigious and longest-running ice yachting championships, bringing together generations of iceboaters to compete for some of the most sought-after titles in the sport.
Notable Champions & Iceboat Classes
Class A Stern-Steerers
Some of the most famous names in iceboating have hoisted the Class A championship trophy, including:
- John Buckstaff (Oshkosh)
- Fritz Jungbluth & Carl Bernard (Madison) – FRITZ
- Harry Melges (Lake Geneva)
- Carl Bernard – MARY B
- Buddy Melges – FERDINAND THE BULL
DN Class (First recognized in 1954)
- 1954 – Skip Boston (First DN champion)
- 1956 – William Sarns
- 1960 – Jane Pegel (First win of 10 NIYA DN championships!)
Class E Skeeters (First raced in NIYA in 1933)
- 1936 – Harry Melges MICKEY FINN
- 1949 – Elmer Millenbach RENEGADE II (Before Renegades became a separate class, they raced with Skeeters)
Other Class E Champions: Bill Perrigo, Howard Boston, Frank Trost, Jack Ripp, Dave Rosten, Bill Mattison, Lou Loenneke, Buddy Melges, Bob Pegel, and Paul Krueger.
Renegade Class (First recognized in 1958)
- 1958 – Elmer Millenbach RENEGADE III (Won every NIYA Renegade championship until 1984!)
Other champions: Arlyn Lafortune, Lorne Sherry, Jack Ripp, Tim McCormick, Roger Derusha, Don Anderson, and Mike Derusha.
A Legacy of Competition & Tradition
The Northwestern Ice Yachting Association Regatta has been a proving ground for the fastest ice yachts and most skilled sailors for over a century. From the towering stern steerers of the early 1900s to the sleek Skeeters, Renegades, and DNs of today, the NIYA continues to celebrate the sport’s thrill, speed, and camaraderie.
NIYA Secretary-Treasurers: A Legacy of Service.
Since 1922, the Northwestern Ice Yachting Association (NIYA) Secretary-Treasurers have played a crucial role in maintaining the continuity and success of the Northwest Regatta. Over the decades, only 11 individuals have held this position, each ensuring the smooth operation of the association, maintaining records, and keeping the regatta running for generations of iceboaters. Their dedication has helped preserve the tradition and history of ice yachting, making the Northwest Regatta one of the most prestigious events in the sport.
NIYA Secretary-Treasurers (1922 – Present)
- 1922 – 1926 C.H. Marquart
- 1927 – 1934 C.J. Meyer
- 1935 – 1940 O. Lyman Dwight
- 1941 – 1953 Frank A. Meyers
- 1954 A.W. Bentler
- 1955 – 1959 Gloria Melges
- 1960 Jim Robinson
- 1961 Gale Bennett
- 1962 – 1974 Cora Lee Millenbach
- 1975 – 2016 Paul Krueger
- 2017 – Present Steve Schalk
REGATTA DETAILS
The Northwest Ice Yachting Association Regatta has been CALLED ON for Green Lake, WI February 13 – 15, 2026. This is a regatta for Stern-Steerers, Skeeters, Renegades, and DNs
NOTICE OF RACE
CONDITIONS
AGENDA
Medical plan:
a. Local Hospital – SMS Health 845 Parkside Drive, Ripon, WI. 920-745-3440
b. Green Lake Sheriff – 920-294-4000
First Aid kit available at the starting area
LAUNCH:
Dodge Memorial County Park
Markesan, WI 53946
LODGING:
Heidel House
653 Illinois Ave, Green Lake, WI 54941
920-807-0300
Standard rooms starting at $104 + $21/night resort fee and 12.5% taxes. Please see booking link:
choicehotels.com/reservations/groups/rp59z5
Acorn Ridge Motel
W3910 WI-23, Princeton, WI 54968
+19202956533
Boarders Inn and Suites
1219 W Fond Du Lac St, Ripon, WI 54971
+19207487578
Cobblestone Suites
2 Westgate Dr, Ripon, WI 54971
+19207485500
REGISTRATION
SCHEDULE
Pre-Regatta – Thursday, February 12
5 – 7 PM Mix & Mingle
Hosted by Deb and Dan Bierman
Dan’s “Boat Palace”
North Shore of Green Lake
W3360 Orchard Ave
Questions? Call Deb Bierman 920-299-0774
Friday, February 13:
7 AM Online Registration Closes
10 AM First Race
6:30 PM NIYA Annual Meeting
American Legion Hall
518 Water Street in Downtown Green Lake. 920-896-2921.
Saturday, February 14
9:30 AM First Race
No organized banquet.
Here is a list of restaurants for you to pick from Saturday after racing.
Christianos Pizza
Reilly’s Pub 920-295-0656
Waves Pub & Grill 920-807-0505
Oakwood (Heidel House) 920-807-0300
Goose Blind 920-294-6363
Murphy’s on Green 920-807-0225
Chops Restaurant 920-807-0050
Walker’s Bar and Grill N4503 County K
Sunday, February 15
9:30 AM First Race
No race will be started after 3:00 PM except for those classes needing a race to complete their regatta. The Free-for-All will start 30 minutes after the last scheduled race.
2025 Northwest Regatta Called ON for Fond Du Lac Jan 24-26
DN Class
RESULTS
The 2025 Northwestern Ice Yachting Regatta is on for Lake Winnebago northwest of Fond Du Lac. Dates are January 24th, 25th, and 26th.
The launch site is drive on the ice at the foot of Cemetery Road off of Highway 45. Cemetery Road is 1.4 miles north of the Wayside launch on the west shore of the lake. It is 5.8 miles from the center of downtown Fond Du Lac. Racing will start with DNs at 11 AM sharp on Friday January 24th. The skipper’s meeting for all classes will be held at 10:30 AM near the starting line. The annual meeting will be held at 6 PM Friday evening at the Fond Du Lac Yacht Club. A dinner is scheduled for 7 PM at TJ’s Harbor Restaurant, located 2 miles north of the launch at Cemetery Road where County Z crosses Hwy 45.
Online registration is mandatory. Please register here: https://www.iceboat.org/regattas/niya/
WHAT TO KNOW:
Date: January 24 – 26, 2025
Location: Lake Winnebago, Fond Du Lac, Wisconsin
Launch: Foot of Cemetery Road off of Highway 45. Cemetery Road is 1.4 miles north of the Wayside launch on the west shore of the lake. It is 5.8 miles from the center of downtown Fond Du Lac.
Lodging:
Comfort Inn, 77 Holiday Lane Fond du Lac WI Ice Boaters Special 82.00 night See Michelle 30+ rooms 920-933-1159
Holiday Inn Express, 55 Holiday Lane Fond du Lac WI 30+ rooms 129.00-155.00 920-322-0460
Hotel Retlaw, 1 North Main St Fond du Lac WI 920 204 0400 129.00 and up
Online registration is mandatory. Please register here: https://www.iceboat.org/regattas/niya/
Eligibility Requirements for the Northwest Ice Yacht Association Regatta
To participate in the Northwest Ice Yacht Association (NIYA) regatta, all competitors must be members of a club that belongs to the NIYA. Below is a list of current member clubs. Please ensure you are a member of one of these clubs before registering:
- Boecraft Association
- Fond du Lac Ice Yacht Club
- Four Lakes Ice Yacht Club
- Green Lake Ice Yacht Club
- Hudson River Ice Yacht Club
- Lake Springfield Ice Boat Club
- Menekaunee Ice Yacht Club
- Minnesota Iceboaters
- Neenah Ice Yacht Club
- Oshkosh Ice Yacht Club
- Pewaukee Ice Yacht Club
- SIBC
- South Side Ice Yacht Club
- Toledo Ice Yacht Club
- West Michigan Ice Yacht Club
- Windjammers/United Skeeter Association
- WSSA
During registration, please indicate your club affiliation in the appropriate field on the form. If you are not a member of one of these clubs, you will not be eligible to compete.
Schedule of Events
Friday, January 24
- 7 AM: Online registration closes
- 11 AM: First Race – Race start has been postponed to 11AM to allow for warmer temperatures.
- Rotation*
- DN
- Renegade
- E Skeeters
- A, B, C, D Stern Steerers
- ISA B & C Skeeters
- 6 PM Northwest Annual Meeting at the Fond Du Lac Yacht Club 705 Mohawk Ave, Fond du Lac, WI 54935
Saturday, January 25
- 9:30 AM: First Race
- Banquet
TJ’s Harbor 7098 S US Hwy 45
Oshkosh, WI 54902
Social Hour: 5 PM
Dinner 7 PM
Sunday, January 26
- 9:30 AM: First Race
*2nd and 3rd round of races Friday, Saturday, and Sunday will start at a time announced by the Race Committee.
**If all classes have at least 3 races complete at the end of the day Saturday, Stern Steerers (A, B, C, D) will start first on Sunday.
A Century Ago: The 1925 Northwest Ice Yachting Association Regatta
As we prepare for the 2025 Northwest Ice Yachting Association Regatta, it’s a good opportunity to reflect on the 1925 event, which was held 100 years ago. The 1925 Northwest was supposed to be held on Madison’s lakes, or so the Four Lakes Ice Yacht Club (4LIYC) thought. However, a twist of fate, or rather a ‘joker’ (as the Wisconsin State Journal put it) in the bylaws, changed everything. According to the Wisconsin State Journal (Feb. 3, 1925), the Northwest bylaw stated that if a regatta is canceled one year, it must be held on the same lake the following year. As a result, Pewaukee Lake retained the hosting rights, much to the disappointment of Madison sailors. The newspaper noted, “The general feeling among the local club is that Madison has not had an even break.”
Despite this setback, Madison sailors brought home significant victories:
1925 Northwest Class Champions
Class A Stern Steerer: – DEFIANCE – M.D. Bernard, P. Bernard (4LIYC)
Class B Stern Steerer: – LIBERTY – W.P. Bernard, E. Tetzlaff (4LIYC)
Free-for-All Winner: MISS MILWAUKEE Class A1, Camp Van Dyke, Pewaukee Ice Yacht Club
Interesting Notes from 1925
Class A1 Stern Steerers:
MISS MILWAUKEE, the free-for-all winner, competed in the now-defunct Class A1 division, which was for boats with a bigger sail area than Class A Stern Steerers. Built by Camp Van Dyke for $5,000, MISS MILWAUKEE was designed specifically to win the prestigious Stuart Cup but never managed to claim it. The Class A1 division was abolished in 1926, making this one of its last notable appearances in the Northwest.
Junior Division Announced:
The 1925 regatta saw the Northwest announce plans for a Junior Division to debut in 1926, open to sailors under 16 years old with boats limited to 150 square feet of sail area. However, it’s unclear whether this division ever came to fruition—stay tuned to the 2026 NIYA for that story!
100 Years Later
The Carl Bernard scrapbooks have been an invaluable resource for uncovering the history of the 1925 Northwest. Carl attended the regatta at Pewaukee and captured photos of his father’s winning boat, DEFIANCE, as well as the giant MISS MILWAUKEE. Most importantly, he preserved one of those special regatta moments by having someone snap a photo of him with all his pals on his stern-steerer.
Here we are, a century later, carrying on the tradition of the Northwest regatta on Lake Winnebago out of Fond du Lac. Ice sailors will once again compete for top honors—who will become the next champions in the Class A and B Stern Steerers? We are lucky to still be sailing the Northwest and honoring the legacy of those early champions and their stories.
Regatta Watch: 2025 Northwest – Updated Information
Renegade: Mike Derusha
Northwest Home Page
UPDATE: Launch information has been updated
Via Northwest Ice Yachting Association Regatta Secretary/Treasurer Steve Schalk:
The 2025 NIYA Regatta is called on for Fond Du Lac, January 24th, 25th and 26th, with the final call at noon Wednesday January 22nd. Launch ramp will be finalized prior to Wednesday noon. It will be in the southeast corner of the lake somewhere between the Fond Du Lac Yacht Club and the Sunset Bar. Stay tuned for launch site updates on Wednesday, January 22.
The ice condition is excellent and the wind and temperature appear to be cooperating – pretty much optimal in all respects for an epic Northwest Championship.
Regatta Watch: 2025 Northwest Postponed to Jan 24-26
(C)2010 Gretchen Dorian
Via Northwest Ice Yachting Association Secretary/Treasurer Steve Schalk:
The 2025 Northwestern Ice Yachting Association Race Committee has postponed one week to January 24th, 25th and 26th. The likely site will be on Lake Winnebago at the best possible of several locations.
The morning check by Andy Gratton found the snow conditions ok for most but not DNs. (Styrofoam snow) The forecast eliminates Sunday due to low temperatures and the Friday wind and temperature forecasts show a possible softening of the snow , but a likely blow-out of excessive wind gusts.
The forecast is looking good for multiple options on January 24th. The next NIYA Update is Sunday January 19th after 7 pm.
Steve Schalk
Secretary/Treasurer
Northwestern Ice Yachting Association
Regatta Watch: 2025 Northwest Called ON for Fond du Lac Jan 17-19
ACE OF SPADES & LITTLE WIND line up to race.
Via NIYA Secretary/Treasurer Steve Schalk
The 2025 NIYA Regatta is called on for Fond Du Lac,, January 17 – 19 with the final call at noon Wednesday January 15th. Launch will be drive on at the Sunset Bar.
UPDATE: The International Skeeter Association and Renegade Championship regattas are postponed. The NIYA regatta takes precedence.
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!
75 Years of News & Views – Now Online!
Steve Schalk, Secretary/Treasurer of Northwest and ISA, has dedicated countless hours to preserving 75 years of essential iceboating history from the International Skeeter Association newsletter, News and Views. In the past few days, I’ve uploaded the PDFs to iceboat.org, making the complete archive easily accessible on the website. It’s a privilege to share this invaluable resource with everyone. Visit the ISA News & Views archives here.
Welcome to the News and Views Archive. This collection has been digitized in searchable pdf format directly from the official document collections of the International Skeeter Association and the Northwestern Ice Yachting Association.
In the 1950’s and earlier, the two Associations published documents such as meeting minutes and race results separately. Beginning in the 1960’s, the publication “ISA News and Views” was used to gather and publish news, meeting information, race results, member lists, local club news, and a for sale section.
The collection is organized by Iceboat racing season, which stretches from fall of one year through spring of the following year. The order of seasons starts with the most recent and goes back to 1948-49 season.
The content gives an insight into developments in iceboating over the last 75 years, with the voices and images of many of the most prominent competitors, designers and builders appearing in these pages.
I hope you enjoy your journey back in time using these archives.
LINK TO ARCHIVES
Steve Schalk
Secretary/Treasurer
Northwestern Ice Yachting Association
INTERNATIONAL SKEETER ASSOCIATION
Reflections & Resolutions – 4LIYC Meeting Recap
NORTHWEST FREE FOR ALL TROPHY HISTORY
Last night, the Four Lakes Ice Yacht Club gathered for its final season meeting at the Four Lakes Yacht Club. The event was memorable, with Lars Barber in charge of pizza pick-up, Daniel Hearn bringing the essential bottle of Irish whiskey, and Ken Whitehorse hauling in the historic Northwest pots and pans. We honored our Northwest champions and paid tribute to the legacy of Tim McCormick while also remembering other departed members. The gathering brought together familiar faces, including those from Green Lake and Oshkosh, adding to the camaraderie. Ken Whitehorse showcased the Northwest Skeeter Trophy and the Northwest Free For All Trophy, awarded at the first Northwest regatta in 1913.
Despite the shortness of this sailing season, we are always optimistic and are already laying the groundwork for an exceptional season ahead. The club is gearing up to host the Southern Wisconsin Iceboat Swap Meet next fall and brainstorming ways to make it an unmissable event.
Video link to Ice Sailors Irish Blessing.
“Goodness Prevails” – A Message from M197
GOODNESS PREVAILS.
Dear Northwestern Ice Yachting Association Member Clubs,
I started racing skeeters in 1970. In 1977 at the age of 26, I was very fortunate to win the Northwest Championship. In 2024 I again was fortunate to win the Northwest championship. Well..that’s almost back to back victories! If you factor out 47 years! TODAY as in the past the Northwest Regatta has the world’s best Regatta Chairman, Secretary and Treasurer, Steve Schalk. We have the world’s best race committee. We have the world’s best volunteer support group. Additionally we have the world’s best boat builders and sail makers. Finally, and of least importance, as in the past, the Northwest has the world’s best ice boat sailors. We all are truly blessed to participate in iceboat racing! Goodness withstands the test of time.
Ken WhiteHorse M197
The Neighborhood Just Got Better
PREVIOUS: There Goes the Neighborhood
The next door neighbor of iceboat.org made some improvements on their building on the Monday after the Northwest regatta.. Greg Whitehorse was there to help and document the change.
It was a busy day at the Past Champions Iceboat Shop in Monona, Wisconsin. Ken WhiteHorse captured the Northwestern Class A Skeeter Championship last weekend on Minnesota’s Lake Waconia, 47 years after capturing that same title in 1977(!!!). You do,after all, have to keep things “Current”.
2024 Northwest Regatta – A Note of Thanks
Photo: Shane Lewis – Silverfoxviz
See all of Shane Lewis – Silverfoxviz photos here.
The Northwestern Ice Yachting Association Championship Regatta came to a successful conclusion on Sunday February 25th 2024.
As Regatta Chairman and Secretary/Treasurer and competitor, I have many people to thank and acknowledge for the success of the event.
My number one support was Pat Heppert who drove all over Minnesota sailing potential ice sheets, and then set marks at the crack of dawn every day and moved them throughout the event as the wind moved around. He started most races and called numbers as well.
Thanks to the DN Western Region who let us use their ATV and trailer for the whole event.
Thanks to everyone who helped set, pick, move and reset the starting blocks and safety zone markers. Colton Hibbard got to learn the trade at his very first regatta.
Thanks to Deb Whitehorse for her usual efficiency in getting the data down right through all the weather changes and course moves, also instantly posting notices of all changes we made. Thanks to Ann Foeller for setting up the tabulating file and Mary Jane for completing that file and tabulating Saturday. Thanks to Julie Jankowski for monitoring the windward mark throughout. Thanks to the rest of the race committee for splitting the workload and making timely decisions.
I want to especially acknowledge the participation of Paul Kreuger and John Davis, who are still racing hard in all conditions at the ages of 84 and 80 respectively. They are perfect examples of the competitors who built and maintained this sport that we all love.Steve Schalk
NIYA Secretary/Treasurer
Northwest – Across the Ice
Across the Ice | Minnesota 4K from ImageStream Press on Vimeo.
Winter may be coming to an end, but not yet for the 2024 Northwest Regatta on Lake Waconia in Minnesota. Some rough ice for iceboating but good winds and weather. The Northwest is the oldest ice sailing regatta in North America dating back to 1913. The DN Class North American Championship begins on Monday, 2/25/24. Great to have this event in Waconia, Minnesota.
Aerial segments filmed with a Mavic 3, edited and color graded with Vegas. Portions of the film have been sped up to compress the time over the vast distances with adjustments to lighting for effect. Flown within visual flight ranges, max altitude 400ft AGL across Minnesota. Music by Christopher Dennis Coleman “Vesper”, CHPTRS “Last Chance, “You Will Find Me” courtesy of the Musicbed.
2024 Northwest Prize Giving
RESULTS
Congratulations to all participants of the Northwestern Yachting Association Regatta! Thank you for your dedication and passion for the sport as you competed in North America’s oldest ice sailing regatta, a tradition that began in 1913.
The wind never fully cooperated Sunday morning, leading to a challenging waiting game. The regatta was called complete Sunday at 11 AM by NIYA Secretary/Treasurer Steve Schalk.
A heartfelt thank you goes out to everyone who contributed to the regatta’s success, from those who scouted for ice, set courses and starting blocks to those who assisted with off-site tabulating, including Ann Foeller and Mary Jane Schalk.
Northwest DN champion Robin Lagraviere, alongside his fellow Canadians Nicholas Mabboux and Jacek Marzenski, were notably absent as they were out on the course training for the upcoming DN North American Championship, set to begin on Lake Waconia today, Monday February 26.
Follow the action here.
Northwest Regatta – Day 3 – AM Update
C Stern Steerer ACE OF SPADES – Photo: Kevin Barta
PROVISIONAL RESULTS
EVENT PAGE
Day two of the 2024 Northwest Regatta brought clear, sunny skies, ideal conditions for a day filled with races and camaraderie on Lake Waconia in Minnesota. As the day progressed, the race committee concluded the day’s activities earlier than planned in light of the building winds.
Mike Peters and ACE OF SPADES
Ken Whitehorse tells the story of the when Buddy pulled out a bottle of Cutty Sark out of his jacket at Northwest. John Davis is on the plank. John has been attending the Northwest since 1954.
A highlight of the day was the presentation of the esteemed Bottle Trophy to the deserving crew of the C Stern Steerer ACE OF SPADES, helmed by Mike Peters and Terry Reynolds. In his eloquent speech, Ken Whitehorse shared the rich history of the trophy, first sponsored by the legendary Buddy Melges. Mike Peters and ACE OF SPADES with crew Terry Reynolds carry on the bottle trophy legacy this year.
2024 Northwest: Day 2 – AM Update
Renegaders Doug Kolner and Mike Derusha at the one and two blocks.
PROVISIONAL RESULTS
EVENT PAGE
Update – Post updated to include the real location. The webmaster regrets the error and blames it on not enough coffee. The 2024 Northwest Regatta kicked off on Lake WACONIA in Minnesota on Friday, February 23, the first one held in five years.
The winds remained relatively steady throughout most of the day, ranging from 8 to 12 mph. The Race Committee had to reset the course twice. However, as the day progressed, the winds began to fade. The last Stern Steerer, B Skeeter, and DN races were black-flagged because of the time limit.
The bumpy ice conditions tested each sailor’s skills. After each race, sailors had to check all fittings to ensure they remained secure, noted DNer John Harper (US60) from Michigan.
TIME CHANGE FOR FIRST RACE
Saturday, February 24, 2024 Schedule Update
9 AM: First Race. Stern Steerers Race #2
Followed by B & C Skeeter Race #2
Normal rotation then resumes:
DN
Renegade
E Skeeter
A,B,C,D Stern Steerer
ISA B & C Skeeter
Michigan Renegader Peter Sarelis turns the hotel hallway into a sail loft.
2024 Northwest Update: Stern Steerers Race at 9AM on Saturday 2-24
Photo: Jacek Marzenski
A long day on the ice. I’ll have more early tomorrow morning. A message tonight from NIYA Secretary/Treasurer Steve Schalk:
TIME CHANGE FOR FIRST RACE
Saturday, February 24, 2024 Schedule Update
9 AM: First Race. Stern Steerers Race #2
Followed by B & C Skeeter Race #2
Normal rotation then resumes:
DN
Renegade
E Skeeter
A,B,C,D Stern Steerer
ISA B & C Skeeter
Day 1:2023 Northwest Starting Positions
Good Morning from Waconia, MN, site of the 2024 Northwestern Ice Yachting Association Regatta. Starting positions will also be posted on the RC trailer on the ice.
Skipper’s meeting at the launch at 9 AM. See you on the ice!
The last time the NIYA was held was in 2019 on Lake Pepin in MN. The Northwest is the oldest ice sailing regatta in North America and was first sailed in Menominee, Michigan in 1913. It survived two World Wars, a pandemic and it’s great to be back. We are pleased to see such a large DN fleet this year with the DN North Americans having been called on for Waconia as well. The DN North American Championship begins on Monday.
Friday, February 23, 2024 Schedule
Skipper’s Meeting at 9 AM at the launch
First start 10 AM
Rotation
DN
Renegade
E Skeeter
A,B,C,D Stern Steerer
ISA B & C Skeeter
NIYA Annual Meeting at 6 PM at the Holiday Inn, Chanhassen, MN
2024 Northwest Regatta Information
The 2024 Northwestern Ice Yachting Association regatta is called on for Waconia Lake in Waconia, Minnesota.
REGISTER FOR THE NIYA
EVENT PAGE
WHAT TO KNOW
Northwestern Ice Yachting Association Regatta
EVENT PAGE
Dates: February 23 – 25, 2024
Location: Lake Waconia, Waconia MN
Launch: Lake Waconia Regional Park
8170 Paradise Ln, Waconia, MN 55387
ATTENTION: DO NOT DRIVE ON THE ICE. THERE WILL BE AN ATV TO TAKE YOUR TRAILER ON THE ICE.
Lodging:
Regatta Headquarters: Holiday Inn Express Chanhassen, MN
952-401-8850
$109 per night King
$119 per night 2 Queens
Online Booking Link
If you are booking online, please make sure to put in the correct dates otherwise it will say there isn’t an existing block.
Tell them you are with the Northwest Regatta to get the discount.
AmericInn by Wyndham Chanhassen, MN
612-293-6930
Country Inn & Suites Chanhassen, MN
952-937-2424
Super 8 by Wyndham Chaska, MN
1-952-448-7030
Register: Click here to register online.
Schedule of Events:
Friday, February 23
Registration closes at 7AM
Starting positions for the first race in each class will be posted on a Competitor list by 9:30 am at https://www.iceboat.org/regattas/niya/
First start 10 AM
Rotation
DN
Renegade
E Skeeter
A,B,C,D Stern Steerer
ISA B & C Skeeter
NIYA Annual Meeting at 6 PM at the Holiday Inn, Chanhassen, MN
Saturday, February 24
First start at 9:30 AM
Sunday, February 25
First start at 9:30 AM
Race Documents
Notice of Race
Sailing Instructions
Regatta Watch: NIYA Called ON for Waconia, MN Feb 23-25
DN Class: Spouses Julie Richards & Dick Wollam draw 1 & 2 for the start at the 2010 Northwest
The Northwestern Ice Yachting Association has called the 2024 championship regatta for February 23-25th at Lake Waconia Minnesota. This is the final call, launch site is Lake Waconia regional park on Paradise lane. Hotel information will be available tomorrow February 21st.
The ISA Championship is postponed to March 1st-3rd 2024.
Steve Schalk
Secretary/treasurer
NIYA & ISA
Feb 18, 2024 Regatta Watch: NIYA, ISA & Renegade Championship Called ON for Feb 23-25
NORTHWEST
The Northwestern Ice Yachting Association Race Committee has called the 2024 regatta on for a yet to be determined Minnesota location north and west of St. Cloud. The dates are February 23rd-25th.The lakes are still to be final checked for surface and launch conditions. There are potential lakes in the Alexandria area, where lodging may be an issue, and lakes further north.
The final call will be made as soon as possible, but Wednesday February 21st by noon at the latest.
ISA
The International Skeeter Association Race Committee has made the same call on for February 23rd-25th. In the event the Northwest is held the ISA will defer and postpone.Steve Schalk
Secretary/Treasurer
NIYA & ISA
New! ISA News & Views Newsletter Archive
