While we wait for ice, check out this slice of iceboat heaven from Doug Kolner who sailed his Renegade on Lake Puckaway yesterday (December 27, 2019). Doug, 4LIYC Nite sailors Lars Barber and Maureen Bohleber took advantage of Puckaway’s Hollywood ice before the rain and snow moves in today.
Doug Kolner’s Renegade COLD FUSION hits the ice for the first time this season. Photos: Nite Iceboats Facebook page
The new Four Lakes Ice Yacht Club burgee flew over Puckaway Friday. Get yours here.
Ken, Paul, Daniel Hearn, and Ron Rosten took advantage of the 48F weather here on Thursday, December 26 to assemble Ken’s Class A Skeeter, WARRIOR to learn how the components and sails fit together. Everything went well and now we wait for an ice-making cold snap to get runners on the ice here in the Four Lakes area.
Needless to say, there’s no ice check scheduled for today. We’ve learned that Kegonsa had between 3.5 – 4″ of ice a few days ago but the warm temperatures do not inspire confidence. Rain is in the forecast as well. So, we continue to wait.
The 2020 Northwest Regatta is tentatively scheduled for January 17-19, 2020. NIYA Secretary/Treasurer Steve Schalk has released the 2020 NIYA Notice of Race and NIYA Agenda. Next update is on Sunday, January 12, 2020. Northwest Page
4LIYC Renegader and Super Cub flyer Jeff Russell took advantage of the weekend’s beautiful weather to visit the fleet at Lake Puckaway where Nites and Renegades raced over the weekend.
Don Anderson in EASY RIDER
Closer to home, Jim Nordhaus put the CHEESE SLICER on Lake Wingra.
Jim Nordhaus: Some of us locals sailed on Lake Wingra Saturday and Sunday. I wanted to try out The “Cheese Slicer”.
It performed beautifully and many people came out to enjoy the boat. We also had the Palmer out along with other boats.
The state of the ice was discussed at last night’s 4LIYC meeting. The Four Lakes area is not quite there yet but we should be ready for serious ice checks within days. Kegonsa was reported to be iced over but with the usual thin spots and goose holes. The east end of Lake Monona is iced over but like Kegonsa, there are open areas and thin spots all over the lake.
This time of year always brings up discussion about the Grand Slam, the 4LIYC fun regatta. Our bylaws state: The Grand Slam Regatta shall be sailed on the first safe and sailable ice in December or the first week in January. If the regatta is not sailed by then, the regatta shall not be sailed for in that sailing season.
Lake Puckaway near Montello looks like the best ice in our area for weekend sailing. The Nite Class has called on an early bird regatta there for December 21-22, 2019. Via their Facebook page:
Nite sailors we are going this weekend!
The Early Bird Regatta is a go. We have checked the ice this morning and it looks locked in and way thicker, the ice surface is also way smoother then over the weekend. We are looking at a thickness of about 6 1/4″ and growing so by the weekend we should be around 7 plus inches. We will not be charging for the event but we do ask that if you want to be scored and line up that you have your dues paid up. We will not be doing payments on the ice….sorry. We will also be running with the Renegades and they are joining us for the weekend to race as well.
The coming weather after Sunday looks to be unseasonably warm and now is our best shot before the real season kicks in January.
The regatta site launch site will be at the Marquette County boat launch (Apuckwaka). Due to the warming temps we will be starting early in the day so expect to have the flag drop at 9AM on Saturday. Be at the landing as that is where everything will take place. Please do not drive up or back up on the ice, do not take the landings out this early in the season.
The ice sailing community grieves today for Minnesota DNer Mark Christensen US4824. Mark sailed home after a long illness on Saturday, December 14, 2019 which was also the first day of the Great Western Challenge, a regatta he was closely connected with. Mark had raced with the 4LIYC and won the DN title at the 2016 Northwest regatta.
He was a highly competitive and skilled DN racer and part of a group of Minnesota DNers whose passion has helped to bring new people to the sport. Mark was a key member of ice scouts who were responsible for getting sailors from all over North America, Europe, and Russia to join together in Minnesota for the first fun regatta of the season. He was a top ranked DN racer and relished battling on the ice against his close friends, be it scrub racing or continental regattas. He won the Ice sailors from around the world extend our deepest sympathies to Mark’s family, his girlfriend Lisa, and to the Minnesota Ice Sailors.
Mark Christensen Funeral Service Date: Friday, December 20, 2019 Visitation: 10 AM Service: 11 AM
Luncheon to follow
St Bartholomew of Wayzata
630 Wayzata Blvd E, Wayzata, MN 55391 Link to map
OBITUARY
Mark R. Christensen Age 59 of Mound, MN. Survived by parents Norma J. (Alan) Greene, Ronald L. (Caroline); loving companion Lisa Lee; siblings Gary (Kizzy) & Kathy (Jeff) Traxler; Nieces and nephews Jesse (Erin), Katy (Brian), Abbigail, Matthew, Erin, Samuel, Megan and Mary and great nieces and nephews. Mass of Christian Burial Friday, December 20th, 2019 11:00 AM @ St. Bartholomew Catholic Church, 630 E. Wayzata Blvd, Wayzata, MN with visitation 1 hour prior to mass at church. washburn-mcreavy.com Edina Chapel 952-920-3996
2016 Northwest Trophy presentation: Minnesota ice sailors Jim McDonagh left with his friend, Mark Christensen.
Age 59 of Mound, MN. Survived by parents Norma J. (Alan) Greene, Ronald L. (Caroline); loving companion Lisa Lee; siblings Gary (Kizzy) & Kathy (Jeff) Traxler; Nieces and nephews Jesse (Erin), Katy (Brian), Abbigail, Matthew, Erin, Samuel, Megan and Mary and great nieces and nephews. Mass of Christian Burial Friday, December 20th, 2019 11:00 AM @ St. Bartholomew Catholic Church, 630 E. Wayzata Blvd, Wayzata, MN with visitation 1 hour prior to mass at church. washburn-mcreavy.com Edina Chapel 952-920-3996
