LINK TO VIDEO
Lake Kegonsa has seen serious traffic this week.
Skeeters or DNs, no matter what, alignment is key.
Multiple DN World Champion Matt Struble arrived Monday to get acquainted with his new Class A Skeeter, recently acquired from Tom Hyslop. (Previously: The Bubble Expands) The boat is a Clapp build with a solid pedigree. Matt spent two long days in Daniel Hearn’s shop learning the boat inside and out, and quickly learned that sharpening Skeeter runners is heavier work and a much longer commitment than anything he’s used to with DN runners.
On Thursday, the Skeeter fleet welcomed him on Lake Kegonsa. Ken Whitehorse and Mark Isabell set up under the watchful eye of Paul Krueger, with pit help from Daniel Hearn and Damien Luyet. Conditions weren’t ideal, but they managed a few solid rides. For Matt, it was exactly what he needed, time on the boat, learning how it behaves. Ken Whitehorse sent in this report from the day:
New Year Eye Opener – Wisconsin Skeeter Racing
Results:
1st – M197 (Ken Whitehorse)
2nd – Matt Struble (sailing with an “M” on his usual DN number for now)
Mark Isabell – DNS
Two races were sailed. M197 finished first in both. Matt followed, with Isabell DNS. Speeds were good.
M197 carried 50 pounds of lead in the trunk, a winning setup that helped punch through the drifts. Tried to keep that quiet.
Excellent hard ice under the snow. A great day of tuning and racing. Best of all, the boats are safe and back on the trailers.
Huge thanks to Daniel Hearn and Damien Luyet for organizing the day. We’re lucky to have club members like them.
Matt was offered $100, a wheel of cheddar, and a Packers hat to put an “M” on his sails. Mostly kidding. Mostly. Also trying to stack our roster for the Ice Yacht Challenge Pennant of America. Ken Whitehorse M197
“Now listen up, Enzo and Dash—if anyone tries to port-tack you…”
Midweek also brought a visit from the Geneva Nite gang. Olympic sailor Paris Henken, Harry Melges IV, Kyle Navin, and RJ Porter were among several Nites that rolled in on New Year’s Eve and ripped it up on Lake Kegonsa. Two future 4LIYC members, Dash and Enzo, made their debut on the ice, sailing all day with their grandfather, Daniel Hearn. Geneva Nites pushing off on Lake Kegonsa (short video)
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.
Previous: Ice Sailors to Represent USA in Youth America’s Cup Iceboating: The Unsung Training Ground for America’s Cup Helmsmen
It’s time to check in on the talented iceboaters from Fontana, WI, who are in the hunt in Barcelona, Spain, for the Unicredit Youth America’s Cup. Harry Melges IV, Kyle Navin, Finn Rowe, and Severin Graham (from Florida, but we hope to see him on the ice someday!) have advanced to the final series, clinching victory in Race 8 today. The team now stands second overall in Group A, just behind Italy.
Tomorrow, Tuesday, September 24, 2024, American Magic will face Italy, Great Britain, Sweden, Spain, and Australia in the final series of 3-4 fleet races. The top two teams will then compete in a single match-race final to decide the overall champion.
Catch the action live and watch these young sailors continue to represent the USA in thrilling foiling races. Watch Live:
ESPN+
YouTube Link: America’s Cup YouTube Channel Race Time: 7 AM CT (with your coffee!)
Learn More About the AC40 Boats: The AC40 is modeled after the larger America’s Cup AC75 boats, featuring two large, weighted foils and no traditional keel. These boats foil on a single foil, with the windward foil raised from the water to reduce drag and boost speed. For more information, check out this in-depth article: Yachting World – Youth America’s Cup 2024. foiling races.
Link to video.
Previous: Ice Sailors to Represent USA in Youth America’s Cup
In this interview with Harken Blockheads, Harry Melges IV, one of the helmsmen representing the USA in the upcoming Youth America’s Cup, was asked which boat sails most similarly to the cutting-edge AC40. His answer? “Iceboating is probably the most similar.”
This comes as no surprise for those of us in the iceboating community. Ever since foiling boats began to dominate the America’s Cup, we’ve recognized the parallels between the speeds and control demanded by both foiling and iceboating. Harry’s insight confirms what we’ve known all along iceboating is the perfect training ground for mastering high-speed sailing.
As Harry and his team prepare to compete on the world stage in Barcelona, it’s exciting to see hard water skills being recognized as key to success in the Youth America’s Cup. Iceboating continues to play a role in competitive sailing, and we’re proud to see our sport contributing to the next generation of champions.
Iceboaters, we have a horse in the Youth America’s Cup race starting in Barcelona on September 17, 2024. Just down the road from Four Lakes, Fontana, WI, home of the Skeeter Iceboat Club, has the highest concentration of Youth America’s Cup sailors in North America, all with a background in ice sailing. Kyle Navin, Harry Melges IV, and Finn Rowe have been selected to represent the USA in this prestigious event. Their iceboating experience has prepared them well for the high speeds and intense competition of the AC40 boats, which can reach 45 knots downwind (almost as fast as an iceboat.) WHAT TO KNOW When: Begins September 17, 2024 Event website How to Watch About the Team Photos courtesy of Nite sailor Dave Navin
Harry Melges IV in his M80 Skeeter
Kyle Navin and Finn Rowe
Kyle Navin, finished 2nd at the Nite Nationals
Kyle Navin, finished 2nd in the Nite Nationals
Kyle Navin began his ice sailing career in an Ice Optimist
Multiple DN World Champion Matt Struble arrived Monday to get acquainted with his new Class A Skeeter, recently acquired from Tom Hyslop. (Previously: The Bubble Expands) The boat is a Clapp build with a solid pedigree. Matt spent two long days in Daniel Hearn’s shop learning the boat inside and out, and quickly learned that sharpening Skeeter runners is heavier work and a much longer commitment than anything he’s used to with DN runners.
