Nite Celebration Recap

by | Oct 30, 2024 | 2024-2025, Home Page


Via International Nite Class Association Commodore Maureen Bohleber

For The Love of Iceboating

The International Nite Class Association recently hosted an event at Harken Headquarters in Pewaukee, Wisconsin, bringing together Midwest iceboaters. The theme was “50 Years of Nite Racing,” attracting Skeeter, Stern Steerer, Renegade, DN, and, of course, Nite sailors of all ages.

 

The Nite was designed and built by Dick Slates at S & R Marine around 1968. The story goes that he aimed to create a side-but-side two-seater to take that “special” someone out for a night on sail on Pewaukee Lake. While Dick and his wife Gale were unable to participate in the activities, his sons Rich and Kevin Slates were able to join in.

 

It was wonderful to listen to sailors inquiring if a certain person would be attending, only to find out they hadn’t seen them or spoken to that individual in 20 years. It was amazing to watch friendships reignite as if they had seen each other on the ice last season. Additionally, guests could view a history of results displayed on the walls. Hearing the younger crowd react to names they recognized and discovering that many sailed a Nite was enjoyable.

 

During a roundtable discussion led by the Nite Fleet GOAT Tom Sweitzer, past champions offered advice to future champions. The discussion also included Bill Dale, Dave Koch, and Dave Navin.

 

Kyle Navin and Harry Melgas IV shared their recent experience sailing the American Magic Youth team alongside Bill Goggins, President of Harken, who facilitated the discussion.

 

Thank you to Harken, Inc. for hosting not only the Nite Fleet gala but also the Southern Wisconsin Iceboat Swap Meet, which took place on Sunday, October 27th. Rumor has it some new Nite owners emerged from this weekend’s events. To top it off, we had a surprise guest: Peter Harken, Nite #98, who had just returned home from Spain after attending the America’s Cup.
Maureen Bohleber

Nite Harken 2
Past and Present Commodore Chad Rechcygl, Craig Adams, Maureen Bohleber, Don Sanford and Dave Koch
Nite Harken 3
Past Champions: Back Row -Dave Navin, Bill Allen and Mark Prange Front row – Chad Rechcygl, Dave Koch, Craig Adams, Tom Sweitzer and Billy Dale
Nite Harken 4
American Magic: Billy Goggins, President of Harken, Kyle Navin- Port Helmsman Harry Melgas IV Starboard Helmsman and Skipper

Kick Off the Iceboating Season in Pewaukee This Weekend!

by | Oct 24, 2024 | 2024-2025, Home Page

See INSANITY at Harken

Historic Iceboats On Display This Weekend
It’s the unofficial opening weekend of the iceboating season!

Join the Midwest ice sailing community on Saturday and Sunday, October 26-27, at Harken, Inc. in Pewaukee, WI, where we’re excited to help the International Nite Class Association celebrate 50 years of Nite racing. Thanks to the Iceboat Foundation, you’ll see the legendary MARY B, INSANITY, their museum

Bucky Badger relaxes on the MARY B

trailer, and the newest addition, PANTHER a Class A Skeeter originally built for Chris Smith of Chris-Craft.

With the Swap Meet happening on Sunday, it’s the perfect weekend for iceboating enthusiasts and newcomers to check out the sport. Whether you’re looking to find your iceboat, chat with veteran ice sailors, or admire some of the most iconic iceboats in history, this weekend has it all.

Join us to celebrate the start of the ice sailing season—experience the boats, the history, and the excitement of the fastest sport on ice!

Southern Wisconsin Iceboat Swap Meet
Date: Sunday, October, 27, 2024
Time: 9 AM – Noon
Location: Harken parking lot
N15W24983 Bluemound Rd, Pewaukee, WI

 

Kyle Navin & Harry Melges IV to Speak at Nite 50th Anniversary Party!

by | Oct 11, 2024 | 2024-2025, Home Page

Kyle Navin

Previous: Cheers to 50 Years
Nite sailors Kyle Navin and Harry Melges IV will be special guests at the Nite 50th Anniversary Party on October 26, sharing stories and insights from their recent experiences at the Youth America’s Cup in Barcelona. This is a unique opportunity to hear firsthand from two young, talented sailors who are deeply rooted in the Nite community.

Join the Nite Class at Harken Headquarters in Pewaukee to celebrate 50 years of the Nite Class and hear from Kyle and Harry about their incredible journey. Whether you’re a seasoned sailor or just a fan of the sport, this is an event you won’t want to miss!
Sign up here for this event.

The Roundtable will begin at 4:00 pm with Tom Sweitzer the GOAT Hear some stories and learn some tips from the best Nite Sailors
Kyle and Harry will continue with videos and a Q&A of their experience on the American Magic Youth America’s Cup
October 26, 2024
5:30 Food and Cocktail at Harken, Inc. Pewaukee, WI
$25.00
RSVP: mkbohleber@gmail.com
or
https://niteracing.org/event/7NGFkfX0UX
Southern Wisconsin Swap Meet
Sunday October 27, 2024
9 – Noon
The Iceboat Foundation will be displaying the Mary B and the Insanity both days.

Cheers to 50 Years – Nites Celebrates Half a Century of Nationals

by | Aug 22, 2024 | 2024-2025, Home Page


Get ready for a weekend of full-on iceboat talk and camaraderie. The Nite Class is hosting a party celebrating 50 years of Nite Nationals on Saturday night, October 26, 2024, at Harken Headquarters in Pewaukee. All iceboaters are welcome to join in on the festivities.

Why not make a full weekend out of it? The Southern Wisconsin Iceboat Swap Meet is happening the next day, on Sunday, October 27, so you can enjoy a weekend dedicated to thinking ice. The Nite Class has even reserved hotel rooms at a discounted price to make it easier for you to join the fun.

Come celebrate, swap stories, and gear up for the season. If you plan to attend the cocktail party, RSVP to Nite Commodore Maureen Bohleber at 920-279-1506

HOTEL INFO – Ask for the Harken Party
BEST WESTERN WAUKESHA GRAND
2840 N Grandview Blvd
Pewaukee, WI
262-524-9300
2 Queens or 1 King $85.00 Book by 9/26

AVID HOTELS
2101 Meadow Lane
Pewaukee, WI
262-367-5750
2 Queen $120.00 1 King $110 Book by 10/19