Minnesota mastermind Pat Heppert slapped the ACME seal of approval on his latest build, a Mini-Skeeter, a boat that does double duty for land or ice. Pat has created a new blocking system and is anxious to try it on the ice. I suspect we’ll see MINI DRIFTER the first week of December at the Minnesota Western Challenge.
“[The blocking system ] worked well and didn’t break or bend, so rework is unnecessary. Putting the ratchet block between my feet was definitely a good call. You should be able to keep your arms under the deck at all times without difficulty.” Previous ACME Lab posts: Getting Framed Still Somewhat Confused
Mike McCormick building a Renegade at the “McFactory. “The Renegade Factory (otherwise known as the “McFactory”) operated in the old fuel office at McCormick Lumber between 1977 and 1979 under the seriously misguided notion that you could build four just as easily as one. There, the selfless labors of many 4LIYC members (but a faithful few in particular) helped grow the Renegade fleet by an “instant” four boats. Is this a great club, or what? Photo Credit and Caption: Mark Langenfeld McFactory Archives
Mike McCormick Obituary
It is with heavy hearts that the Four Lakes Ice Yacht Club mourns the passing of Mike McCormick, who departed on November 7, 2023. A devoted club member for over seven decades, Mike’s legacy spans generations.
In addition to serving as a 4LIYC officer, Mike was an active racer in various classes, including in his C Stern Steerer PIECES OF EIGHT, DN, and Renegade. Mike was also a 4LIYC Honor Roll member.
Alongside his late brother Bill, he laid the foundation for the McCormick family tradition of ice sailing. Mike passed on his love for ice sailing to his sons, Andy and Tim, who continue to carry forward the McCormick legacy on the ice. Our thoughts are with his family during this difficult time.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at IMMACULATE HEART OF MARY CATHOLIC CHURCH, 5101 Schofield St., Monona at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, Nov. 16, with a celebration of life to follow.
In lieu of flowers, memorials in Mike’s name may be made to the Lake Monona Sailing Club, 1407 Morrison St. Madison, WI, 53703 or Four Lakes Ice Yacht Club, 5106 Reynolds Ave., Waunakee, WI. 53597
Historic 4LIYC group photo from 1987 in front of Sunnyside (now Springers) when AJ Whitehorse and Bill Mattison won the Ice Yacht Challenge Pennant. Mike is in the middle behind Bill Hanson and Jerry Simon. Mike’s late brother, Bill in in the front in the red coat.
Mike Ripp, Ron Rosten, Lars Barber, and Doug Kolner get ready to sharpen.
Saturday was a busy day in the world of iceboating. 4LIYC Renegader Ron Rosten shared runner-sharpening wisdom with Mike Ripp, Lars Barber, and Doug Kolner, who have recently invested in Bob Rast’s state-of-the-art sharpeners.
Adding to the excitement, a new Ice Optimist arrived in Madison. Ice sailors on Facebook shared stories about the Nite fleet welcoming a new member and the gang at the Milwaukee Community Sailing Center, preparing to get their DNs on the ice.
In less than three weeks, DNs will head to Minnesota to kick off the season at the annual informal gathering, the Western Challenge.
Ron explains the physics of keeping runners ice cold in between sanding belt passes, the same temperature as beer.
Edge inspection
Bob Rast manufactured Runner Sharpener.
A Renegade runner on the table in RI
Via Leigh Mumford, part of the Milwaukee Community Sailing Center, on Facebook. Photo: Mike King
Attention Attention, Four Lakes Ice Yacht Club members and supporters! Enjoy a special discount on 4LIYC branded gear until December 14th at the Coral Reef online shop. Be sure to use the discount codes. Start your Christmas shopping early!
DISCOUNT CODES – OFFER EXPIRES DECEMBER 14, 2023
Buy 1 item, get 10% off (use code Holiday10)
Buy 2 items, get 20% off (use code Holiday20)
Buy 3 items, or more, get 30% off (use code Holiday30)
