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Iceboaters have long imagined the possibility of clearing snow from frozen lakes to create ideal sailing conditions. The challenge lies in needing thick, solid ice to support vehicles capable of clearing the snow—an effort that often seems insurmountable.
Years ago, the late DN sailor Mark Keifer of Minnesota pioneered snow removal efforts for the Ice Racing Circuit at the St. Paul Winter Carnival. On a snow-covered lake in Tianchi, near Urumqi in western China, crews are clearing the ice for the first Tianshan Tianchi International Ice Yacht Open in conjunction with their winter festival. This historic event will feature DN sailors from Germany, Sweden, and China, competing against the backdrop of the snow-covered Tianshan Mountains.
This event demonstrates that removing snow for ice sailing can be done with enough will and equipment (and likely an unlimited budget.)
Andy Gratton and ROSEMARY Wisconsin Stern Steerers Association Regatta on Lake Noquebay near Crivitz, Wisconsin on Jan 4, 2025. Photo by Mike Roemer
The Wisconsin Stern Steerers Association regatta on Lake Noquebay in Crivitz, WI, wraps up today, but not before leaving us with some photos captured from above. Mike Roemer shared some amazing drone photos on Facebook that showcase the majesty of the big boats. Stern Steerers are made for drone photography, with their impressive size and striking presence on the ice.
You can see more of Mike’s amazing photos on the 4LIYC Facebook page here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/iceboat
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
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!
