Regatta Logic, Explained

Wondering how can three things be true at the same time, three regattas (the Northwest, ISA, and Nite Nationals) tentatively called on for the same weekend?

For January 16–18, all three are in play and they are connected. Multiple fleets are trying to do the right thing without stepping on each other.

Here’s the flow-chart version, in words.

Step 1: Look North
The Northwest Ice Yachting Association Regatta is tentatively on for Lake Winnebago at Fond du Lac, starting Friday, January 16.
Classes sailing at the Northwest include DN, Renegade, Stern Steerer A, B, C, and D, and A, B, and C Skeeters.

The final call will be made by noon on Wednesday, January 14, after ice and forecast checks.

This is the first domino.

Step 2: If the Northwest Is ON
NIYA sails in Fond du Lac.
The International Skeeter Association does not sail on Lake Kegonsa.
The Nite Nationals continue watching Kegonsa to determine whether Nationals conditions exist.

Step 3: If the Northwest Is OFF
Everything shifts south.

The International Skeeter Association Regatta is tentatively on for Lake Kegonsa, but only if the Northwest is postponed.
ISA racing includes A, B, and C Skeeters, Nites, and Renegade classes.

The NIYA decision is announced at 11:00 am Wednesday.
The ISA decision follows at 11:30 am.
By noon Wednesday, it will be clear whether the ISA is on and where.

Step 4: The Nite Nationals Decision
Nite Nationals are tentatively scheduled for January 16–18 on Lake Kegonsa, for either two or three days.
This is the National Championship for the Nite class.

If the ISA is officially called on, the ISA regatta takes precedence.
The Nite Board will provide updates after 3:30 pm Wednesday, with a final decision by early evening, based on ice conditions.

In plain English:
Wednesday is everything.
The Northwest decides first.
ISA reacts to the Northwest.
The Nite fleet watches Kegonsa and defers to ISA if needed.
By Wednesday night, the picture should be clear.

Regatta Watch: 2025 ISA & Renegade Championship Postponed to Dec 12-14

Kyle Navin, finished 2nd at the Nite Nationals

Via ISA Secretary/Treasurer Steve Schalk:

The 2025 International Skeeter Association and Renegade Championships have been postponed until December 12 – 14. Ice will be starting to form at our target sites of Minnewaska and Battle lakes tonight. The forecasts look promising for December 12-14. Next update is Sunday, December 7, 2025.

Steve Schalk

Regatta Watch: 2025 ISA & Renegade Championship December Outlook

Steve Schalk sailing a B Skeeter on Lake Kegonsa at the 2023 ISA. Photo: Will Johnston

2025 NOTICE OF RACE
ISA HOME PAGE
Via ISA Secretary/Treasurer Steve Schalk:

The ISA & Renegade Championship Race Committee is cranking back up to find the location for the postponed 2025 ISA. The conference calls restart on November 30th. There is a cold front moving through Minnesota as I write this, with none of the sites yet frozen, so the current snow is just falling in open water. The following cold will close up the lakes and allow for the search to begin. Minnewaska and Battle Lakes are favored sites with their launch facilities.

The ISA Race Chairman believes that it should be possible for a DN Western Challenge by December 5th, with the two following weekends available for the ISA. Of course the weather will dictate the outcome. We will post Sunday 7 pm updates starting November 30th.

Steve Schalk

Secretary/Treasurer

International Skeeter Association

The Best Ice Comes Early: 2025 ISA Updates & Dues Reminder

Photo: Rick Myslinski; Class A Skeeter Tom Hyslop and Ken Whitehorse

ISA Home Page
Via International Skeeter Association Secretary/Treasurer Steve Schalk:

Greetings everyone,

While the 2024-25 season is still not complete, it is time for the fall dues notice for next season. Dues are $25 and are payable by November. You can send a check or use the on line payment on iceboat.org. There is a Paypal fee for that, so a check is your low cost option. Click here to pay dues online.

 

Remember that the 2025 ISA is going to happen in December most likely in Minnesota. News on that will come out each week beginning shortly after Thanksgiving.

 

The best ice in Minnesota is always in December!

 

Steve Schalk
Secretary/Treasurer
International Skeeter Association

Regatta Watch: 2025 ISA & Renegade Championship Postponed to March 14-16

The ISA and Renegade championship regatta for 2025 is postponed to March 14th -16th, 2025. The Race Committee is hoping for a freezing period to stabilize some of the locations that still have thick ice. Next update, Sunday, March 9, 2025.

Steve Schalk
Secretary/Treasurer
International Skeeter Association