What do you do when your runners are sharpened, your Skeeters are ready for ice, and the temperature is a balmy 70F in the middle of December? The guys next door to iceboat.org HQ, Ken Whitehorse and Paul Krueger of the Past Champions Iceboat Shop, made good use of the day and painted their trailer. However, today’s falling temperatures moved the project back inside for wheel-bearing packing, almost as important as sharp runners.
Crazy Kenny’s Closeout Corall Via Daniel Hearn:
Merchandise was flying out the door this weekend at the Past Champions Iceboat Shop. A special invitation was needed from Crazy Kenny himself to gain access to the Closeout Coral, which is hidden behind a secret doorway cleverly disguised with hanging drop cloths. Once inside, new Michigan-based ice sailor, Tim Bellard remarked, “With all this red and white everywhere, I kept looking for the fat man in the velour suit. He never showed, but Christmas definitely came early.” Bellard took off with a 24 foot Sitka Spruce Skeeter wing mast that he purchased for a buddy who had an “unfortunate incident” last year. And Crazy Kenny even threw a sail into the deal and free delivery to the top of Tim’s trailer. Several other unsavory characters from the 4LIYC were around the shop witnessing the selling frenzy, but none was willing to publicly comment. “Maybe if we just stand here next to Kenny acting like nothing is going on, then no one will ask any questions,” suggested Sage PK. Due to their resounding silence, they must have all agreed.
Not to be outdone, Wonky Donny’s Discount Emporium across town was also dealing. He was all out of 10-speed bikes to entice Bellard to close a deal, but he was still able to send him out the door with a classic 4LIYC, red and white Renegade. Rumor has it that said Renegade was also loaded on the 12 ft. utility trailer, including mast and plank, directly adjacent to the Skeeter mast. Fearing that his insurance provider might yank his liability policy, Bellard requested that no pictures be taken of the impressively loaded vehicle. As yet, there have been no reports of flying ice boats on the east bound corridor of I-94, so all equipment must now be safely in their new home somewhere in the hand.
Left to right; Ken Whitehorse, Kyle Koch, Greg Whitehorse, Paul Krueger.
Yesterday’s fine weather provided the perfect opportunity to set up Paul Krueger’s rear-seat Class A Skeeter in the Past Championships Iceboat Shop parking lot. Kenny and Paul hoisted four sails before finding the 26ft sail that fit the 26ft mast. On Facebook, Ken wrote, “It occurred to us that maybe we should mark the dimensions because we sure can’t remember anymore.”
The Four Lakes Ice Yacht Club bi-weekly iceboat meetings are kicking off tomorrow night, November 10, 2021, at 6:30 PM on Zoom. Members who are current in dues should have received an email with the login information. Would you please let me know if you didn’t get the email?
Back in the 80s, many 4LIYC Skeeter racers towed their rigs to the regattas in camper trucks. Some were M98, M96, M98, M161, M162, M1000, M150, M197, and many more. It was a rendezvous on ice! The wind was always moderate to heavy, and the ice was fast, clear, and deep. We enjoyed bacon and eggs at sunrise, and the flag was up at ten. Races were so plentiful there was a mandatory break for lunch and time to tune up your racer. I remember one time when Nelson M150 made lasagna for lunch. Her camper had an oven! Then we assembled back to our starting blocks after lunch at 1, followed by racing, tear-down, and smart-talk while sipping a few dippers at 4. Then the short walk to Norton’s for the Smoker and more smart-talk. As you see, I am making ready to experience those iceboat racing days again. See you all at the 2021 Western Challenge.
Ken Whitehorse M197
The usual suspects – Left to Right: Harvey Witte, Gary Sternberg, Susie Whitehorse, Greg Whitehorse, Gary & Barb Whitehorse, Sandy Witte, Ken & Walter Whitehorse.
It’s birthday week for 4LIYC Skeeter skipper Walter Whitehorse who celebrated 95 turns around the sun a few days ago. Nephew Gary Whitehorse posted a tribute on the 4LIYC Facebook page, which prompted another Skeeter sailor Harvey Wittee to remember a trip with Walter to the 1975 International Skeeter Association Regatta sailed at Saratoga, New York. Previous: 1975 ISA slides from Gary Whitehorse and commentary by Dan Clapp ISA Regatta Records
Since it was Wally’s 95th Birthday the other day, it reminded me of our photos of the ISA at Saratoga Lake in 1975. These photos were taken by Preston Shreeve who was an ice boater from New Jersey. Him and his wife were in the motel room next to us and they were the most delightful and enjoyable people to become acquainted with. You meet so many wonderful people ice boating.
Hope you enjoy the blast from the past!
This is a photo of the Eastern ISA Wind Indicator that was constructed by Kenny.
As I recall if there was enough wind to blow out the candle, the Eastern boats could sail.
And if there was enough wind to make the dead fish move, the Western boats could sail.
You should double check with Kenny since he is the one who built it.
Here is a picture of Preston taking a photo of the wind indicator. Also attached is the letter
from Preston about the wind indicator photo shoot.
Bob Kau visits the Past Champions Skeeter Shop.
Crazy Kenny’s Closeout Corall
Back in the 80s, many 4LIYC Skeeter racers towed their rigs to the regattas in camper trucks. Some were M98, M96, M98, M161, M162, M1000, M150, M197, and many more. It was a rendezvous on ice! The wind was always moderate to heavy, and the ice was fast, clear, and deep. We enjoyed bacon and eggs at sunrise, and the flag was up at ten. Races were so plentiful there was a mandatory break for lunch and time to tune up your racer. I remember one time when Nelson M150 made lasagna for lunch. Her camper had an oven! Then we assembled back to our starting blocks after lunch at 1, followed by racing, tear-down, and smart-talk while sipping a few dippers at 4. Then the short walk to Norton’s for the Smoker and more smart-talk. As you see, I am making ready to experience those iceboat racing days again. See you all at the 2021 Western Challenge.
