Some of Carl Bernard’s scrapbook photos of his old friend, Ray Ruge.
The Hudson River Maritime Museum highlights the legacy of Ray Ruge, a pioneer in iceboat design and literature during the 1940s and 1950s. The Museum has posted his article, WAR BABY – A Simplified Version of a Bow Steering Iceboat, detailing the construction of an iceboat in 1940s Alberta using only available materials. As a premier writer on the subject, Ruge’s insights and innovations continue to inspire ice sailors today. It’s interesting to note that during WW2, Ruge spent time in Madison, sailed with our club, and became great friends with one of our most famous club members, Carl Bernard. See the article here.
From the article: “But,” said he, “no plywood, no dural, no fittings, no this and no that, how in the world can we build a decent ice boat now?” And the question certainly seemed sensible enough. But there was the lake, ready to freeze; there was the sail boat’s rig, ready to use; there were the tools and the shop to work in. So we just decided to start in and see how far we could get. Continue reading.
NORTHWEST FREE FOR ALL TROPHY HISTORY
Last night, the Four Lakes Ice Yacht Club gathered for its final season meeting at the Four Lakes Yacht Club. The event was memorable, with Lars Barber in charge of pizza pick-up, Daniel Hearn bringing the essential bottle of Irish whiskey, and Ken Whitehorse hauling in the historic Northwest pots and pans. We honored our Northwest champions and paid tribute to the legacy of Tim McCormick while also remembering other departed members. The gathering brought together familiar faces, including those from Green Lake and Oshkosh, adding to the camaraderie. Ken Whitehorse showcased the Northwest Skeeter Trophy and the Northwest Free For All Trophy, awarded at the first Northwest regatta in 1913.
Despite the shortness of this sailing season, we are always optimistic and are already laying the groundwork for an exceptional season ahead. The club is gearing up to host the Southern Wisconsin Iceboat Swap Meet next fall and brainstorming ways to make it an unmissable event. Video link to Ice Sailors Irish Blessing.
Maureen Bohleber & Bob Cummins
Ken Whitehorse shared this photo of Paul Krueger when he won the Northwest Skeeter trophy in 1979,
OBITUARY
The iceboating community mourns the loss of Byron A. Tetzlaff and extends heartfelt condolences to his family. The Tetzlaff family’s legacy has been an integral part of our club’s history since the 1920s.
Via Don Sanford:
Once an iceboater…
c. 2024. Donald P. Sanford
Until a cold and blustery day in January, 2020, I thought I had met just about every iceboater in Dane County and listened to all their stories. Sure, I heard about Frank Tetzlaff and I had even met his grandson, Byron. On that day I was introduced to Frank and Evelyn Tetzlaff and instantly immersed in everything Tetzlaff and Mary B.
Peter Fauerbach arranged a field trip to their apartment in nearby Sun Prairie for a group of us from the Ice Boat Foundation. Byron was a master woodworker, a skill he no doubt learned from his dad. Our eyes popped as we checked out the beautiful collection of clocks and other projects displayed in their cozy apartment. What really caught our collective attention was the equally impressive family archive of Mary B photos, clippings, mementos and Evelyn’s Mary B quilt. As we took all this in, Byron told us story after story about his dad, the construction of both the B, the Fritz and the First Unitarian Meeting House as well as his experiences sailing on both of these iconic iceboats with Carl Bernard.
More than fifty years had passed but for us (and I guess for Byron) it was as though he’d just stepped off the ice. He was kind enough to let me scan all his photos and, by some stroke of luck, I had brought along my scanner. A lucky break because eight weeks later, Covid had us all isolated and nobody was going anywhere.
Fast forward to November of 2020. Production of our film, Mary B: Madison’s Legendary Iceboat was underway. I had Byron’s stories but I really wanted to hear him tell them. Again, we weren’t going to his apartment and he certainly wasn’t coming to us. But Byron was enthusiastic and wanted to tell his story for the camera. We came up with a solution. On a chilly day in November of 2020, Byron opened his garage door. He sat just inside, our crew took up a position at a safe distance in the driveway. Mission accomplished! Once an ice boater, always an ice boater. A little chill in the air wasn’t gonna get in the way of a good story! His in-person interview added so much to our film and I will always be grateful to Byron for his willingness to help.
GOODNESS PREVAILS.
Dear Northwestern Ice Yachting Association Member Clubs,
I started racing skeeters in 1970. In 1977 at the age of 26, I was very fortunate to win the Northwest Championship. In 2024 I again was fortunate to win the Northwest championship. Well..that’s almost back to back victories! If you factor out 47 years! TODAY as in the past the Northwest Regatta has the world’s best Regatta Chairman, Secretary and Treasurer, Steve Schalk. We have the world’s best race committee. We have the world’s best volunteer support group. Additionally we have the world’s best boat builders and sail makers. Finally, and of least importance, as in the past, the Northwest has the world’s best ice boat sailors. We all are truly blessed to participate in iceboat racing! Goodness withstands the test of time.
Ken WhiteHorse M197
Peter, Tim, and Greg McCormick on Lake Kegonsa, March 2023
OBITUARY INFORMATION
Visitation & Funeral
11 AM Friday, March 15, 2024
Monona Terrace and Convention Center
1 John Nolen Dr. Madison, WI 53703
The Four Lakes Ice Yacht Club mourns the loss of our esteemed member, Tim McCormick, who passed away early this morning after a prolonged illness.
As news of Tim’s passing spreads, I wrote this post during and after the annual meeting of the DN class in Waconia, MN, and asked Ron Sherry for some comments. He remarks, “We lost an icon of the iceboating community who has won International Skeeter Association and Northwest Regatta Renegade titles, was a great class representative, and helped to grow the sport. Ha has served as our secretary-treasurer of the National Iceboat Authority since Jane Pegel retired and has done an outstanding job of taking iceboating in the future.” On a more personal note, I have fond memories of being able to spend time with Tim, his brother Andy, and cousin Peter last March on Lake Kegonsa, Tim’s last time ice sailing.
We extend our deepest condolences to Tim’s family and friends during this difficult time. More information will be shared as it becomes available.
UPDATE: The ice sailing community is posting tributes and condolences to Tim on the 4LIYC Facebook page. Jane Pegel emailed this last night: “The iceboating community will have a difficult time finding someone to replace Tim McCormick. He was outstanding both on the race course and the time-he devoted to the National Iceboat Authority .
With respect, Jane Pegel”
