DN sailor Mike Madge opened the North American ice sailing season in Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada today. He reports on his Facebook page:
First sail of the year. Went from using FO1 in the morning to a Speed Sail then just skating.Fun day but really windy,almost had my first out of boat experience as the gusts were huge. Nice hard black ice with less the a cm of snow cover.Too windy to film sailing using an IPad.
The Ice Maker is working overtime tonight in the Midwest with temperatures of 8F tonight in western Minnesota!
Steve Schalk at the 2015 ISA at Escanaba. Photo: Gretchen Dorian gretchendorian.com
Skeeter Iceboat Club B-Skeeter sailor Steve Schalk is now the acting Secretary and Treasurer of both the Northwest Ice Yachting Association (NIYA) and International Skeeter Association (ISA), He will be the acting Secretary/Treasurer until the Officer elections at both annual meetings.
Steve along with his wife, Mary Jane, recently met with the retiring Secretary/Treasurer of the NIYA & ISA, Paul Krueger, and began the process of transferring files, a daunting task considering how long Paul has been an officer for the organizations. If you have a question or comment for Steve and his “helper”, Mary Jane, please email to them.
The iceboating community thanks Paul for his amazing legacy and dedication to the sport of ice yachting. He’s been taking care of the business of the ISA and NIYA since the 1960s! Greg Whitehorse said it best on a Facebook post:
“PK is definitely one of the most influential figures in our sport. A designer, builder and championship winning sailor, along with being an important administrative officer on a regional and national level. And he is still yanking the go fast rope in his A Skeeter, Rambl’n (not sure what number).”
Paul Krueger pushes his Class A Skeeter as Dave Nelson watches. This may be the first rear-seat Skeeter that Paul built. The design went on to become highly popular because it improved visibility. Photo: Gary Whitehorse
As many of you know, Paul had a rough summer because of health issues. The good news is that he’s back home focusing on getting stronger by the day. We all look forward to seeing him back in ‘RAMBLN as soon as he is able. Iceboaters are a tough breed!
The rain stayed away for the Skeeter Iceboat Club’s annual swap meet. The swap meet always provides the perfect venue to catch up with old friends and meet new people who are interested in ice sailing. We hope to see all of you out on the ice this season! Thank you Jane and Suzie Pegel for organizing the swap meet and handling the traditional raffle.
The first 4LIYC Skeeter sail of the season was hoisted up the mast on Halloween. Jim Gluek looked over the sails on Ken Whitehorse’s Class A Skeeter WARRIOR.
Hey, Four Lakes Nite sailors we want you!
On Thursday November 9th we are meeting out at Springer’s for a night of Nites. Starting at 7pm we are going to do some dinner and drinks and discuss getting ready for the 2017-18 season. If you have a Nite come join us, if you had a Nite come join as well, if you are looking for one come as well. This is a great opportunity to get questions answered about your boat tuning, where to race this winter, and any questions you might have. If you are a 4LIYC member you are welcome as well. For RSVP and more info contact Jthayashi@aol.com
What: A Night of Nites. Learn more about boat set up and meet other area Nite sailors. Where: Springer’s on Lake Kegonsa
3097 Sunnyside St, Stoughton, WI 53589 When: Thursday, November 9, 2017 Time: 7PM RSVP/Information: Jthayashi@aol.com
