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.

From Basement to Museum: The Journey of BLACK ICE, a Historic Lake Erie Ice Yacht


A great story about a rescued stern-steerer, via Chris Wolford:

I want to thank you and the contributors to the Hudson River Ice Yacht Club for publishing the recent articles on old ice yachts. It is fascinating to read about the races held as far back as 1898 and learn about the men who built these majestic ice yachts. Although there was ice yacht racing in Erie, PA, around that time, there were only a handful of boats, and they are long gone. Ice conditions like you have in Wisconsin are uncommon on Presque Isle Bay, so sailors here get frustrated, mostly because of the amount of snow we get, and the old boats end up in barn rafters and garages. But not all of them.

 

In the spring of 1986, while rummaging around the basement of the Erie Yacht Club (EYC), in a dark and musty corner, I noticed a couple of long planks leaning against the wall. I was curious, so I took a look and found that it was an old ice yacht. On the backbone was a plaque that read SNIPE, built for Annie Scott Strong in 1900. The car was badly damaged from years of neglect, and the backbone had a bit of rot. I couldn’t just leave it there, so I found the owner and convinced him to sell it to me. I bought it for the outstanding storage charge of $60.

 

Two iceboating buddies and I spent Monday nights for a year bringing her back to life. We sanded off red paint and found green and, finally, the beautiful wood grain. The runner plank, a little over 6″ thick, still had bark on it. Wrapped in an old sail, the spars and standing rigging were stuffed into the rafters. They were in decent condition, and we were surprised to find a dozen hand-forged brass blocks. We spent about $2000 rebuilding her and replacing the sails. The following winter, we proudly put SNIPE on the ice and renamed her BLACK ICE.  We sailed her for 35 years on Presque Isle Bay and made great memories for many people young and old.

 

In 2018, we were frustrated that we either had no ice or our seasons were so short that it was hardly worth getting her on the ice.  And now, in our mid-60s, BLACK ICE started getting heavier. We decided to find a better home for her than the EYC  basement, so we approached the Erie Maritime Museum to see if they were interested. The curator was thrilled, and we submitted paperwork to the Commonwealth of PA Museum Commission for approval.

 

While we waited, we did some research and learned that the yacht was built in the Hudson River Valley and brought here by rail in 1900. She was a birthday present for Annie Scott Strong from her husband, Charles. He was a prosperous businessman, an iron & coal magnate, and a railroad president. Annie’s father was also a railroad tycoon, the Mayor of Erie in 1866, and later served as a U.S. Congressman. We have no idea how long Annie sailed SNIPE, but we believe the boat sat outside for some years in the 1930s and then had several owners before us.

 

The Museum Commission unanimously approved accepting our gift.  On April 26, 2023, BLACK ICE was displayed at the museum at a reception attended by 60 people. Many pictures and a rolling video are included in the display. It’s hard to say how long she will be on display, but we are told that the plan is at least 5 years because of its popularity. When eventually stored, BLACK ICE will be in good company amongst the spars of the tall ship U.S.S. Brig NIAGRA.

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!

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