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..
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.
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!
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
Attention Attention Attention
Official 4LIYC racing has been cancelled for January 27-28. However, club members will scrub race on Sunday, January 28 on Lake Monona from the Olin Park Launch.
4LIYC members will be scrub racing tomorrow, Sunday, January 27, starting at 10 AM. The Skeeters packed up and removed their trailers late morning, concerned about the weight of their trailers. Surface condition and thickness appear to be fine, but make your own call. This is strictly an unofficial gathering. All are welcome.
Daniel Hearn 4LIYC Commodore
