A Night to Remember: 4LIYC Spring Gathering Honors Krueger and Simon
The 4LIYC Spring Gathering at Breakwater turned into something better than a banquet and more like a family reunion with old friends, new sailors, and people who had not seen one another in years. What made the evening even more meaningful was that it unfolded as a surprise for Paul Krueger and Jerry Simon, a room full of people gathered to recognize them without their knowing it in advance.
The turnout reflected the depth of the club, with many making the trip from a distance to be there. There were too many to name without risking leaving someone out, but the effort it took for people to show up was not lost on anyone in the room. The evening focused on honoring two longtime members whose influence runs through both the club and the sport, Paul Krueger and Jerry Simon.
Paul Krueger
Greg Whitehorse traced Paul’s path back to the 1950s, when he was introduced to iceboating by Tom Krehl, and followed it through decades of racing, building, and leadership that shaped not only his own career but the direction of the Skeeter class itself. Along the way, Greg pointed to a strong connection between ice sailing and open wheel auto racing, a world in which Paul was equally accomplished, running a successful midget racing team and later earning recognition in both the Badger Midget Auto Racing Association and the National Midget Racing Hall of Fame. That crossover between ice and track has long been part of the culture, and Paul stood at the center of it.
Paul’s influence extended well beyond results, reaching into the evolution of design as he helped move the class from under the boom configurations to rear seaters and forward into the modern era, adapting as conditions and materials changed and often anticipating those changes before others did.
For nearly forty years, Paul served as Secretary Treasurer of the International Skeeter Association and the Northwest. Greg described him as someone who, in sports often driven by strong personalities, had a way of keeping things running smoothly by settling disputes and unruffling feathers. Read Greg’s full tribute: LINK
Jerry Simon
Jerry Simon
If Paul’s legacy reflects continuity and leadership, Jerry Simon’s reflects a lasting contribution that continues to show itself in the boats on the ice and the work behind the scenes. During his racing career, Jerry won two Renegade Championships and one Northwest Championship, yet his influence did not fade when he stepped away from competition.
Instead, Jerry made sure the boats he built found their way into the hands of sailors who would keep them active, and he turned his attention toward supporting the club and the Mary B and Iceboat Foundation, taking on the work that holds things together. In his own words, the reward has been simple, seeing the boats he built still sailing, which for him remains the best possible outcome.
He also brought attention back to a piece of club identity that once marked its presence at regattas, the red jackets worn in the 1970s that made it clear who you were and where you came from. His call to bring them back carried both humor and intent, a reminder that tradition does not maintain itself without someone willing to carry it forward. Read Jerry’s full remarks: LINK
Our Community
Throughout the evening, one idea surfaced again and again, not as a slogan but as something understood through experience, people show up. That idea came into focus through the story of the MARY B recovery, when honeycombed ice and a warm spell contributed to the MARY B and its trailer sinking into the ice at the landing. A call for help went out, bringing a response that included a large construction crane, waders, tools, and a group of sailors willing to spend the time and effort required to get the boat and trailer back to shore. (Somehow, the entire episode stayed off social media!)
There was also a glimpse of the future in the room. Daniel Hearn’s grandsons, both under six years old, brought energy that was hard to miss as they moved through the crowd. Whether they remember the night or not, they are already being steeped in the rhythms of the ice sailing community, and it was a pleasure to watch them take it all in.
The Season That Was
There was not much local sailing this winter, though one weekend on Lake Kegonsa delivered the Grand Slam. The season opened with a missing man formation for Renegader Tim McCormick, setting a tone that carried through the gathering. Grand Slam winners in both the Renegade and DN fleets were recognized, along with highlights from the ISA regatta in Green Lake, Wisconsin.
Looking Ahead
This night made it clear that the club is not defined by conditions alone. It depends on people, those who built it over time, those who continue to carry it forward, and those just beginning to find their place within it. When the ice returns, as it always does, the group will be ready to meet it again.
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)
Ken Whitehorse with Daniel’s grandsons, Dash and Enzo. Kenny swears they kicked the tires and asked about the top end.
Last night the club gathered at the Fast Champion Iceboat Shop of Ken Whitehorse and Paul Krueger, for a combined meeting and celebration of many years of iceboat and auto racing shop excellence. The building, which has been a business, auto racing and iceboat shop, is soon to be demolished for redevelopment, so this night felt especially meaningful.
We had an excellent turnout of members and friends. After mingling and taking in the displays, we held club elections. Outgoing Commodore Daniel Hearn deserves our thanks. He set the record for longest consecutive term and served four years. Moving into the role of Commodore is Ron Rosten, formerly Vice Commodore. Elected Vice Commodore is Greg McCormick. We also thank Rhonda Arries who will continue as Treasurer, and I, your Secretary, will remain in that role.
Ken worked unbelievably hard to create what I think is the perfect representation of what an iceboat hall of fame should look like, not in a formal museum but right here in a shop. Paul’s Class A Skeeter RAMBLN was set up as part of the display; oil paintings by Harry Whitehorse, historic trophies, many photos and the most prestigious trophy of all, the Ice Yacht Challenge Pennant, were all present. It was good to see so many faces. People sat in chairs or, when chairs ran out, on the springboard of Paul’s Skeeter. It was classic.
We shared stories. How the Ice Yacht Challenge Pennant started around 1881 on the Hudson River for stern steerers, how the Roosevelt family were involved, how in 1951 Ed Rollberg from the Fox Lake Ice Yacht Club in Illinois went out and brought it to the Midwest, and how our own 4LIYC sailors including Bill Mattison, Dave Rosten, AJ Whitehorse, Ken Whitehorse and Paul Krueger have competed for it. We talked about the team race nature of the pennant and how the rivalry developed between the Lake Geneva Skeeter Iceboat Club and the Pewaukee Ice Yacht Club for it. Ken explained why 4LIYC boats are red and white and, to my surprise, it does not go back to matching Budweiser cans.
A giant thank you to Daniel Hearn for arranging the food and beverages, and most of all to Ken for all his hard work in assembling the evening and the display. It truly was a magical evening.
It was a beautiful evening yesterday at the 4LIYC trophy banquet at the Mariner’s Inn on Lake Mendota. With the lake just steps away and the venue decorated in a nautical theme, it couldn’t have been a more suitable setting for an ice sailing gathering. We’re going to miss that restaurant — and after last night, we’re even more grateful for the many years the von Rutenberg family has supported the sailing community.
Renegader Don Anderson served as the evening’s master of ceremonies. He reminded us of the von Rutenbergs’ long history with sailing and the famous Edgewater to Mariner’s race that used to take place in softwater days on Lake Mendota. It was a casual race where simply not falling in was considered a win.
The von Rutenberg family’s generosity didn’t stop at hosting us — they also donated a raffle prize: a spot on their famous Betty Lou Cruise. Barb Sanford won the raffle, which was especially fun because her husband, Nite sailor Don Sanford, was a longtime captain of the Betty Lou Cruise boats!
Before dinner, we gathered in the bar to mingle and catch up. It was amazing to see so many out-of-town guests, including IDNIYRA Commodore (and stern steerer owner) David Frost, who made the trip from Michigan via Thunder Bay, Ontario where he had hoped to get one last DN ride in. Andy Gratton came down from Fond du Lac, and George Gerhardt joined us from Oshkosh — strong stern steerer representation all around. Pete Johns also made the trip from Illinois, combining the banquet with picking up a brand-new Ron Sherry DN hull. We were also happy to see Maureen Bohleber from Green Lake and long-time club member Gary Sternberg in the crowd.
Even though we sat for dinner a bit earlier than planned, it worked out perfectly. Ken Whitehorse kicked off the awards by presenting trophies to Paul Krueger from the Skeeter fleet. Ken shared the story of how a “magic sail” rediscovered in their inventory made PK’s boat fly this season. He also talked about a memorable day on Lake Monona when they weren’t planning to sail — but seeing German DNers Anja Fiedler and Holger Petzke (here on a year-long U.S. sabbatical) inspired them to rig up and head out.
Don Anderson took a moment to update everyone on the MARY B’s success this winter. He reflected on how much the boat has sailed since coming under the Foundation’s care. Several people in the room raised their hands when Don asked who had a chance to ride the B this year. Don also gave a shoutout to Andy Gratton for jumping in at Frozen Assets Festival to help with the MARY B, making important improvements to her steering and rigging. Andy even hopes to bring his famous red stern steerer WISCONSIN down to Frozen Assets next year.
After a hearty dinner and dessert, it was time for the main event: handing out the trophies. A big thank you to our Trophy Chair, Damien Luyet, for the countless hours he put into organizing, polishing, and preparing the trophies — even making new bases where needed — to ensure everything looked perfect for the banquet.
On display was a pencil sketch of Tim McCormick sailing his Renegade AIM against the Lake Monona skyline, drawn by Greg Whitehorse and brought by Greg McCormick — a meaningful reminder of Tim’s contributions to the sport we all love.
Among the specialty awards, the “Pin Clipper” prize — given for notable mark mishaps — was awarded to Renegader Doug Kolner this year for an incident on Lake Monona where he gave a cone a ride for a few laps.
Ron Sherry was the evening’s highlight, captivating the room with his stories about ice sailing, boat setup, and racing tactics. Ron talked about advice he received from Buddy Melges on setting up a Renegade, and shared memories of sailing Renegades with his dad, Lorne Sherry, on Lakes Geneva and Mendota. He was in his element as he delved into the subtleties of setup and tactics with an audience that valued every detail. I strongly recommend that all yacht clubs invite Ron as a speaker — he is an outstanding storyteller. He closed with one of my favorite stories: the time he won the Northwest Free-For-All Trophy on Lake Geneva, made even more special because so many of the people involved were right there in the room, including my brother, Ron Rosten.
We did miss our Commodore Daniel Hearn, who was on vacation with his family — but he was with us in spirit. It was a night full of storytelling and memories — the very best of what iceboating is all about.
4LIYC Skeeter guys Paul Krueger, Bill Mattison, and Dave Rosten with a pile of hardware. From the Bill & Mauretta Mattison collection.
Mark your calendars! The Four Lakes Ice Yacht Club Awards Banquet will be held on Saturday, April 26, 2025. Let’s celebrate the incredible season of 2024-2025.
Paul Krueger
