NIYA

Northwest Ice Yachting Association An iceboat regatta first sailed in 1913 in Menominee, Michigan.

Stern Steerers

The NIYA was originally a stern-steerer regatta organized to determine ice yacht supremacy in the Midwest. A,B,C,& D stern-steerers continue to compete in the NIYA.

Skeeters

Class E Skeeters first raced the NIYA in 1936 when Lake Geneva sailor Harry Melges won in MICKEY FINN.

DN Class

Skip Boston of Detroit was the first winner of the NIYA in the DN class in 1954.

Renegade

First sailed as a seperate class in 1958 and won by “Mr. Iceboat”, Elmer Millenbach.

NIYA Centennial

The NIYA celebrated 100 years of iceboat racing in 2013 on Green Lake in Wisconsin.

2020 Northwest Ice Yacht Racing Association Information

March 13-15,2020
Lake Waconia, Minnesota

2023 ISA & Renegade Championship Awards

Renegades line up to race at the 2023 Renegade Championship on Lake Kegonsa, January 14, 2023. Photo: Will Johnston

RESULTS
A stronger breeze made it a wind hat trick on day three of the ISA and Renegade championships on Lake Kegonsa. The A & B Skeeters elected to watch the Nites and Renegades take to the course for spirited racing. All agreed they couldn’t remember when Mother Nature blessed the ISA with three sailable days. Renegaders discussed how this ISA was a record for them in the number of races (8.)

Many thanks to the Race Committee, including
Joe Norton, Jerry Simon, Scott Goetz, Paul McMillan, Afan Ottenhemier, and 4LIYC Commodore Daniel Hearn, who helped to organize the equipment. Also, many thanks to Ann Foeller, who tabulated remotely from Lake Erie’s shores and is a Toledo Ice Yacht Club member. And thank you to the many competitors who didn’t hesitate to pick up starting blocks, call numbers, and anything else to make the regatta run smoothly.

Will Johnston ISA & Renegade Championship Photo Gallery


Class A Skeeters in perfect harmony. Photo: Will Johnston

WILL JOHNSTON PHOTOS

Photographer Will Johnston joined us for a second year in a row for the 2023 ISA and Renegade Championship. He even hitched a ride in an airplane (friend of Jeff Russell’s) for some aerial shots. Will has generously shared a link to all of the photos. See all of them here. If you use Will’s photos for anything other than personal posts, please get in touch with me so I can give you his contact information.

C Skeeter on Lake Kegonsa. Photo: Will Johnston

Regatta Watch: ’23 WSSA Called ON for Jan 21 – 22 @ Petenwell

Photo: Gretchen Dorian

The Wisconsin Stern Steering Association regatta for 2023 has been tentatively called on for January 21 and 22. The site selected is Lake Petenwell off the Lure restaurant. Final confirmation will be made by 1 PM Thursday, January 19. Check back here after that time. Ice thickness on the lake is 11″ or more, thicker at the landing which is a shallow beach off the Lure. There is 1/4″ to 1/2″ of soft snow currently on the ice. Rain and snow is forecast for later this week.

Andy Gratton

WSSA Secretary/Treasurer

ISA & Renegade Championship: Day 3 AM Report

A Skeeters frame a Nite Class iceboat. Photo: Kenton Fowler
PROVISIONAL RESULTS
2023 ISA & RENEGADE CHAMPIONSHIP HOME

The wind made another welcomed appearance on the second day of the ISA & Renegade Championship. The A, B, C Skeeters, and the Renegades sailed three races in moderate breeze. The Nites were only able to complete two races today. The weather mark came down in the first Nite race of the day because someone hit it (and did the right thing by telling the Race Committee, thank you!) The race was black-flagged, the mark repaired, and then the A Skeeters began the rotation.

Nite points leader Tom Sweitzer broke his mast in the first Nite race. Luckily, the race was black-flagged, and he carries a spare mast. Tom was on the starting line for the final Nite race of the day and came in second to David Navin

The Nite fleet starts first in the rotation today at 9:30 AM (to make up their 6th race from Saturday), and then the regular order will resume.

ISA & Renegade Championship Report: Day 1

amberarnoldphoto The International Skeeter Association and Renegade Championships hosted by the Four Lakes Ice Yacht Club on Lake Kegonsa in Stoughton, Wis., Friday, Jan. 13, 2023. AMBER ARNOLD, STATE JOURNAL

PROVISIONAL RESULTS
2023 ISA & RENEGADE CHAMPIONSHIP HOME

First, let’s get the business out of the way. ATTENTION ATTENTION ATTENTION

The 2023 ISA Annual meeting will be in the mooring area tomorrow morning, Saturday January 14th, prior to the first race. Fleet representatives take note.

Steve Schalk
ISA Secretary/Treasurer

A perfect regatta day. Wind, hard ice; what more can we ask for?  Three races in each fleet, A Skeeter, B Skeeter, C Skeeter, Renegade, and Nite.
The wind was out of the north and “juicy” early in the morning but true to the forecast, calmed down a bit. Southerly breeze for Saturday means the starting area should be visible from Springer’s Bar & Restaurant big picture windows. The A Skeeter fleet will start the rotation on Saturday when the flag drops at 9:30 AM.  Follow the regatta on our 4LIYC Facebook page for live video feeds.

ISA Called ON for Jan 13 – 15, 2023 on Lake Kegonsa

Photo: Will Johnston

REGISTRATION CLOSES AT 7 AM, FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 2023
FIRST RACE STARTING POSITIONS .)
COMPETITORS LIST & PROVISIONAL RESULTS

The ISA Race Committee has called the 2023 Championship Regatta on starting Friday January 13th at Lake Kegonsa.

The host club is the Four Lakes Ice Yacht Club.

The Sailing Conditions and Instructions are posted on Iceboat.org. Registration is on line at that site. The regatta fee and dues (if not already paid) should be paid on Iceboat.org.

The primary launch site is at Amundson Landing off of Quam Road on the south shore of Lake Kegonsa. There is an additional launch ramp on the north side of the lake at the Town of Pleasant Springs launch. Pleasant Springs requires a launch fee.

Trailers must be backed on and pushed out or pulled out by the ATVs. No driving on the ice. Parking is available on the local roadsides at the Amundson Landing. No trailers are to be parked on the roadsides.

Steve Schalk

Secretary/Treasurer

International Skeeter Association

The 2023 International Skeeter Association and Renegade Championships have been called ON for Lake Kegonsa, Stoughton, WI for January 15, 16, 17. This is a three day regatta for A, B, and C class Skeeters, Nites, and Renegades.

ISA & RENEGADE CHAMPIONSHIP
Dates: January 13, 14, 15, 2023
Location: Lake Kegonsa, Stoughton, WI

REGISTRATION, ISA, & RENEGADE DUES
REGISTRATION CLOSES AT 7 AM CT ON FRIDAY, JANUARY 13, 2023

LAUNCH:
DO NOT DRIVE YOUR VEHICLE ON THE ICE! ATVs will be there to help take trailers to the ice.
Amundson Landing
1928-2264 Quam Dr, Stoughton, WI 53589
Map

LODGING
BOOKING LINK
You can call the hotel or just use the booking link and reserve their rooms at your special rate online.
Clarion Suites at The Alliant Energy Center
2110 Rimrock Road
Madison, WI 53713
Map
(608) 284-1234
$99
Ask for the ISA Regatta rate.

RACE DOCUMENTS
ISA Notice of Race
ISA Sailing Instructions & Conditions
ISA First Race Starting Positions
Results
Once racing starts, competitors should check the results online for their starting positions. 

STARTING POSITIONS
Starting positions will be posted online by 9:30 AM on Friday, January 13, 2023. Here is the link.
Late entrants will start at the end of the start line.

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
Friday, January 13, 2023
Race Schedule:
• The first race will be at 10:00 AM local time on Friday, January 13, 2023

FLEET ROTATION:

1. A Skeeters
2. B & C Skeeters
3. Renegades
4. Nites
• Races will be held for A, B, C Class Skeeters, Nites and Renegades should Renegades choose to hold their national championship regatta in conjunction with the ISA Championship Regatta.
• Nine races are scheduled for each division. Three are necessary for a complete regatta.

Saturday, January 14, 2023
First race will be at 9:30 AM
Banquet: 6:30 PM
Fat Jack’s BBQ
6207 Monona Dr, Monona, WI 53716
Map
$20 for family style BBQ chicken, ribs, fries, coleslaw, and garlic bread. Beverages are extra.
Pay at the door

Sunday, January 15, 2023
First race will be at 9:30 AM

ANNUAL MEETINGS
The ISA Annual Meeting will be held on the ice after racing on Friday, January 13, 2023
The Renegade Annual Meeting: 6:30 PM, Friday, January 13, 2023 at the Four Lakes Yacht Club
6312 Inland Wy, Madison, WI 53713
Map

WHERE TO WATCH
Springer’s On The Lake is the best place to watch, have  some food, and your favorite beverage. You don’t even have to go on the ice. The iceboaters often sail to Springer’s for lunch.
3097 Sunnyside St, Stoughton, WI 53589

Kegonsa From a Yellow Super Cub

DNs wait for wind on Lake Kegonsa, January 7, 2023. Photo: Jeff Russell.

It was iceboat central here in Four Lakes on January 7 – 8, 2023. The DN Western Region championship and the 4LIYC each had a course on Lake Kegonsa. Saturday’s lack of wind may not have been ideal for ice sailing, but it was a perfect day for landing a Super Cub. Renegader Jeff Russell stopped by to say hello to the DNs and then hopped over to join his fellow Renegaders at Springer’s.

 

Regatta Watch: WSSA Postponed

ECLIPSE on Lake Monona. Photo: David Travis

The Wisconsin Stern Steering Association regatta has been postponed to January 21 and 22. We still need more thickness. The next update will be Sunday, January 15. Check back here at that time. The Northwest Ice Yacht Association regatta takes precedence.

Andy Gratton

WSSA Secretary/Treasurer

Regatta Watch: ISA Called ON for Lake Kegonsa

Photo: Will Johnston

ISA Home Page
Via ISA President John Dennis

The International Skeeter Association Regatta & Renegade Championship have tentatively been called on for Lake Kegonsa near Madison, WI, January 13 – 15, 2023. Final confirmation will be on Wednesday, January 11, 2023 by noon CT.

5 classes sail in the ISA & Renegade Championship:
A, B, and C Skeeters
Nites
Renegades

SOLD! January 3, 2023: Arrow in IL

SOLD! Vintage Arrow
Color: Hot Canary Yellow
2 Passenger Cockpit with Custom Fit All Weather Cushion
Must Pick Up in Illinois
Original Fiberglass Hull
18 foot Aluminum Mast
9 foot Aluminum Boom
Original Sail (Needs to be replaced)
Three (3) DN Plate Runners in good Condition
12 foot Original Wood plank
4 foot extended bow plank for front runner (smoother ride)
Hull DIMMS: 16 ft long x 39 inches Wide
No trailer included
Needs some TLC; Priced Accordingly

Mary Jane Schalk: Ready For Some Time Away

Steve and Mary Jane Schalk

Via Mary Jane Schalk, Fontana, WI

Hey Ice boat racers,

I just want to thank all of you for so many years of helping me with one of the coolest things I have ever done. We have all been through so much together.

I think I started scoring ice boat regatta’s back in the 90’s. Remember way back then and I did all the tabulating with a pencil and a very long sheet of paper. There were some interesting stories and memorable situations back then! It took a while but so worth it to graduate into computer scoring.

I had so many great people to work with. First of all many of you sailors were my callers, and then I had Renate Intini, Julie Jankowski, and then Deb to work with. As you know Deb and I had some pretty good and crazy times together. We could figure out ways to entertain ourselves during a postponement, and had way more fun that we probably should have!!! Thanks Deb for all the fun times. I would also like to thank Shari Lundberg for teaching me in the beginning all about scoring and tabulating.

I stopped scoring from the ice to help take care of my mom and then we had so many cats that needed care like insulin shots twice a day, fluid under the skin, and medicine that – that kept me from coming back. But I was then able to do the tabulating from home.

I was still a helper by arranging hotels, banquets, and meetings for regattas. I drew for your starting positions from home and called them into Deb. Deb would take a picture of your finishes and call them in or send them to me. Now with me being able to post to the web page on a good day I could score the race and get it posted before the last finisher got out of his boat. That is way cool.

But I am ready for some time away. I have lots of plans for some fun activities while the regattas are on. Maybe I’ll just go down and visit some other retired ice boaters like Gary and Kenny Kessler. Now that would be fun!!! Deb asked one of the DN tabulators, Ann Foeller of the Toledo Ice Yacht Club, if she would score the ISA and NW regattas and she agreed. I wouldn’t leave without a replacement.

I am so happy to have met so many really cool and fun ice boaters. We have had lots of fun times, and made great memories. I can hardly wait for a regatta to come to Geneva Lake, as then I can hang with you all on the ice, and not be stuck at home in front of the computer.

Have fun everyone, be careful on the ice, and sail fast,
MJ
BTW I am sharing my favorite version of Steve’s iceboat song. I’d say it a pretty good one! LINK

Via Jane Pegel:

Mary Jane was a significant member of the Lake Geneva YC race committee. She also is a competitive sailor. She handled the front end of Steve’s E scow and his J-24.

She trimmed jib on my class M scow and helped me win Inland Lake YA championships and Blue Chips. She is no doubt, an exceptional woman who is happy to be “involved”.

…Jane

Mary Jane Schalk has been a crucial part of North American iceboating racing, and she’s decided to take a well-earned retirement. You may have seen her smiling face on the ice of Lake Geneva, but she was deeply involved behind the scenes in every Northwest, ISA, Renegade, and many Nite regattas for 30 years. She took care of numerous organizational details so that you ice sailors could book a room, attend a banquet, see your regatta scores, receive your trophies, and pursue your passion for iceboat racing.

MJ and I share many good memories. One of my best was driving on Geneva back to the Fontana landing towards the sunset. We were singing a silly, fun song at the top of our lungs that we had made up about the late Renegade sailor, Arlyn Lafortune, to the marching chant O-Ee-Yah! Eoh-Ah from the Wizard of Oz. (Yeah, you had to be there…) We both probably enjoyed too much red wine later that night but were always ready for the next day. I know she’ll continue to be the first person I call when I have a funny story to share. – Deb Whitehorse

2023 Northwest Regatta Documents

Stern Steerer ROSEMARY

Northwest Home Page
2023 Northwest Race Documents, via Northwest Ice Yacht Association Secretary/Treasurer Steve Schalk

The  Northwest regatta is tentatively scheduled for January 20, 21, and 22, 2023. Stay tuned for the next update on Sunday, January 15, 2023 by 8 PM.
Ice Yacht classes that sail the Northwest:
A Stern Steerer
B Stern Steerer
C Stern Steerer
D Stern Steerer
DN
Renegade
B Skeeter
C Skeeter
A Skeeter

4LIYC Meeting News – Jan 4: Let’s Meet In Person! (Or Zoom)

Chris Berger US5166 & Greg McCormick R310 on Lake Kegonsa, January 1, 2023.

Friendly reminder, we have a 4LIYC meeting tonight, January 4, 2023 at 6:30 PM. Let’s meet in person tonight at S & B Marketing.  If you can’t make it or you are out of town, please join us on Zoom. You should have received an email with the link. Contact me if you haven’t received it.

WHAT TO KNOW:
Date: Wednesday, January 4, 2023
Time: 6:30 PM CT
IN PERSON & ZOOM 
S&B Strategic Marketing
1352 E Wilson Street
Madison, WI 53703