RESULTS
Congratulations to all participants of the Northwestern Yachting Association Regatta! Thank you for your dedication and passion for the sport as you competed in North America’s oldest ice sailing regatta, a tradition that began in 1913.
The wind never fully cooperated Sunday morning, leading to a challenging waiting game. The regatta was called complete Sunday at 11 AM by NIYA Secretary/Treasurer Steve Schalk.
A heartfelt thank you goes out to everyone who contributed to the regatta’s success, from those who scouted for ice, set courses and starting blocks to those who assisted with off-site tabulating, including Ann Foeller and Mary Jane Schalk.
Northwest DN champion Robin Lagraviere, alongside his fellow Canadians Nicholas Mabboux and Jacek Marzenski, were notably absent as they were out on the course training for the upcoming DN North American Championship, set to begin on Lake Waconia today, Monday February 26. Follow the action here.
Stern Steerer champions Mike Peters and John Davis
John Davis presents the trophy dedicated to his son Jeff Davis.
4LIYC member and Class E Skeeter 1st place Ken Whitehorse
Renegades: 1st Mike Derusha, 2nd 4LIYC member Doug Kolner
NIYA B Skeeter First Place – Jim McDonagh – Photo: Kevin Barta
The 2024 International Skeeter Association Regatta is postponed until March 8 – 10. Hoping for a cool down after next weekend’s forecasted warm temperatures. Next update, Sunday, March 3, 2024.
Day two of the 2024 Northwest Regatta brought clear, sunny skies, ideal conditions for a day filled with races and camaraderie on Lake Waconia in Minnesota. As the day progressed, the race committee concluded the day’s activities earlier than planned in light of the building winds.
Mike Peters and ACE OF SPADES
Ken Whitehorse tells the story of the when Buddy pulled out a bottle of Cutty Sark out of his jacket at Northwest. John Davis is on the plank. John has been attending the Northwest since 1954.
A highlight of the day was the presentation of the esteemed Bottle Trophy to the deserving crew of the C Stern Steerer ACE OF SPADES, helmed by Mike Peters and Terry Reynolds. In his eloquent speech, Ken Whitehorse shared the rich history of the trophy, first sponsored by the legendary Buddy Melges. Mike Peters and ACE OF SPADES with crew Terry Reynolds carry on the bottle trophy legacy this year.
Renegaders Doug Kolner and Mike Derusha at the one and two blocks.
PROVISIONAL RESULTS EVENT PAGE Update – Post updated to include the real location. The webmaster regrets the error and blames it on not enough coffee. The 2024 Northwest Regatta kicked off on Lake WACONIA in Minnesota on Friday, February 23, the first one held in five years.
The winds remained relatively steady throughout most of the day, ranging from 8 to 12 mph. The Race Committee had to reset the course twice. However, as the day progressed, the winds began to fade. The last Stern Steerer, B Skeeter, and DN races were black-flagged because of the time limit.
The bumpy ice conditions tested each sailor’s skills. After each race, sailors had to check all fittings to ensure they remained secure, noted DNer John Harper (US60) from Michigan.
TIME CHANGE FOR FIRST RACE
Saturday, February 24, 2024 Schedule Update
9 AM: First Race. Stern Steerers Race #2 Followed by B & C Skeeter Race #2
Normal rotation then resumes:
DN
Renegade
E Skeeter
A,B,C,D Stern Steerer
ISA B & C Skeeter
Michigan Renegader Peter Sarelis turns the hotel hallway into a sail loft.
A long day on the ice. I’ll have more early tomorrow morning. A message tonight from NIYA Secretary/Treasurer Steve Schalk:
TIME CHANGE FOR FIRST RACE
Saturday, February 24, 2024 Schedule Update 9 AM: First Race. Stern Steerers Race #2 Followed by B & C Skeeter Race #2
Normal rotation then resumes:
DN
Renegade
E Skeeter
A,B,C,D Stern Steerer
ISA B & C Skeeter
Good Morning from Waconia, MN, site of the 2024 Northwestern Ice Yachting Association Regatta. Starting positions will also be posted on the RC trailer on the ice. Skipper’s meeting at the launch at 9 AM. See you on the ice!
The last time the NIYA was held was in 2019 on Lake Pepin in MN. The Northwest is the oldest ice sailing regatta in North America and was first sailed in Menominee, Michigan in 1913. It survived two World Wars, a pandemic and it’s great to be back. We are pleased to see such a large DN fleet this year with the DN North Americans having been called on for Waconia as well. The DN North American Championship begins on Monday.
Friday, February 23, 2024 Schedule
Skipper’s Meeting at 9 AM at the launch
First start 10 AM Rotation
DN
Renegade
E Skeeter
A,B,C,D Stern Steerer
ISA B & C Skeeter
NIYA Annual Meeting at 6 PM at the Holiday Inn, Chanhassen, MN
