ISA & Renegade Championship Results
The final day of the ISA Regatta was a challenging one, with foggy, overcast, and damp conditions that limited visibility in the morning. Fortunately, the wind was steady enough for racing, though the Race Committee postponed the start in hopes of weather improvement.
The B Skeeters decided to conclude their regatta early, holding their trophy ceremony on the ice before heading back to Lake Geneva. The A Skeeters also opted not to race, celebrating their champions with a trophy presentation on the ice. Meanwhile, the Renegades and Nite fleets stayed out later in the morning and managed to get in some solid racing before calling it a day.
By the afternoon, all participants gathered at the Water’s Edge Restaurant to warm up with hot chili and hold the regatta’s final trophy ceremony.
A special thanks to everyone who made this regatta possible: Ann Foeller, working remotely from Toledo, Ohio, for tabulating results for both the ISA and DN Western Region Championship; Julie Jankowski and Fred Stritt, for monitoring the weather mark on both courses; John Dennis, the ISA Regatta Chair, for organizing a successful event; and Pat Heppert for keeping the schedule on track. We’re also grateful to veteran photographer Gretchen Dorian for her coverage. Although she couldn’t make it to the ISA course, you can spot the Skeeters in the background of her always amazing DN photos. And finally, our heartfelt thanks to the people of Starbuck, Minnesota, for their always warm welcome and to the Water’s Edge Restaurant for graciously putting up with us throughout the event
Nite Class Champions: From left Mike Jankowski 4th, Kyle Navin 3rd, Dave Navin 2nd, and Chris Wiberg 1st
Renegade Champions: From left 3rd Skip Dieball, 4th Mike Maloney, 2nd Andy Gratton. Not pictured, Mike Derusha 1st.
Daniel Hearn, winner of the first Renegade Race.
DN Western Region Silver fleet top 5: From left, Maggie McGary US2453 5th, Ben Garber US5667 3rd, Alexander Leach US244 2nd, and 4LIYC DNer Dale Gordon US5696 1st. Not pictured Bill Eklund US5432 4th
2024 DN Western Region Gold fleet top 5: From left, Mike Bloom US321 3rd, Jeff Roseberry US5687 4th, Bill Cutting US5430 5th, 4LIYC Skeeter and DN sailor Steve Orlebeke US4926, 2nd, and Chris Berger US5166 1st.
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
Past and Present Commodore Chad Rechcygl, Craig Adams, Maureen Bohleber, Don Sanford and Dave Koch
Past Champions: Back Row -Dave Navin, Bill Allen and Mark Prange Front row – Chad Rechcygl, Dave Koch, Craig Adams, Tom Sweitzer and Billy Dale
American Magic: Billy Goggins, President of Harken, Kyle Navin- Port Helmsman Harry Melgas IV Starboard Helmsman and Skipper
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.
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
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