2025 Northwest Ice Yachting Association Regatta on Lake Winnebago. Photo: Jim Stevenson js170b
RESULTS
NIYA Regatta Update – Saturday, January 25, 2025
We wrapped up today’s racing after an E Skeeter, Stern Steerer, B Skeeter, and Renegade race. As the winds quickly built and exceeded the NIYA safety limits, the Race Committee decided to postpone further racing until Sunday morning, January 26. Racing will resume at 9:30 AM, starting with the Stern Steerers.
START ORDER AND SEQUENCE SUNDAY JANUARY 26TH
STERN STEERERS RACE 4 E SKEETER RACE 4 B+C RACE 4
STERNSTEERS RACE 5 DN RACE 5 RENEGADE RACE 5 E SKEETER RACE 5 B+C RACE 5 The sequence for race 6 uses race 5 order above. 1 PM IS CUT OFF TIME – ALL CLASSES HAVE 3 RACES FREE FOR ALL RACE STARTS AS SOON AS POSSIBLE AFTER 1 PM.
Section 9. On the last day of the regatta, a race shall be sailed to determine the Regatta Champion. The entries shall be limited to the skippers of the first and second place yachts in each race for classes A, B, C, D, E, Renegade and DN. The defending champion is also eligible. For this race, qualified skippers may sail a yacht from any of the above mentioned classes, except DN. The N.I.Y.A. is under no obligation to secure yachts for qualifying skippers.
Section 10. The length of the races for Classes A, B, C, D, E, and Renegade shall be eight (8) miles.
The length of the DN races shall be approximately two-thirds of the above distance.
The Championship Race shall be not less than fifteen (15) miles, or more than twenty (20) miles in length.
Section 9. On the last day of the regatta, a race shall be sailed to determine the Regatta Champion. The entries shall be limited to the skippers of the first and second place yachts in each race for classes A, B, C, D, E, Renegade and DN. The defending champion is also eligible. For this race, qualified skippers may sail a yacht from any of the above mentioned classes, except DN. The N.I.Y.A. is under no obligation to secure yachts for qualifying skippers.
Section 10. The length of the races for Classes A, B, C, D, E, and Renegade shall be eight (8) miles.
The length of the DN races shall be approximately two-thirds of the above distance.
The Championship Race shall be not less than fifteen (15) miles, or more than twenty (20) miles in length.
Reminder: Banquet Details
TJ’s Harbor
7098 S US Hwy 45, Oshkosh, WI 54902
Social Hour: 5:00 PM Dinner: 7:00 PM
We’re looking forward to great conditions tomorrow. See you on the ice!
RESULTS Lake Winnebago, Fond du Lac
What an incredible start to the regatta. The fishing clubs on Lake Winnebago deserve a huge shoutout for their efforts. The Friendship Fishing Club installed a metal bridge over a heave near the shore, making it possible for us to reach the good ice. Their updates on Facebook keep everyone informed, and their commitment creates a sense of community for all who enjoy the lake.
The ice was rock-hard and exceptionally slick—so much so that even driving was challenging. Cars spun out quickly if you went too fast, but having the ability to score the regatta from a car was an extravagance I’ve missed. Lakes like Winnebago, Geneva, and Lake Michigan out of Menominee are a few where that’s possible.
Before racing began, Northwest Race Committee member Andy Gratton joked with me about the traditional Northwest course length. It’s meant to be 8 miles, and he pondered setting a single lap course with marks 4 miles apart, a nod to the stern steerer days. Sure would make scoring easier!
The day was cold but sunny, with steady winds that allowed us to complete a five-race rotation in just two hours. We completed two full rotations for all fleets by pushing hard and keeping things efficient. Watching the clock carefully, we squeezed in a third rotation for the DNs and Renegades, ensuring no starts happened within 45 minutes of sundown. Everyone was ready at the line, racing efficiently in the conditions we dream abou. Photographers were out all day capturing the action, and we’re looking forward to seeing their work..
This weekend promises to get even bigger, as the Nite fleet is also holding their regatta here. The social aspect of the Northwest is always a highlight—last night, many gathered at the Fond du Lac Yacht Club for the annual meeting, and others made the pilgrimage to the iconic South Side Ice Yacht Club. The camaraderie for this sport make events like this so special.
Preparing for the skipper’s meeting. Apologies for the lack of photos—car windows aren’t the best lens!
RESULTS
The 2025 Northwestern Ice Yachting Regatta is on for Lake Winnebago northwest of Fond Du Lac. Dates are January 24th, 25th, and 26th.
The launch site is drive on the ice at the foot of Cemetery Road off of Highway 45. Cemetery Road is 1.4 miles north of the Wayside launch on the west shore of the lake. It is 5.8 miles from the center of downtown Fond Du Lac. Racing will start with DNs at 11 AM sharp on Friday January 24th. The skipper’s meeting for all classes will be held at 10:30 AM near the starting line. The annual meeting will be held at 6 PM Friday evening at the Fond Du Lac Yacht Club. A dinner is scheduled for 7 PM at TJ’s Harbor Restaurant, located 2 miles north of the launch at Cemetery Road where County Z crosses Hwy 45.
Date: January 24 – 26, 2025 Location: Lake Winnebago, Fond Du Lac, Wisconsin Launch: Foot of Cemetery Road off of Highway 45. Cemetery Road is 1.4 miles north of the Wayside launch on the west shore of the lake. It is 5.8 miles from the center of downtown Fond Du Lac.
Lodging: Comfort Inn, 77 Holiday Lane Fond du Lac WI Ice Boaters Special 82.00 night See Michelle 30+ rooms 920-933-1159
Holiday Inn Express, 55 Holiday Lane Fond du Lac WI 30+ rooms 129.00-155.00 920-322-0460
Hotel Retlaw, 1 North Main St Fond du Lac WI 920 204 0400 129.00 and up
Eligibility Requirements for the Northwest Ice Yacht Association Regatta
To participate in the Northwest Ice Yacht Association (NIYA) regatta, all competitors must be members of a club that belongs to the NIYA. Below is a list of current member clubs. Please ensure you are a member of one of these clubs before registering:
Boecraft Association
Fond du Lac Ice Yacht Club
Four Lakes Ice Yacht Club
Green Lake Ice Yacht Club
Hudson River Ice Yacht Club
Lake Springfield Ice Boat Club
Menekaunee Ice Yacht Club
Minnesota Iceboaters
Neenah Ice Yacht Club
Oshkosh Ice Yacht Club
Pewaukee Ice Yacht Club
SIBC
South Side Ice Yacht Club
Toledo Ice Yacht Club
West Michigan Ice Yacht Club
Windjammers/United Skeeter Association
WSSA
During registration, please indicate your club affiliation in the appropriate field on the form. If you are not a member of one of these clubs, you will not be eligible to compete.
Schedule of Events
Friday, January 24
7 AM: Online registration closes
11 AM: First Race – Race start has been postponed to 11AM to allow for warmer temperatures.
Rotation*
DN
Renegade
E Skeeters
A, B, C, D Stern Steerers
ISA B & C Skeeters
6 PM Northwest Annual Meeting at the Fond Du Lac Yacht Club 705 Mohawk Ave, Fond du Lac, WI 54935
Saturday, January 25
9:30 AM: First Race
Banquet
TJ’s Harbor 7098 S US Hwy 45
Oshkosh, WI 54902
Social Hour: 5 PM
Dinner 7 PM
Sunday, January 26
9:30 AM: First Race
*2nd and 3rd round of races Friday, Saturday, and Sunday will start at a time announced by the Race Committee.
**If all classes have at least 3 races complete at the end of the day Saturday, Stern Steerers (A, B, C, D) will start first on Sunday.
Nite Nationals is Officially Called ON for Fond Du Lac, WI on Jan. 25-26, 2025
Register: https://niteracing.org/regatta/yzARFOo7po
Must be a member to register: https://theclubspot.com/renew-interstitial/oFVGl1wW09
9 am CDT Skippers Meeting Saturday Jan. 25
10 am 1st Race Saturday Jan. 25 2025
Launch:
Lake: Lake Winnebago, Fond Du Lac WI
Address: 6081 Cemetery Road Van Dyne, WI 54979.
We will be sharing the Pit area with the Northwest regatta sailors. To get to the Pit are, you need to cross an ice bridge. To do so, only 1 vehicle at at time and drive slowly. Please do not rush. These bridges are owned and operated by a local fishing club.
Max 8 races
Gold (experienced) Fleet
Silver (beginner) Fleet
This will be a unique opportunity to share the ice with the Northwest Regatta.
Hotels:
Comfort Inn – 77 Holiday Lane Fond Du Lac, WI ICE BOATERS Special $ 82.00/ night
Talk to Michell 920-933-1159
Holiday Inn Express – 55 Holiday Lane
Fond Du Lac, WI $129.00 920-322-0460
Northwest Home Page UPDATE: Launch information has been updated
Via Northwest Ice Yachting Association Regatta Secretary/Treasurer Steve Schalk:
The 2025 NIYA Regatta is called on for Fond Du Lac, January 24th, 25th and 26th, with the final call at noon Wednesday January 22nd. Launch ramp will be finalized prior to Wednesday noon. It will be in the southeast corner of the lake somewhere between the Fond Du Lac Yacht Club and the Sunset Bar. Stay tuned for launch site updates on Wednesday, January 22.
The ice condition is excellent and the wind and temperature appear to be cooperating – pretty much optimal in all respects for an epic Northwest Championship.
Via Wisconsin Stern Steerer Association Secretary/Treasurer Andy Gratton:
The Wisconsin Stern Steering Association regatta has been postponed to February 1 and 2. The next update will be Sunday, January 25. Check back here at that time. The Northwest Ice Yacht Association regatta takes precedence.
