ISA & Renegade Championship Results
The final day of the ISA Regatta was a challenging one, with foggy, overcast, and damp conditions that limited visibility in the morning. Fortunately, the wind was steady enough for racing, though the Race Committee postponed the start in hopes of weather improvement.
The B Skeeters decided to conclude their regatta early, holding their trophy ceremony on the ice before heading back to Lake Geneva. The A Skeeters also opted not to race, celebrating their champions with a trophy presentation on the ice. Meanwhile, the Renegades and Nite fleets stayed out later in the morning and managed to get in some solid racing before calling it a day.
By the afternoon, all participants gathered at the Water’s Edge Restaurant to warm up with hot chili and hold the regatta’s final trophy ceremony.
A special thanks to everyone who made this regatta possible: Ann Foeller, working remotely from Toledo, Ohio, for tabulating results for both the ISA and DN Western Region Championship; Julie Jankowski and Fred Stritt, for monitoring the weather mark on both courses; John Dennis, the ISA Regatta Chair, for organizing a successful event; and Pat Heppert for keeping the schedule on track. We’re also grateful to veteran photographer Gretchen Dorian for her coverage. Although she couldn’t make it to the ISA course, you can spot the Skeeters in the background of her always amazing DN photos. And finally, our heartfelt thanks to the people of Starbuck, Minnesota, for their always warm welcome and to the Water’s Edge Restaurant for graciously putting up with us throughout the event
Nite Class Champions: From left Mike Jankowski 4th, Kyle Navin 3rd, Dave Navin 2nd, and Chris Wiberg 1st
Renegade Champions: From left 3rd Skip Dieball, 4th Mike Maloney, 2nd Andy Gratton. Not pictured, Mike Derusha 1st.
Daniel Hearn, winner of the first Renegade Race.
DN Western Region Silver fleet top 5: From left, Maggie McGary US2453 5th, Ben Garber US5667 3rd, Alexander Leach US244 2nd, and 4LIYC DNer Dale Gordon US5696 1st. Not pictured Bill Eklund US5432 4th
2024 DN Western Region Gold fleet top 5: From left, Mike Bloom US321 3rd, Jeff Roseberry US5687 4th, Bill Cutting US5430 5th, 4LIYC Skeeter and DN sailor Steve Orlebeke US4926, 2nd, and Chris Berger US5166 1st.
ISA Results DN Western Region Results
Saturday brought a different set of weather conditions—overcast and warmer, but with a dampness that felt more chilling than the 10°F temperatures of Friday. Thankfully, the wind remained steady, making it easier to run races efficiently.
I assisted on the DN course, while Pat Heppert, Jim McDonough, and others pitched in to manage the ISA course. Fred Stritt and Julie Jankowski, our dedicated DN Western Region weather mark crew, had the best vantage point of the day. Their position near the ISA pits allowed them to witness races on both courses.
On the DN side, we completed an impressive 10 races and were back at Water’s Edge Restaurant (add this place to the list of iceboaters favorite bars) by 2:30 PM. Chris Berger US5166 and Steve Orlebeke US4926 battled fiercely for the top spot throughout the day, while Dale Gordon and Alexander Leach are tied for first in the Silver fleet heading into the final day.
A special highlight was junior DN sailor Maggie McGary US2453, who placed second in the Silver fleet during the first race. Maggie is racing alongside her dad, John McGary, and it’s safe to say she’s the one showing him the ropes!
Veteran iceboat photographer Gretchen Dorian is also here capturing the action. Yesterday, she focused on the DN course, and today, she plans to shoot the ISA races. You can check out her amazing photos from yesterday here:.
Today marks the final day of racing for both the ISA and the DN Western Region Championship.
2024 ISA & Renegade Championship Information
Day One Report – ISA Friday, December 13, 2024
Day one of the ISA was marked by brutally cold conditions. Racing was postponed initially as we waited for the temperatures to rise to at least 10°F. After a delay to wait for the temperature to ride, a quick skipper’s meeting was held, and the Race Committee efficiently sent everyone out to the course.
At exactly noon, George Gerhardt dropped the flag for the B and C Skeeters to start their first race. Throughout the day, temperatures gradually rose while the breeze picked up, allowing each fleet to complete three races—except for the A Skeeters, who were unable to start their third race due to running out of daylight.
ISA AND RENEGADE CHAMPIONSHIP
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2024
DAY 1 STARTING POSITIONS
STARTING ORDER PER SAILING INSTRUCTIONS
COMBINES B & C SKEETERS
B & C SKEETERS
1 James Smith I-34
2 Billy Barrett I-711
3 Rich Popovich I-422
4 Jason Thompson I-248
5 Jim McDonagh I-234
6 Pat Heppert I-291
7 Chris Hibbard 51
8 Regin Schwaen D-181
RENEGADES
1 Damien LUyet 244/213
2 Chris Gordon 582
3 Ron Rosten R-161
4 Doug Kolner 515
5 George Gerhardt 123
6 Michael Maloney 599
7 Chad Atkins 500
8 Mike Derusha R-188
9 Andrew Gratton 81
10 Peter Sarelis 406
11 Daniel Hearn 507
12 Skip Dieball 555
NITES
1 Mike Jankowski 559
2 John Heigis 160
3 Mike Peters 544
4 Rich Popovich 422
5 Terry Reynolds 58
6 Daniel Hearn 595
7 Marek Valasek 444
8 Drew Vandervelde 556
9 Dave Navin 549
10 Bill Andersen 432
11 Daniel Bierman 517
12 Kyle Navin 419
13 Maureen Bohleber 497
14 Chris Wiberg 434
A SKEETERS
1 John Dennis U-194
2 Alex Peterson U-420
3 Jay Yaeso U-311
The regatta is postponed this morning, Friday, December 13 because temperatures are below 10 F. Skipper’s meeting is at 11 AM at the launch and first race is noon.
The 2024 International Skeeter Association (ISA) Regatta and Renegade Championship have been called ON for this weekend, December 13-15 on Lake Minnewaska, Starbuck, Minnesota! Notice of Race Sailing Instructions & Conditions
ISA & Renegade Championship Regatta: A three-day event beginning Friday, December 13.
This is a regatta for the following classes. A, B, and C Skeeters, Renegades, and Nites.
The DN Western Region Championship has also been called on at the same location. We will be sharing the launch, the fun, and possibly the race course with the DN fleet. The Race Committees will decide on the ice whether all fleets will race on one course or have separate courses based upon conditions.
DO NOT DRIVE ON THE ICE! Back your trailers on the ice.
Important: Registration is ONLINE ONLY and closes Friday morning at 7 AM CT. There will be no in-person registration, so please ensure you register online before the deadline.
Via ISA Regatta Chair John Dennis
