WSSA

Wisconsin Stern Steerers Association

Stern Steerers

Where it all began.

Innovation

Modern hardware and improvements in aerodynamic rigs
have allowed today’s stern-steerer to easily outclass its ancestors.

Class A Stern Steerer

Class A Stern Steerers carry a sail area of over 600 square feet.

Class B Stern Steerer

Class B Stern Steerers carry a sail area between 450 to 650 square feet.

Class C Stern Steerer

Class C Stern Steerers carry a sail area between 350 to 450 square feet.

Class D Stern Steerer

Class D Stern Steerers carry a sail area less than 350 square feet.

Tradition

Tradition-oriented skippers and crews maintain an active class organization.

Looking Forward

The renaissance of the big boats, especially the big A Boats,
is one of the best stories in our sport in recent years.

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

Newsletter From the Hudson River Ice Yacht Club

Racing trophies that are still cherished by iceboat builder Samuel Rogers’ family. Photo from White Wings & Black Ice

Here is the latest Hudson River Ice Yacht Club newsletter for those who enjoy following the stories of the original historic stern steerers that sailed the Hudson River many years ago. One highlight from the newsletter is a report about the recent exhibit at the FDR Museum and Library in Hyde Park, which showcased the legacy of an iceboat builder and racer, Samuel R. Rogers.

If you’d like to learn more about Samuel R. Rogers and the history of Hudson River ice yachts, visit Brian Reid’s incredible website White Wings and Black Ice.  Check out the full Hudson River Ice Yacht Club newsletter or more stories and updates.

Made for the Sky

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

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 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

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!

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!

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

Contact

WISCONSIN ICE BOATING HOTLINE 608-204-9876

WSSA DUES
W.S.S.A. dues are $20.00 and can be mailed to Andy Gratton at the following address:

W.S.S.A.
c/o Andy Gratton, Secretary/Treasure
2102 Doty Street
Oshkosh, WI. 54902

***NOTICE*** Due to the high cost of “snail” mailing newsletters it is encouraged that you send in your $20 dues and an e-mail address. If not, your name MAY be removed from the mailing list. If you are no longer interested in receiving the newsletter please respond or email to Andy Gratton