Buddy Melges Documentary Feb 6 @ Union South


If you’d like to attend this viewing, act now to secure your space in this 300-seat theater. This event is open to the public.

WIZARD OF ZENDA DOCUMENTARY
Date: Tuesday, February 6, 2024
Location:  Marquee Cinema at Union South
1308 W. Dayton Street #245
Madison, Wisconsin 53715
Time: 6:15 p.m., followed by a short discussion.
Cost: $10
Register: https://my.mendotayc.org/event/240

Regatta Watch: 2024 Renegade Championship Postponed to Jan 12 – 14

Mike Ripp & Jeff Russell at the 2023 Renegade Championship on Lake Kegonsa. Photo: Will Johnston

Renegade Home Page
Via International Renegade Ice Yacht Racing Association Regatta Chair Don Anderson:

The 2024 Renegade Championship Regatta originally scheduled for January 5 – 7 has been postponed until January 12 – 14. Check back on Sunday, January 7, 2024 for the next update.

Eight Bells: Scott Goetz


Read Scott’s Obituary
With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Scott Goetz, an invaluable member of our Four Lakes Ice Yacht Club. Scott passed away on December 24, 2023. He left behind a selfless legacy of service to the Four Lakes Ice Yacht Club and the ice sailing community.

Always ready to go the extra mile, Scott offered assistance wherever and whenever needed. Jim Nordhaus referred to Scott as a “boat brother” who was part of a group that met every Tuesday night at Jim’s shop to work on iceboats and enjoy the camaraderie. Whether helping with race committee, building or repairing iceboats, or simply being a friendly face at our gatherings, Scott was a true friend to all. Scott’s departure serves as a reminder of how one person can impact a community.

Details to come on celebration of life. See Cress Funeral Home for details on arrangements. Family and friends are invited to join us to celebrate Scott at the Cress Center, 6021 University Avenue, Madison, on Saturday, January 13 from 1-4 pm.

The Iceboaters Universal Challenge


Henry Bossett discovered a vintage cartoon panel that may only make sense to an iceboat builder. When I was a kid, my dad and his fellow 4LIYC members built Skeeters in our basement. Extracting the finished hull out of the basement was a carefully orchestrated affair requiring the removal of doors and windows to navigate the boat out to the waiting trailer. Iceboats are sometimes built or repaired in a dining or living room that has been transformed into a workshop for iceboats.

The cartoonist Quin Hall had a successful career, including a stint at the New Yorker Magazine, but I couldn’t find any connection to iceboating. Perhaps he had a neighbor who faced the same problem when living in New Jersey, near Red Banks.
Tip of the Helmet: Henry Bossett

Just like in the cartoon, these kids are having a blast in their home-built iceboats.