At the start of the first race, block 1 was left empty to honor the late Tim McCormick. Tim’s brother Andy, is in the 2 block.
The 4LIYC Renegades took to Lake Kegonsa on Sunday afternoon for three races in very cold conditions. Despite the chill, it was a competitive day on the ice, with Don Anderson dominating the fleet and claiming three bullets. The ice was super hard and fast, but somewhat rough. Sailors did their best to avoid occasional sticky snow drifts. The wind started out shifty, keeping sailors on their toes, but it filled in steadily toward the end of the racing, making for a solid finish to the day. Nite sailor Lars Barber represented the 4LIYC Nite fleet, lining up with the Renegades and racing alongside them.
The Renegades also took time to honor one of their own. A missing man formation lineup paid tribute to a member who would no longer be lining up at the start. At the start of the first race, starting block one was held in reserve to honor the memory of the late Tim McCormick who passed away in 2024. Tim’s brother, Andy McCormick, stepped into the two block to carry on the family’s presence on the ice along with cousin Greg who lined up in block four..
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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
