Roll Out the Barrel: A Historic Ice Sailing Throwback

by | Dec 29, 2024 | 2024-2025, Home Page, WSSA


Here’s a fascinating vintage photo shared from Mike Peter’s collection, which will be part of our presentation at the Wisconsin Maritime Museum  on January 2. This early 20th-century image captures stern steerers racing on Lake Winnebago and shows a very different approach to racecourse marks.

In the photo, you’ll notice the mark (aka buoy) in use—a tall wooden pole mounted on a platform, with a flag waving from the top and a wooden barrel suspended below. This setup starkly contrasts the lightweight, triangular fluorescent fabric marks we use today. It’s hard not to imagine the chaos (and potential splinters!) if one of those massive stern steerers collided with such a substantial obstacle.

This photo likely predates the introduction of bow-steering boats, offering a window into a bygone era of ice sailing. It’s a reminder of how much the sport has evolved.

We’ve had several requests for the special Skeeter Vodka cocktail recipe featured at our event with the Wisconsin Maritime Museum. I’m working on getting that recipe so everyone can mix up their Skeeter cocktail and join us from home via Zoom. Stay tuned—I’ll share it soon so you can toast along with us!

December 29, 2024: DN Components in RI

by | Dec 29, 2024 | sell

Get ready for the 2025 DN Worlds
New and used gear ready to go.

•2014 Kent/CSI 4.1- $2400

•MBC All Carbon Mast
-Blank tube/parts or rigged

•Forstmann Boom w/ blocks-$800

•North/Boston FO1 never used $900

•1D Power Gold P36
•1D Vertical F Speed
•1D F Speed
-Carbon or Glass Battens avaliable

•North Max Power $800

•Sherry C2 plank w/ struble chocks $800

•Bossett T’s $500/set

Contact: Chad Atkins
Catkins4487@gmail.com
Equipment in RI

Think & Drink: Iceboating History Presentation @ Wisconsin Maritime Museum

by | Dec 28, 2024 | 2024-2025, Home Page


Does it get any more Wisconsin than this? Ice sailing, maritime history, a Green Bay Packers connection, and a cocktail named in honor of the Skeeter class?

Mike Peters and I will be presenting a program for their Think & Drink series on ice sailing  at the Wisconsin Maritime Museum on Thursday, January 2nd at 6:30 pm. I’ll be joining via Zoom, and Mike will be there in person at the museum to share the history of ice sailing in Wisconsin.

The event is free and will be available both in-person and virtually. The featured drink of the night will be a Skeeter, a vodka cocktail named after the fastest iceboat in the world. Doors and the bar open at 6:00 pm, and the program begins at 6:30 pm.

This presentation is part of the Ice Boating: A Wisconsin Tradition exhibit at the Wisconsin Maritime Museum, which is on display from December 2024 through September 2025. The exhibit traces the history of ice boating in Wisconsin, spanning over 100 years, and showcases the evolution of iceboats and the culture surrounding the sport.

To join virtually, please register here: Event Registration Link.

This program is made possible in part by a grant from the Green Bay Packers Foundation. For more info, check out the museum’s website.

Hope to see you there, whether in person or online!

WHAT TO KNOW
Date & Time: Thursday, January 2nd, 6:30 pm (doors and bar open at 6:00 pm)
Location: Wisconsin Maritime Museum, 75 Maritime Dr., Manitowoc, WI
Cost: Free (both in-person and virtual)
Virtual Access: Register here to attend via Zoom: Event Registration Link

UPDATE: The Wisconsin Maritime Museum has unveiled a signature drink for their Think and Drink presentation—a twist on the classic Sidecar, featuring vodka and blue curaçao.
The Skeeter
2 oz vodka
1 oz blue curaçao
1 oz fresh lemon juice
1/2 oz simple syrup (optional, for a hint of sweetness)
Lemon twist or orange slice for garnish
Instructions:
Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
Add vodka, blue curaçao, lemon juice, and simple syrup (if desired).
Shake well until chilled.
Strain into a chilled coupe glass.
Garnish with a lemon twist or orange slice.