Welcome to iceboat.org

The Four Lakes Ice Yacht Club is one of the most active iceboat clubs in North America. We’ve been building and racing iceboats for over 100 years in Madison, Wisconsin, USA.

Ice Is Never 100% Safe.

Our ice reports are strictly for iceboat racers. Recreational iceboaters, kite boarders, cross country skiers, and ice fishermen should not rely on our ice reports. We have safety equipment. Do you?

Buy or Sell Your Iceboat

One of the best pages in North America to buy or sell iceboats and their parts. There’s also a complete list of vendors who will supply iceboats, sails, and their components.

Common Questions:

How can I get started? How fast can they go? How much do they cost? Is it safe?

Regatta Watch

Information about the ISA, NIYA, WSSA, Nite, and DN regattas.

Iceboat Classes

Learn about Skeeters, DNs, Stern Steerers, Renegades, Nites, and Ice Optimists.

The Rules.

The purpose of iceboat racing rules is to prevent collisions.

Ice Yacht Clubs

The best way to learn about iceboating and make life long friendships is to join a local club.

Why We Sail.

“If all our ice were glass, slightly wet, and all our air reasonably steady with lifters just where needed, sailing would be perfect. Sometimes we do find this, and it is worth waiting years to have. Meanwhile we must accept the more ordinary ice conditions, ordinary weather and wind, and gracefully accept snow, sometimes for weeks. Our ideal comes from time to time, the Great Maker gives only so much of the very best.” Charles H. Johnson.

Iceboating for Kids

Ice Optimists were created specifically as a youth trainer, designed to be easily built using commonly available materials, and to keep costs to a minimum.

UPCOMING:
4LIYC Meeting : December 18, 2024 at Four Lakes Yacht Club. Stand by for details.
Senior Shuffle DN Regatta: January 6 – 8, 2025. More information
4LIYC Shipstore: Order custom iceboat shirts, hats, and gear. More information.
BURGEE:
 Order your 4LIYC Burgee
Pay Your Dues Online

New Video Playlist: Racing Rules of Iceboating


The Skeeter Ice Boat Club (SIBC) of Lake Geneva, WI, has shared a new resource for the ice sailing community: a YouTube playlist breaking down the National Iceboat Authority’s Racing Rules of Iceboating into easy-to-digest sections.

Edited by SIBC member Dave Navin, these videos provide a guide to understanding and applying the racing rules, helping sailors of all experience levels navigate the course safely and confidently. Whether you’re looking to refresh your knowledge or learn the rules for the first time, this playlist is a valuable tool for anyone passionate about iceboating.

Watch the videos here on the Four Lakes Ice Yacht Club YouTube channel playlist:

4LIYC Meeting Update for Dec 18


IN PERSON AT THE FOUR LAKES YACHT CLUB, WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2024

Please join us for our next Four Lakes Ice Yacht Club meeting. We will meet at the Four Lakes Yacht Club on the Yahara River in Monona. We’ll recap the weekend’s DN Western Region Championship and the ISA and Renegade Regattas, along with plenty of great stories to share.

WHAT TO KNOW:
Date: Wednesday, December18, 2024
Time: 6:30 PM CT
Location: The Four Lakes Yacht Club
6312 Metropolitan Ln, Monona, WI

What to Bring: $10 cash if you want to join in for pizza and cash for beverages.

ISA & Renegade Championship Regatta Recap

Photo: Gretchen Dorian

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

 

2024 ISA Day 2 & DN Western Region Day 1 Report

DN Junior Sailor Maggie McGary US2453. Photo: Gretchen Dorian

ISA Results
DN Western Region Results
Saturday brought a different set of weather conditions—overcast and warmer, but with a dampness that felt more chilling than the 10°F temperatures of Friday. Thankfully, the wind remained steady, making it easier to run races efficiently.

I assisted on the DN course, while Pat Heppert, Jim McDonough, and others pitched in to manage the ISA course. Fred Stritt and Julie Jankowski, our dedicated DN Western Region weather mark crew, had the best vantage point of the day. Their position near the ISA pits allowed them to witness races on both courses.

On the DN side, we completed an impressive 10 races and were back at Water’s Edge Restaurant (add this place to the list of iceboaters favorite bars) by 2:30 PM. Chris Berger US5166 and Steve Orlebeke US4926 battled fiercely for the top spot throughout the day, while Dale Gordon and Alexander Leach are tied for first in the Silver fleet heading into the final day.

A special highlight was junior DN sailor Maggie McGary US2453, who placed second in the Silver fleet during the first race. Maggie is racing alongside her dad, John McGary, and it’s safe to say she’s the one showing him the ropes!

Veteran iceboat photographer Gretchen Dorian is also here capturing the action. Yesterday, she focused on the DN course, and today, she plans to shoot the ISA races. You can check out her amazing photos from yesterday here:.

Today marks the final day of racing for both the ISA and the DN Western Region Championship.

2024 ISA Day 1 Report


2024 ISA & Renegade Championship Information
Day One Report – ISA
Friday, December 13, 2024
Day one of the ISA was marked by brutally cold conditions. Racing was postponed initially as we waited for the temperatures to rise to at least 10°F. After a  delay to wait for the temperature to ride, a quick skipper’s meeting was held, and the Race Committee efficiently sent everyone out to the course.

At exactly noon, George Gerhardt dropped the flag for the B and C Skeeters to start their first race. Throughout the day, temperatures gradually rose while the breeze picked up, allowing each fleet to complete three races—except for the A Skeeters, who were unable to start their third race due to running out of daylight.

Meanwhile, the DNs are set to to sail on a separate course today for their Western Region Championship.

ISA & Renegade Championship: Day 1 AM Update

Via ISA Regatta Chair John Dennis

The regatta is postponed this morning, Friday, December 13 because temperatures are below 10 F.
Skipper’s meeting is at 11 AM at the launch and first race is noon.

Regatta Watch: 2024 ISA & Renegade Championship Called ON for Dec 13 – 15

LAUNCH & REGISTRATION INFO

The 2024 International Skeeter Association (ISA) Regatta and Renegade Championship have been called ON for this weekend, December 13-15 on Lake Minnewaska, Starbuck, Minnesota!
Notice of Race
Sailing Instructions & Conditions

  • ISA & Renegade Championship Regatta: A three-day event beginning Friday, December 13.
  • This is a regatta for the following classes. A, B, and C Skeeters, Renegades, and Nites.
  • The DN Western Region Championship has also been called on at the same location. We will be sharing the launch, the fun, and possibly the race course with the DN fleet. The Race Committees will decide on the ice whether all fleets will race on one course or have separate courses based upon conditions.
  • DO NOT DRIVE ON THE ICE! Back your trailers on the ice.

Important: Registration is ONLINE ONLY and closes Friday morning at 7 AM CT. There will be no in-person registration, so please ensure you register online before the deadline.

Everything else you need to know – launch, lodging and registration posted here.

Regatta Watch: 2024 ISA Called ON for Starbuck, MN

Big lake, big ice, big hiking on Lake Winnebago at the 2010 Northwest Regatta. Photo: Gretchen Dorian

Via ISA Regatta Chair John Dennis

The 2024 International Skeeter Association Regatta has been tentatively called on for Lake Minnewaska in Starbuck, MN, from December 13–15. This is a regatta for the Skeeter, Nite, and Renegade classes. This is the same venue where the 2024 DN Western Challenge took place.

 

Adding to the excitement, the 2024 DN Western Region Championship has also been called on with this regatta, creating a unique opportunity for camaraderie and fun.

 

Additionally, if conditions are favorable, the Renegade fleet may choose to hold their 2024 Championship at Lake Puckaway in Princeton, Wisconsin.

 

Final confirmation for the regatta will be posted by noon on Wednesday, December 11, 2024.

Regatta Watch: 2024 Renegade Championship Postponed


  • Renegade Regatta Race Committee Chair Don Anderson has reported that Lake Puckaway is unsuitable for sailing due to numerous holes. As a result, the 2024 Renegade Championship has been postponed. The next update will be posted on Sunday evening, December 8, 2024.

Online Ship’s Store

Regatta Dates 2025

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Click for 4LIYC Meeting Dates

2024-2025

  • January 2 THURSDAY Honor Roll Nominations
  • January 15 Deadline for By-Law or Racing Rules Amendment Submission
  • January 29
  • February 12 Business Meeting 
  • February 26
  • March 12 Last Meeting of the Season

Location: In person at the Elks Lodge 711 Jenifer St, Madison, WI 53703

Time: 6:30 PM

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Lake Access Permits

A year-round permit required for designated launch sites in the City of Madison and Dane County Parks. Locations include:

    • Lake Mendota Warner Park Mendota County Park
    • Lake Monona Tonyawatha Tr. Olin Park
    • Lake Waubesa Goodland Park

Purchase Lake Access Permit Online.

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