Club racing is officially called ON for Sunday, January 5, 2025, at Lake Kegonsa. Please use the Quam Landing for access. Remember to roll trailers onto the ice—do not drive vehicles onto the lake. The lake was sailed today. They report the ice is hard but rough. The first race will start at 11 AM.
The Wisconsin Stern Steerers Association regatta begins today on Lake Noquebay in Crivitz, WI. Our good friend, iceboat photographer Gretchen Dorian is on-site and she has already shared photos from Friday’s setup day. Please take a look at her Friday gallery here: https://www.gretchendorian.com/2025-WSSA-Lake-Noquebay-WI
Photo: Ethan Brodsky
Ice scouts surveyed Lake Kegonsa today and found ice thickness mostly at 4.5 inches, but some areas measured just 3 inches due to goose holes. While the ice is forming, the scouts determined that conditions are still marginal for safe racing, and the ice needs more time to grow. As a result, club racing is postponed until Sunday, January 5, 2025.
The ice appeared rough in several areas, and we will need to sail it to assess whether it’s manageable for racing, especially in windy conditions. Scouts will recheck the ice tomorrow (Saturday) and provide a final decision on Sunday’s racing by tomorrow afternoon.
Stay tuned for the next update, and let’s hope for solid ice and smooth conditions!
Attention, Four Lakes Ice Yacht Club members! We’re monitoring the possibility of club racing this weekend, January 4-5, on Lake Kegonsa. Ice checkers will meet tomorrow to scout the lake. Please do not go on the ice until it has been thoroughly scouted. Stay tuned for updates! The next announcement will be posted by Friday, January 3, 2025 at 5 PM.
Reminder: The Wisconsin Maritime Museum’s Think & Drink program about the history of ice sailing takes place tonight. Join Mike Peters and myself as we discuss the history of Wisconsin’s ice boats and sailors.
WHAT TO KNOW
Date & Time: Thursday, January 2nd, 6:30 pm (doors and bar open at 6:00 pm)
Location: Wisconsin Maritime Museum, 75 Maritime Dr., Manitowoc, WI
Cost: Free (both in-person and virtual)
Virtual Access: Register here to attend via Zoom: Event Registration Link
Let’s ring in the New Year with visions of Hollywood Ice.
Here’s a fascinating vintage photo shared from Mike Peter’s collection, which will be part of our presentation at the Wisconsin Maritime Museum on January 2. This early 20th-century image captures stern steerers racing on Lake Winnebago and shows a very different approach to racecourse marks.
In the photo, you’ll notice the mark (aka buoy) in use—a tall wooden pole mounted on a platform, with a flag waving from the top and a wooden barrel suspended below. This setup starkly contrasts the lightweight, triangular fluorescent fabric marks we use today. It’s hard not to imagine the chaos (and potential splinters!) if one of those massive stern steerers collided with such a substantial obstacle.
This photo likely predates the introduction of bow-steering boats, offering a window into a bygone era of ice sailing. It’s a reminder of how much the sport has evolved.
We’ve had several requests for the special Skeeter Vodka cocktail recipe featured at our event with the Wisconsin Maritime Museum. I’m working on getting that recipe so everyone can mix up their Skeeter cocktail and join us from home via Zoom. Stay tuned—I’ll share it soon so you can toast along with us!
National Iceboat Authority Web Page
Location: In person at the Elks Lodge 711 Jenifer St, Madison, WI 53703
Time: 6:30 PM
YOU ARE SKIPPER NUMBER
Statcounter
TO ROUND THE MARK SINCE NOVEMBER 1999.
