UPCOMING:
4LIYC Meeting :November 20, 2024 @ Elks Lodge More Information
4LIYC Shipstore: Order custom iceboat shirts, hats, and gear. More information.
BURGEE: Order your 4LIYC Burgee
Pay Your Dues Online
First! Converges with GLIYC Swap Meet
Kai Linde, the first iceboating sailing in the world in Sweden and Dash’s first iceboat trailer rescue.
Ice sailors from Wisconsin, Minnesota, Illinois, Iowa, and New York gathered at the Wisconsin Iceboat Swap Meet in Green Lake, WI, on Sunday, October 22, 2023. Meanwhile, 4,000 miles away in Sweden, Norwegian DN sailor Kai Linde had the 2023-2024 season’s first iceboat ride in the world. Who will be first in North America? New York DNer Paul Chamberland, who came for the Swap Meet, will try for that milestone when he visits family in Alberta, Canada, in a few weeks. Paul is optimistic about the upcoming week of ice-making temperatures and hopes to find some sailable ice.
The Green Lake Ice Yacht Club delivered perfect fall weather for the event and organized the raffle, a tradition started by the Skeeter Iceboat Club’s Jane Pegel.
Of course, this being iceboating, a trailer situation presented some problem-solving opportunities right off the bat for new DN Junior Sailing Secretary Sam Bartel. Speaking of Jane Pegel, she generously donated her trailer to the DN Junior program a few years ago. Sam collected the trailer from Madison on Saturday night, but unfortunately, the axle broke on his way to Green Lake near Beaver Dam. As we know, trailers can always be unpredictable. Daniel Hearn, Dale Gordon, Dash, and I swung by Don Anderson’s to borrow a flatbed trailer and rescued the DN trailer on the way home from the Swap Meet with an assist from trailer specialist DNer Matt Meyer.
Thanks to the Green Lake Ice Yacht Club for a fantastic Swap Meet with perfect conditions.
Classic fall day in Green Lake.
The local constabulary tries to keep the peace in Green Lake.
View from the car
First
“Ice sailing season has started! On the 22nd of October at Kuolitisjaure, 700 meters above sea level, just after the Swedish border. Good hard ice, 10 cm thick, but little wind!” via Kai Lind
2023-2024 4LIYC Meeting Schedule
Original Photo: Ethan Brodsky. Sketchy Photoshop: Deb Whitehorse
Four Lakes Ice Yacht Club Meeting News
Our first meeting of the season is Wednesday, November 8, 2023 on Zoom at 6:30 PM CT.
We’re gearing up for an exciting ice sailing season, and it’s time to plan our Four Lakes Ice Yacht Club Meetings. Here’s an important announcement regarding our meeting schedule:
1. Zoom Kickoff Meeting:
We will start our season with a Zoom meeting, providing a convenient way to connect and discuss our favorite subject.
Date and Time: Wednesday, November 8 at 6:30 PM CT.
Zoom Meeting Link: We will email the link the day of the meeting.
2. In-Person Meetings:
While we like Zoom’s convenience, we also understand the value of in-person interactions. As the season progresses, we’re exploring opportunities to meet face-to-face a few times.
Keep an eye out for future announcements and updates about these in-person meetings.
WHAT TO KNOW:
Date: Wednesday, November 8, 2023
Time: 6:30 PM CT
Zoom link will be emailed to you on November 8, 2023.
DUES
If you haven’t already done so, please pay your dues online here.
2023-2024 4LIYC Meeting Schedule
November 8, 2023
November 22, 2023
December 6, 2023
December 20, 2023
January 3, 2024
January 17, 2024
January 31, 2024
February 14, 2024 (pending – we may change this)
February 28, 2024
March 13, 2024
Iceboat Swap Meet Round Up
2023 International Skeeter Association regatta on Lake Kegonsa, Madison, WI. Aerial Photo: Ethan Brodsky
Find your next ride and meet other ice sailors at your local iceboat swap meet. Here’s the complete list.
MINNESOTA
Minnesota Iceboat Swap Meet
Hosted by: Tim Carlson and Sailcrafters Loft and Rigging
Date: Saturday, November 4
Time: 9 AM – Noon
Location: 7450 Oxford Street St. Louis Park, MN 55426
The annual iceboat swap meet is a great opportunity to buy and sell used iceboat gear. Or, maybe, just spend time meeting local iceboaters and asking questions about our sport. Anyone interested in iceboating is encouraged to attend. Thank you Sailcrafters ( https://sailcrafters.com/) for supporting the local iceboat community. Sailcrafters is an official UK Sails dealer, bringing world-class designs and manufacturing to the Midwest. It is a full-service loft known for its complete rigging services and for making and repairing mooring, traveling and/or storage covers. Tim Carlson can be reached at (952) 540-7474.
WISCONSIN
Menekaunee Iceboat Picnic & Swap Meet
Date: Saturday, October 14, 2023
Time:
Location: Menekaunee Harbor Park, Ogden St, Marinette, WI 54143
Weather Permitting, complete Iceboats on exhibit. No charge to display or sell.
Buy, sell, upgrade or trade complete iceboats, parts. Upgrade your current rig. Enjoy the start of a new season, learn about iceboating. Everyone is welcome to attend. Commodore Jason Fifarek will be BBQ hamburgers and hotdogs. Food is free but this is a BYOB event, some water will be provided but you are encouraged to bring your own.
Wisconsin Iceboat Swap Meet – Hosted by the Green Lake Ice Yacht Club, Green Lake, WI
Date: Sunday, October 22, 2023
Time: 9 AM – Noon
Location: Town Square Community Center, 492 Hill St., Green Lake, WI
The Wisconsin Iceboat Swap Meet is the perfect place to check out iceboats and components for sale. The Iceboat Swap Meet is a chance to meet and learn from experienced iceboaters who are more than willing to share their insights into the sport.
More information
Delavan Yacht Club Swap Meet – Hosted by the Delavan Yacht Club
Date: Sunday, November 5, 2023
Time: 10 – 2
Location:1501 Cedar Point Dr, Delavan, WI 53115
MICHIGAN
Western Michigan Ice Yacht Club Swap Meet
Date: Saturday, November 4, 2023
Time: 9 – 1
Location: Richland Pub, 8253 N 32nd St, Richland, MI 49083
NEW ENGLAND
New England Ice Yachting Association Swap Meet & Lunch
Date: Sunday, November 19, 2023
Time: 10 AM
Location : Thompson Speedway Golf Course, 205 E Thompson Rd, Thompson, CT 06277
More information.
CANADA
Canadian Ice Force Swap Meet
Date: Saturday, October 14, 2023
Time: Noon – 4
Location: 470 Bay St. North, Hamilton, ON.
Buy, sell. Fast ice discussions. Burgers and beer. Bring your runners for sharpening. Let us know you are coming so that we have enough food. Reply to the Canadian Ice Force Facebook page or by email to Les at dldruiven@gmail.com. Park at the Leander Boat Club and walk up the path (about 50 meters).
2023-2024 International Skeeter Association Notice of Dues
2023 ISA Championship on Lake Kegonsa. Photo: Will Johnston
ISA HOME PAGE
INTERNATIONAL SKEETER ASSOCIATION DUES NOTICE – 2 WAYS TO PAY
- Pay Online here
- Or pay through the U.S. Mail: CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD AND PRINT AN ISA MEMBERSHIP FORM
The annual dues are $25.00 for the 2023-2023 season,
December 1st, 2023 is the deadline for new items to be placed on the 2024 agenda.
January 12, 13, & 14, 2023 (Friday, Saturday, & Sunday) is the first scheduled weekend for the 2024 Regatta.
Iceboating Meets Woodstock
Ice sailing enthusiasts know that the Hudson River and its Stern Steerers are where it all started in North America. A short film about the historic Stern Steerers still sailing the Hudson is being showcased at the Woodstock Film Festival. A group of talented high school students from the Hudson River area created the film.
Via Brian Reid’s Facebook post:
Nathan Burger & several classmates made a short film on ice boating for their American Studies class at FDR High School in Hyde Park, last spring.
It was accepted at the 2023 Woodstock Film Festival, going on this week. film summary Link here:
https://woodstock2023.eventive.org/…/on-the-ice…
The teen shorts showing will be Sunday, October 1, 2023 6:30 PM at the Woodstock Community Center. ticket link here.
https://woodstock2023.eventive.org/…/teen-shorts-youth… you can buy a virtual ticket which allows you to stream until midnight Sunday.
Nathan is 3rd generation ice boater in the Burger family; The film is also a beautiful tribute to his grandfather Emerson.
Congrats to Nathan Burger, Mia Ferrara, Frances Gorres, and Kalighan Pelish, for their film!!
Notice of Dues: Join the 4LIYC With New Online Payment Option
Tim and Peter McCormick sailing Renegades on Lake Kegonsa, March 2023. Photo Credit: Ethan Brodsky
JOIN THE 4LIYC
It’s time to start sharpening runners and renew your Four Lakes Ice Yacht Club membership for the 2023-2024 season. We are excited to introduce our new online payment option. Whether you are a first-time member or renewing your membership, we’ve streamlined the process by offering online payments. However, if you prefer to make payment by check and mail, you will still be able to access and print our membership form. Your support is instrumental in advancing the sport of ice sailing. By joining, you’ll get the coolest yacht club membership card in sailing in electronic or hard copy.
2023 Annual Wisconsin Iceboat Swap Meet Hosted by the Green Lake Ice Yacht Club
Wisconsin Iceboat Swap Meet – Hosted by the Green Lake Ice Yacht Club, Green Lake, WI
Date: Sunday, October 22, 2023
Time: 9 AM – Noon
Location: Town Square Community Center, 492 Hill St., Green Lake, WI
Map Link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/ZV4newyeK9DatiaW9
The Wisconsin Iceboat Swap Meet is the perfect place to check out iceboats and components for sale. The Iceboat Swap Meet is a chance to meet and learn from experienced iceboaters who are more than willing to share their insights into the sport.
The Green Lake Ice Yacht Club is hosting this year’s meet and will start with a party on Saturday night for early arrivers and club members.
Questions? Contact Joe Norton nortonboatworks@gmail.com
SIPS & BITES – SATURDAY PARTY
Social gathering from 4:00 – 7:00 at Bierman’s Boat Palace
W3360 Orchard Ave, Green Lake, WI.
The Green Lake Ice Yacht Club members will provide appetizers. Please bring your own beverage of choice and a chair. Weather permitting, we’ll share ice boat stories around the fire pit. Questions? Contact Debbie Bierman debralakereal@gmail.com
SWAP MEET – SUNDAY
Water Street will be blocked off so that long trailers are easy to park.
Vendors and sellers use the Mill Pond Terrace lot.
Town Square Tap will be open for breakfast and beverages.
The GLIYC will continue with Jane Pegel’s classic raffle tradition. Bring your raffle items.
LODGING
Green Lake Inn – W1970 S Lawson Dr 920-294-3417
Heidel House – 653 Illinois Ave 920-807-0300
Green Lake Suites – 488 South St 920-393-9944
Bayview Motel – 439 Lake St 920-294-6504
1949 Four-Runner Iceboat Newsreel
Screen shot from USA: ICE YACHTING ON FROZEN RIVERS IN ILLINOIS (1949) British Pathe. Harry Melges sails a 4-runner Skeeter.
Previous: Iceboat Tech That Never Caught On
Early ISA 1941 – 1942 Video
Watch the 1949 Newsreel here
Iceboat researcher Henry Bossett has unearthed yet another interesting discovery: a 1949 newsreel chronicling the International Skeeter Association regatta held on Fox Lake in Illinois. This vintage footage, accompanied by newspaper clippings, documents the presence of a four-runner iceboat helmed by Harry Melges, who happens to be Buddy’s father and a member of the Skeeter Iceboat Club. Observe that the fourth runner was positioned at the stern, deviating from the standard practice seen in other configurations where two runners were typically placed at the front. Adding her own memories to this historical account is Jane Wiswell Pegel, a high school student at the time.
Jane Pegel remembers:
I think the 4-runner boat belonged to Bob Ferris. I was in high school. My first iceboat race was at the Fox Lake ISA. I was first at the windward mark in the ladies’ division in a 20 foot Mead (skeeter.) But I did not know how to sail downwind and ended up second in ladies overall. It snowed for the drive home.
Ben Lampert’s 4-Runner Skeeter Plan
Illustration from Wings On The Ice
Ban Lampert’s 4 Runner Skeeter from the Carl Bernard Scrapbook Collection
Alcort Skeeter Restoration Progress Report
PREVIOUS: From Skeeter Iceboat to Sunfish Dinghy
Dan Heaney has made steady progress with his Alcort Skeeter restoration project in Neenah, WI. As some of you may remember from a previous post, it’s worth noting that the Alcort Company of Connecticut, which initially gained fame for developing the Sunfish, has roots in iceboat manufacturing.
Via Dan Heaney:
The boat is a work in progress as it required some repair and tender loving care. I hope to have it on the ice this winter. A photo shows the remains of the original “Alcort” identifying decal. The decal is located above the steering wheel. The boat has a 75 SqFt sail.I completed the following work:
New Deck
New Bottom
Added a Springboard
Adding foot steering
MARY B & INSANITY On Display at E Scow Nationals
Photo: Anna Suslova
Firs of all, welcome to all ice sailors competing in the 2023 E Scow Nationals on Lake Mendota. The MARY B appears ready to lift off at Marshall Park in Madison, WI, where she’s on display along with the famous Class A Skeeter INSANITY. The Mendota Yacht Club is hosting the 2023 E Scow Nationals 100 Year Celebration. The racing begins today. As of this morning, just a few boats shy of the 130 boat record from the 1999 E Scow Invitationals on Mendota are registered and will race in one line. Event website here.
Online Ship’s Store
National Iceboat Authority Web Page
4LIYC Governing Documents
Click for 4LIYC Meeting Dates
- November 6
- November 20 Elections
- December 4
- December 18
- January 2 THURSDAY Honor Roll Nominations
- January 15 Deadline for By-Law or Racing Rules Amendment Submission
- January 29
- February 12 Business Meeting
- February 26
- March 12 Last Meeting of the Season
Location: In person at the Elks Lodge 711 Jenifer St, Madison, WI 53703
Time: 6:30 PM
YOU ARE SKIPPER NUMBER
TO ROUND THE MARK SINCE NOVEMBER 1999.
